Tag: south (Page 4 of 16)

Aeromexico Starting Service Between Cancun, Mexico and Sao Paulo, Brazil

August 16, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Cancun, Quintana Roo, August 16, 2021, – As of December 15 to April 17, 2022, Aeromexico will launch seasonal service between Cancun and São Paulo with three weekly flights and operated with its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

The airline has offered service to Brazil for more than two decades, and this new route will increase the carrier’s total monthly seats offer between both countries by 43%.

Mexico is one of Brazil’s strategic markets that has shown substantial growth during the last few years, and one of the important boosters has been the tourism offer of the state of Quintana Roo. Among Cancun’s main visitors are Brazilians.

This route is in addition to the nonstop service that Aeromexico announced last week from Guadalajara and Monterrey to Madrid.

The carrier currently serves 81 domestic and international routes and continues to apply the industry’s highest health and cleanliness standards in all its operations.

Aeromexico Announces Nonstop Service Between Guadalajara and Madrid, Spain

August 10, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Starting December 15, Aeromexico will offer nonstop service between Guadalajara and Madrid with three weekly flights. This route represents a 21% growth in its total monthly seat capacity between Mexico and Spain, and the possibility of serving more Aeromexico Cargo customers.

The route will be operated with its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, and customers will be able to travel nonstop from Guadalajara to Spain, making their travel experience more comfortable. This service is in addition to the 14 weekly flights that the airline operates from Mexico City to the Spanish capital, a route that has more than 60 years of operating. For the launch, Aeromexico will offer introductory fares starting at USD 599 in Economy Class and USD 1999 in Premier Class.

Aeromexico recently announced the acquisition of new state-of-the-art aircraft, whose deliveries began last June. With this, Mexico’s global airline will continue to increase its connectivity network, offering a cutting- edge service with the highest safety standards and modern, efficient, and less polluting aircraft.

Aeromexico Cargo can serve 41 airports in Mexico and multiple international destinations in the U.S., Canada, Central, and South America, Asia, and Europe.

QANTAS Group Stands Down 2,500 Crew in Response to Domestic Border Closures

August 6, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Around 2,500 frontline Qantas and Jetstar employees will be stood down for an estimated two months in response to ongoing COVID outbreaks.

The stand down is a temporary measure to deal with a significant drop in flying caused by COVID restrictions in Greater Sydney, in particular, and the knock-on border closures in all other states and territories. No permanent job losses are expected.

Today’s decision will directly impact domestic pilots, cabin crew and airport workers, mostly in New South Wales but also in other states given the nature of airline networks. Employees will be given two weeks’ notice before the stand down takes effect, with pay continuing until mid-August.

Income support in the form of government disaster payments will be key to helping eligible employees get through this challenging period and the Qantas Group welcomes the targeted Federal Government support offered for those stood down outside of declared hotspots and to retain domestic aviation capability.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the difficult decision to trigger stand downs reflected the reality confronting many businesses operating in New South Wales.

Indian Ocean Based Air Austral Becomes First French A220 Operator

July 28, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Mirabel, Canada – The first of the three A220s for Air Austral, France’s La Reunion Island-based airline, has been delivered from the Airbus A220 Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Mirabel, Canada. The second and third aircraft are expected to join the Air Austral fleet in the coming days.

Airbus is delighted to welcome Air Austral as a new Airbus customer and operator. This A220 will be the first of the type to be operated by a French airline in the Indian Ocean region.

Air Austral has selected the Airbus A220-300 as part of its medium and short-haul fleet modernisation plan in order to boost its operational efficiency, offering an enhanced passenger experience in a comfortable two-class cabin layout with 132 seats: 12 in business class and 120 in economy-class.

Bearing the airline’s distinctive livery representing La Reunion Island’s beautiful landscapes, Air Austral will strengthen its regional network with three A220-300s, flying on routes between La Réunion Island and Mauritius, Mayotte, Seychelles, South Africa, Madagascar, and as far as India.

Powered by latest-generation geared turbofan engines, Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G, the A220 is the quietest and most eco-friendly aircraft in its category. The aircraft features a 50% reduced noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft, 25% lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions per seat as well as 50% lower NOx emissions than current industry standards.

To date over 160 A220s have been delivered, operating routes in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa, proving the great versatility of Airbus’ new generation single-aisle family member.

The photo was taken from right window of commercial airplane, Tokyo Haneda (HND) to Osaka International Airport Itami (ITM) in the daytime. The center and bottom island is Enoshima Island in Fujisawa city. The bottom sea is Sagami Bay, Northern Pacific Ocean.

Germany Signs Up for Five Boeing P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

June 30, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

BERLIN, Germany June 30, 2021 — The German Ministry of Defense today signed a letter of offer and acceptance for five Boeing (NYSE: BA) P-8A Poseidon aircraft under the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process. With this order, Germany becomes the eighth customer of the multimission maritime surveillance aircraft, joining the United States, Australia, India, the United Kingdom, Norway, Korea and New Zealand.

The P-8A Poseidon offers unique multimission capability and is the only aircraft in service and in production that meets the full range of maritime challenges faced by European nations. Deployed around the world with more than 130 aircraft in service, and over 300,000 collective flight hours, the P-8A is vital for global anti-submarine warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and search-and-rescue operations.

German companies that already supply parts for the P-8A include Aljo Aluminum-Bau Jonischeit GmbH and Nord-Micro GmbH. Recently, Boeing signed agreements with ESG Elektroniksystem-und Logistik-GmbH and Lufthansa Technik to collaborate in systems integration, training, support and sustainment work. By working with local suppliers, Boeing will provide support, training and maintenance solutions that will bring the highest operational availability to fulfill the German Navy’s missions.

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.

French Navy Exercises Option for Two Additional Airbus H160 Helicopters

May 23, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) has confirmed an option to Airbus Helicopters, Babcock and Safran Helicopter Engines for two more H160s for the French Navy. These aircraft will join the fleet of four H160s already contracted in 2020, the first of which is currently being assembled by Airbus Helicopters in Marignane, in the south of France. The six H160s will be delivered in a Search and Rescue (SAR) configuration and will gradually start operating from May 2022 from Lanveoc-Poulmic naval air station (Britany), Cherbourg airport (Normandy) and Hyères naval air station (Provence). Awaiting the H160M “Guépard” deliveries in the frame of the French Joint Light Helicopter (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger: HIL) programme, these H160s will take over the SAR missions currently conducted by the NH90s and Panthers , allowing these combat helicopters to fulfill their main tasks at sea on board combat vessels.

The French Navy’s operational feedback with these H160s will benefit the design of the military version of the aircraft and its associated support system.

The H160s were ordered by Babcock in 2018 and will be maintained and equipped in partnership with Airbus Helicopters, and Safran Helicopters Engines ensuring the highest level of availability for the French Navy and the continuity of SAR operations on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean coasts. Built by Airbus Helicopters, the six H160s will be equipped with a winch and a modular cabin that can be optimized for each mission. The H160s will be certified for use of night vision goggles which are necessary for winching operations at night.

The six H160s will be modified into a light military configuration by Babcock, a provider of critical, complex engineering services to governments, to answer to the needs of the French Navy. Babcock will integrate the Safran Electronics & Defense new generation electro-optical system, Euroflir 410.

The H160, as a next generation medium twin engine aircraft, powered by Arrano engines, is modular by design in order to address missions ranging from offshore transportation, private and business aviation, emergency medical services, and public services.

Aeromexico Cargo Inaugurates Route Between Wuhan, China and Mexico City

May 10, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Aeromexico Cargo inaugurated a direct route between the Wuhan-Tianhe International Airport and the Mexico City International Airport for exclusive cargo transportation. This was celebrated at an event held at Wuhan airport, in the presence of the Mexican Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, airport authorities and airline business partners.

The route will be operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which has a load capacity of more than 30 tons or 130 m3, depending on the type of cargo.

Wuhan is one of the fastest growing cities in China and has become a hub for air transport in the central region of the country. The growth of e-commerce, medical supplies and high-tech products shipping from this city to the rest of the world, has been exponential during the last year reaching more than a 500% increase. Due to its infrastructure, the Wuhan airport stood out in the first position among 22 other airports in China in the ranking of passenger transport in the country.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Aeromexico Cargo has completed more than 235 exclusive cargo flights from China to Mexico and 16 other countries, transporting more than 4,000 tons of essential medical supplies. All these operations represented more than 8,000 hours of flight and 6 million kilometers traveled, which is equivalent to travel 170 times around the world.

Aeromexico Cargo can operate in more than 40 airports in Mexico and in multiple international destinations in the US, Canada, Central and South America, Asia and Europe. The most common cargo is perishable products, live animals, high-value goods, technology, medicines, and medical supplies, among others.

AeroMexico Lands in Russia for the First Time

March 10, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Mexico City, March 10, 2021 – Cooperating with DHL Global Forwarding, Aeromexico managed to achieve its first flight in its history to Russia operating a cargo charter flight. The flight departed from Mexico City on March 8, with a stopover in Madrid, Spain. The flight continued on to Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport in Russia, landing on March 9. Following cargo loading, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft took off for the return flight to Mexico City, once again stopping over in the Spanish capital.

Aeromexico, in the last 12 months, has landed its Dreamliner aircraft at 20 new airports in 14 countries including: Belo Horizonte, Cabo Frio, Cali, Fortaleza, Frankfurt, Guatemala, Guayaquil, Hong Kong, Kingston, Moscow, Panama, Porto Alegre, Quito, Santo Domingo, San Jose, San Pedro Sula, San Salvador, Shenzhen, Winnipeg, and Wuhan.

Since the start of the pandemic, Aeromexico has transported more than 6,400 tons of cargo on 325 charter operations to ship medical supplies and other necessary goods to Mexico, as well as 16 countries. Aeromexico Cargo operates in more than 40 airports in Mexico, and several other destinations including the USA, Canada, Central America, South America, Asia, and Europe. The most common cargo carried includes medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, perishable goods, live animals, and high technology consumer and corporate items.

Southwest Airlines Announces Myrtle Beach, Eugene, and Bellingham 2021 Service Plans

March 8, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Southwest Airlines Company (NYSE: LUV) today announced an intention to bring the flexibility and value of Southwest Airlines® to three more new airports in 2021. Southwest Airlines Chairman and CEO Gary Kelly today is sharing the following message with the Employees of Southwest:

I’m pleased to share with you all that today we’re announcing our intention to serve three more destinations and continue our focus on putting our aircraft to work to pursue more Customers and much-needed revenue.

And the destinations are (drum roll!) Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Eugene, Oregon; and Bellingham, Washington—three very different and appealing locations to both serve our existing Customers and places where we feel Southwest can make a real difference for local travelers.

We’re looking to start Myrtle Beach service in time for summer vacations and we expect our arrival to appeal to travelers who currently drive to this very popular coastal area in the Southeast. ‘Golf bags fly free’* should be very popular for Myrtle Beach service!

Eugene is about two hours south of Portland, and it’s ripe for the Southwest Effect, our Hospitality, and our flexible policies, with no hidden fees, and low fares.

Southwest service in Bellingham positions us just south of metro Vancouver, British Columbia. Following the reopening of the Canadian border, we expect a return of the value-minded travelers who already drive to this alternative airport to escape high fares and taxes—and that’s very, very typical for Southwest destinations. Southwest provides a great value for them.

Service to both Eugene and Bellingham is something we’ve anticipated in the second half of the year.

That makes 17 new airports that either we have opened or announced since the pandemic began. And for those that have commenced service, they’re performing very well. In fact, we just shared with the airports serving Steamboat Springs and Telluride that we’re extending our service beyond the winter season to continue serving both through the summer of 2021.

Colorado Springs, Savannah, and our Long Beach service to Hawaii all start-up this coming Thursday.

That’s a lot of work, a lot of new destinations, and a lot of options for our Customers and so I want to thank all of the Teams that have a hand in continuing to grow the Heart of Southwest while better positioning us to capture more Customers as the travel demand rebounds.

*Golf bags fly free as one of two checked pieces of baggage offered to every Southwest Customer (weight and size limitations apply)

LATAM Announces Freighter Conversion of up to Eight Boeing 767-300ER

March 6, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

LATAM Airlines Group (Santiago: LTM.SN) announced a significant expansion of its cargo operations with the conversion of up to eight Boeing 767-300ER aircraft into Boeing Converted Freighters (“BCF”) in the next three years. This represents a freighter capacity growth of up to 80%. This plan seeks to increase the service options and leverage the synergies of operating a single type of aircraft.

The plan is divided in two gradual stages. The first phase is based on four confirmed conversion slots with Boeing with re-deliveries between 2021 and 2022. Upon completion of that phase, LATAM’s cargo operators’ fleet would reach a total of 15 Boeing 767-300ER freighters. The second phase includes four conversion options with Boeing that would allow aircraft to be added between 2022 and 2023. If all options are executed LATAM would operate a total of 19 767-300ER freighters.

Throughout 2020, LATAM Cargo played an active and vital role in ensuring essential supplies reached Latin American countries, especially in places with extreme and difficult-to-access areas like in countries such as Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. LATAM also worked to safeguard the supply from the import and export sectors in South America, even increasing their shipment frequencies by more than 40% in some markets. To achieve these results, LATAM operated passenger planes for the exclusive transport of cargo.

In addition, during the pandemic, LATAM landed for the first time in China, searching for medical supplies for South America, ultimately making more than 80 flights to the Asian continent. LATAM currently continues to make trips to Europe and China to transport COVID-19 vaccines into the region, and the LATAM Group’s Solidarity Plane Program has made its resources available for the free transport of vaccines in domestic markets.

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