Lufthansa lowers full-year earnings forecast Lufthansa (LH) Group on Tuesday lowered its full-year earnings forecast owing to a weaker than expected August. Its operating profit will now be “at the upper end of the three-digit million euro range” and that “as viewed currently, the target of a further increase on the previous year figure no longer appears to be achievable,” said LH Group, which reported an EBIT of €876 million ($1.2 billion) in 2010. Link
Sabre to open an online ‘Red Apps’ store for TM Sabre Travel Network plans to open an online store where travel management companies can shop for apps, in much the same way that consumers shop for apps at Apple’s App Store. Link
IATA predicts sluggish growth, weak profits next year IATA has warned that the economic outlook for the airline industry has deteriorated since its June update despite the stronger-than-expected surge in the first half. IATA DG Tony Tyler said the airline industry net profits should total $6.9 billion in 2011 on revenues of $594 billion, up from the previous projection of $4 billion, but well down on the $16 billion achieved in 2010. Link
Bombardier to slash CRJ production from January Bombardier will slash output of its CRJ regional jets from January 2012 in the face of an orders slump that has seen its backlog diminish to just over a year's worth of production. The move follows the Canadian airframer's decision to cut its Q400 turboprop production, effective towards the end of this year. Despite the slowdown in CRJ production, the Canadian airframer does not anticipate an impact to its workforce as it is implementing "mitigation actions", which include employee transfers to other current and in-development aircraft programs at the firm. Link
Airbus new-build freighter outlook consistent with Boeing's Airbus concentrated heavily on the demand for passenger aircraft in its 2011-30 market forecast, but insisted that this did not indicate a lack of interest in the freighter market. The European airframer estimated that 927 new-build freighters would be needed over the next 20 years - a figure which is broadly consistent with competitor Boeing's figure of 970. Link
Cathay “satisfied” with 747-8F, sticks to October delivery target Cathay Pacific Airways says that it is "satisfied" with the Boeing 747-8 freighters and remains on track to take delivery of its first aircraft in October. Cargolux, the launch customer for the 747-8F, rejected the first two aircraft that had been due for delivery on 19 and 21 September, citing "unresolved contractual issues" with Boeing. Link
India's first 737-based P-8I nears flight debut Boeing is close to conducting the first flight of a 737-800-based P-8I maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian navy, with its first example having emerged at the manufacturer’s Renton Field assembly site in Washington. Link
Air Berlin to axe fleet further by summer 2012 German carrier Air Berlin is to cut 18 aircraft from its fleet by summer next year, more than double the number it said it would axe as part of a restructuring effort. The carrier disclosed last month that it planned to reduce its fleet by eight aircraft by terminating leases early. Link
Udvar-Hazy outlines Air Lease concerns over A350-1000 revamp Air Lease Corporation chief executive Steven Udvar-Hazy has echoed concerns expressed by Gulf carriers Emirates and Qatar Airways over the performance of the revamped Airbus A350-1000, speaking to Air Transport Intelligence at the ISTAT Europe finance conference in Barcelona. Link
Delta is considering installation of secondary cockpit barriers Delta Air Lines is considering installing secondary cockpit barriers on some of its jetliners. Accordionlike gates would provide additional cockpit security. Next week, a joint government-industry group is expected to release nonbinding guidelines on the barriers. A spokesman for the Air Transport Association said the organization "supports the development of industry specifications for aircraft secondary barriers" in order "to ensure the highest possible level of safety." Link
Southwest will integrate network with AirTran's Southwest Airlines, which closed its takeover of AirTran Airways this year, is planning to integrate the carriers' networks in early 2012. However, Gary Kelly, CEO of Southwest, says some of AirTran's routes will be eliminated because they don't fit into Southwest's model. Link
Maintenance, repair and overhaul providers prepare for 787 Maintenance, repair and overhaul providers around the world, including Lufthansa Technik and Air France Industries KLM Maintenance & Engineering, are preparing for the Boeing 787 to enter service. However, many MRO providers face fresh challenges for the new-generation aircraft. Link
Airbus is considering accelerating production of A320 series An increase in predicted demand has prompted Airbus to consider ramping up production of its A320 series aircraft. John Leahy, chief operating officer at Airbus, said he expects the company to add at least two narrow-body planes to its monthly production schedule. "There's always the possibility we could go higher," Leahy said. "But there's no time frame, and we're not looking at going beyond 50." Link
Terror threat was false alarm, officials say The FBI has determined that a bomb threat against a commercial flight bound from Seattle to Oakland, Calif., on Monday was not credible. Officials became aware of the threat when a clerk at a bookstore at San Francisco International Airport found a letter with a threat against the flight. The flight landed ahead of schedule, passengers were rescreened and the plane was searched. Link
European airlines raise questions about EU emissions plan The EU is poised to introduce its emissions trading scheme for airlines in a few months, but airlines and other interested parties around the world continue to question the effort to curb emissions. "If the EU persists in an approach which some have called imperialist, the question is posed as to how they will ensure compliance," said Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus, secretary general of the Association of European Airlines. "The EU faces a serious risk of some sort of retaliation." Link
Canada prepares law that would undermine Air Canada strike Lisa Raitt, labor minister for Canada, says the government is preparing legislation that would send flight attendants at Air Canada back to work in the event they decide to strike. However, Raitt says she is optimistic that the airline and the union representing its flight attendants will reach a deal before the deadline. "We are doing this because it is the best thing to do for the economy, the Canadian public and the airline workers," she said Link
Group bolsters forecast for global airline profits An industry group has responded to robust air-travel demand in Europe and the Middle East by increasing its 2011 profit forecast for global airlines by 73%. The group estimates that carriers will earn profits of about $6.9 billion this year, up from a June prediction of $4 billion. For North American airlines, earnings are estimated to be $1.5 billion, compared with the prior forecast of $1.2 billion. Link
Airlines' ancillary fees continue to rise Airlines continue to raise fees for a variety of products and services, including checking luggage and changing reservations. Carriers are becoming more dependent on such ancillary fees for revenue, while travelers seek ways to avoid the charges. "Ten years ago, airlines just raised fares," said Michael Boyd, an aviation consultant. "Today, ancillary revenues are a key part of the revenue stream and have resulted in fares not increasing as much." Link
Other News
China Southern Airlines (CZ) announced Tuesday it plans to operate its first Airbus A380 on the Beijing-Shanghai and PEK-Guangzhou routes. The aircraft is scheduled to be delivered Oct. 15 and will be placed in service Oct. 17, according to CZ GM Tan Wangeng.
Thai Airways International Public Co. has scrapped plans to form a joint venture with Tiger Airways Holdings to form Thai Tiger Airways, the low-fare joint venture carrier the companies announced last year, according to Thai chairman Ampon Kittiampon.
The US FAA is proposing a civil penalty of $1,892,000 against Pinnacle Airlines subsidiary Colgan Air, for allegedly allowing 84 newly hired flight attendants to work on 172 flights aboard a Bombardier Dash 8-Q400, between Nov. 3-9, 2009, when they were not properly trained to use the aircraft’s cabin fire extinguisher system.
Monarch Aircraft Engineering signed a line maintenance technical handling agreement with Alitalia covering its Airbus A330 operations at Male airport in the Maldives.
Airstream Aviation signed a five-year deal with CommSoft to use its OASES maintenance management software, for the development of its continuing airworthiness management organization and inventory services.
FL Technics extended its maintenance agreement with Europe Airpost to continue to provide services for its three Boeing 737 CLs.
MTU Maintenance Hannover won a 12-year maintenance and spare engine support contract from Southern Air Holdings covering all present and future GE90-110B engines in the carrier's Boeing 777F fleet. Under a separate agreement, MTU will also provide maintenance and spare engine support to Southern Air’s CF6-80 engines for the 747-400s it will be adding to its fleet beginning next year.
AVIATION QUOTE
The greater the difficulty the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests.
— Epicurus
ON THIS DATE
September 21st
---In 1802... Frenchman Andre-Jacques Garnerin makes the 1st parachute descent in England, jumping from a balloon over London.
---In 1942…First flight of the Boeing XB-29 Super Fortress.
---In 1951…The United States Marine Corps makes the world's first mass combat deployment by helicopter, landing 228 U.S. Marines on a hilltop near Kansong, Korea, using 12 Sikorsky HRS-1 helicopters.
---In 1954…North Korean pilot No Kum-Sok defects, bringing his MiG-15 with him to Seoul and collecting a $US 100,000 reward.
---In 1964…First flight of the North American XB-70 Valkyrie.
---In 1984…First flight of the Dassault Falcon 900.
---In 1992…Kiwi International commences operations; was founded by a group of Eastern Air Lines pilots.
---In 2005… JetBlue Airways Flight 292, an Airbus A320 makes an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport after its nose wheels got stuck at a 90 degree angle. All 145 people on board survived.
DAILY VIDEO
EDITOR’S CHOICE
HUMOR
Airline Humor "Please use caution when opening the overhead compartments as shift happens!"
After taking off, the pilot got on the speaker and said, "Bear with me folks, this is my first time."
From a Southwest Airlines employee: "There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only 4 ways out of this airplane."
Pilot: "Folks, we have reached our cruising altitude now, so I am going to switch the seat belt sign off. Feel free to move about as you wish, but please stay inside the plane till we land. It's a bit cold outside, and if you walk on the wings it affects the flight pattern."
After landing: "Thank you for flying Delta Business Express. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride."
As the plane landed and was coming to a stop at Washington National, a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. Whoa!"
TRIVIA
All Aeronautical
1. The early model Boeing 747 aircraft featured a design that is no longer found in other commercial aircraft. What is it? Small swimming pool Parachutes for all passengers and crew Diner type restaurant Spiral staircase
2. The MD-80 is the updated version of which airplane? 727 DC-9 797 DC-8
3. When a flight is addressed as "heavy", as in "Delta five eight heavy, cleared for landing runway 28 left", what does heavy mean? Gross weight of more than 1,000,000 pounds Gross weight of more than 250,000 pounds Full of fuel Full of passengers
4. The first two engine passenger aircraft immediately certificated for Transatlantic/Transpacific flights without the normal 'two-year-in- service' wait is a Boeing. Which? 777 737 717 757
5. How many cockpit crew are normally assigned to a transoceanic 747 flight? Two Eight Six Four
6. Virgin Atlantic Airways at one time carried a piano and pianist on board its Transatlantic flights. True False
7. What does the term DME mean to aviation? Distance measuring equipment Doppler measuring echo Distance monitoring equipment Distant major easement
8. Where is the Embraer aircraft manufactured?
9. The original model of the Boeing 707 was nicknamed what? Seven Outta Sight Smoky Joe Water Wagon Noisy Nellie
10. The seating configuration of the 747 is normally nine or ten seats across. What is the normal configuration of the 767? Eight across Six across Seven across Five across
And let's get one thing straight. There's a big difference between a pilot and an aviator. One is a technician; the other is an artist in love with flight. — E. B. Jeppesen
1. The early model Boeing 747 aircraft featured a design that is no longer found in other commercial aircraft. What is it?
Spiral staircase
2. The MD-80 is the updated version of which airplane?
DC-9
3. When a flight is addressed as "heavy", as in "Delta five eight heavy, cleared for landing runway 28 left", what does heavy mean?
Gross weight of more than 250,000 pounds
4. The first two engine passenger aircraft immediately certificated for Transatlantic/Transpacific flights without the normal 'two-year-in- service' wait is a Boeing. Which?
777
5. How many cockpit crew are normally assigned to a transoceanic 747 flight?
Four
6. Virgin Atlantic Airways at one time carried a piano and pianist on board its Transatlantic flights. True
7. What does the term DME mean to aviation? Distance measuring equipment
8. Where is the Embraer aircraft manufactured?
Brazil
9. The original model of the Boeing 707 was nicknamed what?
Noisy Nellie
10. The seating configuration of the 747 is normally nine or ten seats across. What is the normal configuration of the 767?
1. The early model Boeing 747 aircraft featured a design that is no longer found in other commercial aircraft. What is it? Spiral staircase (though I'd love the dinner restaurant and pool...)
2. The MD-80 is the updated version of which airplane? DC-9
3. When a flight is addressed as "heavy", as in "Delta five eight heavy, cleared for landing runway 28 left", what does heavy mean? Gross weight of more than 250,000 pounds
4. The first two engine passenger aircraft immediately certificated for Transatlantic/Transpacific flights without the normal 'two-year-in- service' wait is a Boeing. Which? 777
5. How many cockpit crew are normally assigned to a transoceanic 747 flight? Four
6. Virgin Atlantic Airways at one time carried a piano and pianist on board its Transatlantic flights. True?
7. What does the term DME mean to aviation? Domodedovo International Airport Ok - Distance measuring equipment
8. Where is the Embraer aircraft manufactured? Brazil
9. The original model of the Boeing 707 was nicknamed what? Smoky Joe?
10. The seating configuration of the 747 is normally nine or ten seats across. What is the normal configuration of the 767? Seven across
Ideology: The mistaken belief that your beliefs are neither beliefs nor mistaken.
1. The early model Boeing 747 aircraft featured a design that is no longer found in other commercial aircraft. What is it? Spiral staircase
2. The MD-80 is the updated version of which airplane? DC-9
3. When a flight is addressed as "heavy", as in "Delta five eight heavy, cleared for landing runway 28 left", what does heavy mean? Gross weight of more than 1,000,000 pounds
4. The first two engine passenger aircraft immediately certificated for Transatlantic/Transpacific flights without the normal 'two-year-in- service' wait is a Boeing. Which? 777
5. How many cockpit crew are normally assigned to a transoceanic 747 flight? Two
6. Virgin Atlantic Airways at one time carried a piano and pianist on board its Transatlantic flights. True
7. What does the term DME mean to aviation? Distance measuring equipment
8. Where is the Embraer aircraft manufactured? San Jose de Campos, Brazil
9. The original model of the Boeing 707 was nicknamed what? Smoky Joe
10. The seating configuration of the 747 is normally nine or ten seats across. What is the normal configuration of the 767? Eight across
There's the right way, the wrong way and the railway.
1. The early model Boeing 747 aircraft featured a design that is no longer found in other commercial aircraft. What is it? Spiral staircase
2. The MD-80 is the updated version of which airplane? DC-9
3. When a flight is addressed as "heavy", as in "Delta five eight heavy, cleared for landing runway 28 left", what does heavy mean? Gross weight of more than 250,000 pounds
4. The first two engine passenger aircraft immediately certificated for Transatlantic/Transpacific flights without the normal 'two-year-in- service' wait is a Boeing. Which? 777
5. How many cockpit crew are normally assigned to a transoceanic 747 flight? Two
6. Virgin Atlantic Airways at one time carried a piano and pianist on board its Transatlantic flights. True (it was replaced by the 'sky-creche')
7. What does the term DME mean to aviation? Distance measuring equipment
8. Where is the Embraer aircraft manufactured? Brazil, majoritively on the outskirts of Sao Paulo.
9. The original model of the Boeing 707 was nicknamed what? Noisy Nellie
10. The seating configuration of the 747 is normally nine or ten seats across. What is the normal configuration of the 767? Eight across (though sometimes seven)
From the news, I want a job at IATA - I can state the blindingly obvious with the best of them
10. The seating configuration of the 747 is normally nine or ten seats across. What is the normal configuration of the 767?
There seems to be no consensus among the answers ... - Most mainline resp. Legacy carriers and some charter (eueopean interpretation of this term) have a 7-abreast seating with a 2-3-2 layout onthier B767's. - some airlines going for a high-density seating (like UK charter airlines) have a 8-abreast seating with a 2-4-2 layout.
From the number of aircraft in each category, the majority should have a 7-abreast layout. -HT
Use your time wisely; remember that today is the first day of the rest of your life.
