AirlinesAir Berlin cancels 787 orderAir Berlin has cancelled all 15 of its on-order Boeing 787s, along with 18 737s. The German carrier, which is in the process of restructuring, had originally ordered 787-8s, but in 2013 converted them to the stretched -9 variant. "The cancellation agreement does not provide for any obligation of the Air Berlin group to make any compensation payments to Boeing," says the airline.
LinkAir China receives Boeing 777-300ER in special liveryAir China has taken delivery of a specially liveried Boeing 777-300ER. The aircraft, registered B-2006, is is the airline's 20th of the type in its fleet. It is owned and managed by the airline. Air China says it has opted to paint the aircraft fuselage with patterns of red silk, and an “AIR CHINA LOVES CHINA” design. The letter ‘C’ for China was also designed in a way to wrap around the Chinese word for love.
LinkAir France Pilots Call Off StrikeAir France pilots have called off their two-week strike, despite continued deadlock with managers over the development of the firm's low-cost operations. The pilots launched their strike in an effort to force Air France-KLM to revise plans to expand its low-cost unit, Transavia, fearing that the project would erode their own pay and conditions. However, they came under increasing pressure to return to work, with France's Socialist prime minister, Manuel Valls, denouncing the pilots' "egotism". "It is our duty as union representatives to know when to end a strike, when we know there will not be any progress," the main Air France pilot union SNPL said.
LinkAmerican to debut route from Texas to BeijingAmerican Airlines plans to launch service to Beijing from Dallas/Fort Worth next year, pending approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation. American will deploy Boeing 777-200ER aircraft for the nonstop service.
LinkAnalysis: Delta shares poised for growth While Delta now has the highest market cap of any airline, its stock could still beat the market in the next few years. The benefit of Delta's cost-cutting programs will continue to grow in the next two years, while the company is just beginning to return significant amounts of cash to shareholders. One big positive driver for Delta is its plan to retire most of its 50-seat regional jets. These jets are expensive to operate, and they are also cramped for passengers. Delta will replace its 50-seat jets with a combination of larger regional jets and small narrowbodies. These planes will have amenities like first-class cabins, Wi-Fi, and larger overhead bins.
LinkDelta focused on A350-900 and 787-9 for widebody orderDelta Air Lines has narrowed down its options for a planned widebody order to either the Airbus A350-900 or the Boeing 787-9, says chief executive Richard Anderson. “We’re in the process of either choosing a 787-9 or an A350-900,” he said during a speech at Minneapolis-St. Paul International airport Foundation on 24 September, based on a recording provided by Minneapolis Star Tribune reporter Kristen Leigh Painter. “The important thing about that is that fleet is going to unlock the longer haul markets.” Delta began evaluating options for an up to 50 widebody aircraft order to replace the 16 Boeing 747-400s and majority of the 58 Boeing 767-300ERs in its fleet in April. Only aircraft currently offered by airframers, including the Airbus A330-200 and -300, A350-900 and -1000, Boeing 777-300ER and 787-8, -9 and -10, were being considered, it said.
LinkEastern Air Lines firms up order for up to 40 MRJsEastern Air Lines has firmed up an order for 20 Mitsubishi Regional Jets (MRJ), following its signing of a memorandum of understanding at July’s Farnborough air show. In addition to the 20 firm orders, Eastern has purchase rights to an additional 20 aircraft, says Mitsubishi Aircraft in a statement. The deal was concluded on 22 September, it adds. “We are honoured to partner with Mitsubishi Aircraft on this next generation regional aircraft which will deliver best in class operating economics, customer comfort and baggage capabilities,” says Edward Wegel, Eastern Air Lines Group chief executive.
LinkEtihad sells exclusive 'Residence' suite for first A380 flightMiddle Eastern carrier Etihad Airways has sold the exclusive apartment-style first-class suite for its initial Airbus A380 flight. Chief executive James Hogan confirmed the sale as he defended the decision to include the single three-room suite – branded ‘Residence’ – as part of the A380’s interior. While the cost of the fare is comparable to that of hiring a private jet, Hogan says the company believes there is “a segment” of customers who would prefer the option of taking the A380, particularly within the strong traffic flows such as routes to New York. He was speaking during the roll-out of Etihad’s first example in the carrier’s new colour scheme. Etihad was given “complete commercial freedom” by the United Arab Emirates government to revise the livery, Hogan says.
LinkEtihad could switch 787 options to equity partner airlines: CCOEtihad Airways says it has the option of switching out Boeing 787 options to carriers it has stakes in if needed in the future. "We can swop positions and purchase rights options," says Etihad chief commercial officer Peter Baumgartner at an event to unveil the airline's first Boeing 787-9 at Boeing's facilities in Everett. Baumgartner's remarks were in response to questions on Air Berlin's recent cancellation of all 15 orders for the 787-9, along with cancellation of 18 737s. Etihad has a 29% stake in Air Berlin. Baumgartner says Air Berlin's decision was made by the carrier on its own. "The decision was not taken in any Etihad context," he says. "We have options and purchase rights to accelerate or let partner airlines to participate in our order book."
LinkEtihad's entire fleet to get new livery by end-2017Etihad Airways will re-paint its entire fleet with its new livery by around end-2017, after unveiling the new colour scheme earlier this week. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier estimates it will have 15 aircraft in the new livery by end-2015, comprising four Boeing 787-9s, four Airbus A380s, six Airbus A321s and one A320. "Every new aircraft will join the fleet with the new livery," says Etihad chief commercial officer Peter Baumgartner at an event to unveil the airline's first 787-9 at Boeing's facilities in Everett. "By end-2017, the entire fleet will be repainted."
LinkEtihad unveils first 787-9 with new liveryEtihad Airways unveiled its first Boeing 787-9 today in its new livery, and will deploy the aircraft on revenue service from 1 December. The aircraft, registered A6-BLA, will be formally delivered to Etihad in December. The airline had earlier this week showed off the new livery on its first Airbus A380 in Hamburg, but Etihad says the 787-9 will be the first to operate with the new livery on revenue flights. Dusseldorf and Doha will be the first Etihad destinations to be served with the 787-9 from Abu Dhabi, followed by Washington Dulles and Mumbai in the first quarter. From June, Etihad will operate the 787-9 to Brisbane and Moscow.
LinkUnited Airlines debuts "Got Your Back" television adUnited Airlines launched a television ad titled "Got Your Back" as part of its "Fly the Friendly Skies" campaign. The ad shows famous sites from around the world through the lens of a passenger being supported by United employees. United is supporting the new campaign with billboards in Chicago and New York, as well as print ads in national publications promoting the carrier's lie-flat seats and global satellite Wi-Fi.
LinkBig changes for airline food over the yearsFrom sandwiches to meals prepared by celebrity chefs, airline food has undergone a variety of transformations over the years. This article chronicles changes from the early days of flight through recent years. These days, many travelers take advantage of full-service restaurants available in airport terminals before they board their flights.
Link 
