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Tajikistan’s Somon Air signs for two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft
Somon Air, Tajikistan’s largest airline, has signed an agreement for the purchase of two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from DAE Capital, an aircraft leasing and management specialist from the United Arab Emirates. These planes may join Somon Air’s fleet by 2026, augmenting the airline’s current fleet which consists of four Boeing 737-800 and two 737-900ER aircraft. The deal for the purchase of the two new aircraft was signed in Somon Air’s offices in Taijikistan’s capital Dushanbe by airline chief executive Abdulkosim Valiev and David Houlihan, president of DAE Capital. A timely decision Somon Air has been considering the purchase of two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft as a replacement for its older 787-800s. Prior to this most recent development, Somon Air mulled between Airbus and Embraer models before opting to go with Boeing via DAE Capital. Valiev said: “The signing of this agreement is part of our long-term strategy to modernize the fleet and improve the quality of service. Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft are distinguished by high fuel efficiency, increased flight range, and improved operational characteristics, which will allow the airline to further improve the level of comfort and safety for passengers. The new Boeing 737 MAX-8 will allow us to expand our route network, increase operational efficiency, and offer our passengers modern conditions for comfortable flights, as well as increase the frequency of flights.”
Akasa Air’s all-women pilot crew bring home its 25th Boeing 737 MAX aircraft
Two women pilots Captain Bhavna Gandhi and Captain Sanaya Chothia received delivery of Akasa Air’s 25th aircraft in Seattle on September 9, 2024. The first leg of the women-led delivery flight commenced from Seattle, USA, to Keflavik, Iceland, and concluded with the final leg from Larnaca, Cyprus, to Hyderabad, India. Bearing the registration number VT-YBB, the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft arrived at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad on 12th September 2024. Akasa Air has registered unprecedented growth since its inception in August 2022. In 2021, Akasa Air placed its initial order of 72 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which was followed by an order of four Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in June 2023. In January 2024, the airline placed another landmark order of 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, becoming the first Indian airline to reach an order book of 226 aircraft within 17 months of commencing operations. The airline has now taken delivery of 25 aircraft and is on track to receive deliveries of another 201 aircraft over the next eight years. With this milestone, Akasa Air continues to be the fastest-growing airline in the 122-year-old history of civil aviation, propelling its vision to be a carrier that transcends generations. The airline’s strong foundational growth trajectory has put it on course to be one of the top 30 airlines in the world by the turn of the decade. The delivery flight is a testament to Akasa’s commitment towards championing diversity in the flight deck and continuing to be a forerunner in the aviation industry in this respect. Alongside, the 737 MAX family provides greater range and fuel efficiency, reducing fuel use and carbon emissions by 20% compared to those it replaces, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to sustainability. In addition, the 737 MAX is a quieter airplane with a 40% smaller noise footprint than replacement airplanes. Since its launch in August 2022, Akasa Air has served over 11 million passengers and connects with 27 cities, namely Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Port Blair, Ayodhya, Gwalior, Srinagar, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait.
Navigating Troubled Skies: The Series of Events with the Boeing 737 Max
The aviation industry has been confronted with a matter of paramount concern following the troubling events surrounding the Boeing 737 Max aircraft. The latest, a B737 MAX 9 operated by Alaska Airlines, diverted to Portland International Airport last Friday after losing the mid-aft door, window, and an unoccupied seat during take-off. According to multiple reports, the aircraft suffered a rapid decompression, prompting the crew to make an emergency landing. As a result, on Saturday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an order to ground 171 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft across the United States. The profound impact of these events has sent ripples of concern throughout the industry, prompting a much-needed examination of the inherent problems facing this once-celebrated aircraft. At the heart of the matter lies a series of critical issues that have undermined the integrity and trust in the Boeing 737 Max. From crucial design flaws to systemic safety oversights, these problems have raised legitimate questions regarding the airworthiness and reliability of this aircraft and have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the aviation landscape. First, the fundamental design flaws within the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) have emerged as a source of grave concern. The inadequacy of this system and its failure to function as intended has been at the centre of tragic incidents, casting a shadow of doubt on the airworthiness of the 737 Max. The subsequent implications of these anomalies have called into question the rigour of the regulatory approval process and the robustness of the safeguards designed to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The Boeing 737 MAX passenger aeroplane was grounded globally between March 2019 and December 2020 – longer in certain countries – after 346 people died in two comparable crashes: Lion Air Flight 610 on 29 October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 on 10 March 2019. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) delayed grounding the plane in the U.S. until 13 March 2019, when it obtained evidence of accident analogies. By then, 51 additional regulators had also grounded the jet, and by 18 2019, all 387 aircraft in operation had been grounded. In 2016, the FAA granted Boeing’s request to delete references to a new Manoeuvring (MCAS) system from the flight manual. Following the Lion Air crash in November 2018, Boeing urged pilots to take remedial action if the jet began a sequence of automated nosedives. Boeing delayed disclosing MCAS until pilots requested more details. In December 2018, the FAA confidentially anticipated that MCAS might cause 15 crashes over the next 30 years. In April 2019, the Ethiopian preliminary assessment said that the crew attempted the recovery process, and Boeing acknowledged that MCAS had activated in both crashes. Furthermore, the ensuing crises have spotlighted significant shortcomings in the oversight and transparency of Boeing’s communication with aviation authorities and airline operators. The need for more clarity and openness surrounding critical safety features and the dissemination of pertinent information within the aviation community have raised valid concerns about the culture of accountability and responsibility within the company, shaking the confidence of stakeholders and the broader public. It is crucial to acknowledge the heavy human cost these events have imposed, particularly the tragic loss of life that has had an irrevocable impact on families and communities. The magnitude of these losses cannot be overstated, necessitating an unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, delivering justice to the affected, and instituting enduring reforms prioritising safety. In navigating this complex web of challenges, the onus rests on Boeing, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to comprehensively examine the systemic issues plaguing the 737 Max. This necessitates an unyielding dedication to transparency, accountability, and rigorous safety standards, leaving no room for compromise. As we chart a course forward, the focal point must revolve around fostering a culture of diligence, upholding the highest standards of safety, and prioritising the well-being of passengers and crew. The imperative is clear: to restore faith in the 737 Max, it is essential to acknowledge the shortcomings, implement meaningful reforms, and recommit to the ethos of safety and reliability that forms the bedrock of the aviation industry. The troubling saga of the Boeing 737 Max underscores the vital importance of unwavering vigilance and an unshakable commitment to the core principles underpinning air travel’s safety and security. It is incumbent upon all stakeholders to heed this clarion call and institute the requisite reforms to pave the way for a future where safety is paramount, trust is unwavering, and the skies are navigated with confidence and conviction. The post Navigating Troubled Skies: The Series of Events with the Boeing 737 Max first appeared on Stray Nomad Travel News.
Akasa Air welcomes two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to its growing fleet
Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, recently welcomed two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to its growing fleet. With this, the airline exited the calendar year 2023 with a fleet size of 22 aircraft, including 21 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and one Boeing 737 MAX 8 200, the first of its kind in Asia. Having reached a fleet size of 22 aircraft within 17 months of commencing operations, Akasa Air has witnessed unprecedented growth since its inception and has emerged as one of the fastest-growing airlines in the history of civil aviation. Commenting on the occasion, Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO, Akasa Air said “Akasa Air’s remarkable growth testifies the sheer promise that India holds as an aviation market. The additions to our fleet will help us bolster the strength of our operations as we expand our footprint and foray into international skies in the coming months. Each addition to our fleet brings us closer to our purpose of connecting people, places, and cultures, and we hope that as we step into the next phase of growth, we will be able to serve millions of satisfied travellers across the globe.” “We are grateful to our employees and our partners for their unwavering support that catalysed Akasa Air’s unmatched trajectory and look forward to building a world class airline that transcends generations.” Steadfast in its commitment to strengthening the nation’s transportation system, Akasa Air has built a robust network connecting metros with Tier 2 and 3 cities across the country. As the airline steps into the next chapter of its growth story with plans to expand its domestic presence and commence international operations in the coming months, the fleet expansion will support seamless and reliable connectivity to travellers across the globe. Aligning with the airline’s commitment to sustainability, the 737 MAX family provides greater range and fuel efficiency, reducing fuel use and carbon emissions by 20% compared to those it replaces. In addition, the 737 MAX is a quieter airplane with a 50% smaller noise footprint than replacement airplanes. Since its launch in August 2022, Akasa Air has served over 6.3 million passengers and connects with 17 cities across India, namely Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata and Port Blair. Bookings for flights on Akasa Air are available on its website – www.akasaair.com, Android & IOS app as well as through travel agents and several OTAs across the country. Akasa Air has introduced multiple best-in-class products and services to ensure an inclusive, warm, comfortable, and efficient flying experience. The Boeing 737 MAX aircraft seats provide ample legroom and come with USB ports in a majority of aircraft, allowing passengers to charge their gadgets and devices on the go. Café Akasa, the airline’s onboard meal service offers an assortment of healthy and delectable meals, including festive menus and industry-first options such as Kombucha, to offer customers an indulgent gourmet experience in the skies. Pets on Akasa allows customers to travel with their pets in the cabin or carry them in cargo based on their size. In addition, in an endeavour to make travel inclusive, Akasa Air has introduced its safety instruction card and onboard menu card in Braille for persons with visual impairment.
Take-off into a new season: TUI Boeing 737-8 named “Reykjavik”
A new Boeing 737-8 airplane has entered service for Europe’s leading leisure, travel and tourism company, TUI, and will become the new flying ambassador for the capital city of Iceland. The airplane with the flight number TOM 4308 arrived at the Airport of Keflavik at 10:15 a.m. having departed London Gatwick (United Kingdom) at 7:25 a.m. It received its name Reykjavik by Mrs. Þórdís Lóa Þórhallsdóttir, Deputy Mayor of Reykjavik City and chairperson of the council's executive committee. Around 50 guests, including Bjarnheiður Hallsdóttir, Chairwoman of The Icelandic Travel Industry Association (SAF), as well as various hotel and excursion partners attended the naming ceremony. They were joined by Grýla and some Yule Lads – the iconic mountain-dwelling pranksters of Icelandic Christmas folklore. "Today, we continue on our journey of becoming Europe’s most fuel-efficient airline as we welcome another Boeing 737-8 airplane into the TUI Airline fleet. Our Reykjavik is now an ambassador for the city, the island and the TUI Group – right across Europe. This morning we arrived with a fully booked flight at Keflavik Airport - it is impressive to see that holidaymakers can’t wait to travel up North this winter to the country of extraordinary contrasts and dramatic landscapes. TUI is the strategic partner for holiday destinations all across Europe and we have been offering holidays to Iceland with our own flights for nearly eight years, now. This winter season we are expecting more than 10,000 guests from the United Kingdom to arrive to the land of fire and ice," said Sebastian Ebel, CEO TUI Group, during the naming ceremony at Keflavik airport. He was accompanied by Marco Ciomperlik, Chief Airline Officer of TUI Group, and Andrew Flintham, Managing Director TUI UK & Ireland. “It is a great pleasure to be the godmother of this TUI Boeing 737-8 named after our beautiful city, the northernmost capital in the world. Reykjavik continues to inspire and captivate travelers from all corners of the globe. We might be small, but we make up for it with boundless energy, unyielding perseverance, and a creative spirit that knows no bounds. Our new ambassador will make us even more popular”, said Þórdís Lóa Þórhallsdóttir. "It is clearly an honour that a long-standing partner such as TUI has chosen to name one of its airplanes after our capital city. Yet more importantly this marks not only the close relationship between TUI and Iceland, but also the confidence put on us as an important holiday destination", says Guðmundur Daði Rúnarsson, CCO and Airport Development Officer Keflavik Airport. From 17th December 2023 till 28th February 2024, TUI Airways takes off from London Gatwick, Manchester and Bristol to Reykjavik and has increased its flight offering. In total, more than 100 flights to and from the Iceland are planned till the end of the winter season in 2024. Since starting with its own flights in January 2016, TUI Airways will have flown more than 115,000 guests to Iceland (by the end of February 2024). TUI guests from other European markets are also flocking to Iceland, mostly using flights of partner airlines.
Virgin Australia Boosts its Order for 737 MAX-8 Planes
Virgin Australia has added six MAX-8s to its new Boeing MAX family aircraft pipeline, with six more expected for delivery in the second half of 2024, increasing the airline’s total MAX-8s to 14 and the total number of planned latest-generation aircraft to 39. The newest addition to the fleet, ‘Bronte Beach,’ arrived in Brisbane on Friday afternoon from the United States. The remaining 11 MAX-8 aircraft will arrive throughout 2024, amounting to one new aircraft delivered nearly every month next year. These new aircraft allow significant growth while also improving fuel efficiency. Compared to earlier generation 737s, the MAX-8 aircraft will lower emissions by at least 15% on every flight, supporting the airline’s 2030 aim of reducing carbon emissions intensity by 22% and commitment to nett zero emissions by 2050. The MAX-8 aircraft also have next-generation cabin interiors and are 40% quieter than existing 737s. The existing order of 25 MAX-10s, with delivery due in late 2025, remains in place. The larger MAX-10 aircraft will transport more passengers for the same amount of fuel as the current 737 aircraft, resulting in 17% less emissions per seat per trip. With an average age of 11.7 years, Virgin Australia has one of the youngest commercial fleets in Australia. Work on a $110 million interior refresh and product upgrade for the airline’s current 737s will begin in the coming days. The first refurbished aircraft is slated to leave Melbourne maintenance in early December, and the project will be completed in 18-24 months. The project includes: Installation of in-seat power for all Business Class and Economy seats. Installation of new Business Class seats, consistent with the new Boeing MAX-8 aircraft. Installation of new or refreshed Economy seats, with seat design consistent with the new Boeing MAX-8 aircraft. Introduction of in-flight Wi-Fi and complimentary in-flight entertainment (via a guest’s device) to aircraft not yet upgraded for Wi-Fi. “Travel demand remains high, and we continue to grow and renew our fleet, enabling us to deliver great value and choice in the market,” said Alistair Hartley, Virgin Australia’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. “We are investing in our fleet to meet our customers’ needs best while positioning the business for success in the long term. A more modern, sustainable, and streamlined fleet is central to our ongoing transformation.” Continue Reading
RwandAir enhances its fleet with a seventh Boeing 737 aircraft
RwandAir is continuing its fleet expansion with the delivery of its seventh Boeing 737 aircraft. The Boeing 737-800, registered 9XR-WY, will be based at the carrier’s Kigali hub and will offer customers a leading experience in the skies. Operating throughout Africa and the Middle East, the aircraft will allow the Rwandan carrier to further expand its regional operations and offer customers unrivalled connectivity and quick transfers through Kigali. Customers will be able to choose from 12 seats in Business Class and 144 seats in Economy Class, giving greater flexibility. The addition of the new aircraft will bring the African airline’s fleet to 14, consisting of three A330s, seven B737 and four regional aircraft. Yvonne Makolo, RwandAir CEO, said: “The introduction of our seventh Boeing aircraft is another major milestone for us, and I would like to thank everyone who has helped make this possible. “We have been expanding our fleet over the past year and look forward to accelerating this growth to offer customers even better service and connectivity across Africa and beyond.” Last November, the Rwandan airline also took delivery of its first dedicated freighter aircraft, a Boeing 737-800SF, as the carrier highlighted the ever-increasing importance of cargo in Rwanda and the aviation industry as a whole. From its hub at the heart of Africa at Kigali International Airport, RwandAir is renowned for its excellent on-time performance, customer service, and safety. RwandAir currently operates to a variety of destinations across East, Central, West and Southern Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
Rex Signs Letter of Intent for Another B737-800
Rex Airlines announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to lease another Boeing 737-800NG. Following two 737-800NGs in July and September, this aircraft will raise Rex’s total 737 fleet to 10. The aircraft is planned to arrive in Australia in November 2023 and be operational by the end of the year. The Hon. John Sharp, AM, Deputy Chairman of Rex, said, “As foreshadowed in the media release of 25 September 2023, this aircraft will be the third of four aircraft to be added to Rex’s domestic fleet this Financial Year as Rex expands its network steadily across all Australian capital cities and major towns.” “Just as Rex has demonstrated in over 50 regional cities over the past two decades, Rex will bring to the major cities reliable and affordable service delivered with true integrity and heartfelt country hospitality.” “All cities that want to be a part of the unparalleled Rex experience should contact us right away,” he continued. Rex’s tenth 737 is in Arizona for routine maintenance. Rex is Australia’s largest independent regional and domestic airline, flying 58 Saab 340 and 9 Boeing 737-800NG aircraft to 57 destinations throughout all states. In addition to the airline Rex, the Rex Group includes wholly owned subsidiaries Pel-Air Aviation (air freight, aeromedical, and charter operator), the Australian Airline Pilot Academy with campuses in Wagga Wagga and Ballarat, and Australian Aerospace Propeller Maintenance, a propeller maintenance organisation. Rex is also a 50% National Jet Express (NJE) owner of top FIFO, charter, and freight operator.
Virgin Australia Introduces New B737 Max Domestic Routes
As more of its 737 MAX 8 aircraft arrives, Virgin Australia will use it on additional domestic and short-haul international flights. At the end of September, the airline received its second MAX 8, with a third due before the end of the year and the remaining five arriving in the first half of 2024. After a short stint within Australia, the aircraft on the Cairns-Haneda route. Virgin plans once the new aircraft arrive, they will be used to fly to international destinations, including Fiji, Bali, and Samoa, in addition to domestic routes like those serving Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Cairns. Virgin presently operates a significant fleet of 737-800s and a small fleet of 737-700s, Airbus A320-200s, and Fokker 100s, all of which fly to a smaller number of destinations. After several delays, the first 737 MAX 8 in the Virgin fleet was finally delivered in late June and put into service on the airline’s route to Tokyo (Haneda), which had begun with 737-700s due to the MAX’s late arrival. The addition of the 737 MAX family to Virgin’s fleet, as stated by Virgin Australia’s chief operating officer Stuart Aggs, will help the airline “grow capacity and support more efficient jet services.” He added that we are committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, and these planes will help us get there by cutting emissions by at least 15 per cent each trip compared to the 737-800 NG fleet. “Fleet modernisation is essential to advancing our sustainability ambitions. It provides a considerable potential to lower our emissions intensity in the short term, but it is only one part of our multi-pronged strategy for decarbonisation,” Aggs added. The company says, “We expect our fleet renewal programme, combined with other fuel efficiency initiatives, to support over 80% of our 2030 interim target to reduce Virgin Australia’s carbon emission intensity by 22 percent.” The MAX 8 can fly longer than Virgin’s current 737-800 NG planes. The 737-8 is equipped with our latest generation of seats, which have device holders and in-seat power, and is around 40% quieter than the existing 737-800 NG fleet, according to Aggs. The airline has ordered 25 more MAX 10 planes and six MAX 8 planes.
Virgin Australia Will Operate The New B737 Max 8s To Bali And Fiji
Virgin Australia has updated its schedule to include additional international flights using the Boeing 737 Max 8. New international 737 Max routes for Virgin Australia include Denpasar (Bali), Nadi (Fiji), and Apia (Samoa). Flights on the Boeing 737 Max 8 between Brisbane and Denpasar will begin on 22 January; on 23 January, flights between Brisbane and Apia and Brisbane and Nadi are scheduled to start. Virgin Australia has begun scheduling its Max aircraft on routes starting in March from different bases, such as Sydney–Nadi on 4 March, Adelaide–Denpasar on 19 March, and Melbourne–Denpasar on 25 March. The airline has taken delivery of its second 737 Max 8 and is using them on the Cairns-Haneda (Tokyo) route. The Virgin Australia Max 8s have eight fully flat beds in a 2-2 business class arrangement and a 3-3 economy class layout. In addition to the current fleet of eight Max 8s, Virgin Australia has placed an order for 25 Max 10s, with deliveries starting next year. Virgin Australia’s fleet now includes 85 Boeing 737 aircraft, up from 58 when the airline relaunched in November 2020. According to Stuart Aggs, chief operating officer of Virgin Australia, the new Max family aircraft is a critical component of the airline’s transition, providing a more luxurious experience for customers and serving as the backbone of Virgin Australia’s decarbonization goals. He said, “With these new planes, we can increase capacity and support more efficient jet services.” They will help us reach our goal of nett zero emissions by 2050 since they will lower emissions by at least 15% for every flight compared to the 737-800 NG fleet.
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