Airline News February 2005.

The expected statement by defence secretary Geoff Hoon finally confirming that Air Tanker Ltd, a consortium of EADS, Cobham, Rolls- Royce, Thales and the VT Group, has won the contract to supply the future strategic tanker aircraft for the RAF. Airbus A330s would replace the current ageing fleet of VC10 and TriStar aircraft The 27 year life private finance initiative involves operating the 'planes in a civil role when not required by the military. An airline partner is required, with Virgin Atlantic thought to be the lead possibility although boss man Sir Richard Branson has a well-known aversion to twin-engine aircraft. It does seem to be a case if it is good enough for the RAF it's good enough for me. Australia is to get the A330 too. The British Ministry of Defence declined to confirm the announcement date. http://www.airtanker.co.uk

Feb 27, 2005

Aircraft manufacturers, that is general aviation producers (all non- military aircraft except airliners) had a very good year in 2004 producing just under 3,000 aircraft with a total value of $11.9bn nearly 20% up on the previous year and the third highest total of all time. 591 business jets were produced, Raytheon's Hawker 800XP (de Havilland 125 to older readers - see photo) still the top seller with 50 units. Turboprops continued to be purchased with the Beech King Air family still leading on 102 units, Switzerland Pilatus next up with 70 PC 12s and the single engine Cessna Caravan selling a very respectable 64 units. Training and touring aircraft numbers continued to be well down on the halcyon figures of 30 years ago with Cirrus the largest producer at 553 units and Cessna and New Piper showing modest numbers. http://www.gama.aero

Feb 27, 2005

Cargo anoraks will be pleased with this artists impression of an aircraft that will actually become a reality in 2006, even larger than Airbus Beluga A300 based component transporter. Seattle has released details of the 747 LCF (large cargo freighter), a modified 747-400. A pair of these aircraft will be needed to support the multi-national 787 programme, and possibly a third. Two 'planes have been identified for the conversion, which will be carried out in Taiwan. A commercial version at some point? Boeing would not comment. http://www.boeing.com

Feb 27, 2005

Aging DC-9s help Northwest weather higher costs. Northwest Airlines continues to fly aging DC-9s because they are economical and help it endure high fuel prices. The airline owns many of its jets, so its fixed costs are lower than many of its competitors. The average age of Northwest's DC-9s is 34 years, and they account for more than one-third of the company's fleet.

Feb 22, 2005

Kazakhstan, arguably a democracy, but with the same former Soviet management in place since independence in 1991, is attempting to force foreign airlines to move to its new capital of Astana or quit the oil rich country completely. The airlines affected include Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways (British Mediterranean) and Turkish Airlines who all fly to the commercial centre of Almaty whilst Russia's Transaero operates to both cities. The Kazakh tourist industry is very concerned over the whole matter believing the country will lose out to neighbouring Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. Astana is a bleak soviet style city with little to interest visitors. Air Astana serves the new capital and is 49% owned by BAE Systems. Kazakhstan is presided over by 65 year old Nursultan Nazarbayev who has ruled the country since Russia departed and has now extended his term of office from five years to seven, running unopposed at the elections. http://www.president.kz

Feb 14, 2005

Cost-cutting is only part of the answer for U.S. airlines. The airlines will have to do more than lower costs to pull themselves out of their financial crises, the Financial Times reports. The airline industry pushed expenses down in the fourth quarter, but the six largest carriers still posted a loss of $4.1 billion, seven times higher than the year- ago loss.

Feb 7, 2005

Airlines need to balance supply, demand, Bethune says. The airline industry will return to financial health when it strikes a balance between supply and demand, according to former Continental Airlines chief executive Gordon Bethune. He discussed the future of the industry on National Public Radio Thursday morning. Bethune is now an industry consultant.

Feb 3, 2005

Air Canada

Air Canada intends on launching summer service from Quebec City to Boston on June 1, becoming the only airline to offer daily nonstop service in the market. It said this will provide a link for Quebec City cruise ships. Its regional airline affiliate, Air Canada Jazz, will operate the flights with Dash 8 aircraft configured with 37 seats in a 2X2 arrangement. It will charge an introductory fare as low as $105 one way, available through agents or its own reservations and Web site.

Feb 23, 2005

Air France, Japan Airlines

Air France and Japan Airlines seem to be getting closer together although the Tokyo-based airline is not, as yet, part of SkyTeam. From 17 February, the daily JAL Boeing 777 Paris - Nagoya service becomes a code-share with AF holding 20 business class seats and 80 in economy. The service will run alongside Air France's existing Tokyo and Osaka operations. Nagoya, about one hour's flight time south of Tokyo, is not served from London with direct flights.

Feb 7, 2005

Air India Express

India is very quickly waking up to the idea of budget air travel, even Air-India getting into the act. Set for launch on March 27 Air India Express plans to have a fleet of 14 Boeing 737-800s within 12 months. These aircraft will have 181 economy class seats in a single class configuration. The new airline will operate 63 flights per week with six aircraft available at the time of the launch. With the induction of four more aircraft, effective winter 2005, Air-India Express will operate 38 additional flights, and add another 26 flights in the third phase effective April 2006, when four more aircraft will join the fleet. Kingfisher, another Indian budget operator, and part of the beer company of the same name, has added the Airbus A319 to its prospective fleet. It's due to launch in April followed by Spicejet in May. Another operator at the no frills end of the market, Air Deccan, is already up and operating. http://www.airindia.com http://www.flykingfisher.com http://www.airdeccan.net

Feb 27, 2005

Air New Zealand'

Air New Zealand's fleet of Boeing 747-400 aircraft and eight new Boeing 777-200 aircraft are to be configured in a three cabin layout that eliminates first class. Virgin Atlantic was the first to take this route which is now being copied by a number of airlines. ANZ calls its new passenger configuration Business Premier, Pacific Premium Economy and Pacific Economy and plans to start refitting its Boeing 747s later this year, its still to be introduced 777s 'factory fresh' with the new interiors. Business Premier will offer completely lie-flat sleeping, the 22" wide seat converting into a 6' 7", probably the longest bed to date. Pacific Premium Economy features generous 39"-40" pitch and all classes will have upgraded menus and video on demand. http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz

Feb 27, 2005

Air New Zealand 

Air New Zealand is introducing a Pacific Premium Economy class on its 747s and 777s flying across the Pacific. This will be in addition to its Business Premier and Pacific Economy classes. The airline has been working for more than a year on improving its look, and Gus Gilmore, vice president - The Americas, said, "This is just the beginning. New planes, new in-flight entertainment systems, new seats, new uniforms and a new food and beverage service are just some of the developments we are working on to enhance our long-distance offerings." Customers will begin to see these enhancements in the second half of this year. The three- class cabin will be available on flights from San Francisco to Auckland by August, and from Los Angeles to both London and Auckland at the end of 2005. Its Business Premier class will have lie-flat seats with ottomans, direct aisle access for all passengers and an on-demand entertainment system. Pacific Premium Economy will have 40 inches of pitch, wide seats, on-demand video, and the same beverage service, outlets and cabin lighting as the business class cabin. Pacific Economy also will have on-demand entertainment and seas with 34 inches of pitch.

Feb 24, 2005

Air Salone

Air Salone, a new airline based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, has appointed the long established Bath Road, Heathrow-based representative company Airlinebusiness Ltd as its passenger general sales agent in the UK and Ireland. The airline plans to introduce a weekly Saturday service Gatwick to Dakar and then onto Freetown in Sierra Leone. The flights will be operated by a two-class Boeing 757 aircraft with 14 seats in business and 190 seats in the main economy cabin. http://www.airlinebusiness.co.uk

Feb 20, 2005

Air Scotland

Glasgow airport is to gain a direct service to Paris Charles de Gaulle aimed mainly at the leisure market. Air Scotland (which is the trading name of Greece Airways) is to introduce a twice weekly, Monday and Friday service to back up its established operations to Athens, Malaga and Palma. From Edinburgh it serves Alicante and Malaga. The airline also plans to serve Amsterdam from Glasgow, also twice weekly, a route with both easyJet and KLM established on it. Single class 233 passenger Boeing 757-200s are used on all services. http://www.air-scotland.com

Feb 27, 2005

Air Tahiti Nui 

Air Tahiti Nui, will create a new milestone in travel when it launches historic nonstop service from New York to the South Pacific beginning July 4th, 2005. Air Tahiti Nui, which maintains a fleet of new Airbus A340-300 aircraft, will operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays from John F. Kennedy International Airport's Terminal 4 with nonstop service to Papeete, Tahiti. From Air Tahiti Nui's home base in Papeete, travelers will have the option of continuing on to Sydney, Australia, via the simple, one stop connection. Air Tahiti Nui will serve the route with its modern fleet of exclusive Airbus A340-300 aircraft, uniquely suited for long-haul flights, seating 294 passengers in spacious, comfortable three class configurations, six in first class, 24 in business class and 264 in coach class - never more than two seats across, each featuring an individual video screen - and in what is widely acknowledged to be one of the quietest cabins in the air today. The nonstop flight is approx. 12 hours from New York and 12 hours 45 minutes returning from Papeete.

Feb 10, 2005

Airbus

Airbus in talks with Washington cities for possible U.S. plant. Airbus parent EADS is considering three Washington cities as possible sites for an aircraft assembly plant. Airbus would build Air Force tankers at the plant. It will discuss the plant with leaders from Everett, Spokane and Moses Lake next week. The three cities all have ties to rival jetmaker Boeing. The Defense Department has not yet decided who will build the tankers.

Feb 10, 2005

Aircalin

Aircalin (Air Caledonie International) is offering an Oceania Pass on its flights among 10 destinations in the South Pacific. The pass must be purchased before departure in conjunction with travel on any transpacific airline. The passes are good for a one-way flight. Passengers must purchase a minimum of two coupons, but can obtain more once they arrive at any Aircalin office. The cost ranges per destination. For example, between Noumea and Nandi or Port Vila, it is $160. Between Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney and Noumea, it is $220. Flights from Noumea to Papeete are $340. The airline is based in Noumea, New Caledonia. Children two through 12 qualify for a 25 percent discount and infants fly for only 10 percent of the adult fare. Dates may be changed without penalty if they are to the same destination. A change in destination costs $50. More information on the passes can be found at www.aircalin.com, or by calling 800-254-7251.

Feb 7, 2005

AirTran Airways 

AirTran Airways intends to start serving Charlotte Airport from Atlanta and Baltimore with one-stop service to Boston starting May 4 2005. AirTran will use the Boeing 717 with 12 seats in business class and 105 in coach. It will operate daily service in the markets. Robert Fornaro, president and CEO, said Charlotte has been plagued by high fares for years, and AirTran will bring its low-fare service to these major cities.

Feb 17, 2005

AirTran Airways

AirTran Airways announced the airline has moved up its starting date for new daily nonstop service to Indianapolis International Airport and also added daily nonstop service to Tampa in order to fill the void created by other carrier's service changes in Indianapolis. Three daily flights between Indianapolis and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and one daily flight to Tampa now will begin operating on April 9, 2005. The airline also will add a daily nonstop flight between Indianapolis and Orlando International Airport beginning June 7, 2005 as previously announced. All three routes will be served by the airline's popular Boeing 717 aircraft with 12 Business Class and 105 coach seats.

Feb 1, 2005

AirTran Airways, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines 

Smaller airports win travelers away from large hubs with help from discounters. Lower fares and shorter lines are helping small and medium- sized airlines win business away from larger airports. Discount airlines, including Southwest Airlines, AirTran Airways and JetBlue Airways, have increased service to smaller airports in recent years, bringing lower fares with them. Traffic at the Akron-Canton Airport has grown annually since AirTran launched flights in 1996.

Feb 25, 2005

Alitalia

Alitalia, struggling under extreme financial difficulties, found itself in even more trouble last week, when, on Thursday it had to cancel 141 flights, mostly international, following a four hour walk out by cabin attendants. The airline's pilots are also in a confrontational mood threatening a boycott unless they are quickly given proper resting rooms onboard long haul flights. Union leaders are planning a general strike for all Italian public sector workers on 18 March. http://www.alitalia.com

Feb 14, 2005

America West

America West has been given antitrust immunity from the DOT for its alliance with Royal Jordanian. This gives the two the ability to coordinate schedules jointly serve existing markets and discuss new markets for expansion without risk of violating antitrust laws. The two airlines can now offer joint fares and discuss pricing and to offer one program for frequent flyer miles. Royal Jordanian becomes the first non- European airline to be granted this immunity. The two currently have a code sharing relationship from New York, Chicago and Detroit to Amman, Jordan.

Feb 9, 2005

American

American has added check-in kiosks in Vancouver and Calgary airports for passengers returning to the U.S. In the next few months, it also will be adding the check-in machines in Toronto and Montreal airports. Groups of 10 or more also can check-in on a single reservation, which should reduce long lines. It now has self-service at more than 94 airports in the U.S. and Canada, as well as in Paris and London.

Feb 24, 2005

American Airlines 

American has received initial approval from the DOT to begin nonstop service from Chicago to Shanghai on April 2, 2006. This will make American the fourth U.S. Airline with rights to fly to China. The airline has been trying to get rights to fly to China for five years. American will offer connections in China with its partner China Eastern.

Feb 22, 2005

American Airlines

American Airlines is re-launching its seasonal non-stop transatlantic services between Manchester and Boston on May 2 for summer 2005. Flight time is only seven hours straight into the heart of Boston, making one of the US most attractive and interesting cities practical even for a long weekend. Daily single class Boeing 757 flights depart Manchester at 1100 arriving in Boston at 1305 local time. The return service is overnight. The seasonal services will continue until 29 October. American, which has been established at Manchester since 1986, also operates a daily service to Chicago O'Hare with two class Boeing 767-300 and has a daily service to Miami during the winter season. AA is also operating a daily Glasgow to Chicago this summer. http://www.aa.com

Feb 20, 2005

American Airlines

American Airlines will introduce a second nonstop flight between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Sao Paulo, Brazil, effective June 9.American said it will operate the new flight five days a week with 211-seat Boeing 767-300 aircraft in the peak season and three days a week between Sept. 7 and Nov. 22 2005. The inaugural flight will come about one month before the opening of DFW's new International Terminal D.

Feb 17, 2005

American Airlines

American Airlines customers visiting AA.com will find the absolute lowest fares available for American, American Eagle and AmericanConnection carrier flights -- guaranteed. American Airlines has been committed to providing customers the best online experience at AA.com, and now we're reinforcing that commitment with a Lowest Fare Guarantee," said Dan Garton, Executive Vice President of Marketing, American Airlines. "This, combined with our recently implemented domestic fares pricing, gives customers the assurance that they will find our best fares in one place: AA.com. Customers pay no online booking fees and earn up to 1,000 AAdvantage(R) bonus miles for each round trip ticket they purchase on AA.com, making it a one-stop shop for customers looking for the best deal." Customers who find a lower American fare for the identical itinerary on another travel Web site will be refunded the difference and receive a $50 travel voucher good on any future American, American Eagle or AmericanConnection carrier flight.

Feb 1, 2005

Atlanta Airport

Atlanta Airport, the world's busiest hub, does not plan to change its runway operations in the short term to accommodate the Airbus A380 according to reports from Agence France-Presse. "Atlanta has never been earmarked to accommodate the A380 in its first years of service," a spokesman for the European Aeronautics Defense and Space Co unit told the news service. Both Air France and its SkyTeam partner Delta serve the Charles de Gaulle - Hartsfield route. Regarding the A380 AF says it plans to operate services to New York and Montreal from summer 2007 and to Tokyo and Beijing the following year. http://www.atlanta-airport.com

Feb 14, 2005

Atlanta Airport

Atlanta won't land massive Airbus A380 jumbo jet, official says. The Airbus A380 superjumbo jet is too massive to land at Atlanta's airport, according to airport officials. Ben DeCosta, general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, says he does not think the market will support many of the planes, which can seat up to 800 travelers.

Feb 1, 2005

Bob Hope Airport Burbank

Bob Hope Airport in Burbank Southern California (no its not a joke - the world likes to name airports after the deceased - with the exception of Houston George Bush - Sadam International was force majure) is to gain non-stop services from New York's John F. Kennedy (likewise passed on). With Burbank's location north of LA it could prove to be a useful alternative to LAX, operator JetBlue confident enough to plan three daily services from 24 May with a forth flight due for introduction 15 July. Night owls might like to know that the 2050 BUR departure gets in at JFK at 0500. JetBlue currently operates a fleet of 71 Airbus A320 aircraft and plans to add 13 additional A320s and seven Embraer E190s to its fleet in 2005. http://www.burbankairport.com

Feb 27, 2005

Boeing

Boeing is beginning to pick up the smaller airline orders for the 787 which are vital if the new 'plane is to be a success. Icelandair is the latest carrier to come on board with an order for two aircraft to be delivered in 2010. An engine choice has not been made at this stage. The Icelandic carrier currently operates 12 Boeing 757 aircraft, the 787 its first wide body. Boeing now has 193 announced orders and commitments for the 787 from 16 airlines. http://www.boeing.com

Feb 27, 2005

Boeing

Boeing could stop, then restart 767 line if it receives tanker contract. By midyear, Boeing will announce when it will end production of the 767 jetliner if it hasn't booked any new orders for the plane. If it wins a contract to supply the Air Force with refueling tankers, the company would restart the production line.

Feb 25, 2005

Boeing

Boeing claims 787 will have lower maintenance costs than Airbus rival. Boeing says maintenance for its 787 will come in 32% lower than maintenance for the Airbus A330 after 12 years of service. Boeing said the 787's electrical systems and composite structure will help lower maintenance costs, Air Transport World reports.

Feb 22, 2005

Boeing

Boeing said development of the 747 Large Cargo Freighter is proceeding according to plan and the modified freighters will be ready to support final assembly of the first Boeing 787 Dreamliners in 2007. Boeing announced last week the critical "swing zone" of the freighter, the part of the Large Cargo Freighter's aft fuselage that opens to allow loading and unloading of the 787's large composite structures, is being designed in partnership with Gamesa Aeronautica of Spain. Gamesa is the first Spanish supplier supporting the Dreamliner program. The expanded girth of the Large Cargo Freighter will hold three times the cargo by volume of the 747-400 freighters flying today. The airplanes will be modified by Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corporation (EGAT), a joint venture between EVA Air and General Electric, and part of Taiwan 's Evergreen Group.Two Large Cargo Freighters will be needed to support initial 787 production. Two 747-400s that will be converted to the new configuration were purchased by Boeing last year. Boeing continues looking for a third airplane that will enter service later. Certification of the first Large Cargo Freighter will occur in 2006, with the airplane returning to service in 2007 to support final assembly of the first Dreamliners.

Feb 22, 2005

Boeing

As a result Airbus enjoyed a joyride since there was too much gap for a new product from Boeing. Today Airbus is gaining market share like anything.To satisfy the demanding airline requirements for the 777, a lot of technology new to Boeing had to be employed, although much of this technology was already in service on Airbus aircraft. These new features included: * Honeywell LCD glass cockpit flight displays* Fully digital fly-by-wire flight controls* Fully software configurable avionics* Large scale use of composites (10% by weight)* Fiberoptic avionics network* Very large turbofan engines, with the highest thrust rating by far Fortunately for Boeing, work done on the previously cancelled Boeing 7J7 validated the chosen technologies. The 777 first flew on June 14, 1994 and underwent a flight test programme more extensive than any other Boeing models. Boeing pioneered the Early ETOPS process giving the 777 180 min ETOPS rating entry into service. The FAA awarded full 180 minutes ETOPS clearance for PW4074 777-200s on May 30, 1995.The new technologies in flight control avionics systems selected for the Boeing 777 airplane program consist of the following: Fly-By- Wire (FBW), ARINC 629 Data Bus, and Deferred Maintenance.The FBW must meet extremely high levels of functional integrity and availability. The heart of the FBW concept is the use of triple redundancy for all hardware resources: computing system, airplane electrical power, hydraulic power and communication paths.The multiple redundant hardware are required to meet the numerical safety requirements. Hardware redundancy can be relied upon only if hardware faults can be contained; fail-passive electronics are necessary building blocks for the FBW systems. In addition, FBW computer architecture must consider other fault tolerance issues: generic errors, common mode faults, near- coincidence faults and dissimilarity.

Feb 17, 2005

Boeing

Boeing 747 Advanced: Too little, too late. A common, yet not convincing argument frequently to be heard is that airport congestions necessarily imply larger airplanes, like the A380. To avoid congested airports carriers could also look into flying to smaller, usually less congested airports. Not everybody needs to fly into Seattle, WA; Portland, OR to the south could be an option too, particularly for those whose final destination of travel is closer to there anyways. And this is where the 787 fits in.

Feb 15, 2005

Boeing

The Problem At Boeing is McDonnell Douglas. Boeing needs to return to the core that once made Boeing the leader in Commercial Aviation. Boeing trouble started when, in 1997, McDonnell Douglas used Boeing's money to take over Boeing. The old Boeing just faded away.Now we have a diversified aerospace company, headquartered in the midwest, playing second fiddle in the commercial market (and looking at freighters as the next big market), trying ever so hard to compete in the military market, and riddled with scandal for doing improper things. Pretty much the company McDonnell Douglas once was. Not surprising when you look at Boeing's current management team.The problem for Boeing to overcome is first and foremost, regaining the prestige they once had in the commercial market. Boeings were once synonymous with Airliner - now Airbus has that role. Airlines tend to follow one another in a pack - and they are all headed to all Airbus fleets. To arrest this alarming trend, Boeing needs to develop a clean consistent lineup of modern commercial airliners. The 7E7 alone is not enough. The 737 has to be replaced - the basic design is too old. The 747 (like the MD-11) seems to have become a freighter which pretty much dooms it from a prestige standpoint - its now a truck, when before it was a chariot. The 717 and 757 are history. The only remaining modern airliner is the 777. What a mess of a lineup.

Feb 15, 2005

Boeing

This week is the roll out of the of the 777-200LR on Tuesday Feb. 15 2005 at Boeings Everett plant. The aircraft is the world's longest range, and arguably most economical yet, commercial jet aircraft. Powered by. two GE90 engines the 777 will have a typical range of 18 hours carrying 300 passengers and 18 tons of cargo linking non-stop city pairs such as Singapore, New York, Atlanta, to Hong Kong and in theory at any rate London to Sydney. Boeing claims seat mile cost of 15 to 18% less than competing four engined aircraft. The aircraft will be test flown over the coming months and is expected into airline service January 2006. Currently the 777-200LR is on order from Pakistan International and Eva Airways. http://www.boeing.com Feb. 11, 2005

Feb 14, 2005

Boeing

Boeing sees strong demand for commercial jets through 2006. Boeing expects sales of commercial jetliners to grow to 320 planes in 2005, up from 285 in the previous year. The company forecast up to 385 deliveries in 2006, which analysts said was higher than previously expected.

Feb 3, 2005

Boeing

Boeing reports lower Q4 profit related to tanker cancellation. The termination of the 717 program and the cancellation of an Air Force tanker program caused Boeing's fourth-quarter profits to slip. The aerospace company reported earnings of $186 million, including charges, compared with $1.13 billion a year ago.

Feb 1, 2005

Boeing, SpiceJet

Boeing books orders from Indian discount airline: Indian discount airline SpiceJet will buy 10 Boeing 737-800 jetliners. The order is worth $630 million at list prices, and the airline has placed options for 10 additional jets. The SpiceJet order is the first order Boeing has received from an Indian discount airline.

Feb 10, 2005

British Airways

Club World, British Airways highly successful long haul business class product, and essentially the forerunner of the host of 'flat bed' seating that is being brought in by more and more airlines, is to be upgraded. Passengers will find the seats more comfortable, Dunlop Latex foam now incorporated into the seat cushions. In come larger pillows, thicker blankets and new dark seat covers. Customers will notice a change of presentation with crisp linen tablecloths and meals served on Royal Doulton china. The new improved Club World will be rolled out over the long haul fleet over the next six months, the first aircraft to benefit the airline's ten Boeing 767s, which will now enjoy flat bed seating for the first time. The first refurbished aircraft was completed at the Gatwick engineering center last week, the improvements including the latest World Traveller seats with back seat video screens. The aircraft lose first class but gain World Traveller plus. http://www.ba.com

Feb 14, 2005

British Airways

British Airways has moved quickly following the British and Chinese governments signing a Memorandum of Understanding of the UK's Approved Destination Status. Selected Chinese tour operators can now sell Great

Britain as a destination. BA will add Shanghai to its Chinese destinations. The airline currently operates from Heathrow to Beijing four times each week with a Boeing 777. This will increase to six times per week from June 2005. The airline also flies 17 times weekly from Heathrow to Hong Kong using Boeing 747 aircraft, which will increase to 21 flights a week from June 2005. The airline now plans to open up a five times a week service to the 1999 opened Pudong International Airport north of Shanghai, the airport boost an eight minute 300 mph Maglev ride to Long Yang Station. Air China has a daily service from Heathrow to the old Shanghai airport whilst Virgin Atlantic, established at Shanghai now for some five years, is to introduce ex-London services to Beijing "as soon as practical".

Feb 7, 2005

British Airways, Scot Airways

Edinburgh is to have even more daily non-stop flights to London City Airport following British Airways decision to base a fourth 110-seat Avro RJ100 at the downtown airport. At the beginning of the summer season BA will step up its weekdaily frequency to five rotations, adding a Saturday morning flight and doubling the Sunday service. With Scot Airways, its fast 32-seat Dornier 328 turboprop on nine flights each way during the week, there will be 14 weekdaily services in each direction. BA also serves Frankfurt and Geneva from LCY. After several attempts by different airlines Glasgow is not a London City destination. Scot Airways also serves Dundee four times weekdaily. http://www.ba.com http://www.scotairways.com http://www.londoncityairport.com

Feb 14, 2005

Caracas Airport

Caracas is now no longer served nonstop from Heathrow. The last flight from London to the Venezuelan capital took place over the weekend ending a service that began in 1958, then operated by a (BOAC) Bristol Britannia and taking 21.5 hours. The Boeing 777 did the trip in just under ten hours. BA has also "suspended" the onward flight to Bogota, Columbia, the route abandonment continuing the airline's withdrawal policy from South America with services now covered by Oneworld partner Iberia through its Madrid hub.

Feb 7, 2005

Cathay Pacific Airways

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways celebrated the opening of its new North American headquarters, in San Francisco's Union Square. The move marks the return of Cathay Pacific's headquarters to San Francisco, which had been its home base until the carrier relocated to Los Angeles in 1990.

Feb 17, 2005

China Southern Airlines 

China Southern Airlines announced that more than 800 "flying pigs" have been safely delivered from Chicago to China. These prize breeding swine were safely and humanely transported in two major air lifts from the U.S. Midwest to the PRC. The first delivery of soaring swine was a 12 main deck position on China Southern Airlines' 747-400 freighter of 543 of live pigs, weighing in at a hefty 51,300 kilos. The consignee was the China National Animal Breeding Stock based in Beijing and was transported directly to Shenzhen in Southern China. The second delivery of sky-high hogs consisted of a five main deck position of 200 live pigs consisting of 22,000 kilos. This delivery was made to the Shanghai Shenlong International Trading Company for breeding in Shanghai.

Feb 2, 2005

Continental

Continental has been given tentative approval from the DOT to begin flying to Beijing from Newark. American also was given tentative approval for flights from Chicago to Shanghai in 2006. Continental has not yet released a date. Continental says it would use a 777-200ER with 48 seats in BusinessFirst and 235 in coach. The airline currently operates daily service from Newark to Hong Kong. The flights to Beijing will take 13 hours. Continental also has announced it will begin codesharing with Air France on Feb. 26, giving it 12 new destinations in Europe and the Middle East served by the French carrier from Paris. They include several cities in France, as well as such as Vienna, Dubai and Porto, Portugal.

Feb 23, 2005

Continental Airlines

Continental Airlines announced that customers can now book cruises on its website, continental.com. The site already gives customers the ability to reserve and book flights, hotels, cars and vacation packages -- all features that have made continental.com the quickest, easiest and most convenient place to plan travel.

Feb 2, 2005

Darwin Airline 

Bern and Lugano are is to be linked to London City Airport once again. "We will bring back the quality of service that Crossair offered - with our own distinct identity," Darwin Airline CEO and president Mose Franco pledged last week. He was speaking at the Swiss Ambassador's residence in London to promote his airline's new scheduled services which officially starts on 21 February with a single daily (except Saturday) return flight out of Lugano and via Berne. Darwin is operating 50-seat Saab 2000s on the route under a lease arrangement with Swiss International Air Lines. The airline's 70-strong workforce includes many ex-Crossair pilots, well familiar with the special operating characteristics of both Lugano and London City Airports. Former Crossair executives are also prominent in ground operations and marketing. The Ticino-based privately owned company introduced operations in summer 2003, initially serving routes from Lugano to Geneva and Olbia. Paris CDG, Rome Fiumicino and Barcelona Airports were added last autumn. Eryl Crump was on hand to catch Mose Franco (left), together with airport boss Richard Gooding, when Darwin paid a pre service visit to LCY. http://www.darwinairline.com

Feb 14, 2005

Dassault

Europe's Dassault launches new business jet to compete with North American companies. European corporate jet maker Dassault Aviation will offer a long-range business jet in an effort to compete with rivals Gulfstream and Bombardier, the Financial Times reports. Dassault's entry into this market illustrates the continued challenge European companies pose to North American aerospace companies.

Feb 15, 2005

DBA

DBA, once owned by British Airways, and courted by easyJet until union problems got in the way, is now planning to take over Germania Express, creating Germany's third largest airline. It is also thought to have shown an interest in Olympic Airlines, now being put up for sale by the Greek government. DBA currently operates a fleet of 15 Boeing 737 aircraft carrying around 3m passengers annually and operating in the order of 125 flights daily. Germania Express was launched in June 2003 as the budget division of Germania, a long time established holiday charter company. It currently operates 17 Fokker 100 aircraft and would add about 1m passengers to the DBA numbers. http://www.flydba.com

Feb 20, 2005

Easyjet

Easyjet is to move its Stansted - Grenoble service to Luton on Wednesday 20 April. Grenoble, situated in the Rhone Valley, is considered as the capital of the Alps, the airport itself just eight miles outside the city. An entirely new Stansted destination is Oviedo, Spain, about half way between Santander and La Coruna on the southern coast of the Bay of Biscay. Daily services will commence on Thursday 24 March. http://www.easyjet.com

Feb 14, 2005

EasyJet

EasyJet has confirmed that EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg will be its next major airport base and has signed a long-term deal which, it claims, will guarantee low fares to consumers for years to come. The airport virtually straddles the French, German, Swiss border and has exits to both France and Switzerland. 4.4m people are said to live within 60 minutes drive of the airport. During the coming summer season, easyJet will base three additional Airbus A319 aircraft at Basel and will recruit flying crews locally. easyJet already operates Basel to Berlin Schoenefeld, Liverpool, Luton and Stansted and expects to move 1.5m passengers through the airport in the coming 12 months. This number will rise significantly during 2006 as it is likely that easyJet will add more aircraft next year. The airline is inviting consumers to suggest where, within Europe, the next new Basel routes should be. Send an e-mail to the airline via its web site. http://www.easyjet.com

Feb 7, 2005

EirJet

EirJet, a new Irish carrier, is now operational introducing an Airbus A320-200 from debis AirFinance one of the world's largest aircraft leasing companies. Eirjet plans to operate three A320s this summer from Dublin and Shannon serving the Irish sun holiday market. The airline expects to develop a secondary wet lease business providing capacity for other airline operators. Managing director is Paul Schutz, previously with Virgin Express.

Feb 7, 2005

EL Al

Knafaim Arkia Holdings, which is now the controlling shareholder of EL Al Israel Airlines, named a new chairman last month, Professor Israel "Izzy" Borovich. Borovich hopes to grow the airline globally, serving both international passengers and its niche markets. Long-term, the chairman says he wants to transform Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport into a hub connecting the Western and Eastern parts of the world, increasing El Al flights to Asia. According to Nira Dror, vice president and general manager of North and Central America, EL AL will offer 44 flights per week this summer from North America to Israel, marking the largest frequency for the airline. A new president, Haim Romano, has also been appointed pending board approval this month.

Feb 9, 2005

El Al, Connexion by Boeing 

El Al has signed a deal with Connexion by Boeing to install high-speed Internet access in-flight in its long-haul fleet starting in the second half of this year. The installation won't be complete until 2007, and will only be on the long-range flights of its 747-400s and 777s.

Feb 17, 2005

Emirates

Emirates vice chairman and group president Maurice Flanagan told the Wings Club this week that the financial condition of the world's airlines is being distorted by the large losses reported by U.S. Airlines. Industry losses since 2001 total $35 billion, but the estimated global airline loss of about $5 billion for the last year was "distorted by losses of $9 billion made by very large U.S. Carriers. They were best by socio-economic crises that have not troubled the rest of the world to anything like the same extent." The outlook for 2005 is better than for 2004, he said. Emirates has turned a profit every year except for its second year in 1986. It has 100 airplanes on the order books and is growing its traffic.

Feb 23, 2005

Ethopian Airlines

Ethopian Airlines has become the first African carrier to join the Boeing 787 launch team. Said to be one of the best airlines, operationally, on the continent the Addis Ababa based airline has committed itself to five firm orders and a further five options. With this agreement, Boeing has 191 announced orders and commitments for the 787 from 15 airlines. First delivery is set for 2008 for the airline which added its first jet aircraft back in 1963, a Boeing 720B in 1963 (a hot and high short range version of the 707). http://www.flyethiopian.com

Feb 14, 2005

Etihad

Etihad, the Abu Dhabi based airline, and Heathrow's major latest arrival, has chosen two versions of Rolls-Royce Trent engine family to power the latest phase of its fleet expansion. The deal involves Trent 900 engines for four Airbus A380s and Trent 700s to power 12 A330 twinjets. Including long-term TotalCare maintenance agreements covering all the engines, the contract is valued at $950m. Etihad's initial Trent selection was announced at last summer's Farnborough Air Show when the airline ordered eight, four-engined, ultra-long-distance A340-600 airliners, for which the Trent 500 is the sole engine. Etihad becomes the sixth airline to select Rolls-Royce power for the A380, taking total Trent 900 orders to 84 firm and option aircraft, and giving the engine a 51% market share. http://www.etihadairways.com

Feb 20, 2005

FlyBe

Liverbool airport has gained FlyBe as a major tenant airline. The Exeter-based carrier last week introduced a four times daily Belfast City service, marking the start of the company's roll-out of six new UK flight destinations. Daily flights to Edinburgh and Glasgow commence on 27 March, Glasgow doubling from 16 June. Jersey gets a Saturday flight from 7 May. Travellers can fly daily to Southampton from 12 May and Exeter from16 June. http://www.flybe.com

Feb 14, 2005

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport 

Smaller airports start offering free wireless Internet access. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport will start promoting its free wireless Internet access, the Miami Herald reports. Large airports have been slow to establish wireless networks because of their size, but smaller airports have used the technology to attract business travelers. Fort Lauderdale airport officials say they will consider charging for the service after they monitor usage.

Feb 17, 2005

GB Airways

Manchester is to have five new British Airways routes, all operated by GB Airways, its first venture from the north of England's major airport. Starting 18 March BA will serve Dubrovnik, Malta, Paphos and Tenerife on a daily basis using a two class Airbus A320 series aircraft. The airline points out that, whilst fares will be very competitive with those of the so-called budget airlines, passengers will be offered a full scheduled airline service including complimentary drinks and meals. http://www.ba.com

Feb 20, 2005

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines is launching two initiatives designed to decrease the amount of time its passengers stand in line. Effective immediately, the carrier is expanding its drive-through check-in service at Honolulu International Airport to encompass transpacific passengers during the daily peak check-in time of 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; the center continues to allow drive-through check-in for inter island passengers from 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. And beginning March 1, passengers catching inter island flights will find that they have assigned seats rather than the current first-come, first-served policy that results in people who want the best chance of choosing a seat or sitting together to queue. Travelers will be able to change their seat assignments online within 24 hours of departure, or at the airport. The system will tend to place loyalty-club members and other preferred passengers closer to the front of the aircraft.

Feb 3, 2005

Iceland Express

Iceland Express, the independent carrier that is now exactly two years old, has new owners. Two members of the same consortium that owns the north west England based Big Food Group (which includes freezer shop Iceland) has purchased 89% of the company. The Reykjavik - based airline, which currently flies just two routes, KEF to both Copenhagen and Stansted, operates as a single class budget carrier using Boeing 737 - 300 150 seat aircraft. From 21 May a three times weekly service to Frankfurt will be added. http://www.icelandexpress.com

Feb 20, 2005

Icelandair, Finnair

An increase in international, seasonal air service to Finland is propping up Finnish tourism, according to the Finnish Tourist Board. On May 18, Icelandair will inaugurate new service from San Francisco to Helsinki via Reykjavik. Meanwhile SAS is promoting early summer fare specials to Helsinki starting at $749 roundtrip from Newark and Washington, D.C. If booked by March 31. An upgrade to business class is only $950 roundtrip. Travel must be taken May 30 to Aug. 31 2005 to get those fares. And national carrier Finnair will a new Boston-Stockholm- Helsinki flight on June 13, offering three weekly flights until Sept. 8 2005.

Feb 17, 2005

Jet Airways

Jet Airways, India's largest privately owned scheduled airline, looks likely to be flying into London this summer. Under the revised bi- lateral between India and the UK signed last year Jet has been allocated seven flights weekly with further services allocated to Air India, bmi, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. A third Indian airline could also be involved. However Jet Airways is now in the middle of an IPO and, under Stock Exchange regulations in India, is not allowed to communicate anything to the media until this has been completed! The airline currently serves 42 domestic points and two international (regional) points - Kathmandu and Colombo. It operates more than 260 flights daily. http://www.jetairways.com

Feb 14, 2005

Jet2.com

Jet2.com, a subsidiary of the Dart Group plc, will today introduce a three times daily service linking Manchester to Edinburgh. The new route is the second domestic destination from the airline's northwest base and follows the recent launch of a three-times daily service to Gatwick. Three times daily flights to Amsterdam started last week and the budget carrier plans to be operating to 13 destinations from Manchester by mid- summer. Jet2.com currently serves 14 European destinations from Leeds Bradford International Airport and five from Belfast International Airport. http://www.jet2.com

Feb 14, 2005

JetBlue

JetBlue is five years old. The airline commenced service at New York's Kennedy airport on 11 February with a ceremonial flight to Buffalo, NY, and back before taking its inaugural commercial flight to Fort Lauderdale, FL, later that day. Five years later, JetBlue is the largest airline at JFK and ranked as a "major" airline by the US Department of Transportation, having achieved annual revenues of more than a billion dollars. To mark the occasion, David Neeleman, JetBlue's chairman and CEO, and Dave Barger, president and COO, hosted an event for JetBlue crewmembers and customers to greet the arrival of the airline's 71st Airbus A320. All JetBlue aircraft feature assigned leather seats with IFE. It feels, and is, a quality product. http://www.jetblue.com

Feb 14, 2005

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue leases Boston terminal, expansion starts in May 2005. JetBlue Airways has agreed to lease Terminal C at Boston Logan International Airport, according to Air Transport World. The terminal has 11 gates, and the airline now has two gates elsewhere at the airport. In May it will occupy five gates in Terminal C; beginning in 2006 it will add one gate every six months. The airline already offers 19 flights from the city to destinations including Oakland, Denver and Tampa, but from 3 May will start service to Las Vegas and San Jose. In another move the fast expanding New York based airline is to introduce transcontinental services from Washington Dulles to San Diego backing up flights to Oakland, Long Beach, Sacramento and Fort Lauderdale.

Feb 3, 2005

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue Airways is adding new service to the Caribbean. Starting June 17, the low-fare carrier will add, from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, a sixth daily nonstop flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico and, on July 1, a second daily nonstop to both Aguadilla, on Puerto Rico's northwest coast, and to Nassau in The Bahamas. On March 3, the airline will end service to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic but will continue serving the country with a daily nonstop to Santiago from JFK. The airline's regular one-way fares for all Caribbean service range from $139 to $299. However, JetBlue is offering a "Take 5" sale fare between JFK and the Caribbean which starts from $75 each way. This sale fare requires a 5-day advance purchase, and must be bought at http://www.jetblue.com or by calling 1-800-JETBLUE by February 4, 2005. Travel must be completed by May 25, 2005. Customers should book early as seats are limited and may not be available on all flights.

Feb 1, 2005

KLM Cityhopper

KLM Cityhopper will begin operating scheduled services between Eindhoven and Heathrow on February 7 2005. Until recently, these services were operated by Air Exel who no longer has the contract. The service will be operated with Fokker 50 equipment. KLM Cityhopper has also taken over the Amsterdam - Maastricht service which also was previously operated by Air Exel.

Feb 7, 2005

London City Airport

London City Airport is to have competition to and from Amsterdam. Currently the route is served by KLM with a five times weekdaily operation using F50 turboprops. VLM, who already serve Rotterdam, is to come in with a three times daily service with the same aircraft type, but only Monday to Friday. The new flights begin Monday 4 April and at the same time VLM will step up Rotterdam to ten return service and Luxembourg to four, weekdays. The airline points out that with the simple runway operation (once an aircraft moves it is 'live' on the former dock that constitutes the landing strip) London City continues to set the highest standard of punctually of any airport in the UK (and probably Europe). http://www.lcy.co.uk http://www.flyvlm.com

Feb 20, 2005

Lufthansa

Lufthansa has started what will probably become a deluge of announcements concerning summer schedules. The airline says that it will fly to 177 destinations in 73 countries, from A for Abu Dhabi to Z for Zurich, a total of 12,700 flights a week. New services from the UK include flights to Frankfurt from Dublin and Birmingham. An additional early morning departure from Dublin (with a late evening return) and a new morning fourth frequency from Birmingham - every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday -offer UK passengers even better connections to Lufthansa's worldwide destinations. For summer 2005 that includes three flights a week from Frankfurt to Hyderabad (India) and from Frankfurt to Port Harcourt (Nigeria). UK passengers connecting to flights bound for the Chinese city of Guangzhou (Canton) can fly non-stop from Frankfurt in future, with the new connection reducing the journey time by five hours. There will also be a daily flight from Munich to Washington. http://www.lufthansa.co.uk

Feb 20, 2005

Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport 

On Tuesday, in a Manila courtroom, Judge Henrick Gingoyon issued a writ of possession regarding the new Terminal Three at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Gingoyon ruled in favor of the Philippine government, that it may run the terminal. Tourism industry leaders in the Philippines sent a letter to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, supporting the government's decision to take over the terminal. The new terminal was designed to handle 13 million passengers annually. The government expressed willingness to pay "just compensation" to the airport's builder, Philippine International Air Terminals Co., Inc. in keeping with a recent Supreme Court ruling.

Feb 10, 2005

Nagoya Airport

Airlines operating to Nagoya, Japan, are now using the new one-terminal Central Japan International Airport, called Centrair. Northwest and Continental are the only two U.S. airlines serving Nagoya. The new airport has twice the number of gates as the airport it replaces, Northwest said. Star Alliance members that fly to Nagoya, Japan, have all switched their operations to Centrair and there is a new Star Alliance lounge in the airport. The average minimum connecting time is one hour, compared with more than one hour at Tokyo-Narita, which can be as long as two hours when a switch in terminals is required, according to the alliance. In order to improve connectivity, the member carriers have adjusted their schedules to Nagoya. ANA has added five new domestic destinations from Nagoya-Fukushima, Matsuyama, Tokushima, Tottori and Yonago. Star Alliance carriers serving Nagoya in addition to ANA are Air New Zealand, Asiana, Lufthansa, Singapore and Thai Airways. On April 26, Air Canada will be reinstating its service from Vancouver while United will launch daily flights from San Francisco on March 26 2005.

Feb 17, 2005

Northrop, EADS

Northrop, EADS consider teaming up for bid on tanker contract. Northrop Grumman and EADS, the parent of jetmaker Airbus, are considering teaming up to bid on an Air Force tanker contract. Northrop CEO Ron Sugar said no firm agreement had been reached. EADS is searching for a U.S. partner with which to bid on the contract. The contract was originally awarded to Boeing, but was revoked after it was discovered that the company was unfairly favored during the award process. Boeing has said it will bid again on the contract.Boeing able to change tanker design: Boeing chief executive Harry Stonecipher said the company could change its proposal for the Air Force tanker contract if needed. However, production for the 767, the plane that would be used in the contract, will end soon if the company does not receive new orders.

Feb 16, 2005

Olympic Airlines

Olympic Airlines will only survive if it is privatized, Greece's transport minister has declared. He was speaking after legal opinion slated the carrier on illegal state aid given to the airline. The European Court of Justice said Greece had not done enough to recover $252.8m in illegal aid given to the debt-laden airline. Brussels also discussed the privatization of Olympic Airlines, born out of Olympic Airways, and an investigation into its creation.

Feb 7, 2005

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminal 2E collapse last May was caused by a structural fault according to an independent report. Four people died when the controversial concrete tube design collapsed without virtually any warning just before the early morning rush was to get under way. The terminal is now partially open with an examining magistrate yet to determine whether anyone should be prosecuted. http://www.adp.fr

Feb 20, 2005

Ryanair

Ryanair has placed an order for 70 Boeing 737-800 series aircraft with an option of 70 more. It is the largest aircraft commitment this year to date. Subject to shareholder approval at an EGM this brings the total Ryanair/Boeing order book up to 225 firm aircraft and 193 options. Ryanair currently has a fleet size of 73 -800s and 17 ex-Lufthansa 737- 200s most of which will have gone by the end of the year. With around five crews per aircraft (two pilots and four cabin staff) plus engineering and support staff the extra aircraft will mean a two thousand staff expansion for the Dublin headquartered airline. In the current financial year the airline says it will carry 34m passengers, a figure expected to double by 2112. http://www.ryanair.com

Feb 27, 2005

Ryanair

Ryanair has indicated that it might shortly drop its experimental in- flight entertainment system due to a lack of take up by passengers. Whilst an essential for long haul services the idea of films on board has been proven not to work on typical 90 minute European services, the movie often longer than the flight, and not considered worth the [pounds sterling]5 charge levied to passengers. Ryanair says that the cost of the trial has been met by the equipment supplier and still believes that there is a market for on-board CD's and IPod at some point in the future. http://www.ryanair.com

Feb 20, 2005

Saudi Arabian Airlines 

Saudi Arabian Airlines is urgently reviewing its schedules from the UK to the Kingdom following British Airways decision to pull its services at the end of the winter season. In fact BA will stop both its Jeddah and Riyadh routes and not as reported. Saudi says it is committed to further improvements to its service and is looking to increase its own capacity to redress any shortfall in the market. The airline points out that it has been serving London for over 40 years. Saudi currently provides nine nonstop flights per week from the UK to Jeddah and Riyadh. It is already committed to increasing frequency to 11 from April whilst reintroducing Dammam for the coming summer operation.

Feb 7, 2005

SkyTeam

SkyTeam customers traveling via Mexico City International Airport (MEX) now have a new, more spacious alliance facility, Bay F1, to utilize, including an enhanced flight information display system and an expanded passenger drop-off area. Six SkyTeam members that serve Mexico City's international airport will share the space. Currently, Air France, Aeromexico and Delta Air Lines are operating out of the new facility, with Continental Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Northwest Airlines scheduled to move shortly. The new facility is within a section of the airport recently renovated.

Feb 17, 2005

SN Brussels Airlines 

Brussels is surpassingly not served by air services from Glasgow. All will change from 2 June when SN Brussels Airlines will introduce a series of nine weekly flights between Brussels International Airport and Glasgow Paisley. Two class AVRO RJ aircraft will be used with a flight time of 100 minutes and passengers will receive a full in-flight service. Brussels is served by bmi from Edinburgh and Charleroi from Prestwick. http://www.flysn.co.uk

Feb 14, 2005

Southwest

Southwest will begin offering flights to Pittsburgh on May 4 2005. It will have nonstops to Chicago-Midway (four daily), Las Vegas (one daily), Orlando (one daily), and Philadelphia (one daily). Fares will range from $29 to $99 each way. Direct or connecting service will be available to 37 other destinations. The $29 fare is only available until May 26 2005 with a 14-day advance.

Feb 17, 2005

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines extends its systemwide fare sale offering discount southwest.com only airfares as low as $39 one-way with a 14-day advance purchase. Fares range from $39 to $149 one-way and vary by destination and day of travel. To book these fare specials available only at southwest.com, go to: http://www.southwest.com/jp/hotfares.shtml?src=PR_eng_sale_020305

Feb 3, 2005

Spicejet

Spicejet is the name of a new Indian budget airline that plans to be operational in May and has ordered ten Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The airline is a subsidiary of Royal Airways, an Indian listed company, which formerly traded under the name of Modiluft. Announced at last week's Indian air show at Bangalore this latest order substantiates claims that the sub-continent's domestic market is now growing at a rate of 20% per annum. Since the start of the year there has been a substantial order from both Air Deccan and Kingfisher Airlines for Airbus A320 series aircraft, both part of a low cost airline trend in India. http://www.spicejet.com

Feb 20, 2005

Sun-Air

British Airways Danish franchise partner Sun-Air is to launch the first direct service between Birmingham and Billund in central Denmark (and the home of Lego) from 4 April. Operating the fast Dornier 328 turboprop there will be six weekly flights, all one class, (no service on a Saturday) each timed to take one hour 50 minutes. With a fleet that includes Jetstream 31 and ATP aircraft the airline serves regional Danish airports linking them to some of the major Scandinavian capitals. http://www.sunair.dk

Feb 20, 2005

Swiss International

Swiss International has launched its new business class only service between Zurich and Newark New York operated on its behalf by PrivatAir. The return flights are essentially an evening/overnight operation designed to deliver passengers to the New York area ready for a good night's sleep with a full working day to follow. Eastbound the aircraft departs 2015 arriving back at Zurich 1130 the next day. 56-seat Boeing BBJ aircraft are used for the service with a 60" seat pitch and seats that virtually lie flat. The whole operation is a virtual copy of the Lufthansa flights from Dusseldorf to New York and Chicago, and Munch to New York, also operated by PrivatAir. http://www.swiss.com http://www.privatair.com

Feb 14, 2005

Ted

Ted, United Airlines budget airline (uniTED) operation, is one year old. Since its first flight on 12 February 2004 the airline has carried more than 7m passengers - reaching a load factor for 2004 of greater than 80%. Daily flights have increased as well, beginning with 20 flights per day last February to 208 each day now, initially serving four cities and now flying between 15 - carrying more than 27,000 customers on a daily basis to destinations across the system. Ted operates Airbus A320s configured with 156 seats, including an Economy Plus section of 66 seats with four inches more legroom. On board it offers Tedevision, TedTunes and TedSelect SnackBoxes. http://www.flyted.com

Feb 20, 2005

TransMeridian Airlines

TransMeridian Airlines began serving Orlando from Lehigh Valley Airport in Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton, Pa., with two weekly nonstops. On March 7 2005 it will increase to three flights per week, and in the summertime it will go to six times per week. Fares start at $79 one way and can be booked at www.iflytma.com, or by calling 866-I-FLY-TMA. The airline operates 727s, 757s and MD-80s and has been in business for 10 years, mainly offering flights to tour operators for service to the Caribbean and Mexico. It serves full entrees at no charge, has no Saturday night stay restriction and offers reserved seating.

Feb 11, 2005

United Airlines

United will offer new service between Nagoya, Japan, and Taipei beginning April 29 with 777 aircraft. United said it will be the first Star Alliance member to connect these two cities. At the same time, it is increasing its flights to Hong Kong from Chicago, and putting larger aircraft on the Chicago-Beijing route for the summer. It will be operating a total of 10 weekly flights-up from four-in the Chicago-Hong Kong market on May 6. And it is switching from a 777 to a 747 for flights to Beijing for the summer because of higher demand. It already announced it would be inaugurating nonstops from San Francisco to Nagoya on March 26 2005.

Feb 23, 2005

USA3000 Airlines

USA3000 Airlines seems to be on an ever-developing expansion plan just as its near namesake is still in Chapter 11. Only created as a charter airline in March 2000 and based at the quaintly named Newtown Sq, Pennsylvania, USA3000 operates 14 CFM-56 powered Airbus A320 with 168 seats in a single-class configuration. The airline recently announced new scheduled services from Chicago O'Hare, Detroit, Cleveland, Milwaukee, New York Newark and Saint Louis to various holiday destinations in the Caribbean.

Feb 7, 2005

VIirgin Atlantic

VIirgin Atlantic has confirmed that all of its Gatwick-based aircraft are now fitted with the new Upper Class Suite just over a year after it was launched on the Heathrow fleet. This means that every Upper Class passenger travelling out of Gatwick to Orlando, Las Vegas and the Caribbean destinations will be travelling in the airline's revolutionary Upper Class Suite. Virgin also said that the success of Premium Economy means that the airline has expanded the number of seats in this cabin from 38 to 58 to meet demand from leisure passengers. Passengers also gain a separate check in, priority luggage and pre-flight champagne. The Gatwick 747-400s are configured with 14 Upper Class seats, 58 premium economy seats and 379 seats in economy. At Heathrow Virgin Atlantic has now completed fitting the Upper Class Suite to both the Boeing 747-400 and Airbus A340-600 fleets. This leaves just the nine Airbus A340-300s yet to be fitted. http://www.virgin-atlantic.com

Feb 20, 2005

Zoom Airlines

Zoom Airlines is to add Belfast to its Canadian schedule. The airline will introduce a weekly service to Toronto from June. Two class Boeing 767 2-3-2 aircraft seating will be used, the [pounds sterling]49 each way premium class offering additional legroom, superior in-flight meals and complimentary drinks. Now into its third year of operations Zoom will this summer offer scheduled flights from Cardiff, Gatwick, Glasgow, Manchester plus now Belfast, servicing eight Canadian cities including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg. http://www.flyzoom.com

Feb 20, 2005

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