7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 30TH 2010)

2010-06-30T05:54:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

ALASKA AIRLINES [AS/ASA] 737-890 N532AS [36346/3318] (6/29)
HAINAN AIRLINES [HU/CHH] 737-84P B-5521 [35766/3313] (6/29) *
CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES [CZ/CSN] A320-232 B-6655 [4350]
PEGASUS AIRLINES [PC/PGT] 737-82R TC-AAZ [40875/3325] (6/29)
PEGASUS AIRLINES [PC/PGT] 737-82R TC-ABP [40876/3326] (6/29)
SUNEXPRESS AIRLINES [XQ/SXS] 737-8HC TC-SNP [40777/3320] (6/29)

* Date amended / corrected *

USED DELIVERIES

AIR BUCHAREST 737-3L9 YR-TIB [27924/2760]
TRAVEL SERVICE [QS/TVS] A320-231 SE-RJN [0169] (6/29) SLF/OPB AIR SWEDEN [SXN]
XL AIRWAYS FRANCE [SE/XLF] A320-231 SX-SMU [0414] (6/29) SLF/OPB VIKING HELLAS [VQ/VKH]

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 29TH 2010)

2010-06-29T06:29:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

AMERICAN EAGLE CRJ-700ER N525AE [10302] (6/28)
INDONESIA AIRASIA A320-216 PK-AXL [4346]
NOUVELAIR A320-214 TS-ING [4347] *
REGIONAL (AIR FRANCE) E-170STD F-HBXJ [312]
SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES A320-214 HZ-ASC [4337]

* Information corrected *

USED DELIVERIES

BRUSSELS AIRLINES A330-322 OO-SFV [095]
BUSINESS AIR 767-341ER HS-BIC [24752/289] (6/22)

AIRLINE / FLEET NEWS

BRUSSELS AIRLINES [DAT/SN] (BELGIUM) expanded its long haul fleet with the addition of an A330-300 (OO-SFV msn 095) leased from International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC). The carrier now has five A330-300s. The first three (GE powered) aircraft (msn 030/037 & 045) were all originally delivered to French domestic airline Air Inter, subsequently being acquired by Sabena and its successor SN Brussels Airlines (renamed Brussels Airlines following the merger with Virgin Express in 2006). The fourth aircraft (msn 082) was originally delivered to Germany's LTU, as was this latest addition. (Both these are PW powered). After LTU, past operators of msn 095 include Skyservice (Canada), sub-leases to the UK's Airtours International and its successor MyTravel, and most recently Malaysia Airlines - since 2004.

BUSINESS AIR [BCC/8B] (THAILAND) started operations on Christmas eve 2009 with a single leased 767-200ER (originally N607UA of United Airlines). It added an ex-Varig 767-300ER in March, followed by its latest -300ER this month (details above in used deliveries section) - also of Varig lineage. Both -300ERs have been leased from Sojitz Aircraft Leasing.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 28TH 2010)

2010-06-28T05:19:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

AFRIQIYAH AIRWAYS A320-214 5A-ONK [4330] *
CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS 777-367ER B-KPR [36163/877] (6/26)
JAPAN AIRLINES 737-846 JA329J [35358/3315] (6/25)
PEGASUS AIRLINES 737-82R TC-AAY [40874/3316] (6/25)
RYANAIR 737-8AS EI-EMO [40283/3318] (6/25)
SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES A330-343 HZ-AQB [1127]

USED DELIVERIES

AEROSUR 737-36N CP-........ [28554/2835] (6/18)
CENTRAL CHARTER AIRLINES SLOVAKIA 737-36M OM-CCA [28333/2810] *
IRAN ASEMAN AIRLINES FOKKER 100 EP-ATD [11387] (6/20)
JEJU AIR 737-8K5 HL8232 [27979/44] (6/27)

SAFI AIRWAYS A320-212 YA-TTC [671] (6/26)
SKY WINGS AIRLINES MD-82 SX-BTL [53232/2108] (6/25)
SWIFTAIR MD-83 EC-LEY [53182/2068] (6/26)

* Corrects previous information

AIRLINE / FLEET NEWS

AFRIQIYAH AIRWAYS [AAW/8U] (LIBYA) took delivery of its second new A320 (5A-ONK msn 4330) this year. The delivery brings the airline's A320 fleet to four, operated alongside three A319s on African, Middle East and European destinations.

AZUL BRAZILIAN AIRLINES [AZU/AD] took delivery of three new Embraer E-195s (details in blog June 25th) on June 24th. AZUL's fleet now consists of eight E-190s and eight E-195s. The airline (the latest venture of former JetBlue CEO David Neeleman) commenced service in December 2008, having ordered a total of 76 Embraer E-195s. By 2009 the airline was average load factors of 79.7% and became the first airline worldwide to board more than 2 million passengers during its first year of operation. The airline is now the 4th largest in Brazil, and holds almost 6% of the domestic market.

JEJU AIR [JJA/7C] (S. KOREA) leased and took delivery of a 737-800 (HL8232 msn 27979/44] from Babcock & Brown. The aircraft was previously operated by TUIfly and its predecessors Hapagfly and Hapag-Lloyd of Germany. The delivery brings the Seoul based carrier's fleet to six leased 737-800s (and five Q400s).

KTHY - CYPRUS TURKISH AIRLINES [KYV/YK] (NORTHERN CYPRUS) suspended all operations June 21st until further notice. Both Pegasus Airlines and AtlasJet of Turkey have been involved in discussions to invest and assist with a resumption of service. Latest information is that neither have been able to secure an agreement, and that KTHY staff are on strike.

KTHY operated a mixed Airbus / Boeing fleet. Four 737-800s were leased from GE Capital/GECAS (2) and Sojitz Aircraft Leasing (2). All were delivered new, and (unusually) were not fitted with blended winglets.

Two A321s were also operated, leased from GECAS (1) and Aviation Capital Group (1). A third was returned to the lessor in February last year.

A sole A320 had been sub-leased from Turkish airline Turkuaz Airlines since March last year.

KTHY was established in late 1974, and commenced scheduled services in February 1975 from its base in the Turkish sector of Nicosia. Early operations utilized a leased fleet of 707s, 727-200s and DC-9s, and by the mid 1990s Airbus A310s. 727-200s were phased out in 2002, replaced by the long term leasing of 737-800s. Longer term plans announced in 2009 called for an expanded fleet of up to 12 aircraft by 2012, however increasing financial burdens capped fleet size to seven aircraft at the time operations were suspended. Any resumption of service is likely to be under an entirely new AOC.

MINT AIRWAYS [MIC] (SPAIN) added a second leased 757-200 (EC-LHL msn 24544/280) to its fleet June 25th on lease from International Lease Finance Corp (ILFC) - on behalf of aircraft owner - San Francisco, CA based Triton Aviation. Mint commenced ACMI service a year ago from its Madrid Barajas Airport base. (http://www.mint-airways.com/).

TUNISAIR [TAR/TU] took a delivery of a new A320 (TS-IMR msn 4344) June 25th, its first new A320 since 2002. Its A320 fleet now numbers 13 (including one leased out), as well as four A319s. Tunisair was an early customer for the A320, with eight of its aircraft built and delivered between 1990 and 1995.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 25TH 2010)

2010-06-25T08:16:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

AZUL E-195LR PR-AYF [353] (6/24)
AZUL E-195LR PR-AYG [356] (6/24)
AZUL E-195LR PR-AYH [361] (6/24)
IBERIA A340-642 EC-LEU [960] Delivered after storage since July 2009
SINGAPORE AIRLINES A330-343 9V-STO [1132]
TUNIS AIR A320-214 TS-IMR [4344]
WESTJET 737-8CT C-GWSX [36696/3314] (6/24)

USED DELIVERIES

BULGARIAN AIR CHARTER MD-82 LZ-LDM [53228/2104]
DELTA AIR LINES MD-90 N926DN [53588/2248] (6/22)
MINT AIRWAYS 757-28A EC-LHL [24544/280]
SKY AIRLINES 737-83N TC-SKS [32348/933] (6/24)

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 24TH 2010)

2010-06-24T18:08:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

AIR CHINA 737-86N B-5510 [36548/3312] (6/23)
CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES 737-89P B-5515 [36769/3311] (6/23)
JETSTAR AIRWAYS A320-232 VH-VGP [4343]
SKYMARK AIRLINES 737-82Y JA737Z [40712/3308]

USED DELIVERIES

MEDALLION AIR MD-83 YR-HBE [49396/1305] (6/22)
MEXICANACLICK 717-2BL N912ME [55175/125] (6/25)
PASSAREDO ERJ-145LU PR-PSJ [145351]

AIRLINE FLEET NEWS

MEXICANACLICK [CBE/QA] dba AEROCARIBE leased and took delivery of its 19th ex-Midwest Airlines Boeing 717 from Boeing Capital. An additional six aircraft will complete the lease order. The 717s will replace all Fokker 100s, of which some eight or so remain in service.

SKYMARK AIRLINES [SKY/BC] (JAPAN) took delivery of its 13th leased 737-800, also the first delivery (of two) to Japanese lessor MC Aviation (Boeing code 2Y). Tokyo Haneda based Skymark commenced service in September 1998 on scheduled regional services, as well as international charters, following Japanese aviation deregulation. Initially the fleet plan revolved around six 767-300ERs, however these proved too large and all were returned to lessors by April 2009. The larger 737-800 fleet has enabled greater service frequency and flexibility for Skymark. Lessors include Aviation Capital Group (2), Babcock & Brown (2), BOC Aviation (1), GECAS (6) and ILFC (1).

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 23RD 2010)

2010-06-23T06:23:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES A320-232 B-6673 [4340]
LUFTHANSA CITYLINE E-190LR D-AECF [359]
REGIONAL E-170STD F-HBXI [310] OPF AIR FRANCE

USED DELIVERIES

ONUR AIR A330-342 TC-OCB [098]

AIRLINE NEWS

ONUR AIR [OHY/8Q] (TURKEY) has taken delivery of two (of three planned) leased A330-300s this month. P&W powered msn 072 (ex-Iberworld) was delivered June 18th as TC-OCA, while R&R powered msn 098 (ex-Dragonair) was delivered from Hong Kong today as TC-OCB. A third ex-Malaysian aircraft will complete the trio shortly, all three being leased from Los Angeles, CA based International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC) for five years.

ATLASJET [KKK/KK] (TURKEY) has also acquired its first A330. An ex-Swiss International A330-223 (TC-ETP msn 343] was leased from Aircastle June 14th. It joins a fleet of A320s/A321s and 757-200s.

VIRGIN AMERICA [VRD/VX] (USA) is to lease four ex-Jazeera Airways A320s from the latter airline's leasing division Sahaab Aircraft Leasing Company. The first (msn 3656) has been recently ferried to Miami, FL for pre-delivery work. Virgin America currently has 10 A319s and 18 A320s in service. In March (Virgin America (March 22nd), VRD announced plans to acquire nine additional A320s, including six for delivery in 2010.

JETBLUE AIRWAYS [JBU/B6] (USA) meanwhile is to acquire seven additional A320s on lease from GE Capital (GECAS). All seven were originally delivered new to JetBlue, and were then sold to now bankrupt Blue Wings of Germany, where they have operated for the last six years. JetBlue currently operates 110 A320s (and 41 E-190s).

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 22ND 2010)

2010-06-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

AIR CHINA A330-343 B-6513 [1130]
AMERICAN AIRLINES 737-823 N842NN [31099/3307] (6/21)
GOVERNMENT OF KUWAIT A319-100CJ 9K-GEA [3957] Re-delivery following interior outfitting at Dallas Love Field, TX
HONG KONG AIRLINES A330-223 B-LNC [1031] (6/21)
ROYAL BRUNEI AIRLINES 777-212ER V8-BLB [30872/398] (6/21)

USED DELIVERIES

AIR ALLIANCE FOKKER 100 VH-XWQ [11300] (6/21)
BULGARIAN AIR CHARTER MD-82 LZ-LDE [53221/2079]
ENTER AIR 737-4Q8 SP-ENC [25376/2689] (6/18)
ICELAND EXPRESS 757-28A G-STRX [25621/457] (6/21) SLF/OPB ASTRAEUS

AIRLINE NEWS

HEWA BORA AIRWAYS [ALX/EO] (CONGO) MD-80 (9Q-COQ msn 49176/1120) was damaged beyond repair following an aborted take off, and subsequent runway excursion, at Kinshasa (June 21st). See report in the Aviation Herald for more details, and photos: Hewa Bora MD-80 accident - June 21st 2010

HONG KONG AIRLINES [CRK/HX] took delivery of its first Airbus A330-200. The airline has an additional 22 A330-200s on order, as well as A320s. Part of the Hainan Airlines / HNA Group of China, the aircraft livery reflect the group's corporate colors. The A330 will enter service between Hong Kong and Moscow later this month.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 21ST 2010)

2010-06-21T04:21:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES
CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES A330-223 B-6516 [1129] (6/19)
MEA - MIDDLE EAST AIRLINES A320-232 F-OMRN [4339]
PRIVATE/VIP E-190BJ M-SBAH [225] (6/19)
SPRING AIRLINES A320-214 B-6705 [4331]
THAI AIRASIA A320-216 HS-ABO [4333] (6/19)

USED DELIVERIES

CARPATAIR FOKKER 70 YR-KMC [11569] (6/14)
MAGNICHARTERS 737-322 XA-...... [24455/1752] (6/17)
MERIDIANA FLY A319-112 I-EEZQ [588] (6/20)
ROYAL BRUNEI 777-212ER V8-BLC [28524/350] (6/18)
TRANSAERO 777-212ER EI-UNU [28998/149] (6/16)
TRANSAVIA AIRLINES 737-8EH PH-GGW [35831/3165] LF GOL AIRLINES
TRAVEL SERVICE 737-8CX OK-TVO [32360/1084] (6/22)

AIRLINE NEWS

TRAVEL SERVICE AIRLINES [TVS/QS] (CZECH REPUBLIC) leased an ex-GOL Airlines 737-800 (OK-TVO msn 32360/1084) from Macquarie Aviation. This is the seventh 737-800 leased and / or wet leased by the Prague based charter airline for summer 2010, including delivery of two newly ordered aircraft direct from Boeing. Travel Service now has 16 737-800s (five leased out), and four wet leased A320s in its fleet.

UTAIR [UTA/UT] (RUSSIA) leased two ex-Finnair 757-200s (VQ-BEY/BEZ msn 29382/29377) from International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC). These are the first 757s to be operated by UTair, and they join western jet equipment comprising three CRJ-100/200s (13 more used aircraft due to be acquired from Lufthansa CityLine), 14 ex-Continental 737-500s (more being added) and one (recently leased) 737-400 (with three more due shortly). A variety of Soviet era jets such as TU-134s and TU-154s are also operated domestically, with phase out slated by or before 2015.

OTHER NEWS

CT AEROSPACE (USA) acquired 737-600 msn 28303/257 from PriceWaterhouseCoopers, administrators to bankrupt airline Flyglobespan (ceased operations December 16th 2009). At the time of bankruptcy, the aircraft was on lease to Egypt's Midwest Airlines, having originally been delivered new to SAS in April 1999 and acquired by Flyglobespan in May 2005. The aircraft was ferried to Kemble, UK on May 4th, where it will now be parted out for spares. This is the first 737NG to be permanently retired.

The life of Boeing 737-683 msn 28303/257...in pictures

Delivered new to SAS April 30th 1999 as SE-DNU

Acquired by Flyglobespan May 18th 2005 as G-CDKT

Leased to Midwest Airlines March 20th 2009 as SU-MWC

Retired at Kemble, UK May 2010...to be parted out for spares

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 18TH 2010)

2010-06-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES A321-231 B-6661 [4341]
CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES A321-231 B-6663 [4338]
GOL AIRLINES 737-8EH PR-GUB [35832/3309] 6/17
SPICEJET 737-8GJ VT-SGG [36368/3310]
TAM AIRLINES A330-223 PT-MVT [1118] 6/17

USED DELIVERIES

ONUR AIR A330-322 TC-OCA [072]

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 17TH 2010)

2010-06-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES 737-86N B-5516 [39389/3304] 6/16

USED DELIVERIES

AIR NORTH 737-48E C-FANB [25764/2314]
ASTRAEUS 757-28A OH-AFK [25622/530] 6/15 SLF/OPB AIR FINLAND
BULGARIAN AIR CHARTER MD-82 LZ-LDI [53226/2087] 6/15
CAA - COMPAGNIE AFRICAINE D'AVIATION A320-212 N190AT [438] 6/16
EASYJET 757-256 G-ZAPX [29309/936] 6/16 LF/OPB TITAN AIRWAYS
FEDEX 757-28A N928FD [24369/226] 6/16. Acq from BBAM, for freight conversion

AIRLINE NEWS

AEROSUR [RSU/5L] (BOLIVIA) is to lease a 737-400 (msn 25663/2382) from GE Capital (GECAS). The aircraft's other previous operators are Aloha (new), Star Europe, Jet Airways and most recently Garuda. Aerosur's all Boeing jet fleet includes one 727-100 (stored), 13 727-200s (four stored), two 737-300s, one 767-200ER and one 747-400.

AIR NORTH [ANT/4N] (CANADA) acquired its first 737-400 (C-FANB msn 25764/2314) from AerCo Ltd. The aircraft has previously operated with Asiana (new), Varig, US Dept. of Justice and Olympic Airlines, and has been stored at Goodyear, AZ since September 2009. It joins a fleet of three 737-200s and four HS748 turboprops.

CAA - COMPAGNIE AFRICAINE D'AVIATION [FPY/E9] (CONGO) leased an A320 (N190AT msn 438) from AeroTurbine. The aircraft has been stored since October 2008 following the failure of its last operator - LTE International Airlines of Spain. Its only previous operator was Gulf Air, who received the aircraft new in 1993. CAA's existing jet fleet comprises four MD-80s.

MERIDIANA FLY [ISS/IG] (ITALY) is to lease two additional A320s (EI-EZS/EZT msn 1823/1896). Both aircraft were previously operated by JetBlue, and most recently Blue Wings of Germany. Meridiana Fly's A320 fleet will number 12 following the latest additions. Also operated are four A319s (with a fifth due 6/10), three A330-200s, and 19 MD-80s. Meridiana Fly (June 3rd 2010)

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 16TH 2010)

2010-06-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

AIR BERLIN A321-211 D-ABCC [4334]
AIR BERLIN 737-86J D-ABKL [37754/3306]
SWISS INTERNATIONAL AIR LINES A330-343 HB-JHG [1101]

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 15TH 2010)

2010-06-15T17:02:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

ANA-ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS 777-381ER JA787A [37949/870] 6/12
CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES A320-232 B-6652 [4290] 6/12
DELTA AIR LINES 737-8KN [31765/3302] 6/14 ST BBAM, LT FLYDUBAI A6-FDI
GARUDA INDONESIA 737-8U3 PK-GMN [30146/3303]
HONG KONG AIRLINES 737-84P B-KBU [37953/3299] 6/11 SLF HAINAN AIRLINES
INDIGO AIRLINES A320-232 VT-IGS [4328]
KLM-ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES 737-7K2 PH-BGK [38054/3292] 6/12
TAM AIRLINES A320-214 PR-MYG [4320] 6/14

USED DELIVERIES

AIR ALLIANCE FOKKER 100 VH-XWN [11278] 6/14
ATLASJET A330-223 TC-ETP [343] 6/14
BUKOVYNA AIRLINES MD-82 UR-BXL [49512/1548] 6/11
EASYJET 757-23A G-OJIB [24292/219] 6/14 SLF/OPB ASTRAEUS
HELVETIC AIRWAYS FOKKER 100 HB-JVH [11324]
INTERJET A320-214 XA-BIC [3374] 6/9
TRAVEL SERVICE 737-8AS YR-BIB [29926/722] 6/12 SLF BLUE AIR
UTAIR 757-2Q8 VQ-BEY [29382/1010] 6/7
WHITE A320-214 CS-TQO [548] 6/11

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 11TH 2010)

2010-06-11T11:26:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

AIR CHINA A320-232 B-6676 [4317]
AIR CHINA 737-86N B-5509 [36547/3300]
AIR EUROPA E-195LR EC-LFZ [0357] 6/10
AMERICAN AIRLINES 737-823 N841NN [30914/3298] *
GOL AIRLINES 737-8EH PR-GUA [37601/3301]
LUFTHANSA A319-112 D-AIBC [4332]

USED DELIVERIES

EASYJET 757-28A OH-AFJ [26269/612] (SLF AIR FINLAND)
ISRAIR A320-211 4X-ABH [0426] *
NESMA AIRLINES A320-232 SU-NMA [1697]
ROYAL FALCON A319-112 JY-JRE [1124]
TAILWIND AIRLINES 737-4Q8 TC-TLE [27628/2858]
THOMAS COOK AIRLINES A320-232 G-TCAC [1411] 6/9
UTAIR 757-2Q8 VQ-BEZ [29377/857]

* Corrected / Amended

AIRLINE NEWS

EASYJET [EZY/U2] (UNITED KINGDOM) sub-leased a 757-200 (OH-AFJ msn 26269/612) from Air Finland for the 2010 summer season. Operated in full EasyJet colors, the aircraft is expected to mostly fly from Liverpool and Manchester. EasyJet currently operates 137 A319s, 24 A320s, 4 A321s and 7 737-700s.

FEDEX EXPRESS [FDX/FX] (USA) acquired its first ex-British Airways 757 (N946FD msn 24398/224 ex G-CPEL) for freight conversion. The aircraft, one of a number being purchased from BA, ferried London-Gatwick to Victorville, CA June 10th/11th for temporary storage. FedEx now has 22 757-200Fs in service, and 13 awaiting conversion. The airline expects to acquire up to 90 757s in total.

GAINJET AVIATION [GNJ] (GREECE) added an ex-Hola Airlines 737-300 (SX-MTF msn 23774/1443) to its fleet, on lease from CIT Aerospace. Athens based GainJet is a private charter operator and management company operating executive / VIP configured airliners and business jets. The current fleet consists of seven Gulfstream G200s, one long range Gulfstream G550, one MD-83, one 737-300 (above) and one 757-200.

GERMANIA [GMI/ST] (GERMANY) ordered five Airbus A319s at the ILA air show in Berlin. Germania (based in Berlin) operates charter and wet lease services with a fleet of 737-300s, -700s and Fokker 100s. Created in 1978 as Special Air Transport - known as SAT, the airline re-branded and re-named itself Germania in 1986. This is the companies first order for Airbus aircraft.

ISRAIR [ISR/6H] (ISRAEL) leased an A320 (4X-ABH msn 0426) from Volito Aviation. The former Air Comet aircraft has been stored since September 2009 at Perpignan, France. Prior to Air Comet service, the A320 was delivered new to Air Canada in June 1993. Israir has mostly leased Boeing aircraft in the past, however it has previously sub-leased two A320s from Latvian carrier SmartLynx Airlines, the last of which is being replaced by this aircraft, plus a new A320 on order. (This report previously quoted the leased A320 as msn 0289, corrected June 25th).

TAILWIND AIRLINES [TWI] (TURKEY) leased a fifth ex-Alaska Airlines 737-400 (TC-TLE msn 27628/2958) from International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC). The Istanbul and Antalya based charter and wet lease specialist commenced operations in May 2009. The airline is a British / Turkish joint venture.

(This blog will next publish Tuesday June 15th)

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 10TH 2010)

2010-06-10T16:32:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

ARIK AIR A330-223 5N-EIA [1002] (Delivered to HSH Nordbank & Stored July 2009)
KOREAN AIR 777-3B5ER HL8209 [37646/875] 6/9
SHANDONG AIRLINES 737-86N B-5513 [36546/3293]
SICHUAN AIRLINES A320-232 B-6700 [4326]

USED DELIVERIES

FEDEX 757-236 N946FD [24398/224] (For freight conversion)
ICELAND EXPRESS 757-258 G-STRZ [27622/745] 6/7 SUB-LEASE
MAT - MACEDONIAN AIRLINES 737-529 Z3-AAM 25249/2145
MIDWEST AIRLINES 737-86N SU-MWD [28591/233]
SUN COUNTRY AIRLINES 737-7Q8 N712SY [28219/183] 6/9
THY - TURKISH AIRLINES A330-243 G-WWBM [398] SUB-LEASE
VIKING AIRLINES 737-86Q C-FEAK [30292/1451] SUB-LEASE
YAKUTIA AIRLINES 737-85F VQ-BOY [28825/188] *

* Corrected / Amended

AIRLINE NEWS

AEROLINEAS ARGENTINAS [ARG/AR] has announced plans to introduce an entirely new livery (as modeled on the above A340 illustration). The new corporate look will also apply to domestic subsidiary Austral. Implementation timelines are expected shortly.

AEROFLOT RUSSIAN AIRLINES [AFL/SU] plans to order up to 50 or more Boeing 737s to replace its older aircraft. Although Aeroflot leased a number of 737-400s in the 1990s, over the last decade it has built up a fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft, currently operating 15 A319s, 33 A320s and 16 A321s (64 Total).

CARGOLUX [CLX/CV] (LUXEMBOURG) will introduce a new livery on its Boeing 747-8F freighters. The colors were painted by Boeing onto the airline's first (of 13 on order) 747-8F, currently in flight test. First delivery is planned for the fourth quarter of this year. Cargolux currently operates 15 747-400Fs, with one ex-Air France aircraft also due to be leased shortly.

FINNAIR [FIN/AY] ordered five A321s to replace four 757s recently returned off lease (to ILFC). Finnair has operated seven 757s (its only Boeing aircraft) on lease since the late 90s. The aircraft are used for leisure routes, in particular to the Canary Islands. The A321s, which will be fitted with Sharklets (Airbus' new winglet design) arrive from 2013, with the order replacing a previous commitment for two A330s.

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES [HAL/HA] (USA) introduced the A330-200 into commercial service between Honolulu and Los Angeles on Saturday June 5th, operating HA2 HNL-LAX, returning HA1 LAX-HNL the same day. The second A330 delivered (N381HA - pictured above on delivery at Honolulu May 29th) operated the service.

Hawaiian Airlines A330-200 N381HA being prepared at HNL for its first commercial service to Los Angeles, CA

ROYAL FALCON [RFJ/RZ] (JORDAN) is to acquire its first Airbus aircraft, an ex-National Air Services A319 (JY-JRE msn 1124). RFJ specializes in charter services from its Amman base, as well as specialty VIP services. The existing fleet includes a 737-400 (pictured above), a 767-200ER and -300ER.

TAM AIRLINES [TAM/JJ] (BRAZIL) ordered an additional 20 A320s and five A350s at the ILA Berlin air show. TAM's A320 family fleet currently numbers 110: 24 A319s, 81 A320s and 5 A321s.

TAM A330-200 in '2010 Soccer World Cup' colors

The current Airbus widebody fleet at TAM includes 17 A330-200s and two A340-500s. An additional 3 A330-200s are on order, while A350 commitments total 27.

YAKUTIA AIRLINES [SUL/R3] (RUSSIA) leased and took delivery of its first 737-800 (VQ-BOY msn 28825/188) on lease from AerCap. The former Air Berlin aircraft joins Yakutia's western fleet comprising of one 737-700 and five 757-200s.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 9TH 2010)

2010-06-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

COMLUX AVIATION MALTA A318-112E 9H-AFT [4169]
OMAN AIR A330-243 A4O-DF [1120]
QATAR AIRWAYS 777-FDZ A7-BFB [36100/874]
WIZZ AIR A320-232 HA-LWC [4323]

USED DELIVERIES

GAINJET 737-329 SX-MTF [23774/1443]

7SEAS AVIATION

2010-06-08T10:33:00.000-07:00

FLYDUBAI [FDB/FZ] UNITED ARAB EMIRATES...First Anniversay...

June 1st 2009 saw the launch of Dubai's low cost carrier (LCC) FlyDubai, with a 737-800 service from Dubai to Beirut, Lebanon and Amman, Jordan the following day.

The airline was founded in March 2008 by Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Chairman of Emirates. FlyDubai is not a part of the Emirates Hroup, but did however receive start up assistance and support.

The Boeing 737-800 was chosen as the single type/series to be operated by the company, and orders for 50 were placed on July 14th 2008 at the UK's Farnborough International Air Show. The orders can be amended to the larger 737-900ER if required, although this option has not been taken up thus far.

Eight 737-8KNs ('KN' is FlyDubai's Boeing assigned original customer code) have been delivered so far, although four of these were originally intended for OK Airways (China) (2) and Delta Air Lines (2).

17 destinations in Africa and Asia are now served by FlyDubai, with the first European service (Istanbul, Turkey) due to commence later this month.

Local competitors include Sharjah, UAE based Air Arabia and Kuwait's Jazeera Airways (both operating A320s).

Dubai's ruler yesterday stipulated a more than double increase in FlyDubai's capital to Dh500m ($136M USD), further increasing the Government's investment in their wholly owned LCC. Substantial route and fleet development is therefore expected to continue during FDB's second operational year.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 8TH 2010)

2010-06-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

DELTA AIR LINES 737-89P [29653/3294] SOLD AVIATION CAPITAL GROUP, LEASED CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES B-5517 *
IBEX AIRLINES CRJ-700ER JA06RJ [10303] ANA CONNECTION 6/4
GULF AIR A320-214 A9C-AI [4255]
PEGASUS AIRLINES 737-82R TC-AAV [40696/3295]
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES 737-7H4 N948WN [36662/3296] 6/7

* Corrected / Amended

USED DELIVERIES

ANDES AIRLINES CRJ-900ER LV-CFD [15064] 6/7
FLYLAL CHARTERS 737-3L9 LY-FLE [27061/2347]
TRAVEL SERVICE 737-8K5 OK-TVP [32907/1117]

AIRLINE NEWS

CENTRAL CHARTER AIRLINES SLOVAKIA is a new division of the Central Connect Airlines Group (CCG) that will soon commence service in Slovakia with an ex-Air China 737-300 (OM-CCA msn 28333/2810), on lease from GE Capital (GECAS). The airline follows CCG's recent creation of a Czech Republic based airline last month, also flying a 737-300.

AEROREPUBLICA [RPB/P5] (COLOMBIA) is to lease a 737-700 (msn 30049/388) from parent company COPA Airlines (Panama). An additional 737 is expected to follow, as part of RPB's plan to modernize its fleet, principally by phasing out remaining MD-80s.

EMIRATES [UAE/EK] (DUBAI/UAE) ordered an additional 32 Airbus A380s at the Berlin ILA air show, giving it an eventual fleet of 90. The carrier recently received its 10th new A380. Total A380 orders now stand at 234.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 7TH 2010)

2010-06-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

AIR BERLIN A320-214 D-ABFF [4329]
EMIRATES A380-861 A6-EDJ [009]
SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES A320-214 HZ-AS33 [4314]

USED DELIVERIES

ASTRAEUS 737-33A G-STRI [25011/2012] (6/5)
CYPRUS AIRWAYS A320-232 5B-DCJ [2108] (6/5)
KENYA AIRWAYS E-170ST 5Y-KYG [141] (6/5)
RWANDAIR 737-55D 9XR-WD [27416/2389]

NEWS

CYPRUS AIRWAYS [CYP/CY] leased an A320 (5B-DCJ msn 2108) from CIT Aerospace, its third this year from the same source. Two aircraft were delivered in February, one new (4197) and one used (2359, ex-US Airways). The latest addition is ex-Air VIA, who has recently received new aircraft. Cyprus was one of the first customers to receive IAE powered A320-231s in 1989/1990. All four original aircraft (msn 028/035/037 and 038) have now been retired.

EMIRATES [UAE/EK] (DUBAI/UAE) took delivery of its 10th A380 (A6-EDJ msn 009). This particular aircraft was built in 2006 and used as test aircraft by Airbus, prior to refurbishment and preparation for delivery to Emirates. This is the 30th A380 delivered and puts Emirates on a par with Singapore Airlines, both of whom now have 10 each. Other operators include Qantas (six), Air France (three) and Lufthansa (one).

TRANSAERO [TSO/UN] (RUSSIA) is to acquire an ex-Air India 777-200ER (EI-UNV msn 28714/205 ex VT-AIK / N205UA). Like Transaero's existing 777 fleet (1 x 777-200, 2 x 777-200ER), the aircraft was originally delivered new to United Airlines. Transaero will also acquire four or more ex-Singapore Airlines 777-200ERs later this year, part of a fleet renewal program aimed at phasing out its 747 classics.

THOMAS COOK AIRLINES [TCX/MT] (UNITED KINGDOM) will again lease A320 (G-TCAC msn 1411) from RBS Aviation later this month. This aircraft has seen extensive previous service in the UK with MyTravel and Thomas Cook, most recently being operated by now bankrupt Skyservice Airlines of Canada. Thomas Cook's 2010 summer fleet of A320s will number 11 aircraft (plus one leased to Condor).

7SEAS AVIATION

NEW DELIVERIES (JUNE 1ST-6TH)

2010-06-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

AIRBUS

BRITISH AIRWAYS A320-232 G-EUYI [4306] (6/3)
DRAGONAIR A320-232 B-HSP [4247] (6/1)
EASYJET A319-111 G-EZFV [4327] (6/4)
HONG KONG AIRLINES A330-223 B-LND [1042] (6/4)
JETSTAR AIRWAYS A320-232 VH-VGQ [4303] (6/2)
LUFTHANSA A320-214 D-AIZG [4324] (6/2)
MEXICANA A319-112 N275MX [4275] (6/1)
VIETNAM AIRLINES A321-231 VN-A367 [4315] (6/1)

BOEING

AEROLOGIC 777-FZN D-AALE [36198/872] (6/2)
AMERICAN AIRLINES 737-823 N840NN [33518/3291] (6/4)
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES 737-7H4 N947WN [36924/3290] (6/1)

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 4TH 2010)

2010-06-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

BLUE1 [BLF/KF] (FINLAND) will replace its MD-90s and Avro RJ85s with Boeing 717s from this fall, at the same time introducing a new livery. Nine ex-Quantum Air (5) and Spanair (4) 717s will be acquired in total.

CARGOITALIA [CRG/2G] (ITALY) leased a third MD-11 freighter (EI-EMS msn 48766/600) from Boeing Capital. The ex-Finnair passenger aircraft was recently freight converted at Singapore, and joins two MD-11Fs leased from Pegasus Aviation.

HONG KONG AIRLINES [CRK/HX] has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330-200 (B-LND msn 1042). One of several A330s built for Air Comet (but not delivered due to bankruptcy December 21st last year), this is the first widebody for Hong Kong Airlines. It will be utilized on medium haul services to the Middle East and Australia. The airline has a further 14 A330-200s are on order or option.

JET2 [EXS/LS] (UK) has added its 10th 757-200 (G-LSAK msn 27973/735) to its fleet. The ex-ATA Airlines aircraft has been stored at Victorville, CA since April 2008. Jet2 is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Dart Group, engaged in low cost (LCC) services from its base at Leeds Bradford, as well as other northern UK airports. The airline this week also announced plans to add scheduled service from Newcastle to New York (Newark) from this December.

KENYA AIRWAYS [KQA/KQ] is to shortly lease two E-170s (5Y-KYG/KYL msn 141/146) from Finnair for four years. Kenya currently operates three leased (from GECAS) E-170s on domestic and regional routes.

RWANDAIR [RWD/WB] (RWANDA) is to lease two ex-LOT - Polish Airlines 737-500s (msn 27416/417) from GE Capital (GECAS). The airline currently operates one wet-leased (from Air Malawi) 737-500, and two CRJ-200s.

SUN COUNTRY AIRLINES [SCX/SY] (USA) is to lease an ex-GOL Airlines 737-700 (N712SY msn 28219/183) from International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC). The airline's all 737 fleet will then number three -700s and six -800s. Additional aircraft are wet leased during the winter (snowbird) season.

SUNEXPRESS [SXS/XQ] (TURKEY) leased an ex-Air India Express 737-800 (TC-SNM msn 33023/1682) from CIT Aerospace. The airline now operates 21 737-800s, a mixture of new and used aircraft.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 3RD 2010)

2010-06-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

AIR ARABIA EGYPT [.../E5] commended low cost services from its Alexandria base June 1st. This is third Air Arabia airline division, with the original carrier based in Sharjah, UAE along with Air Arabia Morocco. Air Arabia is also in the process of setting up a Jordanian based affiliate. The Egyptian affiliate initially operates two A320s (SU-AAA/AAB msn 2764/3152) sub-leased from Air Arabia.

AIR NIGERIA [VGN/VK] is the new name for Nigerian Eagle Airlines, itself re-branded from Virgin Nigeria last year. New Chairman - Mr. Jimoh Abrahim - following a recent acquisition of shares in the company, announced the name change yesterday, as well as plans to double the existing fleet. Air Nigeria currently operates three 737-300s, leased from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), and two owned E-190LRs

MERIDIANA FLY [ISS/IG] (ITALY) leased a 10th A320 (EI-EZR msn 1198) from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). The ex-USA 3000 aircraft is the sixth to be sourced from GECAS, while three are leased from RBS Aviation and one from Macquarie Aviation. Meridiana Fly was formed and named effective February 28th this year following the merger of Eurofly and Meridiana.

ONUR AIR [OHY/8Q] (TURKEY) leased a third A320 (TC-OBH msn 1482) this Spring, giving it five in total for this summer. The latest (ex-Mandala Airlines) example is leased from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), as are four others, with one leased from Pegasus Aviation. Onur Air, since commencing operations in 1992, has operated a total of 20 different A320s, typically up to half a dozen at any given time. The Istanbul based airline also operates A321s, A330s and MD-83s.

SRILANKAN AIRLINES [ALK/UL] will lease one of two recently returned ex-BMI A330-200s (see also THY below). The RR powered aircraft (msn 404 ex G-WWBB) is to be leased from International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC) imminently, and joins four others in the fleet (one leased from Aircastle, three owned).

THY - TURKISH AIRLINES [THY/TK] is to wet-lease A330-200 (msn 398 ex G-WWBM) from BMI for nine months, starting later this month. The aircraft will be operated by BMI flight deck crews, with THY cabin staff. THY already operates seven A330-200s, five of which were delivered new, along with two ex-Qatar Airways aircraft leased from GECAS. Ten new A330-300s are on order.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (JUNE 1ST 2010)

2010-06-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

ARIK AIR [ARA/W3] (Nigeria) will shortly take delivery of its first A330-200 (5N-EIA msn 1002). The aircraft is being leased from boutique Irish lessor Amentum Aircraft Leasing, on behalf of owner HSH Nordbank.

The A330 was intended for (now bankrupt) Air Comet of Spain, and has been stored at Chateauroux, France, painted in Arik Air c/s since April.

A330-200 5N-EIA on its delivery / first visit to London Heathrow June 10th 2010

INTERJET [AIJ] (Mexico) leased its 17th A320 (XA-MLR msn 2227), an ex-Vueling Airlines example, leased from Aviation Capital Group (4th from ACG). This is the first aircraft added to the Toluca, Mexico City based LCCs fleet since 2008.

KALITTA AIR [CKS/K4] (USA) acquired a 747-400 (N767CK msn 24886/825 Ex JA8080) from Japan Airlines (JAL). The aircraft is currently at Kalitta's Oscoda, MI base, pending freight conversion. JAL currently has an additional six 747-400 (Pax) aircraft stored, along with a further 29 (of which eight are -400Ds) remaining in service.

ROYAL BRUNEI AIRLINES [RBA/BI] took delivery today of its first 777-200ER (V8-BLA msn 30871/378 Ex 9V-SVF), leased from Singapore Airlines aircraft.

RBA has for some time been looking to add used 777s to its fleet to service higher capacity routes, as well more longe range non-stop service. The 777 joins an existing long haul fleet of six 767-300ERs.

VARIGLOG [VLO/LC] (Brazil) leased a 757-200F (PR-LGN msn 25597/441) from Aviation Capital Group. The aircraft was converted to a freighter late last year at Jacksonville, FL (VQQ). Past (pax) operators include (from new) LTE, LTU-Sud, Air Europa, Iberia, Cebu Pacific and Girjet.

VarigLOG now operates two 757-200Fs, although it has in the past operated five additional aircraft, all subsequently returned to lessors over the last two years.

7SEAS AVIATION

NEW DELIVERIES MAY 22ND-31ST

2010-05-31T09:53:00.000-07:00

AIRBUS

AIR ARABIA A320-214 A6-ABU [4310] (5/27)
AIR CHINA A321-213 B-6665 [4318] (5/27)
AIR VIA A320-232 LZ-MDD [4305] (5/27)
CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES B-6656 [4322] (5/29)
EMIRATES A380-861 A6-EDI [028] (5/28)
HAWAIIAN AIR A330-243 N381HA [1114] (5/29)
INDIGO AIRLINES A320-232 VT-IGL [4312] (5/31)
SHENZHEN AIRLINES A320-214 B-6649 [4208] (5/26)
SPIRIT AIRLINES A320-232 N603NK [4321] (5/28)
THAI AIRASIA A320-216 HS-ABN [4302] (5/22)

BOEING

AIR INDIA 777-337ER VT-ALT [36318/871] (5/24)
ALASKA AIRLINES 737-890 N531AS [35199/3287] (5/27)
AMERICAN AIRLINES 737-823 N839NN [29557/3282] (5/28)
DELTA AIR LINES 737-8FZ [29659/3280] (5/28) SOLD TO SHANDONG AIRLINES B-5526
GARUDA INDONESIA 737-8U3 PK-GMM [30145/3285] (5/29)
JAPAN AIRLINES 737-846 JA328J [35357/3279] (5/25)
JET AIRWAYS 737-85R VT-JBR [36695/3281] (5/25)
RYANAIR 737-8AS EI-EML [38513/3283] (5/25)
RYANAIR 737-8AS EI-EMM [38514/3284] (5/27)
RYANAIR 737-8AS EI-EMN [38515/3286] (5/27)
VIRGIN BLUE 737-8FE VH-VUV [37821/3288] (5/28)

EMBRAER

LOT - POLISH AIRLINES E-175LR SP-LIL [306] (5/28)
LOT - POLISH AIRLINES E-175LR SP-LIM [311] (5/28)
BA CITYFLYER E-190LR G-LCYM [351] (5/27)
TIANJIN AIRLINES E-190LR B-3167 [352] (5/27)

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS

2010-05-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

AVIATION NEWS - MAY 27TH

AIR MEDITERRANEE [BIE/DR] (FRANCE) will shortly add a 737-500 (F-HCOA msn 28084/2788) to its all-Airbus A320 family fleet. Leased from ORIX Aviation, the aircraft has been stored at Chateauroux, France since December 2008, following the bankruptcy of previous operator Sterling Airlines.

AIR VIA [VIM/VL] (BULGARIA) leased and took delivery of two new A320s (LZ-MDC/MDD msn 4270/4305) on lease from CIT Aerospace. Its existing fleet of three A320s (1 leased from BOC Aviation, 2 from Macquarie Aviation) has not been added to since May 2007. Sofia based Air VIA is a charter operator that was established in 1990, and for its first decade operated Tupolev TU-154s before deciding on the A320 as a replacement.

STUFF...

The best airlines in the world (Skytrax)...and not a US or UK airline among them! Asiana wins 2010
World Airline Awards

Looking for a flight and price comparisons? Try http://www.fly.com/

New York to Los Angeles in 30 minutes?...LA Times - Hypersonic flight test

LOCAL NEWS

VIRGIN AMERICA [VRD/VX] operated its last flight from Orange County, CA to San Francisco yesterday. VX815 (operated by an A319) departed John Wayne Airport at 7PM, and landed at San Francisco at 8:13PM, over 10 minutes ahead of schedule. The route lasted 13 months, having been started April 29th last year. While ridership was reportedly reasonable, Virgin noted its 2010 strategy would refocus on longer haul routes, such as new services from LAX and SFO to Toronto and Orlando. In truth, the launch of Southwest on the route just one week later than Virgin, was likely a major factor too. The SNA-SFO route is now served by United (7 times a day A319, A320 and CRJ-700 by Skywest) and Southwest (6 times a day 737-700). American pulled out of the route last year.

AIR CANADA [ACA/AC] however is a new operator at Orange County (SNA) (since April). As pointed out by local transport expert Ed Delgado, this represents the first ever international service from SNA. Daily A319 flights are offered to Toronto departing SNA at 8AM, arriving YYZ 3:41PM, and YYZ to SNA at 5:50PM, arriving 8:01PM. A new third terminal module is taking shape at SNA, which when opened next year, will incorporate customs and immigration service, for additional international service (such as Mexico and Central America). John Wayne's main runway at 5,700ft in length limits the breadth of posible international service destinations. The existing Air Canada service offers US immigration clearance in Canada, and therefore arrives as a 'domestic' flight.

Happy Memorial Day weekend...

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS

2010-05-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

ZAMBEZI AIRLINES [ZMA/ZJ] (ZAMBIA) leased a third 737-500 (9J-ZJC msn 29074/3086) from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). This latest example is ex-Estonian Air and Air France, while the previous two acquired last year were both ex-China Southern. All three are leased from GECAS.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS

2010-05-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

AIR SWEDEN [SXN] acquired an A320 (SE-RJN msn 169) on lease from Newport Beach, CA based Aviation Capital Group. The new airline (a successor to dissolved Nordic Airways) commenced operations earlier this year with one MD-80.

CENTRAL CHARTER AIRLINES (Czech Republic) dba Central Connect Group, commenced charter services from Ostrava May 22nd. Its first aircraft is an ex-Thomson 737-300 (OK-CCA msn 29058/2946) leased from Deutsche Structured Finance.

JETAIRFLY [JAF/TB] (Belgium) dba TUI Airlines Belgium leased two additional 737s this month. A 737-700 (OO-JAO msn 35141/2603) was transferred / sub-leased from sister airline TUIfly (Germany), while an ex-Sun Country (USA) 737-800 (OO-JAA msn 29660/2355) was leased from CIT Aerospace. JAF's 737NG fleet now comprises four -700s and six-800s. Long haul services are operated with two 767-300ERs.

SAFI AIRWAYS [SFW/4Q] (Afghanistan) is to acquire A320s to replace its short haul fleet of 737-300s. The first aircraft will be msn 671, an ex-Croatia Airlines aircraft to be acquired on lease from Los Angeles, CA based International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC), following re-configuration and painting at Hamburg.

Safi has also introduced a modified color scheme, as seen on its sole A340-300 (above).

SBA AIRLINES [BBR/S3] (Venezuela) sub (wet) leased two Boeing aircraft from Icelandair. A 757-200 (TF-FII msn 24760/281) and a 767-300ER (TF-FIB msn 25365/395) were delivered May 24th. (5/28: the 757 lease turned out to be a one day sub-wet lease).

TAM AIRLINES [TAM/JJ] (Brazil) joined the 'Retrojet' club with this A319 PR-MBW (msn 3710)

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS

2010-05-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

AIREXPLORE (Slovakia) will shortly take delivery of its first aircraft, a 737-400 (OM-AEX msn 25178/2199) leased from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). The aircraft was last operated by Futura, and has been stored since September 2008 following that airline's bankruptcy.

NESMA AIRLINES (Egypt) is a new start up airline that will offer scheduled and charter flights from Egypt to Europe and the Middle East from July. Initial equipment will be two ex-BMI A320s (msn 1697/1732) leased from Los Angeles, CA based International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC).

SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES (SVA/SV) took delivery of its first A330-300 (HZ-AQA msn 1108) May 17th. Seven more are on order.

ROYAL JORDANIAN AIRLINES (RJA/RJ) took delivery of two leased ex-Air Comet A330-200s (msn 970/979) May 21st. One is leased from CIT Aerospace, the other from Grupo Marsans.

7SEAS AVIATION

NEW DELIVERIES MAY 15TH-21ST

2010-05-24T13:27:00.000-07:00

AIRBUS

AIR FRANCE A320-214 F-HEPD [4295] (5/18)
AIR FRANCE A320-214 F-HEPE [4298] (5/18)
AIRASIA A320-216 9M-AHX [4263] (5/18)
AIRASIA A320-216 9M-AHY [4293] (5/18)
AVIANCA A320-214 N284AV [4284] (5/20)
EASYJET A319-111 G-EZFU [4313] (5/21)
LUFTHANSA A380-841 D-AIMA [038] (5/19)
MEA - MIDDLE EAST AIRLINES A320-232 F-OMRO [4296] (5/18)
NIKI A320-214 OE-LEC [4316] (5/19)
SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES A330-343 HZ-AQA [1108] (5/17)
SHENZHEN AIRLINES A320-232 B-6650 [4300] (5/17)
SINGAPORE AIRLINES A330-343 9V-STN [1124] (5/21)
THAI AIRASIA A320-216 HS-ABM [4278] (5/19)
VIETNAM AIRLINES A321-231 VN-A322 [4311] (5/21)
WATANIYA AIRWAYS A320-214 9K-EAF [4304] (5/21)
WIZZ AIR BULGARIA A320-232 LZ-WZC [4308] (5/21)

BOEING

AIR CHINA 737-86N B-5508 [36545/3275] (5/19)
AMERICAN AIRLINES 737-823 N838NN [31097/3276] (5/20)
ANA - ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS 777-381ER JA786A [37948/866] (5/19)
HAINAN AIRLINES 737-84P B-5522 [36781/3278] (5/21)
RYANAIR 737-8AS EI-EMK [38512/3272] (5/15)
SHANDONG AIRLINES 737-85N B-5453 [36778/3277] (5/19)
SUNEXPRESS AIRLINES 737-8HC TC-SNO [40776/3273] (5/15)

7SEAS AVIATION

2010-05-22T05:55:00.000-07:00

AIR INDIA EXPRESS (AXB/IX) 737-800 (VT-AXV msn 36333/2481) crashed on landing at Mangalore, India at about 6AM local time May 22nd. The aircraft overran the runway and crashed into a valley. Initial reports indicate 158 fatalities out of 166 onboard, with the aircraft totally destroyed.

This is the eighth 737-800 to be written off, a list of previous accidents can be found by clicking on the link below:

737-800 Accidents

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS

2010-05-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

ATLANT-SOYUZ AIRLINES (AYZ/3G) [RUSSIA] has taken delivery of its sixth 737-800, on lease from CIT Aerospace. This is also the fifth ex-Ryanair aircraft in its fleet. VQ-BDU msn 29936/1236 has been stored at Chateauroux, France since March 2009 (along with VQ-BDV msn 29937/1238, that was delivered last month).

CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES (CES/MU) took delivery of a new 737-700 April 15th wearing special Shanghai EXPO 2010 colors.

KUBAN AIRLINES (Russia) took delivery of its first 737-300 (VQ-BHC msn 26311/2681) on lease from Los Angeles, CA based International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC). The aircraft is one of three ex-BMI Baby aircraft being leased for three years, all having been repainted at BMI's Nottingham, East Midlands Airport base.

HONG KONG EXPRESS AIRLINES (HKE/UO) took delivery of a new 737-800 (B-KBT msn 37422/3214) sub-leased from parent Hainan Airlines, with whom it shares the basic HNA Group corporate color scheme. The aircraft is leased from China's BOC Aviation.

LAN ECUADOR (LNE/XL) added a fourth 767-300ER to its fleet on May 3rd, leased from parent company LAN Airlines.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES (SWA/WN) 737-700 N945WN (delivered March 31st) wears special 'Florida One' colors.

7SEAS AVIATION

LUFTHANSA RECEIVES FIRST A380

2010-05-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

LUFTHANSA today became the fifth airline to take delivery of the Airbus A380. The aircraft will enter service between Frankfurt and Tokyo June 11th.

Airbus has now delivered 28 A380s, with first deliveries to the other four airlines illustrated below:

SINGAPORE AIRLINES received the first A380 (9V-SKA) on October 12th 2007, the only example delivered that year. SIA now has ten A380s, the largest fleet thus far, and now exceeding by one its remaning 747-400 fleet.

EMIRATES followed SIA with its first A380 being delivered July 25th 2008, also the first aircraft powered by the GP Alliance with GP7270 engines. UAE now has eight A380s.

QANTAS followed UAE two months later with its first A380 delivery September 18th 2008. Qantas now has six A380s in service.

AIR FRANCE was the fourth operator of the A380, with its first aircraft being delivered October 30th 2009, over a year after Qantas' first delivery. AFR now has three A380s in service.

7SEAS AVIATION

NEW DELIVERIES MAY 7TH-14TH

2010-05-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

AIRBUS

ADRIA AIRWAYS A319-132 S5-AAR [4301] (5/11)
AIR CHINA A330-343 B-6511 [1110] (5/11)
CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES A320-232 B-6671 [4186] (5/12)
CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES A321-231 B-6659 [4292] (5/10)
CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES A321-231 B-6660 [4299] (5/11)
CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES A321-211 B-6662 [4274] (5/11)
FRONTIER AIRLINES A320-214 N207FR [4307] (5/12)
SICHUAN AIRLINES A320-232 B-6697 [4288] (5/10)

BOEING

AMERICAN AIRLINES 737-823 N836NN [31095/3260] (5/7)
AMERICAN AIRLINES 737-823 N837NN [30908/3268] (5/14)
AIR BERLIN 737-86J D-ABKK [37753/3261] (5/10)
CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES 737-79P B-5267 [36768/3269] (5/13)
COPA AIRLINES 737-8V3 HP-1711CMP [40663/3265] (5/7)
COPA AIRLINES 737-8V3 HP-1712CMP [40664/3267] (5/10)
DELTA AIR LINES 737-8HX [29686/3259] (5/7) SOLD TO AVIATION CAPITAL GROUP, LEASED TO UKRAINE INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES UR-PSD
DELTA AIR LINES 737-8KN [31716/3270] (5/12) SOLD TO BABCOCK & BROWN, LEASED TO FLYDUBAI A6-FDH
JET AIRWAYS 737-85R VT-JBQ [36694/3264] (5/11)
KOREAN AIR 777-3B5ER HL8208 [37645/867] (5/10)
QATAR AIRWAYS 777-FDZ A7-BFA [36098/865] (5/14)
RYANAIR 737-8AS EI-EMI [34979/3263] (5/10)
RYANAIR 737-8AS EI-EMJ [34975/3271] (5/13)

EMBRAER

AIR MOLDOVA E-190LR ER-ECB [0325] (5/7)
NIKI E-190LR OE-IHC [0349] (5/12)
NIKI E-190LR OE-IHD [0354] (5/14)

7SEAS AVIATION

BOEING 777F - Current Fleet Review

2010-05-19T00:11:00.000-07:00

Qatar Airways received its first Boeing 777F on May 14th, becoming the ninth airline to place the aircraft into service. 23 777Fs have been delivered in total, with the first being delivered to Air France on February 20th last year. The existing fleet is illustrated in delivery order below.

AIR FRANCE first delivery Feb 20th 2009. Delivered: 4 (current fleet 2 as two were sold to FedEx)

EMIRATES first delivery Mar 27th 2009. Delivered: 2 (both leased from DAE Capital)

LAN CARGO first delivery Apr 28th 2009. Delivered: 2 (both leased from GE Capital / GECAS)

AEROLOGIC first delivery May 11th 2009. Delivered: 4 (all leased from Deucalion Capital)

FEDEX EXPRESS first delivery Sep 25th 2009. Delivered: 4 (current fleet: 6, two acquired from Air France)

CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES first delivery Dec 1st 2009. Delivered: 2

SOUTHERN AIR first delivery Feb 5th 2010. Delivered: 2 (both leased from Oakhill Capital, and sub-leased to / operated for Thai Cargo)

CHINA CARGO AIRLINES first delivery Feb 27th 2010. Delivered: 2 (both leased from GE Capital / GECAS)

QATAR AIRWAYS first delivery May 14th 2010. Delivered: 1

777-300ERs AT LOS ANGELES, CA

2010-05-18T13:39:00.000-07:00

As the 747-400 is increasingly replaced by large twins, in particular the 777-300ER...this blog entry takes a look at the growing number of airlines serving Los Angeles (LAX) with the aircraft.

AIR FRANCE uses the -300ER twice daily from Paris CDG, as well as one flight a day with a -200ER. The 777 has replaced A340s and 747s previously used.

ANA utilizes 777-300ERs for Tokyo Narita to Los Angeles, replacing 747-400s.

Competitor JAPAN AIRLINES has also now started using -300ERs from NRT to LAX, again replacing 747-400s.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES also flies from Narita to LAX several times a week with -300ERs, as well 747-400s, and the daily A340-500 nonstop to Singapore.

V AUSTRALIA...the Virgin Group's latest airline division, flies from Sydney and Melbourne with -300ERs on a daily basis.

CATHAY PACIFIC earlier this year commenced -300ER service from Hong Kong to LAX, replacing 747-400s and previously A340-600s

EVA AIR of Taiwan has for some years used the 777-300ER exclusively on its services from Taipei to LAX

KOREAN AIR is a more recent user of the -300ER, now utilizing four aircraft to supplement its -200ER services.

Future potential 777-300ER operators for LAX include Emirates (currently -200LR), KLM (currently 747-400), Air India (currently 747-400), Egyptair (previously 767-300ER, no LAX service presently), Etihad Airways (no current service), Jet Airways (no current service), Philippine Airlines (currently A340-300 / 747-400), Qatar Airways (no current service) and TAM Airlines (no current service). Air New Zealand will start service in 4Q 2010 with its first 777-300ERs.

AVIATION NEWS

2010-05-18T09:57:00.000-07:00

ALASKA AIRLINES (ASA/AS) took delivery of two new 737-800s N529AS and N530AS on April 12th and 29th. Alaska now has 53 737-800s. N530AS is pictured above departing Boeing Field on April 29th for the short flight to Alaska's headquarters at nearby SEATAC (Seattle-Tacoma) Airport.

SHANGHAI AIRLINES (CSH/FM) took delivery of a new 737-700 (B-5269 msn 35779/3235) on April 12th. It is one of two in its existing fleet of seven to have blended winglets intstalled. The aircraft is seen above transiting Honolulu on delivery.

TRANSAVIA AIRLINES (TRA/HV) [HOLLAND] leased a 737-700 (PH-OEJ msn 33920/1753 Ex C-GOEJ) from Calgary based charter airline Enerjet, for the European summer season. The aircraft (illustrated above) wears basic Enerjet livery with Transavia.com titles. Transavia's 737-700 fleet will number 11 for this summer, with one aircraft leased to its Denmark subsidiary.

Transavia's 737-800 fleet has been added to with two recent new deliveries from Boeing, PH-HSB/HSC, the latter seen (above) arriving at Amsterdam on delivery May 5th. The summer 737-800 fleet will total 20 aircraft, including one leased to Transavia Denmark. Meanwhile Transavia's French subsidiary will have eight 737-800s this summer.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Government (operated by Amiri Flight) placed its first private 777-300ER (A6-SIL msn 36563/802) into service between Dubai and London Heathrow April 30th (and is seen above departing London the next day May 1st). The aircraft was built for Jet Airways as VT-JEL (see below), with the order subsequently being cancelled. It then spent a few months of 2009 stored at Marana, AZ prior to being sold to Amiri Flight.

AVIATION NEWS

2010-05-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

AIRBRIDGE CARGO (ABW/RU) of Russia leased an ex-Air France 747-400F (VQ-BGY msn 33097/1361) on April 13th, bringing its fleet of this model to five.

JAPAN AIRLINES (JAL/JL) 777-200ER JA707J in oneworld colors from April 2010

PIA - PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES (PIA/PK) introduced a revised color scheme, with 777-300ER AP-BID seen above landing at London Heathrow April 26th

PUMA AIR (PLY/PA) is a charter and taxi operator based in Belem, Brazil founded in January 2002, operating a fleet of Cessna Caravans. The company was grounded between January and March this year, but restarted April 12th following restructuring. The airline has now added the first of three 737-300s to its fleet, and also plans to operate a GOL/Varig 767-300ER from June, for charter services between Recife and Luanda. The first 737-300 (pictured above) is leased from Orlando, FL based Automatic. MSN 24668/1905 was delivered to United Airlines as N393UA in August 1990. It was stored at Goodyear, AZ between December 2004 and August 2005. Since then it has been Brazil based, operating for GOL November 2005 to December 2008, and BRA February 2009 to January 2010.

ROYAL AIR MAROC (RAM/AT) received two new 737-800s in April, including CN-ROY (33070/3233), pictured above at Amsterdam.

SUNEXPRESS AIRLINES (SXS/XQ) adopted new colors (below). The Turkish airline (owned 50/50 by THY and Lufthansa) celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2009.

AVIATION NEWS (MAY 6TH)

2010-05-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-214 (4281) N281AV AVIANCA
A330-223 (1112) PT-MVS TAM AIRLINES
767-34AF (37859/989) N339UP UPS - UNITED PARCEL SERVICE

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (MAY 5TH)

2010-05-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A319-115 (4287) PR-AVC AVIANCA BRAZIL (AVIANCA)
737-8AS (34974/3262) EI-EMH RYANAIR

FLEET NEWS

ARJET AIRLINES (Argentina) will commence service in July with two ex-Aerolineas Argentinas 737-200s, both leased from Pegasus Aviation. The aircraft are LV-ZYY msn 21799/660 and LV-ZZI 23166/1067, both 737-236s originally built and delivered to British Airways in the 1980s.

VLADIVOSTOK AVIA (Russia) took delivery of its third A330-300 (VQ-BEU msn 055), on lease from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC). All three aircraft are ex-Aer Lingus, with one leased from Aircastle, and two from ILFC. The long haul aircraft are used primarily for services to East/Southeast Asia, including Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok and Hanoi.

7SEAS AVIATION

2010-05-04T14:14:00.000-07:00

UNITED AIRLINES & CONTINENTAL AIRLINES have agreed to a 'merger of equals' to create the world's largest airline. Subject to various regulatory and other approvals, the transaction is planned to close by the fourth quarter of 2010. Read articles from the links below:

New York Times
USA Today
United Continental (Merger website)

FLEET INFORMATION

The merged airline will retain the United name, and Continental's livery, as seen in the images above. The combined total fleet (as of today) numbers 787 aircraft (of which 95 are currently stored). United's narrow body fleet now comprises 55 A319s and 95 A320s (V2500 power), having last year retired their remaining 737 classics. They still have 68 737-500/300s in storage (at Goodyear, AZ and Victorville, CA) awaiting sale or disposal. Continental's narrow body fleet comprises mostly new next generation 737s, with 36 -700s, 117 -800s, 12 -900s and 30 -900ERs in service. They also operate 32 737-500s (of an original fleet of 66), and have 20 737 classics in storage. Both airlines operate large fleets of 757-200s, at United 96 P&W powered aircraft, plus one stored; and at Continental 41 RR powered 757-200s, as well as 21 RR powered stretched 757-300s.

On the wide body front, both airlines operate an all Boeing fleet. Continental's is dominated by wide body twins consisting of a mix of 10 767-200ERs, 16 -400ERs and 20 777-200ERs (GE90 power). United has 35 767-300ERs, 19 777-200s, 33 777-200ERs and 24 747-400s (with an additional six stored). All United's wide bodies are Pratt & Whitney powered.

Orders for new wide bodies include Boeing 787s for both airlines, as well as Airbus A350s at United, in a deal concluded only last month. A much anticipated large narrow body order had been expected this year from United, with that competition now all the more interesting given the merged airline's mixed Airbus and Boeing narrow body fleet. Replacements will also be needed in the medium term for the large 757 fleet, although both airlines added 757s half way through the aircraft's production run, starting in the early 1990s.

A spreadsheet detailing Continental and United's fleets can be accessed here: CO-UA Fleet

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (MAY 4TH)

2010-05-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-214 (4294) D-ABFH AIR BERLIN
737-8K2 (34173/3266) PH-HSC TRANSAVIA AIRLINES

FLEET NEWS

LAN ECUADOR (LNE) added a fourth 767-300ER to its fleet, with the delivery of HC-CJA (msn 35698/973) from Santiago to Guayaquil yesterday. All four aircraft are leased from part owner LAN Airlines of Chile. LNE will shortly commence Guayaquil-Lima, Peru service, adding to its existing international destinations, which include: Buenos Aires, Madrid, Miami, New York (JFK) and Santiago de Chile.

TRANSAERO (Russia) confirmed plans to acquire four 777-200ERs from Singapore Airlines, part of a letter of intent signed last month that may see the airline add up to 14 ex-SIA 777s over time. These aircraft, and a batch of up to nine ex-Japan Airlines 747-400s are intended to replace Transaero's 747 classic fleet, 767-200/300ERs, as well as provide significant growth and expansion opportunities. Transaero currently operates three ex-United Airlines 777s, one -200 (pictured above), and two -200ERs.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (MAY 3RD)

2010-05-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-214 (4291) D-ABFG AIR BERLIN
CRJ-900 (15253) D-ACNM EUROWINGS (LUFTHANSA REGIONAL) *
CRJ-900 (15255) D-ACNO EUROWINGS (LUFTHANSA REGIONAL) *

* Delivered May 1st

FLEET NEWS

AEROLINEAS ARGENTINAS is to lease an ex-Air Mauritius A340-300 (LV-CEK msn 094) from AWAS. The aircraft was returned off lease in November last year, and is currently at Hamburg, following storage at Brussels and Istanbul over the winter. ARG's existing A340 fleet consists of four -200s and two -300s.

AEROSUR (Bolivia) is to add a second 737-300 (CP-2640 msn 24366/1699) to its fleet, with the lease of an ex-Varig aircraft from Pegasus Aviation. Its existing -300 is leased from sister company AWAS. Aerosur also operates four 737-200s.

AIREXPLORE (Slovakia) is one of several new airlines emerging in Slovakia this summer. AirExplore plans to shortly lease its first aircraft, a 737-400 (OM-AEX msn 25178/2199) from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). The aircraft was last operated by Futura Airlines, and has been stored since September 2008, following that airline's bankruptcy.

AEROLEASE INTERNATIONAL (USA) acquired an ex-Far Eastern Air Transport 757-200 (P&W engines). The aircraft (msn 29607/832) has been ferried to Jacksonville, FL for freight conversion, and onward lease to DHL (Mexico division).

ARMAVIA (Armenia) leased a third A320 (EK-32006 msn 772) from CIT Aerospace. The airline's existing two A320s are leased from AWAS and CIT Aerospace. Four A319s are also operated.

EUROWINGS (Germany) received two new Bombardier CRJ-900s on May 1st, bringing its fleet of the type to 15. All are operated on behalf of Lufthansa Regional.

SKY AIRLINE (Chile) leased its first A320 (N484TA msn 1523), from Aviation Capital Group. The aircraft was previously operated from new by TACA International, before returning off lease and being stored since last September.

UNITED AIRLINES (USA) announced plans to merge with Continental, creating the world's largest airline. This consolidation would create a US domestic airline system of three major carriers: United, Delta and American.

7SEAS AVIATION

APRIL DELIVERIES

2010-04-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

AIRBUS & BOEING DELIVERY DATA - APRIL
2010 DELIVERIES (Link to spreadsheet)

AIRBUS
A319: 6
A320: 15
A321: 5
A330-200: 2
A330-300: 6
A380: 1
TOTAL: 34

AIRBUS BY REGION
EUROPE: 15
ASIA: 12
NORTH AMERICA: 3
EURASIA: 1
OCEANA: 1
SOUTH AMERICA: 1
UNDISLOSED: 1

AIRBUS BY COUNTRY
CHINA: 7
FRANCE: 3
GERMANY: 3
SINGAPORE: 3
UNITED KINGDOM: 3
UNITED STATES: 3
ITALY: 2
AUSTRALIA: 1
BULGARIA: 1
COLOMBIA: 1
FINLAND: 1
INDIA: 1
RUSSIA: 1
SLOVENIA: 1
SWITZERLAND: 1
VIETNAM: 1

BOEING
737-700: 3
737-800: 29
777-300ER: 4
TOTAL: 36

BOEING BY REGION
EUROPE: 13
ASIA: 9
NORTH AMERICA: 8
AFRICA: 3
MIDDLE EAST: 2
OCEANA: 1

BOEING BY COUNTRY
IRELAND: 8
UNITED STATES: 8
CHINA: 5
TURKEY: 3
HONG KONG: 2
INDONESIA: 2
MOROCCO: 2
AUSTRALIA: 1
EGYPT: 1
NORWAY: 1
THE NETHERLANDS: 1
QATAR: 1
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: 1

2010 DELIVERIES

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 30TH)

2010-04-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A319-132 (4285) D-AGWR GERMANWINGS
A320-214 (4276) B-6670 JUNEYAO AIRLINES (AERDRAGON)
A320-214 (4289) D-AIZF LUFTHANSA
A321-211 (4280) VT-PPX AIR INDIA
A321-213 (4283) B-6633 AIR CHINA
A330-343 (1105) 9V-STL SINGAPORE AIRLINES
737-85C (37577/3255) B-5512 XIAMEN AIRLINES
777-337ER (36317/864) VT-ALS AIR INDIA

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 29TH)

2010-04-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A319-132 (4282) S5-AAP ADRIA AIRWAYS (AERVENTURE)
A320-216 (4119) EI-DTM ALITALIA (AIRCRAFT PURCHASE FLEET)
A320-214 (4272) N206FR FRONTIER AIRLINES (AERVENTURE)
A320-214 (4286) G-EZTX EASYJET
A330-243 (1104) N380HA HAWAIIAN AIRLINES (CIT AEROSPACE)
737-8B6 (33071/3258) CN-ROZ ROYAL AIR MAROC
737-8AS (34978/3256) EI-EMF RYANAIR
737-890 (36578/3257) N530AS ALASKA AIRLINES
E-190LR (0346) G-LCYL BA CITYFLYER (BRITISH AIRWAYS)

FLEET NEWS

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES (USA) took delivery today of its first A330-200 (N380HA msn 1104), leased from CIT Aerospace. The Rolls-Royce powered A330s will ultimately replace HAL's existing long haul fleet of 767-300/300ERs, and provide the airline with greater non-stop reach, such as the US East Coast to Hawaii. HAL ordered six A330-200s in November 2007, along with six 'purchase rights' - one of which was exercised this March. The first three aircraft (additional to the seven orders) will be on operating leases from CIT Aerospace (1), and AWAS (2). Entry into commercial service is expected on May 28th between Honolulu and Los Angeles.

FLYLAL CHARTERS (Lithuania) has established a Polish subsidiary, flyLAL Polska, which will commence service this European summer season with initially one 737-300 (SP-HHA msn 24664/1877). flyLAL Charters was conceived in 2008 following the bankruptcy of LAL-Lithuanian Airlines.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 28TH)

2010-04-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-214 (4267) F-HEPC AIR FRANCE (AERVENTURE)
A320-232 (4270) LZ-MDC AIR VIA (CIT AEROSPACE)
737-823 (29577/3252) N835NN AMERICAN AIRLINES
737-8AS (38509/3248) EI-EMD RYANAIR
737-8AS (35029/3254) EI-EME RYANAIR
737-8HC (40775/3250) TC-SNN SUNEXPRESS AIRLINES
E-195LR (0350) D-AEBE LUFTHANSA CITYLINE

FLEET NEWS

AVIANOVA (Russia) will lease a fifth A320 (msn 1993), which will be its third ex-EasyJet/GB Airways aircraft leased from Aviation Capital Group. The other two aircraft were ex-US Airways models acquired on lease from International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC) last July. The airline commenced operations on August 27th 2009.

AIR ITALY leased an ex-China Eastern Airlines 737-300 (EI-IGR msn 28561/2896) from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). The aircraft has been equipped with winglets.

AEROMEXICO leased an ex-GOL 737-800 (N359AM msn 32359/1041) from Macquarie Aviation, the first of two being leased this Spring. The aircraft was delivered new to GOL in January 2002, at that time on lease from GATX. Aeromexico's 737NG fleet now comprises 28 -700s and seven -800s.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 27TH)

2010-04-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

737-8FE (36609/3232) VH-VUU VIRGIN BLUE AIRLINES

FLEET NEWS

NORDSTAR (Russia) is to lease a fifth 737-800 (VQ-BDZ msn 27978/40) from Babcock & Brown (BBAM). This will be the fourth ex-TUIfly -800 leased from BBAM, while one ex-Sterling aircraft is leased from Aviation Capital Group.

SKY AIRLINES (Turkey) is to lease two ex-GOL Airlines (Brazil) 737-800s (TC-SKR msn 32576/875 & TC-SKS msn 32348/933) from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) in May/June. Both aircraft were orginally delivered to American Trans Air (later named ATA Airlines) in 2001.

STRATEGIC AIRLINES (Australia/France) wet-leased an A320 (YL-LCF msn 446) from SmartLynx Airlines (Latvia) for the European summer season. The aircraft will be based at Paris CDG.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 26TH)

2010-04-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A319-115X (4228) VQ-BSF PRIVATE (Corporate Jet)
A321-231 (4277) VN-A366 VIETNAM AIRLINES (AERVENTURE) *
737-7H4 (36918/3251) N946WN SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
737-823 (29576/3244) N834NN AMERICAN AIRLINES
737-8U3 (30144/3249) PK-GMJ GARUDA INDONESIA
737-8AS (38511/3241) EI-EMB RYANAIR
737-8AS (38510/3246) EI-EMC RYANAIR

* Delivered April 24th

FLEET NEWS

AIR FRANCE retired its 14th A320, with F-GFKN (msn 128) ferrying to Kemble (UK) last week for part out. These aircraft are a mix of mostly late '80s build -100s and -200s, some of which were initially operated by Air Inter (taken over by Air France Sep 12th 1997). Retirement and part out locations have varied, and include Bordeaux, Goodyear AZ, Greenwood MS, Paris ORY, Roswell NM and Sanford SFB FL. These early build A320s have all been replaced with new A320-214 models, mostly on operating lease (from Aviation Capital Group, GE Capital Aviation Services, International Lease Finance Corp. and Aerventure).

ATLANT-SOYUZ (Russia) leased a fourth ex-Ryanair 737-800 (VQ-BDV msn 29937/1238) from CIT Aerospace. Their 737-800 fleet now totals five aircraft (the first one they received is leased from Babcock & Brown).

FINNAIR leased an MD-11F (OH-LGC msn 48512/529) from Boeing Capital. The aircraft was originally delivered new to Finnair as a passenger aircraft in February 1993. It was sold to Boeing Capital in November 2008 and ferried to Singapore for freight conversion, with a planned lease thereafter to Aeroflot Cargo (subsequently not taken up).

IBERIA (Spain) stored a third A340-300 at Chateauroux, France. The airline continues to operate 18 A340-300s, along with 14 A340-600s.

THY - TURKISH AIRLINES leased an ex-Air India Express 737-800 (TC-JHJ msn 30296/1647) from Aviation Capital Group for four years. THY now operates 49 737-800s, with this latest addition being its first used example. THY is also reported to be the lessee recipient of the three ex-Bahrain Air A320s ferried to Istanbul on March 31st. (Blog: April 5th).

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 23RD)

2010-04-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-216 (4108) EI-DTL ALITALIA (AIRCRAFT PURCHASE FLEET LTD)
737-89L (36753/3247) B-5507 AIR CHINA
737-84P (37422/3241) B-KBT HONG KONG AIRLINES (HAINAN AIRLINES)
777-36NER (38285/862) SU-GDM EGYPTAIR (GECAS)

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 22ND)

2010-04-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-232 (4265) G-EUYH BRITISH AIRWAYS
737-85C (37576/3245) B-5511 XIAMEN AIRLINES
E-190LR (0348) B-3166 TIANJIN AIRLINES (HAINAN AIRLINES)

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 21ST)

2010-04-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-214 (4269) D-ABFE AIR BERLIN
A330-302 (1088) OH-LTT FINNAIR
737-8B6 (33070/3233) CN-ROY ROYAL AIR MAROC
737-8K2 (34172/3242) PH-HSB TRANSAVIA AIRLINES
737-8AS (35031/3230) EI-EKY RYANAIR
737-8AS (38508/3234) EI-EKZ RYANAIR
737-8AS (35032/3240) EI-EMA RYANAIR

FLEET NEWS

NESMA AIRLINES is an Egyptian start up carrier that will lease its first A320 from International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC). The aircraft, msn 1697, was previously operated by BMI, and has been painted at Norwich.

YAKUTIA AIRLINES (Russia) will lease its first 737-800 (msn 28825/188) from Aercap. The ex-Air Berlin aircraft has been ferried to Eindhoven for painting. It will join one 737-700 and five 757-200s currently operated by Yakutia.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 20TH)

2010-04-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-232 (4260) B-6651 CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 19TH)

2010-04-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

737-8U3 (30143/3243) PK-GMI GARUDA INDONESIA
777-367ER (36162/860) B-KPQ CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS

FLEET NEWS

AIR FRANCE ferried a 747-400 Combi (F-GEXB msn 24155/864) from storage at Chalons-sur-Marne to Xiamen for freight conversion. Meanwhile, the airline leased out a 747-400F (msn 24801/805) to CARGOLUX (Luxembourg) as LX-ZCV.

LAN ECUADOR leased a third 767-300ER (HC-CIZ msn 36711/970) from parent LAN Airlines.

POST ITALIANE (Italy) will shortly acquire a 737-400 (EI-ELZ msn 26308/2665) for charter services. The aircraft will be leased from AWAS. Past operators include Aegean Airlines and original operator Asiana Airlines.

SKY AIRLINES (Turkey) leased an ex-Air Europa 737-800 (TC-SKU msn 30194/666) from SAS. The aircraft is managed by MC Aircraft Management. Sky Airlines' 737 fleet now includes four -400s, two -800s and two -900ERs. It also operates two A320s and two A321s, with one additional (ex-BMI) A320 to be leased shortly.

TRAVEL SERVICE (Czech Republic) has created a Slovakian division, following the demise of the latter countries airlines over the last 12 months. The first aircraft to be transferred is OM-TVA msn 32243/869, which was delivered new to Travel Service (as OK-TVA) on lease from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) in June 2001.

TRAWELFLY (Italy) is to lease an ex-Aegean Airlines 737-400 (EI-ELY msn 25595/2233) from Aviation Capital Group. The aircraft's past operators include Cronus Airlines, Istanbul Airlines and Malaysia Airlines.

UTAIR (Russia) will add a 737-400 (msn 25377/2717) to its fleet this Spring, on lease from International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC). The ex-Olympic Airlines aircraft has been painted at Shannon, from where it will be delivered. The original operator of the aircraft was THY Turkish Airlines. Two additional ex-CSA 737-400s will be acquired this summer. UTAir's western built aircraft fleet comprises 14 ex-Continental Airlines 737-500s, as well as a number of Bombardier CRJ-200s.

7SEAS AVIATION

2010-04-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

FEDEX...BOEING 757-200 FREIGHTER OPERATIONS

FEDEX acquired its first Boeing 757 (N901FD pictured above) on February 1st 2007. At that time, Boeing 727-100s had been disposed of, and a replacement was required for the 727-200, whose retirement was also beginning. The Boeing 757-200 was chosen, with the airline announcing plans to acquire up to 90 used aircraft for conversion to freighters.

No single source for the aircraft was possible, as the largest operators of the type were US airlines that had no plans to dispose of 757s enmasse for the forseeable future. Indeed, the 757 was at the time entering a new phase of its vicarious career as a long haul transatlantic vehicle into secondary hub bypass cities in Europe, as well as providing off peak frequencies. The acquisition would therefore cover a wide range of vendors and configurations.

To date, 35 757s have been acquired, with 21 now in service. Orders are held for 26 additional used aircraft, therefore another 29 aircraft are required to fulfil the original goal of a fleet of 90.

Conversions are primarily carried out by ST Aerospace at Mobile, Alabama, although some aircraft have been converted in Singapore at the company's headquarters. The first 757 for FedEx entered revenue service on May 28th 2008.

The 757 operates from FedEx headquarters in Memphis, TN to a variety of Midwest and East Coast destinations such as Indianapolis and Washington, DC.

Sources of acquisition have been the following companies:

AWAS 11
Babcock & Brown 3
CIT Aerospace 3
Guggenheim Aviation Partners 1
GE Capital 1
ILFC 1
Maquarie Aviation 1
Monarch Airlines 2
Sojitz Aircraft Leasing 1
US Airways 9

All but two aircraft have thus far been Rolls-Royce powered, with the two Pratt & Whitney examples yet to be freight converted or enter service. None of the aircraft have (or had) winglets installed.

The 757 models, in terms of orginal operator specification are as follows:

757-204 (3) Britannia Airways
757-21B (2) China Southern Airlines
757-225 (2) Eastern Air Lines
757-236 (2) British Airways/Air Europe
757-23A (7) Ansett Worldwide/AWAS (1 is P&W power)
757-27B (1) Sterling Airways
757-28A (3) ILFC (European specification)
757-2B7 (9) USAir/US Airways
757-2Q8 (1) ILFC (P&W power)
757-2T7 (3) Monarch Airlines
757-2Y0 (1) GPA Group

N906FD departing Los Angeles December 16th 2009...a very rare visitor to LAX.

A spectacular 757 rocket style departure from Reno, Nevada in January.

7SEAS AVIATION
Data: 7AIR Database

AVIATION NEWS (APR 16TH)

2010-04-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A330-343 (1089) HB-JHF SWISS INTERNATIONAL AIR LINES
A330-343 (1107) 9V-STM SINGAPORE AIRLINES

STUFF

Ash Thursday: The Economist

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 15TH)

2010-04-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

737-79P (36767/3239) B-5267 CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES
737-8FZ (31717/3237) B-5526 SHANDONG AIRLINES (BBAM)

FLEET NEWS

AEROLEASE INTERNATIONAL (USA) acquired a 757-200 (N646AL msn 29611/910 ex B-27021) from the estate of bankrupt Taiwanese airline Far Eastern Air Transport, which ceased operations in May 2008. The aircraft, having been stored since then in Taipei, is being ferried to Jacksonville, FL, where it will be converted to a freighter. Aerolease also acquired two additional 757s last month. Firstly, an ex-Varig Log 757 (msn 22611/75) freighter, bought from Macquarie Aviation. The aircraft has been stored at Jacksonville, FL since last June. Secondly, a passenger model (msn 23686/103) from Royal Air Maroc.

EMIRATES (UAE) received its 53rd 777-300ER (see yesterday's post for aircraft details). This is the 22nd owned by Emirates. The remainder of the fleet is leased from GECAS (19) and ILFC (12).

STUFF

VIP Passenger Syndrome: NYT Blogs
UK: We said cash, not ash! FlightRadar24.com

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 14TH)

2010-04-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A319-112 (4268) F-HCZI AIGLE AZUR
A320-232 (4257) VH-VGR JETSTAR (QANTAS / CIT AEROSPACE)
A321-231 (4271) B-6658 CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES
A380-861 (043) F-HPJC AIR FRANCE
777-31HER (38984/861) A6-EGA EMIRATES

FLEET NEWS

AEROUNION (Mexico) lost an A300B4 Freighter last night. The aircraft crashed onto a highway shortly before landing at Monterrey. Five crew onboard, plus a passerby on the freeway were killed. The aircraft (XA-TUE msn 078) was orginally delivered to Air France in May 1979, and was leased out twice to Air Seychelles (1985-1987) and Malaysia Airlines (1988-1989). Air France sold the aircraft to P-G Aviation in March 1998, and it was converted to a freighter in early 1999. Since then the aircraft has been in service with ICC Canada (dba International Cargo Canada), and then with AeroUnion (dba Aerotransporte de Carga Union S.A. de C.V.), since August 2001. AeroUnion is an affiliate of ICC Canada, and has two remaining A300 freighters. [Report amended/updated April 15th]

AIGLE AZUR (France) will lease an ex-Iberia A319 (F-HBAL msn 2870) from RBS Aviation later this month. The aircraft is currently being repainted at Madrid. The airline currently operates an all Airbus fleet of four A319s, three A320s and three A321s. Aigle Azur's fourth and latest A319 (F-HCZI msn 4268) was delivered new from Airbus today (its first directly purchased A319).

AIR FRANCE took delivery of its third A380 today. Airbus has now delivered 27 A380s overall. (SIA 10, UAE 8, QFA 6, AFR 3). Lufthansa's first A380 is scheduled for delivery May 19th.

BRUSSELS AIRLINES (Belgium) leased an A319 (OO-SSC msn 1086) from Aircastle. This brings their A319 fleet to five aircraft, four of which are leased from Aircastle, and one from Aviation Capital Group. The aircraft in question was orginally delivered to Brussels Airlines' forerunner Sabena in September 1999. The aircraft is painted in Star Alliance c/s, which the airline became a member of in December last year.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 13TH)

2010-04-13T09:25:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A330-343 (1103) VQ-BEL AEROFLOT (AERCAP)
737-76D (35779/3235) B-5269 SHANGHAI AIRLINES
737-82R (40873/3238) TC-AAU PEGASUS AIRLINES

FLEET NEWS

BOLIVIANA DE AVIACION (Bolivia) leased a fourth 737-300 (CP-2553 msn 24450/1873) from ORIX Aviation. The aircraft has been stored for a year since returning from lease to British Airways.

MERPATI NUSANTARA (Indonesia) suffered an overrun of a 737-300 (PK-MDE msn 24660/1838) whilst landing at Manokwari, West Papua at the end of a flight from Sorong. The aircraft came to rest in a river, with a broken fuselage. No fatalities ensued, although about 20 of the 103 passengers and crew onboard suffered varying injuries. The 737 was delivered new to United Airlines (N385UA) in April 1990, and was acquired by Merpati last November. More details from Flightglobal: Merpati 737-300 accident

MIDWEST AIRLINES (USA) will be merged into the Frontier Airlines brand by common owner Republic Airways.

STUFF

UNITED AIRLINES (USA) talks to US Airways again...so will this spur Continental to buy United? Some analysts think so: UA-US-CO...? Philly.com

Poland's loss: A fog of questions in the Polish plane crash tragedy: LA Times
Polish crash puts spotlight on pilots: MSNBC/AP

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 12TH)

2010-04-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A319-133 (4259) 9V-SBH SILKAIR (1)
A321-231 (4266) B-6657 CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES (1)
737-890 (35198/3229) N529AS ALASKA AIRLINES

(1) Delivered April 10th

FLEET NEWS

AMERIJET INTERNATIONAL (USA) leased two 767-200F freighters from ABX Air. The cargo airline only operated 727 narrowbodies until now.

MK AIRLINES (UK) ceased operations due to ongoing financial difficulties. The all-cargo operator had nine Boeing 747 freighters.

MIDWEST AIRLINES (Egypt) will lease a second ex-Flyglobespan 737-800 (msn 30040/1693) from International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC). Its first 737-800 (msn 28591/233) is being sourced from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), an ex-Axis Airways aircraft. Midwest currently operates a single 737-600 acquired from Flyglobespan in March 2009.

NORDWIND AIRLINES (Russia) plans to add a Boeing 767-300ER to its fleet. The airline currently operates five 757-200s, with a sixth due in May. All of Nordwind's aircraft have to date been leased from Los Angeles, CA based International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC). The lessor presently has six 767-300ERs stored, three ex-Flyglobespan, one ex-Belair, one ex-Air China and one ex-Privatair. An ex-Flyglobespan aircraft, msn 27957/587 is the aircraft destined for Nordwind.

7SEAS AVIATION

SOLIDARITY

2010-04-10T05:49:00.000-07:00

AVIATION NEWS (APR 9TH)

2010-04-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-232 (4264) N602NK SPIRIT AIRLINES (AERVENTURE)
737-823 (31093/3236) N833NN AMERICAN AIRLINES

FLEET NEWS

AEROGAL (Ecuador) returned 757-200 (HC-CHC msn 25592/453) to lessor Pegasus Aviation. It was replaced by an ex-Avianca example (HC-CIY msn 26635/608) leased from Synergy Aerospace Corporation.

AIR ITALY will lease an ex-Air One/Alitalia 737-400 (msn 27007/2367) from GOAL German Operating Aircraft Leasing.

AIR SWEDEN leased an MD-82 (SE-RJP msn 49209/1191) from Tara Aerospace. The aircraft was previously operated by Air Albatros (Croatia), and orginally Alitalia.

SOMON AIR (Tajikistan) wet-leased a 737-800 (OK-TVH msn 35275/2604) from Travel Service (Czech Republic).

XL AIRWAYS FRANCE wet-leased two 737-800s (OK-TVB msn 32362/1125 & OK-TVN msn 29643/2303) from Travel Service (Czech Republic) for the summer season.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 8TH)

2010-04-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A319-115 (4222) PR-AVB OCEANAIR (AVIANCA)
A320-232 (4252) B-6639 CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES
777-3DZER (36097/859) A7-BAK QATAR AIRWAYS
E-190LR (0343) G-LCYK BA CITYFLYER (BRITISH AIRWAYS)

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 7TH)

2010-04-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A330-302 (1106) EI-ELA AER LINGUS

FLEET NEWS

EASTERN SKYJETS (UAE) leased a 737-300 (msn 25125/2059) from Pembroke Group. The ex-Air Berlin aircraft was stored at Paderborn in November 2008. It was subsequently painted all-white at Eindhoven in March last year, and then ferried to Budapest in preparation for lease to SkyEurope Airlines as OM-CLC. This lease deal was not taken up, and the aircraft has been stored at Budapest ever since then.

HONG KONG AIRLINES firmed up its order for six PW4000 powered Airbus A330-200s. All six aircraft were built for Grupo Marsans, and were intended for operation by Air Comet and Aerolineas Argentinas.

URAL AIRLINES (Russia) leased its 12th A320 (VQ-BFW msn 2327), one of two ex-USA 3000 aircraft being acquired from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) this Spring. The second is msn 1152. There are now 68 A320s being operated by Russian airlines, and 127 A320 family aircraft overall. Russia - A320 Family Fleet

VIM AVIA (Russia) plans to acquire six Boeing 747-400s from the used aircraft market to support long haul charter services. The airline currently has 12 757-200s (one stored, three leased out). There are presently 76 747-400s stored, of which 55 are passenger aircraft.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 6TH)

2010-04-06T10:34:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

737-823 (33521/3228) N832NN AMERICAN AIRLINES
737-8JP (39002/3231) LN-DYD NORWEGIAN AIR SHUTTLE
767-34AF (37944/988) N338UP UNITED PARCEL SERVICE

FLEET NEWS

AVIANOVA (Russia) will lease its fourth Airbus A320 (EI-ELE msn 1969) from Aviation Capital Group (ACG) later this month. The airline leased two ex-US Airways A320s from International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC) for start-up last summer, and its first ex-EasyJet/GB Airways aircraft from ACG early last month. This latest aircraft is also ex-EasyJet, currently awaiting delivery from Shannon. EasyJet now has three (of nine) A320s acquired through the take over of GB Airways still in service.

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES (USA) retired its last Boeing 737-300 (N12318 msn 23369/1188) after 25 years of service. The aircraft joins many of its sisterships in permanent retirement at Walnut Ridge, AR, where it will be scrapped. Only Southwest and US Airways now represent US majors still operating 737-300s.

EDELWEISS (Switzerland) will acquire an Airbus A330-300 to replace its existing -200 model.

EUROPE AIRPOST (France) leased a second ex-EasyJet Boeing 737-700 (F-GZTD msn 32418/1300) from Babcock & Brown.

JAZZ AIR (Canada) will operate six leased Thomas Cook Boeing 757-200s next winter, replacing arrangements with recently collapsed Skyservice Airlines.

PLUNA (Uruguay) reported it will order seven additional Bombardier CRJ-900s for delivery in 2010 (3) and 2011 (4). This will bring Pluna's CRJ-900 fleet to 14 aircraft.

THAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL is to dry lease three Boeing 777-300ERs from India's Jet Airways for three years. Previously announced plans for Royal Brunei to lease three 777-300ERs from Jet are believed to have fallen through.

THOMSON AIRWAYS (UK) will lease two ex-Belair Boeing 757-200s (G-OOBN msn 29379/919 & G-OOBP msn 30394/922) from International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC) by this May.

THY TURKISH AIRLINES leased its first (of two) ex-EasyJet Boeing 737-700s (TC-JKS msn 32419/1321) from BOC Aviation. THY will also be leasing an additional -700s this spring from CIT Aerospace (ex-Aeromexico). THY now has three 737-700s in service, while sister LCC Anadolujet has seven.

STUFF

Nostalgic airline commercials: Airliners.net

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 5TH)

2010-04-05T11:33:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

None Recorded

FLEET NEWS

AIR PHILIPPINES was re-named Airphil Express, part of a makeover that includes reequipping and expanding the fleet with A320s, and competing more directly with Cebu Pacific.

BAHRAIN AIR returned three A320s off lease to Kuwait based lessor ALAFCO. The aircraft (msn 3896, 3931 & 3949) were all ferried to Istanbul March 31st. The reason for these less than one year old aircraft being returned is presently unclear.

STAR AIRWAYS (Alabania) received its first of two A320s (ZA-RED msn 415) to be leased from International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC) for three years. The ex-Mexicana aircraft is owned by Triton Aviation, and managed by ILFC.

TMA - TRANS MEDITERRANEAN AIRWAYS (Lebanon) leased an ex-Galaxy Airlines Airbus A300-600RF (N140MN msn 872) from Ginga Air Finance. The aircraft was delivered new to Galaxy in 2006 and operated for two years before they ceased operations in October 2008. It was subsequently stored at St. Petersburg, FL prior to pre-lease maintenance and painting at Lake Charles, LA.

STUFF

Aviation Quotes

Seat Selection

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 2ND)

2010-04-02T09:24:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

CRJ-900LR (15254) D-ACNN EUROWINGS (LUFTHANSA REGIONAL)

7SEAS AVIATION

2010-04-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

SKYSERVICE AIRLINES...Enters Receivership, Ceases Operations

March 31st 2010: Skyservice Airlines of Canada was forced into receivership as a result of debts to its long term travel partner Sunquest Vacations

Skyservice began operations in 1994, and remained a small vacation operator throughout the mid to late 1990s. Until 2002, fleet size never exceeded eight aircraft (in 1999), and more typically was between four to six aircraft, even in high season.

The collapse of Canada 3000 Airlines in November 2001 created an opportunity for Skyservice to grow rapidly, and become a major player in the Canadian tourist industry. From a fleet of five aircraft in Feb 2001, a year later the number was 16, and by 2005 it reached a peak of 24, which was maintained until 2007. 2008 and 2009 saw a reduction to 20 aircraft, while this year 18 aircraft were operated during the peak 'snowbird' winter season.

Although Skyservice only had about four of its 'own' aircraft typically, the fleet would expand each winter by sub-leasing aircraft from Europe, where demand would counter cyclically be reduced in winter. Some Skyservice aircraft would in turn be leased to European carriers in the summer. This arrangement led to a wide variety of basic aircraft liveries being sported by Skyservice aircraft, such as the 757 above in basic Thomson Airways c/s, and the example below in basic First Choice Airways c/s.

Thomson Airways (UK) was Skyservice's main supplier of leased aircraft, contributing eight this year, while fellow UK airline Thomas Cook contributed five. By the time operations ceased yesterday, all of Thomas Cook's aircraft had been returned to the UK during the previous seven days, along with a number of Thomson aircraft. Two A320s and four 757s of Thomson were believed to be still in Canada at the time of the shut down, along with Skyservice's own two A320s and two 757s.

Skyservice Airlines' demise immediately lifted the shares of the two remaining large charter airlines in Canada: the long serving survivor Air Transat, and immediate competitor Sunwing Airlines.

Click here for Skyservice 2010 fleet data: SKYSERVICE 2010

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (APR 1ST)

2010-04-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-214 (4250) G-EZTW EASYJET
A330-223 (1096) B-6135 CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES
737-7H4 (36660/3226) N945WN SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
737-82R (40872/3227) TC-AAT PEGASUS AIRLINES
737-89P (39388/3204) B-5501 CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES
E-190STD (0345) PH-EZO KLM CITYHOPPER
E-190STD (0347) PH-EZP KLM CITYHOPPER

FLEET NEWS

ESTONIAN AIR leased an ex-British Airways 737-500 (ES-ABP msn 27425/2730 Ex G-GFFI) from Aircastle. This aircraft was orginally delivered to Luxair in 1995, and joins an existing 737 classic fleet of two -300s and three -500s. Last month, Estonian leased an ex-Air Baltic 737-500 (ES-ABO msn 24646/2138) from Genesis Lease.

KORAL BLUE AIRLINES (Egypt) will add a fourth A320 (msn 1454 Ex EC-HQK) to its fleet shortly. The ex-Iberia aircraft will be leased from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), joining one owned aircraft, and two leased from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). A single A319 is also leased from AerCap.

VIRGIN BLUE (Australia) confirmed an order for 50 Boeing 737-800s (interchangeable with other models, such as the -700 or -900ER). The deal includes 25 options and 30 purchase rights. The order will enable Virgin Blue to replace the existing (mostly) leased (737-700/800) fleet, and cater to growth and expansion in line with market conditions.

STUFF

Flying in the US...when was it any different? Huffed off at Huffington Post

And in Australia...'we're on fire!': QFA A380 landing (plus yet another media aircraft ID problem...)

And what's wrong with this picture? That was a 'TCAS'...we need to talk!

FlightGlobal's Easter viewing...check out 'Vueling Together': Airline Ads

Happy Easter!

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 31ST)

2010-03-31T12:45:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A319-112 (4258) OK-PET CSA CZECH AIRLINES (BOC AVIATION)
A320-214 (4237) VT-EDF AIR INDIA
A320-214 (4253) N205FR FRONTIER AIRLINES (AERVENTURE)
A320-214 (4261) D-AIZE LUFTHANSA
777-381ER (37951/855) JA785A ANA
E-170LR (0275) 5A-PAA PETRO AIR
E-170LR (0279) 5A-PAB PETRO AIR
E-190LR (0340) B-3165 TIANJIN AIRLINES

FLEET NEWS

AIR CUENCA (Ecuador) is a start up airline that will be based in the city of Cuenca, the first time a commercial airline has operated from Ecuador's third largest city. The airline plans to acquire a Boeing 737-500 (HC-CJB msn 26287/2427) on lease from Triton Aviation (managed by ILFC). The aircraft is a 1993 build model delivered new to Aer Lingus, and subsequently seeing service with Air France, and latterly Lithuanian Airlines. The aircraft is painted and awaiting delivery from Montpellier, France. More information on Air Cuenca's plans can be found in this article by FlightGlobal / Air Transport Intelligence News: Air Cuenca

BRIT AIR (France) leased the prototype CRJ-900 (F-HTDA msn 15001) from Bombardier. The aircraft has previously been operated by MAT - Macedonian Airlines and most recently Voyageur Airways. The aircraft supplements Brit Air's CRJ-700 fleet, operated on behalf of Air France.

EVERGREEN INTERNATIONAL (USA) will shortly acquire its first Boeing 747-400 Freighter (N491EV msn 26561/1042 Ex 9V-SFB). The ex-Singapore Cargo aircraft is painted and awaiting delivery from Singapore. Evergreen currently operates 747 Classic freighters, mostly -200Fs. The company has experience with the -400, as it operates 747-400F 'Dreamlifters' for Boeing Logistics, transporting 787 sub-assemblies to Everett. This contract however has now been awarded to Atlas Air, effective September 2010.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES ordered two A330-200F freighters, with options on two more. First delivery is expected in September 2011, and the aircraft will be used to offer service to Europe, as well as expanding Chinese operations. MAS also confirmed a previously announced intention to order 15 A330-300 passenger aircraft, with options on ten.

SKYSERVICE AIRLINES (Canada) ceased all operations today, after being placed into receivership. The airline was in substantial debt (reported to be $9 million+) to its long term travel partner - Sunquest Vacations. Skyservice had two A320s and two 757s in its fleet, while fleet size during the Canadian winter (Snowbird season) would typically grow to some 20 aircraft, through the sub-leasing of equipment. See also: Skyservice Airlines
STUFF

Kate Ryan Airlines: Is that a VC10 or IL62 at LAX? and do you care... Kate Ryan

Leadership vacuum at ILFC...LA Times: ILFC

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 30TH)

2010-03-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A319-132 (4256) D-AGWQ GERMANWINGS
A320-214 (4236) VT-EDE AIR INDIA
A321-212 (4251) F-GTAY AIR FRANCE
A330-343 (1086) HS-TET THAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL
A330-343 (1090) HS-TEU THAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL
737-9FGER (39317/3219) HZ-ATR PRIVATE (Undisclosed)

FLEET NEWS

AIR BERLIN (Germany) is to sell four A320s to Lionhart Advisors Group (Canada), for onward lease to Azerbaijan Airlines (2) and Virgin America (2). Jackson Square Aviation (San Francisco, CA) is to acquire three 737-800s from Air Berlin (currently leased to Shenzhen Airlines), conduct a sale leaseback of one Air Berlin operated A319, and four 737-800s due for delivery in the first half of 2011. A report from FlightGlobal / Air Transport Intelligence yesterday also details plans by Air Berlin to reduce its long haul fleet over the next two years, as well as further insight on the airline's overall fleet restructuring. Air Berlin fleet plans

BMI BRITISH MIDLAND ferried a second Airbus A330-200 (msn 404) to Dresden for lease return maintenance. The airline now operates one A330-200 only.

BLUE AIR (Romania) will acquire its fifth Boeing 737-800 on lease from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) next month. The ex-Flyglobespan aircraft (msn 32841/1705) was today ferried from storage in Belgrade to Manchester, UK for re-painting. This will be the airline's first transaction with ILFC.

DHL EUROPE has transferred its European Air Transport (Belgium) registered Boeing 757 freighters to Germany, where they are now operated by EAT Leipzig from the company's main base. All these aircraft have been re-registered in Germany. The remainder of the fleet continues to be operated by DHL Air UK from East Midlands, with British civil aircraft registrations.

INTERAIR (South Africa) leased a Boeing 767-200ER (ZS-IJB msn 23180/99) from Aero Africa. The aircraft was delivered new to Egyptair in 1984, and was subsequently operated by South African Airways, and most recently Kras Air (Russia).

PARAMOUNT AIRWAYS (India) continues to be in legal dispute with lessor GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) over the continued operation of three leased Embraer regional jets. The aircraft were grounded March 23rd by India's DGCA, with the supreme court today refusing interim relief to the airline. Lease payments are said to be in default since June 2009. This situation currently leaves Paramount with one operational aircraft.

THAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL took delivery of its seventh and eighth Rolls-Royce powered A330-343s (details above). Both join three others (delivered Dec 23rd 2009) in interim storage at Bordeaux awaiting seat installation by Koito Industries of Japan. Problems with these seats has also affected other airlines, and delayed scheduled aircraft deliveries.

ACCIDENT NEWS

Air France A330 - the search resumes: Discovery News
Ethiopian 737 - was it a bomb? VOA News

OTHER NEWS

AUSTRALIA: The Boeing 727 will be phased out in Australia by September 1st, according to a Government notice. Just a few of these freight aircraft remain in service, primarily DHL franchsied operations out of Sydney. The order, related to excessive noise, is also believed to affect certain Antonov jet aircraft, most likely the AN-124.

SLOVAKIA: Following the near total demise of Slovakian commercial airlines in recent months, the Civil Aviation Authority reported that a number of new applicants had requested operating licenses. These are believed to be AirExplore, Travel Service, Central Charter Airlines and Tatra Air. Travel Service is an existing Czech based airline, that also has a subsidiary in Hungary.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 29TH)

2010-03-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A319-112 (4254) N254MX MEXICANA (AERVENTURE)
A320-232 (4245) VH-VGU JETSTAR (QANTAS / BOC AVIATION)
Delivered Mar 27th
A320-232 (4111) B-6637 CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES
737-823 (33211/3217) N831NN AMERICAN AIRLINES
737-86N (37884/3223) LN-NOJ NORWEGIAN (GECAS)
737-9GPER (35737/3225) PK-LGU LION AIR
777-F28 (32969/827) F-GUOD AIR FRANCE - Sold on delivery to FEDEX, ferried to Memphis as N449BA for re-painting and re-registration
777-28EER (35525/853) HL7791 ASIANA AIRLINES

FLEET NEWS

AIRBRIDGE CARGO AIRLINES (Russia) will shortly acquire a second 747-400ERF (VQ-BGY msn 33097/1361) from Air France. This will bring their -400ERF fleet to five aircraft. A sixth is planned to be leased from NCA - Nippon Cargo Airlines shortly (msn 36784/1411 - currently stored Victorville, CA).

AIR CARGO GERMANY plans to lease two stored Martinair Cargo 747-400Fs. The first (PH-MPQ msn 24975/838) departed Victorville, CA March 25th for pre-service maintenance at Xiamen, China.

ASIANA AIRLINES (South Korea) received its eighth new Boeing 777-200ER (details above). Asiana also leases three aircraft from ILFC, for a total of 11. This is the 413th 777-200ER delivered, the first since July last year, and only the eighth since the end of 2007.

EUROPE AIRPOST (France) leased and took delivery of an ex-Thomson Airways 737-300 (EI-STA msn 29057/2942) on lease from Deutsche Structured Finance. The aircraft is being operated by Air Contractors from Dublin.

LION AIR (Indonesia) took delivery of its 30th new Boeing 737-900ER (details above). They also operate four used aircraft on lease from GECAS (ex Futura & XL Airways). Continental Airlines (USA) has also received a total of 30 737-900ERs, and is now the second largest operator of the type.

VIVA MACAU suspended operations Friday March 26th following increasing financial troubles, and finally an inability to pay its fuel bill. By March 28th the Macau SAR civil aviation authority suspended the airline's AOC. The airline has subsequently stated they intend to restart operations by Friday April 2nd.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 26TH)

2010-03-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-214 (4241) F-HEPB AIR FRANCE (AERVENTURE)
A320-214 (4242) N128UW US AIRWAYS
A340-642 (1079) EC-LEV IBERIA
737-8AS (38506/3221) EI-EKW RYANAIR
737-8AS (35030/3222) EI-EKX RYANAIR
737-8GJ (36367/3216) VT-SGF SPICEJET

FLEET NEWS

AIR ITALY is to lease two additional Boeing 737-300s (EI-IGR msn 28561/2896, 28562/2908) from GE Capital (GECAS) shortly. The sisterships were both delivered new to China General Aviation in 1997, and later acquired by China Eastern Airlines via merger in Jan 1998. Both were returned to GECAS last year, and have been stored at Shannon since then. Air Italy currently operates three 737-300s (one on short term winter sub-lease from Bulgaria Air, two leased from AWAS), one 737-700 (leased from Chishima Real Estate Co Ltd), one 737-800 (leased from BOC Aviation), one 757-200 (leased from Constitution Aircraft Leasing) two 767-200ERs (leased from KMW Leasing) and two 767-300ERs (leased from RBS Aviation and ITOCHU AeroTech Corp). It was nice to fly with friends - again!

BRITISH AIRWAYS cabin crew will strike again from tonight, this time for four days. Negotiations are stalled on both sides. BA plans to operate some 70% of its schedule, again using non-striking cew, as well as an armada of wet-leased aircraft.

DELTA AIR LINES (USA) took delivery of its ninth and tenth Boeing 777-200LRs on Mar 23rd/24th (see those blog dates for delivery data). Delta also operates eight 777-200ERs.

IBERIA (Spain) took delivery of its 17th Airbus A340-600 (details above). They currently operate 15, with one stored (since new July 2009) at Lourdes, and one damaged beyond repair at Quito, Peru in Nov 2007. Iberia's long haul fleet also comprises 21 A340-300s (of which two are stored).

7SEAS AVIATION

Next blog & news update Monday March 29th

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 25TH)

2010-03-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-216 (4143) EI-DTN ALITALIA (AIRCRAFT PURCHASE FLEET)
A320-216 (4152) EI-DTO ALITALIA (AIRCRAFT PURCHASE FLEET)
A320-232 (4246) HA-LWB WIZZ AIR
A330-243 (1095) N284AY US AIRWAYS
737-7H4 (36659/3220) N944WN SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
737-8FZ (31713/3215) LN-NOV NORWEGIAN (BABCOCK & BROWN)

FLEET NEWS

AEROMEXICO is to delay delivery of ten 737s on order for this year to 2011-2012. The airline currently operates 34 Boeing 737-700/800s, having returned five to lessors in 2009.

ALITALIA took delivery of two A320s on lease from Aircraft Purchase Fleet (details above). The aircraft were originally (lease) ordered by Air One, with whom Alitalia merged January 13th last year. Alitalia now operate 45 A320s (plus 12 A319s, 23 A321s).

AL JABER AVIATION (UAE) received its first Embraer E-190BJ (A6-AJH msn 0140) business jet. The aircraft supplements two Airbus A318 Elites.

GMG AIRLINES (Bangladesh) plans to introduce a new livery and corporate brand, along with two leased 767-300ERs for service to Middle Eastern destinations. The first -300ER is an ILFC owned ex-Air China aircraft (msn 30301/762), currently awaiting delivery from Beijing.

HIGHLAND AIRWAYS (UK) ceased all operations and appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers as administrators. The Inverness based carrier operated Jetstream 31/41 turboprop aircraft.

JAPAN AIRLINES will end pure freighter service by the end of October, offering only belly space cargo thereafter. JAL currently has seven 747-400Fs (including one stored) and three 2007 new build 767-300Fs.

LAN AIRLINES (Chile) plans to accelerate delivery of ten of its (32) Boeing 787s on order to commence from 2011 (previously 2014). This is being accomplished by delivery position swaps with ANA

MEXICANACLICK dba Aerocaribe, leased its 16th ex-Midwest Boeing 717 (N927ME msn 55193) from Boeing Capital.

NORWEGIAN AIR SHUTTLE (Norway) took delivery of a new 737-800 (details above) on lease from Babcock & Brown. This is Norwegian's 22nd -800, and 12th delivered new. The aircraft was ordered and delivered to Delta Air Lines, and immediately sold on delivery.

US AIRWAYS received its sixth and seventh new A330-200s (msn 1095/1100) over the last two days. The airline also has nine A330-300s in service.

XL AIRWAYS (Germany) sub-leased a 737-800 (D-AXLI msn 30618/830) from Miami Air International. This aircraft joins two -800s in service with XL, while two others are leased out for the winter (to Sunwings and Air Namibia).

OTHER NEWS

AERCAP and GENESIS LEASE finalized their merger, creating the largest independent aircraft leasing company.

READING MATERIAL...

FLYGIRLS UNDER FIRE (Virgin America): FlyGirls
LAX...THIS AIRPORT...DOES NOT SPONSOR SOLICITORS: Hare Krishna

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 24TH)

2010-03-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-214 (4231) OE-LEB NIKI
A320-232 (4240) B-6638 CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES
A320-214 (4244) B-6667 SPRING AIRLINES (GECAS)
A320-216 (4075) EI-DTK ALITALIA (AIRCRAFT PURCHASE FLEET)
A330-243 (1100) N285AY US AIRWAYS
777-F6N (37713/856) B-2077 CHINA CARGO AIRLINES (GECAS)
777-232LR (40560/0857) N710DN DELTA AIR LINES
E-190BJ (0140) A6-AJH AL JABER AVIATION

FLEET NEWS

ALLIANCE AIRLINES (Australia) plans to acquire an additional eight Fokker 100s from an unnamed European company. The regional airline's fleet of F100s will rise to 19 aircraft

BELAIR (Switzerland) leased a second Airbus A319 (HB-IOY msn 3202) from Air Berlin. The airline also operates seven A320s

NIKI (Austria) took delivery of a new Airbus A320 (above), bringing its fleet of that model to six. Niki also operates two A319s, two A321s and two E-190s

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 23RD)

2010-03-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-214 (4235) 9K-EAE WATANIYA AIRWAYS (AERVENTURE)
A330-343 (1093) A4O-DE OMAN AIR
777-232LR (40559/854) N709DN DELTA AIR LINES

NEWS

ROYAL JORDANIAN has confirmed and detailed its plans for adding two A330-200s to its fleet. The one year old (ex-Air Comet) aircraft will enter service late May in a C24Y259 configuration. Destinations served will include (a resumption) of flights to Kuala Lumpur via Bangkok, Hong Kong via Bangkok, Colombo, and (daily) to London Heathrow.

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 22ND)

2010-03-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

737-8U3 (30142/3213) PK-GMH GARUDA INDONESIA
737-823 (31091/3209) N830NN AMERICAN AIRLINES

NEWS

AIR BLUE (Pakistan) will only take delivery of one A320 from the 14 ordered in 2008. The remainder are to be canceled. The airline's current fleet consists of two A319s, two A320s and three A321s - all on operating lease.

AIR CHINA is to increase its stake in Shenzhen Airlines from 25% to 51%, giving it control and a majority stake in the airline. This investment allows Air China to mount effective competition to Guangzhou based China Southern Airlines in the Pearl River Delta manufacturing region.

AIRES COLOMBIA leased two ex-Flyglobespan 737-700s (HK-4694 msn 30687/2252, HK-4695 30710/2188) from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC). AIRES now has ten 737-700s.

AIR EUROPA (Spain) took delivery of a fifth Embraer E-195 (EC-LCQ msn 0303) on March 19th. A sixth is expected before the end of March.

AIR PHILIPPINES is to be expanded by its owners with the addition of six Airbus A320s, the first two planned for delivery imminently. The expansion is aimed at providing improved domestic competition to rival Cebu Pacific Airlines.

SKYWEST AIRLINES (Australia) will shortly lease its first Airbus A320 (VH-FNP msn 429) from Orix Aviation. The ex-Thomas Cook aircraft has been painted at Manchester Airport (UK). Skywest is acquiring A320s to supplement its Fokker 100 fleet, aiding a capacity increase at Perth without requiring additional slots.

MAGNICHARTERS (Mexico) is adding an additional 737-300 (XA-UNL msn 24532/1754) on lease from Automatic. The aircraft was delivered new to United Airlines, and most recently operated for GOL. A second aircraft (XA-UNM msn 242481636) from the same source is to follow shortly.

VIRGIN AMERICA plans to add nine A320 family aircraft to its fleet (six this year, three in 1Q 2011) for a total of 37 aircraft. New service plans include daily flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Orlando, FL, and its first international flights from LAX/SFO to Toronto Pearson. Flights between SFO and Orange County, CA will cease May 26th as part of a focus on longer haul service.

INTERESTING READ...Sage-Popovich...aircraft repossessions

7SEAS AVIATION

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 20TH)

2010-03-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A321-231 (4136) VN-A363 VIETNAM AIRLINES
A321-231 (4213) VN-A365 VIETNAM AIRLINES (AERVENTURE)

NEWS

AEROGAL (Ecuador) leased a second ex-Avianca 757-200 (HC-CIY msn 26635/608) from the Synergy Group. The airline's first 757 was leased in December 2008 from Pegasus Aviation.

ICELANDAIR leased a 757-200 (TF-FIK msn 26151/472) from GE Capital (GECAS). The aircraft was most recently operated by Titan Airways (UK). Icelandair's 757 fleet now comprises 13 passenger 757-200s, five 757-200 freighters, and one 757-300.

7SEAS Aviation

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 19TH)

2010-03-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-214 (4203) 5A-ONJ AFRIQIYAH AIRWAYS
A321-231 (4230) B-6630 CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES
A330-343 (1097) EC-LEQ IBERWORLD (AWAS)
737-82R (40871/3212) TC-AAS PEGASUS AIRLINES
737-8V3 (29667/3151) HP-1539CMP COPA AIRLINES (AVIATION CAPITAL GROUP)
E-195LR (0303) EC-LCQ AIR EUROPA

NEWS

BRITISH AIRWAYS cabin crew are set to strike for three days from midnight (GMT) tonight. 17 wet-leased aircraft are due into London Heathrow this evening as part of BA's attempts to keep a 65% schedule operating. The leased aircraft details can be obtained from the link below:
BA wet lease aircraft (Airliners.net)

EASTOK AVIA (Kyrgyzstan) leased its first A320 (msn 445) from Nordic Aviation Capital. The ex-LTE aircraft has been stored since October 2008.

7SEAS Aviation

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 18TH)

2010-03-18T13:10:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-232 (4238) G-EUYG BRITISH AIRWAYS
737-8AS (38507/3211) EI-EKV RYANAIR

7SEAS Aviation

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 17TH)

2010-03-17T08:29:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-214 (4243) A6-ABT AIR ARABIA (AERVENTURE)
A321-231 (4224) B-6629 CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES
737-783 (34549/3210) LN-RNW SAS SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES

NEWS

FEDEX EXPRESS (USA) acquired an ex-Air France Boeing 777F (msn 32967/718). The aircraft was delivered new in November, and was operated in all-white c/s. A second undelivered 777 intended for Air France (msn 32969/827) will also be acquired by FedEx. The latter aircraft has been stored at Marana, AZ since December, and will shortly be ferried to Everett, WA for pre-delivery work.

ORENAIR (Russia) is to lease a seventh 737-800 (VQ-BFZ msn 28644/839) from GE Capital (GECAS). The ex-Virgin Blue aircraft will join -800s leased from Aircastle (2), CIT Aerospace (2) and ILFC (2). A second aircraft from the same source / heritage is expected. GECAS also leases 737-400s and -500s to Orenair.

7SEAS Aviation

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 16TH)

2010-03-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A319-132 (4227) D-AGWP GERMANWINGS
A320-214 (4219) G-EZTT EASYJET

NEWS

AIR BERLIN (Germany) cancelled 10 Boeing 787 orders, leaving it with 15 remaining on order. The airline also rescheduled nine 737-800 deliveries to 2015.

BELAIR AIRLINES (Switzerland) leased a seventh A320 (HB-IOQ msn 3422) from owner Air Berlin. The airline also operates one A319.

BUSINESS AIR (Thailand) leased a 767-300ER (HS-BIB msn 24753/291) from Sojitz Aircraft Leasing. The ex-BRA (Brazil) aircraft joins a 767-200ER acquired in December.

ENTER AIR (Poland) took delivery of its first aircraft, a 737-400 (SP-ENA msn 26320/2563) on lease from International Lease Finance Corp (ILFC). The ex-Asiana aircraft is one of two being acquired by this start up airline, to be used on holiday charter services.

7SEAS Aviation

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 15TH)

2010-03-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A330-343 (1099) 9V-STK SINGAPORE AIRLINES
737-9GPER (35736/3207) PK-LGT LION AIR

NEWS

BRIT AIR (France) leased a CRJ-900ER (F-HDTB msn 15063) from Bombardier. The aircraft was previously operated by Atlasjet, and has been stored since December 2008.

CHAM WINGS AIRLINES (Syria) wet-leased an A320 (YL-BBC msn 0142) from SmartLynx Airlines (Latvia).

NORDSTAR (Russia) is to lease a third ex-TUIfly 737-800 (msn 27977/9) from Babcock & Brown. This will bring Nordstar's 737-800 fleet to four, which also includes an ex-Sterling aircraft leased from Aviation Capital Group.

SKYNET ASIA AIRWAYS (Japan) will lease a new build 737-800 from AWAS next summer. The airline currently operates eight 737-400s.

US AIRWAYS (USA) returned three early build Boeing 757s (22192/3, 22196/7, 22199/17) to GE Capital (GECAS) late January to early February. All were originally delivered to Eastern Air Lines. The aircraft have been permanently retired at Greenwood, MS. 28 of the first 100 757s built have now been retired (plus one written off), and 31 overall retired. 1,048 757s were delivered.

7SEAS Aviation

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 12TH)

2010-03-12T09:05:00.000-08:00

NEW DELIVERIES

737-8AS (38505/3206) EI-EKT RYANAIR
E-190STD (0342) PH-EZN KLM CITYHOPPER

NEWS

IBERIA (Spain) took delivery of two A319s (EC-KUB msn 3651, EC-LEI msn 3744) that had been stored at Hamburg / Finkerwerder since hand over in November/December 2008. This brings Iberia's A319 fleet to 24 aircraft. The airline also operates 39 A320s (with an additional five stored) and 19 A321s.

7SEAS Aviation

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 11TH)

2010-03-11T12:26:00.000-08:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A321-213 (4221) B-6632 AIR CHINA
737-8AS (38503/3202) EI-EKR RYANAIR
737-8AS (38504/3203) EI-EKS RYANAIR
737-823 (33210/3200) N829NN AMERICAN AIRLINES
737-8EH (37600/3205) PR-GGZ GOL AIRLINES
E-190LR (0335) B-3163 TIANJIN AIRLINES

NEWS

GREAT WALL AIRLINES (China) has been fully taken over by China Eastern Airlines. The brand is now one of three cargo airlines controlled by China Eastern, with Shanghai Airlines Cargo and China Cargo Airlines the other two. The consolidation mirrors similar activity in China recently with passenger airline mergers and alliances.

ONUR AIR (Turkey) will lease three A330-300s for five years from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC). Two Pratt & Whitney powered aircraft, msn 072 and 143, are ex-Iberworld and Malaysia Airlines, while msn 098 is an ex-Dragonair Rolls-Royce powered aircraft. Delivery will be between April and June this year.

7SEAS Aviation

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 10TH)

2010-03-10T09:21:00.000-08:00

NEW DELIVERIES

Photograph: T. Laurent

A320-214 (4093) B-6646 SPRING AIRLINES
A321-231 (4217) B-6628 CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES
A330-343 (1087) B-6512 AIR CHINA (AERCAP)
A330-343 (1098) 9V-STJ SINGAPORE AIRLINES
737-846 (35356/3201) JA327J JAPAN AIRLINES
E-190LR (341) D-AECE LUFTHANSA CITYLINE

NEWS

AIR CHINA took delivery of its first (of 20) Airbus A330-300s (details above). The aircraft will replace A340-300s, 767-300s and 767-300ERs, due to be phased out from 2011. Air China also operates 20 A330-200s, delivered between 2006 and 2008.

CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS (Hong Kong) ferried a 747-400 (B-HOO msn 23814/705) to Victorville, CA for storage on March 9th. The aircraft performed its last service Hong Kong to Los Angeles, CA the day before. This was the first 747-400 delivered to the airline in September 1988. Cathay now has two 747-400 pax aircraft stored, along with three 747-400 freighters - all at Victorville.

EGYPTAIR yesterday took delivery of its first Boeing 777-300ER (SU-GDL msn 38284/850). The aircraft is leased from GE Capital (GECAS), the first time Egyptair has availed itself of an operating lease transaction. Five further -300ERs will follow by second quarter 2011. Initial service will commence to London Heathrow March 15th, followed by Tokyo Narita in May.

GOVERNMENT OF KAZAKHSTAN acquired a new VIP configured A330-200 (UP-A3001 msn 863) from Midroc Aviation (Saudi Arabia). The aircraft was delivered in November 2007, and was ferried to Hamburg in July 2008 for cabin outfitting.

IRAQI AIRWAYS will acquire ten Boeing 787-8s in a previously undisclosed deal signed in December last year by the Government of Iraq.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES received its 10th (of 19) new Airbus A330-300s (details above) on order. The aircraft are used regionally to Australia, Japan and Taiwan, as well as to various Middle East destinations, such as Abu Dhabi, Jeddah and Kuwait.

UNITED AIRLINES (USA) finalized an order for 25 Airbus A350-900s, with deliveries scheduled from 2016 through 2019. The planned order was announced last December, along with an order for 25 Boeing 787s (finalized last month)

7SEAS Aviation

AIRBUS A320 RETIREMENTS

2010-03-09T11:57:00.000-08:00

A320-231 5B-DAT msn 028...second IAE powered A320 delivered, first for Cyprus Airways, also the first A320 to be scrapped in March 2005. Picture: J. Laporte, Brussels, mid 90s

Cyprus Airways this week retired its last early build A320, one of four IAE powered A320-231s it received in 1989 (3) and 1990 (1). Cyprus Airways and Adria Airways (Yugoslavia, now Slovenia) received the first IAE powered A320s in May 1989.

A320-231 YU-AOA msn 043...the first IAE powered A320 delivered (May 16th 1989), and still operational with Adria Airways (as S5-AAA) Picture: Jorde Grife, Girona, June 21st 1989

Adria Airways continues to operate the very first IAE powered A320 delivered (msn 0043), while selling its other two to Myanmar International late last year. In common with many carriers, Cyprus has simply replaced its aircraft with newer A320s, as has Air France, Lufthansa and others.

The first 350 A320s built, with deliveries ending in late 1992, have become increasingly likely to be permanently retired. Of the first 100 built, 35 have been permanently retired (and four written off). Of the first 350 built, 48 have been permanently retired (and five written off). The youngest A320 retired so far is msn 0338 (delivered September 1992, retired November 2008). Others in the first 1000 built are likely to suffer the same fate over the next few years as fleet replacement activity gathers pace. Later 1990s build aircraft are likely to have an alternative future as passenger to freight conversion candidates.

Click on the link below for a list of A320 retirements:
A320 RETIREMENTS

7SEAS Aviation

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 9TH)

2010-03-09T10:21:00.000-08:00

NEW DELIVERIES

777-36NER (38284/850) SU-GDL EGYPTAIR (GECAS)
First 777-300ER for Egyptair. Photograph: Royal S King

NEWS

ALLEGIANT AIR (USA) is to acquire six Boeing 757-200s for service entry between the fourth quarter 2010 and 2011. Adding to an existing all MD-80 fleet, the 757s will be used to serve the Hawaii islands. All six aircraft will be purchased from a European airline that has operated the aircraft since new. The most likely vendor is British Airways, which has ten Rolls-Royce powered 757-236s (five in service & five stored - all are for sale). (Postscript: the 757s sourced were -204 ex Britannia/Thomson aircraft).

BRITISH AIRWAYS (UK) is to reconfigure its 33 IAE powered A320-232s to seat 162 passengers in an all economy layout (up from 156). An extra £6 million of revenue per annum is targeted through this capacity increase. Remaining CFM powered A320s will not be modified, as all are due for retirement soon.

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES (USA) now has just one remaining Boeing 737-300 in service (N12318 msn 23369/1188), and it is likely to be removed from service by April. Continental received 65 737-300s in all, some of which initially operated for New York Air, prior to merging in February 1987. Continental still operates 40 737-500s.

CORENDON AIRLINES (Turkey) is to shortly acquire its first Boeing 737-800s (TC-TJG msn 29120/202 & TC-TJH msn 29121/0239). Both aircraft have been in service with Air Berlin since delivery in early 1999. They will join an existing fleet of one 737-300 (sub-leased to Pegasus Airlines) and four 737-400s (one sub-leased to Sun Air of Sudan).

CYPRUS AIRWAYS (Cyprus) retired its last early build A320 (5B-DAW msn 038). The aircraft was ferried from Larnaca to Walnut Creek, AR (via Keflavik & Hartford, CT), arriving today. The aircraft will be scrapped, as have Cyprus' msn 028, 035 & 037. A320 RETIREMENTS

GOL AIRLINES (Brazil) is to add five former Varig operated Boeing 767-300ERs to its fleet by June, in order to commence services to Europe (further details to be reported). It is possible the aircraft will retain Varig branding, although the two airlines have been operationally merged since June last year.

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES (USA) ordered an additional A330-200, bringing its total orders to ten (purchase rights are held for five more). The first three aircraft will be delivered this year in April, May and November. Initial service will be to Los Angeles, CA.

JETBLUE AIRWAYS (USA) celebrates its 10th anniversary with various $10 promotional fares from JFK to ten destinations. Additional deals will be rolled out as part of the celebrations over the weeks ahead. JetBlue's fleet currently consists of 110 Airbus A320s and 41 Embraer E-190s.

THY - TURKISH AIRLINES (Turkey) is to lease two ex-EasyJet Boeing 737-700s (msn 32420 & 32426) from BOC Aviation (China). THY recently leased its first 737-700 (TC-JKJ msn 34297/1808) from GE Capital (GECAS). The aircraft had previously operated since new with Aeromexico. THY's low cost subsidiary AnadoluJet currently operates six 737-700s.

THY also confirmed and finalized its order for 20 new Boeing 737s. The order is for ten -800s, adding to an existing fleet of 48. Ten 737-900ERs complete THY's order, its first for this variant.

7SEAS Aviation

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 8TH)

2010-03-08T23:39:00.000-08:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A319-132 (4192) PT-TMD TAM AIRLINES
737-8KN (29636/3197) A6-FDG FLYDUBAI (BBAM)
Delivered to Delta Air Lines, sold on delivery to Babcock & Brown

7SEAS Aviation

2010-03-05T12:26:00.000-08:00

AIR JAMAICA 1969-2010

News that Air Jamaica will close its doors for good on April 12th, with key routes and assets to be subsumed into Caribbean Airways, brings to a close 40 years of operations by a colorful, well known and liked airline.

Jamaica's national airline, headquarted at Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport, was formed in late 1968, and commenced operations on April 1st 1969. The airline was substantially owned by the Jamaican Government, with a small shareholding owned by Air Canada, who provided technical assistance. Air Canada's involvement dictated the fleet direction with DC-8-43s (Rolls-Royce Conway engines) and stretch DC-8-61s operated for most the 1970s. Initial services were from Kingston and Montego Bay to New York and Miami, with Toronto and Montreal, plus other US destinations added in the early 70s.

DC-8-43 6Y-JME (msn 45442/9) Leased from Air Canada Jul/77 to Mar/80...pictured in service at Montego Bay 8/Jul/79 (Mick Bajcar)

The same aircraft, now returned to Air Canada, and withdrawn from use at Montreal Dorval Nov/80 (Pierre Langlois). The registration 6Y-JME would many years later be used on an A321

DC-8-61 6Y-JGG (msn 45894/297) was acquired from Eastern Air Lines Nov/73, and operated until Jun/83. It is seen here preparing to depart from London Heathrow's runway 10R 11/Oct/75 (A.V. Pettit). Services to Europe were started in April 1974.

By the late 1970s, Douglas DC-9s and Boeing 727s began to enter Air Jamaica's fleet, and Air Canada's share was purchased by the Government. The 1980s saw a slowing of growth, with few new destinations added to the network.

Boeing 727-2J0 6Y-JMA (msn 21105/1158) was delivered new to Air Jamaica on 29/Aug/75 and was operated until late 1998. While in AJM service it also carried registration marks VR-CMA and 6Y-JMM as the aircraft was sold to different owners, and operated on lease. The aircraft is seen here with its original registration parked on a wet ramp at Montreal Dorval in June 1979 (Pierre Langlois)

DC-9-32 6Y-JIJ (msn 47639/735) was delivered new to Air Jamaica 28/Jun/74. The aircraft was sold to Germany's Aero Lloyd in early 1983. Seen here at Montreal Dorval May 1979. (Pierre Langlois)

A300B4-203 6Y-JMK (msn 131) at Los Angeles July 1984 (Frank C. Duarte Jr)

The early 1980s also saw the introduction of Air Jamaica's first wide bodied aircraft, with two ex-Laker Airways A300B4s acquired, followed by two more on lease (ex-Varig and Cruzeiro) in early 1990.

By the mid 1990s Air Jamaica introduced its most spectacularly colorful livery, as seen on A300 6Y-JMK at Miami, FL in December 1995 (Udo K. Haafke)

During the late 1990s, the A300s were supplemented and then replaced by A310-300s acquired from Delta Air Lines. The A310s would see service throughout Air Jamaica's network.

A310-324 N840AB (msn 682) departing Fort Lauderdale, FL in May 1997.

Europe also saw A310 service, as seen N837AB (msn 674) landing at London Heathrow in 1996.

Following the retirement of 727s, Air Jamaica added a couple of MD-80s to its fleet in late 1996. Both would operate alongside a growing fleet of A320s until 2002, when the latter replaced them. Pictured above is MD-88 N191AJ (msn 53191/2151) landing at Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles in October 2001. (Paul Spijkers).

In 1994 Air Jamaica was partially privatized, with the Government retaining 25% of the company. Employees subscribed to 5%. Overseas expansion continued in the 1990s with service added to Frankfurt and Manchester in Europe, as well as Phoenix, Fort Lauderdale and Santo Domingo in the Americas / Caribbean.

Long haul services were from 1999 boosted by the long range A340-300, the first of which was leased from International Lease Finance Corp (ILFC) in May 1999.

A340-312 6Y-JMC (msn 048) was Air Jamaica's first A340, seen here landing at London Heathrow in August 2001 (Gary Watt). This aircraft was ex-Air Mauritius, and is currently with Aerolineas Argentinas.

Two additional used A340-300s (msn 216 & 257) were leased from ILFC in 2002, both were ex-Air Canada aircraft, and both now fly with THY Turkish Airlines.

In the mid to late 90s, Air Jamaica began a major narrow body re-equipment program with the acquisition of A320s (from December 1996) and A321s (from February 1999).

A320-214 6Y-JAF (msn 624) was Air Jamaica's first A320, delivered new in late December 1996. The aircraft is still with AJM, pictured above landing at Toronto in August 2009. (Nigel Harris).

A total of 11 different A320s have operated with Air Jamaica, two aircraft being leased twice (msn 1213 and 1751). The current A320 fleet numbers seven aircraft.

In December 2004, following continued financial losses, the Government took back full ownership of Air Jamaica, and at that time the fleet consisted of 17 A320 family aircraft, along with the three A340-300s. This would be the peak of fleet size for the airline.

A321-211 6Y-JMR (msn 1905) seen landing at New York JFK June 2006 (Eric Dunetz). Air Jamaica operated a total of six A321s, with just one remaining on lease from GE Capital (GECAS). The remaining five were all returned to lessor ILFC in 2009.

As the Government grappled with Air Jamaica's increasing debt and bloated staffing levels in the mid 2000s, it was determined that the long haul operation was unsustainable. The routes were pared back, with the first A340 departing in 2005, a second in 2007, and finally all long haul service ceased with the departure of the last A340 in August 2008.

The carrier's focus became regional and US east coast centric, with the A320 family fleet being extensively culled as well. These actions however failed to stem the losses, and with recession also a factor by 2009, the fleet was reduced substantially by the removal of all but one (of six) A321s, and seven A320s.

A lone Airbus A319 6Y-JAD (msn 3331) was added to the fleet in July 2008 on lease from Aercap. It had unexpectedly become available following the demise of Skybus Airlines in the United States. It wears the final livery adopted by Air Jamaica, essentially a lower cost simple scheme than its richly colorful predecessor. This scheme was also applied to a couple of A320s, although the majority of the fleet retain the prior livery.

By 2009, it had become apparent that Air Jamaica needed to be sold in order to survive. It was reported in July that Miramar, FL based Spirit Airlines might purchase the airline, however this did not come to pass. In December, the Prime Minister of Jamaica approached the Government of Trinidad & Tobago regarding a merger with or acquisition by Caribbean Airlines (formerly BWIA).

In the event, the only viable option became the closure of Air Jamaica, with Caribbean Airlines essentially picking up the most profitable elements of Air Jamaica's routes and assets, and the opening of a hub at Kingston. Initial indications are that Air Jamaica's fleet will be divested, however that has yet to be fully determined at the time of writing this review.

The optimistic company slogan 'Soaring to new heights' is soon to fade into aviation history.

7SEAS Aviation

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 5TH)

2010-03-05T09:04:00.000-08:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A319-133 (4215) 9V-SBG SILKAIR
A320-232 (4206) N601NK SPIRIT AIRLINES (AERVENTURE)
A320-214 (4218) A9C-AH GULF AIR
A320-232 (4229) VH-VGV JETSTAR (BOC AVIATION)
A320-214 (4234) G-EZTV EASYJET
737-8AS (35027/3198) EI-EKO RYANAIR
737-8AS (35028/3199) EI-EKP RYANAIR
CRJ-900LR (15252) D-ACNL EUROWINGS / LUFTHANSA REGIONAL

NEWS

AIR JAMAICA is to close down on April 12th. Key routes (such as Kingston-New York) will be taken over by Caribbean Airways. Air Jamaica's current fleet consists of one A319, seven A320s and one A321. It is unclear if this fleet will migrate to Caribbean, who currently operate 737-800s. Air Jamaica 1969-2010 (Postscript: Air Jamaica was acquired by Caribbean Airlines May 1st 2010, the brand however continued, with a merger and integration process expected to be completed within 6-12 months from that date).

GEORGIAN AIRWAYS (Georgia) returned its sole 737-300 (4L-TGL msn 23859/1551) to lessor CIT Aerospace, and the aircraft was ferried to Lasham, UK for temporary storage and / or maintenance. Georgian also operates 737-500s and -400s, one 737-700, and three Canadair CRJs.

IBERIA (Spain) ferried a new A340-600 (EC-LCZ msn 993) from Lourdes to Madrid on March 4th for service entry. The aircraft was delivered new and into storage last September. It replaces an A340-300 (EC-HQF msn 378), which was today ferried from Madrid to Chateauroux for storage (all-white, registered F-WJKF).

SOMON AIR (Tajikistan) ordered two 737-900ERs, its first direct purchase of aircraft from Boeing. Its existing Boeing fleet consists of two 737-800s.

SPIRIT AIRLINES (USA) took delivery of their first Airbus A320 (N601NK msn 4206), on lease from Aerventure. The aircraft adds to an existing A320 family fleet of 26 A319s and 2 A321s. Up to 19 more A320s are on order or lease/order.

7SEAS Aviation

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 4TH)

2010-03-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

NEW DELIVERIES

737-7H4 (36913/3195) N943WN SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
737-823 (33209/3193) N827NN AMERICAN AIRLINES
737-8JP (39164/3196) LN-DYC NORWEGIAN AIR SHUTTLE
777-3DZER (36096/851) A7-BAJ QATAR AIRWAYS
E-190LR (0339) G-LCYJ BA CITYFLYER / BRITISH AIRWAYS

NEWS

BA CITYFLYER (UK) has taken delivery of its first Embraer E-190 (G-LCYJ msn 0339). The aircraft is due to arrive at Exeter on March 6th, and on to London City March 7th for service entry March 15th. The E-190 joins an existing LCY based fleet of six E-170s.

GERMAN SKY AIRLINES (Germany) is to lease an ex-Air Europa 737-800 (msn 28323/625) from SAS. Dusseldorf based German Sky is a sister / subsidiary airline of Turkey's Sky Airlines.

NORWEGIAN AIR SHUTTLE (Norway) yesterday received its 20th Boeing 737-800. The latest example (LN-NOT msn 37816/3194) is leased new from CIT Aerospace. CIT also leased two used 737-800s to Norwegian last year.

ZAMBEZI AIRLINES (Zambia) will shortly lease a third 737-500 from GE Capital (GECAS). The ex-Estonian Air aircraft (msn 29074/3086) will join two ex-China Southern aircraft acquired in mid 2009.

7SEAS Aviation

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 3RD)

2010-03-03T14:00:00.000-08:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A321-231 (4209) B-6643 SHANGHAI AIRLINES
737-8JP (37816/3194) LN-NOT NORWEGIAN AIR SHUTTLE (CIT AEROSPACE)

NEWS

AVIANOVA (Russia) leased a third A320 (EI-ELD msn 1918). The airline commenced operations last July with two IAE powered A320s leased from ILFC. The lastest aircraft is ex-EasyJet/GB Airways, and leased from Aviation Capital Group.

GULF AIR (Bahrain) took delivery of two Embraer E-170ARs (A9C-MA msn 0293 and A9C-MB msn 0278) on March 2nd.

MNG AIRLINES (Turkey) took delivery of its first Boeing 737-400 freighter (TC-MCF msn 24126). The aircraft was also the first to be converted by Aeronautical Engineers, Inc (AEI) in Miami, FL. A second aircraft will be delivered to MNG early in the summer.

7SEAS Aviation

2010-03-02T10:46:00.000-08:00

AIR SLOVAKIA...Ceases Operations

Bratislava based Air Slovakia has become the latest airline to succumb to the negative forces of recession and resulting financial pressure. The Slovak authorities today revoked the airline's AOC, causing an immediate cessation of all operations.

Air Slovakia's demise follows the bankruptcy of Slovak Airlines (2006), along with both SkyEurope Airlines and Seagle Air last year. Danube Wings remains the only Slovak registered commercial jet operator, and they too have recently announced that 737-400 service would cease this month, due it is believed, to similar financial concerns. This leaves Ireland's Ryanair as Bratislava's dominant airline operator.

Air Slovakia was formed as Air Terrex in 1993, initially operating leased Boeing 727s. The name Air Slovakia was adopted in 1995, and over time the fleet replaced with 737-200/300s, and 757s. Four 737-300s and one 757-200 were in service at the time of the shut down. The airline operated charter services and ACMI operations on behalf of other airlines.

7SEAS Aviation

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 2ND)

2010-03-02T09:34:00.000-08:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-232 (4225) B-6627 CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES
A320-214 (4233) G-EZTU EASYJET
777-FZB (37987/852) N775SA SOUTHERN AIR (OAKHILL CAPITAL)
Sub-leased to / Operated for Thai International
777-FS2 (37723/848) N852FD FEDEX EXPRESS
E-170AR (0293) A9C-MA GULF AIR
E-170AR (0278) A9C-MB GULF AIR

NEWS

AIRES (Colombia) is to shortly take delivery of an eighth 737-700 (HK-4682 msn 32416/1270), its fourth ex-EasyJet aircraft to be leased from Pegasus Aviation. AIRES Colombia (7SEAS Aviation article Dec 2009)

AVIANCA (Colombia) took delivery of its 15th new A320 today. The airline also operates four A319s. The A320 family is replacing MD-80s and 757s

BATAVIA (Indonesia) leased a fifth IAE powered A320 (PK-YUC msn 460). The aircraft is owned by Newport Beach, CA based Aviation Capital Group, and was last operated by Onur Air. Sistership msn 0461 will follow shortly.

BMI BABY (UK) is to announce new routes and expansion from its East Midlands (EMA) base. The growth plan includes adding additional aircraft from 2011. For summer 2010, EMA will have seven based aircraft, up from the current five. BMI Baby has 12 Boeing 737-300s. BMI Baby (7SEAS Aviation article - Nov 2009)

BIMAN BANGLADESH AIRLINES (Bangladesh) leased an ex-Air Comet A310-300 (S2-AFT msn 642) from ILFC, on a 3 year lease term. The aircraft was delivered from Miami Feb 27th, and wears the airline's new livery, as first seen recently on 737-800s and a 777-200ER.

EUROFLY (Italy) merged with Meridiana to form Meridiana Fly (from Feb 28th). The airline becomes Italy's second largest airline. The fleet comprises MD-80s and A320 family aircraft, with A330-200s used on long haul services.

INTERJET (Mexico) leased and took delivery of two A320s from Aviation Capital Group. Both ex-TACA aircraft (msn 1400/1523) are on two year leases, and are the first IAE powered A320s in Interjet's fleet. Toluca / Mexico City based Interjet now has 17 A320s in service.

ILFC delayed delivery dates of its ten A380s on order by one year. First delivery will now be in 2014.

KINGFISHER AIRLINES (India) plans to join the oneworld alliance from the second half of 2011, subject to Indian regulatory approval. Kingfisher would be the 12th member of the global alliance.

7SEAS Aviation

AVIATION NEWS (MAR 1ST)

2010-03-01T15:32:00.000-08:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-232 (4223) HA-LWA WIZZAIR
A320-214 (4205) B-6623 CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES
A320-214 (4226) B-6647 SHENZHEN AIRLINES

NEWS

ACT AIRLINES (Turkey) Airbus A300 (TC-ACB msn 121) was badly damaged in a landing accident at Bagram, Afghanistan. The freight flight originated in Bahrain. No serious injuries have been reported.

AIR INDIA (India) returned three A320-200s (msn 326/344/478) over the weekend to leasing company Aircap. All three are headed to the United States for storage.

BLUE AIR (Romania) leased a fourth Boeing 737-800 (YR-BID msn 29641/1654). The ex-Air Berlin aircraft was leased from RBS Aviation. Its previous -800s were all leased from CIT Aerospace. Blue Air also operates CFM powered 737 classics.

CHINA CARGO AIRLINES (China) received its first Boeing 777 Freighter on Feb 26th. The aircraft is leased from GE Capital (GECAS). China Cargo is the second 777F operator in China, following China Southern, which received two in December. 18 777Fs have now been delivered in total.

LAN AIRLINES (Chile) took delivery of a new Boeing 767-300ER (CC-CXK msn 37802/987) on Feb 26th...a day before the country was shattered by an 8.8 magnitude earthquake. Limited operations at Santiago's international airport have now resumed.

MALEV (Hungary) has been renationalized by the Hungarian Government following continued losses and liquidity problems. The airline's fleet consists of Dash 8-400s (Q400s) and Boeing 737-600/700/800s. Over the last 12 months, CRJ-200s, Fokker 70s and Boeing 767s have all been retired.

NEW YORK JFK Airport has closed its longest main runway (13R/31L) for four months, for resurfacing. Worse delays than usual are expected for major tenants American, Delta and JetBlue.

7SEAS Aviation

JET DELIVERIES (FEB 27TH-28TH)

2010-03-01T14:54:00.000-08:00

NEW DELIVERIES (FEB 27TH)
None Recorded

NEW DELIVERIES (FEB 28TH)
None Recorded

7SEAS Aviation

JET DELIVERIES & FLEET NEWS (FEB 26TH)

2010-02-26T09:38:00.000-08:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A319-115 (4200) N422AV AVIANCA
A320-214 (4212) VT-EDD AIR INDIA
A320-214 (4199) N105AL AIR LUTHER (COMLUX)
A321-211 (4194) B-6622 CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES
737-84P (35757/3192) B-5502 HAINAN AIRLINES
737-84P (36782/3186) B-5503 HAINAN AIRLINES
737-823 (31089/3185) N826NN AMERICAN AIRLINES
737-8EH (37599/3191) PR-GGY GOL AIRLINES
737-89L (36752/3188) B-5500 AIR CHINA
767-316ER (37802/987) CC-CXK LAN AIRLINES
777-F6N (37711/846) B-2076 CHINA CARGO AIRLINES (GECAS)

FLEET NEWS

DANUBE WINGS (Slovakia) is to end Boeing 737-400 services March 7th. The company also operates ATR-72s.

DENIM AIR (The Netherlands) Ceased operations on Feb 18th. The Netherlands based airline was founded in 1996, and specialized in charter, ACMI and wet lease operations. The fleet was primarily turboprop based, with ten Dash 8-300s & ten Fokker 50s. Jet equipment consisted of three Fokker 100s.

JETTIME (Denmark) is to lease a former Axis Airways Boeing 737-300QC (OY-JTF msn 24364/1657) from GE Capital (GECAS). The airline currently operates five 737-300s.

REPUBLIC AIRWAYS HOLDINGS (USA) Plans to introduce a unified brand for its Frontier and Midwest Airlines subsidiaries. This will either entail phasing out an existing brand in favor of another, or creating an entirely new airline name. Timeline is said to be by Labor Day.

RYANAIR (Ireland) received its 250th Boeing 737-800 (EI-EKN msn 35026/3187). Of these, the first 25 delivered have been sold, while one 2008 build aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

7SEAS Aviation

JET DELIVERIES & FLEET NEWS (FEB 25TH)

2010-02-25T10:23:00.000-08:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A320-232 (4214) B-6615 SHENZHEN AIRLINES
A321-231 (4198) B-6642 SHANGHAI AIRLINES
737-8AS (35026/3187) EI-EKN RYANAIR (250th delivered)
777-3DZER (37662/849) A7-BAH QATAR AIRWAYS

FLEET NEWS

AIR SWEDEN (Sweden) today placed its first Boeing MD-80 (SE-DMT msn 48003/944) into service, operating Stockholm (ARN) - Erbil, Iraq (EBL) round trip. Stockholm based Air Sweden is a new charter airline formed from now defunct Nordic Airways

BMI (UK) today ferried the first of two A330-200s (G-WWBM msn 398) to be retired to Dresden, in preparation for lease return to Aviation Capital Group

EASTAR JET (S. Korea) is to acquire an additional ex-EasyJet Boeing 737-700 (HL8215 msn 32417/1285) on lease from Pegasus Aviation. The airline currently operates one ex-Flyglobespan 737-600, and four ex-EasyJet 737-700s

REPUBLIC AIRWAYS HOLDINGS (USA) placed an order for up to 80 (40 firm/40 options) Bombardier C-Series aircraft. The company (which owns Chautauqua Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Lynx Aviation, Midwest Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America) selected the CS300 model, with seating for 138 passengers.

UNITED AIRLINES (USA) finalized its order for 25 Boeing 787-8 aircraft (originally announced in December)

VIKING HELLAS (Greece) is to lease two ex-Windjet A320s (msn 393/414) from AWAS. Both aircraft have been stored at Chateauroux since April 2009. Viking Hellas is a recently formed subsidiary of Sweden's Viking Airlines, and received its first aircraft, a 737-300 (SE-RHV msn 28567/2971) in February

7SEAS Aviation

JET DELIVERIES & FLEET NEWS (FEB 24TH)

2010-02-24T08:48:00.000-08:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A319-112 (4204) N204MX MEXICANA (AERVENTURE)
A320-214 (4202) N127UW US AIRWAYS
A320-214 (4201) VT-EDC AIR INDIA
E-190AR (0336) PR-AZI AZUL AIRLINES

FLEET NEWS

FlyLAL Charters (Lithuania) leased an ex-Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-300 (LY-AWI msn 24275/1637) from GE Capital (GECAS).

Garuda (Indonesia) announced plans to auction four Boeing 737-400s. The aircraft are being replaced by new 737-800s.

Puma Air (Brazil) is to shortly lease an ex-BRA Boeing 737-300 (PR-GLK msn 24668/1905) from Automatic.

Virgin Blue (Australia) confirmed plans to order 50 Boeing 737s. The order caters for replacing upcoming lease returns, as well as growth.

7SEAS Aviation

2010-02-23T09:18:00.000-08:00

HOLA AIRLINES...Ceases Operations

Palma de Mallorca based Hola Airlines ceased operations February 15th. Established in 2002, the airline operated European charter services, ACMI and wet lease operations. The fleet has generally never exceeded more than three or four aircraft at any one time, and has included primarily Boeing 737-300/400s, along with a couple of Boeing 757-200s.

Hola's livery was typically very basic and minimal, as necessitated by the regular operation of its aircraft on behalf of other carriers.

The airline had some 35 employees, and two Boeing 737-400s in its fleet when it shut down.

7SEAS Aviation

JET DELIVERIES & FLEET NEWS (FEB 23RD)

2010-02-23T09:06:00.000-08:00

NEW DELIVERIES

A330-202 (1094) VH-EBN Qantas (Leased from CIT Aerospace)
737-7CT (37421/3184) C-GWSY Westjet Airlines (Leased from BOC Aviation)

FLEET NEWS

Arik Air (Nigeria) is to lease its first A330-200 (msn 1002), originally intended for Grupo Marsans / Air Comet. Delivered to HSH Nordbank last July, the aircraft has since been stored at Toulouse, and latterly Chateauroux, where it has been repainted.

British Airways (UK) ferried another Boeing 747-400 (G-BNLD msn 23911/744) to Victorville, CA for storage on Feb 18th. It joins four others there, while four remain stored at Cardiff-Wales.

Brussels Airlines (Belgium) is to lease from ILFC a fifth A330-300 (OO-SFV msn 095) in March. Originally an LTU delivered aircraft, its most recent operator was Malaysia Airlines.

EasyJet (UK) returned a fourth (in 2010) 737-700 (G-EZJW msn 32418/1300) to its lessor today, leaving it with eight remaining in service. 32 were delivered new between 2000 and 2004, with one additional example leased new from Boullioun Aviation in 2002, on a short term two year lease.

Finnair officially retired the MD-11 from its passenger fleet on Feb 22nd (although a final revenue flight was conducted YVR-HEL March 2nd). The type has been replaced by A330-300s. This leaves KLM and World Airways as the remaining operators of passenger MD-11s (Updated).

Global Air (Mexico) leased its first Boeing 737-300 (XA-UNG msn 26441/2250). This aircraft has been stored since November 2008, with a planned leased to SkyEurope in Spring 2009 not being taken up.

Jet2 (UK) is seeking to acquire a Boeing 767-300ER by April. This would be the first widebody operated by the Leeds/Bradford based airline, a subsidiary of the Dart Group. A 10th Boeing 757-200 (G-LSAK msn 27973/735) is also to be added to the fleet in April. The ex-ATA Airlines aircraft is currently receiving maintenance at Lasham, Hampshire.

MexicanaClick (Mexico) received its 15th Boeing 717 on Feb 19th. All are ex-Midwest Airlines, leased from Boeing Capital, and are to fully replace their Fokker 100 fleet.

Olympic Air (Greece) confirmed plans to merge with Aegean Airlines. Both primarily operate IAE powered A320 family aircraft (Updated).

Royal Jordanian (Jordan) is to acquire two ex-Air Comet Airbus A330-200s. RJA's existing long haul fleet consists of A310-300s and four A340-200s.

SunExpress (Turkey) is to shortly lease ex-Air Europa Boeing 737-800 (TC-SNL msn 34251/1817) from GE Capital (GECAS)

Travel Service (Czech Republic) leased an ex-Flyglobespan Boeing 737-800 (OK-TVN msn 29643/2303) from CIT Aerospace on Feb 16th. This brings their current 737-800 fleet to 12 aircraft, including two recently delivered new from Boeing.

Qantas (Australia) ferried a third Boeing 767-300ER (VH-OGC msn 24317/246) from Sydney to Victorville, CA for storage, on Feb 22nd.

Ukraine International Airlines (Ukraine) received its third new Boeing 737-800 (UR-PSC msn 29662/3182) on Feb 19th. All were ordered by Delta Air Lines, and sold on delivery to Newport Beach, California based Aviation Capital Group.

Westjet Airlines (Canada) received its 64th new Boeing 737-700 on Feb 22nd, this being the 11th that it has leased from BOC Aviation (China).

7SEAS Aviation