Aviation News
-
TAM Airlines Files for Bankruptcy and Business Restructuring
It is truly unfortunate for aviation enthusiasts that Skymark Airlines, my favorite third-largest Japanese airline, filed for bankruptcy protection today.
The primary reason for Skymark’s deteriorating business was the sharp decline in the yen’s exchange rate, which disrupted the company’s international route plans for the A380 (Haneda-New York). To put it simply, the Japanese government’s implementation of “Abenomics” over the past two years artificially suppressed the yen, making it impossible for the company to afford the A380s. Last July, they notified Airbus of the contract termination, but were required to pay huge compensation; since then, negative news about the company has been constant.
-
starflyer's A320 also obtains RNP AR authorization
Star Flyer recently announced that their 7 A320s have obtained RNP AR qualification. The aircraft registration numbers are JA07MC, JA08MC, JA09MC, JA20MC, JA21MC, JA22MC, and JA23MC. This marks the first time an A320 operated by a Japanese airline has obtained this qualification. RNP AP operations began yesterday.
According to the published materials, the diagram below shows the current ILS approach at Kitakyushu Airport:
And after using RNP AR:
The flight distance is reduced by 27 nautical miles (50 kilometers), flight time is shortened by 7 to 8 minutes, and 130 kilograms of fuel can be saved.
Additionally, since the curved route is over the sea, compared to the ILS flying over land above, there is no noise impact on the ground. It truly achieves multiple results at once. -
Red Bull Air Race Chiba 2015
The Red Bull Air Race World Championship will feature a Japan leg next year, taking place in Makuhari, Chiba. It’s geographically very close to Tokyo, and I really want to go see it.
Here is some official news: Press Release Red Bull Air Raceが日本とロシアで初開催へ Ticket Prices and Info 世界最速のモータースポーツ 日本初開催決定！
Tickets can be reserved via the official website and l-tike, seemingly starting in December.
Finally, attached is the Red Bull Air Race 2015 schedule:
-
Vulnerable Ground Crew
This morning, I saw another piece of news on Sina Weibo about ground maintenance personnel suffering eye injuries due to strong lights from an aircraft. It reminded me of similar incidents I had previously seen in the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS), and I truly hope such misfortunes can be eliminated.
According to the record on Weibo, on September 8th at Changchun Airport, the nose gear steering light of an A320 was not turned off, and then the takeoff taxi light was suddenly turned on, causing retinal injuries to the maintenance personnel directing the parking position, who required hospitalization; The Weibo post also disclosed that on May 5th at Hongqiao Airport, an aircraft kept its taxi lights on the entire time. The strong light not only interfered with the ground guidance by maintenance personnel but also posed a significant hazard to human vision, yet it seems the captain in command lacked appropriate awareness of this issue.
-
Haneda Airport Runway C Extended by 360 Meters
The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (MLIT) announced that starting from December 11, 2014, Runway C (RWY 34R/16L) at Haneda Airport would be extended by 360 meters. Consequently, the takeoff position is situated further south than before, bringing the total Runway length to 3,360 meters.
The benefit of the longer Runway is the ability to utilize a higher takeoff weight. In particular, international flights can carry increased fuel, passenger, and cargo loads. Additionally, taking off from a position further out over the sea helps reduce noise pollution on land. -
Touring Japan in 2 Days: A Showdown of 6 Airlines
I previously introduced a unique travel project: The Unique JAL Air Travel Sightseeing Project - JAL Island Hopping which provided aviation enthusiasts with a full two days of pure flying, hopping between various islands.
Today, I discovered another similar project organized by ANA, called "～Domestic 6-Airlines Comparison, 2-Day Trip Around Japan～ A Special Project Utilizing ANA + All Codeshare Partner Airlines" It is also very interesting, so let me introduce it to you.
-
Cathay Promotion for Aviation Enthusiasts: Round Trip Between Japan and Hong Kong for Over 1,000 RMB
Cathay Pacific launched a price slash promotion for several routes starting this Wednesday, September 17. Judging by the same-day return design, the content is clearly aimed at aviation enthusiasts.
For example, the details of this “Eco-toku Special Ultra Bullet Ultra Dangan Travel!" promotion are: Take flight CX509 from Narita on Saturday or Sunday, departing at 9:35 AM and arriving in Hong Kong at 13:25. The return flight is CX524 on the same day, departing at 1:00 AM and arriving at Narita at 6:25 AM. The round-trip ticket price is 22,000 yen, which is just over a thousand RMB.
-
Follow-up Report on Lifting the Ban on Electronic Device Use on Aircraft in Japan
A few days ago, I wrote about the decision by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to lift the ban on the use of electronic products during takeoff and landing. At that time, it was still a rumor, but yesterday I saw official materials, which are even more detailed. Here is a brief introduction.
First, you need to know that mobile phones cannot be used on all aircraft. They have categorized aircraft into four classes, and smartphones and similar products can only be used on Class 1 and Class 2 aircraft. Let's look at the table below, which is based on the aircraft's tolerance to radio waves.
Class 1, which has the strongest tolerance, includes modern passenger jets such as the B787, B777, A380, A320, CRJ100, 200, and some B737s and B767s; I estimate that older 737s like the 737-500 would only fall into Class 2. Class 2 includes the Saab 340, Bombardier Q300/100, and some 757s and 767s; Class 3 includes some helicopters, but the specific classification depends on the regulations of each individual airline. -
Verification and Inspection of Kansai Airport Equipment
The Osaka Aviation Bureau released a notice regarding the verification of navigation aids at Kansai Airport (RJBB). From August 1st to 4th of this month, a Saab 2000 aircraft was used to conduct routine and special inspections of the ILS on Runway 04L/26R. Additionally, from August 12th to 15th, the same type of aircraft will be used to inspect the PAPI, Tower, and ATIS. Friends who have the chance to visit Kansai Airport should definitely not miss this opportunity to spot planes.
-
Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Decides to Lift Ban on Electronic Device Use During Takeoff and Landing
Finally, the news is out. Starting September 1st this year, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) will relax existing regulations, allowing the use of smartphones and digital cameras on aircraft.
According to reports, the MLIT has conducted safety verification and confirmed that these electronic devices can be used during takeoff and landing. The new regulations will still require devices such as smartphones and tablets to be in Airplane Mode, but they will not need to be turned off. In fact, the FAA announced a similar policy last October, and 10 months later, the Japanese government has officially followed the US in lifting this ban.
-
First 787-9 Deliveries: Air New Zealand and ANA
The first 787-9 (registration ZK-NZE) has been delivered to Air New Zealand and arrived in Auckland on July 10. On July 25, it flew to Sydney for the first time, presumably for commercial flight training.
Its initial commercial operations will begin on August 9, and from November it will be deployed on Japanese routes. According to the official website, by the end of 2014 the 787-9 will be put into service on three routes: Perth in Australia, Shanghai in China, and Tokyo in Japan.@FlyAirNZ @Boeing #787-9 #Dreamliner first time arrival at @SydneyAirport #avgeeks #aviation pic.twitter.com/jmJ2NjRMcP
— Jaryd Stock (@stock_jaryd) July 25, 2014The second 787-9 will be delivered to ANA; this aircraft, registration JA830A, is expected to arrive in Japan on July 29. I really want to go see it if I have time.
-
Japan's Airport Management Challenges and the Lease Plans for Kansai and Itami Airport Operations
Here are two news items. The first is from Nikkei, reporting on the fiscal year 2012 financial results for 27 airports managed by the Japanese government.
24 airports, or 90% of the total, posted an operating loss, increasing by one compared to the previous year. The total deficit was 39 billion yen (approximately 390 million USD), an 8% reduction from the previous year. While revenue from landing fees increased due to the growth of LCCs (Low-Cost Carriers), costs rose by 9% due to factors such as restoration work at Sendai Airport following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
-
World's Youngest Pilot Attempting Round-the-World Flight Crashes Plane
This year has been truly full of bad luck for the aviation world… Last week, I heard about the 17-year-old American teen attempting to fly around the world. Sadly, the news turned out to be tragic, and it is deeply regrettable.
Haris Suleman, a 17-year-old attempting to become the youngest person to fly around the world, died after his plane crashed, killing his father, Babar Suleman, during the trip. Reports state that the Suleman team departed from Indianapolis, USA, with stops in Greenland, Egypt, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and American Samoa. The aircraft departed from Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa, on the night of the 22nd, with Honolulu, Hawaii as the Destination. Shortly after Takeoff, it crashed in the Pacific Ocean due to unknown weather conditions. It is reported that wind gusts reached 40 miles per hour at the time. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recovered Haris’s body at the crash site; a search for his father’s body is currently ongoing in the ocean.
-
Two Aviation Photos
On a business trip in Osaka, I don’t have time to write a long post, so let me share two interesting aviation news photos with everyone.
The first one is the Boeing 787-9 from the Farnborough Airshow. Taken from directly behind the tail, it surprisingly looks like a cute bear face. Source: ainonline.com.
The second one involves the A340 aircraft carrying British diving prodigy Tom Daley from Shanghai to London, which made an emergency landing in Russia due to technical reasons. He posted a photo on Instagram showing fuel being dumped before the landing. Source: news.sky.com.
-
World's Largest Airliner A380's World's Shortest Route
The Airbus A380 is the world’s largest civil passenger aircraft. It feels like this giant of the skies only flies long-haul routes, but that is just a feeling; in fact, it can fly short-haul routes as well.
And here is proof: Emirates recently announced a new shortest route, with a total flight time of only 1 hour and 45 minutes. This route covers flight EK857 from Dubai to Kuwait and flight EK858 from Kuwait to Dubai. Starting July 28, the aircraft operating this route will change from a Boeing 777-300 to an A380, featuring 14 First Class seats, 76 Business Class seats, and 399 Economy Class seats.
-
Airline of the Year 2014年度全球最佳航空公司奖
Skytrax has announced the winners of the 2014 Airline of the Year Awards. Let's take a look at the top 20 rankings.
Airline 2014 Rank 2013 Rank Cathay Pacific 1 6 Qatar Airways 2 2 Singapore Airlines 3 3 Emirates 4 1 Turkish Airlines 5 9 ANA All Nippon Airways 6 4 Garuda Indonesia 7 9 Asiana Airlines 8 5 Etihad Airways 9 7 Lufthansa 10 11 Qantas Airways 11 10 EVA Air 12 12 Swiss 13 16 Thai Airways 14 15 Virgin Australia 15 13 Air New Zealand 16 18 British Airways 17 27 Malaysia Airlines 18 14 Hainan Airlines 19 19 Bangkok Airways 20 31 Congratulations to Cathay Pacific, headquartered in Hong Kong, for taking the top spot—that's impressive! I haven't flown with Cathay much myself, so my impression isn't very deep. I did write a flight review on Flight CX543 from Haneda to Hong Kong back in the day; looking back at it, I realized I didn't mention much about the service. I guess my attention was focused entirely on the route and taking photos, which is a real pity.
-
Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 Crash Incident
I woke up early this morning, shocked by the news that Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 (KLM codeshare flight KL4103) had been shot down. With various claims of uncertain veracity, I will refrain from commenting for now. I can only express my condolences and sympathy for the deceased and their families, and examine the facts.
- Malaysia Airlines Statement
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Statement
Flight MH17 was a Malaysia Airlines international flight operating once daily. It departed Amsterdam, Netherlands at 12:00 noon local time and arrived at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at 5:50 am local time, with a flight duration of 11 hours and 50 minutes. The flight utilized a Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. The registration number of the crashed aircraft was 9M-MRD, and the model was 777-2H6ER, having entered service in July 1997. On July 17, 2014, while flying at approximately 10,000 meters over eastern Ukraine, the aircraft was shot down by a missile. All 283 passengers and 15 crew members aboard perished.
-
A330neo Aircraft to be Delivered in Q4 2017
The biggest news yesterday was the official launch of the A330neo by Airbus at the Farnborough Airshow in the UK. Although there had been some rumors last week, the official release revealed more details. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in Q4 2017. The models are designated A330-800neo and A330-900neo. Let’s take a look at the specific announcement details.
New Engines: Rolls-Royce Trent 7000, 112-inch diameter, bypass ratio 10:1 Wingspan: 64 meters (original model was 60.3 meters) Efficiency: 14% reduction in fuel consumption per seat compared to the current model Cash Operating Costs per Seat: On par with the Boeing 787 Range: Increased by 400 nautical miles compared to the current model Wing Design: Features the same blended winglets as the A350 XWB Seating Capacity: A330-800neo has 252 seats (an increase of 6); A330-900neo has 310 seats (an increase of 10) In-flight Entertainment: 4th-generation high-definition in-flight entertainment (IFE) Lighting: Uses full LED mood lighting throughout, just like the A350 XWB Cabin Intercommunication Data System (CIDS): New panel controls lighting, temperature, water pressure (what is this?), and public address systems Galley Equipment: Includes espresso machines, chillers, and microwave ovens with baking capabilities Crew Rest Area: Movable, isolated single compartments Airframe Maintenance Costs: Only 95% of the current model’s costs