Tag: sky (Page 2 of 5)

Singapore Airlines Raises S$2 Billion from Sale-and-Lease Back Transactions

May 10, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has completed sale-and-leaseback transactions for 11 aircraft, comprising seven Airbus A350-900’s and four Boeing 787-10’s, raising approximately S$2.0 billion in total.

The transactions were arranged by four different parties, as follows:

Lease Arranger	Aircraft
Aergo Capital Limited	1 Airbus A350-900 1 Boeing 787-10
Altavair	4 Airbus A350-900’s
EastMerchant / Crianza Aviation	1 Airbus A350-900 2 Boeing 787-10’s
Muzinich and Co. Limited	1 Airbus A350-900 1 Boeing 787-10
Total	11

SIA has successfully raised approximately S$15.4 billion in fresh liquidity since 1 April 2020, including these sale-and-leaseback transactions. The amount also includes S$8.8 billion from SIA’s successful rights issue, S$2.1 billion from secured financing, S$2.0 billion via the issuance of convertible bonds and notes, as well as more than S$500 million through new committed lines of credit and a short-term unsecured loan.

SIA continues to have access to more than S$2.1 billion in committed credit lines, along with the option to raise up to S$6.2 billion in additional mandatory convertible bonds before the Annual General Meeting in July 2021.

During this period of high uncertainty, as the airline industry continues to navigate the unprecedented challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the SIA Group will continue to explore additional means to raise liquidity as necessary.

Mr. Goh Choon Phong, Singapore Airlines Chief Executive Officer, said: “The additional liquidity from these sale-and-leaseback transactions reinforces our ability to navigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic from a position of strength. We will continue to respond nimbly to the evolving marketing conditions, and be ready to capture all possible growth opportunities as we recover from this crisis.”

Icelandair Announces the Opening of the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavík

May 10, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Sky Lagoon, Iceland’s newest geothermal bathing hotspot, opened in Reykjavík last week. If you know Iceland, you know that soaking in warm water is a favorite national pastime. Sky Lagoon is one of the new breed of designer pools catering to locals and visitors looking for sweet soaking opportunities in Instagram-worthy landscapes.

The opening weekend for Sky Lagoon was a big, buzz-worthy success, with media coverage and plenty of gorgeous photos flooding social media. The sun shone brightly and in an incredible stroke of good fortune, Sky Lagoon’s huge, 75-meter (246ft) infinity-edge pool and the large windows of the designer sauna enjoy a view across the ocean to the Icelandic president’s residence at Bessastaðir, and in the distance, the erupting volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula. The view – of smoke plumes, and a red glow when the conditions are favorable – is one the architects could have only dreamed about in the planning stages of the complex. A front-row seat for rosy sunsets completes the appeal, and we can imagine winter soaks under northern lights adding an extra wow factor.

Visiting Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon is just a few kilometres from downtown Reykjavík, at Kársnes harbor in Kópavogur. Note that it’s not a place for people with young kids, as admission to the lagoon starts at 12 years of age.

Visitors have a choice of 2 packages, with the main difference being in the changing facilities. The more expensive Sky Pass includes private changing rooms with use of Sky Lagoon’s premium hair- and skincare amenities. Both entry passes – the cheaper Pure Pass, and the Sky Pass – include lagoon admission and access to the 7-step ‘Ritual’, which takes place inside a turfhouse inspired by an age-old Icelandic building tradition. There’s an in-water bar serving drinks, plus a stylish cafe and snack bar in the complex building.

Throughout the stylishly rustic complex, visitors can see design elements that draw inspiration from Icelandic nature and heritage, from the turfhouse to turf walls and plunge pool.

The Ritual

Sky Lagoon presents The Ritual as a ‘rejuvenating journey that awakens your senses and leaves your skin healthy and glowing’. It combines warm and cold waters, warm steam, dry heat and fresh air.

Step 1: Slow down in the warm waters of the lagoon.
Step 2: Take a cold plunge in a pool inspired by Snorralaug in West Iceland, thought to have been in use since the 12th century.
Step 3: Sweat and swoon over the view from the sauna.
Step 4: Cool down under a cold mist.
Step 5: Use the body scrub (provided) to awaken your skin.
Step 6: Sit and inhale in the steam room.
Step 7: Rinse off the scrub in the shower and return to the lagoon.

Geothermal bliss

If you like the sound of Sky Lagoon, Iceland has a lot more treats that are right up your alley. There’s a growing number of geothermal spas springing up around the country, creating an incidental itinerary for road-trippers looking to end each day with a scenic soak.

Aside from Sky Lagoon, one of the newest to hit the scene is Vök Baths (pictured below) in East Iceland, where the highlight is 2 floating pools set in lake waters.

All year round, these complexes draw bathers to their warm waters. In the wise words of one local, “Iceland’s sunshine doesn’t come from the sky, it comes from the water.”

Investment Firm 777 Partners Order 24 Boeing 737 MAX Airplanes

March 16, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and private investment firm 777 Partners announced today an agreement to add 24 737-8s to the firm’s diverse aviation portfolio, with purchase rights for an additional 60 airplanes. The Miami-based company will place the single-aisle airplanes with its growing portfolio of low-cost carrier investments around the world.

In addition to aircraft leasing, 777 Partners strategically invests in a host of aviation businesses, from operating carriers to technology-driven solutions. The firm’s travel sector strategy is largely focused on innovative solutions for interlining, passenger connectivity, and creating new commerce channels for its airline investments and customers.

The 737-8 can fly 3,550 nautical miles, about 600 miles farther than its predecessor. This additional capability allows airlines to offer new and more direct routes for passengers. The 737-8 reduces fuel use and CO₂ emissions by 16% compared to the airplanes it replaces, and that superior fuel efficiency means lower operating costs and a smaller environmental footprint. Every airplane features the new Boeing Sky Interior, highlighted by modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness and larger pivoting overhead storage bins.

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries, leveraging the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

777 Partners is a Miami-based private alternative investment firm that invests across a number of high growth attractive verticals. Founded in 2015, 777 Partners initially applied its expertise in underwriting and financing of esoteric assets to diversify across a broad spectrum of financial services businesses, asset originators and financial technology/service providers. In recent years, the firm has broadened its mandate and now invests across six different industries: insurance, consumer and commercial finance, litigation finance, direct lending, media and entertainment, and aviation.

Alaska Air Announces New Flights Between California and Montana

March 4, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

SEATTLE, March 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Following on the heels of Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) recent announcement of Montana flights (http://planesintheair.com/southwest-airlines-service-to-destin-ft-walton-and-bozeman-to-begin-may-2021/), Alaska Airlines (NYSE: ALK) has today announced four new routes between California and Montana for the summer, increasing total jet service to seven nonstop routes between the two states.

The newest “Sun and Fun” additions will connect Los Angeles and San Diego with Kalispell, Montana, and connect San Diego and San Francisco with Bozeman, Montana. The Los Angeles and San Diego flights start May 20, and the San Francisco flight starts June 17. They’ll operate through Sept. 7.

This added summer flying builds on year-round service on three nonstop routes that connect San Diego with Missoula, Montana, and connect Los Angeles with Bozeman and Missoula.

Tickets for the new flights are available at alaskaair.com with one-way fares starting as low as $69 to and from Bozeman and as low as $89 to and from Kalispell.

Start Date	End Date	City Pair	Frequency	Aircraft
May 20, 2021	Sept. 7, 2021	Los Angeles – Kalispell	W, Sa	E175
May 20, 2021	Sept. 7, 2021	San Diego – Kalispell	M, F, Sa	E175
May 20, 2021	Sept. 7, 2021	San Diego – Bozeman	T, W, Th, Sa, Su	E175
June 17, 2021	Sept. 7, 2021	San Francisco – Bozeman	Sa	E175

The new routes will be served by the Embraer 175 jet, a jet aircraft with only window and aisle seating – no middle seats. On all the new routes, guests will enjoy award-winning service in a three-class cabin that includes First Class and Premium Class; Most Free Movies in the Sky with hundreds of movies and TV shows available for viewing on personal devices; free texting on most flights; and Wi-Fi connectivity for purchase.

Kalispell’s Glacier Park International Airport is in northwest Montana’s Flathead Valley, which encompasses the gateway to Glacier National Park, Whitefish Mountain Resort and Flathead Lake — the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River.

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is the definition of “Big Sky Country” and about 90 miles north of Yellowstone National Park. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, Bozeman offers fishermen and hikers an abundance of options. Fly fish for trout on the Gallatin, Yellowstone, and Missouri Rivers. Follow Highway 191 for views of snow-capped mountains in Gallatin Canyon.

Global reach: With the oneworld alliance and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska’s guests can connect at gateway airports on the West Coast – such as Los Angeles and San Francisco – to fly to more than 900 destinations around the world. Flyers can also earn and redeem miles with the airline’s highly-acclaimed Mileage Plan program.

Alaska Airlines serves six cities in Montana: Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell and Missoula.

Alaska Airlines serves 15 cities in California: Burbank, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Ontario, Orange County, Palm Springs, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Sonoma.

Southwest Airlines Service To Destin/Ft. Walton and Bozeman to Begin May 2021

February 25, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Southwest Airlines Company (NYSE: LUV) today announced the flexibility and value of Southwest Airlines^® now benefits both visitors and hometown travelers booking late spring and summer travel to Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) in Florida and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana. Southwest^® service to both destinations begins in May 2021.

“We’re adding another destination in the West, our first in Montana, and bringing additional access to the beaches of Northwest Florida just as winter-weary families begin to dream of warm summer escapes in wide-open places,” said Andrew Watterson, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer. “Our arrival in these communities with daily service also ushers a new flexibility and everyday affordability for local travelers flying Southwest for fun, family, or work.”

DESTIN/FT. WALTON BEACH, FLA., DAILY SERVICE BEGINS MAY 6, 2021

Beginning May 6, 2021, Southwest will commence service to an 11^th airport in the Sunshine State, bringing a third option for beachcombers to access the Florida panhandle. Southwest Customers will be able to fly nonstop between Destin/Ft. Walton Beach and four destinations: Baltimore/Washington (BWI), Dallas (Love Field), and Nashville, bringing additional connecting or same-plane service to more than 50 cities, with added nonstop service to Chicago (Midway) beginning June 6, 2021. This new service is available for purchase now at Southwest.com:

Fly nonstop betweenDestin/Ft. Walton Beach and:	Initial daily service:	One-way fares as low as:
Baltimore/Washington (BWI)	1 flight each way	$79
Chicago (Midway) (beginning June 6)	1 flight each way	$79
Dallas (Love Field)	1 flight each way	$69
Nashville	3 flights each way	$69

The number of seats, days, and markets for these fares are limited. See a full list of fares, fare rules, and terms and conditions below.

BOZEMAN, MONTANA, DAILY SERVICE BEGINS MAY 27, 2021

In its 50^th year of service, Southwest Airlines adds another of the 50 states to its network, bringing low fares to the state of Montana on May 27, 2021. The addition of Bozeman will connect Customers with Big Sky country, bringing faster access to Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky Ski Resort, Custer Gallatin National Forest, and Montana State University. Southwest Customers may now book travel to fly nonstop between Bozeman and both Denver and Las Vegas, and reach southern Montana from more than 50 other Southwest cities on same-plane or connecting service. This new service is available for purchase now:

Fly nonstop between Bozeman and:	Initial daily service:	One-way fares as low as:
Denver	2 flights each way(increases to 4 flights each way on June 6)	$39
Las Vegas	2 flights each way	$39

The number of seats, days, and markets for these fares are limited. See a full list of fares, fare rules, and terms and conditions below.

In 2020, Southwest added new service to Hilo, Hawaii; Cozumel, Mexico; Miami; Palm Springs, Calif.; Steamboat Springs; and Montrose(Telluride), Colo., to connect Customers with places and people they love. In 2021, Southwest began service to both Chicago (O’Hare) and Sarasota/Bradenton on Feb. 14. The carrier will begin service to both Savannah/Hilton Head and Colorado Springs on March 11; both Houston(Bush) and Santa Barbara, Calif. on April 12; Fresno, Calif. on April 25; Destin/Ft. Walton Beach on May 6; Bozeman, Mont. on May 27; and Jackson, Miss. on June 6.

Virgin Australia Hosts Wedding in the Sky

February 21, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

A Virgin Australia flight from Melbourne to Sydney has played host to the airline’s first-ever mid-air wedding today, for Melbourne couple, Elaine Tiong and Luke Serdar.

Stunned passengers, onboard flight VA841, looked on as Elaine walked down the aircraft aisle wearing a striking white ensemble, before Australian actress, singer and now well-known wedding celebrant, Tottie Goldsmith, solemnised the nuptials, with the couple officially tying the knot at 40,000 feet, as the aircraft flew over Canberra in the ACT.

Dubbed, a Wedding in the Sky, Elaine, 35, a stylist, and Luke, 36, an electrician, who hail from Prahran in Melbourne’s inner eastern suburbs, said they were looking for an unconventional wedding without the fuss.

“We actually had planned to marry onboard a Virgin Australia flight on Valentine’s Day, but we had to postpone when the Victorian lockdown came into play just 24-hours before the big day, so after a false start, we couldn’t be happier to finally tie the knot today,” said Luke.

As a result of strict COVID-19 regulations, the couple first kissed as husband and wife upon disembarkation of the aircraft in Sydney, where they were finally able to remove their face masks.

Virgin Australia is well-known for their mid-air celebrations. From onboard marriage proposals, to Australia’s first-ever fashion show on a passenger flight, to achieving a Guinness World Record with the Black Eyes Peas performing at 41,000 feet, and now a Wedding in the Sky.

Delta Named Best Airline for American Travelers by USA Today

February 19, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards announced their list of best airlines, airline amenities and airports of 2021 – naming Delta (NYSE: DAL) the best airline for American travelers, the Delta Sky Club at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York as the best airport lounge and Delta flight attendants as the best cabin crew.

Nominees in all categories are chosen editorially by a panel of experts. Once the nominees were selected, readers could vote once per category, per day for four weeks. The winners indicate which airlines, airline amenities and airports make getting to your destination a pleasure rather than a pain.

The Delta Sky Club at New York-JFK features a Sky Deck overlooking Terminal 4, free WiFi, fresh food, premium drinks and more. During the ongoing pandemic, guests can expect to see a new standard of Club cleanliness that includes the same Delta CareStandard practices found throughout the airport and onboard aircraft. This includes but is not limited to: individually packaged fresh food options; plexiglass partitions at check-in, at the bar and between seating areas; limited capacity and blocked seats to promote more space; and enhanced cleaning measures. Learn more on delta.com

In September 2020, the airline opened its newest and largest Delta Sky Club as a part of Salt Lake City International Airport’s newly opened terminal. Delta’s support of the new Salt Lake City Airport build is part of the airline’s ongoing strategy to modernize our hub infrastructure and customer experience by investing more than $12B in airport projects.

Delta Airlines Resumes New York-JFK to São Paulo flights

February 11, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Delta will resume flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo beginning Feb. 12, 2021. The route will operate four times per week with Boeing 767-400 aircraft featuring the latest Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin service. Flights will depart from Terminal 4 at JFK and Terminal 3 in São Paulo, where Delta and its partners offer easy and convenient access to Delta Sky Clubs or partner lounges. The route also complements Delta’s daily service between its Atlanta hub and São Paulo, providing significant connection opportunities through two of Delta’s major hubs.

Delta has added more than 100 layers of protection through its Delta CareStandard, and has extended middle seat blocking through April 30, 2021 – the only U.S. airline to do so. To make the travel planning experience easier, Delta has created an interactive travel map to help customers understand where Delta flies and the latest travel requirements or restrictions at their destination, including more information on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control requirement that customers entering or transiting the U.S. present a negative COVID-19 test result.

Even as Delta has doubled down on its investment in safety and cleanliness, it also continues to invest in offering a superior customer experience and award-winning hospitality, including refreshing more than 300 new in-flight entertainment options and recently announced plans to bring high-speed Wi-Fi on board this year.

Transport of essential goods and services

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Delta Cargo kept the supply chain flowing with cargo-only flights. With the return of service more widely to the Brazilian market, the company’s flights will also offer larger cargo capacity – allowing Delta Cargo’s customers to transport essential goods, perishable products and supplies between Brazil and the U.S.

The cargo division also supports the delivery of vaccines in the U.S. and, since December, has been distributing shipments of COVID-19 vaccines as part of the global effort to combat the pandemic.

Detailed information on how to book a vaccine shipment is obtained from Delta Cargo’s Pharma Desk, which can be contacted by e-mail at DeltaCargoPharma@delta.com or by phone at +1 (800) 352-2746 (valid for calls originating in the U.S.). In addition, the Cargo Charters team can help with this Charter request form or by email at DeltaCargoCharters@delta.com. Additional information about Delta Cargo is available at deltacargo.com.

Delta’s flight schedule remains subject to change due to the evolving nature of COVID-19, customer demand and government travel regulations. For more information on Delta’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit delta.com.

Delta schedule for New York (JFK) – São Paulo (GRU) flights*

Flight #	Departure	Arrival	Days of the week
DL 471	JFK: 9:35 p.m.	GRU: 9:40 a.m.+1	Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun
DL 472	GRU: 9:15 p.m.	JFK: 5:20 a.m.+1	Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat

*The first flight from GRU departs on Feb. 13.

Frontier Airlines Announces New Nonstop Flights Between Orlando and Phoenix

January 19, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Low-fare carrier Frontier Airlines today announces new daily nonstop flights between Orlando and Phoenix, plus the resumption of its popular San Diego route beginning in March 2021. To celebrate this new service, Frontier is offering fares as low as $69*, which are available now at FlyFrontier.com.

“Frontier is taking off in the new year with an unprecedented level of service at Orlando International Airport, which now includes daily flights to Phoenix, one of 60 destinations that Frontier will fly nonstop from Orlando in March,” said Daniel Shurz, senior vice president of commercial, Frontier Airlines. “Orlando continues to be incredibly popular with travelers across the spectrum, from vacationing families to adventure seekers, and Frontier offers unparalleled affordability for flyers visiting the Theme Park Capital of the World.”

New route from Orlando International Airport (MCO):

SERVICE TO	SERVICE START	SERVICE FREQUENCY	INTRO FARE	APPLICABLE DAYS FOR INTRO FARE:
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)	March 11, 2021	Daily	$69*	Tuesday and Wednesday

Returning route from Orlando International Airport (MCO):

SERVICE TO	SERVICE START	SERVICE FREQUENCY	INTRO FARE	APPLICABLE DAYS FOR INTRO FARE:
San Diego International Airport (SAN)	March 7, 2021	Daily	$69*	Tuesday and Wednesday

These two routes join new Frontier nonstop routes from Orlando that start in February to Cancun, Miami, Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, St. Thomas, and Wilmington.

Frequency and times are subject to change, so please check FlyFrontier.com for the most updated schedule.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi Takes to the Sky

December 29, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the newest national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today confirmed that Athens will be its inaugural destination, with flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport starting on 15 January 2021. Fares start as low as AED 129*, with tickets already on sale on wizzair.com (which also has an Arabic booking website) and the airline’s mobile app.

The airline is also to start flights from Abu Dhabi to Thessaloniki, starting on 4 February 2021 with fares starting at AED 149*.

Kees Van Schaick, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: “The waiting is almost over for Abu Dhabi fans of our ultra-low fare airline. From 15 January 2021, a new model of air travel comes to Abu Dhabi, offering new choices and new competition, demonstrating that things are looking up for next year.

Our network from Abu Dhabi will expand rapidly as destinations on our planned network are added to the ‘green countries’ list. Thanks to the support of the government and our local business partners in Abu Dhabi, we are fully prepared. We have the aircraft, we have the crew, we have the partners, and we are ready to fly.

We look forward to building a new travel segment in this important market.”

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is a joint venture established between ADQ and Wizz Air Holdings plc.

It initially announced a route network that also includes Alexandria, Kutaisi, Larnaca, Odesa and Yerevan. Flights to these cities will launch as each destination joins the ‘green countries’ list. Further destinations will be launched as the airline adds to its Abu Dhabi-based fleet over the coming months.

With a fleet composed of brand new Airbus A321neo aircraft, the airline will have the lowest environmental footprint among its competitors in the region.

Wizz Air introduced a new era of sanitized travel across its network this year, with enhanced hygiene measures to ensure the health and safety of passengers and crew. Throughout flights, both cabin crew and passengers are required to wear facemasks, with cabin crew also required to wear gloves. Wizz Air’s aircraft are regularly put through an industry-leading disinfection process with an antiviral solution and, following WIZZ’s stringent daily cleaning schedule, all of the airline’s aircraft are further disinfected overnight with the same antiviral solution. Sanitizing wipes are handed to each passenger upon entering the aircraft, onboard magazines have been removed from the aircraft, and any onboard purchases are encouraged to be made by contactless payment. Passengers are also requested to follow physical distancing measures introduced by the local health authorities and are encouraged to make all purchases prior to the flight online (e.g. checked in luggage, WIZZ Priority, fast security track), to minimize any possible physical contact at the airport. Click here to view Wizz Air’s new health and safety video, for more information.

Confirmed routes	Days	Start date	Fares from*
Abu Dhabi – Athens	Monday, Friday	15 January 2021	AED 129
Abu Dhabi – Thessaloniki	Thursday, Sunday	4 February 2021	AED 149

*One way price, including administration fee. One carry-on bag (max: 40x30x20cm) is included. Trolley bag and each piece of checked-in baggage is subject to additional fees. The price applies only to bookings made on wizzair.com and the WIZZ mobile app.

Visiting Sky Lagoon

The Ritual

Geothermal bliss

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