EASA certifies the ATR’s new Pratt & Whitney Canada 127N engines
June 11, 2014
he new engines will start being introduced in the ATR 72-600s of the Latin American carrier Avianca
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified the ATR 72-600 aircraft for the use of new PW127N engines. Following in the PW127M’s flight path with over 10 million hours of operation, the PW127N provides a 4.5% power increase for Maximum Take-Off ratings (MTO), thus enhancing performance in hot and high operating conditions. The PW127N will be rolled out progressively to Avianca’s ATR fleet throughout 2014 and 2015. The first ATR 72-600 of Avianca equipped with the new PW127N engines will be delivered in the coming weeks, and will enable the airline to get better performance at take-off on airports in altitude like their hub in Bogota, Colombia. Field conversions from the PW127M to the PW127N will be feasible with minor hardware modifications. The new PW127N engines recently obtained a first certification from Transport Canada (TC), the Canadian Airworthiness Authority and now the EASA certification as well.
John Saabas, President of Pratt & Whitney Canada, declared: “We continue to enhance our PW127 family and we will introduce additional features in early 2016 that will enhance the performance of the PW127M and PW127N engines.” He added: “As we have done for decades, we continue to reduce fuel burn and increase the reliability of our engines. This in turn, enhances the competitiveness of the regional turboprop.”
Patrick de Castelbajac, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, declared: “We are very satisfied with the good work which has been performed by the Pratt & Whitney, ATR and the Certification Authorities teams in order to develop an enhanced engine that will clearly further enhance the operational capabilities of the newest ATR 72-600s. Thanks to the PW127N engines, airlines operating in mountain environments will benefit from further improved performances, while keeping their operating and maintenance costs at very competitive levels”.
ALTA Member Airlines Passenger Traffic Increases 7.7% in April
June 6, 2014
Miami, June 4, 2014- The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) announced that its member airlines carried 13.3 million passengers in April, up 7.7% from the previous year.
Traffic (RPK) grew 7.9% and capacity (ASK) increased 2.4%, bringing up the load factor to 78.4%, 4.0 percentage points higher than in April 2013.
The number of passengers carried year-to-date increased 6.7% versus the same period of the previous year, reaching 54.7 million passengers. During the aforementioned period, traffic (RPK) rose 6.3%, capacity (ASK) increased 2.0%, and the passenger load factor reached 79.1%, 3.2 percentage points higher than the previous year.
Freight ton kilometers declined 7.7% in April and 1.3% year-to-date.
LAN and TAM complete measurement and verification of their carbon footprint
June 6, 2014
· This annual process is part of LATAM’s commitment to the environment and sustainable development.
· Measurement and verification of carbon footprint is accompanied by objectives and goals for reducing emissions.
· In keeping with this project, TAM offset the emissions of 4,500 flights during the next soccer championship.
June 5, 2014 – On World Environment Day and as part of their commitment to the environment, LAN and TAM, LATAM Airlines Group members, measured and received external verification of their carbon footprint for 2013.
The measurement was made under the international standards of the Green House Gas Protocol (GHG) and verification under the standards of the ISO 14064 criteria. The process was reviewed independently by the Spanish Agency for Standardization (AENOR).
This measurement considered the company’s impact on the environment and its direct and indirect emissions were included, such as:
· Fuel consumption in aircraft operation.
· Fuel consumption on land (gasoline, diesel, natural gas and LPG) attributable to fixed and mobile sources.
· Fugitive emissions from refrigerants (used in air conditioning systems).
· Indirect emissions such as electricity consumption in administrative, operations and maintenance buildings.
· Sources of indirect emissions related to business air travel on other airlines.
From the result of this study it can be concluded that LATAM Airlines Group has one of the lowest emissions per passenger kilometer in the global airline industry, i.e., 79.01 kilograms of CO2/100 RTK (RTK = revenue ton-kilometer).
Emissions reduction strategy
Among the environmental objectives of LATAM Airlines, which include reduction of emissions, the company is introducing better and more modern aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and the coming Airbus A350, belonging to the new generation of aircraft that reduce fuel consumption, which consequently lowers CO2 emissions by up to 20% compared to similar aircraft. Additionally, the company is implementing continuous operation improvements, such as the use of winglets, washing engines and new sources of sustainable energy.
For example, TAM announced compensation of 100 thousand tons of greenhouse gases, equivalent to about 4,500 flights in the host cities during the next world soccer championship. That means compensating five times the emissions of the 750 additional domestic flights that the airline will operate during the months of June and July.
The initiative involves the acquisition of premium carbon credits supplied by Sustainable Carbon – Projetos Ambientais Ltda, a developer specializing in solutions for climate change.
The company has also offset emissions from ground operations of LAN Peru.
Along with this project, the company has goals for reducing CO2 emissions in line with the global airline industry, among them an average improvement in fuel efficiency of 1.5% per year, which is part of its commitment to achieve carbon-neutral growth on CO2 emissions from 2020.
Gogo to Partner with American Airlines to add In-flight Internet on Regional Jets
June 5, 2014
Gogo Expected to Begin Installations on New CRJs in June
ITASCA, Ill., June 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO), a leading aero communications service provider to the global aviation industry, announces today that it has reached an agreement with American Airlines to begin installing its ATG connectivity service on 30 new Bombardier CRJ-900 NextGen aircraft, which will be delivered to American starting this month. The additional connected aircraft will build on the more than 850 aircraft in American’s fleet that are currently equipped with Gogo’s In-flight Internet services.
“American Airlines was the first commercial airline to launch connectivity service with Gogo, and we are excited to continue to build on our longstanding relationship with American by extending Wi-Fi service to passengers flying on its new regional jets,” said Gogo’s president and CEO, Michael Small.
American currently has Gogo’s ATG and ATG-4 service installed on its aircraft. By adding Wi-Fi to these regional jets, more American Airlines passengers will be able to connect.
LAN and TAM Open New Preferential Check-in at Santiago International Airport
May 29, 2014
· About 30 thousand passengers per month use the company’s preferential check-in counter, a demand that will increase to about 50,000 by 2020.
· The new space, whose capacity will be double the previous one, is situated just above the International Police area, on the fourth floor of the west side of the airport.
Santiago, May 16, 2014 -. Aiming to renew their premium spaces and provide a better travel experience for passengers, LAN and TAM inaugurated the new Preferential Check-in, located on the fourth floor on the west side of the International Airport in Santiago, Chile.
“Under the remodeling plan of Santiago airport, we understood that it was important to offer our preferred passengers an exclusive new space with the highest standards of design, technology and comfort to optimize their wait and prepare them for their flight and next destination,” said Jerome Cadier, Vice President of Marketing LATAM Airlines Group.
About 30 thousand passengers per month check in at the preferential counter, a demand that will increase to about 50,000 by 2020.
The new space of over 6,458 square feet in total, has 18 counters, kiosks for self check-in, direct access to gates and will connect to the new LAN and TAM VIP Lounge, which will be opened in the first half of 2015 and will be the largest in Latin America.
The project design was led jointly by architects and designers of international prestige, such as Chilean Mathias Klotz, in addition to attention from architect Lillian Allen and a global view from Studio Putman, one of best design studios in the world, with its headquarters in Paris.
This new preferential check-in and its amenities can be enjoyed by passengers traveling in First Class, Premium Business, Business and Premium Economy on LAN and TAM, as well as high category members of the LANPASS frequent flyer program (Comodoro Black, Comodoro, Premium Silver), and TAM Fidelidade (Black, Vermelho Plus, Vermelho), and the respective oneworld categories (Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire).
LAN and TAM Open New Preferential Check-in at Santiago International Airport
May 19, 2014
· About 30 thousand passengers per month use the company’s preferential check-in counter, a demand that will increase to about 50,000 by 2020.
· The new space, whose capacity will be double the previous one, is situated just above the International Police area, on the fourth floor of the west side of the airport.
Santiago, May 16, 2014 -. Aiming to renew their premium spaces and provide a better travel experience for passengers, LAN and TAM inaugurated the new Preferential Check-in, located on the fourth floor on the west side of the International Airport in Santiago, Chile.
“Under the remodeling plan of Santiago airport, we understood that it was important to offer our preferred passengers an exclusive new space with the highest standards of design, technology and comfort to optimize their wait and prepare them for their flight and next destination,” said Jerome Cadier, Vice President of Marketing LATAM Airlines Group.
About 30 thousand passengers per month check in at the preferential counter, a demand that will increase to about 50,000 by 2020.
The new space of over 6,458 square feet in total, has 18 counters, kiosks for self check-in, direct access to gates and will connect to the new LAN and TAM VIP Lounge, which will be opened in the first half of 2015 and will be the largest in Latin America.
The project design was led jointly by architects and designers of international prestige, such as Chilean Mathias Klotz, in addition to attention from architect Lillian Allen and a global view from Studio Putman, one of best design studios in the world, with its headquarters in Paris.
This new preferential check-in and its amenities can be enjoyed by passengers traveling in First Class, Premium Business, Business and Premium Economy on LAN and TAM, as well as high category members of the LANPASS frequent flyer program (Comodoro Black, Comodoro, Premium Silver), and TAM Fidelidade (Black, Vermelho Plus, Vermelho), and the respective oneworld categories (Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire).
VivaAerobus starts A320 operations in Mexico
May 14, 2014
Mexican low-cost carrier starts fleet transition, will become all-Airbus operator by 2016
Mexico City-based VivaAerobus formally launched its fleet transition to A320 aircraft today, after the airline started operating its first three Airbus A320 aircraft in April. The low cost carrier will receive an additional two A320s before the end of 2014. The A320s, powered by IAE, are configured in an all economy 180 seat configuration, 32 additional seats or a 22 percent increase in capacity as compared to VivaAerobus’ existing fleet of 737-300s.
The A320s will bring VivaAerobus improved fuel efficiency, performance and range, allowing the airline to ultimately expand its network service throughout Mexico and beyond. The aircraft will be based in the airline’s Cancun hub and fly to Mexico City, Monterrey, Veracruz, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Reynosa and Torreon. Additionally, the aircraft will operate from Mexico City to Reynosa and from Monterrey to Mazatlan.
By the end of 2016, the airline will have completed its fleet transition from 737-300 to become an all-Airbus operator. In October 2013 VivaAerobus signed a purchase agreement for 52 Airbus A320 Family aircraft (40 A320neo and 12 A320ceo), representing the biggest Airbus aircraft order by a single airline in Latin American history.
“In less than a month that our A320ceo have been operating, we are pleased to see that our passengers are genuinely surprised with the comfort and reliability the aircraft offers,” said Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of VivaAerobus. “We are also beginning to experience the A320’s excellent fuel and operational efficiencies. We expect to see fuel reductions of up to 30 percent as compared to our actual model, the 737-300, which will help VivaAerobus reduce its costs even more, translating into lower fares for our passengers.”
“We congratulate VivaAerobus for commencing their A320 operations today,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The economic efficiency of our A320 Family will lift VivaAerobus to new heights, while their passengers can enjoy the space and comfort only the wider Airbus cabins do offer. We wish our new Airbus operator a bright future!”
The Airbus A320 has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft and offers a wider cabin than competing single aisle products, enabling wider seats, a wider aisle and more personal space for the passengers. Transitioning to the world’s most efficient single aisle aircraft will translate into cost savings for the airline, ultimately allowing VivaAerobus to lower fares for its customers.
The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, over 10,200 aircraft have been ordered and over 6,000 delivered to operators worldwide.
More than 500 Airbus aircraft are in operation throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, with more than 800 aircraft sold and a backlog of nearly 400 yet to be delivered. In the last 10 years, Airbus has tripled its in-service fleet, while delivering more than 60 per cent of all aircraft operating in the region.
LATAM Airlines Group releases its first Sustainability Report
May 6, 2014
The first document since the creation of the airlines group, officially presenting its social, environmental and economic performance.
Santiago, May 5, 2014 – Today, LATAM Airlines Group released its Sustainability Report, the first released by the company since its integration, where you can find important information about its social, economic and environmental performance, according to the Group’s 2013 operation.
As stated in the report, last year 4.1 million foreign passengers were transported to key South American destinations. From this, the company estimated that U.S. $ 4,300 million in yearly revenue was contributed to the tourism sector in the region, for expenses in airports, accommodation, meals, transfers, sightseeing and shopping.
Given the impact on local economies, LATAM Airlines Group has endeavored to promote sustainable tourism, with the development of a responsible operation that preserve both the cultural and environmental heritage in different locations and countries in which it operates.
It also emphasizes the ongoing quest for efficiency in flight operations, focusing on business sustainability and reduced environmental impact. Therefore, focus has been placed on fleet modernization, operational efficiency to boost results and the search for intelligent fuel use.
Today, the LATAM Airlines Group fleet is on average seven years old, one of the most modern in the industry, resulting in greater fuel use efficiencies and less greenhouse gas emissions. The company has committed investments of U.S. $ 12,213 million until the year 2020 for 166 new aircraft, which include the Boeing 787, and Airbus A320neo and A350.
FUEL EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS
To improve the operation’s efficiency, LATAM Group has plans with Smart Fuel and Lean Fuel (both for optimizing the use of fuels), as well as making better use of aircraft capacity, focusing on filling seats and the belly of the aircraft, which in turn positively impacts costs and environmental indicators indirectly.
To produce this report, the group consulted different interest groups in Chile and Brazil, from clients and staff to organizations specializing in this field. Guidelines from the latest version of G4 GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) were used as reference.
Boeing Delivers 75th 747 to Lufthansa
May 2, 2014
SEATTLE, May 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Lufthansa celebrated the delivery of the German airline’s 75th 747 on Wednesday.
“Lufthansa is proud to share this milestone with Boeing,” said Nico Buchholz, executive vice president, Lufthansa Group Fleet Management. “The 747 is an amazing airplane and will continue to delight our passengers for many years to come, and provide them with the ultimate in comfort and efficiency.”
Lufthansa is the launch customer for the 747-8 Intercontinental jetliner and took delivery of the first one in April 2012. The airplane delivered Wednesday is Lufthansa’s 13th 747-8 Intercontinental. The airline currently flies the 747 to 22 destinations in 10 countries. Over the years, Lufthansa has ordered a total of 81 747s.
Lufthansa’s first 747 – a 747-100 – was delivered in 1970. The airline was also the first to order the 747-200 Freighter.
“Boeing and Lufthansa have a long and proud history of working together to bring new innovations to the airline industry,” said John Wojick, senior vice president, Global Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are pleased to continue that tradition with the 747-8 Intercontinental.”
The 747-8 has accumulated 120 orders for passenger and cargo versions, 68 of which have been delivered.
VivaAerobus, Mexico’s Ultra Low Cost Carrier, awards AJW Aviation an eight year power-by-the-hour agreement for its new fleet of fifty two A320s
April 10, 2014
Phoenix, April 10th 2014: Mexican based low-cost airline VivaAerobus, has chosen AJW Aviation, the world’s leading independent component support specialist, to provide component power-by-the-hour support for its fleet of fifty two factory-new A320 aircraft, including forty A320 NEOs. Prior to the first deliveries from Airbus in 2015, VivaAerobus will have an additional six interim A320s joining their fleet during 2014 and these also form part of the comprehensive contract with AJW.
An extensive inventory of A320 components will be placed in Mexico at Monterrey, Cancun and Guadalajara. AJW will also provide pool inventory support from its hub in Miami – this strategic location proving to be a vital part of the support network for VivaAerobus. Additionally, AJW Technique, the AJW Group’s component MRO located in Montreal, will underpin the service delivery with its specialist Airbus repair and overhaul expertise.
Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of VivaAerobus, comments “We have been impressed by both the AJW team, and the commercial flexibility of this far-reaching agreement. We partnered with AJW years ago and have received world class support that ensures the punctuality and top performance of our existing fleet of Boeing 737-300s, we will undoubtedly benefit from their A320 expertise throughout our fleet transition.
“This decision to renew our fleet will support our growth strategy, as it will enable us to lower costs and airfares even further, thereby widening VivaAerobus’ price leadership over all airlines in Mexico. These aircraft will provide VivaAerobus with additional capacity to exploit substantial growth opportunities as we deliver even lower fares and continue transferring the Mexican bus consumer to our airplanes. We are making aviation history in Mexico and in the travel industry.”
“AJW is stepping up our activities in North America and we already support several airlines with lease, pooling and PBH solutions backed up by our comprehensive component MRO repair capability at AJW Technique” says Christopher Whiteside, President, AJW Group. “We are delighted to be supporting VivaAerobus in its plans to vigorously expand its low cost route network and we will do everything we can to help the airline meet its objectives”.
AJW’s new contract with VivaAerobus once again underlines the outstanding value for money and excellent customer service that is embodied within AJW PBH support contracts. These offer wide and flexible component coverage; expert advice and recommendations on minimising home base stock requirements; and world class logistics, including AJW’s highly regarded 24/7 AOG service. Serving a global base of more than 800 airlines with almost 500 aircraft under contract, AJW is the ideal partner for airlines and MRO organisations requiring fully integrated support solutions and seeking to achieve competitive advantage.
AJW currently supports VivaAerobus’ B737 Classic fleet of nineteen aircraft and will continue to do so until these leave service as they are replaced by new A320s in late 2016.
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