Do you remember the scene? The Senate. Barbara Boxer hearing from a Brigadier General? Silly General! He addresses Barbara as “Ma’am”, and she CORRECTS him in front of millions of people, telling him she’s “worked SO hard to earn the title, “Senator”, so please to use that when speaking to her.

> Get a load of this letter!
>
> Read the letter sent to Sen. Barbara Boxer from an Alaskan Airlines pilot below.
> Many of us witnessed the arrogance of Barbara Boxer on June 18, 2009 as she admonished Brigadier General Michael Walsh because he addressed her as “ma’am” and not “Senator” before a Senate hearing.
>
> This letter is from a National Guard aviator and Captain for Alaska Airlines named Jim Hill. I wonder what he would have said if he were really angry. Long fly Alaska !!!!!

> Babs:
> You were so right on when you scolded the general on TV for using the term, “ma’am,” instead of “Senator”. After all, in the military, “ma’am” is a term of respect when addressing a female of superior rank or position. The general was totally wrong. You are not a person of superior rank or position.. You are a member of one of the world’s most corrupt organizations, the U.S.. Senate, equaled only by the U.S. House of Representatives.

> Congress is a cesspool of liars, thieves, inside traders, traitors, drunks (one who killed a staffer, yet is still revered), criminals, and other low level swine who, as individuals (not all, but many), will do anything to enhance their lives, fortunes and power, all at the expense of the People of the United States and its Constitution, in order to be continually re-elected. Many democrats even want American troops killed by releasing photographs. How many of you could honestly say, “We pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor”? None? One? Two?

> Your reaction to the general shows several things. First is your abysmal ignorance of all things military. Your treatment of the general shows you to be an elitist of the worst kind.. When the general entered the military (as most of us who served) he wrote the government a blank check, offering his life to protect your derriere, now safely and comfortably ensconced in a 20 thousand dollar leather chair, paid for by the general’s taxes. You repaid him for this by humiliating him in front of millions.

> Second is your puerile character, lack of sophistication, and arrogance, which borders on the hubristic. This display of brattish behavior shows you to be a virago, termagant, harridan, nag, scold or shrew, unfit for your position, regardless of the support of the unwashed, uneducated masses who have made California into the laughing stock of the nation.

> What I am writing, are the same thoughts countless millions of Americans have toward Congress, but who lack the energy, ability or time to convey them. Regardless of their thoughts, most realize that politicians are pretty much the same, and will vote for the one who will bring home the most bacon, even if they do consider how corrupt that person is. Lord Acton (1834 – 1902) so aptly charged, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

> Unbeknownst to you and your colleagues, “Mr. Power” has had his way with all of you, and we are all the worse for it.

> Finally Senator, I, too, have a title. It is “Right Wing Extremist Potential Terrorist Threat.” It is not of my choosing, but was given to me by your Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. And you were offended by “ma’am”?

> Have a fine day. Cheers!

Jim Hill
> 16808 – 103rd Avenue Court East
> South Hill , WA 98374

I love apps that help those perpetually travel frustrated – especially when it comes to what kind of options you’ll be dealing with at the airport, before and after security. 

After a while you get to know the unique quirks of airports. I now know that the San Francisco Airport Alaska terminal has pretty much nothing (good) to eat  before OR after security, so I should plan on eating before I leave the city. They do, however, have an adequate book shop. But wouldn’t these have been nice things to know in advance?

So when I heard about GateGuru, I wanted to learn more. Available as an iPhone app for $1.99, GateGuru can locate the best food, shopping and service options within any airport at the touch of a button.

Screenshot from GateGuruApp.com

Some features listed on their webpage:

It seems like a great feature to me! I’m curious – has anyone tried it?

Ramp agents for Alaska Airlines have accepted a two-year contract extension, even as clerical and customer service workers voted to reject the same deal.

Both bargaining units are represented by IAM District 143, which is based in St. Paul, Minn.

In the voting last week, some 85 percent of the 625 ramp service and stores agents approved the deal, while 65 percent of the 2,800 clerical, office and passenger services workers rejected it.

By approving the contract,  ramp workers got 1.5-percent general wage increases, plus further raises in 2010 and 2011 based on seniority. The ramp workers also will be enrolled in an performance-based incentive program.

The clerical, office and passenger service workers will continue working under the old contract, and talks toward reaching a new one will resume in early 2010, both sides said.

Seats are selected…

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) this morning (December 18) introduced its “Spirit of Disneyland II” aircraft at Portland International Airport (PDX). Boeing 737-990 N318AS (msn 30018) is adorned with the faces of Disney’s most recognized characters – Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and, for the first time, Pluto. The new design replaces a previous Disney-themed aircraft retired two weeks ago. Alaska Airlines’ Boeing 737-900 aircraft made its inaugural flight from Portland to Los Angeles International Airport carrying three Make-A-Wish®  children on their way to the Disneyland Resort to have their wishes granted.

Full press release:

finance.yahoo.com/news/Alaska-Airlines-Introduces-prnews-2635717333.html?x=0&.v=1

Copyright Photos: Alaska Airlines.

The gifts have been sent south, rental car is reserved, and there’s a plane with two seats waiting for us on Wednesday, the 23rd.

Jaunted, the Pop Culture Travel Guide, has published a list of North American air carriers that offer in-flight WiFi. It offers details about availability, pricing, etc. Hopefully we’ll be able to post a global list at some point, but in the meantime, if you are traveling in North America, this is a great cheat-sheet. Enjoy!

In-Flight WiFi Status Update 2009/2010 || Jaunted.

THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN JUST PRIOR TO OUR LITTLE BUMPER CAR ACCIDENT

This past weekend Kevin and I went up to Bellingham, WA to visit his dad and his dad’s wife. We had been watching the weather so we knew it was going to be cold with a possibility of rain or snow on Sunday, the day we were coming home. Saturday was great, we spent the day touring around Bellingham and the surrounding towns. We had a wonderful lunch at a waterside restaurant where I had a Northwest Seafood Stew with clams, mussels, scallops, salmon, oysters and spicy sausage. Along with that was some great crusty rolls and butter. Yum is all I can say about that. Both Friday and Saturday nights we spent at the house visiting and reminiscing and looking at old family photos, one of my favorite things to do.

On Sunday, the plans were to have a nice lunch and then Barry and Dorothy would drop us off at the airport. Well, it had begun to snow sometime Sunday morning. By the time it was time to go to lunch the streets were covered with a layer of snow. Not very deep but it was white…see the photo. What we didn’t realize though was that underneath that snow there was a layer of ice. Everything started out fine. Dorothy has an all wheel drive Subaru that handles nicely in the inclement conditions. Well, it was difficult to see where the actual road was and at one point the right side tires left the regular road and in her attempt to get back on the road she over compensated and we began to fishtail back and forth from one side of the road to the other. There were bumper barriers and it was like we were in a bumper car ride…almost surreal though. I…having watched the movie “Airplane” several times assumed the “Crash Position” which consisted of me burying my head in Kevin’s side and arm. If we were going to crash or roll I had no desire to watch it happen! Well after zigging and zagging back and forth about four times the car finally came to a rest. We were blessed that the only car that was coming towards us was far enough away and saw what was happening so they stopped and we didn’t hit them too! It was amazing that the only damage to the car was a bit of a smunch on the front right corner of the bumper/fender and the front license plate was a bit smashed in. It could have been a lot worse! We decided right then that rather than go to lunch and then go to the airport, we should just head for the airport as the conditions were only getting worse.

Once at the airport and with hugs and goodbyes done Kevin and I proceeded to the Alaska Airlines check-in counter and got on the standby list for the earlier flight since we were there so early. Well this flight was completely full, so we spent a few hours in the Bellingham airport. It’s very small but it has a very decent snack bar and I had a wonderful bowl of New England Clam chowder. It was great, the clams were large and yummy!

Finally around 3:30 it was time for us to board our flight. So we went through the security check and then boarded the plane. Once the plane had been completely boarded the powers that be said that there had been a security breach and that all passengers were going to have to get all of their stuff and deplane and go back through the security check and then re-board. While we were waiting in line to get checked through security again the sheriff walked by us with a suspect in tow. I do have to say he did look very questionable. I’m still not sure what it was all about but by the time that we finally took off for Seattle Kevin and I were seriously concerned that we would not make our connecting flight in Seattle.

We arrived in Seattle and ran to the terminal transfer tram and just made it before the doors closed. Once we got off the tram we ran to our gate and barely made it as they were in the “Final Boarding” stage. Huffing and puffing and sweating we crammed our carry-ons into any available overhead space that we could find…no where near where we were sitting and made it to our seats. We got all buckled in and just started to relax when the flight attendant got on the loud speaker and informed the passengers that the Captain had been called off the plane due to a family emergency just prior to the doors being shut. Therefore, they had called in a new Captain who would be arriving in about an hour or an hour and a half. If we liked, we could deplane but stay near so that when the new Captain arrived we could all get back on our flight. So we opted to deplane, which meant taking all of our carry-ons back off as we had not eaten dinner and by now realized that we would be getting into San Diego kind of late. So…Burger King was where we ate since it was right at our gate.

Once the new Captain arrived in the airport they made the announcement that we were all to reboard the plane. So, everyone that had deboarded got back on the plane and we were again ready to leave. I noticed that I was hearing a lot of banging in the plane in the area that was right under our feet. I mentioned to Kevin that it sounded like they were going through all of the luggage in the cargo hold. Bang, bang, bang!!! Over and over. After a few minutes of this once again the flight attendant got on the loud speaker. “Ladies and Gentlemen, we have been informed that there is a malfunction in one of the cargo doors and it can’t be fixed. We are going to have to have you all gather all of your belongings and deplane. Please go to the gate next door and we will be boarding a new plane there once it arrives in about 20 minutes.” Yep. So…about 20 minutes later another plane arrives, empties, they clean it real fast and then we finally get back on that plane and low and behold this one actually took off with us on it! With all the on again off again of the different planes we only arrived about two hours later than we were supposed to.

But…it didn’t end there…when we arrived home we noticed that the whole neighborhood seemed to be very dark and the stop lights and street lights weren’t working. Turns out that power was out to 21,000 households and SDG&E still has no idea why it happened. Ours came back on around 45 minutes after we arrived home. But there was still power out this afternoon to other people in the area. Still waiting to see if they ever figured it out.

All in all a very non-boring weekend.

CAL up 35% in the month, DAL up 10% this week. The NYSE ARCA shows an increase of 25.62% This is all attributed to lower fuel costs, lower capacity, and fares staying put. CNBC analysts remain bullish on jetBlue stock and Alaska Air stock. I think airline stocks stink, but the past month shows differently.

Okay, Alaska Airlines isn’t truly a local company, but they fly locals and tourists in and out of Palm Springs nearly every day. So, get those digital cameras clicking. Alaska Airlines Magazine and Horizon Air Magazine are now accepting entries for their 2010 Photo Contest. In addition to awarding prizes for the top three photographs, the magazine will publish the top 10 finalists in their May 2010 issues.

First Place will be awarded two first-class tickets, Second Place will receive two coach-class tickets and Third Place will receive two coach-class tickets. Visit their website for complete details, rules and information. You can also print the entry form to send in.

Entries must be postmarked by February 15, 2010.

Alaska Airlines Seat Sale!

Alaska Airlines have just announced a “Seat Sale” as they are the proud sponsor of decorated speed skater Apolo Ohno, and to celebrate his quest for gold, they are putting some really hot deals on ice.

You can head to Seattle for some outdoor adventure and culture or just get away from it all at one of their other exciting destinations. No matter what you choose, grab this chance to follow your adventurous spirit for as little as $100. This sale ends December 7, 2009, so don’t wait because these hot deals are thawing out quicker than you can say: Go Apolo!

Copyright Photo: Brian Peters. N596AS stopped at Tucson with the special decal.

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) on November 17 at its its SEA base unveiled “Apolo One” with a photo decal image of U.S. speed skater Apolo Ohno applied to its Boeing 737-890 N596AS (msn 35688).

The company has also created a website to follow Apolo’s activities leading up to and including the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, BC.

Link:

www.followapolo.com/photos/24?fbid=GHEDq8T6gW8

Российская авиация

В прошлый раз я писал про рейтинг безопасности российских авиакомпаний. Неделя началась с ряда публикаций по этому поводу. Вот одна из них на gazeta.ru. Понятно, что любой рейтинг несовершенен и не отражает всего, что творится в той или иной авиакомпании. К тому же, ни один рейтинг не сможет предусмотреть нештатные ситуации.

“Аэрофлот-Норд” всё же переименовывают в “Нордавиа – региональные авиалинии” с 1 декабря. Недавно я с удивлением обнаружил, что “Аэрофлот-Норд” больше не обслуживает дневной рейс Самара-Москва-Самара. Получается, что у “Аэрофлота” осталось лишь два рейса – утренний и вечерний. Напомню, что зимнее расписание полётов через “Курумоч” можно посмотреть здесь.

Третий терминал аэропорта “Шереметьево” всё же начал свою работу по графику 15 ноября с рейсов в Сочи и Магадан. В сети появилось ещё несколько публикаций на эту тему. “Ведомости” предлагают небольшое видео и статью. Отмечается, что автостоянка пока бесплатна, городские автобусы уже ходят до нового терминала (что не может не радовать меня лично), а в стерильной зоне Wi-Fi Интернет может быть бесплатным. В ЖЖ есть и пост с подборкой фотографий нового терминала.

Наконец, новому терминалу посвящён и материал сайта “Транспорт сегодня”. Отмечается, что заинтересованность в использовании нового терминала проявляют некоторые российские компании – “Россия”, “Татарстан”. Это помимо того, что кроме SkyTeam и “Аэрофлота” в терминал D переведут некоторые компании-конкуренты, а часть рейсов “Аэрофлота” вынуждена будет остаться в Терминале 2 (позднее в Терминале Е). Я решительно не понимаю, почему в аэрофлотовский терминал над переводить рейсы всех остальных компаний (не входящих в SkyTeam), когда самому “Аэрофлоту” уже не хватает места. Что это за странная логистика? В конце концов, в Терминал Е можно было бы перевести рейсы конкурентов, у которых с “Аэрофлотом” есть код-шеринговые соглашения, а не тащить их в третий терминал.

“Ведомости-пятница” же пишут о ещё одной новинке шереметьевского аэропортового комплекса – новой штаб-квартире “Аэрофлота” по соседству с третьим терминалом. Я летом проезжал мимо и видел это красивое здание. Вот прекрасный пример того, когда современная архитектура в нужном месте может быть украшением. В новой штаб-квартире рождаются и очередные инициативы по пересаживанию российских чиновников на самолёты российских авиакомпаний.

Но и это не всё. 25 ноября в “Шереметьево” откроется первый у нас “капсульный” отель “Воздушный экспресс”, который разместится в терминале “Аэроэкспресс”. В отличие от Японии, номера будут выполнены в более традиционном виде, нежели знаменитые капсулы, но минимализм сохраняется. Минимальное время пребывания в гостинице – 4 часа. За 4 часа в одноместном экономе нужно будет отдать 1312 рублей, за 2-местный эконом без окна 1600 рублей, а 2-местный эконом с окном 1800 рублей. Имеются также 2 и 3-местные номера бизнес класса, а также 3-местный номер первого класса. По истечении 4 часов оплата взимается по часам. В том же 1-местном экономе пребывание в течение 5 часов обойдётся в 1599 рублей. Во всех номерах есть туалет с душем, кровати, телефон и доступ в Интернет. Постояльцы обеспечиваются набором постельного белья и полотенец. Это может стать удобным решением для тех, кто должен рано вылетать из аэропорта, а приезжает в “Москву” накануне вечером. Можно заселиться в полночь, а в 4-5 утра уже отправиться в терминал на регистрацию.

Тем временем, ОАК всё же получит акции самарского “Авиакора”. Актив этот достаточно проблемный. Долги большие, производство минимально. Сохраняется вероятность того, что самарскому заводу отведут роль производителя запчастей и ремонтные функции. Собственно, ОАК не скрывает своих планов перенести производство самолётов Ан-140 в Воронеж.

Пока же некоторые самолёты хотя бы где-то сохраняют. В пригороде Барнаула открылся авиамузей. Каждый раз, когда читаешь подобные сообщения или открываешь в ЖЖ очередной репортаж из авиамузеев Киева или Ульяновска, становится стыдно и обидно за Самару, где самолёты ржавеют на тренировочной базе СГАУ.

Авиация за рубежом

OAG (Лондон) подвела итоги голосования и представила рейтинг гражданской авиации 2009 года. Этот рейтинг считается одним из самых авторитетных.

Авиакомпания года: Singapore Airlines
Лучшая авиакомпания на трансатлантических маршрутах: Virgin Atlantic
Лучшая авиакомпания на транстихоокеанских маршрутах: Singapore Airlines
Лучший салон первого класса на международных линиях: Singapore Airlines
Лучший салон бизнес-класса: Continental Airlines
Лучший салон экономического класса: British Airways
Лучшая североамериканская авиакомпания: Continental
Лучшая авиакомпания Ближнего Востока и Южной Азии: Emirates
Лучшая бюджетная авиакомпания: Southwest Airlines
Лучшая авиакомпания Латинской Америки: LAN
Лучшая авиакомпания Африки: South African Airlines
Лучшая авиакомпания Западной Европы: Virgin Atlantic
Лучшая авиакомпания Центральной и Восточной Европы: CSA Czech Airlines
Лучшая авиакомпания Австралии и Океании: Qantas
Лучший аэропорт: Singapore Changi

“Аэрофлот”, кстати, попал в число финалистов в категории “лучшая авиакомпания Центральной и Восточной Европы”.

В прошлую пятницу Рик Сини вспомнил о том, что число 13 отсутствует в салонах некоторых компаний. Так, 13-го ряда нет у Continental Airlines, Alaska и AirTran. А в салонах Lufthansa, согласно Рику Сини, нет 13 и 17 рядов, так как в Италии и Бразилии несчастливым считается ещё и число 17. Однако надо понимать, что сидящие в “14” ряду, на самом деле оказываются в 13-м.

Любители авиации могут заинтересоваться видео с компьютерной симуляцией полёта А320 компании US Airways, который в начале года удачно приземлился на реку после столкновения со стаей птиц над Нью-Йорком.

Авиапутешествия

Сергей Доля разместил в своём блоге подборку ссылок на материалы о разных ситуациях, которые могут быть восприняты пассажирами как нештатные. Заметки призваны развенчать некоторые аэрофобные мифы.

Если Вы уже не боитесь (или никогда не боялись), Вас может заинтересовать предложение от Air France. До конца ноября можно забронировать перелёт по маршрутам Москва-Париж-Нью-Йорк или Санкт-Петербург-Париж-Нью-Йорк на период с 23 ноября 2009 по 31 марта 2010 года. В чём изюминка предложения? В том, что шесть раз в неделю, кроме среды, перелёт из Парижа в Нью-Йорк и обратно осуществляется на двухпалубном A380. А билет туда-обратно (со всеми сборами) в экономическом классе обойдётся всего в 20500 рублей (при бронировании через сайт компании).

А ещё у Air France и KLM есть предложение для любителей Европы – билет в три европейских города по цене одного. За 15000 рублей (со всеми сборами) можно выбрать любой европейский город из 13 (Ницца, Тулуза, Женева, Мюнхен, Цюрих, Милан, Рим, Лиссабон, Барселона, Эдинбург, Лондон, Берлин, Вена) помимо Парижа и Амстердама. Например, можно забронировать билет по маршруту Москва-Париж-Лондон-Амстердам-Москва за 15000 рублей. Фактически, Вы платите только за билет до Лондона (или другого города по выбору), а остановки в Париже и Амстердаме совершаете бесплатно. Бронирование до 30 ноября, перелёт до конца марта 2010 года.

Ну, а японская ANA решила модернизировать свои салоны. Увеличенное расстояние между креслами в экономе, разделители и двойные подлокотники в премиум-экономе, горизонтально раскладывающиеся кресла в бизнес-классе и полностью приватные места в первом. Бретт Снайдер предлагает взглянуть на всё это великолепие. Новые кабины появятся в 2010 году на самолётах Boeing-777-300ER, летающих между Японией и Северной Америкой или Европой.

Get those digital cameras clicking. Alaska Airlines Magazine and Horizon Air Magazine are now accepting entries for their 2010 Photo Contest. In addition to awarding prizes for the top three photographs, teh magazine will publish the top 10 finalists in their May 2010 issues.

First Place will be awarded two first-class tickets, Second Place will receive two coach-class tickets and Third Place will receive two coach-class tickets. Visit their website for complete details, rules and information. You can also print the entry form to send in.

Entries must be postmarked by February 15, 2010.

Alaska Air CEO, Billy Ayer, spoke to CNBC regarding the modest profit the carrier made. Ayer stressed that leisure traffic was and will be a big part of the business model, namely to resort destinations, like Mexico and Hawaii. Since other carriers have reduced capacity to Hawaii, Alaska Air plans to increase serve to the Hawaiian islands to fill that void; especially from northern California. He went on to say that the focus remains on keeping costs low, and providing a service that the customers want.

He did not touch on the new expanded partnership with Delta and what that may look like for the future. I am sure Delta would like to own a chunk of Alaska Air and make the profitable Seattle a future hub.

Stock ticker ALK

Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-890 WL N570AS (msn 35185) SEA, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) yesterday (November 9) launched four-times-weekly service between Oakland and Kahului (Maui) with Boeing 737-800s. Today the company will start thrice-weekly flights between OAK and Kona (Big Island).

Press release:

finance.yahoo.com/news/Alaska-Airlines-Launches-prnews-1581380085.html?x=0&.v=1

Alaska Airlines also announced new Hawaii service from Sacramento and San Jose, CA.

Press release:

finance.yahoo.com/news/Alaska-Airlines-Announces-New-prnews-2200759689.html?x=0&.v=1

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum.

Please click on photo or link below for full view, information, prints for sale and other Alaska photos:

http://airlinersgallery.com/2/25cef76/#/gallery/alaska-airlines/alaska-737-800-wl-n570as-90-lei-grd-sea-bd-lr-101553/

UPDATE: Southwest Airlines has apologized for kicking the mother and son off of the flight.

Pamela Root and her son, Adam, were on their way home to San Jose, California (where I live) when they were kicked off Southwest Flight 637 on Monday afternoon. The reason? The child wanted dad, wanted to take off, and was a bit too loud for the crew and passengers.

Usually my kids are great on flights, but I’ve been in this position before. I would guess that the child would have given in once the flight took off, but they were never given the chance. I REALLY hope that Southwest Airlines looks into this, at least to find out more about what happened. Was the child kicked off immediately? Was the mother given a few minutes to settle him down? Was he kicking seats or causing a major disruption (if this is the case then it is definitely justified). I always fly with Southwest and would hate to see this issue not be at least looked into for all of the facts.

While I understand that there are those who will say that the mother and child should have been removed, without all of the details, I would have to disagree just because I’ve been on MANY flights with kids who are unruly like this and I’ve just learned thatit’s just a part of life.

As a parent, I know what it’s like to have a child who can be difficult at times. Like I said before, most of the time, my kids are great on flights. We even get compliments from other passengers who appreciate how good they are, and we always love that! But there are times when they aren’t, I would hate to be removed from a flight because we were having trouble getting them to settle down. Sometimes it takes longer than other times, but eventually, they do relax. Food always helps, their medicine helps too. Keeping them awake through their nap time until the flight is great because many times, they’re asleep before the plane takes off! It may sound funny, but even other supportive passengers can help!

We do our best as good parents to respect those around us. If you want to read about a bad parent, then you should check out my posts on Casey Anthony.

On this issue, feel free to agree or disagree with me. That’s what discussion is for

From the San Jose Mercury News:

Pamela Root’s 2-year-old son was screaming for the Southwest Airlines plane to “Go! Plane! Go!”

“I want Daddy!” Adam shouted. Over and over again.

Despite her embarrassment, the stay-at-home San Jose mom remained confident that once the plane took off and she fed him, Adam would calm down and take a nap — just as he had on the half-dozen other plane rides with Mom.

The flight crew wasn’t willing to find out.

With her luggage heading back home without her, Root was stuck in

Amarillo, Texas, and forced to buy a portable crib and diapers and stay another night with her parents. Still fuming, she wants Southwest to apologize and compensate her for the flight and things she bought. Adam’s father, Mike Root, a software engineer at Symantec, who was waiting for them in San Jose, is also livid.

Southwest, with its fun and family-friendly reputation, immediately began looking into the matter on Thursday at the request of the Mercury News. Spokeswoman Marilee McInnis said it’s “very rare” to ask someone to leave a flight, and especially “unusual” to remove a crying child.

From the New York Times:

The Oakland Tribune is reporting that a Southwest Airlines crew ordered Pamela Root and her young son off a flight from Amarillo back home to San Jose this week, because the boy was screaming “Go! Plane! Go!”

“I want Daddy!” repeatedly while the jet waited in line for takeoff. Root told reporter Lisa Fernandez that she had seen Adam like this before. Her strategy was to wait to feed him until after the plane took off, she says, which made him a little cranky for a short while, but insured that he would soon calm down and take a nap.

The plane returned to the gate for what the pilot described as “a passenger issue” which was the first Root knew she and her son were being forced to deplane. As she describes it, the conversation with the attendant who escorted her off went something like this:

“We just can’t tolerate that for two hours.”
“He’ll be fine once we take off.”
“We’ve heard that before.”

A good friend of mine sent me this letter in an e-mail and I wish to share it as it reflects my own sentiments on Sen. Boxer let alone most of the legislative branch of our Republic.

Do you remember this scene in the Senate? Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) hearing from a Brigadier General? He addresses Barbara as “Ma’am”, and she CORRECTS him, telling him she’s “worked SO hard” to earn the title, “Senator”, so please when addressing her use that title!

Many of us witnessed the arrogance of Barbara Boxer on June 18, 2009 as she admonished Brigadier General Michael Walsh because he addressed her as “ma’am” and not “Senator” before a Senate hearing.

This letter is from a National Guard aviator and Captain for Alaska Airlines named Jim Hill. I wonder what he would have said if he were really angry. Long fly Alaska Airlines!!!!!

Babs:

You were so right on when you scolded the general on TV for using the term, “ma’am,” instead of “Senator”. After all, in the military, “ma’am” is a term of respect when addressing a female of superior rank or position. The general was totally wrong. You are not a person of superior rank or position. You are a member of one of the world’s most corrupt organizations, the U.S. Senate, equaled only by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congress is a cesspool of liars, thieves, inside traders, traitors, drunks (one who killed a staffer, yet is still revered even in death), criminals, and other low level swine who, as individuals (not all, but many), will do anything to enhance their lives, fortunes and power, all at the expense of the People of the United States and its Constitution, in order to be continually re-elected. Many democrats even want American troops killed by releasing photographs. How many of you could honestly say, “We pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor”? None? One? Two?

Your reaction to the general shows several things. First is your abysmal ignorance of all things military. Your treatment of the general shows you to be an elitist of the worst kind. When the general entered the military (as most of us who served) he wrote the government a blank check, offering his life to protect your derriere, now safely and comfortably ensconced in a 20 thousand dollar leather chair, paid for by the generals taxes. You repaid him for this by humiliating him in front of millions.

Second is your puerile character, lack of sophistication, and arrogance, which borders on the hubristic. This display of brattish behavior shows you to be a virago, termagant, harridan, nag, scold or shrew, unfit for your position, regardless of the support of the unwashed, uneducated masses that have made California into the laughing stock of the nation.

What I am writing, are the same thoughts countless millions of Americans have toward Congress, but who lack the energy, ability or time to convey them. Regardless of their thoughts, most realize that politicians are pretty much the same, and will vote for the one who will bring home the most bacon, even if they do consider how corrupt that person is. Lord Acton (1834 – 1902) so aptly charged, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Unbeknownst to you and your colleagues, “Mr. Power” has had his way with all of you, and we are all the worse for it.

Finally Senator, I, too, have a title. It is “Right Wing Extremist Potential Terrorist Threat.” It is not of my choosing, but was given to me by your Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. And you were offended by “ma’am”?

Have a fine day. Cheers!

Jim Hill
16808 – 103rd Avenue Court East
South Hill , WA 98374

If you care about the way our Country is heading, Please circulate this to remind every voter that the “cesspools” MUST be pumped out when we go to the polls in November, 2010

Old news, I know, but there is not a lot of chatter about this airline coming to Deltaland. Today, I saw their kiosks at terminal south.

They probably will continue to serve Atlanta, since they are arm in arm with Delta management.

Alaska Air kiosk

These Photos are from a Scouting Merit Badge Clinic hosted on October 24th by the INCREDIBLE employees at Alaska Airlines.  I think we had 120 or more Scouts all participate and receive their Aviation Merit Badges yesterday.  The Alaska employees were so kind, very gracious and energetic to show these young men all about their operation and gave a very good overview of careers in aviation beyond just the role of pilots. It was an amazing experience to just be there as a dad with my son.

Alaska’s CEO showed his personal aircraft as well . . . but I had no idea who he was because he was jsut one of the Alaska team.  Totally humble and excited to share his knowledge with us.  I can’t write how impressed I was with him and the firm he’s built.  Every single team member shared their enthusiasm with the Scouts.  And, no surprise here, the CEO, the President and many of the Alaska team I spoke with are Eagle Scouts themselves.

Thanks Alaska – you guys ROCK!!

Mike

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air (Alaska Air Group) (Seattle/Tacoma) is also one of the profitable U.S. airlines. The group reported a net profit of $83.0 million in the third quarter.

Press release:

finance.yahoo.com/news/Alaska-Air-Group-Reports-prnews-1742486605.html?x=0&.v=1

In other news, Alaska Airlines starts Seattle/Tacoma-Atlanta service today (October 23).

Press release:

finance.yahoo.com/news/Alaska-Airlines-Launches-prnews-64390194.html?x=0&.v=1

AG Photo Link:

airlinersgallery.com/2/7b120/#/gallery/alaska-airlines/

Российская авиация

Посреди всё ещё буйствующего кризиса в мировой авиации (а также в отечественной) “Аэрофлот” вдруг намекает на возможный скорый ребрендинг. И это при том, что предыдущий ребрендинг ими проводился совсем недавно – в 2004 году. Чем всё закончится, пока неизвестно. Скорее всего, уйдёт в прошлое слоган “Искренне Ваш” и “улыбка” в небе. Но эксперты не берутся предсказать и судьбу знаменитых крылатых серпа и молота. А ведь в своё время флагман проводил масштабный опрос, по итогам которого, к том числе, несколько лет назад было решено сохранить советскую эмблему компании. Это было правильным решением. Хватит ли решимости отстоять логотип сейчас?

Тем временем, “Аэрофлот” продолжает получать новые “Аэробусы”. В сообществе ru_aviation размещена фотография первого Airbus-330, который поступит в распоряжение “Аэрофлота”. Это будет и первый борт в компании, окрашенный в ливрею альянса SkyTeam.

Ну, а база “Аэрофлота” – аэропорт Шереметьево – может попасть в список предприятий, подлежащих приватизации. Правительству нужны деньги, а “Шереметьево” оценивается в 1-1,5 миллиарда евро. Аэропорт по-прежнему пользуется меньшей популярностью, чем два других московских конкурента. Но SVO активно реконструируется. Если снова ничего не перенесут, то с 1 января 2010 года заработает терминал 3 (D), куда перейдут все рейсы “Аэрофлота” и его партнёров по SkyTeam. Между 2 и 3 терминалами достраивается ещё один терминал, а потом на реконструкцию обещают закрыть терминал 2. Впрочем, “узким местом” “Шереметьево” многие считают вовсе не малую (пока) площадь терминалов, а “зажатость” ВПП между терминалами с невозможностью втиснуть туда же ещё одну ВПП, а также отсутствие прямых переходов между терминалами 1 и 2.

Авиация за рубежом

В ноябре компания Mexicana войдёт в альянс oneworld. Ранее один из двух крупнейших мексиканских перевозчиков входил в Star Alliance.

А другой член Star Alliance – ANA – решила провести эксперимент. В компании посчитали, что, если попросить всех пассажиров сходить в туалет по малому до полёта, удастся облегчить рейс и сэкономить на топливе. Досчитались до того, что предварительное мочеиспускание всех 216 пассажиров Боинга-767 “выльется” примерно в 109 килограммов. А журналисты уже шутят, что для большей экономии следовало бы провести эксперимент с большой нуждой.

Компания Bombardier планирует в 2012 году вывести на рынок новую серию самолётов CSeries. Эти узкофюзеляжные самолёты будут рассчитаны на 100-149 мест и составят конкуренцию Boeing-737. Время выбрано довольно удачно, так как и Boeing и Airbus пока заняты разработкой широкофюзеляжников. Правда, конкуренты из России, Китая, Японии и Бразилии тоже не дремлют.

Авиапутешествия

В этом году у авиакомпаний вошли в моду предложения о выдаче элитного статуса в своих программах поощрения пассажиров для элитных членов программ конкурентов (status match). Вот и в России пара компаний пошли на данный шаг – “Аэрофлот” и S7. При этом, “Аэрофлот”, очевидно заинтересован в привлечении пассажиров, летающих по своим самым загруженным и популярным направлениям, но рейсами конкурентов – в Германию, Великобританию и Японию. Именно в/из этих стран необходимо совершить один полёт, а также выслать копию своей элитной карточки компании-конкурента, чтобы получить соответствующую карту “Аэрофлот-Бонуса” со сроком действия до февраля 2011 года. За другими предложениями программ лояльности следил Юрий (aka Нестор).

В разгар введения новых сборов за регистрацию багажа компания United Airlines объявила об уникальном предложении – своего рода, “сезонке” на данный сбор. Заплатив $249, можно целый год летать, не платя за регистрацию своего багажа, а также багажа до 8 других людей, летящих по тому же номеру бронирования. Конечно, если вы летаете только с одной сумкой ручной клади, то и экономить нечего… пока. А вот пассажиры с семьёй и большим количеством багажа смогут уже за пару-тройку перелётов “отбить” стоимость сезонки. Правда, Бретт Снайдер резонно замечает, что данное предложение будет выгодно именно большим семьям. Часто летающие пассажиры, вероятно, являются членами элитных уровней программы лояльности, соответственно, уже не должны платить за багаж. И ещё, это предложение рассчитано на повышение лояльности к компании: если кто-то купит такую сезонку, то будет (психологически) вынужден летать только United, так как в этом случае багаж полетит бесплатно.

В скором будущем пассажиры ряда американских авиакомпаний, в частности Southwest и Alaska, смогут получать бесплатный доступ к беспроводному Интернет на борту самолётов. Правда, за это придётся просмотреть какое-то количество рекламы, но ради бесплатного Интернет в полёте можно и на это пойти.

Компания Travelocity провела очередной ежегодный опрос авиапассажиров США и Канады – Travelocity 2009 Rudeness Poll – кого и за что больше всего не любят авиапассажиры. Около 44% недовольны присутствием на борту пассажиров с плохой личной гигиеной. На втором месте по недовольству находятся кашляющие/чихающие (31%), затем идут полные пассажиры (15%), болтливые (5%) и дети (5%). Что касается поведения на борту, то больше всего недовольство вызывают те, кто пинают сиденье (59%) и используют неприличную лексику (56%). Самым раздражающим поведением при посадке признаны случаи, когда пассажиры проносят на борт сверхнормативный багаж (29%), а при высадке больше всего раздражают попытки выйти первым (около 60%).

Пожелаю вам здоровых, воспитанных и следящих за собой попутчиков в ваших полётах!

TAM terá 74 voos extras no feriado

A320 da TAM (Foto: Aidan Formigoni / Clique para ampliar)

A TAM Linhas Aéreas programou 74 voos extras, que vão fortalecer a malha aérea doméstica da companhia entre os próximos dias 8 e 14, para atender aos seus clientes durante o feriado de 12 de outubro (Nossa Sra. Aparecida). A medida foi tomada em decorrência da demanda esperada e do fato de que muitos passageiros reservaram suas viagens com antecedência. A maioria dos voos extras chegando e partindo de 14 cidades brasileiras (ver quadro abaixo) foi programada para os dias que concentram as saídas para o feriado – 9 (sexta-feira) e 10 (sábado) – e o retorno – 12 (segunda) e 13 (terça). Durante esse período, a TAM vai manter diariamente três aeronaves de reserva, posicionadas em aeroportos estratégicos, para eventuais necessidades: uma em Congonhas (SP), outra em Guarulhos (SP) e a terceira no Tom Jobim (Galeão/RJ). A companhia terá ainda equipes extras de tripulantes técnicos (pilotos e co-pilotos) e de cabine (comissários) nos aeroportos de São Paulo e Rio de Janeiro e mobilizará reforço de efetivo para o atendimento aos clientes.

Problemas com Falcons

Uma eventual AD ( Diretiva de Aeronavegabilidade ) poderá afetar cerca de 1.082 jatos executivos Dassault Falcon registrados nos EUA, desde os modelos mais antigos. São eles : Dassault Falcon 10, Fan Jet Falcon, Mystere-Falcon 200, Mystere-Falcon 20-C5/-D5/-E5/-F5, Falcon 2000, Falcon 2000EX, Mystere-Falcon 50 e 900 e Falcon 900EX. Durante os serviços de manutenção em um dos jatos os mecânicos descobriram que as cápsulas de sobre-pressão nas duas válvulas de pressurização estavam quebradas, o que pode colocar em risco o próprio sistema de pressurização. A Dassault Aviation já havia desenvolvido um procedimento repetitivo de checagem da cápsula na válvula de controle da pressurização ( ´outflow´ valve ) posteriormente incorporado ao manual de manutenção.

Mais testes para o Superjet 100

O Sukhoi Superjet 100 completou o programa de testes de vôo a grande altitude realizados na Armenia. Em 21 de setembro o novo jato pousou no Centro de Ensaios em vôo de Zhukowsky. O aeroporto internacional de Shirak em Gyumri, a 1.424m. de altitude, foi construído em 1961 e modernizado em 2007 para satisfazer os padrões ICAO para Aeroportos de Primeira Classe. Sua pista tem 3.220X45 metros e cercada por elevações, o que exige decolagens e pousos somente do lado sul. O programa de certificação do SSJ-100 foi realizado pela tripulação civil da Sukhoi.

Novo S-92 na Helitech

Um helicóptero S-92 cheio de aprimoramentos foi a surpresa que a Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. reservou aos visitantes de seu estande da Helitech, tradicional feira bienal de asas rotativas. As principais novidades são um aumento na capacidade máxima de carga, e avanços em sistemas automáticos embarcados para facilitar a navegação offshore. A carga máxima passou de 26.500 paraacima de 27.000libras e a durabilidade da caixa de redução principal foi aumentada. O modelo também obteve certificação limitada para operações em condições de gelo. A grande novidade da nova versão do S-92 é o sistema de automático de aproximação que permitirá operações em plataformas offshore em condições precárias de visibilidade e teto. Para o novo grau de segurança do S-92 oferecido pelos aprimoramentos mostrados na Helitech contribui tam bem o Sistema de Proteção Anti-Gelo do Rotor.

“Mais um pouco de paciência”; Boeing pede aos clientes do 787

Os reforços nas laterais da fuselagem do 787 estão sendo instalados na fábrica Boeing de Everett, Washington. A fuselagem No.1 do ‘Dreamliner´, bem como a célula de testes estáticos está sendo submetida a modificações nas junções de algumas nervuras dentro no local de junção das asas com a fuselagem. Numa mensagem enviada aos seus funcionários, a Boeing procura atenuar o impacto do grande atraso nas primeiras entregas ( para não falar do primeiro vôo ) do 787, lembrando que o ‘Dreamliner´ é, na verdade, “o primeiro jato realmente novo do século XXI”. E um desvio completo de todos os jatos comerciais fabricados desde o Boeing 707. O fabricante informou seus principais clientes que o 787 deverá voar até o final do ano.

Conectado com a Alaska

Até o final de 2010, a Alaska Airlines pretende proporcionar ‘conectividade total´ pela Internet em todos os jatos de sua frota. A decisão é conseqüência de seus bem-sucedidos testes de acesso Wi-Fi feitos recentemente à bordo de um de seus Boeing 737-700. A aeronave tem sido operada em rotas de curto alcance, ao longo da costa Oeste dos EUA e ainda em vôos isolados ao Alasca, Canadá e México. Logo que a Alaska escolher seu provedor Internet, ela vai priorizar a instalação do sistema em 51 Boeing 737-800 de sua frota.

AA vai de HP

A American Airlines confiou o programa de desenvolvimento de seu novo sistema de serviço aos passageiros à Hewlett-Packard, deixando de lado seu tradicional parceiro em tecnologia da informação Sabre e, ao mesmo tempo, impedindo que o sistema Amadeus pudesse aproveitar a oportunidade para penetrar no mercado norte-americano.

Planos ambiciosos da Oceanair – para 2015

A integração entre a Avianca colombiana e a Oceanair, ambas da ´holding´ Sinergy, foi antecipada, com a reestruturação da rede da companhia nacional que, atualmente, opera 14 Fokker-100 tendo atingido o ‘breakeven´ operacional. Segundo informações do presidente da Avianca, a Oceanair se prepara para o mercado de longo alcance de 2015, quando os 15 novos Airbus A350 encomendados pelo Grupo Sinergy começarão a ser entregues.

Novidades no ATC em estudo no Colorado

Um novo sistema de vigilância que está sendo testado pelo FAA no estado de Colorado permite aos controladores do tráfego aéreo monitorar aeronaves em vôo sobre regiões montanhosas não cobertas pelo radar devido à topografia do solo. O Departamento de Transportes do Colorado estima que 75 aeronaves em média, sofrem atrasos diários em aeródromos isolados na temporada de inverno ( novembro a abril ). O “Wide Área Multilateration” como é denominado, não necessita qualquer equipamento adicional à bordo das aeronaves para torna-las ´visíveis´ nas telas dos radares nos aeroportos. A única novidade é uma rede de sensores relativamente pequenos instalados em locais remotos do terreno sobrevoado. São eles que “conversam” com os transponders e informam a posição da aeronave aos centros de controle do tráfego aéreo como acontece com o sistema convencional.

Obras em Sacramento

O Sacramento International Airport (Califórnia) vai receber uma verba de US$ 8,9 milhões do Departamento de Transportes dos Estados Unidos como ajuda no programa de reforma e modernização do seu Terminal B de Passageiros. O projeto todo exigirá investimentos de US$ 1,1 bilhão e incluirá um novo trem para ligar o aeroporto à cidade.

Verba para Detroit

O FAA autorizou uma verba de US$ 2,3 milhões para o Aeroporto Detroit Metropolitan (EUA). Os recursos são destinados à reconstrução da pista oblíqua 09L/27R. As obras devem estar concluídas até 2013.

DOT pune aéreas

O DOT (Department of Transportation), dos Estados Unidos, puniu as companhias Hawaiian Airlines e US Airways pela prática do que foi qualificado de “desinformação”. As duas empresas não avisaram seus passageiros, como mandam os regulamentos, de que fariam as viagens em aeronaves de terceiros, durante programas tipo “code share”. A Hawaiian foi punida com multa de US$ 50 mil e a US Airways teve de pagar US$ 70 mil.

Tap reforça presença na África

A TAP reforçou a sua presença no Senegal, passou a oferecer mais três frequências semanais para a capital do país, Dakar, desde o último sábado, além da operação de voos diários, totalizando assim dez frequências por semana. Os novos voos operam às quintas, sextas e sábados à saída de Lisboa, e regressam às sextas, sábados e domingos, no sentido inverso. Com partida de Lisboa às 20h15, a nova ligação chega a Dakar às 23h25. No regresso, os voos saem de Dakar às 00h35 e pousam em Lisboa às 05h40. Essas três novas frequências vêm juntar-se à operação diária que, à segunda, terça, quarta e domingo acontece às 22h00 e chega a Dakar à 01h10; partindo de Lisboa, nos outros dias da semana (quinta, sexta e sábado) às 22h40 com chegada à capital senegalesa às 01h50. No sentido Dakar/Lisboa, os voos partem às 02h10 nas segundas, terças, quartas e quintas, com chegada às 07h05; na sexta, sábado e domingo saem de Dakar às 03h00 e chegam a Lisboa às 07h55. Atualmente a TAP cobre nove cidades em oito países africanos, a companhia dá assim continuidade ao reforço da sua aposta neste Continente. Recentemente a companhia aumentou para dez voos semanais para Luanda, duplicou o número de frequencias para Casablanca, programado para a última semana de outubro, e anunciou a abertura da linha para Argel, para o mês de novembro. Entre os outros destinos servidos em África com reforço de operação previsto, destacam-se também: Bissau, Praia, Sal, Maputo, Johannesburgo e São Tomé.

Mandarin com frota brasileira

A companhia Mandarin Airlines, de Formosa, já recebeu sete jatos brasileiros Embraer 190AR. Os dois mais recentes foram entregues em julho. Com sua chegada a Mandarin passou a operar uma frota de sete dessas aeronaves.

Mercado para os Fokker de carga

Estudo recente mostra que um número significativo de jatos Fokker F.100 serão desativados do serviço de passageiros nos próximos meses, em todo o mundo. Com isso haverá disponibilidade de pelo menos 50 exemplares com vida operacional de cerca de 30 mil horas de Voo. Como essas aeronaves podem voar pelo menos até 60 mil horas, esses exemplares se oferecem agora para serem modificados a preços vantajosos para a configuração cargueira pela Aircraft Conversions. Os interessados podem obter mais informações via Internet com Wim Bakker, no endereço wbakker@aircraftconversions.com .

Mais um Phenom 300

O quinto protótipo do jato “Phenom 300″ (PP-XVM) foi terminado pela Embraer, o primeiro equipado com um completo interior que prefigura a configuração dos exemplares de série. Os outros quatro protótipos de ensaio continuam avançando no programa de qualificação da aeronave, que em agosto passado esteve na Bolívia fazendo testes de decolagem em aeroportos de grande altitude.

Primeiro A350

Foi terminada, nas oficinas da Airbus em Hamburgo (Alemanha) a fuselagem do primeiro avião A350 XWB. A unidade, feita de materiais compostos, destina-se aos ensaios de resistência estrutural em terra.

Programa trainee da Líder

Estão abertas as inscrições de Trainee para a Líder Aviação para a unidade de Helicópteros e Diretoria Financeira.As inscrições são feitas através do site www.lideraviacao.com.br ou no www.hunting.com.br . As inscrições estão abertas até dia 25 de outubro e os candidatos tem que ter formação superior em engenharia aeronáutica,engenharia eletrônica,engenharia mecânica,econômia,ciências contábeis,administração de empresas.É necessário domínio de informatica (pacote office) e inglês fluente e ter disponibilidade para trabalhar nas cidades do Rio de Janeiro (RJ),Belo Horizonte (MG),Navegantes (SC),Macaé (RJ),Vitória (ES).A remuneração é compatível com o mercado.

Horizon Air recebe o mais importante prêmio de segurança para a manutenção da FAA

O FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) premiou a Horizon Air pelo décimo ano consecutivo com o Certificado Diamante de Excelência. O prêmio reconhece a companhia aérea por alcançar uma taxa de participação de 100 % pelo seu pessoal de manutenção do AMT (programa de prêmios para técnico de manutenção de aviação).

“Horizon Air continua a ser uma empresa líder, incentivando a educação continuada dos seus AMTs e participando do programa de premiação AMT”, disse Jim Hultgrien, gerente da equipe do programa de segurança da FAA no Conselho Distrital de normas de vôo de Portland. “Nós acreditamos que um programa bem gerenciado, com treinamento atualizado, é um componente chave para a cultura de segurança da empresa. O programa de AMT da FAA é uma forma de reconhecer a dedicação da Horizon na capacitação e no compromisso de segurança.

Criado em 1991, o programa AMT homenageia o pessoal de manutenção da aviação e os empregadores que participam das oportunidades de treinamento que excedem os requisitos regulamentares da FAA. O Certificado de Excelência de Diamante é a mais alta honraria que o programa pode conferir a uma empresa.

” Esta é uma homenagem aos funcionários de manutenção da Horizon,” disse Celia Sherbeck, vice-presidente de manutenção e engenharia da Horizon. “Eles são extremamente dedicados e continuam refinando e expandindo sua expertise técnica para sustentar e reforçar a segurança de nossa empresa”.

Horizonte serve 48 cidades ao longo do Arizona, Califórnia, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Baja California Sur (México) e British Columbia e Alberta (Canadá). Juntos, a Horizon Air e Alaska Airlines servem mais de 90 cidades e são subsidiarias do Alaska Air Group, Inc.

Airbus comemora aprovação de combustível 50% sintético

A Airbus dá boas vindas à última etapa da aprovação do uso de 50% de combustível sintético na aviação comercial pela ASTM International*, uma das maiores organizações de desenvolvimento de padrões voluntários do mundo. Os combustíveis sintéticos líquidos para aeronaves podem ser produzidos a partir de biomassa, gás natural ou carvão e são conhecidos como combustíveis xTL.

“Esse importante marco abre caminho para a mistura de 100% xTL produzida inteiramente com matéria prima orgânica como, por exemplo, sobras de serragem”, disse Christian Dumas, Vice-Presidente de Desenvolvimento Sustentável e Eco-Eficiência da Airbus. “Essa nova especificação é um grande passo rumo à redução do impacto ambiental causado pela indústria da aviação e representa uma conquista significativa para o planejamento de combustíveis alternativos da Airbus”, acrescentou.

A área de combustíveis alternativos da Airbus estima que aproximadamente 30% do combustível de aviação que será utilizado em 2030 poderá ser composto por biocombustível sustentável se o cultivo de matéria-prima não alimentar de alta produtividade alcançar maturidade até a metade da próxima década.

Um grande passo no processo de introdução progressiva dos combustíveis alternativos ocorreu em 1° de fevereiro de 2008 quando, pela primeira vez na história da aviação comercial, uma aeronave civil (Airbus A380) equipada com motores Rolls-Royce, voou utilizando uma mistura composta de 40% de combustível sintético derivado de gás natural GTL fornecido pela Shell.

A Airbus acredita na cooperação internacional e entre indústrias para o desenvolvimento de combustíveis alternativos e sustentáveis. A empresa e seus parceiros já percorreram um longo caminho no estudo de combustíveis alternativos. Além de compartilhar suas pesquisas sobre o tema com parceiros europeus (CALIN, Alfa-Bird), em novembro de 2007, a Airbus, juntamente com a Qatar Airways, Qatar Petróleo, Qatar Combustíveis, Parque de Ciências e Tecnologia de Qatar, Rolls Royce e Shell Cia. Ltda. de Petróleo Internacional, assinaram um acordo para pesquisar, em detalhes, os benefícios operacionais e ambientais gerados pelo uso do combustível GTL na aviação.

Lufthansa oferece sete novos voos para a África por meio de codesharing com Brussels Airlines

A Lufthansa e a Brussels Airlines continuam ampliando os voos compartilhados (codeshare) em rotas de longa distância para a África. Com isso, os clientes Lufthansa contam, desde já, com quatro destinos adicionais, ou seja, sete novas conexões via Bruxelas. Os voos da Brussels Airlines de Bruxelas para Abidjan (Costa do Marfim), Banjul (Gâmbia), Bujumbura (Burundi), Doula e Jaunde (ambos na República dos Camarões), Nairobi (Quênia) e Monróvia (Libéria) já podem ser reservados via Lufthansa sob número de voo próprio. Os destinos Douala e Jaunde já estão disponíveis para passageiros Lufthansa em voos compartilhados com a SWISS assim como Nairobi, com Swiss ou Ethiopian Airlines.

Em contrapartida, passageiros da Brussels Airlines chegam aos destinos Lufthansa Acra (Gana), Cartum (Sudão), Joanesburgo e, no inverno, Cidade do Cabo (ambos na África do Sul) via Frankfurt, sob número de voo da empresa aérea belga.

Com isso, ambas as empresas ampliam sua cooperação e abrem suas malhas aéreas aos passageiros da respectiva parceira. Com a ampliação dos voos compartilhados e os destinos recentemente inaugurados Libreville e Port Harcourt, a Lufthansa conta com 17 destinos próprios na África e outros 14 destinos disponíveis por meio de voos compartilhados.

Os participantes do programa de milhas Miles & More podem acumular milhas ou resgatá-las para um voo-prêmio em todos os voos operados pela Lufthansa e pela Brussels Airlines.

Air France leiloa assentos nos voos inaugurais do A380

Os voos inaugurais Paris-Nova York e Nova York-Paris, da Air France, com o primeiro A380 entregue a uma companhia europeia e o primeiro a realizar voos transatlânticos, terão 380 assentos de cada trecho leiloados e a renda será revertida a associações apoiadas pela Fondation Air France. O leilão já está disponível para participantes de todas as nacionalidades no site www.ebay.fr , até o dia 21 de outubro.Os voos acontecem no dia 23 de novembro de 2009. Os vencedores do leilão ainda ganharão uma série de prêmios exclusivos.

Tam anuncia próximo acordo: FFP com a British Midland Airways

Após ter divulgado ontem (01/10) o acordo com a Austrian Airlines, para permitir que os membros do programa Tam Fidelidade possam acumular e resgatar pontos em voos operados pela companhia austríaca, a aérea brasileira fecha mais uma parceria do mesmo tipo, Frequent Flyer Programme (FFP), mas desta vez com a British Midland Airways (BMI).

A novidade foi divulgada em entrevista ao Mercado & Eventos pelo vice-presidente Comercial e de Planejamento, Paulo Castello Branco. A Tam pretende fazer o anúncio oficial em três dias. Ambas as companhias já possuíam acordo de code-share assinado em abril.

Mais uma vez a atitude faz parte da estratégia da Tam de integração à Star Alliance. “É um mandatório da Star Alliance o FFP. Já em relação ao code-share não funciona do mesmo jeito. A companhia aérea não é obrigada. No nosso caso, só vamos firmar parcerias com empresas que acreditamos ter sinergia com a Tam e suas rotas, como é o caso de Air China”, explicou.

Na última semana ele esteve nos Estados Unidos para acertar detalhes do code-share que a companhia brasileira fechará com a Continental Airlines, que se integrará à Star Alliance ainda neste mês. “Conversei com o vice-presidente da Continetal mas o acordo só deve entrar em funcionamento mesmo a partir de 2010″, revelou. O dirigente da Tam ainda citou outro code-share futuro, com a japonesa All Nippon Airways (Ana).

Charteres para África do Sul – Outro assunto comentado por Paulo Castello Branco foi a Copa do Mundo de 2010, na África do Sul. Segundo ele, caso a companhia não esteja operando frequências diárias para Johannesburgo, serão programados vários charteres. “Mas o início da rota ainda não foi descartado, apenas adiamos o que havia sido programado. De qualquer forma, caso não comecemos antes da Copa, a saída serão os charteres”, esclareceu.

Submarino Viagens fecha parceria exclusiva com a Azul

O Submarino Viagens oferece em parceria exclusiva com a companhia aérea Azul, passagens aéreas com 15% de desconto para todos os destinos operados pela companhia até as 11h de segunda-feira, dia 5. Além das tarifas promocionais, as passagens podem ser parceladas em até seis vezes sem juros. Os viajantes encontram no site do Submarino Viagens, passagens a partir de R$ 84,15 para Curitiba, Belo Horizonte (R$ 92,65), Porto Alegre (R$ 135,15), Rio de Janeiro (R$ 118,15), Vitória (R$ 152,15), Campo Grande (R$ 160,65), Salvador (R$ 177,65), Recife (R$ 228,65), Maceió (271,15), Manaus (R$ 262,65) e Fortaleza (R$ 279,65).

Informações: http://www.submarinoviagens.com.br/azul.html .

Ocean Air e Locaralpha fecham parceria

Desde primeiro de outubro, a companhia aérea Ocean Air e a locadora Locarapha disponibilizaram o programa Fly & Drive. Passageiros Ocean Air têm 50% de desconto nas diárias (mais taxas e proteção), com quilometragem livre. Para ter o desconto, basta informar o número do ticket ou do Cartão Amigo.As locações deverão atender o perfil do cliente conforme condições contratuais e regulamento do programa disponível nos sites das parceiras. Além dos descontos na locação, os clientes do Programa Fidelidade Ouro Vip da Locaralpha que efetuarem a compra da passagem aérea ganham dez pontos em seu cartão fidelidade.A Ocean Aire também dará uma bonificação aos cliente do Cartão Amigo, serão 50 pontos para cada diária de locação de veículo.

Embraer entrega aeronave CBA 123 restaurada ao MAB

A Embraer entregou ontem, dia 1º de outubro, o primeiro protótipo do avião CBA 123 para o Memorial Aeroespacial Brasileiro (MAB). A cerimônia foi realizada nas instalações do Memorial, localizado nas dependências do Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia Aeroespacial (DCTA), próximo ao Aeroporto de São José dos Campos e da própria Embraer. A aeronave foi recuperada pela Embraer como parte das atividades de comemoração dos 40 anos da Empresa e ficará exposta na área externa do MAB.

“É uma grande honra para a Embraer ver o primeiro protótipo do CBA 123 exposto ao público no Memorial Aeroespacial Brasileiro”, disse Horacio Forjaz, Vice-Presidente Executivo de Assuntos Corporativos da Embraer. “Com esta entrega, garantimos a preservação de mais um importante capítulo da história da indústria aeronáutica brasileira.”

“O Memorial tem apenas cinco anos de existência, mas 2009 ficará marcado em sua história como o ano em que demos um grande passo na ampliação do acervo: recebemos o protótipo número 2 do Bandeirante restaurado pela Embraer; a coleção particular do idealizador e fundador do Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA) e do DCTA, Marechal Casimiro Montenegro Filho; e agora o CBA 123”, disse o Tenente-Brigadeiro-do-Ar Cleonilson Nicácio Silva, Diretor-Geral do Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia Aeroespacial (DCTA).

O evento marcou a conclusão do projeto de recuperação dos dois protótipos do CBA 123, aeronave com capacidade para 19 passageiros desenvolvida pela Embraer no final dos anos 1980. Os trabalhos começaram no início de 2008 e foram realizados por alunos do curso de mecânica geral do Serviço Nacional de Aprendizagem Industrial (SENAI), sendo concluídos no último mês de maio. O segundo protótipo do CBA 123, matrícula PT-ZVB, foi entregue ao Museu Aeroespacial (MUSAL), no Rio de Janeiro, em agosto passado.

Uma oportunidade especial para conhecer o CBA 123 e o restante do acervo do MAB será o próximo sábado, dia 3 de outubro, quando o DCTA abrirá suas portas das 10 às 17 horas para comemorar a Semana da Asa junto à comunidade do Vale do Paraíba. Em homenagem ao Dia do Aviador e da Força Aérea Brasileira, 23 de outubro, haverá apresentações da Esquadrilha da Fumaça e de pára-quedismo, pára-pente e aeromodelismo, além da exposição estática de aeronaves civis e militares, incluindo modelos fabricados pela Embraer.

Rússia evita contrabando de componentes de caças MiG-29 para a Síria

Funcionarios do governo da Rússia, que trabalham no Aeroporto Internacional de Krasnodar, situado a sudeste do país, impediram uma tentativa de contrabando de peças e componentes de caças MiG-29 que estavam seguindo para a Síria.Segundo Tatyana Kuznetsova, que trabalha no aeroporto, a denuncia foi feita por uma pessoa que não quis se identificar, mas que forneceu todos os passos para que os funcionários fizessem o flagrante. Vários suspeitos foram detidos aguardando as investigações da polícia.

Gol amplia oferta de voos em Viracopos (Campinas)

A Gol lançará a partir de 15 de outubro duas novas frequências diárias (voos de ida e volta) que ligarão Porto Alegre (RS) a Salvador (BA) e Recife (PE), passando por Campinas (SP). Com as novas opções, a cidade do interior paulista ganhará quatro novos voos diretos para as capitais do Rio Grande do Sul (dois), Bahia (um) e Pernambuco (um).As passagens já estão disponíveis para compra no site da empresa ou por meio da Central de Relacionamento com os Clientes, no telefone 0300-115-2121 (custo de ligação local).

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) yesterday (September 23) launched its new route connecting the Seattle/Tacoma with Houston (Bush Intercontinental).

Press release:

finance.yahoo.com/news/Alaska-Airlines-Launches-prnews-1642409322.html?x=0&.v=1