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NEWS

Lion Air signs agreement for 230 737s plus 150 options
Indonesian carrier Lion Air (JT) has signed an intent to buy 201 Boeing 737 Maxs and 29 Next-Generation 737-900ERS in a $21.7 billion deal that is Boeing’s largest ever in dollar value. Purchase rights for a further 150 aircraft were included in the deal.
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ACG commits to 35 737 Max aircraft
Aviation Capital Group (ACG) announced Thursday an intent to order 35 Boeing 737 Max aircraft, and a firm order for 20 737-800NextGens. Newport Beach, Calif.-based ACG is the first leasing company to commit to the 737 Max. The CFM International Leap-1B is the exclusive engine on the Max. A Boeing spokesman said the Max order was not yet firm because the lessor still had to work out specific configurations.
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DOT clears Brussels Airlines’ inclusion into Star’s Atlantic Plus-Plus
The US Dept. of Transportation (DOT) has approved the application by several Star Alliance member carriers to include Brussels Airlines (SN) in the scope of their transatlantic antitrust immunity (ATI) and the Atlantic Plus-Plus agreement.
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Nigeria Fines BA, Virgin USD$235 Mln Over Price Fixing
Nigeria said on Thursday it was fining British Airways and Virgin Atlantic a total of USD$235 million, as an ongoing row between Britain and Africa's most populous nation over landing slots and ticket prices escalates.
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US Justice Dept. Cuts Deals With Airlines
Some of the world's biggest airlines engaged in massive price-fixing about a decade ago as their profits were undermined by an economic downturn, according to federal prosecutors.
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Flier Sues Southwest Over Unused Drinks Coupons
Southwest Airlines was sued by an Illinois man over the discount carrier's decision to stop accepting coupons for free alcoholic drinks, which it had given to select passengers.
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Zodiac runway barrier proves differentiator in Key West prangs
Differing damage from two overruns by two business jets in a four-day span on the same runway in southern Florida illustrates the benefits of a crushable concrete arresting pad that captured one of the two aircraft. A Cessna 550 Bravo landing on runway 9 at the Key West international airport on 3 November with five on board overran the runway and travelled 44m (144ft) into a 104m-long engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) that is set back 11m from the runway end. Preliminary estimate put the aircraft speed at 70-90kt (130-167kph) on leaving the runway before entering the EMAS at the departure end of runway. The opposite runway end does not have an EMAS.
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UAE stings Dassault’s 'uncompetitive and unworkable' Rafale bid
A top United Arab Emirates military and political leader closed the Dubai air show by unleashing a rare, rhetorical attack on Dassault for submitting "unworkable" terms in an attempt to close a long-awaited deal for up to 60 Rafale fighters. After touring the air show grounds on 16 November, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi, released a statement to the official Emirates news agency praising French diplomatic efforts on behalf of the Rafale bid, but also slamming Dassault's negotiators.
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RAF Tornado GR4s to resume training flights
The UK Royal Air Force has resumed training activities involving its Panavia Tornado GR4 strike aircraft, but continues to assess the safety of its temporarily grounded BAE Systems Hawks and Shorts T1 Tucanos.
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Boeing order book exceeds 2011 delivery forecast
Boeing's 2011 net order tally has risen to 465, exceeding its estimate for 2011 jetliner production on the back of surging demand for its long-range 777.
With 611 gross orders and 116 cancellations, Boeing has earned 495 net orders to date, accounted for almost entirely by its 737 and 777 programs.
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American Airlines, pilots union could resume talks in 2 weeks
American Airlines and its pilots union could resume talks in two weeks, union officials say. Allied Pilots Association spokesman Tom Hoban said negotiations could resume on Nov. 28. The carrier is "awaiting a more detailed response on what we believe to be fair and reasonable proposals that are in the best interests of our pilots and the airline," Missy Cousino, an American spokeswoman.
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Union mechanics ratify Alaska Airlines contract
Mechanics and other employees at Alaska Airlines have ratified a five-year contract. The agreement covers 626 union employees represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association. The contract includes annual pay raises and a contract bonus.
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Flight attendants at Virgin America will vote on unionization
Virgin America flight attendants will vote this month on whether to join the Transport Workers Union. Virgin America, which started flying 2007, employs 650 flight attendants. "We got where we are today because we’ve had a common focus, so we’re confident the majority of our in-flight teammates will vote no," said Abby Lunardini, a spokeswoman for Virgin America.
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Lawmakers criticize TSA in report
Republican lawmakers criticized the Transportation Security Administration in a report issued on the 10th anniversary of the agency's creation, and at least one lawmaker questioned whether it has improved aviation safety. "Americans have spent nearly $60 billion funding TSA, and they are no safer today than they were before 9/11," said Rep. Paul Broun, R-Ga. The report also described the TSA as bloated and inefficient. In response, TSA spokesman Greg Soule said aviation is "safer, stronger and more secure than it was 10 years ago."
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American Airlines, Japan Airlines will share lounge at Hawaii airport
American Airlines and Japan Airlines have announced a partnership to manage the Sakura Lounge together at Honolulu International Airport. The 7,000-square-foot lounge from Japan Airlines offers massage chairs, free Wi-Fi and self-serve beverages. The lounge will be also available to Admirals Club members from American Airlines.
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Survey: Screening remains a top pet peeve for travelers
A new survey found that airport security screening remains one of travelers' top five frustrations. Travelers said they disliked the wait in security lines, unfriendly Transportation Security Administration agents and removing their belts and shoes. However, 66% of the travelers participating in the survey reported that they are somewhat or very satisfied with the overall performance of the TSA; 54.6% of frequent fliers who participated said they were satisfied with the TSA.
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Other News

Singapore Airlines (SIA) confirmed it is the customer for eight previously unidentified 777-300ERs. "This order is part of our ongoing fleet expansion and modernization program, which enables us to offer our latest cabin products to our customers," SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong said. "The additional 777-300ERs will also help us further strengthen the Singapore Airlines’ network, providing our customers even more travel options."

The European Low Fares Airline Assn. (ELFAA) is preparing a formal submission to the European Commission (EC) regarding the “huge amounts” of state aid to Spanair (JK).
According to ELFAA, the low-cost carrier recently received €25 million ($33.7 million) from the regional government and city council of Barcelona. This brings the total amount of public funds that have “been poured in with no obvious benefit to the taxpayer and to the detriment of free and fair competition” to an estimated €120 million, ELFAA said.

TAM Airlines will revamp its Boeing 777 aircraft by installing an all-new cabin configuration with the delivery of its fifth 777-300ER next year. “We will get four new 777s in 2012, two in 2013 and two in 2014,” featuring new products in all classes, “including lie-flat seats in business class,” TAM president Libano Miranda Barroso told ATW on the sidelines of the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Assn. (ALTA) conference in Rio de Janeiro. He did not confirm if TAM will also install a fourth class, premium economy section.

Hawaiian Airlines (HA) has grown its Airbus A330-200 order by five aircraft (ATW Daily News, Nov. 30, 2010). HA now has a commitment of 22 A330 aircraft, including four that are leased. The airline operates five A330-200s. HA president and CEO Mark Dunkerley said, “Adding these additional A330-200s to our fleet over the next four years will support the continued expansion of our network and replacement of our current 767-300s. Our guests have responded enthusiastically to the cabin comfort and amenities of the A330-200.”

Air France (AF) has appointed Alexandre de Juniac as chairman and CEO, effective immediately. Jean-Cyril Spinetta, chairman and CEO of AF KLM Group, has resigned from his position as chairman and CEO of AF, which he held temporarily from Oct. 17.

EasyJet to trial allocated seating: In a drive to expand ancillary revenue, easyJet (U2) will trial allocated seating on selected routes from spring 2012. The low-cost carrier (LCC) said it D expects demand for certain seats, such as the front-row seats and seats with extra leg room, like those on the over-wing exit rows.

Boeing has begun assembling the 1,000th 777, a 777-300ER, which will be delivered to Emirates Airline in March 2012.

ATR delivered one 72-600 to Air Lease Corp. ALC willpurchase 12 -600s with options for an additional eight.

LOT Polish Airlines will wet lease an additional long-haul Boeing 767-300ER aircraft from the Ukrainian carrier, AeroSvit, until Jan. 15. The aircraft will fly LOT’s routes to Toronto and Hanoi. The first flight, from Warsaw to Toronto, launched Nov. 13. The aircraft is configured with 23 business- and 182 economy-class seats.

Boeing has opened its new South Carolina Delivery Center in North Charleston, S.C. The 58,000 sq.-ft. facility includes three floors of offices, conference rooms and food operations. On the second floor, two passenger boarding bridges provide airplane access to customers, the first bridges to be used at a Boeing delivery center. The facility will ramp up to produce three 787s per month by the end of 2013.



AVIATION QUOTE

You lived and died alone, especially in fighters. Fighters. Somehow, despite everything, that word had not become sterile. You slipped into the hollow cockpit and strapped and plugged yourself into the machine. The canopy ground shut and sealed you off. Your oxygen, your very breath, you carried into the chilled vacuum, in a steel bottle.

— James Salter, The Hunters, 1956.



ON THIS DATE

November 18th

---In 1930... The Boeing XP-9 monoplane fighter makes its 1st flight in Dayton, Ohio.

---In 1949…A Douglas C-74 Loadmaster carries 103 passengers and crew over the North Atlantic, the largest number to have made the crossing in a single flight.

---In 1966…Captain William J. Knight flies the North American X-15 to a record speed of Mach 6.33 (4,250 mph, 6,840 km/h). Captain William J. Knight flies the North American X-15 to a record speed of Mach 6.33 (4,250 mph, 6,840 km/h).

---In 1978…First flight of the McDonnell Douglas YF-18A Hornet 160775.

---In 1985…Cessna is purchased by General Dynamics.

---In 1985…The first Space Shuttle, Enterprise, is flown to Washington Dulles International Airport atop a Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft and transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to the Smithsonian Institution for eventual musem display. Although lacking engines and a heat shield and never having flown in space, it has been used for shuttle portability, gliding, vibration, and launch pad tests and on publicity tours.

---In 2002… American Airlines and British Airways announce plans to codeshare some transatlantic flights, but the partnership is heavily restricted by US regulators.



DAILY VIDEO





EDITOR’S CHOICE





HUMOR

Heaven Or Hell

There once was a helicopter pilot who lived his whole life without ever taking advantage of any of the people he worked for. In fact, he made sure that every job he did resulted in a win-win situation for someone. One day while walking down the street he was tragically hit by a bus and he died.

His soul arrived up in heaven where he was met at the Pearly Gates by St. Peter himself. "Welcome to Heaven," said St. Peter. "Before you get settled in though it seems we have a problem. You see, strangely enough, we've never once had a helicopter pilot make it this far and we're not really sure what to do with you."

"No problem, just let me in." said the master of all things with a rotorhead.

"Well, I'd like to, but I have higher orders. What we're going to do is let you have a day in Hell and a day in Heaven and then you can choose whichever one you want to spend an eternity in."

"Actually, I think I've made up my mind...I prefer to stay in Heaven" said the pilot in fine smart-ass tradition. "Sorry, we have rules..." And with that St. Peter put our hero in an elevator and it went down-down-down to hell. The doors opened and our aviator friend found himself stepping out onto the putting green of a beautiful golf course. In the distance was a country club and standing in front of him were all his friends - guys, that he had worked with and they were all dressed in party suits, and blue jeans, wearing cowboy hats, and looking like a very non-standard, but happy group, and cheering for him. They ran up and shook his hand, and they talked about old times. They played an excellent round of golf and at night went to the country club where he enjoyed an excellent steak and lobster dinner. Our wizard of rotor winged flight met the Devil who was actually a really nice guy, and not at all like a senior officer. He had a great time drinking, telling jokes, drinking, and telling war stories, drinking, and dancing. Oh, and there was some drinking.

Our aviator was having such a good time that before he knew it, it was time to leave. Everybody shook his hand and waved good-bye as he got on the elevator. The elevator went up-up-up and opened back up at the Pearly Gates and found St. Peter waiting for him. "Now it's time to spend a day in heaven." So our faithful pilot spent the next 24 hours lounging around on clouds and playing the harp and singing. He had a great time and before he knew it his 24 hours were up and St. Peter came and got him. "So, you've spent a day in hell and you've spent a day in heaven. Now you must choose your eternity. "The master of all that has rotor blades paused for a second and then replied, "Well, I never thought I'd say this, I mean, Heaven has been really great and all, but I think I had a better time in Hell." So St. Peter escorted him to the elevator and again the pilot went down-down-down back to Hell. When the doors of the elevator opened he found himself standing in a desolate wasteland covered in garbage and filth. He saw his friends were dressed in rags and were picking up the garbage and putting it in sacks. The Devil came up to her and put his arm around him. "I don't understand," stammered the (seldom) confused helicopter pilot, "yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and a country club and we ate lobster, and we danced and had a great time. Now all there is a wasteland of garbage and all my friends look miserable."

The Devil looked at him and smiled, "That's because yesterday we were recruiting you, but today you're staff."



TRIVIA

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-HT