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Dave

The last ever 747 delivered to its customer by Boeing

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Boeing and Atlas Air Worldwide joined thousands of people – including current and former employees as well as customers and suppliers – to celebrate the delivery of the final 747 to Atlas, bringing to a close more than a half century of production.

Boeing employees who designed and built the first 747, known as the “Incredibles,” returned to be honored at the Everett factory where the journey of the 747 began in 1967. The factory produced 1,574 airplanes over the life of the program.

Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes said

This monumental day is a testament to the generations of Boeing employees who brought to life the airplane that ‘shrank the world,’ and revolutionized travel and air cargo as the first widebody. It is fitting to deliver this final 747-8 Freighter to the largest operator of the 747, Atlas Air, where the ‘Queen’ will continue to inspire and empower innovation in air cargo.

John Dietrich, president and chief executive officer, Atlas Air Worldwide said

We are honored to continue our long history of flying this iconic aircraft for our customers around the world. Atlas Air was founded over 30 years ago with a single 747-200 converted freighter, and since then, we have spanned the globe operating nearly every fleet type of the 747, including the Dreamlifter, Boeing’s 747 Large Cargo Freighter, for the transport of 787 Dreamliner parts. We are grateful to Boeing for their shared commitment to safety, quality, innovation and the environment, and for their partnership to ensure the continued success of the 747 program as we operate the aircraft for decades to come.

As the first twin-aisle airplane and “jumbo jet,” the “Queen of the Skies” enabled airlines to connect people across vast distances and provide non-stop trans-oceanic flights.

Its development solidified Boeing’s role as an industry leader in commercial aviation. The aeroplane’s core design with its distinctive hump and seating in the upper deck has delighted generations of passengers and operators alike.

Boeing continued to improve on the original design with models like the 747-400 in 1988 and the final 747-8 model that was launched in 2005; across all the models, the jet has delivered unmatched operating economics and efficiency to travel and air cargo markets.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial aeroplanes, defence products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries.

Dave

Norwegian to purchase 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft

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Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA has reached an agreement in principle with Boeing for a recommitment to purchase 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

The agreement also includes options for an additional 30 aircraft.

The 50 aircraft are due to be delivered between 2025 and 2028, at a schedule closely corresponding to current aircraft lease expirations. This entails a limited net increase of the company’s current fleet. The parties’ agreement in principle is subject to various closing conditions, which are targeted to be concluded by the end of June 2022.

The company intends to finance the outstanding balance of pre-delivery payments through positive cash flow from operating activities.

A significant share of the aircraft will be owned by the company, ensuring an optimised and balanced aircraft financing structure. Subsequent to the conclusion of these agreements, Norwegian estimates to record a net gain of approximately NOK 2 billion.

Svein Harald Øygard, Chair of the Board of Norwegian said

Svein Harald Øygard: landmark deal

This is a landmark deal that sets out a path whereby Norwegian will own a large share of its fleet.

This will result in lower all-in costs and increased financial robustness, enabling us to further solidify our Nordic stronghold.

The deal also allows us to serve our customers with state-of-the-art aircraft that can run increasingly on sustainable aviation fuel.

The airline claims the purchase agreement demonstrates Norwegian’s ‘continuously strong commitment to operate a modern and fuel-efficient fleet’.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 is approximately 14% more fuel-efficient compared to the previous-generation aircraft, putting the company on strong footing to achieve its target of reducing emissions by 45%.

Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian said

Geir Karlsen: the deal will also strengthen the company’s equity considerably

The overall terms achieved are attractive for Norwegian, and the deal fits well with our long-term fleet strategy and route program.

It will enable us to serve our customers with modern fuel-efficient aircraft with the latest technology, significantly reducing our carbon footprint.

The deal will also strengthen the company’s equity considerably, further solidifying Norwegian’s financial position.

Norwegian has been voted Europe’s Best Low-Cost airline by Skytrax for six consecutive years and won Airline Program of the Year Europe & Africa at the Freddie Awards for four consecutive years. Since 2012, Norwegian has won over 55 awards for our service, product, and innovation in the industry.

Dave

Norse Atlantic Airways launches ticket sales between Norway and the United States

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Norse Atlantic Airways has opened ticket sales for flights between Norway and the United States marking what the airline calls ‘a new era for consumers seeking good value, choice and friendly service when choosing to travel across the Atlantic’. 

Fares will start from $129 one-way, including all applicable taxes. The first flight departing from Oslo to New York (JFK) will take place on 14 June.

The airline will also serve Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Orlando (MCO) and Los Angeles (LAX) from Oslo.

Bjorn Tore Larsen, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways said,

This is a major milestone for all of us at Norse Atlantic Airways and a testament to the dedication and determination of colleagues from across the airline who have made this possible.

Norse now offers the lowest one-way point to point transatlantic fares in the market.

Whether travelling on business, leisure or simply wishing to explore the world, Norse now makes it possible for everyone to explore for less.

Our modern, comfortable and more environmentally friendly Boeing 787 Dreamliners are ready to take to the skies and our pilots and cabin crew are looking forward to welcoming customers on board from June.

Customers are now able to book flights between Oslo, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Los Angeles. 

  • Flights from Oslo to New York will commence on 14 June 14th ramping up to daily flights from 4 July.
  • Flights from Oslo to Fort Lauderdale will commence on 18 June operating three weekly flights.
  • Flights between Oslo and Orlando will commence on 5 July operating three weekly flights.
  • Flights from Oslo to Los Angeles will commence om 9 August operating three weekly flights.
Bjorn Torre Larsen: ‘The introduction of affordable Norse Atlantic Airways point-to point flights between Europe and the United States, will benefit both local tourism and businesses’.

Norse Atlantic offers two cabin choices, Economy and Premium.

Passengers can choose from a simple range of fares, Light, Classic and Plus, that reflect the way that they want to travel, and which options are important to them.

Light fares represent Norse’s value option while Plus fares include the maximum baggage allowance, two meal services an enhanced airport and onboard experience and increased ticket flexibility.  

The large, spacious Boeing 787 Dreamliner cabin offers passengers a relaxed and comfortable travel experience with each seat including a personal state of the art entertainment experience.

The Premium cabin offers an ‘industry leading’ 43” seat pitch and 12” recline allowing passengers to arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore their destination.

  • Routes and fares from London and Paris to the United States will be announced ‘soon’.
  • More destinations in the United States will be announced soon. 
Dave

Boeing to Debut 777X at 2021 Dubai Airshow

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Boeing will showcase its portfolio of commercial, defence and services products at the 2021 Dubai Airshow this month, including the international debut of its newest fuel-efficient widebody jet, the Boeing 777X.

During the event, a Boeing 777-9 flight-test aeroplane will fly in the airshow’s flying program and appear in the static display. Building on the best of the 777 and 787 families, the 777-9 will be the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, delivering 10% better fuel use, emissions and operating costs than its competition, Boeing claims.

The Boeing 777X will be unveiled at the Dubai Air Show

The company’s static display will also feature the 2021 Boeing ecoDemonstrator, an Alaska Airlines 737-9 that is flight testing around 20 technologies to reduce fuel use, emissions and noise and further improve safety.

In addition, Etihad Airways will display a 787-10 Dreamliner that showcases the airline’s collaboration with Boeing to advance sustainable aviation.

Etihad’s programme researches and tests innovative technologies, products and practices on its fleet of 787s and within its operations to reduce carbon emissions further.

Also on display, flydubai – the region’s largest 737 operator – will feature a 737 MAX 9 that reduces fuel use and CO2 by 14% compared to its predecessors.

Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president of Boeing Middle East, Turkey and Africa said,

Boeing is excited to participate fully in the Dubai Airshow, the first global airshow in almost two years, and to be able to engage directly with customers, partners, suppliers and other stakeholders from the region and beyond. The show is a perfect opportunity to come together and remind the world of the importance of our industry and discuss technology and innovations that are critical to advance a more sustainable aerospace industry over the long term.


Visitors to Boeing Exhibit #1200 can experience a 360-degree theatre and learn more about the company’s capabilities through the lifecycle of several products.

Dave

All Nippon Airways orders twenty 787s

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ANA will expand its fleet with the mixed order of 20 new Boeing 787-10 and 787-9 aircraft, a move the airline says leaves it well positioned for long term success as it increases its emphasis on sustainability.

The order will include orders of eleven 787-10 aircraft and nine 787-9 models. The 787-10s, which has been selected to serve the airline’s domestic routes, will enter service between 2022 and 2024, with the 787-9s, scheduled for international service beginning in 2024 and concluding in 2025.

Yutaka Ito, Executive Vice President of ANA said:

Boeing’s 787s have served ANA with distinction, and we are proud to expand our fleet by adding more of these technologically advanced aircraft.

These planes represent a significant step forward for ANA as we work to make our entire fleet more eco-friendly and to reduce noise output. Introducing the 787-10 on the domestic routes will help ANA Group maintain its leadership role and improve our ability to operate as a responsible corporate citizen.

The Boeing 787 harness advanced aircraft design materials, significantly improving its efficiency compared to the Boeing 777 planes currently deployed by ANA. Replacing the domestic 777s with the 787s will allow ANA to achieve 25% better fuel efficiency. Because the 787 also generates less sound that the 777, the move will also reduce noise emissions.

If all 20 planes enter service, ANA will operate a total of 103 787s by 2025. The newly ordered planes will utilise engines manufactured by GE Aviation.

ANA HD considers a range of factors when adding aircraft to its fleet, and the Boeing 787 was selected after a thorough evaluation process determined that it would best meet ANA HD’s goals while helping the airline boost service and hospitality.

The next time you need to fly on ANA, contact your GTM Account Manager

How we fix the aircraft type for passengers
Kelly

How we fix the aircraft type for passengers

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At Global Travel Management, it is quite common for a passenger to ask what type of aircraft a specific flight is going to use.  The good news is that this is information we can provide.

From time to time we have travellers with specific requests about their flights.  Most passengers need to know the departure and arrival times, of course.  And some passengers make choices based on flight times.  But some passengers also want to know what type of aircraft will be used on a given flight.

Sometimes we get requests to make sure the flight booked is a certain aircraft type; other times we have passengers who want to avoid specific models.

We are able to help out passengers with these requests, in two ways.

First, whenever we search for airline fares, we use a system that provides lots of information including the aircraft type used on that flight.  We can see what plane the airline intends to use and can use graphical displays to determine which seats are still available to book.  So, whenever a passenger wants to make sure their booking is on a certain aircraft model, we can confirm that for them.

Second, once the booking is made, we send the passenger a full itinerary that gives them everything they need to know about their flight booking, including an explanation of the aircraft make and model.

Sometimes, for a number of reasons, an airline may need to change the type of aircraft used for a particular flight after the booking is made.  But it is very useful for passengers who have specific preferences to be able to know what aircraft is planned for a journey before making the decision to book.

This is another way we are happy to help passengers have the best experience on business trips.

Kelly

Air New Zealand extends free Wi-Fi offer

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Air New Zealand’s complimentary inflight Wi-Fi summer offer to customers has been such a hit the airline is extending it. 

Wi-Fi is now available on 12 international aircraft, including six Boeing 777-200s and four Boeing 777-300s which predominantly fly the airline’s trans-Tasman, US and London routes and two A321neo aircraft which operate Tasman and Pacific Island services. 

Air New Zealand General Manager Customer Experience Anita Hawthorne says more than 80,000 people have connected to complimentary Wi-Fi on international flights since 1 December, which is the equivalent to the population of Palmerston North. 

We’re so pleased with the uptake of our summer Wi-Fi offer and the feedback we’ve received from customers during this period that we’ve decided to extend it until the end of March.

 Standard Wi-Fi on Air New Zealand services is charged at $30 NZD for a full flight to Australia and the Pacific Islands and $40 for the duration of a flight to North America, Europe and Asia destinations.  There is also a 1-hour pass available for $9 on North America, Europe and Asia services.

Dave

British Airways to celebrate centenary by painting a Boeing 747 in retro B.O.A.C. colours

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British Airways has announced it will be painting one of its aircraft in the design of its predecessor British Overseas Airways Corporation (B.O.A.C.) as part of its centenary celebrations.

The livery from the 1964 – 1974 B.O.A.C. era will adorn a Boeing 747. The aircraft will arrive at Heathrow on 18 February, before entering service one day later. This will also mark the 50th anniversary of the first Boeing 747 flights.

British Airways plan to repaint more aircraft with retro liveries, which will fly on British Airways routes.

Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said,

So many British Airways customers and colleagues have fond memories of our previous liveries, regularly sharing their photos from across the globe, so it’s incredibly exciting to be re-introducing this classic BOAC design.

Our history has shaped who we are today, so our centenary is the perfect moment to revisit our heritage and the UK’s aviation landscape through this iconic livery.

Happy anniversary to British Airways, from all of us at Global Travel Management.

Paul

LOT Polish Airlines – flying the new Boeing 737 MAX-8!

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LOT Polish Airlines today welcomed the latest addition to its fleet, the Boeing 737 MAX-8, which landed this morning at London Heathrow Airport.

Aircraft SPLVA is the first of 6 MAX-8’s on order and will initially operate the London-Warsaw route twice per day with the B737 NG operating the third flight.

Offering greater capacity and enhanced comfort the cabin interior has been styled on our long haul 787 Dreamliner product, with larger overhead lockers improving the on board experience.

LOT is the only airline to offer a 3-cabin service between London and Warsaw with 20 flights a week. Operating the first and last flights to and from both destinations LOT is the best at offering wider choice to both corporate and leisure travellers.