US airframer Boeing delivered the 300th of its 777-300ER wide body jetliner to Biman Bangladesh airlines. It was the carrier’s first 777-300ER. The registration of the aircraft is S2-AFO. Biman Bangladesh’s first Boeing 777-300ER S2-AFO The -300ER (extended range) is the most popular variant of the already popular 777 model. As of Sept. 30, 2011, the 777-300ER had 543 orders; …

From today, Diwali (the festival of lights) commences. For all Hindus in India and across the world, the five day festival is the largest and most important. Today, the Diwali or Deepavali festival starts with Dhanteras (Dhan = wealth, Teras = 13th day of the lunar calendar). Every family will buy some item of wealth today; jewellery, gold or silver …

On October 21st, 2011 , Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC for short) announced an order from Siuchan Airlines for 20 of its narrowbody C919 aircraft. Earlier in the week, COMAC had won an order for 45 C919s from Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd.’s leasing arm. The COMAC C919 is a large narrowbody aircraft designed to compete with …

Earlier today, Delta Air Lines announced that it would be expanding its popular economy comfrot service to all domestic aircraft. 550 mainline aircraft, as well as 250 2-class regional jets will be configured with the new seating. Earlier this year, Delta implemented an international Economy Comfort section on 170 aircraft. The new economy comfort sections will be installed in the …

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On October 17, China Eastern Airlines announced that it would be converting its order for 24 Boeing 787s into an order for 45 Boeing 737 narrowbodies, citing extended delivery delays for the 787 program. Additionally, the carrier announced an order for 15 Airbus A330 aircraft, while simultaneously selling its 5 Airbus A340-300s back to Airbus. China Eastern Airlines Airbus A330-200. …

Earlier today, AMR corporation, the parent company of American Airlines, announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2011. Traditionally, the third quarter is the strongest financial quarter for US airlines. However, AMR posted a net loss of $162 million, $0.48 per diluted share. This stood in contrast to their $143 million net profit in the third quarter of …

The one very confidential piece of information in the world of aviation is the price paid by an airline to an airframer for an aircraft. Along with announcments of orders, at best, the value of the order at list prices is revealed. A few days back, thanks to a minor mistake, this veil of secrecy has been penetrated. We now …

Without a doubt, passengers of Air India had a harrowing time at London. Inside information seems to suggest that they airline’s precarious financial condition has played a role. While most Indian media outlets were on their usual high pitched drum-beating reporting, one might say rants, about the incident, I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of reporting by Ben Mutzabaugh …

In just a few minutes from now, Airbus S.A.S. will deliver to China Southern Airlines, the carrier’s first A30 super jumbo. You can watch live streaming video of the delivery ceremony here. In the mean time, enjoy these videos of the aircraft being built.

by Vinay Bhaskara On 12th October, Boeing finally delivered the first new generation Boeing 747-8F freighter to Cargolux, ending a three week dispute with the carrier over compensation for the aircraft. The aircraft bears registration number LC-VCB. Click on image for a high resolution view Cargolux was seeking additional compensation due to performance shortfalls of the 747-8F with regards to …

IndiGo, India’s fastest growing airline, will be introducing service to Kathmandu from late October of this year. The Delhi-Kathmandu flights will be served once daily on Airbus A320 aircraft from 28th October. Flight schedules for the new flights are as follows: 6E031 ~ DEL: 1055 ~ KTM: 1300 – 320 Daily 6E032 ~ KTM: 1400 ~ DEL: 1550 – 320 …

Last week, Panama City based Copa Airlines announced a re-vamp of its employee uniforms (cabin crew, ground staff, and salespeople). Copa Airlines is a full service carrier, with its largest hub at Tocumen Airport in Panama City. The carrier leverages its location at the peak of South America to connect passengers throughout the Americas. Unlike its Central American competitor TACA, …

Last week Kingfisher Airlines Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Aggarwal issued some clarifications about the airline’s decision to withdraw its Kingfisher Red LCC service. Below is our author and analyst Vinay Bhaskara’s analysis of those clarifications. Operating costs of so called low cost carriers and full service carriers in terms of fuel, airport charges, engineering and maintenance and crew costs are …

By Devesh Agarwal In this India overview podcast Vinay Bhaskara, Addison Schonland, and myself, cover: the announcement of Kingfisher Airlines to withdraw from the LCC segment and what could some of the reasons behind this announcement. The continued financial success of IndiGo as announced by their results The astounding initial success of the recently commenced Q400 turbo-prop service of SpiceJet. …

The operators of the Bengaluru International airport, M/s Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) have commenced the expansion of Terminal 1. Outline of existing terminal indicates the scope of expansion.Click on image for high res. view. See the walk-through video here. BIAL has planned the expansion on both ends (east and west) of the existing terminal which are open spaces today, …

by Vinay Bhaskara Earlier this week, the second part of my story of the history of Air India was posted over at AirlineReporter.com. This second part covers the tumultuous 1970s at Air India and Indian Airlines. I have posted an excerpt from that article here, but click on over to AirlineReporter.com for the full story. Link to Story Air India …

By Devesh Agarwal At Kingfisher Airline’s annual general meeting last week, Chairman Vijay Mallya announced a drastic change in strategy by the stoppage of the Kingfisher Red low cost service for a focus on the full service segment. Kingfisher Red Airbus A321 all economy cabin In response to the myriad of media articles, many of which speculated on the possible …

Thanks to kind friends at SpiceJet and Bombardier for your enjoyment. It is five days of holiday to celebrate the Ayudha Pooja and Dassera festival, and we extend all our supporters warmest holiday wishes.

The pilots at All Nippon Airways (ANA) have threatened to strike on October 1st, 2011 (this Saturday). No international flights will be affected by this action, but numerous domestic flights may be cancelled and/or delayed. For passengers planning to fly ANA Group domestically (within Japan) on October 1st, the following are some contact numbers: ANA Reservations Center: 0570-029-222 (within Japan)ANA …