AirSpace

Delta to Shrink Its Fleet of Small Jets, Significantly Improve Customer Experience with New Pilot Agreement

The Cranky Flier — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:45:13 GMT

This week, Delta accomplished something incredibly rare… it came to a new tentative agreement with its pilots 6 months BEFORE the contract was amendable. How the heck did that happen? Both sides wanted something and there was time pressure for it Read More......(read more)

Cathay Pacific Lets Social Media Stars into Its San Francisco Lounge

The Cranky Flier — Tue, 22 May 2012 10:45:08 GMT

Cathay Pacific has recently embarked on what is at the very least, a truly unique and interesting experiment. Those who have a high level of influence in the world of social media will now be allowed to enter the airline’s lounge without charge Read More......(read more)

A Dark Future for Europe’s Legacy Airlines

The Cranky Flier — Mon, 21 May 2012 10:45:15 GMT

Over the last decade, Europe’s big three airline groups, IAG (owner of British Airways/Iberia), Air France/KLM, and Lufthansa Group, have all been in much better shape than their American counterparts. While US airlines floundered and filed for Read More......(read more)

Developing your FAA PMA Part

aogrepairs — Mon, 21 May 2012 03:34:00 GMT

This post is written for the reader who has no experience with the PMA submission process. I wanted to share the exact steps we took in order to get our first approval. In order to make things flow smoothly with the FAA, it’s suggested that you file your first PMA package with your quality manual simultaneously. So the initial submission is actually a two step process.

First step: Decide on the part you want to PMA

For our first aircraft parts we chose to PMA small ball bearings installed in a King Air ventilation blowers. We applied for several bearings within the same PMA package because they were all similar installations within the King Air ECS (Environmental Control System) vent and air conditioning blowers. Since we do not actually manufacture bearings at our facility, we procured suitable bearings that were of the same form, fit, and function when compared to the OEM bearings. Purchasing “off the shelf” type items and performing acceptance tests is much easier than designing a part from scratch. As time goes on and the process becomes clearer, move on to more complex items. However, on your first approval application, the simpler the project the better. High usage expendable items like bearings are good items to PMA. Bearings are rarely reused so they sell well.
The Quality Manual. This used to be called a FIS (Fabrication Inspection System), but after changes to the FAA regulations, your manual is now called a Quality Manual. The Quality Manual has many areas that need to be addressed. To save time, you can purchase a “template” type manual and edit it to match your needs. We chose to use a template because it saves a lot of time, and most of the FAA inspectors have seen them and are familiar with them.

In my next post I will go into detail of the actual PMA packages and the format they need to follow.

Thanks

Erik

Cranky on the Web (May 14 – 18)

The Cranky Flier — Sat, 19 May 2012 10:45:39 GMT

In the Trenches: Benefits – Intuit Small Business Blog The menu of benefits to be provided to employees is surprisingly large. They aren’t all paid, but it’s still a bit of a minefield. Read More......(read more)

EUROPEAN AIRLINE SCENE - WEEK ENDING 19-05-12

John Dyer — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:14:00 GMT

The information in this blog comes from a variety of sources, though particular credit must be given to the following sites, which are very highly recommended.
Chris Witt/Skyliner
http://www.skyliner-aviation.de/
Jethro/UK & Ireland Airline Fleet Listings
http://www.jethros.org.uk/
Puget Sound - Boeing test Flights
http://boeing-test-flights.blogspot.com/

ABX Air B762F N709AX (22572 ex N609TW) left Tel Aviv on delivery to Cincinnati on 14/5 following freighter conversion & is due to go to Atlas Air as N653GT.
Air Berlin B738 D-ABAR (28072) was ferried from Munich to Dublin on 11/5 for painting for Sun Express.
Airbus single-aisle deliveries to other customers
B-6877 A320 (5144) to China Eastern 11/5
B-6878 A320 (4938) to China Eastern 11/5 (Chinese built)
B-6903 A320 (5117) to Tianjin A/L 14/5
N804JB A320 (5142) to JetBlue 17/5
PK-AXW A320 (5137) to Indonesia Air Asia 17/5
Air China B773 B-2031 (38670) made its first flight on 14/5.
Air Dolomiti AT72 I-ADCD (664) veered off the runway onto the grass while making an emergency landing at Munich on 17/5 & the nosewheel collapsed. The aircraft had departed for Venice, but returned after the crew reported smoke in the cockpit. The starboard engine had also been shut down. The aircraft was towed to a hangar after the airport had closed for the night & damage is reported as substantial.
Air France B773 F-GZNN (40376) left Paine Field on 15/5 in Sky Team scheme on delivery to Paris/CDG. A343 F-GLZT (319) was ferried from Paris/CDG to Paris/Orly on 6/5 & will be going to Air Madagascar in June.
Air Madagascar. See under Air France.
Air New Zealand B744 ZK-NBU (25605) left Auckland on 11/5 for storage at Goodyear, AZ.
Air Nigeria has leased A332 SU-GCI (696) from Egyptair. It is in full Air Nigeria scheme & arrived at Gatwick from Lagos on its first revenue service on 17/5 (see Skyliner for photo).
Alitalia A332 EI-EJM (1308) was delivered from Toulouse to Rome/Fiumicino on 14/5.
Alitalia Express E170 EI-DFJ (17000011) was ferried from Exeter to Norwich on 16/5 for painting for Regional A/L & is due back at Exeter on 28/5 for further preparation prior to delivery.
AnadoluJet B737 TC-JKH (34757) was reregistered TC-SAE for Sun Express on 15/5, but will continue to operate for AnadoluJet & in their scheme. Also see under Ryanair.
Atlas Air B748F N850GT (37570) made its first flight on 15/5 in "Panalpina on 6 continents" scheme. Also see under ABX Air.
AtlasJet is expected to add A320 TC-ATM (2753 ex VT-DKT, OE-IBE) to its fleet.
ATR deliveries to other customers
PR-ATK (1020) to Azul Linhas Aereas 12/5
Austrian A/L B736 OE-LNL (30137) was ferried from Vienna to St Athan on 15/5 for scrapping.
Avia Nova. See under Onur Air & Yamal.
BA Cityflyer E190 G-LCYR (c/n?) is due to be delivered to Exeter for modifications prior to service entry during the first week in August. This is the last one on order for the carrier.
Bingo A/W. See under Izmir A/L.
BMI Regional E145 G-EMBP (145300) was withdrawn from service on 24/4 & registered to Aircraft Solutions ERJ 145 LLC on 9/5.
Boeing single-aisle deliveries to other customers
B-5643 B738 (38920) to China Southern 11/5
HP-1822CMP B738 (40779) to Copa A/L 16/5
JA73NP B738 (38109) to Skymark A/L 17/5
N8308K B738 (36682) to Southwest 15/5
9M-MLN B738 (39324) to MAS 18/5
Bombardier deliveries to other customers
VT-SUH DH8D (4389) to SpiceJet 11/5
British A/W A319 G-EUPC (1118) has been painted in a special Olympic flame scheme & flew down from LHR to Athens on 16/5 to collect the Olympic flame (see Skyliner for photo).
Brussels A/L withdrew B733s OO-VEG (28568) & OO-VEH (28571) from service last month & both are now stored at Brussels. Also see under Flybe.
Cathay Pacific A333 B-LAO (1317) made its first flight on 16/5 as F-WWKR.
China Southern A332 B-6547 (1309) left Toulouse on 11/5 on delivery to Guangzhou
Cimber Sterling AT72 OY-CIM (468) was ferried from storage at Copenhagen to Billund on 12/5. B737 OY-MRE (28008) was ferried from Copenhagen to Eindhoven on 18/5 for painting & reregistration for JetTime. Also see under Flybe.
CSA A320 OK-LEE (2719) had Iceland Express titles & logo applied at Prague on 11/5 (see Skyliner for photo). OK-LEF (2758) was ferried from Norwich to Prague on 15/5 following painting into Holidays Czech A/L scheme.
Donavia A319 VP-BBT (1805 ex C-GKNW) left Toronto/Pearson on 9/5 arriving at Manchester the following day for painting from basic Mexicana scheme.
EasyJet. After a delay of two days, A320 G-EZUU (5150) was finally delivered on 12/5 from Finkenwerder to Gatwick instead of the originally intended Bristol. G-EZUX (5138) was delivered from Finkenwerder to Gatwick on 15/5. A319 G-EZEC (2129) was cancelled from the register on 15/5 at Southend & has become CC-AFY for Sky A/L. It was ferried from Southend to Manchester for painting on 17/5. G-EZEA (2119) underwent a change of ownership on 15/5 to Alpha Aircraft Management (parked at Southend).
Egyptair. See under Air Nigeria.
El Al. See under Thomson A/W.
Embraer deliveries to other customers
XA-ACK E190 (19000538) to AeroMexico Connect 11/5
Emirates B773 A6-EGQ (41076) left Paine Field on 16/5 on delivery to Dubai.
Eurolot DH8D SP-EQA (4406) arrived at Warsaw as C-GMXB on 17/5 on delivery (see Skyliner for photo).
FedEx B777F N864FD (37735) was delivered from Paine Field to Memphis, TN on 15/5. The carrier is reported to have retired the following aircraft & put them into storage - A312F N402FE (201), A313F N802FD (542) & MD10Fs N311FE (46871), N384FE (46617), N388FE (46622), N563FE (46948) & N68059 (46907). Also see under Non Airline & Thomson A/W.
Flybe is reportedly one of several airlines interested in buying the bankrupt Cimber Sterling. Details at: http://www.lse.co.uk/FinanceNews.asp?ArticleCode=gvi22yf71etro40&ArticleHeadline=Flybe_interested_in_buying_Cimber_report
DH8D G-JEDL (4067) flew its last revenue service on 10/5 & was then ferried from Birmingham to East Midlands for painting all white. It is due at Exeter on 18/5 for the start of its hand-back checks, which are due for completion on 8/6. It is rumoured that DH8D G-JEDW (4093) could be going for water bomber conversion & a further two DH8Ds will be going to Brussels A/L from the start of the winter schedules. E175 G-FBJF (17000341) is currently due to be delivered on 26/5 or 27/5 to Birmingham & G-FBJG (17000351) on 30/6 to Manchester before moving to Glasgow.
GainJet B733 SX-VIP (24680 ex EI-BLZ, PK-GHT, N50881, HZ-CJB, N553MS) was delivered from Bournemouth to Athens on 18/5.
Hamburg A/W A319 D-AHHE (0949 ex N707UW, B-6155, F-WTBA) is due to be delivered from Woensdrecht later this month. Also see under Thomas Cook.
Hawaiian Air A332 N388HA (1310) left Toulouse on delivery on 17/5.
Holidays Czech A/L. See under CSA.
Iceland Express. See under CSA.
I-Fly B752 EI-EWT (29381 ex N754NA) was noted at Miami on 12/5 in full scheme awaiting delivery.
Izmir A/L A320 TC-IZA (2118) is now SP-ABK & was delivered from Southend to Warsaw on 13/5 for Bingo A/W. Also see under THY.
JetTime. See under Cimber Sterling.
Lufthansa A388 D-AIMI (072) was delivered from Finkenwerder to Frankfurt on 16/5. B733 D-ABXR (23875) left Frankfurt on 16/5 bound for Tulsa, OK & an appointment with the scrapman. D-ABES (26432) flew its last revenue service on 15/5 from Dusseldorf to Frankfurt & will be ferried to Tulsa, OK for scrapping. A343 D-AIGA (20) flew its last revenue service on 12/5 & was painted all white/grey on 16/5 prior to storage at Hamburg.
Malev B738 HA-LOC (32797), which wears the temporary registration EI-ETZ, was noted at Shannon on 17/5 in full Yakutia scheme prior to delivery & will become VP-BEP.
MAS A332 9M-MTG (1318) made its first flight on 10/5 as F-WWYI.
Meridiana-Fly A320 I-EEZE (1937) was ferried from storage at Toulouse to Montpellier on 12/5.
Minoan Air F50 SX-BRS (20206 ex PH-KVE) was noted at Maastricht in full scheme on 12/5 awaiting delivery.
Mint A/W, operator of B752s EC-LBC (26276) & EC-LHL (24544) has filed for bankruptcy.
Non Airline
N330AU MD10F (46800 ex N301FE) for Project Orbis left Venice in basic FedEx scheme 12/5 bound for Victorville, CA following conversion to an ophthalmic hospital.
VP-BBZ BBJ2 (39899) for a private owner left Boeing Field on 11/5 on delivery to Georgetown, DE.
Olympic A/L AT42s SX-BIB (182) & SX-BIC (197), currently parked at Exeter, are due to go to Calm Air of Canada.
Onur Air is to add former Avia Nova A320 TC-OBU (0661 ex EI-EEI) to its fleet. It is currently parked at Dublin.
Panalpina. See under Atlas Air.
RAM. Further to last week, the destination for B734 CN-RMG (24808) was San Antonio, TX.
Regional A/L. See under Alitalia Express.
Ryanair B738 EI-DHI (33818) has become TC-SAI for Sun Express & will operate for AnadoluJet in whose scheme it was noted at Norwich on 17/5 awaiting delivery. EI-DHK (33820) was ferried from storage at Prestwick to Norwich on 14/5, presumably for preparation for a new customer.
Spanair. See under Vueling.
Sun Express. See under Air Berlin, AnadoluJet & Ryanair.
S7 A/L A320 VQ-BRG (5134) was delivered from Toulouse to Novosibirsk on 15/5.
Thomas Cook A320 G-OMYA (0716 ex G-BXKB, N716AW, G-BXKB) was cancelled from the register on 14/5 & delivered the same day all white from Manchester to Hamburg as D-AHHD for Hamburg A/W.
Thomson A/W B738 G-CDZL (30465) was cancelled from the register on 12/5 & delivered from Shannon to Tel Aviv the same day as 4X-EKM for El Al. G-CDZM (30466) followed on 16/5 as 4X-EKR. B752 G-BYAU (27220), which has been stored at Gatwick minus titles & logo since arriving from Shannon on 26/4, undertook an air test from/to Gatwick on 16/5 & was due to have the registration N927FD for FedEx applied on 18/5. G-BYAL (25626) arrived at Gatwick from Shannon on 17/5 minus titles & tail logo & will become N966FD.
THY is to add three former Izmir A/L A319s to its fleet - TC-JUA (2404 ex TC-IZM), TC-JUB (2414 ex TC-IZR) & TC-JUD (2452 ex TC-IZH).
Transaero B744 EI-XLJ (27646 ex N922UN) was delivered from Melbourne to St Petersburg on 12/5.
Travel Service B738 OK-TVH (35275) left Toronto/Pearson on 16/5 still as C-GVVH on return to Prague following winter lease to Sunwing A/L. Following on 18/5 were OK-TVJ (29351) as C-FTAH & OK-TVT (39394).
TUI A/L Belgium B738 OO-JAA (29660) arrived back at Brussels on 16/5 following winter lease to CanJet.
VIA A320 LZ-MDR (5158) made its first flight on 15/5 as D-AXAC.
Virgin Atlantic A333 G-VNYC (1315) made its first flight on 9/5 as F-WWKE.
Volotea A/L B712 EI-EWI (55170 ex N906ME) was noted at Madrid on 11/5. EI-EWJ (55172 ex N907ME) left Cecil Field, FL on 11/5 on delivery to Madrid, where it arrived on 14/5.
Vueling. Former Spanair A320 EC-LRM (1349 ex EC-HRP, EI-EUC) was delivered from Dublin to Barcelona on 18/5.
Wind Rose E190 UR-WRG (19000157) arrived at Exeter on 15/5 for handback checks, with UR-WRF (19000169) due to follow at the end of May.
Wizz Air A320 HA-LWP (5139) was delivered from Toulouse to Budapest on 18/5.
Yakutia. See under Malev.
Yamal. The three former Avia Nova A320s parked at Southend are due for Yamal as follows:- VP-BBN (1918 ex EI-ELD), VP-BCN (1993 ex EI-ELN) & VP-BCU (1969 ex EI-ELE).

Topic of the Week: Berlin Airport’s Big Delay

The Cranky Flier — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:45:33 GMT

With less than a month to go before Berlin’s new airport opening, it was revealed that it wasn’t ready to go. The delay is now rumored to stretch into 2013. This is hugely problematic since the new airport was replacing two separate airports Read More......(read more)

Delta Screws Up, Accidentally Shows Different Prices to Some Customers on Its Website

The Cranky Flier — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:45:31 GMT

Everyone makes mistakes, but some mistakes are worse than others. Delta had one fall into the “pretty bad” category recently when it decided to try out some new search functionality on its website. In some cases, those who were logged in ended Read More......(read more)

A Working Trip to Vegas (Trip Report)

The Cranky Flier — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:45:26 GMT

Last week, Allegiant paid for me to come out to Vegas and speak to the attendees at its annual conference for the airports it serves. This is a great event that lets Allegiant talk about its own business to the airports so that it can further beat into Read More......(read more)

The DOT Gets it Right With Washington/National Slot Awards

The Cranky Flier — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:45:02 GMT

There’s nothing I like more than ripping apart the Department of Transportation (DOT) for its poor rule-making abilities, but every so often, the department does something right. We might as well celebrate on the rare occasion when that happens Read More......(read more)

No Honest Customer Will Pay $100 to Carry a Bag on Spirit

The Cranky Flier — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:45:15 GMT

You’ve probably seen at least one of the dozens of stories reporting on how Spirit is going to charge $100 for a carry on bag. Those stories are incredibly misleading at best. If you’re an honest customer, there’s no way you’re Read More......(read more)

Cranky on the Web (May 7 – 11)

The Cranky Flier — Sat, 12 May 2012 10:45:29 GMT

A Preview of EVA Air’s New Flat-Bed Business Class Seats – Conde Nast Traveler Here’s a look at some pics of EVA’s new flat beds in business class. Read More......(read more)

EUROPEAN AIRLINE SCENE - WEEK ENDING 12-05-12

John Dyer — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:17:00 GMT

The information in this blog comes from a variety of sources, though particular credit must be given to the following sites, which are very highly recommended.
Chris Witt/Skyliner
http://www.skyliner-aviation.de/
Jethro/UK & Ireland Airline Fleet Listings
http://www.jethros.org.uk/
Puget Sound - Boeing test Flights
http://boeing-test-flights.blogspot.com/

Afriqiyah A/W has placed an order for three A333s.
Air Arabia A320 A6-ANJ (5143) made its first flight on 2/5 as D-AVVJ & was delivered from Finkenwerder to Sharjah on 10/5.
Air Baltic B752 YL-BDC (26253) left Riga on 3/5 in full TonleSap A/L scheme on delivery to Cambodia.
Air Berlin A320 D-ABDX (3995) was ferried from Ostrava to Munich on 11/5 after painting into Vueling scheme. D-ABDB (2619) has become SP-IAH & was delivered from Ostrava to Warsaw on 11/5 in OLT Express scheme. B738 D-ABME (37766) made its first flight on 10/5.
Airbus single-aisle deliveries to other customers
B-6876 A320 (5135) to China Eastern 8/5
B-6893 A320 (5136) to China Eastern 9/5
N519AV A319 (5119) to Avianca 8/5
RP-C8618 A320 (5140) to Philippine A/L 10/5
Air New Zealand B744 ZK-NBT (24855) left Auckland on 8/5 for storage at Goodyear, AZ.
Air Nostrum AT72 EC-LRH (999) was delivered from Toulouse to Valencia on 9/5 & wears a 1000th sticker.
Air Seychelles B763 S7-FCS (28884) left Abu Dhabi on 2/5 bound for Miami, FL on return to ILFC, who will then lease it to Ethiopian A/L in June.
All Nippon B772 JA724A (40901) made its first flight on 7/5.
AnadoluJet B737s TC-JKS (32419) & TC-JKT (32420) were reregistered TC-SAF & TC-SAG respectively on 3/5 for Sun Express, but will continue to operate for AnadoluJet in their scheme.
AtlasJet A332 TC-ETK (358) was ferried from storage at Abu Dhabi to Istanbul/Ataturk on 8/5.
Belle Air A319 F-ORAH (2277 ex M-ABEK) was noted in full scheme at Shannon on 4/5 awaiting delivery.
Blue Islands JS31 G-EIGG (773 ex C-FAMK, OY-SVO, SP-LGH) arrived at Jersey on 8/5 for service with Blue Islands. Fk50 PH-KXX (20262) left Jersey on 11/5 on return to Denim Air following the return to service of AT42 G-ISLF (546).
BMI A332 G-WWBM (398) will be ferried to Malta for maintenance on 19/5 & returned to the lessor in October. A Meridiana-Fly A332 will be leased from 19/5 to 29/7.
BMIBaby is currently expected to cease operations on 10/9 unless a buyer can be found in the meantime.
BMI Regional. Subject to CAA approval, the carrier is to be sold to Sector Aviation, a Scottish consortium, previously known as Granite Aviation.
Boeing single-aisle deliveries to other customers
B-5648 B738 (38639) to Shandong A/L 9/5
B-5670 B738 (39129) to Shenzhen A/L 9/5
N891NN B738 (33315) to American A/L 8/5
N8307K B738 (36987) to Southwest 7/5
N68452 B739 (40005) to United A/L 10/5
PK-GMW B738 (38069) to Garuda 7/5
VT-SGZ B738 (39423) to SpiceJet 10/5
Bombardier deliveries to other customers
N448QX DH8D (4409) to Alaska Horizon 5/5
British A/W B734 G-DOCU (25854) was struck by a baggage truck on the ground at Genoa on 30/4, resulting in a four-foot gash in front of the forward cargo door (through which it seems you can see into the cabin). A temporary hangar has been erected over it while BA & Boeing engineers inspect it to determine whether it is repairable.
Brussels A/L. Three stored B462s appeared on the UK register on 8/5:
G-CHDT (E2292 ex OO-DJS) for Trident Aviation Leasing, stored at Southend
G-CHFE (E2294 ex OO-DJT) for Trident Turboprop, stored at Kemble
G-CHFR (E2290 ex OO-DJR) for Trident Aviation Leasing, stored at Southend (not previously mentioned by me, this arrived at Southend from Brussels on 20/3)
Cargolux B748F LX-VCE (35810) made its first flight on 5/5.
Cathay Pacific B773 B-KQB (39235) was delivered from Paine Field to Hong Kong on 7/5.
Cimber Sterling. The part of the business that was making money was that relating to the CRJ2s flying for SAS. As a result, OY-RJA/B/G/H/I have been returned to service on SAS flights.
City A/L E145 SE-RAC (145098) has become PP-JIP & is to enter service this month with Irmaos Passaura SA as a company staff shuttle.
CSA. See under Holidays Czech A/L.
Cubana. See under Euro Atlantic A/W.
Denim Air. See under Blue Islands.
EasyJet A320 G-EZUX (5138) made its first flight on 4/5 as D-AVVH. G-EZUY (5146) was delivered from Finkenwerder to Gatwick on 8/5. G-EZUU (5150) was delivered from Finkenwerder to Bristol on 11/5. A319 G-EZIG (2460) was noted all white outside at Southend on 10/5 as SP-IBC & was due to leave there on 11/5 for painting into OLT Express scheme. The following information regarding future deliveries was announced at a half-year presentation earlier this week "The 32 future easyJet deliveries and 2 ex-GB Airways deliveries are anticipated to be delivered over the next three financial years; 16 in 2012, 10 in 2013, 6 in 2014 and 2 in 2015 (both GB Airways)".
Egyptair A321 SU-GBU (0687) suffered a tail strike on take-off from Aleppo for Cairo on 6/5. The aircraft returned safely to Aleppo, but has reportedly received substantial damage.
Embraer deliveries to other customers
B-3138 E190 (19000539) to China Southern 9/5
Emirates B773 A6-EGP (35599) left Paine Field on 8/5 on delivery to Dubai. A388 A6-EEB (109) made its first flight on 11/5 & was ferried from Toulouse to Finkenwerder the same day.
Ethiopian A/L. See under Air Seychelles.
Euro Atlantic A/W B763 CS-TFS (25411) was ferried from Havana to Lisbon on 6/5 following winter lease to Cubana.
Eurowings CRJ2 D-ACRG (7630) has become VP-BBE & was delivered from Dusseldorf to Tyumen for Yamal on 7/5. D-ACRJ (7864) was noted at Dusseldorf as C-GMZN on 5/5 & left there on 11/5 en route to Canada on delivery to Bombardier.
EVA Air has ordered a further three B773s & taken purchase rights for another four.
Evergreen International. See under World A/W.
Holidays Czech A/L will shortly add two former CSA A320s to its fleet. OK-LEE (2719) was flown from Prague to Bournemouth for painting into HCA scheme on 27/4 & returned to Prague on 6/5. OK-LEF (2758) was ferried from Prague to Norwich on 7/5 for painting.
Jet2. The carrier's next B752 will be G-LSAN (26635) & it arrived at Southend on 6/5 as HC-CIY still in full Aerogal scheme.
Jet4you B734 CN-RPC (24125) has become EI-ETT for Mistral Air & was delivered all white from Brussels to Naples on 9/5.
Kelowna Flightcraft. See under World A/W.
Malev B737 HA-LOL (29352) was delivered from Shannon to Moscow/Domodedovo for Transaero as EI-EUX on 5/5. B737 HA-LOB (29346), temporarily EI-EUV, was noted as Shannon on 8/5 as OK-SWT in full Smart Wings scheme.
MEA. The carrier's next two A320s made their first flights on 9/5. Their in-service registrations are not yet known, but they wore the test registrations D-AXAD (5162) & F-WWBZ (5152).
Meridiana-Fly. See under BMI.
Mistral Air. See under Jet4you.
Niki A320 OE-LEJ (5115) has become SP-IAI & was ferried from Ostrava to Warsaw on 7/5 after painting into OLT Express scheme. OE-LEO (2668) was ferried from Vienna to Ostrava on 9/5 for painting for OLT Express. A321 OE-LET (3830) suffered a bizarre accident at Vienna on 6/5 after landing on a flight from Malaga. The aircraft had docked when the jetway suddenly lifted, became entangled with the front passenger door & lifted the aircraft about 8 inches before the door separated from the aircraft which then fell back onto the apron. Damage is described as substantial.
Non-Airline
C-FETB B720 (18024) of Pratt & Whitney Canada was ferried from St Hubert to Trenton on 9/5 for preservation. This was the last airworthy B720.
(RA-)97004 SU95 (95005) crashed on Mount Salak, Indonesia on 9/5 while on a demo flight from Halim. Tragically, all 44 on board perished.
Norwegian Air Shuttle B738 LN-DYZ (39013) made its first flight on 4/5. B733 LN-KKS (24094) left Lasham all white on 6/5 heading for Stuttgart MAP, AR & a new operator.
OLT Express. See under Air Berlin, easyJet & Niki.
Orenair. See under TUIfly Nordic
RAM B734 CN-RMG (24808) left Casablanca on 11/5 heading for Keflavik en route to a new operator.
Ryanair B738 EI-DHM (33821), temporarily registered N338CR on 2/5 & then cancelled on 7/5, left Dublin on 9/5 as HS-DBD on delivery to Nok Air still in basic Ryanair scheme.
Singapore A/L B773 9V-SYB (28516) is now EI-UNP & left Singapore on 4/5 on delivery to Transaero at Moscow/Domodedovo.
Sky Bosnia A320 E7-SKB (0325) was delivered from Bishkek to Tuzla still as EX-32003 on 7/5.
Smart Wings. See under Malev.
Sun Express. See under AnadoluJet.
S7 A/L A320 VQ-BPN (5167) made its first flight on 10/5 as F-WWBV.
Thomson A/W B738 G-TAWJ (38108) arrived at Manchester on delivery on 9/5. G-THOO (29335) flew its last revenue service on 29/4 from Heraklion to Manchester & was ferried to Shannon the same day on return to the lessor.
THY A321 TC-JSA (5154) made its first flight on 7/5. B739 TC-JYE (40979) made its first flight on 8/5 as N981TK. A333 TC-JNR (1311) was delivered from Toulouse to Istanbul/Ataturk on 9/5. B738 TC-JHM (40980) made its first flight on 9/5.
Transaero. See under Malev & Singapore A/L.
Travel Service B738 OK-TVK (32740) left Quebec City for Prague on 10/5 still as C-FGVK following winter lease to Sunwing A/L. OK-TVV (38027) left Boeing Field on 10/5 on delivery to Prague.
TUI A/L Belgium B738 OO-JAQ (35148) left Montreal/Mirabel on 4/5 on return to Brussels following winter lease to CanJet, with OO-JBG (35142) following the next day.
TUIfly B738 D-ATUK (39094) left Montreal on 7/5 still as C-GRWZ heading for Hannover following winter lease to CanJet.
TUIfly Nordic B738 SE-DZK (28231) was ferried from Norwich to Hannover on 9/5 after painting for Orenair.
VIA A320 LZ-MDR (5158) made its first flight on 10/5 as D-AXAC.
Vietnam A/L is to lease eight B789s from Air Lease Corp, taking their total order for this type to 27.
Vueling. See under Air Berlin.
World A/W DC10F N303WL (46917) was registered to Kelowna Flightcraft as C-GKFT on 4/5. B744F N741WA (25702), currently parked at Marana, AZ, is due to be acquired by Evergreen International as N493EV.
Yamal A320 EI-ELN (1993) was ferried from Woensdrecht to Southend on 10/5 following painting & prior to delivery. Also see under Eurowings.

Topic of the Week: Are You Still Unhappy with United?

The Cranky Flier — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:45:06 GMT

By most accounts, United is starting to get a handle on its phone hold times … two months after the system switch. But clearly some people aren’t happy as evidenced by this hi-larious sign that my friend saw this past weekend at a United gate Read More......(read more)

EPERVIER 2012 - the final Video

Grimmi — Fri, 11 May 2012 09:44:00 GMT

This video ist a work of different persons - filming/editing and have fun together during those two weeks of the exercise and latenightwork in processing the data

I hope you can enjoy the result - and the Film is the best enjoyed during reading of the article in Magazine Cockpit 06/2012

http://www.cockpit.aero

(Please visit the site to view this media)

"WANGANUI SPITFIRE". A 430 bhp all-metal replica in New Zealand.

dakota67 — Fri, 11 May 2012 02:47:00 GMT

This is my review of ZK-SPT. Owned by Richmond Harding; a retired ag. aviation operator.

About the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

flyvertosset — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:49:00 GMT

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is a living museum featuring the aircraft used by Canadians or Canada's Military from the beginning of World War II up to the present. The Museum's collection includes aircraft that really fly and several that remain on static display and are interactive workshops.

The museum strives to allow the visitor to experience and interact with our displays. One could climb into the cockpit of a real WWII trainer or a real jet fighter, our Avro CF-100. There are interactive flight combat simulators which will surely test the flight skills of any aspiring aviator. The Museum also offers the visitor an educational experience that will take them back through Canadian history. The Museum has interactive video displays, movies, photographs and memorabilia from Canadian History.

A collection of over fourty aircraft has grown through the friendship of Dennis J. Bradley and Alan Ness. Their love of aviation and their desire to maintain and preserve Canada's aviation history saw restoration projects that were not only great pieces of workmanship but airworthy examples.

Bradley and Ness approached friends Peter Matthews and John Weir to become partners with them to acquire the first aircraft, a Fairey Firefly. This aircraft was to become the masthead of the museum's advertising and stationery and continues to this day to be incorporated into logos, crests and memorabilia. A tribute to the four flying founders is located in the museum's main entrance.

In 1972, the group moved into part of a hangar at Hamilton Airport and started to seriously seek out other restoration projects or flying aircraft. A Harvard Mark IV was to be the next acquisition, followed over the years by Supermarine Spitfire, Corsair, Chipmunk and Tiger Moth.

Hangar 4, followed years later by Hangar #3 for restoration, was purchased and the aircraft collection and the volunteers finally had a home. The group applied for foundation status, to be governed by its own volunteers, operating as the Canadian Warplane Heritage. Meanwhile, sufficient interest was being shown by those watching the aircraft being restored. More enthusiasts wanted to become part of the growing activities and the membership program began.

1975 saw the collection move into another area in Hangar 4 and the acquisition and restoration began on the B-25 Mitchell. The story of the arrival of this aircraft suggests a strafing of the airfield and the bombing of the runway with watermelons. In the same year, the Westland Lysander and Cessna Crane joined the collection.

The CWHM is a non-profit organization whose mandate is to aquire, document, preserve and maintain a complete collection of aircraft that were flown by Canadians and the Canadian military services from the beginning of World War II to the present. Our role is to preserve the artifacts, books, periodicals and manuals relating to this mandate.

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Watch a Slideshow from CHW (Windows Media Player)

All Photos: A.Koolsbergen CWHM.

American Upgrades Business Class, Downgrades Coach on Widebody Fleet

The Cranky Flier — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:45:52 GMT

Last Friday I received an invitation from American to an event that would show off the “company’s aircraft modernization plans while onboard an American wide-body jet.” Sounded good, but that event was yesterday and with less than a Read More......(read more)

One-Way Codeshares and Why JetBlue Likes Them

The Cranky Flier — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:45:50 GMT

Yesterday I wrote about the possibilities for JetBlue to bring partners into Terminal 5 at JFK, but there was one other nugget in the earnings call that caught my eye. This one comes from Robin Hayes, JetBlue’s EVP and Chief Commercial Officer. Read More......(read more)

Will JetBlue Be Welcoming Its International Partners Under Its Roof at JFK?

The Cranky Flier — Mon, 07 May 2012 10:45:07 GMT

It’s earnings season, and that means it’s time for a slew of long analyst calls to talk about the events of the last quarter. I don’t listen to them myself, because I’d never get any work done if I did. Instead, I just read PlaneBusiness Read More......(read more)

Aeroflot starts Bologna-Moscow on Sept 1 2012

FlyBolognAirport — Sun, 06 May 2012 13:38:00 GMT

The traffic rights recently released between Italy and CIS allows to fly daily on Bologna-Moscow for Aeroflot and operations will commence as from Sept 1 2012 with A320s aircraft.

Delta Air Lines quits New York Rome in W12/13

FlyBolognAirport — Sun, 06 May 2012 13:35:00 GMT

No flights are planned to be operated from Rome FCO to New York JFK along the winter timetable 2012/13. Delta will continue to sell tickets on code share flights operated by Alitalia.

Meridiana fly lease an A330s to BMI

FlyBolognAirport — Sun, 06 May 2012 10:43:00 GMT

BMI will use a Meridiana fly A330/200s in twin class lay out as from May 19 to Jul 29 2012. This plane is used three times a week from London LHR to Riyadh-Damman on mondays, wednesdays, saturdays. London Heathrow-Riyadh-Jeddah on tuesdays, thursdays, sunjdays. These flights operates in overnight.

Aeroflot increase Milan MXP-Moscow

FlyBolognAirport — Sun, 06 May 2012 10:41:00 GMT

The winter schedule 2012/13 will see an additional daily flight from Milan Mxp to Moscow SVO. The daily rotations are increased from two to three.

Kontikisky.com opens Bologna-Constanta

FlyBolognAirport — Sun, 06 May 2012 10:31:00 GMT

Its now on sale on web site www.kontikisky.com the new route operated thrice weekly Bologna-Constanta as from June 18 2012 with operations based on three times a week on mondays, wednesdays, fridays.

Schedule is:

Bologna-Costanta 15:45-18.45 ALR904

Costanta-Bologna 14:00-15:00 ALR903

Flight rates are from 75€ one way

Last flight is schedeuled on Sept 28 2012