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A spokesman for Spring Airlines (Shanghai) says that the carrier is planning to order thirty (30) Airbus A320s as part of its plan to expand its fleet to 100 aircraft by 2015. The company is awaiting regulatory approval to place the order.

Finnair (Vantaa), one of the oldest operating airlines in the world, is celebrating 85 years of operations by painting one of its Airbus A319s in the livery of a Convair aircraft which Finnair flew under its original name Aero in the 1950s. The retro aircraft will begin flights at the end of July and the aircraft’s crew is also dressed in the spirit of the times in 1950s uniforms.

“With this special aircraft we want to pay respect to Finnair’s long experience in flying. Even though our sights are set on the future as we build Finnair into the airline of choice in air travel in the Northern Hemisphere, it is also a good idea to look back and remember our distinguished history,” says Finnair SVP Commercial Division Mika Perho.

The surface of the aircraft will be shining metal colour, its sides will have blue stripes and the text Finnish Airlines. The retro theme is also visible inside the aircraft both in the in-flight service and entertainment. The A319 will retain its retro livery for several years to come as an unscheduled painting of the aircraft would unnecessarily burden the environment.

The retro aircraft will operate normal scheduled domestic and European routes, but it will also fly some special flights. For instance, Finnair’s Helsinki-Amsterdam route celebrates 60 years of service this year.

(Story and Photo Copyright Finnair Media Services)

Euromanx (Isle of Man) announced earlier this morning that it would be ceasing operations effective immediately. The airline, which launched five years ago, said in a statement, “Our employees have worked hard to develop and grow the business, but over the last six months a number of factors including rising fuel prices and reduced passenger numbers have proved to be insurmountable obstacles to the airline being able to continue to operate.”

Photo: EuroManx operated a small fleet of aircraft on cheap flights to Liverpool, Belfast, Manchester, and London City. (Photo Copyright Kevin Murphy - 360° Spotter)

easyJet (London) is looking to Airbus to convert some of its existing firm orders for the A319 into orders for the larger A320. The carrier is making the changes to drive down its aircraft ownership costs and counter spiralling fuel prices. The airline has 115 A319s on firm order and options on a further 88. The 88 options, which are valid until 2015, may be taken as any A320 family aircraft.

Qatar Airways (Doha) is moving to seek compensation from Boeing over delays in the delivery of their new 787 Dreamliner. In addition, the carrier will exercise the purchase options that they hold on additional 777 aircraft to take them through the delay. A spokesman for the airline estimated that they would need around five of the 777 aircraft to compensate for the reported delay.

(Image courtesy of Boeing Media Services)

Federal Officials are looking into an incident involving an American Airlines (Fort Worth) Boeing 767 that lost a panel from its belly section after taking off from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on its way to Paris. While flying over the Atlantic Ocean on April 20, the pilots heard a loud noise they thought was “cargo shifting". All of the people aboard the aircraft felt and heard noises as well. A flight attendant described it as “a loud shaking noise from the belly of the plane”. The noise was followed shortly by another one that “sounded like an explosion”. The jet continued its flight as if nothing had happened, but after the landing in Paris, the crew found out that a panel about two (2) feet by three (3) feet that was covering one of two air conditioners was missing. Upon the discovery, federal regulators initiated the investigation. American Airlines declined to comment on the matter. The airline’s flight department said the captain “did exactly what we want our captains to do. There was no way this crew could have known this panel had departed. If they had known, they obviously would have returned,” said Jim Kaiser, American’s manager of flight operations quality control, and Chuck Harman, the airline’s fleet captain for Boeing 757 and 767 planes.

Bahrain Air (Manama) is set to purchase six (6) new aircraft at a cost of $270 million USD as part of its plans to expand. The airline has registered a steady growth since its inaugural flight took off from Bahrain International Airport on February 3, this year to Dubai. “Bahrain Air is now negotiating with two aircraft manufacturers to purchase six new aircraft to be added to its existing fleet of modern aircraft,” said Mr. Al Hamer, Managing Director for the airline.

Qatar Airways (Doha) announced on Wednesday that it is considering buying more of the Airbus A380. Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker did not indicate exactly how many new A380s the airline would order saying only, “We are doing capacity studies at the moment. Once we are ready. We will decide on additional orders for the A380.” The carrier currently has five (5) of the aircraft on order.

The new domestic Brazilian airline being planned by JetBlue Airways founder David Neeleman has announced its name, and it is somewhat familiar. Azul, which is Portuguese for blue, was selected during a contest to name the new carrier. Mr. Neeleman and his team selected ten names (from a list of over 157,000 possibilities) submitted for a final vote, which narrowed the lead entries to two names, Azul and Samba. Samba actually received more votes but the company preferred Azul. The first people who entered Azul and Samba in the contest each will receive two lifetime passes for free travel on the airline. The carrier, which has attracted $150 million in startup capital, plans to take wing in January from its Sao Paulo base with Brazilian-built Embraer 195 jetliners outfitted with 118 leather seats and LiveTV.

The Boeing Company last week delivered Europe’s first two Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplanes to GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) and its leasing customer, Spanish carrier Futura International Airways, based in Palma de Mallorca.

“We are very satisfied to take delivery of the first Next-Generation 737-900ER for Europe through our lessor GECAS,” said Román Pané, CEO of Futura. “Our experience in operating the 737 will be expanded with this new aircraft model, allowing us the longest range possible for our international fleet.”

Boeing launched the 737-900ER program in July 2005. The 737-900ER, the newest member of the Next-Generation 737 airplane family, increases the capability of the 737 by carrying more passengers and flying farther. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified the 737-900ER April 22.

“Futura International Airways has established itself as a leader in the European aviation community by becoming the first carrier to operate the new 737-900ER,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Futura will be the first carrier in Europe to use the 737-900ER’s new range capabilities to take its passengers to new destinations. We are honored that Futura’s customers will experience the latest innovations the 737-900ER has to offer.”

The twin-engine jet incorporates a new pair of exit doors and a flat rear-pressure bulkhead that allow a maximum capacity of 220 passengers in a single-class layout. Aerodynamic and structural design changes, including strengthened wings, a two-position tailskid, enhancements to the leading and trailing-edge flap systems, optional Blended Winglets and auxiliary fuel tanks, will allow the 737-900ER to accommodate higher takeoff weights and increase its range to 3,200 nautical miles (5,900 km). The 737-900ER has substantial economic advantages over heavier competing models including 6 percent lower operating costs per trip and 4 percent lower operating costs per seat mile.

The 737-900ER joins the 737-600, -700, -700ER and -800 airplanes and will share the same industry-leading reliability of the other Next-Generation 737 series models.

As of March 31, nine customers have placed orders for 229 Next-Generation 737-900ERs, and more than 7,900 orders have been placed for 737s. Boeing has more than 2,100 unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737.

Futura International Airways was created by Aer Lingus in 1989. It operates a fleet of 32 Boeing airplanes and transports more than 3 million passengers a year. Its long-haul services include Canada, Indonesia, Chile, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Egypt and Gambia.

(Story and Photo Copyright Boeing Media Services)

OzJet (Melbourne) has confirmed that it has been sold off to a Sydney-based cargo company in a new multi-million dollar deal. The deal, which was announced earlier this week, sees HeavyLift Cargo Airlines acquire OzJet’s entire fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft. Nick Leach, HeavyLift Cargo Airlines Chairman, and newly appointed OzJet Chairman, said, “I am delighted with the acquisition of OzJet and look forward to the synergies that can be achieved with our existing fleet of Boeing 727 Cargo aircraft.” Current plans are for OzJet to maintain its progress into a successful schedule and specialist charter airline.

Photo: An Ozjet 737 departs from Barcelona. (Photo Copyright Sebastian Fernandez - Iberian Spotters)

Boeing (Chicago) and the Government of Iraq today announced an order for 30 Boeing 737-800 commercial airplanes, the first step in re-establishing that country’s scheduled commercial aviation operations. Iraq has also contracted options for 10 additional 737s.

Valued at $2.2 billion at current list prices, the order was previously accounted for on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries Web site attributed to an unidentified customer.

In addition, Iraq and Boeing are finalizing an agreement for 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which will allow an Iraqi national airline to provide longer-range commercial service. The 787s will be added to Boeing’s order book when the contract is completed.

“Today marks a new beginning for Iraq,” Minister of Finance Bager M. Jabor Al Zubaidy said during a signing ceremony that was also attended by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Carson. “We are very comfortable with our selection of Boeing airplanes as the basis of our fleet renewal and pleased to count Boeing as a trusted partner in supporting our reconstructive efforts.”

In recent months Boeing and Iraqi officials have discussed how Boeing can assist with the reconstruction of Iraq’s aviation infrastructure and preparation for delivery and operation of new airplanes. Boeing will offer advice and expertise in areas such as the planning and development of airport infrastructure throughout Iraq; helping train aviation sector personnel; aiding in the selection and acquisition of airline support equipment; and arranging for cost-effective maintenance and service solutions for used aircraft obtained prior to new airplane deliveries.

“Today is truly a milestone event for Boeing and for Iraq,” Carson said. “The operational characteristics of the Boeing Next-Generation 737 and 787 Dreamliner are unbeatable and, as we work together in support of Iraq’s plan to build a national carrier, we envision the day when a modern and efficient fleet of airplanes will directly support Iraq’s economic development and growth.”

Korean Air (Seoul) is on target to begin scheduled operations of its new low-cost subsidiary Air Korea by July. “Korean Air can’t serve the low-cost demand alone,” said Vice President of International Affairs and Alliances Bang Sun. First flights with a single aircraft will operate between Seoul Gimpo and Jeju. The LCC’s fleet eventually will comprise of up to five (5) aircraft, a mix of A300-600s and 737-800s. Air Korea will fly only domestically.

An Allegiant Air (Las Vegas) flight from Las Vegas overran the runway while landing at the Loveland-Fort Collins Municipal Airport on Sunday afternoon. Flight 464 touched down around 1:45pm local time and ran about ten (10) feet past the end of the runway. “They landed a little bit long and overshot the runway,” said Tye Drage, public information officer for Loveland Fire and Rescue. None of the 156 passengers and crew aboard were injured in the incident. Airline officials reportedly were able to restart the aircraft’s engines and get it back on the runway after the passengers were removed from the aircraft.

Photo: An Allegiant Air MD-83 departs from the Loveland-Fort Collins Airport. (Photo Copyright Eric Patrick)

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $215,500 USD in fines against United Airlines (Chicago) at O’Hare International Airport after alleging multiple serious and repeat violations of U.S. federal workplace safety standards. The agency selected the airline for inspection after reviewing occupational injury and illness data, which included ramp services, customer service areas, air freight, aircraft and ground equipment maintenance, building/facility maintenance, business operations, strategic procurement, medical facilities, and flight attendant operations. As a result of its inspection, OSHA issued forty-three (43) serious violations and four (4) repeat violations.

“Falls, electrical hazards and machine guarding issues, as well as energy lockout/tagout procedures, which are intended to prevent accidental start-up of machinery during maintenance, are problems that should not exist at any worksite,” said Diane Turek, director of OSHA’s Chicago North Area Office in Des Plaines, Ill. “They are problems that can be avoided if an employer is dedicated to protecting employees. Employers must remain dedicated to keeping the workplace safe and healthful, or face close scrutiny by this agency.”

The Indonesian government has urged airlines to either merge or form an alliance as it plans to issue a new regulation that requires each carrier to operate at least five airplanes. Of the five planes, the airline must fully own at least three; it may lease the two others. While this will not impact larger carriers like Garuda (Jakarta), it will impact some of the country’s smaller carriers. Previously, local airlines can obtain the government license with just three airplanes. Even so, Transportation Minister Jusman Syafii Djamal urged carriers which operate less than ten (10) aircraft in their fleets to merge in order to strengthen capital base and make the business more feasible amid the surging global oil prices.

Boeing and Air France (Paris) reached a historic milestone last week with the delivery of Air France’s 50th 777. The Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) is the carrier’s 25th of that model type and joins a fleet of another 25 777-200ERs that together comprise the core of the airline’s long-haul fleet.

“This is truly a great day for Air France and Boeing,” Pierre Vellay, senior vice president of New Aircraft and Corporate Fleet Planning for Air France. “The 777 is the mainstay of our long-haul fleet and elemental to our success and future growth plans. We look forward to further integration of this exceptional airplane later this year, when Air France takes delivery of the world’s first 777 Freighter.”

Air France is the launch customer for Boeing’s newest addition to its freighter family, the 777 Freighter – the first of which is scheduled to enter flight test in late May. With more than 50 percent of its twin-aisle fleet composed of Boeing 777s, Air France has drawn upon the 777’s renowned efficiency and reliability to help it achieve strong economic performance. With the delivery of its first 777 Freighter this year and through the operation of a single 777 platform, Air France will achieve significant synergies between its cargo and passenger business.

“Air France’s robust utilization of the 777 speaks volumes about the airplane’s performance and capabilities,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales, Europe, Russia & Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We congratulate Air France on its 50th 777 delivery and it’s rewarding to see yet another 777-300ER join the airline’s fleet.”

Air France’s new 777-300ER, the world’s largest long-range twin-engine jetliner, will be based at Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris.

(Story and Photo Copyright Boeing Media Services)

Boston-Maine Airways (Portsmouth) has officially ceased operations after its operating certificate was stripped by regulators this week. The carrier had been given a warning in February that its certification would be pulled due to lack of adequate finances, managerial competence, and regard for the law. In an immediately effective order formally revoking Boston-Maine’s certificate, the DOT said, “Because Boston-Maine has failed to demonstrate its financial fitness to operate, the department maintains that the air carrier is not financially fit to continue to conduct any air transportation regardless of aircraft size. The department concludes that Boston-Maine is not fit to conduct operations as a US certificated air carrier and denies the carrier’s request to maintain its certificate authority to operate small aircraft to facilitate the sale of the company to Maine Aviation.”

Photo: Boston-Maine Airways operated scheduled commuter services under the Pan Am Clipper Connection banner. (Photo Copyright Rich Barth)

Asiana Airlines (Seoul) announced on Friday that it would purchase two new 777-200ER aircraft from Boeing. Combined, the sale price could be around $438 million USD. The airline said the purchase was made as part of a plan to modernise its fleet. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2013.

Aloha Airlines (Honolulu) restarted its air cargo operations last night with as many as ten (10) flights to and from the neighboring islands. The service, which shut down on Monday, resumed with three Boeing 737-200 jets taking off from Honolulu Airport just after 8 p.m. The move will preserve hundreds of jobs and bring much needed relief to businesses that were sent scrambling for alternative ways to ship their goods. Aloha terminated its cargo business earlier this week after its chief lender, GMAC Commercial Finance LLC, abruptly cut off funding. The move came about a month after the 62-year-old airline filed for bankruptcy, shut down its passenger service operations and laid off 1,900 workers. During a bankruptcy court hearing yesterday, attorneys for GMAC said they had reached an agreement with Saltchuk Resources Inc., Young Brothers’ parent company, to acquire Aloha Cargo for $10.5 million. GMAC said it will continue to fund the operations until May 14, when the sale to Saltchuk is completed.