Not every airline, nor every customer, is wanting to try to go bigger and better, like Singapore’s new Business Class.
I recently ranted about how people get what they pay for when it comes to air travel, but I feel that I have a few more things to say. I have come realize that there is downgrading trend going on in the industry that needs to change. Let me explain.
What if you get to a situation where increasing volumetric efficiency becomes done for reasons other than combating cost? After all, a business is in business in order to make a profit. It’d be irresponsible to not seek greater margins, right? Especially when passengers are already prepared to accept pain in economy class.
What’s sparked my continued rant is that I am starting to worry that European-style business class may be getting a foothold in North America.
Recently, American Airlines said goodbye to their last Boeing 767-200 (kind of). What better way to say farewell than with a video by SpeedbirdHD?
Well, technically, American still has a few, since US Airways is operating eight Boeing 767-200ERs right now. However, it is highly unlikely we will see them in the new livery, as they are to be all retired in 2015.
The last of the 767-200s were replaced by the Airbus A321T used for premium transcon flights, which is a pretty nice upgrade.
No matter, the video is a nice tribute to the aircraft, which served American well.
A kiss welcomes the first Copper River Salmon to Seattle – Photo: David Parker Brown | AirlineReporter
When my alarm went off early this morning, I was actually excited. On paper, the idea of waking up early and driving 45 minutes south to welcome some fish to Seattle might not sound like something worthwhile. But when Alaska Airlines celebrates the arrival of the first Copper River salmon to Seattle, it is worth getting up and joining in on the celebration.
Alaska Airlines brought over the Salmon-30-Salmon, although the salmon flew on a 737-400 Combi
This year is the fifth year that Alaska has done this special event and each year seems to get a bit more exciting. It is just so… well, unique.
The event takes place in the parking lot of Alaska Air Cargo with a bunch of tents, grills, and seats on a Friday morning. There are invited guests, chefs, some famous people, and media all waiting for a fish to come off a plane.
All the different A330 liveries of JFK – Photos: Jason Rabinowitz
The Airbus A330 is not typically known for being a beautiful aircraft. It is, however, a workhorse; one that flies thousands of people per day around the world safely and (most of the time) comfortably.
Since I was a child, I have been interested in airline liveries. You might tell from our Airline Livery of the Week and Ultimate Livery Challenges. I was always fascinated by how you can have the exact same aircraft look so different because of the paint on the outside. In one design, the plane might look amazing, but in another, a bit horrid.
To help celebrate the diversity of airline liveries, I wanted to share the above combination of photos showing all of the different liveries that show up at John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Contributor Jason Rabinowitz lives close to the airport and is able to take these shots.
But this begs the question: which ones do you like the most and the least?(be sure to click on the image to see a larger version)
Personally, I have always been a fan of the Aeroflot livery, and have felt that it might be time for Alitalia to update their livery.
Air Canada rouge is an “airline within an airline”, and is part of the Air Canada Leisure Group along with inclusive-tour operator, Air Canada Vacations. The airline is positioned as Air Canada’s “Leisure” carrier, intended to get passengers to their vacation destinations. Air Canada rouge launched last July 1st with flights from Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL) to Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the U.S. In addition to specific vacation travel, Air Canada is hoping to make its unprofitable routes financially viable by a transfer to Air Canada rouge, which has lower operating costs. Bernie talked all about that, and CASMs and RASMs, in his rant.
By the end of 2014, Air Canada will have transferred 47 routes to rouge. Another seven routes new to the AC network will be operated exclusively by rouge. The just-announced Western Canada routes include YVR to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, and seasonal service to Anchorage. From Calgary, flights will go to Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
The Air Canada rouge fleet is made up of Airbus A319s and Boeing 767-300ERs, transferred from Air Canada’s mainline fleet. As of the end of April, there were 15 A319s and four 767s flying for the leisure carrier. Ultimately, rouge may have up to 30 A319s and 20 767s, with the 767s coming into the fleet as Air Canada receives its new 787 Dreamliners.
