Tag: first (Page 10 of 30)

Helvetic Airways Receives Its First Embraer E195-E2

June 24, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Helvetic Airways of Switzerland received the first of four new E195-E2 aircraft today at the Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) facility in São José dos Campos. Helvetic will receive three further E195-E2’s by the end of next month, July 2021.

Helvetic ordered 12 E-Jet E2’s in 2018 to support its fleet renewal initiative: 8 E190-E2’s (already in service) and four E195-E2’s (converted from the original E190-E2 order). The airline also holds purchase rights for an additional 12 aircraft. The Helvetic fleet also includes four first-generation E190’s. When the three remaining E195-E2’s are delivered, the carrier will have a fleet of 16 E-Jets.

With Embraer, the airline has developed a fleet providing maximum flexibility to deploy its 134-seat E195-E2’s, 110-seat E190-E2’s, and 112-seat E190’s across its European network. Thanks to the common crew type rating for all E-Jets, Helvetic can seamlessly schedule the three different E-Jet models to satisfy variations in demand, maximizing operating economics.

Speaking at the delivery event broadcast to Helvetic employees in Europe, Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation said, “With the new E195-E2, Helvetic builds on its reputation as one of the most environmentally committed airlines in Europe. Not only does the aircraft burn 25% less fuel than its predecessor, its noise footprint is 65% smaller. The E2’s are great news for communities near airports.”

Emirates Boosts Operations in Jordan, Adds Second Daily A380 Service to Amman

June 20, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Emirates will be ramping up operations to Jordan during the summer with the introduction of second daily A380 flight during the months of July and August. The airline will operate the second daily flight from 15-20 July 2021, ahead of the Eid Al Adha period. Emirates will also operate double daily A380 services from 10-31 August. The move to boost capacity between Dubai and Amman during these periods was driven by high forecasted passenger demand. The double daily A380 services to Amman also demonstrate the airline’s commitment to adapting its operations to better serve customers.

Emirates will also increase flights between Dubai and Amman from 12 to 14 weekly, from 1 July.

From 15-20 July 2021, and from 10-31 August 2021, Emirates flights EK 905 and 906 will be operated with an Airbus A380 in a three class configuration, featuring 14 luxurious First Class suites, 76 lie flat Business Class seats and 420 generously pitched Economy Class seats. Passengers in all classes will enjoy over 4,500 channels of films, TV shows, music and games, with an impressive selection of Arabic content, through ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system. What’s more, First and Business Class passengers can enjoy the Emirates Onboard Lounge, where they can safely network and enjoy the signature Emirates experience.

Since it safely resumed tourism activity in July 2020, Dubai remains one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations. The city is open for international business and leisure visitors. From sun-soaked beaches and heritage activities to world class hospitality and leisure facilities, Dubai offers a variety of world-class experiences. It was one of the world’s first cities to obtain Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) – which endorses Dubai’s comprehensive and effective measures to ensure guest health and safety.

Emirates remains focused on taking various steps to ease travel and has been a leader in introducing initiatives in cooperation with health authorities and organisations to protect the health of customers and to ensure their safety. Emirates introduced measures on the ground throughout all touchpoints and onboard to provide its passengers with the highest safety and hygiene standards at every step of the journey. The airline has also recently introduced contactless technology to ease the customer journey through Dubai airport.

MAX-10 First Flight Takeoff Renton

Boeing Completes Successful First 737-10 Flight

June 19, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

SEATTLE /PRNewswire/ — Boeing’s [NYSE: BA] 737-10, the largest airplane in the 737 MAX family, today completed a successful first flight. The airplane took off from Renton Field in Renton, Washington, at 10:07 a.m. and landed at 12:38 p.m. at Boeing Field in Seattle.

Today’s flight was the start of a comprehensive test program for the 737-10. Boeing will work closely with regulators to certify the airplane prior to its scheduled entry into service in 2023.

The 737-10 can carry up to 230 passengers. It also incorporates environmental improvements, cutting carbon emissions by 14 percent and reducing noise by 50 percent compared to today’s Next-Generation 737s.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.

MAX-10 First Flight Landing Boeing Field Seattle

Lufthansa to Fly Boeing 747 and Airbus A350 to Mallorca Due to High Demand

June 11, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

– Wide body aircraft to operate to Palma de Mallorca from both Frankfurt and Munich

– First departure planned from Frankfurt on July 17 and on July 31 from Munich

– Tickets now available for booking

Lufthansa is taking extraordinary measures in order to respond to a significant increase in booking demand for flights to Palma de Mallorca from both Frankfurt and Munich. The booking figures for the destination “PMI” have increased 25 times between April and the beginning of June 2021: The airline will be operating a Boeing 747-8 from Frankfurt to Palma de Mallorca four Saturdays in a row during the upcoming summer vacation in Hesse. Additionally, the airline also plans to operate an Airbus A350 from Munich to the Balearic Island at the start of the summer vacation in Bavaria. Although these routes are normally operated by an Airbus A321, on 31 July, two wide-body Lufthansa aircraft will be arriving on Palma de Mallorca.

Departing Frankfurt with the “Jumbo”

The Boeing 747-8 is the largest aircraft that Lufthansa is currently operating, offering up to 364 seats instead of the usual 215, which are normally available on this route. This wide-body aircraft offers passengers 88 Business Class seats (including First Class) as well as 276 seats in Economy Class (including Premium Economy).

The first “Jumbo” flight, LH1152, will be departing the Rhine Main metropolis on Saturday 17July at 10:20 a.m., just in time for the start of the Hessian summer vacation, and arrive at Palma de Mallorca airport at 12:25 p.m. The return flight, LH1153 will take place the same day at 14:25 p.m., arriving in Frankfurt at 16:45 p.m.

The modern and kerosene-efficient Boeing 747-8, also known as the “Queen of the Skies”, will operate for an addition three weekends, specifically on 24 July, 31 July and 7 August.

Departing Munich with the Airbus A350

The Airbus A350 is the most sustainable long-haul aircraft in the Lufthansa fleet. It consumes 20 percent less kerosene and is 50 percent quieter than previous models. Those who want to experience the Lufthansa Airbus A350 along with its multi-award-winning cabin now have the chance to do so now. The aircraft offers 293 seats, including 48 in Business Class and 245 in Economy Class (including Premium Economy).

The A350 flight to Palma de Mallorca will take place at the start of the Bavarian summer vacations on Saturday 31 July. Departure from Munich is planned for 9:50 a.m. under flight number LH2658, arriving in Palma de Mallorca at 12:00 a.m. The return flight, LH2659, will take place the same day at 13:30 a.m. arriving in Munich at 15:35 p.m.

Navy and Boeing Complete First Unmanned Aircraft to Aircraft Refueling

June 8, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

PRNewswire/ — For the first time in history, the U.S. Navy and Boeing [NYSE: BA] have demonstrated air-to-air refueling using an unmanned aircraft – the Boeing-owned MQ-25™ T1 test asset – to refuel another aircraft.

During a test flight on June 4, MQ-25 T1 successfully extended the hose and drogue from its U.S. Navy-issued aerial refueling store (ARS) and safely transferred jet fuel to a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet, demonstrating the MQ-25 Stingray’s ability to carry out its primary aerial refueling mission.

During the initial part of the flight, the F/A-18 test pilot flew in close formation behind MQ-25 to ensure performance and stability prior to refueling – a maneuver that required as little as 20 feet of separation between the MQ-25 T1 air vehicle and the F/A-18 refueling probe. Both aircraft were flying at operationally relevant speeds and altitudes. With the evaluation safely completed, the MQ-25 drogue was extended, and the F/A-18 pilot moved in to “plug” with the unmanned aircraft and receive the scheduled fuel offload.

The milestone comes after 25 T1 flights, testing both aircraft and ARS aerodynamics across the flight envelope, as well as extensive simulations of aerial refueling using MQ-25 digital models. MQ-25 T1 will continue flight testing prior to being shipped to Norfolk, Virginia, for deck handling trials aboard a U.S. Navy carrier later this year.

The Boeing-owned T1 test asset is a predecessor to the seven test aircraft Boeing is manufacturing under a 2018 contract award. The MQ-25 will assume the tanking role currently performed by F/A-18s, allowing for better use of the combat strike fighters and helping extend the range of the carrier air wing.

Lufthansa Finally Re-opens First Class Lounge at Frankfurt Airport

June 4, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Starting on 1 June, Lufthansa will be welcoming guests to the First Class Lounge again

Further lounges to open gradually over the next few weeks

As summer approaches, the desire to travel continues to grow: Declining infection rates and the easing of travel restrictions are making more people want to fly again. In response to the rising booking figures, Lufthansa is using this as an opportunity to reopen the Lufthansa First Class Lounge in Terminal 1 of Frankfurt Airport starting on 1 June.

Relaxing while waiting for departure

The lounge offers an exclusive and comfortable place to relax, while travelers are waiting for their departure. The range of products offered in the lounges have been adjusted to meet current regulations. At present, food and beverage consumption is only permitted outside of the lounge. A take-away offer is available in the First Class Lounge, with a good selection of food and beverages. The popular “á la carte” service will also be resumed as soon as official regulations allow us to do so.

First Class guests can now also enjoy the usual personal service. The First Class Lounge is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Lufthansa lounges open their doors to guests

Lufthansa guests can already access some of the lounges in Germany as well as abroad, such as New York. In the upcoming weeks, additional Lufthansa lounges will gradually be re-opening for customers. Soon, the First Class Terminal and the associated limousine service will also be made available again. A variety of measures, such as maintaining distance and wearing a mouth and nose covering, ensure that the lounge stay meets high safety and hygiene standards.

For more information on lounges and on-site conditions, visit https://www.lufthansa.com/de/en/lounges

Virgin Galactic Completes First Spaceflight from Spaceport America, New Mexico

May 26, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Virgin Galactic has completed its third spaceflight and the first ever from Spaceport America, New Mexico. Today’s flight sees New Mexico become the third US state to launch humans into space. VSS Unity achieved a speed of Mach 3 after being released from the mothership, VMS Eve, and reached space, at an altitude of 55.45 miles before gliding smoothly to a runway landing at Spaceport America.

On VSS Unity’s flight deck were CJ Sturckow and Dave Mackay, while Kelly Latimer and Michael Masucci piloted VMS Eve. CJ, who flew as pilot-in-command, becomes the first person ever to have flown to space from three different states. The crew experienced extraordinary views of the bright, blue-rimmed curvature of the earth against the blackness of space. New Mexico’s White Sands National Park sparkled brilliantly below. Their experience today gives Virgin Galactic’s Future Astronaut customers a glimpse of what lies ahead.

Virgin Galactic fulfilled a number of test objectives during the flight, including:

Carried revenue-generating scientific research experiments as part of NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program.
Collected data to be used for the final two verification reports that are required as part of the current FAA commercial reusable spacecraft operator’s license.
Tested the spaceship’s upgraded horizontal stabilizers and flight controls and validated EMI reductions.

Following the flight, and in line with normal procedures, Virgin Galactic will conduct a review of all test data gathered and thoroughly inspect the spaceship and mothership. Once the team confirms the results, the Company plans to proceed to the next flight test milestone.

To celebrate the first human spaceflight from New Mexico, the Zia Sun Symbol of New Mexico’s state flag was placed prominently on the exterior of the Spaceship. In addition, we flew green chile seeds, which are synonymous with the state’s rich agricultural and culinary history.

Lockheed Martin to Deliver Sweden World’s Most Advanced Air Defense Missile

May 11, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Lockheed Martin successfully delivered Sweden’s first Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors in April, providing the country with the world’s most advanced air defense missile that uses Hit-to-Kill technology to defend against incoming threats.

U.S. and Swedish officials formalized an agreement for Sweden to purchase PAC-3 MSE interceptors and related support equipment in August 2018.

The PAC-3 MSE’s revolutionary two-pulse solid rocket motor provides increased performance in both altitude and range while employing the same proven Hit-to-Kill technology that the PAC-3 CRI missile uniquely brings to the Patriot system.

Embraer Delivers Nine Commercial and 13 Executive Jets in First Quarter of 2021

April 27, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

São José dos Campos – Brazil, April 27, 2021 – Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) delivered a total of 22 jets in the first quarter of 2021, of which nine were commercial aircraft and 13 were executive jets (10 light and three large). As of March 31st, the firm order backlog totaled USD 14.2 billion.

During 1Q21, KLM Cityhopper, the regional subsidiary of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, received its first E195-E2 jet. This first E2 delivery to KLM, and lessor ICBC Aviation Leasing, elevated the total number of Embraer jets in the KLM Cityhopper fleet to 50 aircraft.

In the same period, Air Peace, Nigeria and West Africa’s largest airline, took delivery of its first E195-E2 aircraft. Air Peace is the launch customer in Africa for the E2. The airline is also the global launch customer for Embraer’s innovative premium staggered seating design.

Also, during the first quarter, Embraer delivered the first conversion of a Legacy 450 to a Praetor 500 jet for AirSprint Private Aviation. The Canadian fractional ownership company has another Legacy 450 scheduled to convert to a Praetor 500 this year, in addition to the delivery of a brand-new Praetor 500, also expected in 2021. With these additions, AirSprint will have three Praetor 500s in its fleet, and a total of nine Embraer aircraft.

Air Cairo Receives First Airbus A320neo

April 27, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Hamburg, Germany 26 April 2021 – Air Cairo, Egypt’s low-fare airline, has taken delivery of its first A320neo aircraft. The new aircraft will join Air Cairo’s all Airbus fleet of seven aircraft. The aircraft is on lease from ICBC Leasing and is equipped with CFM LEAP-1A engines.

With improved levels of efficiency, the new aircraft will be deployed on Air Cairo’s regional and international network to serve countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East – demonstrating the operational flexibility of the A320neo. Air Cairo’s fleet expansion and modernization strategy coincides with the airline’s decision to open more routes, fostering closer links with countries across continents.

Offering the airline exceptional technical, economic and environmental performance, Air Cairo’s A320neo is configured with 186 seats in an all-economy-class cabin. Passengers onboard the aircraft will benefit from the widest cabin of any single-aisle aircraft and the latest generation in-flight entertainment system.

The A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines, Sharklets and aerodynamics, which together deliver 20% in fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation Airbus aircraft. The A320neo Family has won more than 7,450 orders from over 120 customers.

– Wide body aircraft to operate to Palma de Mallorca from both Frankfurt and Munich

– First departure planned from Frankfurt on July 17 and on July 31 from Munich

– Tickets now available for booking

Departing Frankfurt with the “Jumbo”

Departing Munich with the Airbus A350

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