Tag: cabin (Page 7 of 13)

La Compagnie Takes Measures Due to Coronavirus COVID-19

March 16, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

MEASURES TAKEN BY LA COMPAGNIE

Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus COVID-19, our teams have been doing everything possible to guarantee the safety and health of our passengers and cabin crew.

We regularly consult all relevant international authorities to make sure that we follow – and even surpass – their instructions on health precautions related to the effort to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

Aircraft cleaning procedures, which were already of the highest standard given our all-business class offer, have been reinforced to guarantee a safe and relaxing experience for our passengers. Our brand-new A321neo also features a state-of-the-art air circulation system that renews cabin air every 3 minutes.

COMMERCIAL POLICY

In light of President Trump’s recent restrictions on travel between Europe and the U.S., effective March 13^th at midnight for a period of 30 days, we have been forced to reassess our flight schedule for the upcoming months.

We must suspend all scheduled flights from March 18^th to April 12^th, 2020,resuming with one daily flight between Paris and New York from April 13^th once the restrictions are lifted.

The launch of the seasonal route from New York to Nice is pushed back to June 1^st, 2020.

In the unlikely event that your flight has been cancelled by La Compagnie in light of the Covid-19 situation, you will be notified directly via the contact details provided in your booking and will be offered solutions to modify, postpone or cancel your flights.

Any passengers with a flight scheduled between now and May 31^st, 2020 who would like to postpone their departure may do so, regardless of fare conditions and at no charge, or receive a non-refundable but transferrable voucher (valid for 12 months).

High-Speed Cabin Connectivity for New Bombardier Learjet Aircraft Now Offered on In-service Fleet

March 4, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Gogo AVANCE L5 provides the fastest and most reliable 4G air-to-ground
high-speed internet coverage over North America for business aircraft today
Retrofit available for Learjet 40, Learjet 45, Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft throughout Bombardier’s growing service network, which has unparalleled OEM expertise to enhance the ownership experience for customers
This high-speed connectivity is already available on new Learjet aircraft, and will be an option on the new Learjet 75 Liberty business jet

Bombardier Aviation is bringing faster connectivity to its in-service Learjet fleet as part of a continuing commitment to this legendary platform. Gogo Business Aviation’s next-generation, 4G air-to-ground (ATG) internet system, Gogo AVANCE L5, has been an available option on new Learjet aircraft since last year.

Bombardier is now offering customers the high-performance 4G in-cabin Wi-Fi system as a retrofit for in-service Learjet 40, Learjet 45, Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft. Customers can have the system installed at all Bombardier Service Centres and Authorized Service Facilities throughout the United States.

“Learjet aircraft are renowned productivity tools, and this enhancement ensures that our customers have the connectivity they need to maximize their time in the air,” said Michael Anckner, Vice President, Worldwide Sales, Learjet Aircraft and Corporate Fleets, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “With various upgrades available for our large fleet of in-service aircraft and the recent unveiling of our value-added Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft, there’s never been a better time to own a Learjet.”

The new and significantly faster 4G service uses Gogo AVANCE L5, which is lightweight and compact, accesses the Gogo Biz 4G ground network of more than 250 towers and delivers seamless connectivity over the continental U.S. and large parts of Canada and Alaska. Designed specifically for business aircraft, the system offers audio and video streaming as well as faster web surfing for a vastly improved user experience over previous-generation technology.

The iconic Learjet brand is synonymous with excellence in aviation, with more than 2,000 Learjet aircraft in service around the world. This fleet is a testament to the longevity and reliability of this platform, while the upcoming Learjet 75 Liberty signals a strong future for the world’s best light jet.

Bombardier is growing its worldwide support network, including a new service centre at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport and the recent addition of two U.S. line maintenance stations in Teterboro and Van Nuys. In addition to providing this 4G connectivity upgrade to the Learjet fleet, Bombardier is also offering the latest update to the popular Garmin G5000 avionics suite aboard Learjet aircraft, which was recently certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and brings many workload-reducing improvements to the cockpit.

The Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft is on track to enter service in mid-2020. Its spacious cabin features a
six-seat configuration that gives light jet passengers unprecedented freedom to stretch out. A standard pocket door delivers a quiet, productive flight coupled with the comfort of Bombardier’s signature smooth ride.

The Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft has a range of 2,080 nautical miles, able to connect Las Vegas to New York, Seattle to Washington, D.C., and Mexico City to San Francisco, nonstop.* This aircraft has the same operating costs as its competitors in the light jet category while offering the most spacious cabin, the fastest speed, the longest range and the smoothest ride. It is also a step up from other light jets in terms of safety standards, certified to the FAA’s more stringent Part 25 regulations, applicable to commercial airliners, unlike other light jets certified to Part 23 regulations.

Delta Reduces Japan Flight Schedule Due To COVID-19

March 4, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Customers with affected travel plans can go to the My Trips section of delta.com to help them understand their options.

Delta will reduce its weekly flying schedule to Japan through April 30 and suspend summer seasonal service between Seattle and Osaka for 2020 in response to reduced demand due to COVID-19 (coronavirus).

The health and safety of customers and employees is Delta’s top priority. The airline maintains an ongoing relationship with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, the world’s foremost experts on communicable diseases, to ensure training, policies, procedures, and cabin cleaning and disinfection measures meet and exceed guidelines. The latest information about Delta’s response to COVID-19 is here: news.delta.com/coronavirus

Flight schedule changes

Beginning March 7 for U.S. departures to Japan and March 8 for Japan departures to the U.S., the airline will operate the following schedule:

Market	Peak Frequency	Frequency March 7-April 30
Tokyo-Detroit	Daily	Daily
Tokyo-Los Angeles	Daily	Daily
Tokyo-Honolulu	Daily	Daily
Tokyo-Seattle	Daily	Daily
Tokyo-Portland	Daily	3x weekly
Tokyo-Atlanta	Daily	5x weekly
Tokyo-Minneapolis	Daily	5x weekly
Nagoya-Detroit	Daily	3x weekly
Nagoya-HNL	Daily	3x weekly
Osaka-Seattle	Daily	Suspended
Osaka-Honolulu	Daily	3x weekly
Tokyo-Manila	Daily	Daily*

*ends March 27

Delta’s planned consolidation of Tokyo flights at Haneda Airport beginning March 28 will happen as planned. Flights between Seattle, Detroit, Atlanta, Honolulu and Portland will transition from Narita to Haneda beginning March 28 for departures from the U.S. to Tokyo, and March 29 for departures from Tokyo to the U.S. Delta’s Tokyo-bound flights from Minneapolis and Los Angeles already fly into Haneda and will continue to do so.

Delta’s service between Narita and Manila will continue to operate daily until March 27, after which the flight will be suspended as part of the carrier’s previously-announced consolidation at Haneda. The airline’s new service from Incheon to Manila, previously scheduled to begin March 29, will now start on May 1.

The airline’s seasonal summer service between Seattle and Osaka will be suspended for the summer of 2020, with a planned return in summer 2021. Delta will continue to serve Osaka from Honolulu.

Full schedules will be available on delta.com beginning March 7. The airline will continue to monitor the situation closely and may make additional adjustments as the situation continues to evolve.

Aeroflot Takes Delivery of its First A350-900

February 28, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Aeroflot, the Russian flag carrier and member of the SkyTeam alliance, has taken delivery of its first A350-900, becoming the launch operator of the latest-generation widebody aircraft in Eastern Europe and CIS. Aeroflot’s A350-900 features a distinctive new livery embracing its almost 100-year heritage. Aeroflot has a total of 22 A350-900 aircraft on order and operates an Airbus fleet of 126 aircraft (107 A320 Family and 19 A330 Family aircraft).

Aeroflot’s A350-900 features a brand new elegant cabin design, offering unrivalled passenger comfort. The aircraft has a spacious three-class cabin layout with 316 seats: 28 private Business Class suites with full-flat seats, 24 Comfort Class with extra legroom and 264 Economy Class. In addition, the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, HD screens and Wi-Fi connectivity will ensure enhanced experience for all passengers on long-haul flights. Aeroflot will operate its A350-900 from Moscow to a number of destinations including London, Dubai, New York, Miami, Osaka and Beijing.

The A350 XWB offers by design unrivalled operational flexibility and efficiency for all market segments – up to ultra-long haul (9,700 nm). Its Airspace by Airbus cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle aircraft and offers passengers and crews the most modern in-flight flying experience. The aircraft features the latest aerodynamic design, a carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Together, these latest technologies result in 25% lower operating costs, as well as 25% reduction in fuel burn and CO₂ emissions compared with previous-generation competing aircraft – demonstrating Airbus’ commitment to minimise its environmental footprint while remaining at the cutting edge of air travel.

Air-to-Air Refueling Broadens C295 Tactical Airlifter’s Operational Versatility

February 3, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

The new capability for Airbus’ C295 to serve as an aerial tanker brings additional flexibility for this tactical airlifter, further increasing its already-proven versatility and opening additional mission opportunities.

Airbus Defence and Space developed a removable air-to-air refuelling (AAR) kit for the twin-engine aircraft that utilises a 100-ft.-long deployable hose with a “basket” at the end – enabling the transfer of fuel to receiver aircraft equipped with a probe. A remote vision system allows crewmembers aboard the C295 tanker to monitor refuelling operations from the cargo cabin.

Recent flights to test the kit involved an Airbus-owned C295 that refuelled a C295 from the Spanish Air Force, as well as proximity tests with the C295 and a fast fighter aircraft – a Spanish Air Force F-18.

“Customers are increasingly interested in purchasing not just an aircraft, but a versatile platform that can be used for different missions,” explained Martín Espinosa, the Airbus Defence and Space engineering technical manager responsible for the C295’s aerial refuelling test campaign. “The development of the air-to-air refuelling capabilities of the C295 forms part of this strategic vision.”

The C295’s aerial refuelling capability would be a highly valuable mission-extender for customers using C295s. These customers include the armed forces of current and future C295 operators responsible for civil and military search and rescue missions.

Additionally, it could serve as a cost-effective platform to train fighter pilots in the skills needed for air-to-air refuelling. “The C295 tanker kit could facilitate training of fighter pilots for missions involving refuelling, or even for AAR services on a lease-by-the-hour basis at a fraction of the cost of heavier aircraft,” explained Luis Díaz-Miguel, the Tactical Airlifters Marketing Manager.

Captain Gabiña, a Spanish Air Force pilot involved in the aerial refuelling tests, gave high marks to the C295 in its new role as tanker. “The degree of difficulty in flight test is always high since it involves performing manoeuvers that no one has done before. It should be noted that due to the positive behaviour of the aircraft, the operation has been good and straightforward,” he said.

American Airlines Pilots Union Sues to Stop China Flights

January 30, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

WASHINGTON/PARIS/SINGAPORE (Reuters) – A pilots union filed a lawsuit on Thursday seeking to immediately halt American Airlines U.S.-China service, as cabin crews worldwide voiced unease about exposure to the rapidly-spreading coronavirus which has killed more than 170 people in China.

Sri Lankan Airlines staff wear masks at Bandaranaike International Airport after Sri Lanka confirmed the first case of coronavirus in the country, in Katunayake

The Allied Pilots Association, which represents American Airlines pilots, cited “serious, and in many ways still unknown, health threats posed by the coronavirus.”

American, the largest U.S. carrier, did not immediately comment on the suit, filed in a Texas court. The Fort Worth, Texas-based airline announced on Wednesday it would next month suspend flights from Los Angeles to Beijing and Shanghai, but continue flights from Dallas.

The World Health Organization on Thursday declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global emergency as cases spread to 18 countries.

The lawsuit came as an increasing number of airlines stopped their flights to China. Air France-KLM, for example, suspended its Beijing and Shanghai flights after cabin crews demanded an immediate halt.

Others that have dropped mainland Chinese destinations besides Wuhan, the outbreak’s center, include British Airways and Germany’s Lufthansa. Wuhan is closed to commercial air traffic.

Virgin Atlantic also said on Thursday it would suspend its daily operations to Shanghai from Sunday for two weeks because of the safety of customers and staff and a declining demand for tickets, but would continue flights to Hong Kong.

Other major carriers have kept flying to China, but protective masks and shorter layovers designed to reduce exposure have done little to reassure crews.

Thai Airways is hosing its cabins with disinfectant spray between China flights and allowing crew to wear masks and gloves.

“I don’t think it’s safe at all even with gloves and masks, because you catch it so many ways, like your eyes,” said one flight attendant, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“My friends also feel unsafe and don’t want to fly,” she said. “When we fly, we don’t sleep a lot.”

Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are operating fewer China flights, with Delta offering food deliveries so crew can stay in their hotels.

Korean Air Lines Co Ltd and Singapore Airlines are sending additional crew to fly each plane straight back, avoiding overnight stays.

The South Korean carrier also said it was loading hazmat suits for flight attendants who might need to take care of suspected coronavirus cases in the air.

The outbreak poses the biggest epidemic threat to the airline industry since the 2003 SARS crisis, which led to a 45% plunge in passenger demand in Asia at its peak in April of that year, analysts said.

(Reporting by Laurence Frost, Aradhana Aravindan, Chayut Setboonsarng, David Shepardson and Tracy Rucinski Additional reporting by Caroline Pailliez in Paris, Josephine Mason in London, John Geddie in Singapore, Panu Wongcha-um in Bangkok, Jamie Freed in Sydney and Joyce Lee in Seoul; Writing by Jamie Freed and Tracy Rucinski; Editing by Marguerita Choy)

FILE PHOTO: An American Airlines Airbus A321 plane takes off from Los Angeles International airport

Bombardier Gets Green Light for Avionics Upgrade on Learjet Aircraft

January 20, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certifies update to the popular Garmin G5000 avionics suite
This leading-edge technology will be standard on new Learjet aircraft and available as a retrofit on in-service Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft
Upgrade brings enhanced capabilities to the renowned Bombardier Vision flight deck and paves the way for future advancements
Bombardier’s newest Learjet, the Learjet 75 Liberty, is getting strong interest on the market, boasting the smoothest ride and the most spacious cabin as well as the latest avionAs part of its continuing commitment to the legendary Learjet product line, Bombardier is pleased to announce that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified the latest update to the popular Garmin G5000 avionics suite aboard Learjet aircraft.

As part of its continuing commitment to the legendary Learjet product line, Bombardier is pleased to announce that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified the latest update to the popular Garmin G5000 avionics suite aboard Learjet aircraft.

The upgrade will be incorporated on new Learjet aircraft deliveries. In a few months’ time, the new Garmin G5000 avionics suite will also be a standard feature on Bombardier’s newest Learjet, the Learjet 75 Liberty, which is expected to enter service in mid-2020. A retrofit for in-service Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft will be available in early 2020.

“The latest Garmin G5000 avionics suite is one of many reasons to love Learjet,” said Peter Likoray, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Marketing, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “With a steady stream of acclaimed enhancements and the upcoming entry-into-service of the new Learjet 75 Liberty, Bombardier is making the world’s best light jet an irresistible choice for more operators than ever before.”

“The Learjet is an iconic symbol that is known for its performance and efficiency, and the ever-popular Garmin G5000 integrated flight deck further enhances this platform with modern features such as wireless connectivity, FANS 1/A+ and more*,” said Carl Wolf, Vice President, Aviation Sales and Marketing, Garmin. “We’re thrilled to work alongside Bombardier to deliver a state-of-the-art avionics suite with an advanced feature set that reduces pilot workload, improves situational awareness and gives pilots a superior in-flight experience.”

Bombardier’s recent enhancements to the beloved Learjet are popular with operators and include a standard pocket door for the quietest flight as well as extended maintenance intervals that drive down operating costs. The spacious new Learjet 75 Liberty, which further demonstrates Bombardier’s commitment to Learjet, is getting strong interest on the market. A full-size interior mock-up of this value-added business jet has already made several appearances to overwhelmingly positive reviews.

The new Garmin G5000 avionics suite will bring workload-reducing improvements, including climb, cruise and descent vertical navigation, enhanced take-off and landing performance calculations and much more. FANS 1/A+, which enables access to the most efficient and favourable routes, will be offered as an option. It will ensure readiness for modernized airspace requirements and deliver efficiency gains that are expected to lower direct operating costs. Pilots will also benefit from a vast array of wireless connectivity features, including two-way flight plan transfers between compatible apps and avionics, available thanks to Garmin’s Flight Stream 510 solution.

The Learjet 75 Liberty has the same operating costs as its competitors in the light jet category while offering the most spacious cabin, the fastest speed, the longest range and the smoothest ride. It is also a step up from other light jets in terms of safety standards, certified to the FAA’s more stringent Part 25 regulations, applicable to commercial airliners, unlike other light jets certified to Part 23 regulations.

The six-seat configuration aboard the Learjet 75 Liberty gives light jet passengers unprecedented freedom to stretch out. A standard pocket door between the cockpit and the Executive Suite delivers a quiet flight, while retractable side tables and stowable ottomans ensure productivity and comfort.

The Learjet 75 Liberty has a range of 2,080 nautical miles, able to connect Las Vegas to New York, Seattle to Washington, D.C., and Mexico City to San Francisco, nonstop.**

First of Its Kind Jet to Shuttle Travelers Between the Beltway and the Big Apple

January 16, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

13 daily flights between Washington’s Reagan National and Newark Liberty mostly aboard the world’s only two-cabin 50-seat regional aircraft – the Bombardier CRJ-550 starting March 29

New jet offers first class seating, Wi-Fi, more leg room and enough space for every customer’s roller bag

WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — United Airlines today announced a new hourly shuttle service between Washington’s Reagan National Airport and New York/Newark Liberty International Airport. United will operate the world’s only two-cabin 50-seat regional aircraft – the Bombardier CRJ-550 on most flights. The CRJ-550 is designed for business and leisure travelers who want true-first-class seating, Wi-Fi, more leg room and enough space for every customer to bring a roller bag on board.

With this new shuttle service, United will now offer more travel opportunities between these two cities than any other airline in the world. Tickets for the 13 daily flights between New York/Newark and Washington, D.C. will be available for purchase beginning January 18 and service starts on March 29.

“Our customers who regularly travel between Washington, D.C. and New York – one of the busiest routes in the country – have told us they value convenient flights and a comfortable ride above all else,” said Sarah Murphy, United’s senior vice president of United Express. “With our new shuttle service aboard the one-of-a-kind CRJ-550, United Airlines is the only carrier to deliver both.”

The CRJ-550 is a first-of-its-kind jet boasting a wide variety of premium amenities, including:

10 seats in United First, 20 seats in Economy Plus, and 20 Economy seats
Space for every customer to bring a roller bag on board.
A self-serve refreshment center for United First customers featuring a wide assortment of snacks and beverages.
More overall legroom per seat than any other 50-seat aircraft flown by a U.S. airline.
The ability to stay connected while in flight with United Wi-Fi.

Every customer. Every flight. Every day.

United continues to strengthen its commitment to its customers, looking at every aspect of its business to ensure that the carrier keeps customers’ best interests at the heart of its service. In addition to today’s announcement, United recently:

Announced that MileagePlus award miles will never expire
Committed $40 million toward a new investment initiative focused on accelerating the development of sustainable aviation fuels and other decarbonization technologies
Established Miles on a Mission, a first-of-its-kind crowdsourcing platform which gives customers a simple way to donate miles to non-profit organizations and charities in need of air travel
Launched ConnectionSaver, a digital tool dedicated to improving the experience for customers with connecting flights
Instituted PlusPoints, new upgrade benefits for MileagePlus Premier members
Gave Economy customers a choice of complimentary snacks on domestic flights
Made DIRECTV free for every customer on more than 200 aircraft

United Airlines logo. (PRNewsFoto/United Airlines)

BOC Aviation Orders 20 More A320neo Aircraft

January 7, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Singapore-based lessor BOC Aviation Limited has placed a firm order with Airbus for 20 A320neo aircraft. Up to 12 of the newly-ordered aircraft will be leased to Colombia’s Avianca Airlines.

Featuring the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky, the A320neo Family incorporates the latest technologies, including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver 20% reduced fuel burn as well as 50% less noise compared to previous-generation aircraft.

Aston Martin Reveals Airbus ACH130 Aston Martin Edition Helicopter

January 6, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Aston Martin (ARGGY) just can’t help but outdo itself. From its entry in Le Mans, to building James Bond cars that actually work, to Aston Martin-themed motorcycles, and even embracing the manual gearbox after everyone else abandoned it—it seems that the British luxury marque is always looking to do the unexpected.

For its next trick, Aston Martin announced a team-up with airplane and helicopter maker Airbus to unveil the ACH130 Aston Martin Edition, a stylish helicopter embellished with four different interior and exterior designs provided by Aston Martin.

Exterior options include Stirling Green, Xenon Grey, Ultramarine Black, and a color simply dubbed Arizona. For the cabin, buyers get to choose between Oxford Tan, Cormorant, Ivory, and Pure Black. Matching leather and Pure Black ultra-suede makes up the rest of the interior. Aston Martin badging is embossed on the leather headrests to further distinguish this special edition for the standard ACH130.

Click the link for the full story and more pics!

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