Commercial Aviation News

Alaska Airlines has now officially joined the OneWorld alliance. Alaska becomes the 14th full member of the global alliance, just eight months after receiving a formal invitation from OneWorld in July 2020.
"Joining oneworld is joining a family of the best airlines in the world," said Ben Minicucci, Alaska's CEO. "Being a part of the alliance allows us to provide fantastic global connectivity, a seamless travel experience and more valuable loyalty offerings for our guests. This alliance transforms Alaska into a truly global airline, connecting our strong West Coast network and destinations across North America with the worldwide reach of our oneworld partners."

The Airbus A330...

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the design of the Boeing 737-MAX 8200. This is a special variant of the MAX series and this particular variant is expected to be delivered to Ryanair who wishes for a higher density version. It is called the MAX 8200 (MAX 8 (200 pax) because it will carry nearly 200 passengers (197 actually). Of course the aircraft type now has to be certificated and EASA will also have to give the nod on the aircraft even before Ryanair can take delivery of any. This news is based on the large order that Ryanair placed for 75 examples of the Boeing 737 MAX 8200.

The first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft has entered service for Romanian low cost carrier Blue Air. Here is a look at the aircraft with registration YR-MXA.

Emirates Boeing 777 landing in Brazil at GRU.

Boeing talks about the Current Aircraft Finance Market Outlook (CAFMO).

Standing up while on your flight... is this ahead in the future of commercial aviation? Certainly in the past many seat manufacturers along with major commercial airframers have been pushing this idea to see what feedback they get from the general flying public. It just looks very uncomfortable and imagine if you were on a long haul slight, is this even healthy?

Insightful interview with Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker.

https://samchui.com/2021/04/15/excl...ys-group-ceo-h-e-akbar-al-baker/#.YHomcuhKiUk

Airbus is about to talk about why Flight Tests are important and necessary. Watch here when it starts.

Looks like Airbus is going to create two integrated aerostructures assembly companies in France and Germany as part of a transformation of its industrial activities.

Boeing vs Airbus.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tedree...n-a-new-757-save-the-company/?sh=577450a810d9

First A220 powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines for JetBlue has now entered service officially. The two companies, jetBlue and Pratt & Whitney celebrated at an event held at the Boston Logan International Airport. "We are thrilled to introduce our first A220 aircraft to our customers and offer them a quieter, more sustainable flight experience. The A220 with GTF engines represents the future of our fleet, with unmatched fuel efficiency, low emissions and industry-leading passenger comfort," said Ursula Hurley, head of treasury and investor relations, JetBlue. "Pratt & Whitney has been there for us since the very beginning and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship."

Boeing has received a new order for MAX aircraft. It comes in from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) which is an aircraft lessor. The lessor is said to be expanding its portfolio offering with more MAX aicraft. The order is is for 15 737-8 jets (MAX 8). DAE had been investing in the 737 MAX by buying jets from existing customers and leasing them back to the carriers. The new order is DAE's first direct 737 MAX purchase from Boeing as it modernizes its portfolio for better economic and environmental performance.

jetBlue has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321LR and it is the first one to feature the AirSpace interior as well.

Boeing has won approval from the FAA for Boeing 737 MAX concerning the recent electrical issues that grounded many of those aircraft this time around. "After gaining final approvals from the FAA, we have issued service bulletins for the affected fleet," the company says. "We’ll continue to stay close to our customers as they complete the work to return their airplanes to service. We are also completing the work as we prepare to resume deliveries."

Alaska Air has ordered 9 new Embraer E175 aircraft. The total worth of the package is USD 449.1 million based on available list prices. "We have navigated through the pandemic and we’re on a solid path to recovery. The E175 remains a key part of our strategy," said Nat Pieper, Alaska Airlines senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances. "We’re excited about growth in the years ahead, which has always been at the heart of Alaska’s DNA. The E175 is a terrific plane to help us add new routes and frequencies, and to complement our mainline aircraft to meet fluctuating demand with the right capacity."

An Azul Embraer E195-E2 departing Curitiba in Brazil.

Russian carrier Aeroflot has added its first Airbus A320neo to its fleet. Delivery of the aircraft also makes Aeroflot the first operator of the A320neo in Russia. The plane bears the name 'Anatoly Dobrynin' who was an outstanding Soviet and Russian diplomat. Onboard you will find the layout in the passenger cabin fitted to 12 Business class seats and 144 Economy class seats for a total of 156 seats.

Air Cairo also received its first Airbus A320neo recently.

Two new airlines have come into existence since the pandemic. Avelo and Breeze.