New shareholders for regional Finnair subsidiary – New arrangements with Flybe Nordic

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7 January 2015

Finnair signed a letter of intent: StaffPoint and GWS to become shareholders in a joint venture focused on regional flying

Finnair has signed a letter of intent with StaffPoint Holding Ltd and G.W. Sohlberg Ltd., in accordance with which Flybe UK Ltd’s 60 % ownership of Flybe Nordic venture will be transferred to StaffPoint and GWS. The sale of the shares is conditional upon approval being received from the Finnish competition authorities. Upon completion of the sale, StaffPoint’s ownership in the joint venture would be 45 %, GWS’s 15 % and Finnair’s 40 %.

Flights operated by Flybe Finland will continue normally.

– We are pleased that we will have Finnish companies StaffPoint and GWS as partners. When the deal is realized, Flybe Finland and its board of directors will start jointly developing a business model for the company and improving the effectiveness and profitability of regional flying, says Pekka Vauramo, Finnair CEO.

– We have been analyzing this industry for some time, and we see potential in it. The industry is growing, and it is labor intensive. Air traffic has a strong positive impact on the Finnish economy and supports Finnish employment. With our experience in human resources, we want to play a role in the future of the industry. We employ over 14 000 people every year, and we believe that as shareholders we can add value to Flybe Finland, says Mika Kiljunen, CEO of StaffPoint Group.

The transaction price is the previously announced 1 euro.

StaffPoint Ltd offers unique capabilities and in combining staffing and recruiting expertise, coaching, training and HR software.

G.W. Sohlberg Ltd, founded in 1876, is a Finnish family owned company, which invests in the leading companies of their field.

Finnair and Flybe UK Ltd announced on November 12, 2014 that the shares of Flybe Nordic held by Flybe UK would be sold to a new majority shareholder, or to Finnair. Finnair communicated that its goal is to find a new majority shareholder for Flybe Nordic. Finnair’s aim has been to find solutions that would enable the development of regional flying in a financially sustainable way.

The ownership change of Flybe Nordic does not have any immediate financial impact on Finnair. Finnair has previously written down the value of its Flybe Nordic AB shares.

Finnair’s balance sheet includes a 9.9 million euro subordinated loan issued to Flybe Finland in 2011, and it also has advance payments and other operational receivables from Flybe Finland. As Flybe Finland’s operations require further restructuring, it is possible that a part of these receivables will be uncollectable. Finnair continuously monitors the valuation of various financial accounts related to the Flybe Finland cooperation. Finnair estimates that the resulting financial impacts will not exceed -35 million euros. If needed, Finnair is also prepared to give working capital financing to Flybe Finland. Finnair now estimates that the potential financial impacts will be specified so that the company can inform about those in more detail in connection with its interim review on February 11, 2015.

Norwegian reports December traffic figures: Carried 24 million passengers in 2014 and 130 million passengers since its first flight

By

André Orban

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7 January 2015

1

Norwegian reported its highest ever passenger figures in a single year with almost 24 million passengers in 2014, an increase of three million compared to 2013. Since the company’s first flight in 2002, 130 million passengers have travelled with Norwegian.

Last year was characterized by high capacity growth and high load factor. The load factor was 81 percent in 2014, up from 78 percent in 2013. In 2014 Norwegian renewed its fleet considerably, launched many new routes – both intercontinentally and within Europe. In addition, the company established new crew bases in the United States and Spain.

December 2014 was characterized by capacity increase, increased passenger figures and a solid load factor. Norwegian carried 1,635,596 passengers in December and the load factor was up 3.3 percentage points from the same month in 2013. The capacity growth (ASK) was 12 percent and the traffic growth (RPK) was 17 percent.

“Three million more passengers chose to fly with us in 2014 compared with the previous year and the total number of passengers reached 24 million. We have welcomed an increasing number of new customers on board. Not least in new markets outside Scandinavia, many have tried Norwegian for the first time, liked our product and returned on their next journey. This makes us better equipped to meet increasing international competition. England, USA and Spain are examples of markets with large customer volumes where growth boosts future competitiveness, which in turn secures jobs at Norwegian,” said CEO Bjorn Kjos.

“It is also gratifying that Norwegian has received a number of important customer awards throughout the year. In December we see an increased desire to travel during Christmas, which contributes positively to the traffic figures. I am particularly pleased that the load factor has increased both in December and for the whole year,” said Kjos.

Norwegian operated 99.6 percent of its scheduled flights in December, whereof 75.2 percent departed on time.

Press Release • Jan 07, 2015 07:06 GMT

Qatar Airways finalises order for four Boeing 777 Freighters

By

André Orban

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6 January 2015

0

777 Freighters key in airline’s growth as major world air cargo operator

Boeing and Qatar Airways have finalized an order for four 777 Freighters, valued at $1.24 billion at current list prices. The airline also has purchase rights for four additional airplanes, which when exercised will bring the combined value to $2.46 billion.

Qatar Airways first announced an intent to order the four 777 Freighters at the 2014 Farnborough Airshow.

“As Qatar Airways develops its cargo route network, we are pleased they have selected the 777 Freighter to be part of this expansion,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner. “We greatly value the long-term partnership Qatar Airways and Boeing have shared over nearly a decade.”

Qatar Airways currently operates a fleet of 37 Boeing 777-300ERs (Extended Range) and 777-200LRs (Longer Range), in addition to seven 777 Freighters.

“We aim to make Qatar Airways one of the world’s major air cargo players,” said His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways. “With its proven track record, long-range capabilities and excellent operational efficiencies, the 777 Freighter will be a key player in enabling Qatar Airways to grow its footprint and economically deliver cargo further, connecting many long-haul destinations from our hub in Doha, especially with the expansion of Doha’s new freight terminal.”

The 777 Freighter is capable of flying 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload and general cargo market densities, making it the world’s longest-range twin-engine freighter. The airplane’s range capability translates into significant savings for cargo operators: fewer stops and associated landing fees, less congestion at transfer hubs, lower cargo handling costs and shorter cargo delivery times.

Boeing is the undisputed air cargo market leader, providing over 90 percent of the total worldwide dedicated freighter capacity.

Global air freight traffic is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 4.7 percent, doubling the cargo traffic over the next 20 years, according to the Boeing World Air Cargo Forecast released in October.

SEATTLE, Jan. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/

Air New Zealand finalises order for two more Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners

By

André Orban

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6 January 2015

0

New Dreamliners provide 787-9 launch customer growth, network flexibility

Boeing and Air New Zealand have finalized an order for two additional 787-9 Dreamliners, valued at $514 million at current list prices. The order, booked in 2014, comes six months after Air New Zealand celebrated the first 787-9 delivery in July.

“The entry into service program has gone very smoothly and we’ve been incredibly pleased with the aircraft’s performance,” saidChristopher Luxon, chief executive officer, Air New Zealand. “These new 787-9 Dreamliners will provide us with additional flexibility as we move forward with our growth plans.”

This order will eventually increase the airline’s fleet to a total of 12 787-9s, which will operate alongside 15 777-200ERs (Extended Range) and 777-300ERs.

“Air New Zealand was the first airline in the world to take delivery of a 787-9 and one of the first to recognize the synergies of operating both the 787 and 777. The order shows their confidence in our long-haul products,” said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president, Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “With its new aircraft and superior passenger experience, it is no surprise Air New Zealand was voted Airline of the Year by Airlineratings.com for the second year in a row.”

Air New Zealand is the launch customer of the 787-9 and currently operates three of the aircraft in its fleet. Including today’s announcement, the airline now has nine unfilled 787-9s on order.

The 787-9 complements and extends the 787 family, offering airlines the ability to grow routes opened with the 787-8. With the fuselage stretched by 20 feet (6 meters), the 787-9 can fly up to 40 more passengers an additional 450 nautical miles (830 kilometers) with the same exceptional environmental performance – 20 percent less fuel use and 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces. The 787-9 leverages the visionary design of the 787-8, offering passenger-pleasing features such as large, dimmable windows, large stow bins, modern LED lighting, higher humidity, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air and a smoother ride.

To date, 58 customers around the world have ordered 1,071 787s.

SEATTLE, Jan. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/

Boeing reports fourth-quarter and full-year deliveries: new company record for the most commercial aeroplanes delivered in a single year at 723

By

André Orban

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6 January 2015

0

The Boeing Company announced today deliveries across its commercial and defence operations for the fourth quarter of 2014.

Major program deliveries during the fourth quarter, including a delivery under operating lease (which is identified by parentheses), were as follows:

Major Programs	4th Quarter 2014		Year-to-Date 2014

Commercial Airplanes Programs
737 Next Generation	126		485
747	7	(1)	19	(3)
767	3		6
777	24		99
787	35		114
Total	195		723

Defence, Space & Security Programs
AEW&C	–		3
Apache (New Builds)	15		45
Chinook (New Builds)	8		54
C-17	–		7
C-40	1		1
F-15	4		14
F/A-18E/F and EA-18G	8		44
P-8	5		11
Satellites (Government & Commercial)	2		5

CHICAGO, Jan. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/

KLM launches scheduled service to Belfast (Northern Ireland), Krakow (Poland) and Montpellier (France)

By

André Orban

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6 January 2015

0

Summary

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will expand its medium-haul network with three new destinations. KLM will launch a new scheduled service to Belfast, Krakow, and Montpellier. These new services will be part of KLM’s new summer schedule and will operate on a daily basis as from 18 May 2015.

Our aim is to develop our medium haul network on a continuous basis. By the opening of these three new routes, we can offer more destinations to our customers while we also expand the hub function of Amsterdam.

Pieter Elbers, KLM President & CEO

About Belfast
Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom. Belfast is an attractive tourism destination. Belfast is a rising city is named in top 5 of the UKs best city break destinations It’s a strong ambition from Tourism Ireland to grow to 4.5 mln foreign visitors in 2020 (3 mln in 2012)

Historically, Belfast has been the center for, among other things, shipbuilding. The well-known cruise ship Titanic was built in Belfast. Nowadays, Belfast is the center for industry, as well as the arts, higher education, business, and law and is the so called economic engine of Northern Ireland.

Belfast will be the first city in Northern Ireland which is directly served by KLM and the 14^th destination within the United Kingdom. KLM will operate on George Best Belfast City Airport

About Krakow
Krakow is the second largest city of the Poland located in the South, with a population of around 1.7 million (Krakow Metropolitan area). Krakow is one of the oldest cities in Poland and next to its business interest, Krakow is an attractive destination for tourism. The “Historic city center” of Krakow is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Krakow has traditionally been one of the leading centers of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life and is one of Poland’s most important economic hubs.

Next to Warsaw, Krakow will be the second destination within Poland which is directly served by KLM.

About Montpellier
Montpellier is the capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, located on the south coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea. Montpellier is the eighth largest city of France and home to the University of Montpellier, one of the oldest universities in the world.

Montpellier has an historical city center with “Place de la Comédie” as main focal point. Well known are the artists and musicians with their live performances on the street.

Montpellier will be the sixth destination within France which is directly served by KLM. Air France is already operating into Montpellier out of both Parisian airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly.

Schedules new destinations (local time)

Departing Amsterdam 10:00 – Arriving in Belfast 10:40
Departing Belfast 11:15 – Arriving in Amsterdam 13:50
Departing Amsterdam 14:25 – Arriving in Krakow 16:20
Departing Krakow 16:55 – Arriving in Amsterdam 18:55
Departing Amsterdam 14:40 – Arriving in Montpellier 16:35
Departing Montpellier 17:10 – Arriving in Amsterdam 19:10

(*) All flights will be operated by KLM Cityhopper.

Amstelveen, 06 January 2015

AEA: European airlines achieved record load factor of 81 % in 2014

By

André Orban

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6 January 2015

0

According to initial estimates, AEA member airlines achieved a record load factor of nearly 81% in 2014.

The airlines participating in the AEA’s traffic data analysis welcomed on board of their domestic, European and Intercontinental flights 11 million extra passengers in 2014 compared to the previous year. Despite the very slow economic growth in Europe this represents an increase of 3%. In terms of RPK (Revenue Passenger Kilometre) this represents a growth of 4.4 %.

Three quarters of the passengers flew on Intra-European routes. As in 2013, the greatest proportional increase was seen on the long haul network which registered a passenger growth of 4.5 %. On routes within Europe, including domestic services, passenger growth amounted to 2.7 %.

With only modest capacity expansion, this increased demand has been met thanks to the commercial strategies of the airlines and better aircraft utilisation.

Freight traffic measured in FTKs will post growth in excess of 2% in 2014. Although an improvement on 2013, which saw a growth of just +1.9%, freight growth to/from Europe transported by AEA members remains subdued.

55 million passengers travelled via Amsterdam Schiphol in 2014

By

André Orban

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6 January 2015

0

Regional airports report significant growth figures

In 2014 a record number of some 55 million passengers travelled via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, representing an increase of 4.6% over 2013. Schiphol Group´s regional airports similarly reflected growth. In 2014 Eindhoven Airport served 3.9 million passengers, up 16% on 2013, while Rotterdam The Hague Airport welcomed 1.7 million passengers, up 6.1% on 2013. At 297, in 2014 the number of passenger destinations remained on par with the 2013 figure. The total number of destinations recorded in 2014, including cargo destinations, was 317: a slight decrease over 2013.

Jos Nijhuis, Schiphol Group’s President and CEO, announced these provisional figures at the company’s New Year’s reception today.

Jos Nijhuis: “These figures show that Schiphol Group has achieved growth in all of its operations. This is no reason for complacency, however. In collaboration with our home carrier KLM, other airlines and business partners we will continue to work hard to strengthen the role of Schiphol as a Mainport with a view to remaining Europe’s Preferred Airport. Our regional airports equally play a key role here.”

Schiphol has been making substantial investments for some years now. In the course of 2015 the implementation of the new central security system will be completed as will all alterations and improvements to Departure Lounges 1 and 2. These investments aim to enhance passenger comfort and to increase the efficiency of the boarding and further airport processes for both the passengers and airlines. But there still is a great deal more we can undertake to strengthen the role of Schiphol as a Mainport, commented Nijhuis during his New Year’s speech. “All of us believe that the accessibility of Schiphol can be improved. The north-south metro line has to be extended to reach Schiphol, as an additional express public transport connection to Amsterdam is crucial for Mainport Schiphol. Of course, the final decision rests with the politicians, but our attitude is clear: we simply need to get this done!“

Jos Nijhuis stated that he again expected both cargo and passenger volumes to reflect modest growth in 2015.

Cathay Pacific expands code-share agreement with Flybe

By

Maarten Van Den Driessche

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5 January 2015

0

Cathay Pacific Airways today announced that it has expanded the code-share agreement with the Flybe Group that will connect passengers travelling from Hong Kong to four destinations in the United Kingdom via Amsterdam or Paris. Flybe is a British regional airline group based in Exeter in the south-west of England.

Under the new code-share agreement, Cathay Pacific’s “CX” code will be placed on selected Flybe flights between Amsterdam and Birmingham / Southampton, and between Paris and Birmingham / Manchester / Exeter. Tickets for the new code-share services are now open for sale for travel commencing 12 January 2015.

The arrangement will provide more choice, greater convenience and improved connectivity for passengers travelling through the Hong Kong hub to the UK.

This also marks the first time that Birmingham is included in the code-share network of Cathay Pacific, and passengers travelling to and from the West Midlands city can take advantage of this new arrangement.

Cathay Pacific and Flybe already have a code-share agreement covering selected Flybe domestic flights between Manchester and seven UK destinations, namely Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Exeter, Inverness, the Isle of Man and Southampton.

Boeing, Royal Air Maroc celebrate arrival of airline’s first 787 Dreamliner

By

André Orban

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5 January 2015

0

787 to enhance airline’s long haul route capability

Boeing and Royal Air Maroc this weekend celebrated the arrival into Morocco of its first 787 Dreamliner. The airline will be the first carrier in the Mediterranean region to operate the 787.

The airplane, delivered to the airline on Dec. 31, 2014 from Boeing’s Everett, Wash. Delivery Center, flew a 4,788 nautical mile (8,867 kilometer) nonstop flight to Royal Air Maroc’s home base in Casablanca at Mohammed V International Airport.

“The 787 will provide Royal Air Maroc the capability to grow its long haul network and significantly reduce operating costs, all while offering its customers an unmatched on-board experience,” said Van Rex Gallard, vice president of Sales, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Royal Air Maroc is a valued Boeing customer, and we are delighted to be able to celebrate with the airline as it opens a new chapter in its long and successful history with the operation of the 787. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Royal Air Maroc as it expands its global long haul fleet.”

Passengers traveling on Royal Air Maroc’s 787 will experience the passenger-pleasing features of the Dreamliner such as larger, electronically dimmable windows and larger overhead luggage bins. During flight the 787 is pressurized to a lower cabin altitude, has higher humidity levels, advanced air filtration and smoother-ride technology to make the flying experience more comfortable and allow passengers to arrive at their destination more refreshed.

Royal Air Maroc’s current fleet includes nearly 50 Boeing airplanes, consisting predominantly of Next-Generation 737s, but also 767-300s, a 747-400 and now it first 787. The Casablanca-based carrier operates a domestic network throughout Morocco and serves more than 50 destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. Boeing’s partnership with Royal Air Maroc dates back more than 40 years.

CASABLANCA, Morocco, Jan. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/

Incredible milestone for André Orban: 25,000 forum posts

By

Bart Noëth

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5 January 2015

5

Today – Monday 5th of January 2015- we have reached an incredible milestone on www.luchtzak.be: André Orban, alias sn26567 posted a total of 25,000 messages in our forums!!!

To reach this milestone André started posting back in 2003, with an average of 5.75 posts per day. If we would remove his posts, www.luchtzak.be will lose 8.44% of all posts.

We placed a counter to zero on the main page, yet nobody of our members guessed the celebration 😉

Congratulations to André, comment below or in this topic!!

Ryanair launches “Crazy Fares” from €9.99 for travel in January on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

By

André Orban

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5 January 2015

1

Ryanair today (5 Jan) launched a ‘Crazy Fares’ sale across Europe, with fares from €9.99 for travel in January on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, which must be booked before midnight Monday the 5^thof January.

Customers across Europe already choose Ryanair for its low fares and wide route selection, and now they can also enjoy allocated seating, a free second carry-on bag onboard, avail of reduced fees, a new website, a smartphone app with mobile boarding passes, and Family Extra and Business Plus services, making Ryanair the ideal choice for families, business and leisure travellers.

Ryanair’s Robin Kiely said:

“To celebrate the New Year, we’re launching a ‘Crazy Fares’ sale across Europe, with fares from €9.99 for travel in January on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, which must be booked before midnight, Monday 5^th of January – making Europe’s lowest fares even lower. Customers should log on to Ryanair.com and choose a New Year break – but they need to be quick as this amazing sale ends at 24:00hrs on Monday, 5^th January.”

Ryanair December traffic grows 20% to over 6 million customers

By

André Orban

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5 January 2015

0

Load factor rises 7% points to 88%

Ryanair, Europe’s favourite airline, today (5 Jan) released its December traffic and load factor statistics as follows:

Traffic grew by 20% to over 6m customers.
Load factor increased 7% points to 88%.
Rolling annual traffic to December rose 6% to 86.4m customers.

	Dec 13	Dec 14	Change
Customers	5.02m	6.02m	+20%
Load Factor	81%	88%	+7%

Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kenny Jacobs said

“Ryanair’s traffic grew by 20% to over 6m customers in December, while our load factor rose by 7% points to 88%, thanks to our lower fares, our stronger forward booking strategy and the continuing success of our “Always Getting Better” customer programme, which is delivering better than expected load factors in our significantly expanded winter schedule. With our new routes, increased frequencies, improving customer experience and Business Plus service, Ryanair continues to deliver so much more than the lowest fares in every market we operate in.”

The new Alitalia takes off

By

André Orban

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4 January 2015

0

The company’s first flight was New York JFK – Milan Malpensa operated by an Airbus A330 in the Expo 2015 livery

CEO Cassano: “Our guest will be our inspiration“

The first flight of the “new Alitalia” took off today from New York JFK at 01:35 “zulu time” (the time conventionally adopted by the aviation industry, corresponding to 02:35 Italian local time) and landed in Milan Malpensa at 10.40. The flight was operated by an Airbus A330 aircraft in the Expo Milano 2015 livery branded Alitalia and Etihad Airways, Official Global Carriers of the most important Italian event of the year. The event will host more than 20 million visitors in Milan between May and October 2015.

So begins the new Alitalia, a new airline with a majority Italian ownership and 49% owned by Etihad Airways.

Capitan Angelo Pracchi, assisted by First Officer Claudio Bencardino, and by Luca Baldo, Head of on board services, shared the news of the Company’s first flight with the guests on board, who received a Magnifica class amenity kit by designer Salvatore Ferragmo to celebrate the event.

“Today we celebrate the beginning of a new Alitalia – says CEO, Silvano Cassano -. We know we have much work to do, and we will move quickly. In the spring, Alitalia will resume service to China and in 2015 we will increase service to North America and Latin America. We will develop a range of new destinations, new services and a fleet with more long-haul aircraft, a new livery and new refurbished aircraft interiors. And our customers, who from now on will be our guests, will be our inspiration“.

As of today, Alitalia and Etihad Airways serve 168 destinations with a fleet of 227 of the most advanced aircraft in the world. Combined the two carriers transport more than 35 million passengers a year. The agreement with Etihad Airways provides a greater number of convenient connections through Abu Dhabi’s hub and will allow the development of a whole new network of flights to Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Australia, specifically designed for the leisure and business travellers.

Rome January 1, 2015

Lufthansa Group aircraft fly from Oslo on biokerosene

By

Maarten Van Den Driessche

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3 January 2015

0

The aviation group’s next step in its use of alternative fuels

From next year the Lufthansa Group will be fuelling their aircraft at Oslo airport with a biokerosene mixture. The Group recently became the first airline group to sign this kind of contract with the Norwegian oil company Statoil Aviation. The Company is thus pushing forward along the path of research, testing and use of alternative fuels that it started on over four years ago.

For a period of one year beginning March 2015, Statoil will feed 2.5 million gallons of sustainably produced, certified biofuel into the tanks at Oslo airport. The approximately 5,000 flights the Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Germanwings, Brussels Airlines) operates from the Norwegian capital will then be flying on a biokerosene mixture.

Oslo airport is the world’s first large commercial airport to offer continuous provision of biofuel over a long period and to fuel aircraft with biokerosene directly from its hydrant system. For the Lufthansa Group, this is the next step from its previous test flights, made as part of the recently concluded burnFAIR project, toward the use of alternative fuels in regular flight operations.

In 2011, Lufthansa was the first airline in the world to run regular flight operations with a biokerosene mixture by operating an Airbus A321 between Frankfurt and Hamburg for half a year as part of the project. The long-term testing was accompanied by detailed emissions measurements and research into production processes and biomass availability.

Climate-friendly aviation is an important aim of the Lufthansa Group. To this end, the Group is investing in modern, low-consumption aircraft and is continuously improving the fuel efficiency of its flights. As a supplement to, and as a long-term replacement for, kerosene made from crude oil, biofuels offer new perspectives on improving the aviation industry’s carbon footprint.

Deutsche Lufthansa AG
Media Relations Lufthansa Group

Boeing delivers four 737s to Dragon Aviation Leasing

By

André Orban

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2 January 2015

0

New deliveries bolster China-based leasing company’s fleet of 737-800s to 11 airplanes

Boeing and Dragon Aviation Leasing celebrated the deliveries of four Next-Generation 737-800s last month. These deliveries represent the first four of 10 additional Next-Generation 737-800s Dragon Aviation Leasing currently has on order. The order, which is valued at $933 million at current list prices, was previously posted to Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website as an unidentified customer.

“Dragon Aviation Leasing is committed to providing our customers with market-leading products and the Next-Generation 737-800 is a perfect fit for our current business model,” said Jean-Louis Chevrot, CEO, Dragon Aviation Leasing. “The 737’s superior efficiency and reliability will enable us to meet the growing demands of our customers who are expanding or replacing their aging fleets.”

With these deliveries Dragon Aviation Leasing’s fleet of 737-800s is now at 11, with six additional 737s to be delivered in order to meet increasing demand for fuel-efficient single-aisle airplanes in the marketplace.

“We are honored that the Next-Generation 737 will continue to play an integral role in the long-term success of Dragon Aviation Leasing’s commercial aircraft business,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Northeast Asia Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Dragon Aviation Leasing as they continue to bolster their fleet with 737s and expand their business regionally.”

Based in Beijing, Dragon Aviation Leasing was established in 2006 and is a joint venture between China Aviation Supplies Holding Company AerCap, CACIB AirFinance and East Epoch Limited.

The 737-800 is the best-selling version of the highly successful Next-Generation 737 family, the most technologically advanced airplanes in the single-aisle market. The Next-Generation 737’s market success has been confirmed by investors who consistently rank it as the most preferred single-aisle airplane due to its wide market base, superior performance efficiency and lowest operating costs in its class. The Next-Generation 737 has accumulated more than 6,800 orders from customers worldwide.

SEATTLE, Jan. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/

Boeing delivers Etihad Airways’ first 787-9 Dreamliner

By

André Orban

-

1 January 2015

0

Boeing delivered Etihad Airways’ first 787-9 Dreamliner sporting the airline’s new “Facets of Abu Dhabi” livery which was revealed at a ceremony earlier this year. The colors are reminiscent of the desert landscape, inspired by the culture, Islamic design and architecture motifs of the United Arab Emirates.

The airplane is the first of the 71 Dreamliners that the national airline of the United Arab Emirates has on order which includes 41 787-9s and 30 787-10s. Etihad Airways will also be the first airline in the Middle East to operate the 787-9.

“We are confident that the additions of the 787 Dreamliner to our growing fleet will enable us to continue to add vital long-haul destinations from our Abu Dhabi hub,” said Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer for Etihad Airways. “We will first use the aircraft on routes to cities such as Dusseldorf, Washington D.C., Mumbai, Brisbane and Moscow and will have over 70 within the fleet, once our order is complete.

“The aircraft meets our requirements on these routes and will enable us to continue to provide the highest levels of customer service to the guests we welcome on board,” he added.

In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to midsize airplanes, the 787 provides airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency, resulting in exceptional environmental performance. The family uses 20 to 30 percent less fuel with 20 to 30 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes they replace. The airplane also has more cargo revenue capacity – a 20 to 45 percent advantage over replacement airplanes.

The 787-9 can carry 280 passengers 8,300 nautical miles (15,372 kilometers). The 787-10, launched in June 2013 and in development now, will fly 323 passengers up to 7,000 nautical miles (13,000 kilometers), or more than 90 percent of the world’s twin-aisle routes.

“We are excited to see the 787 footprint grow in the Middle East with airlines such as Etihad Airways investing in the Dreamliner as part of their fleet strategy,” said Marty Bentrott, vice president, Sales for Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Etihad Airways has already made a considerable impact with its new and innovative interiors offering to passengers, and we look forward to the 787 playing a key role in delivering on its promise of quality and profitability.”

As of November 30, 2014, 58 customers have ordered 1,055 787s.

EVERETT, Wash., Dec. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/

Qatar Airways announces new route: Amsterdam

By

Maarten Van Den Driessche

-

31 December 2014

1

Airline reveals first route for upcoming year
Capital city of The Netherlands will join the airline’s route map in June 2015, with the new route addition taking Qatar Airways European destination count up to 34
Daily non-stop flights to be operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner

31 Dec 2014
Doha, QATAR – Qatar Airways has revealed its first new destination in 2015, to the capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, starting from June 16.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “Amsterdam has long been on our list of destinations to introduce to our network, and we are delighted to now be adding this dynamic European city to our route map.
“Qatar Airways looks forward to bringing our five-star service to The Netherlands, and providing travellers with an extensive list of destinations across the Middle East, Africa and the Far East that are easily accessible with a minimal connection time in Doha.”

The Doha – Amsterdam route will operate with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, one of the latest next-generation aircraft in the airline’s fleet, offering 254 seats configured in two classes, with 22 fully-flat-bed seats in Business Class and 232 in Economy Class.

Flying non-stop, the total journey time between Doha and Amsterdam is six hours and 35 minutes.
The daily flights will be departing from Doha in the morning, arriving into Amsterdam in early afternoon, with return flights to Doha departing in the late afternoon. The schedule provides the convenience and flexibility for passengers to travel to the city for short leisure breaks or business meetings.

A highly popular tourist destination, the Netherlands counts 10 sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city of Amsterdam containes two of them, the 17th-century canals of Amsterdam and the 19-20th century Defence Line of Amsterdam.

A port city and ever-growing destination for business, Amsterdam acts as a base for seven of the world’s 500 largest companies, including Philips and ING.
The State of Qatar, the airline’s hub and home, recently opened the Hamad International Airport (HIA), an architechtural marvel which offers one of the world’s best Business Class lounges – the Al Mourjan lounge; over 40,000 square metres of retail space and restaurants – which includes a selection of more than 70 retail and 30 food and beverage outlets.

HIA also has a fully accessible spa for all passengers with a minimal entrance fee, that includes access to the following facilities: a swimming pool, squash courts, sauna and steam rooms and esthetic services.
With the addition of the city of Amsterdam, the total number of European destinations offered by the five-star airline reaches 34 – which is approximately 25% of the airline’s total route map.
Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 17 years of operation, to the point where today it is flying a modern fleet of 146 aircraft to 146 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.

Daily Flights between DOHA – AMSTERDAM from June 16
Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays
Doha 08:25 hrs
Amsterdam 14:00 hrs
Amsterdam 16:10 hrs
Doha 23:15 hrs

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays
Doha 08:20 hrs
Amsterdam 13:55 hrs
Amsterdam 16:20 hrs
Doha 23:25 hrs

Bombardier and GE Capital Aviation Services sign firm purchase agreement with options for up to 15 Q400 NextGen aircraft

By

André Orban

-

31 December 2014

0

Leasing companies continue to recognize the Q400 NextGen turboprop as a high-quality asset

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that lessor GE Capital Aviation Services (“GECAS”) has signed a firm purchase agreement for five Q400 NextGen aircraft and has also taken options on an additional 10 Q400 NextGen aircraft.

Based on the list price of the Q400 NextGen aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately $160 million US. The value could increase to $448 million US should GECAS exercise all its options.

“As we continue to grow our leasing fleet, we are pleased to be adding up to 15 more Q400 NextGen aircraft,” said Norman C.T. Liu, President and CEO, GECAS. “We have seen a growing demand for turboprop aircraft worldwide and theQ400 NextGen aircraft is ideally positioned to meet the needs of regional airlines now and in the future. Our customers value the performance, operating efficiency, and flexibility that this aircraft provides.”

“We are delighted that GECAS has chosen to acquire additional Q400 NextGen aircraft,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “With the world’s largest leased commercial aircraft fleet, GECAS’ continued acquisition of the Q400 NexGen turboprop is a strong endorsement of the value, in-service performance and reliability the aircraft provides.”

December 31, 2014 – Toronto Aerospace, Press Release

ARJ21-700 aircraft obtains the first type certificate for jets in China

By

André Orban

-

31 December 2014

0

China civil aircraft industry makes a historical breakthrough

Mr. Li Jiaxiang, Director of CAAC, granted an ARJ21-700 aircraft type certificate to Chairman Jin Zhuanglong on December 30th, 2014.

Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) granted an ARJ21-700 aircraft type certificate to Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) in Beijing on December 30th, 2014. This indicates that the first regional jet independently developed by China in accordance with international standards has passed the airworthiness certification of CAAC, met the requirements of China Civil Aviation Regulations (CCAR) Part 25 Airworthiness Standards: Transport Category Airplanes (CCAR-25-R3), reached an acceptable level of safety, and is permitted to participate in civil aviation transportation. Meanwhile, it also tells the world that China owns the first jet which can enter into route operation and has the competency of developing transport category civil jets and the ability of conducting airworthiness certification.

When Mr. Jin Zhuanglong, Chairman of COMAC, took over the first type certificate for jet which was independently developed by China and has historical significance from Mr. Li Jiaxiang, Director of CAAC, an enthusiastic applause broke out in the hall. Mr. Su Bo, Vice Minister of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Mr. Pan Liang, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the State Council in COMAC, Mr. Zhang Yanzhong, Chairman of the Advisory Committee for the major projects of large aircraft of the State Council, Mr. Zhang Hongying, Chief Engineer of CAAC, Mr. He Dongfeng, President of COMAC, and Mr. Tan Ruisong, President of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), attended the granting ceremony. Mr. Li Jian, Deputy Director of CAAC, presided over the granting ceremony.

ARJ21-700 aircraft is a new middle- and short-range turbofan regional jet, with a product family including the basic version, the cargo version and the corporate version. The basic version ARJ21-700 aircraft has a hybrid class layout of 78 seats, an all-economy class layout of 90 seats and a range of 2,225-3,700 km, mainly for meeting the operating requirements of radial course from the urban center to surrounding small cities. ARJ21-700 program was established with the approval of the State Council in 2002, and was originally researched and developed by China Aviation Industry Corporation I. As the main organization for implementing large passenger aircraft programs, and also the organization in overall planning the development of trunk liner and regional jet and realizing the industrialization of civil aircraft in China, COMAC was established in May 2008 to undertake ARJ21-700 program.

ARJ21-700 aircraft is the first regional jet independently designed and manufactured by China strictly in accordance with CCAR-25-R3 which is equivalent to international airworthiness standards. According to Civil Aviation Law of the People’s Republic of China and Regulations of the People’s Republic of China for the Administration of the Airworthiness of Civil Aircraft, any unit or individual designing civil aircraft should apply for and obtain Type Certificate (TC) from CAAC. Aircraft design and manufacturing department should promote its work strictly in accordance with airworthiness regulation during the design, manufacturing, test and flight test of aircraft, and demonstrate its compliance to airworthiness standards to CAAC. In 2003, CAAC accepted the airworthiness examination application of ARJ21-700 aircraft. An Airworthiness Examination Committee was established to define the airworthiness certification basis, and site examination started. Up to December 2014, ARJ21-700 aircraft has completed all of the 300 tests and 528 demonstration flight tests before certification, and conducted 2,942 safe flights in 5,258 hours. After all the airworthiness qualification works and 3,418 compliance reports were approved and 398 airworthiness articles were closed, CAAC granted the ARJ21-700 aircraft type certificate to the applicant, COMAC.

The awarding of the ARJ21-700 aircraft type certificate is another major milestone in China’s aviation industry. The development of ARJ21-700 aircraft completed the entire process of design, manufacturing, tests and flight tests of regional jet in China. We overcame a large number of major tests, such as bird strike test, high-energy electromagnetic field radiation test of complete aircraft, lightning protection indirect effect test, etc., acquired the knowledge of a lot of key flight test technologies, like stall, minimum lift-off speed, flutter, natural icing, landing gear shimmy, etc. and many new techniques, new materials and new processes, and accumulated project management experience in major innovation engineering. COMAC primarily developed a civil aircraft technical route of independent development, international cooperation and international standard, constructed a civil aircraft industry system that centers on COMAC, unifies AVIC, radiates throughout China and faces to the whole world and a civil aircraft technology innovation system which gives priority to COMAC, takes market as the guidance and integrates production, education and research as one, formed a civil aircraft talent team which has firm faith, dedication and courage to tackle key problems and struggle against formidable tasks and has international view, and set the large aircraft enterprising spirit of struggling hard, tackling key problems, enduring hardship and devoting for long time. All of these have opened up the road and created favorable conditions for the smooth development of C919 program. At the same time, centering on the airworthiness examination of ARJ21-700 aircraft, CAAC established a professional certification organization, formed specialized authority test pilot team and examination team, developed airworthiness examination procedures, mechanisms and systems that conform to international standards, acquired the international aircraft standards, and had the competency in airworthiness examination of jet type civil transport aircraft, which becomes important national competency for ensuring sustainable development of aviation industry in China.

The awarding of the ARJ21-700 aircraft type certificate indicates that the first regional jet of China takes a solid step toward the targets of delivery and operation. At present, CAAC is conducting airworthiness examination on the first ARJ21-700 aircraft ready for delivery, and performing airworthiness examination and production permission certification on the operation supporting system and continued airworthiness system of COMAC, according to applicable airworthiness regulations. After these certifications, the first ARJ21-700 aircraft will be delivered to the customer and enter into route operation formally.

Granting Site.

ARJ21-700 aircraft obtained the type certificate on December 30th, 2014.

A group photo taken at the granting ceremony of ARJ21-700 aircraft type certificate on December 30th, 2014.

See discussion here: http://www.luchtzak.be/forums/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=55400

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