RyanAir to Begin Testing Standing Room Only Tickets

Never lacking creativity, Low-cost-carrier RyanAir said it has plans to sell standing room tickets on some of its short-haul routes. The European-based airline says it hopes to remove the last 10 rows of seats aboard flight less than 1-hour in length, and replace them with 15 rows of vertical seating. But current European Aviation rules prohibit such a "seating" arrangement, and Boeing - who supplies RyanAir with 737-300 aircraft said they are not considering standing-only accommodations.

This begs the question: A prank from Ryan Air - or something that might just fly in the years to come?

Boeing 787 'Dreamliner' Takes First Flight

After more than two years of delays, Boeing officially took its 787 'Dreamliner' into the skies today. Today's four hour flight around the Washington state area will allow a two member crew to perform basic tests and system checks of the aircraft. Japan's All Nippon Airlines is expected to take delivery of the first Boeing 787 later next year. Complete coverage from MSNBC.

First Boeing 787 'Dreamliner' To Arrive August 2009

Japan's All Nippon Airways said it has agreed to Boeing's anticipated delays in delivering the first Boeing 787 'Dreamliner' aircraft. According to Boeing, the first plane is now expected to arrive to ANA in August 2009, more than a year behind schedule. Supply chain glitches, and a strike at Boeing halting production, is blamed for the delays.

Tokyo-based All Nippon Airlines is scheduled to be the first customer of the 787.

Emirates Reduction In Flight Schedule at SFO

Due to the Boeing machinist strike, Emirates Airlines, which has already delayed the San Francisco to Dubai launch, will limit frequency to 3 days a week between the two cities, rather than the previously scheduled daily service. According to airline route updates blog, the route will be operated by a 777-200LR.

Continental Shrinks; Cutting Jobs, Reducing Capacity

Following in the footsteps of American, Delta and United, Continental airlines today announced they will cut domestic capacity a full 16% and cut 3,000 jobs. “The airline industry is in a crisis,” two company executives said in a message to employees. “Its business model doesn’t work with the current price of fuel and the existing level of capacity in the marketplace. We need to make changes in response.” The airline will also reportedly retire 67 Boeing aircraft as part of the downsizing.
More from the New York Times.

Southwest Grounds 38 Boeing 737's for Review

The Airline is reporting irregular operations and grounded aircraft after a review of maintenance records led it to question whether required testing had been done on some of the Boeing 737 aircraft. As of Wednesday afternoon, Southwest reported 4% of scheduled flights had been cancelled Nationwide, including from Oakland Airport.
More from the NY Times

United to expand San Francisco to Eugene Service

On March 30th, United Airlines will resume regular mainline operations from San Francisco to Eugene, Oregon. In response to a downturn in the economy, United thinned capacity to Eugene in 2003 by utilizing smaller 50-66 seater (United Express/SkyWest) regional jets. Since then, demand has increased and flight loads averaged greater than 90%. The aircraft being put into service (Boeing 737's) will accommodate 110 passengers each.

British Airways Crash at London's Heathrow Airport, 13 injured

Hundreds of flights into London cancelled as the investigation of the crash continues.
(CNN) A British Airways Boeing 777 flight en route from China crashed Thursday, just short of a runway at London Heathrow Airport. Passenger Paul Venter told the UK Press Association: "The wheels came out and went for touchdown, and the next moment we just dropped. I couldn't tell you how far."
More from CNN

Boeing delays launch of 787 Dreamliner

In a press conference today, Boeing announced a 6-month delay in launching its long awaited 787 Dreamliner as it struggles to assemble the new lightweight, carbon-composite plane. More than 700 planes are on order from airlines around the world, including U.S based airlines. The first 787 aircraft was expected in the Summer of 08' but is now delayed until November at the earliest.

FAA orders emergency inspections on newer 737 planes

Aviation authorities have ordered emergency inspections of newer model Boeing 737 airliners in response to last week's explosion and fire that destroyed a China Airlines plane in Japan.
The Federal Aviation Administration on Monday ordered all U.S. airlines to check for loose hardware in panels which are extended on the wings to increase lift for take-off and landing.

The FAA said loose hardware appeared to have punctured the fuel tank of the China Airlines jet on August 20 in Okinawa, Japan. Leaking fuel caused a fire that engulfed and destroyed the airliner. All aboard escaped safely.

There are more than 780 affected planes registered to U.S. airlines. About 1,500 are in service with other airlines around the world.

Premium airline - Jet Airways coming to San Francisco

Above: Exclusive mini-suites on Jet Airlines

India-based Jet Airways says it is rolling out aggressive plans to expand into the North American market. Currently Jet Air flies to 50 destinations across the globe, and with brand new Boeing 777 plans about to be delivered, the airline plans on adding Toronto, Newark, JFK and San Francisco to Mumbai.

Jet Airways is known internationally for their posh first class section; divided suites with shutterlike doors. Inside there is a seat that reclines into an 83-inch-long lie-flat bed, a 23-inch entertainment monitor and dual credenzas that eliminate the need for overhead-bin storage. Economy passengers aren't left out either, with the latest onboard video/audio entertainment systems.

Newark service begins this week, followed by Toronto next month. By January the airline expects service to commence from San Francisco and JFK, offering connecting service in Shanghai or Brussels.

Which plane picture hasn't been altered?

OK, a break in the news to test your airplane and photoshop skills out. Which of these 4 plane pix has NOT been altered and is in fact a true flying machine? Answer below.























Source: IndianSpencer

(keep going....answer below)


Answer: all of them have been photoshoped. See IndianSpencer's blog for more pics

Competition heating up for flights to Australia

V Australia Airlines, Virgin Blue's new trans-pacific airline received Australian regulatory approval to start flying from Australia to the West coast of the United States. Airline officials declined comment on which cities would be served, but San Francisco and Los Angeles are considered the most uncompetitive long-haul air routes in the world, with Qantas having a strong-hold over all other carriers. Additionally, based on demand, the San Francisco Bay Area has demonstrated a need for additional service to to Australia. The initial rollout calls for 10 weekly flights to the U.S West coast.

V Australia still needs U.S government approval, but says its plans are to fly by the 4th quarter 2008 when brand new 777-ER planes are delivered.

JetStar, another Australian based low cost carrier had previously reported targeting the Bay Area with service direct to Australia by the end of 2007.

Contributing source: The Australian

A Bidet coming to a lavatory near you

Japan-based All Nippon Airlines (ANA) announced yesterday they plan to introduce the first bidet in the air. Increasingly popular in Japan and a few other countries in the world, the Bidet will "refresh the parts other airlines cannot reach," said ANA's chief executive.

The Washlet will shoot warm water allowing passengers to clean themselves, as an alternative to traditional TP.

ANA is in line to acquire 50 of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes starting in May 2008. It is expected the Bidet will come installed on each of the planes.

ANA offers daily service from San Francisco to Japan, and last month initiated service on new 777-ER planes with optional premium onboard service.