American Eagle Airlines (2nd)-Executive Airlines ATR 72-212 N270AT (msn 270) MIA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

American Eagle Airlines (2nd) (Dallas/Fort Worth) yesterday (October 1)began nonstop service between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) in Gainesville, FL. Executive Airlines (San Juan) operates the service with 64-seat ATR 72-200 turboprop aircraft.

In addition, American Eagle yesterday also launched four daily nonstop flights between New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Eagle flies the route with Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet aircraft, featuring Eagle’s new First Class service.

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. ATR 72-212 N270AT (msn 270) of Executive Airlines operating under the American Eagle brand taxies to the gate at the Miami hub.

Aer Arann ATR 72-201 EI-REH (msn 260) CDG (Christian Volpati), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Aer Arann’s (Dublin) examinership (bankruptcy protection) has been extended by the High Court in Ireland pending the finalization of a prospective takeover and investment deal.

Click on the photo for additional details.

Copyright Photo: Christian Volpati.

Czech Airlines-CSA (Prague) went into the red in 2011 with a pre-tax loss of $11.8 million. The airline blamed the loss on aircraft commitments and higher fuel costs.

The airline issued the following statement:

“The second year of Czech Airline’s three-year restructuring plan was marked primarily by the continued reorganisation of the company, transformations in its transport network model, and cost optimisation. Last year the airline was impacted by financial leasing obligations for aircraft ordered in the past, and a significant increase in fuel costs. Last year Czech Airlines transferred its subsidiaries Czech Airlines Handling, CSA Services, and HOLIDAYS Czech Airlines to Czech Aeroholding. The money that the airline obtained through these transactions was used to pay instalments on aircraft. This means that Czech Airlines invested nearly a billion crowns into its future assets last year. The airline finished the 2011 financial year with an aggregate loss of CZK 241 million.

Phase two of Czech Airline’s on-going restructuring influenced the airline’s financial results for last year. Czech Airlines continued its human resources optimisation and the optimisation of its sales and transport networks, with corresponding gradual changes in its fleet structure. “Last year Czech Airlines managed to reduce its personnel costs by nearly one third, year on year, and in terms of its fleet size, it is returning to a state that corresponds to the transport network and market potential of a small local market. The structural changes in the transport network unfortunately did not have enough time to fully manifest themselves in last year’s financial results, whether in terms of revenue or costs,” explains Philippe Moreels, Chairman of the Management Board and President of Czech Airlines, adding: “Financial obligations for aircraft ordered in the past had an adverse impact on our financial results. Last year alone Czech Airlines had to invest nearly a billion crowns that it obtained from the sale of assets into new aircraft.”

A significant increase in the price of aircraft fuel also had an adverse impact on the airline’s finances last year. In spite of the planned decrease in aircraft movements by nearly one fifth last year, Czech Airlines noted a nearly 40% year-on-year increase in fuel costs. “The same trend was manifest in the first four months of this year. Although on the revenue side, certain other positive effects of the gradual transformation of the transport and sales network are beginning to show, the increase in fuel costs has nearly eliminated them, at least in the first four months of the year. In its last, third year of restructuring, Czech Airlines will therefore focus even more on reducing its costs, primarily fixed costs, and will also enhance some of its modern pro-revenue projects,” concludes Philippe Moreels.”

Copyright Photo: Keith Burton.

Czech Airlines: 

TransAsia Airways (Taipei) has signed a contract for eight firm 72-seat ATR 72-600s, plus an option for one additional ATR 72-600. The deal, including the option, is valued at over $ 210 million. Deliveries of these new ATR -600s will start in 2014 and extend through 2017. With the purchase of these aircraft, TransAsia Airways will progressively replace their current fleet of nine ATR 72-500s operating in their domestic network with the new aircraft.

Top Image: ATR.

TransAsia: 

Bottom Copyright Photo: Manuel Negrerie. The older ATR 72s will be replaced with the new ATR 72-600s for mainly domestic routes in Taiwan. The pictured ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-500) B-22802 also carries a special 60th Anniversary decal.

Lao Airlines (Vientiane) has signed a firm contract for two ATR 72-600s. These two new aircraft will be added to Lao Airlines’ current fleet of four ATR 72-500s (ATR 72-212As). The airline is in the midst of expanding its fleet in order to increase frequency on existing routes and to open up new destinations in the surrounding region.

Copyright Photo: Jay Selman. ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-500) RDPL-34174 (msn 878) completes its final approach into Bangkok. 

Lao Airlines: 

Aer Arann (Aer Arann Regional) (Aer Lingus Regional) (Dublin) has ordered eight new ATR 72-600s to replace some of its older ATR 42-300s and ATR 72-200s.

Copyright Photo: Nik French. Named “Aoife”, ATR 72-212 EI-SLL (msn 387) was leased from Air Contractors on April 26, 2010. EI-SLL also displays the updated 2010 livery. 

Aer Arann: 

Island Air (Hawaii) is overhauling their already colorful livery. Following the announcement by Hawaiian Airlines that they will start an inter-island turboprop subsidiary, Island Air has announced a complete image and brand overhaul.  The inter-island airline is also adding ATR 42s and ATR 72s starting in August.

The comprehensive rebranding touches every aspect of the airline; from an enhanced website to a newly inspired aircraft livery design, including an exciting new logo mark and identity.

Along with the new look, Island Air is upgrading its fleet with ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft.  The new aircraft are more fuel efficient, and carry more passengers than the current Bombardier DHC-8-100  aircraft that are being replaced.

The changes and additions to Island Air’s brand will take place incrementally with the complete rebranding targeted for completion in the fall.

Top Image: Island Air.

Click on the map to expand.

Bottom Copyright Photo: TMK Photography. Island Air operated the Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) in the past but the type proved to be too large at that time.

Island Air: 

InterSky (Bregenz, Austria and Friedrichshafen, Germany) ordered two ATR 72-600 for delivery in December 2012 and March 2013, to supplement the Bombardier DHC-8-300s.

Read the press release from the airline (in German): CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Keith Burton. The new ATR 72-600s will supplement the existing Bombardier DHC-8-300s. DHC-8-311 OE-LSB (msn 525) completes its final approach into Zurich.

Helitt Lineas Aereas (Malaga) will add two new routes from Barcelona on October 28; Pamplona and Vitoria.

Copyright Photo: Malcolm Nason. ATR 72-212 (-ATRQ (msn 428) at Shannon became EC-LNR on delivery.

Route Map:

Video (in Spanish):

InterSky Luftfahrt (Bregenz and Friedrichshafen) has signed a contract for the purchase of two new ATR 72-600s. The first of the 70-seat ATR 72-600s will be introduced in December this year, with the second one following in March 2013. These aircraft will become the first ATRs to be operated by an Austrian carrier.

With the introduction of these two new ATR 72-600s, InterSky will almost double the seat capacity of its fleet, which currently consists of three 50-seat Bombardier DHC-8-300 turboprop aircraft.

Image: ATR. The drawing suggests a new livery for this new type.

InterSky: 

Current Route Map:

Please click on the map for the full size view.

Island Air (Hawaii) (Honolulu) has taken delivery of its first ATR 72-200. The pictured former American Eagle Airlines (Executive Airlines) ATR 72-212 registered as N348AE (msn 349) arrived at the pictured Honolulu base on September 23. N348AE will become N941WP with Island Air. The new type also introduces this new livery.

Copyright Photo: Ivan K. Nishimura/Blue Wave Group.

Route Map:

Please click on the map for the full view.

UNI Air (subsidiary of EVA Air) (Taipei) yesterday (September 27) accepted at Toulouse its first new ATR 72-600. The delivery of B-17001 (msn 1044) is the very first ATR 72-600 aircraft in the livery of an Asian carrier. This ATR 72-600 is expected to enter revenue service on October 11, with a commercial domestic flight from Taipei to Taidong.

With the introduction of its new fleet of 10 ATR 72-600s, UNI Air will progressively replace its fleet of Bombardier DHC-8-300 turboprops.

Since ATR launched the -600 series aircraft in late 2007, the newest ATR 72-600 has proven itself as the best-selling 70-seat regional aircraft worldwide, with some 240 orders since then. The ATR 72-600 received its EASA-certification in May 2011, thus becoming the world’s most-recently certified 70-seat regional aircraft. Among other improvements, it features the most modern avionics suite, equipped with full-glass cockpit specifically developed for ATR by Thales, and totally redesigned cabin interiors, by Italian designer Giugiaro.

Copyright Photo: Eurospot. B-17001 is pictured at Toulouse prior to the handover in the new livery reflecting its relationship with parent EVA Air.

Hot New Photos: 

DanubeWings (DanubeWings.com) (Bratislava) will start a new route connecting Ostrava (Czech Republic) with Vienna commencing on January 14, 2013. The new route will be flown with ATR 72s per Airline Route.

Copyright Photo: Wingnut. ATR 72-202 OM-VRA (msn 373) arrives at the Greek holiday isle of Corfu.

DanubeWings: 

Virgin Australia Holdings Limited (Virgin Australia Airlines) (Brisbane) is making three bold moves. The company issued the following statement:

Virgin Australia Holdings Limited today announced three transactions designed to accelerate the growth of the business, diversify its earnings and increase competition in Australia.

The transactions include:

• making a placement of shares to Singapore Airlines (Singapore), which will see Singapore Airlines owning a 10% interest in Virgin Australia Holdings;
• entering a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire 60% of the existing shares in Tiger Airways Australia (Melbourne) from Tiger Airways; and
• entering an in-principle agreement with Skywest Airlines (Perth) to acquire 100% of its business.

Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer John Borghetti said: “The transactions announced today are in line with Virgin Australia’s strategy to become the airline of choice in all markets, in order to diversify our earnings and drive growth opportunities for the business.

“The acquisition of Tiger Australia and Skywest provides Virgin Australia with a strong presence in the budget, Fly-in Fly-Out (FIFO) and regional markets, enabling us to fast-track our expansion in these areas and become a stronger competitor”, Mr Borghetti said.

“These transactions will bring important benefits to Australia, driving growth in jobs, tourism and competition”, Mr Borghetti said.

If approved, following the completion of the transactions, the Virgin Australia Group will expand to 139 aircraft and over 9,000 employees .

Virgin Australia will keep the market updated regarding progress on these transactions.

Meanwhile partner Singapore Airlines (Singapore) has ordered 20 Airbus A350-900s and five A380s and will assign its 20 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to subsidiary Scoot (Singapore).

Top Copyright Photo: Lloyd Fox. If approved, Skywest Airlines (Perth) will become a 100% subsidiary of Virgin Australia. The regional carrier is already operating ATR 72-500s for Virgin Australia in their livery. The Skywest brand used for other Western Australia routes is now likely to disappear.

Virgin Australia: 

Skywest Airlines: 

Tiger Airways (Australia): 

Bottom Copyright Photo: Micheil Keegan. Since Singapore Airlines and its Tiger Airways (Australia) subsidiary are now partners with Virgin Australia, it is unclear if Tiger Airways (Australia), a competitor of Virgin Australia, will continue to use the the Tiger Airways brand in Australia or operate now under the Virgin Australia name. Airbus A320-232 VH-VNO (msn 4053) climbs away from Sydney.

Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) is in talks with Kingfisher Airlines (Mumbai) about a possible minority investment in the grounded airline according to the Wall Street Journal.

Read the full article: CLICK HERE

Meanwhile the Deccan Herald of India believes Jet Airways (Mumbai) is a better investment for the Gulf carrier.

Read the full article: CLICK HERE

Top Copyright Photo: Jay Selman. Boeing 777-3FX ER A6-ETF (msn 39700) prepares to land at Bangkok.

Etihad Airways: 

Kingfisher Airlines: 

Jet Airways: 

Bottom Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-500) with the test registration of F-WWEG (msn 788) arrives at Farnborough. Although painted, the turboprop was never delivered to Kingfisher Airlines as VT-KAT. Instead it went to Air Botswana as A2-ABS.

Air Dolomiti (Verona and Munich) intends to phase out its 10 remaining ATR 72-500s by November 2013 per Le Journal de l’Aviation. The carrier will be adding more Embraer ERJ 195s to replace the turboprops. Parent Lufthansa wants to phase out the use of turboprops.

Read the full report (in French): CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Rolf Wallner. ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-500) I-ADCC (msn 662) taxies at Zurich.

Air Dolomiti: 

Kingfisher Airlines‘ (Mumbai) Scheduled Operator’s Permit (SOP) is due to expire today (December 31) according to this report to The Economic Times. The carrier had proposed to restart scheduled operations with five Airbus aircraft and two ATRs but the Indian government was concerned about its financing and funding and asked for additional details. The airline suspended operations on October 4, 2012.

Read the full story: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Pepscl. ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-500) F-WWEK (msn 750) became VT-KAI when it was handed over on June 27, 2007.

Kingfisher Airlines: 

InterSky Luftfahrt (Bregenz and Friedrichshafen) on January 8 took delivery of their first ATR 72-600 aircraft ordered in 2012. This is also the first ATR aircraft that will fly in the livery of an Austrian airline.

The new aircraft was welcomed at Friedrichshafen Airport, the company’s main operating base, strategically situated in the southernmost part of Germany. Although headquartered in Bregenz, Austria, InterSky benefits from the proximity of the Friedrichshafen Airport to both Swiss and Austrian borders allowing the airline to conveniently serve many commuters and business travelers from the Alpine regions.

The special delivery ceremony was witnessed by Friedrichshafen’s District Administrator Lothar Wölfle and the City Mayor Andreas Brand. The second ATR 72-600 ordered by InterSky is scheduled for delivery in March this year, with the aircraft entering service on routes to key regional destinations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

InterSky was founded in 2002 by Renate Moser and Rolf Seewald and has been successful for the last 11 years. In February 2012, INTRO Group of the German entrepreneur Hans Rudolf Wöhrl became a 51% shareholder of the company. For the time being, InterSky serves the regional sector connecting the Lake Constance area to German cities like Berlin, Dusseldorf and Hamburg, but also from Austria’s Vienna and Graz to Zurich. In the summertime the destinations Elba (out of Friedrichshafen, Munich, Zürich, Bergamo and Geneva), Olbia, Split, Zadar and Pula are also part of the schedule. With the purchase of two new ATR 72-600s the fleet will grow up to five aircraft, additionally to the current three Bombardier DHC 8-300s.

Copyright Photo: ATR. ATR 72-600 OE-LIB (msn 1038) has also ushered in a new livery for the growing airline.

Current Route Map:

Please click on the map for the full size view.

Island Air (Honolulu) has disclosed it has entered into an agreement to sell the company to an undisclosed new operator (Empire Airlines?). The new owner should take control of the company within six to eight weeks according to the current management.

Hawaiian Airlines is getting ready to start its inter-island ATR feeder operation with Empire Airlines and Empire may be interested in consolidating with Island Air. If not, the new owners will have to compete against the new Hawaiian/Empire operation.

Read the full story from the Star Advertiser in Honolulu: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo Below: Ivan K. Nishimura/Blue Wave Group. This colorful new 2012 livery for the airline could be short-lived if the new owners decide to retire the Island Air brand. The first ATR 72-212 (now N941WP, msn 349) arrived at the pictured Honolulu base on September 23, 2012. The airframe was formerly operated by American Eagle Airlines-Executive Airlines as N348AE.

Island Air: 

Please click on the map for the full view.

FlyMe (Villa Air) (Maamigili and Mahe) has taken delivery of its first ATR 72-600 (8Q-VAS, msn 1069). GE Capital Aviation Services Limited (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of GE, announced the delivery of a new ATR 72-600 aircraft leased to FlyMe, the Maldives carrier operated by Villa Air.

The aircraft comes from GECAS’ existing order book with ATR.

FlyMe currently operates two 50-passenger ATR 42-500s on routes within the Maldives.

Villa Air was incorporated in 1997 by the Chairman of Villa Group, Qasim Ibrahim, with a vision to develop an airport and an airline owned by Villa Group.  Following the incorporation the company embarked on two major projects to simultaneously develop an airport in the island of Maamigili in South Ari Atoll – the biggest tourism precinct in the Maldives and establish an airline that will be operated from the airport as its main base.

FlyMe commenced service between Villa Airport Mamigili (VAM) and Ibrahim Nasir International Airport on October 1, 2011.

Copyright Photo: Eurospot. ATR 72-600 F-WWEF (msn 1069) completes a test flight at a cloudy Toulouse. The turboprop became 8Q-VAS on the hand over.