The new airline, dubbed ‘Air France Express,’ could start service as early as next year with bases in the southern cities of Marseille, Nice and Toulouse. The main hurdle would be reaching an agreement with the unions, the sources said.

Air France-KLM which already operates a low cost unit, Transavia, declined to comment.

The airline declined to comment but an unnamed source told AFP: “Studies are underway to find some way to fight off the ‘low-cost’ airlines. Among ideas being considered, is setting up a new entity within Air France-KLM,” one of the sources said, asking not to be named.

“The idea would be to base some pilots in Marseille, Nice and Toulouse and to do like easyJet – avoid having aircraft overnighting away from their operating base,” the source added.

This model could mirror the likes of easyJet and Ryanair that operate from many bases rather than just one or two, which allows them to setting up more efficient regional hubs and thereby keep down costs.

Air France-KLM could achieve greater flexibility by moving some services outside of its main hub at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle, Paris.

Pilots would work the same number of days but would be in the air for more of their working day, getting paid more but not quite as much more as would be saved in costs, the source added.

This would be fantastic news for the environment if another low cost airline was created. It would cut unnecessary wastage that luxury airlines create and ensure that the carbon foot print per passenger is kept to the absolute minimum. Low cost airlines are the way forward for so many reasons. Have an inside look at Low Cost Airlines here.

Source: AFP

Samantha Minogue

Editorial Director

After the success of the 26-hour flight, flying day and night solely on solar energy, and a well-earned summer break, a new test flight is scheduled for this Thursday, 2 September 2010, in the airspace above the Payerne airbase. The weather forecast is good.

André Borschberg will be at the controls of the solar plane, aiming to carry out a low-altitude flight and a night landing.

The take off should take place at around 19:00. The flight is expected to last two hours, depending on how successful the mission is and the weather conditions.

Follow the Solar Impulse Blog on the Solar Impulse website. This will provide you with all details on the progress of the test-flight.

For more information on Solar Impulse, see the previous Solar Powered Test Flight.

Source: Solar Impulse

Samantha Minogue

Editorial Director

This fare applies to Liverpool flights from Lanzarote and Tenerife, London Luton and Stansted flights from Lanzarote, and Glasgow (Prestwick) flights from Alicante, Faro, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Malaga and Tenerife.
Ryanair also pledged to assist with the repatriation of passengers who may be stranded abroad up in any more airline collapses and advised passengers that the best way to ensure their travel plans are protected is to travel only with financially secure airlines such as Ryanair.

Ryanair’s rescue fare can be booked until 25th August via Ryanair Rescue Fare for travel until 9th Sep, and applies to Kiss Flights passengers only, who have a valid Kiss Flights booking reference.

Ryanair’s Daniel de Carvalho said “Kiss Flights’ failure underlines the risk of flying with an airline that is not financially stable.  Ryanair will help stranded passengers return home to the UK over the next 2 weeks.

“Kiss Flights passengers only can book these rescue fares for just €69 (one way including taxes and charges but excluding baggage fees) via Ryanair.

“Ryanair advises all passengers to book only with financially stable airlines.  By booking with Ryanair passengers will secure the guaranteed lowest fares and can be sure that Ryanair will still be flying when their flight date arrives.  With over €3billion in cash Ryanair is one of the most financially robust airlines in Europe.”

For further information and bookings, visit Ryanair.

Have a closer look at Kiss Flights.

Source: Ryanair

Samantha Minogue

Editorial Director

The company had been bought in January by the London-based Flight Options. Kiss Flights, which operated flights to the eastern Mediterranean and the Canary Islands, became the second to go bust in a week. The collapse of this low-cost travel firm has left tens of thousands of holidaymakers scrambling to arrange alternative flights.

Following the decision of Kiss Flights to suspend its operations, the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK has decided to come forward to help stranded passengers. Passengers who were due to travel with Kiss Flights should claim for a refund with the Civil Aviation Authority as the company has suspended its operations.

After initially being told their flights were cancelled, passengers due to travel before Wednesday night were able to fly before Kiss Flights stopped operating.

“We had a phone call from the company we’ve booked the holiday with, letting us know what had happened to Kiss Flights, and to confirm our holiday was going ahead,” said a woman at Gatwick Airport.

A male traveller said: “I received an answer phone message from the holiday company, just telling me that the flight was cancelled. And I received another answer message about one and a half hour later, telling us we could fly.”

Some passengers who had booked with Kiss Flights did so after another holiday firm, with whom they were originally due to fly, went out of business last month.

Viking Airlines, the Swedish carrier which operated Kiss Flights, is still flying as usual. It has referred those who booked with the failed company to the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority.

The CAA has reassured tourists stranded abroad that alternative flights will be found.

Kiss Flights is the 13th British holiday firm to fold this year. Several had already been weakened by the Icelandic ash cloud that paralysed European air traffic in the spring.

Earlier this week, more disruption was narrowly averted when agreement was reached in a pay dispute involving ground staff who had been threatening strike action.

CAA- Civil Aviation Authority reassures passengers affected by the suspension of Kiss flights operations will be refunded according to ATOL 4233 regulations. The CAA- Civil Aviation Authority has created a hotline number 0844 571 7262 for any queries concerning Kiss flights ticket refunding.

For further information, visit Civil Aviation Authority or Kiss Flights, once their site is up and running.

Source: CAA

Samantha Minogue

Editorial Director

Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based national airline of the UAE, will introduce its first ‘all economy’ class aircraft into its fleet in October 2010. The two Airbus A320s will be configured to carry 162 economy class passengers, an increase of 42 from the current economy capacity.

The all economy cabin aircraft will operate to short haul Etihad destinations, which have high demand for economy traffic and low demand for premium traffic. Initially these will be Alexandria, Calicut, Colombo, Damascus, Doha and Thiruvananthapuram.

Plans are in place to expand the all economy fleet to 10 A320 aircraft which will enable the airline to launch new short haul destinations which have low demand for premium travel and also to existing Etihad destinations.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “Etihad has grown at a remarkable pace during the past six and a half years. We have built a strong brand and a robust business, and it is the right time to challenge the way we serve our various markets and segments.

“Our all economy aircraft will allow us to offer a more competitive product in key point-to-point markets in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian Subcontinent, while maintaining the high standards of service we have become known for.”

Customers travelling on the new ‘all economy’ aircraft will receive the same world class service and product that is featured on the current narrow body fleet, such as seat back in-flight entertainment screens and hot and cold meals and beverages. Each seat has a 32 inch pitch.

Etihad Airways is fully committed to conducting business in ways which ensure the responsible management of the effect that they have on our environment. Through the adoption of their environmental policy, their partnership with the Masdar future energy initiative and the make-up of their fuel efficient fleet, they are focused on abiding by the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle.

In March 2009, Etihad signed an agreement with Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted future energy initiative, establishing a range of activities to reduce the airline’s carbon footprint through sustainable and energy efficient measures.

Masdar will support the development of carbon management solutions to ensure Etihad’s compliance with the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme, which comes into effect for aviation in 2012, and will also support the Etihad’s voluntary carbon reduction initiatives.

In addition, Masdar will work with Etihad to enhance the airline’s waste management plans and energy saving initiatives.

It is fantastic to see the use of “All Economy” aircrafts. With maximum usage of space, Etihads aircrafts will be flying fuel efficient if you take into account the fuel consumption per passenger per square meterage of space.

For more information on “All Economy” flights, visit Etihad Airways.

Source: Etihad Airways

Samantha Minogue

Editorial Director

The Doha-based carrier’s well documented move into the research of alternative jet fuel as part of an overall mission to secure a cleaner and environmentally friendly future, helped win it the Environment accolade at the annual Airline Strategy Awards held in London.

The airline earned recognition among an illustrious judging panel made up of chief executives, aviation consultants, leading analysts and academics drawn from across the industry.

Now in their ninth year, the awards which are run by the leading monthly aviation magazine Airline Business, have established themselves as the sector’s benchmark recognising boardroom leadership and strategic vision.

Success criteria for the award included demonstrating the creation and implementation of a company-wide environmental strategy; the creation, development and implementation of measures that produce environmental benefits; and the support of industry-wide initiatives through research.

The airline was acknowledged for its leadership in pioneering the use of alternative jet fuel having operated the world’s first commercial passenger flight powered by a fuel made from natural gas. The flight from London Gatwick to Doha in October 2009 made headlines around the world.

Otherwise known as gas-to-liquids (GTL) fuel, the milestone flight was also seen as the first step in helping make the alternative synthetic fuel available to all airlines in the future.

Over the past two years, Qatar Airways has been instrumental in driving a number of environmentally-friendly projects designed to find ways to maximise fuel saving efficiency and explore the use of cleaner jet fuels.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “It is a great honour for the airline to be recognised with this prestigious award and it only demonstrates the commitment that we at Qatar Airways have towards a cleaner and environmentally-friendly crowded skies.”

“At Qatar Airways, we don’t just talk, but take positive action to produce results and these measures we have and will be adopting, will only help airlines around the world to fly the global skies with a cleaner and friendly environment at the forefront of their growth strategies.”

The airline has implemented a company-wide five-pillar corporate social responsibility strategy that embraces change management and integrated fuel management for sustainable development.

Just months later, Qatar Airways joined forces with industry partners to establish the Qatar Advanced Biofuels Platform to research and develop the feedstock and capability to produce biomass-to-liquid fuel – otherwise known as BTL jet fuel.

With an ultimate aim to use a blend of GTL and biomass-to-liquid (BTL) jet fuel, this would help the airline be independent of conventional aviation jet fuel in the future.

“In a remarkably short time, Qatar Airways has gone from a relative laggard on the environment front to one blazing a trail for others to follow,” said Mark Pilling, Editor of Airline Business.

“With increasing pressure to display its environmental credentials and emissions trading schemes, Qatar Airways’ leadership knew the time had come to significantly boost its activities on the environment front.”

For more information, visit Qatar Airways.

Source: Qatar Airways

Samantha Minogue

Editorial Director

The project with Port of Seattle, Boeing and FAA, aims to reduce aircraft fuel consumption, greenhouse gases and noise through improved airport approaches.

Alaska Airlines demonstrated next-generation flight procedures this week during a test flight over Puget Sound that burned less fuel and reduced emissions by 35 percent compared to a conventional landing. The flight was part of Alaska Air Group’s “Greener Skies” project at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) focused on using satellite-based guidance technology pioneered by Alaska Airlines to fly more efficient landing procedures that will reduce environmental impacts in the Puget Sound region. The airline, in cooperation with the Port of Seattle, Boeing and other airlines serving Sea-Tac, is seeking Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for the procedures, which could ultimately be used by all properly equipped carriers at Sea-Tac.

Testing for the project began last summer and, since then, Alaska Airlines has flown two other demonstration flights and submitted more than half of the proposed procedures for FAA review. Representatives from Alaska, Boeing, the FAA and the Port of Seattle participated in the most recent demonstration to observe the level of flight path precision and fuel consumption on eight landing approaches in a Boeing 737-700. With a landing weight similar to a typical passenger flight, the shorter and more efficient approaches reduced carbon emissions and saved 400 pounds of fuel per approach.

The test flight used satellite guidance technology called Required Navigation Performance (RNP) to fly more direct, continuous descent approaches. Alaska Airlines estimates the new procedures at Sea-Tac will cut fuel consumption by 2.1 million gallons annually and reduce carbon emissions by 22,000 metric tons, the equivalent of taking
4,100 cars off the road every year. They will also reduce overflight noise for an estimated 750,000 people living below the affected flight corridor.

“Sea-Tac is the ideal location to pursue this cutting-edge project,” said Ben Minicucci, Alaska’s chief operating officer. “Seattle has the highest percentage of advanced RNP-equipped planes in the nation, and — working with the FAA — Alaska Airlines, Boeing and the Port of Seattle are committed to making ‘Greener Skies’ a reality as soon as possible. Ultimately this project could serve as a blueprint for next-generation aviation technology throughout the country.”

Typically, commercial aircraft follow a lengthy approach pattern and series of stair-step descents before landing. Using RNP technology and a continuous descent, also called an optimized profile descent (OPD), aircraft can descend from cruise altitude to an airport runway along a shorter, more direct flight path at low power.

Planning and testing of the procedures will continue through the remainder of the year and will be integrated into Alaska Airlines and sister carrier Horizon Air’s commercial operations at Sea-Tac pending FAA approval.

Alaska Airlines pioneered RNP precision flight-guidance technology during the mid-1990s to help its planes land at some of the world’s most remote and geographically challenging airports in the state of Alaska. RNP provides computer-plotted landing paths by using a combination of onboard navigation technology and the global positioning system (GPS) satellite network. It improves safety and reliability in all weather, and reduces reliance on ground-based navigation aids. Alaska Airlines currently uses FAA-approved RNP procedures at 23 U.S. airports.

Alaska Airlines is the only major U.S. air carrier with a completely RNP-equipped fleet and fully trained crews. Alaska is also the first airline approved by the FAA to conduct its own RNP flight validation. Horizon Air’s fleet will be fully RNP-equipped by the end of 2011.

RNP and OPD are part of the Next Generation Air Transportation System, the FAA’s plan to modernize the National Airspace System through 2025. This initiative will increase airspace capacity and efficiency while improving safety and reducing environmental impacts through the replacement of legacy ground-based equipment with new satellite-based technology and aircraft navigation capabilities.

As part of the initial Alaska Airlines RNP operational approval team, Boeing began installing RNP guidance technology on its aircraft in 1994. Currently, all Boeing production airplanes are RNP-capable, and solutions are available to upgrade the in-service fleet. The Boeing Company is continuing this pioneering tradition by working with Alaska Airlines, the FAA and the Port of Seattle in implementing RNP solutions and the Greener Skies program for Sea-Tac.

For more information, visit Alaska Airlines.

Source: Alaska Airlines

Samantha Minogue

Editorial Director

AMR Chairman and CEO Gerard Arpey noted substantial progress improving the company’s financial performance comparatively, both year-over-year and in sequential quarters. “As we move forward, we remain focused on our primary goals of driving revenue growth, controlling costs, and returning to sustained profitability,” said Arpey. “Our plan to achieve these objectives is distinguished by our cornerstone network strategy, the ongoing implementation of our planned joint business agreements in the transatlantic and transpacific markets, additional alliance and network activities, and our ongoing fleet renewal efforts. Taken together, these initiatives are designed to grow revenue, fortify our network, and control our unit costs – all central elements of our Flight Plan 2020. We believe our plan, and these initiatives, are paving the way to a more successful and competitive company.”

The 35 newly ordered 737s are to be delivered in 2011 and 2012 and will be in addition to the 84 new 737s that began entering American’s fleet in April 2009, when the Company launched its replacement plan for its MD80 narrowbody fleet. The 737s are 35 percent more fuel-efficient on a seat-mile basis than the MD80 aircraft that they are replacing – an average savings of 800,000 gallons of fuel per aircraft per year.

The 737-800s are equipped with Blended Winglets™, similar to those installed on American’s current fleet. These wing tip extensions provide significant operating, fuel efficiency and environmental benefits, including reduced noise on takeoff and approach and lower emissions through lower cruise thrust.

The 737-800 provides best-in-class operating capabilities and it is also one of the most widely operated aircraft in the world.

“Purchasing aircrafts during challenging economic times is a major decision – a decision we don’t take lightly,” said Gerard Arpey, Chairman and CEO of AMR Corp., the parent company of American Airlines and American Eagle. “In the year that we’ve been operating these new 737s, we’ve seen they have improved our fuel efficiency, provided environmental and operational benefits, and enhanced the overall customer experience.”

Arpey also noted that American has been able to obtain a “backstop” financing commitment covering all 35 of these aircraft. Terms of the commitment were not disclosed.

“These additional aircrafts will help continue to reduce our average fleet age and will also help us manage through future fuel price volatility, which continues to be a challenge for the entire industry,” Arpey said.

With the 52 new 737-800s already delivered as of the end of the second quarter of 2010, the average age of American’s combined MD80 and 737 fleet has been reduced by 1.5 years compared to two years earlier.

Including the 35 new orders and 84 737s that began arriving in 2009, American expects to have a total of 195 737-800s in its narrowbody fleet by the end of 2012.

“American Airlines is leveraging all the performance benefits of the Next-Generation 737 to stay competitive, while providing an enhanced passenger travel experience,” said Marlin Dailey, Vice President of Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “American’s investment in additional 737s demonstrates real confidence in the 737’s technology and economics. In addition, the new interiors on its existing 737 fleet and the new 737 Boeing Sky Interior on deliveries starting in 2011 will ensure American’s customers continue to enjoy an exceptional flying experience.”

These aircraft will include the new Boeing Sky Interior along with comfortable and spacious First and Economy Class seats, bigger overhead storage bins, updated inflight entertainment systems, and more AC power ports. Over time, American intends to equip all of its 737s with Gogo® Inflight Internet service, which will allow passengers to surf the Web, check e-mail and send instant messages conveniently from the air.

Last month, American Airlines said it is updating its existing 737-800s to match the customer benefits and amenities featured on its newly-delivered 737-800 aircraft to improve the travel experience. The update effort began in May and the retrofitting is being done by American’s mechanics at its maintenance base in Tulsa, Okla.

For more information, visit American Airlines.

Source: American Airlines

Samantha Minogue

Editorial Director

Students from UK Universities can shape the future of flight and win €30,000 in a global competition launched today by Airbus at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.

The Airbus Fly Your Ideas (FYI) competition challenges students worldwide to develop new ideas for a greener aviation industry. The biennial contest involves three progressively challenging rounds judged by a panel of Airbus and industry experts. It concludes with a final at next summer’s International Paris Airshow – Le Bourget, France. The winners will share the top prize of € 30,000; the runners-up €15,000.

Announcing the launch of FYI 2011, Charles Champion, Airbus Executive Vice President Engineering and FYI Patron, said: “Fly Your Ideas is a unique opportunity for students to be part of Airbus’ vision for an eco-efficient aviation industry of the future. The competition is designed to stimulate ideas for both a more connected and sustainable world. It also enables Airbus to engage with students and research teams to identify R&T opportunities to balance the increased demand for air travel with a better environment.”

University students of any age, nationality, gender or discipline – from engineering to marketing; business to science; philosophy to design – are invited to take part. Proposals are welcome on all aspects of the ‘Environmental Life Cycle’ – an innovative approach Airbus uses to improve the environmental performance of an aircraft and its production process. It consists of five stages: design; supply chain; manufacturing; aircraft operations and aircraft end-of-life.

FYI 2011 follows the success of the inaugural contest launched in October 2008. Some 2,350 students from over 80 countries took part with the multinational team COz from the University of Queensland, Australia, judged eventual winners at Le Bourget 2009. Their project focused on the use of a pioneering natural fibre composite – made from castor plants – in aircraft cabins.

Benjamin Lindenberger (27), who was part of the FYI 2009 winning team “COz”, added: “Winning the FYI challenge 2009 was a great experience. But the opportunity to work with Airbus experts, gain industry insight and develop transferable skills was just as valuable.”

To enter FYI 2011 students must register as a team of three to five members on the competition website by 30 November 2010.

For more information, visit www.airbus-fyi.com

Source: Airbus

Samantha Minogue

Editorial Director

Solar Impulses’ Solar Powered Flight will take off at around 04:00 o’clock. The flight should last for more or less one hour depending on the success of the mission and on weather conditions.

Nine days have passed since the phenomenal night flight of André, it was a truly historic moment. “The souvenir of this special minute when the long-lasting efforts of countless people joined to redefine the limits of the possible and to open the doors to a new era”, said Martin Reichlin

Aptly put, Martin continues, “To use the words of a wise former coach of the German national soccer team: After the game is before the game. Or adapted to Solar Impulse: After the flight is before the flight. Regardless of last weeks huge success our test program is not yet completed. We still miss for example the official confirmation that our pilots can not only fly the HB-SIA by night but can also perform a touch down without daylight. A proof in which aviation authorities could be quite interested once we are ready to do international flights. In addition the air brakes of the plane were never fully opened at higher speeds, as Claude Nicollier just told me. A manoeuvre which can stress the airplanes structure considerably.”

So tomorrow test pilot Markus Scherdel will continue the tests. It’s scheduled that he will take off at 4am and hand on a go-around manoeuvre before he will alight just before the onset of dawn.

The adventure continues.

For more info on Solar Impulse, have a look at Solar Powered Flight Lands.

Source: Solar Impulse

Samantha Minogue

Editorial Director