Recently in Fleet / Aircraft Info Category

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today announced at its annual Media Day a "green plane," an innovative idea that marries efficiency, environmentally responsible products, Customer comfort, and reduced waste and weight. This plane, a Boeing 737-700, will serve as a test environment for new environmentally responsible materials and Customer comfort products.

It is a flying testament to the airline's philosophy that environmental decisions make good business sense. All of the initiatives being tested on this Green Plane, when combined, will equate to a weight savings of almost five pounds per seat, thus saving fuel and reducing emissions, along with adding recyclable elements to the cabin interior and reducing waste.

"Southwest is committed to continuing to lead the industry in emissions reductions through fuel efficiency. Efficiency in fuel consumption benefits our Company as well as the environment, and this has been part of our business model since the beginning," said Gary Kelly, Southwest's Chairman, President, and CEO. "As we look to the future, we know climate change remains of vital importance to our industry, our Company, and our Customers, so Southwest works hard every day in every area to be a responsible steward of the environment."

Southwest has designated one aircraft to serve as a test for eco-friendly products, which include:

• InterfaceFLOR Carpet - this carpet reduces labor and material costs because it is installed in sections, thus eliminating the need for total replacement of areas such as aisles, where Southwest currently uses one single piece of carpet. The 100 percent recyclable carpet is returned to the manufacturer at the end of its service life and completely re-manufactured into new carpet; the process is completely carbon neutral.
• Seat covers - two new products that will be tested on the aircraft seats, offering more than twice the durability than the current leather seats as well as a weight savings of almost two pounds per seat.
  • On one side of the aisle, e-Leather is an eco-friendly, lightweight and scuff resistant man-made alternative to traditional leather. It is made from recycled materials that have been discarded by the leather industry. It is then upgraded utilizing eco-friendly technology, resulting in composition leather, a man-made material.
  • On the other side of the aisle, IZIT Leather, a new breed of premium leather alternative, is an evolutionary step beyond calf skin that offers a lightweight product that is both economical and durable, but with the genuine appearance and touch of luxurious leather.
• Life Vest Pouch - more environmentally friendly because it offers a weight savings of one pound per passenger, replacing the current metal container with lighter durable canvas. The smaller pouch also creates more room under the seat for carryon items and offers productivity improvements due to design change.
• Foam Fill - A lighter weight fill from Garnier PURtec in the back of the seats that reduces weight while providing increased Customer comfort.
• Passenger Seat Rub Strips - switching from plastic to aluminum will help with durability, which reduces waste, as well as being recyclable.
  

"Southwest is proud to lead the aviation industry in environmental stewardship and honored to be working with these eco-friendly vendors and our partners at Boeing," Kelly says. "We are excited to test their forward-thinking products and expect these green products to not only help the environment, but also create a fuel and materials cost saving for Southwest."

In addition to the green plane, Southwest also announced the Nov. 1 kickoff of its more robust onboard recycling program, which is a co-mingled system that will allow the airline to capture more recyclable material and divert it from the waste stream. This 18-month process involved team work from all areas of the Company to implement the program on the ground at its Provisioning Bases and re-working of waste collection procedures in the cabin.

"The initiative by the Southwest Airlines Green Team, Facilities Maintenance, Inflight Department, and Provisioning Department was a truly heroic effort; when you serve nearly 68 cities there are often 68 different ways to implement a program," Kelly says. "We appreciate the hard work of our recycling vendor, Republic Services, and we are excited to take a very effective recycling program and make it even better."

Environmental Stewardship is a responsibility Southwest takes seriously, and efficient operations are the hallmark of our Company and the foundation of our environmental commitment. Over the decades, Southwest has been at the forefront of such efficiencies as paperless tickets, quick turnarounds, installation of winglets, and, more recently; the installation of fleet-wide advanced avionics. This focus on efficiency not only makes good business sense, it is the right thing to do. For more information on how Southwest Airlines cares for the environment, visit www.southwest.com/cares.

SOURCE Southwest Airlines

Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; Bovespa: EMBR3) delivered 56 aircraft to the Commercial, Executive, and Defense segments during the second quarter of 2009 (2Q09). On June 30, 2009, the Company's firm order backlog was US$ 19.8 billion.

Of the 56 aircraft delivered by Embraer in 2Q09, 35 went to the Commercial Aviation segment, 19 to Executive Aviation, and two to Defense.

 
    Deliveries by Segment              2Q09           2009

    Commercial Aviation                 35             67
     ERJ 145                             2              3
     EMBRAER 170                         7             12
     EMBRAER 175                         3              6
     EMBRAER 190                        16             33
     EMBRAER 195                         7             13

    Executive Aviation                  19             27
     Phenom 100                         13             19
     Legacy 600                          5              7
     Lineage 1000                        1              1

    Defense                              2              2
     Phenom 100                          2              2

    TOTAL                               56             96

During 2Q09, Embraer signed KLM Cityhopper, KLM's regional subsidiary, for seven firm orders for the EMBRAER 190 jet, confirming options from the original contract, which was released in August 2007. The Dutch airline has 11 purchase options for Embraer jets, as well. The Company also signed a contract with Argentina's Austral Lineas Aereas for the sale of 20 EMBRAER 190 jets. The value of this contract still is not included in the Company's firm order backlog for the quarter. Embraer also sold a third E-Jet -- an EMBRAER 175 -- to Japan's Fuji Dream Airlines, from the Suzuyo Group. This order is already included in Embraer's firm order backlog for the first quarter of 2009.

In 2Q09, Embraer delivered the first EMBRAER 190 jet to NIKI Luftfahrt GmbH, from Austria; an EMBRAER 195 to Augsburg Airways, which is a partner of Lufthansa Regional; an EMBRAER 170 to Airnorth, with headquarters in Darwin, Australia; and three EMBRAER 175s to TRIP Linhas Aereas, which is the largest regional airline in Brazil. During the same period, via its wholly owned subsidiary ECC Leasing Company Limited, Embraer delivered the first ERJ 145 jet to Passaredo Linhas Aereas in April.

After 12 years in service, the worldwide fleet of Embraer's ERJ 145 platform has accumulated over 15 million flight hours. Furthermore, the Company delivered the 1,100th aircraft of the ERJ 145 family, a Legacy 600 executive jet.

In the executive segment, the entry level Phenom 100 jet received type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The Company also delivered the first Phenom 100 jet to Executive AirShare, of the United States, and the first Lineage 1000 extra-large executive jet to HE Aamer Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, of Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.

In the defense segment, Embraer signed two important contracts in April. The first was with the Brazilian Air Force (Forca Aerea Brasileira - FAB) for the program for developing and manufacturing the KC-390 military transport aircraft. The second was a contract for modernizing 12 Brazilian Navy jets -- nine AF-1 (single-seat) and three AF-1A (two-seat). The Company also delivered the 100th Super Tucano it has produced. The commemorative aircraft was received by the FAB, which has ordered that 99 of this model be built.

Also in 2Q09, Harbin Embraer Aircraft Industry Company, Ltd. (HEAI) signed a contract with Hainan Airline Company, Ltd. (HNA) to adjust the existing contract, signed on August 31, 2006, from 50 to 25 firm orders for the ERJ 145 jet.

On June 30, 2009, Embraer's firm orders, separated according to products, for the Commercial Aviation segment, were as follows.

    Aircraft Model           Firm      Options     Deliveries     Firm Order
                            Orders                                 Backlog

    ERJ 145 Family
     ERJ 135                  108         -           108              -
     ERJ 140                   74         -            74              -
     ERJ 145                  708        25           696             12

    Total - ERJ 145 Family    890        25           878             12

    EMBRAER 170/190 Family
     EMBRAER 170              193        91           160             33
     EMBRAER 175              135       173           120             15
     EMBRAER 190              443       454           234            209
     EMBRAER 195              111        76            40             71

    Total - EMBRAER 170/190   882       794           554            328
             Family

    TOTAL                   1,772       819         1,432            340

Source: Embraer

Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced that it is taking delivery this week of another new Boeing 737-900ER, which is painted with a retro livery to commemorate the airline's 75th anniversary on July 15, 2009.

The new aircraft's retro livery, which was originally used on aircraft beginning in 1947 and is called The Blue Skyway, was selected by Continental employees. Continental will fly the new aircraft to its three hubs for anniversary celebration events for employees and retirees. The aircraft will make an appearance at Houston Bush Intercontinental on Thursday, June 25, and at New York/Newark Liberty and Cleveland Hopkins on Friday, June 26.

"I am proud to celebrate this exciting occasion with the Continental team, including both our current 43,000 co-workers, as well as the many retired co-workers who paved Continental's history and made the airline what it is today," said Larry Kellner, Continental's chairman and chief executive officer. "Not many 75-year-olds believe their future will be longer and more vibrant than their history, but that's exactly what we're looking forward to at Continental."

The Early Years

Continental traces its history to Varney Speed Lines, started in 1934 by Walter T. Varney primarily to carry U.S. mail. On July 15, 1934, the airline launched its first flight, carrying 100 letters and no passengers between Pueblo, Colo. and El Paso, Texas. At the time, Franklin Roosevelt was president, the average U.S. annual income was about $1,600, a new car cost $625 and a gallon of gas cost 10 cents.

Walter Varney focused on the new airline's fleet, called Continental "America's Fastest" due to its speedier aircraft. A focus on a strong fleet is one thing that hasn't changed over the last 75 years: Continental today flies the newest, most fuel-efficient jet fleet of all the major U.S. network carriers.

Varney earlier started a different airline, which became United Airlines. Later this year, the two carriers founded by Walter Varney plan to make an historic reunion by joining together as alliance partners in Star Alliance.

Longtime Leader: Bob Six

Varney Speed Lines became Continental Airlines in 1937 under the leadership of the legendary Robert F. Six, who captained the airline into the "jet age" and expanded its reach for more than 40 years.

Bob Six laid the groundwork for Continental's reputation for top-notch service and a customer focus.

In 1944, passenger revenue exceeded revenue from carrying mail for the first time in the airline's history. Under Six's leadership, Continental in the late 1940s became one of the first carriers to experiment with coach fares, and established first-class "Gold Carpet Service" in the late 1950s.

"One thing that's never changed goes back to Robert Six - we still want to give customers the best experience from the time they board the plane until they get to their destination," says Houston-based Administrator of Manuals and Publications Jo Strauss, who has been with the company since 1968.

Bob Six also secured a Continental stronghold in the pacific by creating Air Micronesia, which remains a wholly-owned Continental subsidiary today.

Times of Tumult

In the late 1970s, following the Airline Deregulation Act, through the early 1990s, Continental went through some of its darkest days, struggling through years of financial losses, a gaggle of challenging mergers and acquisitions, and two bankruptcies, as well as labor relations that strained to the breaking point. Even through these grim times, several bright spots emerged: in 1987, Continental established its OnePass frequent flyer program, and in 1992, the airline launched its premium product, BusinessFirst, which provides first-class service at business-class fares.

In addition, Continental's current domestic hubs were formed during this period. In the late 70s and early 80s, following deregulation, Continental's presence in Houston, which began with the airline's first flight into the city in 1951, strengthened into a true hub. In February 1987, Continental's merger with People Express provided the foundation for the carrier to grow and develop a leading presence in the strategic New York market, transforming Newark Liberty into one of the world's premier international global gateways. Continental remains the largest carrier in the New York area today. In July 1987, Continental's Cleveland hub opened, tripling the airline's presence in the city.

From Worst to First

Then, in 1994, Gordon Bethune became CEO and led the company through one of the most dramatic turnarounds in business history, taking it from "worst to first."

Much as Six set the tone on customer satisfaction, Bethune brought to the forefront a culture of employees working together. Bethune and Continental's senior management team also instituted the Go Forward Plan to make sure the whole team had their eyes on the same target. The same working-together culture and Go Forward Plan continue to underlie Continental's success even today.

Continental Today

Current Chairman and CEO Larry Kellner, who has been with the company since 1995, took the helm when Gordon Bethune departed in late 2004. Larry credits Continental's co-workers for the airline's success in recent years. As chairman and CEO, Larry stays focused on open, honest and direct communication with co-workers across the system, taking input from all directions as the company faces today's opportunities and challenges. Additionally, Larry has piloted Continental through years of international growth while continuing to focus on the fundamentals that his predecessors laid down before him: employee relations, customer satisfaction, and building a strong fleet.

"I never thought in my wildest imagination that someday I'd be able to fly all over the world," said DFW-based Customer Service Agent and Ramp Equipment Coordinator Joe Caudle, who in 1951 joined Trans-Texas Airways (later renamed Texas International), which originally served routes in Texas and merged with Continental in the early 1980s. Continental "has gotten better - for passengers, employees, and the airline in general. We probably have the best executive staff in the industry. I credit them for where we stand now - the most admired airline in the world."

During Larry's time with Continental, the carrier has received more awards for customer satisfaction than any other airline, including being named FORTUNE magazine's most admired global airline for six consecutive years on the magazine's annual airline industry list. Despite these honors, the carrier has no intention of resting on its laurels.

Symbolic of Continental's focus on the future, the new retro-painted Boeing 737-900ER will be delivered equipped with an advanced technology GPS Landing System (GLS) that will take advantage of a new NextGen satellite-based landing system being installed later this year at Newark Liberty. Continental is partnering with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the FAA, Rockwell Collins and Gables to make this technology a reality. This is just one of many NextGen technologies and capabilities that Continental has pioneered over the years as the airline works to make operations safer and more reliable, fuel efficient, and environmentally friendly.

Other firsts being initiated in Continental's 75th anniversary year are the introduction of DIRECTV(R) service, installation of flat-bed seats in BusinessFirst, and service to Shanghai.

"I have been here for over 28 years," said EWR-based 757 Captain Tom Stephens. "I have worked with the best people that I could have wished for. There have been some serious ups and downs. There have been times when the future looked bleak and times when the future looked bright. Through it all we have survived and, for the most part, done it with good humor and the determination to get through the rough spots with confidence that there would be better days. We should look around us now with satisfaction at the Continental we each, in our own way, helped to create."

For historical photos and more information on Continental's 75-year history, please go to: continental.com/company/history.

Source: Continental Airlines

Customers onboard American Airlines Flight 172 from New York (JFK) to Brussels (BRU) on Thursday, May 7, will be among the first to experience American's newly-reconfigured Boeing 757 international aircraft on a trans-Atlantic flight.

American is in the process of reconfiguring 18 of its 124 Boeing 757s for use on international routes, and Thursday's JFK-to-Brussels flight is the first to make an international journey with the new configuration. Featuring new seats, new cabin interiors and updated inflight entertainment systems, the reconfiguration - slated for completion by the end of this year - will offer customers a comfortable international travel experience.

"American Airlines fleet of Boeing 757 international aircraft will be well-suited to serve select international routes following the refurbishment initiative," said Lauri Curtis, American's Vice President - Onboard Service.

The 757 Business Class cabin, with a 2-2 seating configuration, features 16 next-generation, angled lie-flat seats with drop-down armrests; the ability to slide forward interlocking tray tables that create one of the largest workspaces in the industry; on-demand audio/video in-seat entertainment systems providing 28 movies, more than 33 hours of television programming, 16 audio channels, 50 audio CDs, 15 interactive games; and new lavatories.

The Economy Class cabin, with 166 seats in a 3-3 configuration, will receive new seats, new lavatories, new LCD monitors that replace CRT monitors, and digital media file servers that will provide better inflight video and audio entertainment quality.

The 757 international fleet will serve select trans-Atlantic and Latin American routes. Routes are subject to change, but may include New York to Barcelona, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Brussels; Boston to Paris Charles de Gaulle; and Miami to Salvador, Brazil, to Recife, Brazil.

UPDATES ON PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED AIRCRAFT PROJECTS

American Airlines, a founding member of the oneworld(R) Alliance, continues to invest in products and services that make traveling on American more comfortable and convenient. Below are updates to previously announced fleet refurbishment projects.

BOEING 737

Since April 14, American has welcomed four new Boeing 737-800 aircraft into its fleet - the first of 76 737-800s that will arrive through the first quarter of 2011.

The 737s feature new First Class and Economy Class seats for improved living space and comfort, new "big bins" for overhead storage, and a digital inflight entertainment system which includes 20 drop-down LCD monitors mounted throughout the cabin. Each First Class seat has a 110V AC power port. In Economy Class, there are two ports per three seats to provide all passengers better access to power. Over time, these aircraft will also be equipped with AirCell's Gogo(R) Inflight Internet service, which allows customers the ability to surf the Web, check e-mail, and send instant messages conveniently from the air.

The new deliveries will be added to American's current fleet of 77 737-800s and are intended to eventually replace American's fleet of approximately 270 MD-80s.

BOEING 777

American recently completed the refurbishment of its fleet of 47 Boeing 777 aircraft, which primarily serve routes between the United States and locations in the United Kingdom, Japan, China, India and Latin America.

Upgrades include the standardization of the First Class cabin with customer-favorite Flagship Suites on all of the 777s. The Business Class cabin now features next-generation, angled lie-flat seats with drop-down arm rests and audio/video on-demand in-seat entertainment systems providing 37 movies, more than 78 hours of television programming, 14 audio channels, 50 audio CDs, and 15 interactive games.

BOEING 767-300

Less than two years ago, American Airlines completed the refurbishment of its fleet of 58 Boeing 767-300s. Customers now enjoy a refreshed and enhanced next-generation Business Class cabin boasting angled lie-flat seats with drop-down armrests and personal in-flight entertainment players with audio/video on-demand entertainment providing 28 movies, more than 33 hours of television programming, 16 audio channels, 50 audio CDs, and 13 interactive games. With five independent motors, the new seats offer customers previously unimaginable flexibility. In addition, the slide-forward feature and interlocking tray tables provide customers with greater options for work and inflight dining.

American deploys its Boeing 767-300 aircraft for many of its trans-Atlantic services, as well as on select routes within the United States and to Latin America.

BOEING 767-200

By mid-2009, American is scheduled to complete updates to its 767-200 fleet of 15 aircraft, which primarily serve long-haul routes such as New York to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Miami.

The refurbishment includes the installation of one additional First Class seat on each aircraft, which increases the number of First Class seats to 10. American also is replacing First Class seat covers, armrests and footrests and replacing Business Class seat covers. In addition, the entire aircraft will receive a lighter and brighter look with new carpet and sidewalls. New LCD monitors will replace CRT, and a digital media file server will provide better inflight video and audio entertainment quality. On long-haul flights, personal inflight entertainment players are available in First Class and Business Class with audio/video on-demand entertainment providing 28 movies, more than 33 hours of television programming, 16 audio channels, 50 audio CDs, and 10 interactive games. Additionally, these were the first aircraft in American's fleet equipped with AirCell's Gogo(R) Inflight Internet service, which allow passengers the ability to remain connected while traveling.

BOEING 757 DOMESTIC

Enhancements to American's fleet of 106 Boeing 757 domestic aircraft begins this year and includes the installation of two additional First Class seats, increasing the number of First Class seats to 24 per aircraft. In addition, 89 of the 106 planes will receive new interior sidewalls to match those featured in the other 17 planes. New seats throughout the aircraft - combined with the new sidewalls - provide a lighter and brighter look. Similar to the 18 aircraft in American's 757 international fleet, these aircraft will sport new LCD monitors to replace CRT monitors and will include a digital media file server for better inflight video and audio entertainment quality.

Source: American Airlines