Airline News Mar 01-12

Etihad Airways has officially announced that it shall be further increasing frequencies to MAN-Manchester, UK to keep in line with the serious increase in competition hailing from Emirates and Qatar Airways in particular to its market share out of the Northern UK. Originally, plans called for EY to increase from daily to 10 weekly effective Aug 1^st 2011. However, another round of increase sees the AUH-MAN route being planned to operate on a double daily basis nonstop using a 2 class configured A 330-200 effective Aug 1^st. In addition, EY too confirmed that its flights to PEK-Beijing, China will be increased from 5 weekly to daily nonstop services using an A 332 effective July 2^nd 2011.

With regards to its fleet options, EY has also announced that it has canceled an already existing order for 4 Boeing 787-900s (out of an order for 35 jets of this model type) and in return ordered 3 Boeing 777-300ERs in order to rapidly fuel its international long haul expansion plans which are being hindered with the frequent delays of the B 787 program.

Aeroflot has officially announced that it has placed a billion dollar order with Boeing this week for 8 new Boeing 777s. The break down of this order is 6 B 777-300ERs + 2 B 777-200ERs. SU claimed that with Russia hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics and 2018 FIFA World Cup, growth opportunities exist that can be tapped especially as external tourism ex Russia grows along with the fact that SU can better feed its Sky Team member hubs in the distant future.

Cathay Pacific has officially confirmed that it has placed a multi billion order with both Boeing and Airbus earlier on this week for 27 wide bodied aircraft. These include 2 A 359s + 15 A 333s + 10 B 777-300ERs. The latter are expected to be fitted in a 2 class configuration designed to replace the aging Boeing 777-300As from 2013 onwards.

Emirates has unveiled another major round of worldwide restructuring of its entire route network for the entire 2011 calendar year keeping mind high rise of oil prices + political unrest in the MENA region. There have been major frequency and capacity increased too announced in Europe and Asia in particular. The main highlights are as follows:

CPT - frequencies increased from daily to double daily nonstop using an A 345 + B 773ER each daily.

VIE - frequencies increased from daily to 13 times per week i.e. daily B 773ER + 6 weekly A 345.

MXP - capacity increased from double daily A 343s to double daily B 773ERs i.e. additional capacity of 2492 r/t seats per week!

ZRH - capacity increased to double daily flights using a B 773ER.

MAN - frequencies increased from double daily to triple daily nonstop flights i.e. daily A 380 + daily A 332 + daily B 773ER. The new 3rd daily flight arrives into MAN at 0730 and departs back at 0940 MAN time respectively.

SYD - third daily flight reinstated i.e. double daily nonstop + daily via BKK.

PVG - capacity increased from daily A 343 + daily B 773ER to double daily B 773ERs.

FCO - capacity increased from daily A 332 + daily B 773 to double daily B 773s.

SAH - frequencies reduced from daily to 6 weekly A 332s.

TUN - frequencies reduced from 5 to 3 weekly A 332s.

DAM - frequencies reduced from double daily to 13 weekly.

DKR - frequencies increased from 5 to 6 times per week using an A 332.

Qatar Airways has officially announced another round of major expansion of its worldwide route network effective June 2011 with new flights being launched to Sofia, Calcutta, Oslo ad Manchester. The main highlights are as follows:

MAN - frequencies increased from daily to double daily nonstop using a 2 class configured A 332.

OSL - new 5 weekly nonstop flights to be launched from 05OCT using a 2 class A 332.

FRA - frequencies increased from 10 to 13 weekly flights using a daily B 772LR + 6 weekly A 332 effective 01JUN.

CCU - new 5 weekly nonstop flights to be launched using an A 320 effective July 27th.

SOF - new 4 weekly flights to be launched with an A 320 effective 14SEP.

LGW - all flights suspended effective 01JUN 2011.

STR - an additional 4th weekly flight to be added using an A 319 effective early June.

Air China has officially announced that it shall be launching new nonstop flights to DUS-Dusseldorf, Germany effective March 27^th 2011. CA will be operating the route from its main Beijing hub using an Airbus A 330-200. Frequencies will be 3 times per week which shall be increased to 4 weekly from June 21^stMUC-Munich will too be increased from 4 to 5 weekly nonstop flights using an A 332 effective May 11^th 2011. Lastly, CA officially announced that it has placed an order for 5 new Boeing 747-800 passenger models. These birds will be used as an immediate replacement aircraft for its fleet of 5 B 747-400s. CA becomes the third passenger airline after Lufthansa and Korean Air to order this 747 variant. onwards. The Chinese flagship carrier too confirmed that its services to

China Southern Airlines has officially announced few changes to its route network for the IATA Summer 2011 season. The main highlights are as follows out of its Guangzhou hub airport base:

DEL – frequencies increased from 5 weekly to daily nonstop flights using a B 757.

KTM – frequencies reduced from 6 to 3 weekly flights using an A 319.

NRT – capacity reduced from daily B 772A to daily A 332.

Air India has officially confirmed that it will be increasing its services to DMM-Dammam, Saudi Arabia^th 2011 onwards. The main highlights are as follows: from March 27

DEL/DMM – frequencies increased from 3 to 4 weekly nonstop flights using an A 320.

BOM/DMM – frequencies increased from 2 to 3 weekly nonstop flights using an A 320.

Vietnam Airlines has officially announced that it will be significantly increasing its presence in the Australian market from June 13^th 2011. The main highlights are as follows:

SGN/SYD – frequencies increased from 5 weekly A 332s to daily nonstop flights using a B 772ER.

SGN/MEL - frequencies increased from 5 weekly A 332s to daily nonstop flights using the same aircraft type.

British Airways has officially announced that it shall be increasing its flights to PVG-Shanghai, China^th 2011 onwards. Currently, BA operates 5 times per week nonstop from London Heathrow to PVG, however an additional 6^th weekly flight will be launched from late April using a Boeing 777-200ER. effective April 28

Hong Kong Airlines officially announced that it has placed a mega order with Boeing earlier on this week for6 Boeing 777-200LR freighters + 32 Boeing 787-900s. The B 789s will be used in the long run as a full time replacement aircraft of its current A 332 fleet. 38 aero planes. The breakdown of the order is

Iberia of Spain has officially announced that it has placed a huge order with Airbus this week designed to primarily replace its entire fleet of Airbus A 340-300s from 2014 onwards. This order includes 8 A 333s + 8 options. Currently, IB has in its fleet 18 A 343s that can 260 pax in a two class configuration.

Airline News Feb 19-25

Qatar Airways has officially revealed further changes to its route network for the IATA Summer 2011 season. The main highlights are as follows:

SYZ - new twice weekly nonstop flights to be launched effective June 5th using an A 321. These services shall be gradually increased to 5 times per week.

MAN - frequencies increased from daily to double daily nonstop flights using an A 332.

KHI - capacity increased from daily A 320 to daily A 332 effective May 1st.

FRA - capacity increased from 10 weekly A 332s to 6 weekly B 772LRs + 4 weekly A 332s.

TUN - capacity reduced from 5 weekly A 332s to 5 weekly A 320s.

SEZ - frequencies increased from 4 weekly to daily nonstop flights using an A 320.


Etihad Airways has revealed on the GDS that it shall be increasing its flights to PEK-Beijing, China from July 2nd 2011 onwards. Currently EY operate 5 weekly nonstop flights on the AUH-PEK sector using an A 332, however from July these shall be increased to daily services using the same aircraft type.


Oman Air has officially announced further changes to its route network for the IATA Summer 2011 season as the carrier continues to receive more aircraft to fuel its rapid expansion. The main highlights are as follows:

CMB - frequencies increased from 5 to 6 times per week using an A 333.

DAR - frequencies increased from 4 weekly to daily nonstop flights using a B 738.

MLE - frequencies increased from 5 to 6 times per week using an A 333.


Vietnam Airlines has officially announced many capacity and frequency increases to its Far East Asian network for the IATA Summer 2011 season from its secondary HANOI hub. The main highlights are as follows:

PEK - frequencies increased from 3 to 4 weekly nonstop flights using an A 321.

BKK - frequencies increased from daily from double daily nonstop flights using an A 321.

SIN - frequencies increased from daily to 11 weekly nonstop flights using an A 321.


According to the media in Sri Lanka, the national carrier i.e. Sri Lankan Airlines is reportedly in discussions with Boeing to purchase at least a 8-10 Boeing 777s to replace its fleet of Airbus A 340-300s as well to cater for future growth. Though Boeing has been pitching its largest B 773ER to UL, this aircraft type is deemed to be a bit too big for any of UL's worldwide routes hence it is expected that the carrier might opt for the Boeing 777-200ER which would seat approximately 330 passengers in a comfortable 2 class configuration.


Egypt Air has officially announced that in order to cut back on costs for 2011 due to a heavy toll that the on going Egyptian political crisis is having on its current flights and for the foreseeable future, it will be leasing out nearly 40% of its fleet to interested airlines for up to a year. The planes it is keen to dry or wet lease out are A 333s, A 332s and B 773ERs along with few A 321s, E170s and B 738s.


Lufthansa has officially disclosed the configuration details of its new Boeing 747-800s that are scheduled to be delivered soon to the carrier. It will seat a total of 386 passengers only with the layout being 8 first class + 80 business class and 298 in economy class. No initial long haul routes have been mentioned by LH but it is expected that JFK, Tokyo and Singapore would be the first recipients.


United Airlines has officially disclosed many capacity adjustments to its European service from the on set of the IATA Summer 2011 season. The main highlights are as follows:

IAD/CDG - frequencies increased from daily to double daily flights using a B 772ER + B 757 each daily respectively.

IAD/AMS - capacity reduced from daily B 772ER to daily B 757.

EWR/ZRH - capacity increased from daily B 762ER to daily B 763ER.

Airline News Feb 12-18

Alitalia has officially announced that it will be embarking on a major long haul expansion out of its FCO-Rome hub in 2012-13 as the carrier takes more delivery of new Airbus A 330-200s already on order with Airbus. AZ has disclosed that the new routes it shall be launching are Delhi, Seoul, Johannesburg and Abu Dhabi. With regards to AUH, it is expected to be a code share with Etihad Airways as part of a broader partnership where by EY flies MXP-AUH and AZ does FCO-AUH. Beyond AUH, AZ will code share on EY's services to Australia, Far East and Indian Subcontinent where as EY would code share beyond FCO/MXP to domestic Italian points + to key offline EU points.


Malaysia Airlines has officially announced that it shall be increasing its presence in JED-Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from the on set of the IATA Summer 2011 season. Currently, MH offers 4 weekly nonstop flights between KUL and JED using a Boeing 777-200ER. However from March 27th, frequencies are increased to 6 times per week using a Boeing 747-400 four times per week + twice a week B 772ERs. In total, the capacity increase on offer is from 1128 one way weekly seats to 2000 i.e. 872 more aka 77% increase in capacity.


Jet Airways of India has officially confirmed that it has been granted rights to fly nonstop to Amsterdam, Holland from Delhi from the on set of the IATA Winter 2011 season. In addition, in a move that has generated a lot of interest within the aviation fraternity, 9W too has applied to start nonstop flights to New York City from either BOM or DEL from IATA W11. This is in response to the positive feedback that Air India's nonstop services to USA have been receiving from the Indian travelers which has also in turn hurt 9W's performance over the past few months on the BOM/DEL-NYC route. For the nonstop NYC route, 9W would be using a Boeing 777-300ER which can operate without payload issues out of DEL but not out of BOM. It hasn't yet disclosed which airport in NYC it would prefer flying to nonstop but since its current international expansion is more on the lines of flying to Sky Team hubs, JFK would likely get the nod. However, DEL-JFK is already flown nonstop by AI but from BOM its EWR so in order to differentiate itself, one would reckon BOM-JFK being chosen as it has more higher yielding premium passengers flying F & J versus DEL-JFK.


Oman Air has officially revealed a massive expansion plan for its entire network for the IATA Summer 2011 with capacity and frequency increases to Europe, Middle East and Far East. The main highlights are as follows:

BAH - frequencies increased from double to triple daily flights.

DOH - capacity increased to triple daily nonstop terminator flights.

MXP - capacity increased to 4 weekly A 330s having terminator nonstop flights in both directions i.e. no longer linked with MUC eff June 1st.
DXB - frequencies increased from 5 to 6 times daily.

BKK - frequencies increased to 10 weekly nonstop flights using an A 332.

KUL - frequencies increased from 5 to 7 weekly nonstop flights using an A 332.

AUH - frequencies increased from triple daily to 4 times daily.

MUC - capacity increased to 4 weekly A 333s having terminator nonstop flights in both directions i.e. no longer linked with MXP eff June 1st

DME - new 4 weekly nonstop flights to be launched using a B 738.

KRT - new 4 weekly nonstop flights to be launched using a B 738.

Qatar Airways has officially announced that it shall be launching new nonstop flights to VCE-Venice, Italy effective June 15th 2011. QR will be operating this new route using an Airbus A 320. In addition, QR too has confirmed that it shall be increasing frequencies to SEZ-Seychelles effective June 1st from 4 times per week to daily nonstop service using an A 320.


Cathay Pacific has officially announced many changes to its route network for the IATA Summer 2011 season of which the main highlights are as follows:

MXP - frequencies to be increased from 4 weekly B 773ERs to daily nonstop flights using the same aircraft type effective July 02.

TPE - frequencies increased from 101 to 108 weekly flights.

JKT - frequencies increased from 18 weekly to triple daily nonstop.

SUB - frequencies increased to daily nonstop flights

In addition at the currently on going Routes America conference, CX has disclosed that it is interested in launching new flights to Dammam, Kuwait and Madrid in the near future as it sees a lot of potential in these markets.


American Airlines has officially confirmed that it will be reducing frequencies to DEL-Delhi, India effective May 1st 2011. Currently, AA offers a daily nonstop service using a B 772ER, however from May, it shall be reduced to 6 times per week only using the same aircraft type.


KLM has officially announced that it will be launching new flights to EZE-Buenos Aires, Argentina effective Oct 21st 2011. KL will be operating the new services nonstop using a B 772ER.


Lufthansa has officially announced that it shall be launching new flights to GIG-Rio De Janerio, Brazil effective Oct 30th 2011. LH will be operating the new service nonstop from its FRA hub using an A 340-300 on a daily basis.


Hawaiian Airlines has officially announced that it will be launching new flights to KIX-Osaka, Japan effective July 12th 2011. HA will be operating the service using a Boeing 767-300ER on a daily basis.


Korean Air has officially revealed many changes to its route network for the IATA Winter 2011-12 season. The main highlights are as follows:

DXB - frequencies reduced from 5 to 4 weekly nonstop flights.

JKT - frequencies increased to 10 times per week nonstop.

MNL - capacity reduced from double daily B 773s to double daily B 772s.

TLV - capacity increased from 3 weekly A 332s to 3 weekly B 772ERs.

GUAM - frequencies increased from daily to 11 weekly i.e. daily B 773 + 4 weekly A 333s.

Airline News till Feb 11th

The CEO of Turkish Airlines has officially announced the carrier's USA long haul expansion plans that shall be taking place in 2012. He revealed that new flights to Houston, Miami, Detroit and Boston have been planned with IAH and MIA being on the top priority list. MIA is expected to be launched nonstop from the on set of the IATA Winter 2011 season using an A 330-200 operated 3 times per week from IST. Houston on the other hand would initially be receiving an Airbus A 340-300 until more B 777-300ERs arrive into the TK fleet. From MIA, TK's main target market is Africa, Southeast Asia and Southern Europe where as from IAH, the emphasis will be on high yielding oil traffic bound to TK's niche Central Asian network as well as the oil cities of the Middle East, North Africa, Iraq and Levant. In 2011 and 2012, TK will be taking delivery of an additional 6 A 333s + 5 B 773ERs + 2 A 332s + 6 A 319s + 14 A 321s + 10 B 738s and 10 B 739s.


Qatar Airways has officially confirmed that it will be increasing its frequencies to Singapore effective May 2011. It will be done in stages in the following manner: a) From May, frequencies increased to 10 weekly. b) From Oct, another 3 more to be added. c) From Nov 3rd, an additional weekly flight to make it double daily. The aircraft to be used for the double daily flights are a B 773ER and A 332.


Thai Airways has officially announced further changes to its medium and long haul route network for the IATA Summer 2011 season. The main highlights are as follows: MXP - frequencies increased from 3 to 4 weekly nonstop flights using a B 772ER. DXB - capacity reduced from daily B 772 to daily A 333.
JNB - frequencies reduced from 4 to 3 weekly nonstop flights. BOM - frequencies reduced from double daily to 12 weekly. CAN - capacity increased to double daily A 333s. JKT - frequencies increased from daily to 10 weekly flights i.e. daily B 744 + 3 weekly A 333. DPS - capacity increased to daily B 744 from daily A 333. MAA - capacity increased from daily AB6 to daily A 333. DAC - capacity increased to daily B 773 from daily A 333.

Bahrain Air has officially announced its network expansion plan for the IATA Summer 2011 season. The main highlights are as follows:

BEY – frequencies increased from 6 weekly to daily using a 160 seater A 320.

DAC – frequencies increased from 3 to 5 weekly using a 160 seater A 320.

BOM – frequencies increased from 3 to 4 weekly using a 160 seater A 320.

DXB – frequencies increased from double to triple daily using a mixture of A 320s and A 319s.

Jet Airways of India has officially announced that it will be launching new flights to the Middle East from the on set of the IATA Summer 2011 timetable i.e. March 27th. The main highlights are as follows:

BOM/DMM - new daily nonstop flights using a B 738.

BOM/DXB - a new third daily flight using a B 738.

Yemenia has officially confirmed that it will be increasing flights to CAN-Guangzhou, China from the on set of the IATA Summer 2011 season. An additional weekly flight shall be operated via Dubai with 5th freedom traffic rights using an A 330-200. This will raise the total operation to 3 times per week using the same aircraft type.


Sri Lankan Airlines has officially confirmed that they are dry leasing an additional Airbus A 340-300 which is an ex Cathay Pacific aircraft configured in a 3 class layout with F/J/Y. The airline will not be retrofitting the aircraft and is most likely going to be using it on its highest yielding long haul route which has considerable premium demand i.e. CMB-LON.


Qatar Airways has officially announced that they shall be launching new nonstop flights to YUL-Montreal, Canada from this summer onwards. Mr Al Baker (CEO) confirmed this at a press conference held at Brussels airport earlier this week. Services would be operated 3 times per week using a Boeing 777-200LR. Main target markets out of Montreal would be the Indian Subcontinent, GCC, Iran and tour operator business bound to BKK, SIN, KUL and DPS. QR also announced that it will be placing a massive order for Boeing and Airbus A 380 planes at this summer's Paris Air Show which is also expected to see the airline announcing a much anticipated order for at least 20+ Bombardier C300 Series to fund its 'regional expansion' into Iran, Iraq and Central Asia.


Emirates has officially announced further changes to its medium haul schedule for the IATA Summer 2011 season. The main highlights are as follows:

KRT - frequencies reduced from daily A 345s to 3 weekly A 332s.

HAM - frequencies increased from daily to double daily flights.


Oman Air has officially announced that it will be launching new nonstop flights to DME-Moscow, Russia effective June 9th 2011 onwards. WY will be using a Boeing 737-800 to operate the flight nonstop from its Muscat hub 4 times per week. The main target markets for WY on this route is Far East, Colombo, Maldives and Dubai. In addition, WY too officially announced that it shall be launching new 4 weekly nonstop flights to KRT-Khartoum, Sudan which will be operated effective May 5th using a Boeing 737-800.


Air India has officially announced that it shall be increasing capacity to Toronto from the on set of the IATA Summer 2011 schedule by deploying a 342 seater Boeing 777-300ER on the nonstop India-YYZ-India route on a daily basis. The routing structure will be a same plane service ATQ-DEL-YYZ-DEL-ATQ. The total capacity increase is 104 seats daily one way i.e. 44% increase in capacity.


Turkish Airlines has officially announced that it has obtained approval from its Board of Directors to launch new nonstop flights to KBL-Kabul from this summer onwards. Flights are expected to be operated 4 times per week nonstop using a Boeing 737-800.


Philippine Airlines has officially confirmed that it shall be suspending all of its flights to RUH-Riyadh, Saudi Arabia effective March 31st 2011. PAL currently operates 4 weekly nonstop flights from Manila using a B 747-400. The airline sees high loads on this sector but due to losing close to US$ 200,000 per flight, the high level losses have forced it to abandon RUH flights once again.


Korean Air has officially confirmed that it shall be increasing flights to ORD-Chicago, USA from July 25th 2011. KE currently operates a daily nonstop flight from its ICN-Seoul hub using a B 747-400, however from late July, these will be increased to 10 times per week nonstop using a B 744 for all flights.


Air Canada has announced further capacity and frequency changes for its long haul network for the IATA Summer 2011 season. The main highlights are as follows:

YVR/NRT - capacity increased from daily B 763ER to daily B 773ER.

YUL/CDG - frequencies increased to double daily using a B 763ER.

YYZ/SCL/EZE - frequencies increased to daily using a B 763ER.


Lufthansa has officially announced many changes to its long haul schedule for the IATA Summer 2011 season out of its FRA hub. The main highlights are as follows:

YYC - frequencies reduced from daily to 6 weekly.

PVG - frequencies increased from 10 weekly to double daily using a B 744 and A 346 daily each respectively.

IAD - frequencies reduced from double daily to 13 weekly.

DFW - frequencies reduced from daily to 6 weekly.

PHL - frequencies reduced from daily to 6 weekly.


KLM has officially announced that it shall be increasing flights to Dubai, UAE from the on set of the IATA S11 timetable. Services shall be lifted from 13 weekly to double daily nonstop using an Airbus A 330-200 for all flights. This is expected to be a direct response against Emirates who has negatively effected KLM's loads on the O&D sector plus KL's market share to India and Far East Asia in particular.


Alitalia has officially confirmed that it shall be increasing services to LAX-Los Angeles, USA from June 5th 2011. AZ will be adding an additional weekly nonstop flight from Rome to LAX using a B 772ER which will bring its total frequencies to 6 weekly.

Latest Airline News till Jan 14

Asiana Airlines of South Korea has officially confirmed that it has placed a firm order with Airbus to order 6 new Airbus A 380s. OZ has said that the configuration of these planes will be similar to that of KE's i.e. high number of premium seats and will be used to connect high density STAR hub routes such as SFO/FRA/NRT/BKK primarily.

Saudia Airlines has officially confirmed that it is on course to formally join the SKY TEAM Alliance in 2012 with Air France being its main sponsor in the group. As a result of its impending membership, SV has announced few changes to its Summer 2011 plan which are as follows:

CAN (Guangzhou) – New 3 weekly nonstop flights to be flown from JED via RUH using a B 772ER.

JED/JFK – frequencies increased from 2 to 3 weekly nonstop flights using a B 772ER eff May 2nd.

RUH/CDG – capacity increased from 4 weekly A 320s to 4 weekly A 333s eff June 23rd.

JED/CDG - capacity increased from 4 weekly A 320s to 4 weekly A 333s eff June 23rd.

JED/IAD – frequencies increased from 2 to 3 weekly nonstop flights using a B 772ER eff June 19th.

Qatar Airways has officially revealed further capacity and frequency changes to its IATA Summer 2011 schedule. The main highlights are as follows:

BLR - capacity increased from daily A 321 to daily A 332.

CPH - frequencies increased from 5 weekly to daily A 332s.

BCN - capacity increased from 4 weekly A 319s to 4 weekly A 332s.

JKT - capacity reduced from daily A 333s to daily A 332.

MLE - frequencies reduced from double daily A 320s to 13 weekly A 320s.

Emirates has officially revealed capacity reductions to Johannesburg for the IATA Summer 2010 season as the carrier looks to redeploy on routes that have higher summer seasonal demand across its network. To JNB, capacity has been reduced from triple daily B 773ERs to daily A 343 + double daily B 773ER.

Etihad Airways has officially announced and published in the GDS that they shall be increasing AUH-JED flights from Feb 1^st 2011 from daily flights to 12 weekly services. Flights shall be flown using a B 773ER daily (412 seats) + 5 weekly A 320s (140 seats).

The 5 additional flights schedule is as follows:

EY 313 Dep AUH 0150 Arr JED 0350

EY 314 Dep JED 0515 Arr AUH 0845

The above mentioned flight schedule is designed primarily to connect JED conveniently in both directions to EY’s entire USA/YYZ/EU/SYD/BKK/MNL/JKT flights. Other changes announced by EY for the Summer 2011 season are as follows:

MAN - frequencies increased from 7 to 10 weekly nonstop flights using an A 332 from Aug 1st.

SYD - capacity increased with all flights operating with A 346s rather than a mixture of A 345s and A 346s.

MEL - capacity increased to 4 weekly A 346s + 3 weekly A 345s.

Korean Air has officially announced details of where it will be sending it’s A 380s once it starts receiving them from June 1^st 2011. The routes destined for the mega jumbo are LAX, BKK, HKG, NRT and JFK. KE’s A 380s seat 407 pax in a 3 class layout i.e. 12F + 94J + 301Y. The main highlights for North America are as follows:

JFK – capacity increased from double daily B 773ERs to daily A 380 + daily B 773ER eff Sept 1^st.

LAX – Out of the 5 daily ICN/LAX flights, KE 17/18 will be upgraded from daily B 744 to daily A 380.

In addition, other operational changes announced by KE across its network for Summer 2011 are as follows:

SIN – frequencies increased from daily to double daily i.e. daily B 773A + daily B 772A.

TLV – frequencies increased from 3 to 4 weekly nonstop flights using an A 332.

MNL – capacity increased to double daily B 773As.

SGN – frequencies increased from daily to double daily flights using a B 773A daily + B 739 daily.

United Airlines has officially announced that it will be increasing frequencies on its popular Washington DC-London Heathrow service from the onset of the IATA Summer 11 season i.e. March 27^th by adding an additional daily frequency on the route. This would make IAD-LHR a 4 times daily service using a double daily B 772ER + double daily B 763ER.

China Southern Airlines based out of CAN-Guangzhou, has officially announced that it shall be increasing its flights to CDG-Paris and LAX-Los Angeles from the onset of the IATA Summer 11 season i.e. March 27^th in the following manner:

CDG – frequencies increased from 4 weekly to daily nonstop flights using an A 332.

LAX - frequencies increased from 4 weekly to daily nonstop flights using a B 772ER.

CZ has also confirmed that it will be launching a new long haul route next summer i.e. AKL-Auckland, New Zealand operated nonstop from its CAN hub base. A B 772ER would be used to launch this route 3 times per week effective April 8th.

Fly Dubai has officially announced that it will be launching new 4 weekly nonstop flights to DAC-Dhaka, Bangladesh from Feb 14th 2011 onwards. FZ will deploy a 189 seater B 737-800 on this sector with a flight schedule similar to that of its newly announced Chittagong service.

Lufthansa has officially announced that it shall be increasing capacity to CCS-Caracas, Venezuela from the on set of the S11 season. Currently a daily A 343 is used for this route flown nonstop from FRA. However, from March 27th, a bigger A 346 will be deployed as LH experiences high load of premium passengers on this flight of theirs. Fly Dubai, the low cost carrier based out of UAE has officially announced that it shall be launching new flights to CGP-Chittagong, Bangladesh effective Jan 17th 2011. FZ will be operating the route nonstop from its DXB base 4 times per week using a Boeing 737-800. The flight schedule is as follows: Days: MON/WED/FRI/SUN FZ 587 Dep DXB 1340 Arr CGP 2020 FZ 588 Dep CGP 2120 Arr DXB 0125+1


Korean Air has officially revealed details of the configuration of its fleet of Airbus A 380 jets which will have the lowest density configuration of any airline that currently operates it. KE's A 380s will be seating 407 passengers only in a 3 class configuration with 12 first class + 94 business class (all on the upper deck only) + 301 in economy class.


Egypt Air has officially revealed on the GDS that it will be adding an additional weekly flight to YYZ-Toronto from the on set. Instead of the original plan of operating 3 weekly nonstop flights from CAI using a B 773ER, MS will be flying 4 weekly services using the same aircraft type. The new 4th weekly service will be operated on a Tuesday with the same flight schedule as the other ones on MON/THU/SAT.


Turkish Airlines has officially revealed a massive expansion plan for its European network for the IATA Summer 2011 season. The main highlights are as follows:

CPH - frequencies increased from double daily to 18 weekly nonstop flights using a mixture of A 320s and B 738s.

SVO - frequencies increased from triple daily to 24 weekly nonstop flights.

OSL - frequencies increased from daily to 9 weekly nonstop flights.

FCO - frequencies increased from double daily to 18 weekly nonstop flights.

ARN (Stockholm) - frequencies increased from double daily to 18 weekly nonstop flights.

CDG - capacity increased from 4 daily B 738s to daily A 333 + daily A 320 + double daily A 321.

VCE - frequencies increased from 10 weekly to double daily nonstop.

HEL - frequencies increased from daily to 10 weekly nonstop flights using a B 738.

LIS - frequencies increased from 4 to 5 weekly nonstop flights.

GOT - frequencies increased from 5 weekly to daily nonstop flights using a B 738.

BCN - capacity increased from double daily A 321s to 3 weekly A 333s + 11 weekly A 321s.

CGN - frequencies increased from daily to double daily flights using a B 738 only.


Air Canada has officially revealed its European network plan for the peak summer 2011 season (June 1-Sept 30) which sees many capacity reductions across the board. The main highlights are as follows:

YUL/LHR - frequencies increased from daily to double daily flights using a B 763ER only.

YUL/BRU - capacity increased from daily B 763ER to daily A 333.

YYZ/CPH - frequencies increased from 5 weekly to daily flights using a B 763ER.

YYZ/MAD - frequencies increased from 5 weekly to daily flights using a B 763ER.

YYC/LHR - frequencies reduced from 12 weekly to daily flights using a B 773ER.


Asiana Airlines of South Korea has officially announced that it will be increasing frequencies to USA from the on set of the IATA Summer 2011 season. Services to San Francisco shall be increased from 5 weekly to daily nonstop flights effective May 24th 2011 using a B 772ER exclusively. As far as Seattle is concerned, flights to this city are also increased from 5 weekly to daily services from the same date but with using an A 333 instead of a B 772ER.


Cathay Pacific has officially revealed that it shall be increasing flights to CDG-Paris, France from March 29th 2011. Currently, CX operates 11 weekly nonstop flights from its HKG hub to CDG however from the IATA SU season, these shall be raised to double daily flights using a B 744 11 times per week + 3 times a week on an A 343.


US Airways has officially announced that it shall be launching an additional daily nonstop flight from its CLT-Charlotte hub to Frankfurt, Germany from May 19th 2011 onwards. The second daily flight will be flown using a Boeing 767-200ER where as the current daily service is operated with an A 333.


The UAE Govt has been busy signing new bilateral accords with various states over the past two weeks namely Portugal and Cambodia. It has struck an open skies with Portugal where as with Cambodia, its carriers can operate up to 7 flights per week maximum with fifth freedom rights available via BKK, SIN or KUL.

Latest Airline News till Dec 10

Airbus has officially announced that during the French Prime Minister's recently concluded official trip to India this week, it has struck a major aircraft leasing deal with Air India and Jet Airways to lease up to 35 aircraft from 2011 onwards. 9W will be leasing 10 Airbus A 330s which are a mixture of A 332s and A 333s where as AI shall be leasing 10 A 330s and 15 A 320s. 9W announced too that some of these A 330s will be used to launch new nonstop flights from Mumbai to Rome as well as services to Amsterdam are being seriously evaluated.


Cathay Pacific has officially announced a major expansion plan for its long haul network from the onset of the IATA Summer 2011 season with 2 new destinations plus major frequency increases. The main highlights are as follows:

AUH - new 4 weekly nonstop flights to be launched from June 1st using a 2 class Airbus A 330-300.

ORD - new daily nonstop flights to be launched from Sept 1st using a Boeing 777-300ER.

YYZ - frequencies increased from 12 weekly to double daily nonstop using a B 773ER for all services effective May 1st.

JFK - frequencies increased from triple daily to 4 times daily from May 2011 using a B 773ER for all services.


Singapore Airlines has officially announced that it shall be launching a new Airbus A 380 route i.e. LAX-Los Angeles from the on set of the IATA Summer 2011 schedule i.e. March 27th. SQ confirmed that the flight to LAX operated via NRT-Tokyo shall be upgraded from a daily B 744 to a daily A 380. It will be the first Asian airline offering trans-pacific A 380 service as a result of this upgrade.


Egypt Air has officially announced changes to its entire network for the IATA Summer 2011 season with capacity increases and adjustments all across the board. The main highlights are as follows:

BAH - frequencies increased from 5 to 6 weekly nonstop flights using a B 738.

CDG - frequencies to be increased from 10 to 11 weekly nonstop flights.

KWI - frequencies increased from double daily to triple daily nonstop.

FCO - frequencies increased from 9 to 12 weekly nonstop flights.

DAM - frequencies increased from 11 weekly to double daily.

MUC - capacity increased from daily B 738 to 2 weekly A 332s + 5 weekly B 738s.

DOH - capacity increased from daily A 320s to 5 weekly A 342s + 2 weekly A 320s.

LCA - frequencies increased from 4 to 5 weekly nonstop flights.

AUH - capacity increased from a daily A 332 to a daily B 772.

BEY - frequencies increased from 16 weekly to triple daily.

BCN - frequencies increased from 5 weekly to daily.

BRU - frequencies increased from 6 weekly to daily.

AMM - frequencies increased from 19 weekly to triple daily.

AMS - frequencies increased from 6 weekly to daily nonstop.

ATH - frequencies reduced from 12 to 10 weekly nonstop flights.


Royal Jordanian has officially revealed many changes to its medium haul network for the IATA Summer 2011 season which sees capacity increases and decreases all round. The main highlights are as follows:

JED – frequencies reduced from triple daily to double daily.

FCO - frequencies increased from 5 to 6 weekly nonstop flights

MUC - frequencies increased from 2 to 3 weekly nonstop flights.

SAH - frequencies increased from 3 to 4 weekly flights.

MCT - frequencies increased from 3 to 4 weekly nonstop flights

BSR - capacity reduced from 4 weekly E95s to 4 weekly E75s.

AMS - frequencies increased from 5 to 6 weekly nonstop flights.

ATH - frequencies reduced from 6 to 5 weekly nonstop flights.

BOM - frequencies increased from 2 to 3 weekly nonstop flights using an A 319.

BRU - frequencies increased from 2 to 3 weekly nonstop flights.

CMB - frequencies increased from 3 to 4 weekly nonstop flights.

LCA - frequencies increased from 4 to 5 weekly nonstop flights.


KLM has officially announced new changes to its international long haul network for the IATA Summer 2011 season with capacity increases and adjustments. The main highlights are as follows:

XMN - new 3 weekly nonstop flights to be operated to Xiamen, China using a B 772ER.

ALA - frequencies increased from 4 to 5 weekly nonstop flights.

CTU - cargo capacity increased from 4 weekly B 772ERs to 4 weekly B 744 Combis.

EBB/KGL - frequencies increased from 5 to 6 weekly nonstop flights.


Air China has officially announced that it will be increasing frequencies to YVR-Vancouver, Canada for the IATA Summer 2011 season. Currently, CA operates a 10 weekly nonstop service using an A 330-200 for all flights from its Beijing hub. These shall be increased to 12 times per week nonstop using the same aircraft type.


Air Canada has officially announced that it will be increasing capacity to PEK-Beijing for Summer 2011 from May 2nd onwards. Daily flights operated with a Boeing 767-300ER shall be increased to a larger Boeing 777-300ER.


Malaysia Airlines has officially announced that it will be increasing frequencies to ADL-Adelaide, Australia from the on set of the IATA Summer 2011 season i.e. March 27th. Flights shall be upgraded from the current 4 weekly to 6 times per week nonstop operated with a Boeing 777-200ER only. MH is the only airline operating international long haul services to/from ADL.


Air Asia X has officially announced that it shall be launching new nonstop flights to CHC-Christchurch, New Zealand from April 1st 2011. D7 will be operating the flight 4 times per week from its KUL hub using a 2 class configured A 330-300 seating 383 passengers.


Tunis Air of Tunisia has officially announced that it shall be inaugurating new nonstop flights to YUL-Montreal, Canada from June 2012. Flights will be operated twice a week nonstop using an Airbus A 330-200.


Qatar Airways has officially announced that it will be serving EZE-Buenos Aires nonstop from Doha in the near future as the carrier is now seriously focusing on expanding its presence in Latin America. It has also confirmed that it will be launching 2 new cities in China as part of its expansion plan in 2011-12. These two are expected to be Xiamen and Chengdu.

Airline News till Nov 29

Egypt Air has officially announced that it shall be launching new nonstop flights to YYZ-Toronto effective June 1st 2011. MS shall be operating the service 3 times per week using their brand new Boeing 777-300ER which shall seat 349 passengers in 2 class configuration. Its main target market for this sector is O&D to CAI plus transit traffic bound to North Africa, Levant and GCC region of the Middle East. The flight schedule is as follows:

Days: WED/FRI/SUN

MS 995 Dep CAI 2330 Arr YYZ 0540+1
MS 996 Dep YYZ 1130 Arr CAI 0600+1


Emirates has officially revealed on the GDS a massive expansion plan for its worldwide route network for the entire year 2011 in Europe and Far East Asia. The main highlights are as follows:

HAM - frequencies increased from daily to double daily flights using a B 773 and a B 772ER each respectively effective Sept 1st.

MAD - capacity increased from Oct 30th 2011 from daily A 343 to daily B 773ER.

SYD - frequencies increased from double to triple daily with the third nonstop flight operated nonstop with a B 773ER effective Oct 1st.

AMS - capacity increased to a daily B 773ER versus 6 weekly B 77Ls + weekly B 773ER effective June 1st 2011.

ZRH - capacity increased to double daily B 773ERs versus daily B 772ER + daily B 773ER effective Sept 1st 2011.

MXP - capacity increased from Oct 30th 2011 from double daily A 343 to daily B 773ER + daily A 343.

SIN - frequencies increased to 4 times daily with the new additional flight being operated with a B 773ER effective Oct 29th 2011. It is expected that since this new frequency has a 12 hour ground time at SIN, a tag on to DPS-Bali is also expected to happen in due course.

BKK - frequencies increased to 4 daily nonstop flights i.e. triple daily B 773s + daily A 380 effective May 30th 2011.

DKR - frequencies increased from 5 weekly to daily nonstop flights using an A 332. In addition, EK has also filed to launch new daily flights to GVA-Geneva using a B 772ER effective June 1st 2011 with the following flight schedule:

EK 089 Dep DXB 0950 Arr GVA 1430
EK 090 Dep GVA 1600 Arr DXB 0010+1


Turkish Airlines has officially announced that it will be undertaking another round of significant expansion in China this winter season by increasing its presence in the Communist state by adding more flights. Effective Jan 30th 2011, TK will be launching new 3 weekly nonstop flights to CAN-Guangzhou, China operated with a Boeing 777-300ER. In addition, it has also confirmed that its services to PEK-Beijing shall be further increased from the current 5 weekly to a daily nonstop terminator service using a B 777-300ER as well.


Air France has officially revealed its latest Airbus A 380 destination i.e. IAD-Washington DC, USA. From June 6th 2011, capacity shall be greatly increased from double daily B 772ERs to a daily A 380 + daily B 772ER. IAD is one of AF's highest yielding long haul routes seeing consistently high loads in the premium cabins in particular.


Air Arabia of Sharjah, UAE has officially announced that it shall be launching new 4 weekly nonstop flights to KABUL, AFGHANISTAN effective Dec 16th 2010 using an Airbus A 320-200.

Their flight schedule is as follows:

Days: 2/3/5/7

G9 261 Dep SHJ 0600 Arr KBL 0900
G9 262 Dep KBL 0945 Arr SHJ 1205


Royal Jordanian has officially announced that it shall be launching new nonstop flights to TXL-Berlin, Germany effective June 2nd 2011. RJ will be operating the service twice a week nonstop using an Airbus A 320-200. Its main purpose is to connect an upcoming major One World partner hub of Air Berlin and to offer seamless connections for the massive Iraqi and Arab diaspora community residing in the city itself.


RAK Airways of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE has officially announced that it shall be launching 3 new routes this December as part of its rapid expansion within a 4 hour flying radius of RAK airport itself. The 3 new routes it announced to be flying are Chittagong, Dhaka and Cairo. All flights shall be flown using its fleet of used/leased Boeing 737-400s only. Services to all these three new cities will be operated three times per week nonstop only effective Dec 15th 2011.


Hawaiian Airlines has officially confirmed that it has placed an order with Airbus for 6 additional Airbus A 330-200s to the ten it already has previously ordered from the manufacturer. These additional A 332s will be used to fully replace the B 763ERs and to expand further with new long haul nonstop flying from HNL to the U.S. East Coast + Far East Asia and Australia/AKL. HA's A 332s seat 294 passengers in a 2 class configuration.

Airline News till Nov 22

PAL-Philippine Airlines has officially announced that it shall be launching new flights to New Delhi, from March 27th 2011. PAL operate a 6 times weekly service between its Manila hub and Delhi using an Airbus A 330-300 for all the flights. The flight routing though would be 3 weekly nonstop terminator flights and the remaining 3 flown via Bangkok with full 5th freedom rights.

Thai Airways has officially confirmed that due to high demand for its flights to Oslo, Norway on a year round basis, it will be increasing frequencies on the BKK-OSL route from March 27th 2011 onwards. Frequencies shall be upgraded from the scheduled 5 weekly nonstop services to a daily operation using a Boeing 777-200ER (292 seater) for all the flights.


United Airlines has officially announced that it will be launching new flights to LOS-Lagos, Nigeria from its IAD-Washington DC hub base effective Dec 12th 2010. UA shall be operating a daily flight on this sector via Accra using a 185 seater Boeing 767-300ER. However, it is expected that with the tag on service, capacity is expected to be increased to a Boeing 777-200ER by Summer 2011.

Air Arabia of Sharjah, UAE has officially announced that it shall be launching new flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia via Kathmandu, Nepal effective Dec 16th 2010. It does have 5th freedom rights on the KTM-KUL-KTM sector and all flights shall be operated using an A 320-200. KTM will remain a double daily service with this new tag on flight.

Air China has officially announced major changes to its European network for the IATA Summer 2011 season which sees expansion across the board. The main highlights are as follows:

PEK / MXP - new 3 weekly nonstop flights to be flown using an A 332 effective June 15th.

PEK / DUS - new 4 weekly nonstop flights to be flown using an A 332 effective March 27th.

PEK / STO - frequencies increased from 5 weekly to daily nonstop flights using a B 772ER.

In addition Air China also officially confirmed that it has placed an order with Airbus for 10 A 359s plus 10 Airbus A 332s. The A 359s will be used to gradually replace its entire Boeing 777-200 fleet.

Air Asia X has officially confirmed that it will be launching new nonstop flights from its KUL hub to ORY-Paris Orly airport effective Feb 14th 2011. Flights shall be operated 4 times per week nonstop using a 2 class configured Airbus A 340-300.

Delta Airlines has officially revealed many changes to its long haul route network for the IATA Summer 2011 season. The main highlights are as follows:

BOS/LHR - new double daily nonstop flights to be launched using a B 763ER.

BOS/CDG - new daily nonstop flight to be launched using a B 757.

SEA/AMS - frequencies increased from 10 weekly to double daily nonstop using an A 330.

JFK/CDG - new daily nonstop flight to be launched using a B 763ER.

MIA/LHR - new daily nonstop flight to be launched using a B 763ER.

NRT/MNL - frequencies increased from daily to 11 weekly.

NRT/CAN - capacity increased from daily B 757s to daily B 763ER.

DTW/PEK - 5 weekly nonstop flights to be reinstaed using a B 772ER.

KLM has officially confirmed that it will be dry leasing into its fleet 3 brand new Airbus A 330-300s meant primarily for expansion along with purchasing 5 new Embraer E190s. The A 333s will be delivered to the carrier in 2012 which will be replacing B 772ERs on trans-atlantic flights which in turn will be freed up to expand further in Far East Asia and Latin America.


RAK Airways of UAE has officially announced that they will be launching new flights to Bangladesh from Dec 15th 2010. Three weekly flights each shall be operated nonstop from its RAK-Ras Al Khaimah home base using a Boeing 737-400 to both Dhaka and Chittagong. The flights are primarily targeting O&D traffic + 6th freedom transit traffic bound to JED.


Turkish Airlines has officially confirmed that it shall be further increasing capacity to ALA-Almaty, Kazakhastan from the on set of the IATA Summer 2011 season. The new plan calls for all IST-ALA daily flights to be operated with A 333s rather than 3 weekly B 738s + 4 weekly A 333s. The primary reason for this major capacity upgrade is due to high demand in the business class cabin + cargo.

Airline News till Nov 15

Emirates has officially revealed on the GDS system that it will be launching new nonstop flights to BSR-Basra, Iraq effective Feb 2nd 2011. EK will be deploying a three class configured Airbus A 330-200 seating 237 passengers and shall operate the service 4 times per week with the following flight schedule:

Days: MON/WED/THU/SAT

EK 945 Dep DXB 1345 Arr BSR 1445
EK 946 Dep BSR 1615 Arr DXB 1910

The above mentioned flight schedule for its 'EU/North American destinations' has a good connection from IAH, JFK and LHR only but out of BSR, a minimum transit of 7-11 hours is required at DXB airport. EK too has confirmed that it is further increasing flights to both Jeddah and Riyadh from Jan 5th 2011 from 12 weekly to double daily nonstop to each city respectively. The additional 2 JED flights will be operated using an A 340-300 where as the 2 additional RUH flights will be flown with an A 330-200.

Lastly, according to Frankfurt Airport slot filings for the IATA Summer 2011 season, EK has applied to increase its popular DXB-FRA nonstop service from double to triple daily with the third daily flight arriving into FRA at 6am and departing at 850am. For this service, EK will be utilizing a 2 class configured Airbus A 330-200 if approved by FRA Airport Authorities.

Qatar Airways has officially announced that it shall be launching new nonstop flights to ALP-Aleppo, Syria from April 6th 2011. QR will be operating the service 4 times per week using a 144 seater Airbus A 320-200 (12J + 132Y). This new route has been announced as QR's 100th destination in its network and its flight schedule is as follows:

QR 430 Dep DOH 1230 Arr ALP 1545
QR 431 Dep ALP 1645 Arr DOH 1940


Lufthansa has officially announced that it is going to be increasing capacity to ORD-Chicago, USA for the IATA Summer 2011 season. Currently, LH was planning to operate from FRA nonstop to ORD on a daily basis using an A 340-600, however that is being changed to a larger Boeing 747-400.


Turkish Airlines has officially confirmed that it will be increasing frequencies to South Africa from January 17th 2011 as the carrier looks to further expand its presence on this popular route. An additional 5th weekly flight will be added and be flown as per the normal rotation i.e. IST-JNB-CPT-JNB-IST. However from April 23 2011, capacity will be further increased to a 5 weekly A 330-300 which seats 289 passengers in a 2 class configuration versus TK's A 343s that seat 270 pax.

Other changes that TK has released for IATA Summer 2011 are as follows:

DXB - capacity increased to daily A 333 + daily A 321.

IKA - capacity increased to 4 weekly A 333s + 10 weekly B 738s.

ICN - frequencies increased from 5 weekly to daily nonstop flights using an A 332.

CMN - capacity increased to daily wide bodied service i.e. 4 weekly A 343s + 2 weekly A 333s + weekly A 332.


Alitalia's CEO has officially announced that the Italian state carrier will be launching new nonstop flights to PEK-Beijing, China effective June 2011. AZ will operate the service nonstop from its main FCO-Rome hub using an Airbus A 330-200 five times per week.

Sky Mark Airlines of Japan who shocked the airline industry worldwide last week with its order of 6 A 380s has officially revealed its business plan on what it intends to do with these aircraft. In a total U Turn from its current low cost business model, the carrier plans an ultra-premium configuration for its super jumbo fleet seating 394 passengers only in a 2 class configuration. It will install 114 business class flat bed seats with a 60 inch seat pitch along with 280 premium economy class seats with a 38 inch seat pitch. The initial 6 aircraft will be used to operate nonstop services to New York, Frankfurt and London initially. After it receives all of its 6 A 380s, pending performance, the airline intends on ordering a further 9 units to expand to Paris, LAX, Vancouver, Rome, Hawaii, Bangkok, Melbourne and Singapore.


Egypt Air has officially confirmed that it shall be increasing capacity to DXB-Dubai from January 1st 2011 by deploying a double daily nonstop service using Airbus A 330-300s for all the flights instead of a mixture of A 330s and B 738s. MS too reconfirmed that its popular CAI-LHR nonstop flight will henceforth too be operated exclusively with a Boeing 777-300ER rather than an Airbus A 330-300.


Malaysia Airlines has officially confirmed that it will be increasing flights to AKL-Auckland, New Zealand from the on set of the IATA Summer 2011 season i.e. March 28th 2011. MH will be launching a 6th additional weekly nonstop flight to AKL from its KUL hub using a Boeing 777-200ER which is also the aircraft type being used for all the other flights as well.

Airline News Nov 8-14

Turkish Airlines has officially announced that it will be launching new flights to DAC-Dhaka, Bangladesh effective Dec 26th 2010. TK will operate 4 weekly services via Karachi, Pakistan using an Airbus A 340-300 thrice a week + an A 332 once a week. Its main target market in DAC is Europe as well as North America bound passengers. Once more wide bodied A 333s (289 seater) get delivered to TK next summer, the airline plans to de-link DAC from KHI and operate 4 weekly nonstop terminator services. The flight schedule is as follows:

Days of service: MON/WED/FRI/SUN

TK 708 Dep IST 0030 Arr KHI 0845
TK 708 Dep KHI 1000 Arr DAC 1415

TK 709 Dep DAC 2250 Arr KHI 0115+1
TK 709 Dep KHI 0230+1 Arr IST 0550+1

In addition, TK has revealed major expansion plans for its worldwide route network for the IATA Summer 2011 season. The main highlights are as follows:

JFK - frequencies increased from 11 weekly to double daily nonstop flights using a B 773ER (349 seats).

BEY - frequencies increased from double to triple daily nonstop flights using a B 738.

KIX - frequencies increased from 4 to 5 weekly nonstop flights using an A 332.

SIN/JKT - frequencies increased from 6 weekly to daily services using an A 332.

ALA - frequencies increased from daily B 737-700ss to 11 weekly nonstop flights i.e. 4 weekly A 333s + daily B 738s.

TSE - capacity increased from 4 weekly B 737s to 4 weekly A 333s.


PIA of Pakistan has officially announced that due to huge demand for its new BCN-Barcelona, Spain bound flights, it will be increasing frequencies on this route from 2 to 3 weekly nonstop flights from Pakistan. The 3rd weekly flight will be operated as a terminator service to/from Islamabad using a B 773ER where as the remaining two are flown onwards to ORD-Chicago with full 5th freedom traffic rights using a B 772ER.


GMG Airlines of Bangladesh has officially announced a major expansion plan for the Middle East region from its Dhaka based hub effective Dec 16th 2010. The main highlights are as follows:

FYI, GMG's B 763ERs seat 264 pax in a 2 class configuration of 12J + 252Y

AUH - new twice weekly nonstop flights to be flown using a B 763ER.

DXB - all flights to be flown as turn around terminator flights and capacity to be increased from three weekly MD82s to three weekly B 763ERs.

JED - frequencies increased from 3 to 4 weekly nonstop flights using a B 763ER.

RUH - frequencies increased from 3 to 6 weekly nonstop flights using a B 763ER.


Qatar Airways CEO has officially announced that the carrier is extremely interested in increasing its flights to Indonesia by launching new flights to the second largest city of the country i.e. Surabaya. If approved, it will be the only long haul carrier operating out of the city and its main target market is Indonesian labor workers residing in the Middle East region. QR plans on operating to Surabaya via Kuala Lumpur 4 times per week using an A 330 from Summer 2011. As a result of this, flights to KUL shall be increased from the current 11 weekly to double daily nonstop using an A 330.


Saudia Airlines has officially confirmed that it has placed a massive order with Boeing for 22 new Boeing 777-300ERs + 8 Boeing 787-800s. The 777 order breakdown is 12 firm + 10 options. SV is also in the final stages of signing an agreement into joining the SKY TEAM alliance of which Air France is its main sponsor.


Aeroflot has officially announced that it shall be increasing frequencies to HKG-Hong Kong, China from the on set of the IATA Summer 2011 season. SU will be increasing frequencies from the planned daily nonstop flights using an A 332 to 9 times per week nonstop using the same aircraft type. Other changes announced by SU for its Asia network in SU 11 is as follows:

PVG - capacity increased from daily A 332s to daily A 333s.

NRT - capacity increased from 5 weekly B 763ERs + 2 weekly A 333s to 5 weekly A 332s + 2 weekly A 333s.

PEK - frequencies increased from double daily nonstop to 16 weekly nonstop using a B 763ER for all the flights.

DEL - capacity increased from daily B 763ER to daily A 333.


China Eastern Airlines has officially announced that it will be increasing frequencies to Australia from the on set of the IATA Summer 2011 season. MU is based out of PVG-Shanghai and is making the following adjustments:

SYD - frequencies increased from 5 weekly A 343s to daily nonstop flights using an A 333.

MEL - frequencies increased from 4 weekly A 343s to daily nonstop flights using an A 343.


Lufthansa has officially announced that it is further increasing capacity to JNB-Jo'Burg, South Africa from Feb 12th 2011 by adding more Airbus A 380 operated flights from its primary FRA hub base. From Feb 12th onwards, all FRA-JNB operated flights will be flown on a daily basis using an A 380 instead of the current 5 weekly + 2 weekly B 744s.


Mihin Lanka has officially announced that it shall be adding 3 new destinations to its international route network from Dec 2nd 2010. All these flights will be operated nonstop from its CMB-Colombo hub base using Airbus A 321-200s only. The main highlights are as follows: DAC - 3 new weekly nonstop flights JKT - 3 new weekly nonstop flights MLE - 4 new weekly nonstop flights


Skymark Airlines of Japan has officially announced that it has signed a LOI (Letter of Intent) with Airbus for an order of 6 new Airbus A 380-800s. It makes the carrier the first Japanese based airline to place an order for the A 380 which it will configure with 800 seats in an all economy class configuration to be used to Europe, USA and popular Asian cities.


China Southern Airlines has officially announced that it has a placed a major order with Airbus for its regional expansion in Asia. CZ confirmed an order being placed for 6 Airbus A 330-200s + 30 Airbus A 320-200s.


Norwegian Airlines has officially confirmed that it has chosen the Boeing 787-800 as its preferred aircraft for long haul expansion out of its main Oslo hub. The carrier confirmed that it will be leasing 2 B 788s from ILFC and has requested for 4 more of the same aircraft type. The first destinations to be launched shall be New York City and Bangkok.


Spice Jet of India has officially announced that it has ordered 33 additional Boeing 737-800s plus another 30 Bombardier Q400 turbo prop aircraft to fuel its regional expansion strategy in India and abroad within a 5 hour flying radius of the country. The airline will get its international flying license from April 2011 and hence have ordered the B 738s for this very purpose for expansion to the Middle East, Far East and Indian Sub-Continent region.