Sky Blue Radio

Egypt B777-300 Makes Emergency Landing

An Egyptair Boeing 777-300, registration SU-GDO performing flight MS-985 from Cairo (Egypt) to New York JFK,NY (USA) with 303 passengers/326 people on board, was enroute at FL320 over the North Sea about 260nm eastnortheast of Prestwick,SC (UK) when the crew reported a threatening note had been found in one of the lavatories indicating someone on board would set the aircraft on fire. While the crew set course to divert to Prestwick, the Royal Air Force scrambled fighter jets to escort the aircraft to Prestwick. The aircraft landed safely on Prestwick's runway 13 about 55 minutes later and taxied to a remote area, where passengers disembarked and were taken to the terminal.

Wilco and Dassault Team Up to Build the 7X.

Wilco Publishing Teams Up with Dassault Aviation

Wilco Publishing is excited to announce today an official partnership with Dassault Aviation to design aircraft add-ons for PC-based flight simulators, Microsoft Flight Simulator X and Lockheed Martin Prepar3D.

The first to be released is the Falcon 7X, Dassault’s benchmark for the 21st century business jet.
With unrivalled experience, technological strengths and military knowledge, Dassault Aviation built the Falcon 7X, a vision for the future. With an all-glass integrated flight deck, Wilco Publishing’s 7X will feature an incredible aircraft model, with superb interior and exterior details. Even the individual rivets and screws are modelled in 3D.

Boeing: World's airline fleet to double by 2033

PARIS (AP) - Boeing predicted that the number of commercial aircraft in operation globally will double in the next two decades, with the bulk of some 35,000 new planes going to Asia, an executive from the U.S. airplane-maker said Tuesday.

Speaking ahead of the Bourget international air show in Paris, Randy Tinseth, vice-president of marketing for Boeing, said rising oil prices are forcing carriers to think harder about efficiency, and that means smaller planes that burn less fuel. It also means design changes, streamlined air traffic control and improved navigation to shave miles off each flight.

Air traffic control to join protest

RIGA - Air traffic controllers in 11 EU countries, including Latvia, will take industrial action on Wednesday in protest against plans to create a single airspace for the bloc, unions said, reports AFP. Controllers in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Italy, Portugal and Slovakia will work-to-rule, Francois Ballestero of the European Transport Workers’ Federation said on June 11.

Other forms of industrial action including public information campaigns will take place in Austria, Britain, Bulgaria, Hungary and Latvia, he said.

Southwest 737 Escorted To Phoenix By F-16s

PHOENIX - A Southwest Airlines flight has made an emergency landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor over a "possible threat." Southwest Airlines flight #2675 departing from Los Angeles heading towards Austin, Texas made an emergency landing over an unknown threat at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Monday afternoon, said Julie Rodriguez, spokeswoman for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

The plane, carrying 143 passengers, landed safely and has been isolated away from any terminals, said Rodriguez. Air15 video showed passengers being removed from the plane and being boarded onto a bus. Southwest airlines spokesperson Katie McDonalds said the pilot became aware of a "security concern" and asked to land in Phoenix.

The plane is going to be investigated. Passengers onboard the flight will either board the same plane if all is deemed to be clear or board another plane towards their final destination, McDonalds said. Rodriguez said arriving and departing flights have not been affected. The westside of the airport is heavily restricted. Drivers are encouraged to enter and exit the airport using the east side. Use loop 202 or State Route 143 to enter and exit Phoenix Harbor.

Read more: http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_phoenix_metro/central_phoenix/southwest-plane-makes-emergency-landing-at-phoenix-sky-harbor-over-possible-threat#ixzz2VrOc2fkc

United Airlines Inaugurates Denver to Tokyo Flight with Boeing 787 Dreamliner

DENVER, June 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today re-launched international service on the 787 Dreamliner with the inaugural flight from the airline's hub in Denver to Tokyo-Narita International Airport. The daily flight marks the Mile High City's first nonstop connection to Asia, a highly anticipated milestone in Denver's history. "We share the excitement with the Denver community and want to recognize the efforts of city and state leaders who worked with us to make service to Asia from Denver a reality," said Jim Compton, United's vice chairman and chief revenue officer. "The 787 is a revolutionary aircraft, and our customers are going to love the travel experience it provides." "This new nonstop flight will be a gateway into Colorado for Japan and other Asian countries," said Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper. "Already, Colorado is a top-five dream destination for people in the U.S., and we'd like to make it a top-five dream destination for Japan and throughout Asia. Japan is Colorado's fourth-largest source of foreign investment, and we want to help companies expand by taking advantage of Colorado's competitive business environment and highly educated workforce." "This new nonstop service between Denver and Tokyo will build a new bridge between Colorado and all of Asia, strengthening our global connectivity and elevating the entire Denver area onto the international stage," Mayor Michael B. Han***** said. "We thank United Airlines for its partnership on this new frontier of opportunity and its commitment to the Denver market. Launching this nonstop flight to Japan will not only create new jobs, stimulate economic growth and increase foreign investment and trade, it will provide new avenues for tourism, education and cultural exchanges that will enrich both regions for generations to come." Mayor Han***** will lead a delegation of nearly 70 business, tourism and government officials traveling to Japan the week of June 10 to foster trade, tourism and investments between the two regions.

Daily flights to Asia from Denver

Flight 139 departs Denver daily at 12:35 p.m. and arrives at Tokyo-Narita International Airport at 3:30 p.m. the next day. For the return, Flight 138 departs Tokyo at 5:25 p.m. and arrives in Denver at 1:15 p.m. the same day. (All times are local.) Together with its joint venture partner ANA, United will offer seamless connections at Narita to or from more than 18 destinations in Asia, including important business and trade destinations like Seoul, South Korea, Bangkok and Singapore.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Configured with 36 seats in United BusinessFirst, 70 seats in United Economy Plus and 113 seats in United Economy, the Dreamliner is revolutionizing the flying experience for United customers and crews while delivering unprecedented operating efficiency, comfort and lower emissions. Customers will experience greater comfort with improved lighting, bigger windows, larger overhead bins, lower cabin altitude and enhanced ventilation systems, among other passenger-friendly features. All customers will enjoy on-demand entertainment at every seat and lighting that replicates a full day or night on long-haul flights such as Denver to Tokyo. The aircraft's use of lightweight composites, together with its modern engines and improved aerodynamic design, allow it to fly farther, faster and more efficiently than similar-sized conventional aircraft. United is the 787 North American launch customer and now has six Dreamliners in its fleet. The airline has 55 Dreamliners on order and expects to take delivery of two more from Boeing in the second half of 2013.

United in Denver

In addition to the Tokyo route, United in the past year added nine new Denver routes, including flights to emerging energy markets like Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, and Dickinson, N.D. Other new destinations United serves from Denver include Santa Fe, N.M., and St. George, Utah. United also recently increased the frequency of service from Denver to Mexico. United offers more flights to more destinations worldwide from Denver than any other airline, with more than 400 peak day departures to 126 destinations throughout the year. United flies to over 60 more cities than the next largest carrier at Denver International Airport. United is one of Denver's largest private employers, with nearly 5,000 employees who proudly call Denver home. United celebrated the airline's 75th anniversary of service to Denver last year with the announcement it would begin service to Tokyo.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,446 flights a day to more than 370 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United will continue to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company expanded its industry-leading global route network in 2012, launching nine new international and 18 new domestic routes. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United's MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. According to the 4th annual Switchfly Reward Seat Availability Survey published by IdeaWorksCompany in May 2013, United has the most saver-style award-seat availability among the largest U.S. global airlines. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 194 countries via 27 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com or follow United on Twitter and Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.
Source: United Airlines

Canadian Xpress® June Fly-In: San Diego

San Diego International, also known as Lindbergh Field, is the busiest single-runway commercial service airport in the United States and second busiest single use-runway in the world with approximately 550 departures and arrivals, carrying 50,000 passengers each day for a total of 17,250,269 passengers in 2012.

Landing at the airport from the east (Rwy 27, the most common approach) offers dramatic close-up views of skyscrapers, Petco Park (home of the San Diego Padres) and the Coronado Bridge from the left side of the aircraft. On the right, Balboa Park, site of the 1915–1916 Panama-California Exposition, can be seen, along with the San Diego Zoo and several freeways.

Canadian Xpress® would like to invite all pilots to join us on Saturday, June 15th at 21h00edt (Sunday 01h00z) for our June 2013 fly-in for a nice west coast flight from Lic. Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International (MMPR) to San Diego International (KSAN) where the terrain is second to none to this famous approach on Rwy 27!

This is an open invitation to all pilots no matter what your flying experience to attend this Canadian Xpress® sponsored event that will be flown on the VATSIM network.

More information regarding this event including charts and optional add-on scenery can be viewed by visiting the Monthly Fly-In link that is available under Events menu on our web site http://CanadianXpress.ca

Canadian Airline Introduces Hip Uniforms for Flight Attendants

Air Canada says the uniforms for its discount airline Air Canada Rouge should foster a “fresh, comfortable, and vacation-like environment.” Apparently that means Brooklyn. Or possibly McKinley High.

The ensembles, which were unveiled on Monday and will appear in cabins when the airline begins operation in July, incorporate fedoras, cardigans, trousers, and gray and red Fluevog brand shoes (which certainly are all vacation-appropriate if you’re traveling with buskers in winter). The airline plans to keep the uniforms in service for the next five to seven years. So far, Twitter has enjoyed speculating about the inspiration for their designs.

Source/Read More: www.businessweek.com

Airlines Face Disruption With Dubai Runway Closure

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is to close both runways over a period of almost three months next year in a major refurbishment program that will lead to the diversion of scheduled passenger flights, as well as all Emirates SkyCargo aircraft, to the new Dubai World Central Airport (DWC). The work at one of the world’s busiest intercontinental hubs is due to take 80 days and will start on May 1 next year.

“To safeguard service levels while the work is taking place, scheduled passenger flights at its hub airport will be reduced and all freighter, charter and general aviation flights will be diverted to DWC,” said Dubai Airports in a May 9 statement. “The southern runway will be closed from May 1 to May 31, 2014, while the northern runway will be out of operation May 31 to July 20, 2014, as the upgrades are implemented.”

The last time major runway rehabilitation work for the south runway was carried out was in 2007. This is the first rehabilitation for the north runway after more than 14 years of operations. “The runway work is related solely to a clear heavy maintenance requirement,” said Helen Woodrow, Dubai Airports’ vice president for forecasting and research. “We are also taking advantage of the closure to construct taxiways to boost capacity in line with our Strategic Plan 2020 program. Discussions on the longer-term strategy for Dubai’s airport expansion are ongoing.”

Virtually every airline that flies into DXB will be affected by this project. “Dubai Airports is working with airlines and an independent scheduling organization to minimize disruption to passengers and flight schedules to the extent that is possible,” said Woodrow. DXB can accommodate 75 million passengers; DWC has a capacity of 5 million expandable to 7 million.

Rehabilitation at DXB will also involve the lengthening of both existing runways. “At this stage feasibility options are being explored to identify where possible additional distances can be provided, either during the rehabilitation or safeguarded for at some time in the future. Currently, takeoff length will increase for three of the four runway directions,” she explained.

Dubai’s desert climate poses special problems for runway maintenance. Large variations in daily temperature cause major expansion and contraction in rigid and flexible pavements. Higher temperatures also mean it takes longer for any new asphalt laid on the runway to become usable. Significant repairs or overlays need a longer runway closure to allow for curing.

“Additionally, with an average of 900-plus movements per day, most of which are widebody aircraft with heavy loads, a heavy build-up of rubber on runways can accumulate quite quickly,” Woodrow said. “Dubai Airports closes each runway for five hours per week as part of its ongoing maintenance program to remove rubber, conduct friction tests, re-paint lines and maintain lighting.”
http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-air-transport-perspective/2013-05-27/airlines-face-disruption-dubai-runway-closure

Airline passenger attempts to open emergency door

(CNN) -- An airline passenger who made "unusual statements" and attempted to open an emergency door during a flight Monday morning has been charged with interfering with a flight crew, a federal official said.

Passengers and crews members restrained the man and the flight landed safely.

The incident occurred on Alaska Airlines Flight 132 to Portland, Oregon, from Anchorage, Alaska. Around 5:20 a.m. Pacific Time -- about 10 minutes before the flight was to land -- the passenger, seated in Row 17, allegedly tried to open the emergency door, airline spokeswoman Bobbie Egan said.

Emergency doors are locked and cannot be opened during flights.

"Once the passenger was restrained he sat calmly in the seat for the short duration of the flight," Egan said.

Upon arrival, he was detained by police, she said. No one was hurt in the incident.

The FBI identified the passenger as Alexander Michael Herrera, 23. FBI spokeswoman Beth Anne Steele issued a statement saying passengers and crew members said the man "made unusual statements prior to the incident," but she declined to reveal the nature of the statements.

Herrera is being booked into the Multnomah County (Oregon) Detention Center, and will likely make his initial appearance on Tuesday before a federal magistrate in Portland, Steele said.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/27/travel/alaska-airlines-door/index.html