Air Congo officially starts operations on 17 December 2024

 Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA     Image : Ethiopian Airlines/Air Congo

Ethiopian Airlines officially announced that Air Congo, jointly established with the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), will be officially put into operation on 17 December 2024. The DRC government holds a 51% majority stake in Air Congo, while Ethiopian Airlines holds a 49% stake and is responsible for the daily operations and management of the airline.

Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said: "The creation of Air Congo marks an important step in our strategic process of working with African governments to promote the development of aviation in Africa. This cooperation will greatly enhance air connectivity in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the entire Central African region, inject strong impetus into the development of investment, trade and tourism, and thus promote the socio-economic development of the region. We sincerely thank the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, all partners and our team. It is the joint efforts and close collaboration that have made this cooperation a success."

In the initial stage of operation, Air Congo will deploy two Boeing 737-800 aircraft to serve the domestic market of the Democratic Republic of Congo, initially covering seven airports in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The two parties have signed a number of cooperation agreements including aircraft leasing, technical support and system maintenance. In addition, Ethiopian Airlines will also train aviation talents such as pilots, flight attendants, sales service personnel and technicians for the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The establishment of Air Congo is an important practice of Ethiopian Airlines' "Vision 2035", which aims to promote the development of African aviation by establishing multiple aviation hubs in Africa, complementing the advantages of partners such as ASKY Airlines, Malawi Airlines and Zambia Airlines.

Air Cambodia resumes flight to Suvarnabhumi on 17 February 2025 after rename

Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Air Cambodia, renamed officially by the airline Cambodia Angkor Air on 1 January 2025, is resuming scheduled daily flight from Phnom Penh to Suvarnabhumi on 17 February 2025.

On 17 February 2025, according to schedules, Air Cambodia flight K6722 departs from Phnom Penh for Suvarnabhumi at 9.50 am, touches down in Suvarnabhumi at 11 am before leaving Suvarnabhumi for Phnom Penh at 12 pm and arriving in Phnom Penh at 1.10 pm local time under flight K6723.

The above timings are effective for travel on Fridays, Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

On Tuesdays and Saturdays, flight K6722 leaves Phnom Penh for Suvarnabhumi at 12.05 pm, lands in Suvarnabhumi at 1.10 pm before taking off for Phnom Penh at 2.15 pm and arriving in Phnom Penh at 3.35 pm under flight K6723.

Air Cambodia flies to Suvarnabhumi with its Airbus A320 aircraft. Till then, it is not known whether the new livery of Air Cambodia will appear on the existing A320 of Cambodia Angkor Air as the airline has not disclosed when the A320 and its A321 will be repainted. Meanwhile, news has it that the airline has ordered on lease three A320 jets from BOC Aviation for delivery in summer 2025. These new aircraft will spot the new livery of the airline.

Air Cambodia has leased three new ATR 72-600 turboprop propellor aircraft from Chinese aircraft-leasing firm HNCAL. The new aircraft will be delivered in May, November and December 2025 spotting the new blue-golden livery. 

TransNusa launches flight to Honiara on 19 December 2024, begins operating A321 to Changi

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

TransNusa, the Jakarta-based venture airline owned by China Everbright Limited and China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited, continues to expand its international route network. Following its Fuzhou flight launch, the airline has launched scheduled flight from Manado to Honiara, its first Pacific destination in the Solomon Islands on 19 December 2024. TransNusa is the first Asian airline to operate flights to the Solomon Islands.

On 19 December 2024, TransNusa flight 8B124 actually takes off from Manado for Honiara at 7.32 am (scheduled time 4.45 am) and touches down in Honiara at 7.36 pm (scheduled time 2.20 pm) after diversion to Jayapura, Indonesia. Flight 8B124 leaves Jayapura for Honiara at 2.34 pm (scheduled time 1.55 pm) and arrives in Honiara at 7.36 pm (scheduled time 7.39 pm).

On the same day of 19 December 2024, TransNusa flight 8B125 leaves Honiara for Manado at 8.35 pm Honiara local time and arrives in Manado at 11.29 pm according to AeroRoutes.

TransNusa flies to Honiara from Manado on Thursdays with its A320.

With the utilization of its A320 on routes from Manado to Fuzhou and Honiara, TransNusa has begun to operate its first A321 aircraft on its established route to Changi, with the first daily flight 8B151 landing in Changi before 12 pm daily since 6 December 2024. The other A320 aircraft of TransNusa continues to operate on the airline's second daily flight to Changi and daily flights to KLIA from Cengkareng (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, gateway to Jakarta).

TransNusa now flies regularly to seven international airports including Senai, Subang, KLIA, Changi, Guangzhou Baiyun, Fuzhou Changle and Honiara, and six Indonesian airports including Cengkareng, Singkawang, Denpasar, Yogyakarta, Manado and Morowali. 

The route to Guiyang begins as a charter flight on 15 December 2024 only.

TransNusa has a fleet of 4 A320, 1 A321 and 3 ARJ21-700 aircraft with an additional order for 27 more ARJ21-700 aircraft from China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited.

TransNusa launches flight from Manado to Fuzhou on 18 December 2024

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

TransNusa, the Jakarta-based venture airline owned by China Everbright Limited and China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited, launches scheduled flight from Manado to Fuzhou on 18 December 2024.

On 18 December 2024, TransNusa flight 8B123 actually departs from Manado for Fuzhou at 6.28 pm (scheduled time 5 pm), touches down in Fuzhou at 10.21 pm (scheduled time 9.30 pm) before taking off from Fuzhou for Manado at 12.19 am (scheduled time 11 pm) and landing in Manado at 4.19 am (scheduled time 3.30 am) on 19 December 2024 under flight 8B124.

TransNusa flies to Fuzhou on Wednesdays with its A320 aircraft. Fuzhou is Manado Airport's second Chinese regular destination after Guangzhou, to which TransNusa flies to up to four times a week with its ARJ21-700 aircraft from 29 October 2024.

See also: https://kucinta-air.blogspot.com/2024/12/transnusa-launches-flight-to-honiara-on.html

9air launches flight from Yancheng to Suvarnabhumi via Guiyang on 4 December 2024

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Juneyao Air's low-cost airline subsidiary, 9air, has launched scheduled flight from Yancheng to Suvarnabhumi via Guiyang on 4 December 2024.

According to schedules, on 4 December 2024, 9air flight AQ1227 takes off from Yancheng for Suvarnabhumi via Guiyang at 4.55 pm, transits in Guiyang at 7.50 pm before leaving Guiyang for Suvarnabhumi at 9.30 pm and landing in Suvarnabhumi at 11.22 pm.

Then, on 5 December 2024, flight AQ1228 leaves Suvarnabhumi for Yancheng via Guiyang at 7.35 am, touches down in Guiyang at 11.25 am before departing from Guiyang for Yancheng at 1.35 pm and arriving in Yancheng at 3.55 pm local time.

9air flies from Yancheng to Guiyang and Suvarnabhumi on Wednesdays, Fridays and Mondays before leaving Suvarnabhumi for Guiyang and Yancheng on Thursdays, Saturdays and Tuesdays with its B737-800 aircraft.

 

Kenya Airways renews codeshare agreement with China Eastern

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Kenya Airways announced that it has renewed its codeshare agreement with China Eastern from 9 December 2024, reinforcing Kenya Airways' commitment to providing seamless travel between Africa and China. This partnership provides passengers with more travel options, allowing them to conveniently travel to a wider range of destinations across the two continents.

The agreement allows Chinese passengers to purchase a connecting ticket from multiple domestic cities (Beijing, Pudong, Kunming, Nanchang) to Guangzhou or Suvarnabhumi on China Eastern flights and then seamlessly connect to Kenya Airways flights to Nairobi and various parts of Africa; the same applies to the return trip to Africa. The above flights are now available for sale.

Luxair signs order with Embraer for two E195-E2 aircraft

 Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA           Image : Embraer/Luxair

Embraer has signed a firm order with Luxair, the flagship airline of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, for two E195-E2 aircraft, the world’s most efficient single-aisle aircraft. The newly ordered E195-E2 small narrow-body aircraft will complement the airline’s recent order of large narrow-body aircraft in terms of capacity.

Luxair has decided to exercise its right of first refusal to purchase two more E195-E2s, in addition to the four E195-E2s already ordered, bringing Luxair’s E2 firm order to six. In addition, Luxair has the right to purchase three more aircraft, which can be flexibly converted into E190-E2s. The first aircraft ordered in 2023 is scheduled for delivery in early 2026.

Gilles Feith, CEO of Luxair, said: “The E195-E2 is an important investment for Luxair’s future, allowing us to find a balance between business growth and environmental sustainability. The new E2 aircraft will join our fleet in 2026. Their arrival will usher in a new era for Luxair; with quieter flying, better fuel efficiency and unparalleled cabin comfort for our customers. With its quiet cabin and extremely low noise emissions, the E195-E2 fits perfectly with our company’s vision to become a more sustainable, efficient and customer-centric regional airline.

Marie-Louise Philippe, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Embraer Commercial Aviation and Head of Europe and Central Asia, said: “We thank Luxair for its trust in Embraer by placing an additional order for this model before the delivery of the first E2 aircraft. The E2 is a perfect fit for Luxair’s operational needs and future growth goals, complementing its existing and on-order fleets while ensuring the long-term optimization of its fleet and network. The E2 features advanced features, new technologies, reduced noise and emissions, allowing the airline to grow its business while taking into account its sustainability goals. ”

Luxair’s E195-E2 will feature a comfortable single-class layout with 136 seats, using Embraer’s iconic 2+2 cabin seating layout with no middle seat. Luxair has also selected the popular Recaro seats.

Aero K launches flight to Pakse on 21 December 2024

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

South Korea's youngest airline, Aero K, launches direct scheduled flight from Incheon to Pakse, the capital of Champasak Province, Lao PDR, on 21 December 2024.

According to Aero K's official web-site, Aero K flight RF561 departs from Incheon for Pakse on 21 December 2024 at 11.15 am, touches down in Pakse at 2.15 pm local time before leaving Pakse for Incheon at 3.15 pm and landing in Incheon at 9.45 pm under flight RF562.

The above flights operated by Aero K's A320 aircraft take off on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The airline will assess the success of the flights after 19 March 2025. If they attract enough passengers, Aero K plans to consider extending the service.

Aero K is the first foreign airline to fly to Pakse with a jet. Existing international flights to Siem Reap Angkor, Guangzhou and Ho Chi Minh City from Pakse are operated by Lao Airlines' ATR aircraft.

Jeju Air launches Busan-Hong Kong route on 25 January 2025, Incheon-Changi route on 30 March 2025

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Jeju Air is launching two new routes in the first quarter of 2025. They are Busan=Hong Kong and Incheon=Changi routes.

From 25 January 2025, Jeju Air flight 7C6031 departs from Busan for Hong Kong at 9.55 pm, touches down in Hong Kong at 12.40 am on 26 January 2025 before leaving Hong Kong for Busan under lfight 7C67032 at 2.05 am and arriving in Busan at 6.10 am. Flights continue until 6 February 2025.

From 30 March 2025, Jeju Air flight 7C2621 leaves Incheon for Changi at 8.05 pm, lands in Changi at 1.20 am on 31 March 2025 before taking off from Changi for Incheon at 2.20 am and touching down in Incheon at 6.10 am under flight 7C2622.

The above daily flights are operated by Jeju Air's B737-800 aircraft as usual.

Juneyao Air launches flight to Sydney on 16 December 2024

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Juneyao Air launches scheduled flight from Pudong to Sydney on 16 December 2024.

According to schedules, Juneyao Air flight HO1669 departs from Pudong for Sydney at 5.30 pm on 16 December 2024, touches down in Sydney at 6.30 am on 17 December 2024 before taking off from Sydney for Pudong at 8.35 am and landing in Pudong at 4 pm under flight HO1670.

Juneyao Air flies to Sydney on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and returns to Pudong on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays with its 787-9 Dreamliner.

Lucky Air launches flight from Kunming to Korla via Zhengzhou on 16 December 2024

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

At 3.20 pm on 16 December 2024, Lucky Air flight 8L9569 landed smoothly at Korla Airport, marking the successful completion of the first flight of the Korla = Zhengzhou = Kunming route. A convenient air bridge has been built connecting Korla, a Xinjiang city with Zhengzhou and Kunming, greatly improving the travel efficiency of passengers in the three cities.

The new flights connecting Kunming with Zhengzhou and Korla are operated daily by the 189-seater 737 MAX 8 jet of Lucky Air, a subsidiary of HNA, with flight numbers 8L9569/8L9570. The passenger load factor of the first flight from Kunming exceeds 85%. The flight schedule is as follows: 

Lucky Air flight 8L9569 takes off from Kunming Changshui Airport at 7 am, arrives in Zhengzhou at 9.45 am before departing from Zhengzhou at 10.55 am and landing at Korla Airport at 3.20 pm while flight 8L9570 leaves Korla Airport at 4.05 pm, transits in Zhengzhou at 7.50 pm, takes off from Zhengzhou at 8.55 pm, and arrives at Kunming Changshui Airport at 11.50 pm.

Vietnam Airlines launches charter flight to Kagoshima from Hanoi on 30 December 2024

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Vietnam Airlines launches charter flight from Hanoi to Kagoshima on 30 December 2024.

On 30 December 2024, Vietnam Airlines flight VN9348 departs from Hanoi for Kagoshima at 1.45 am, touches down in Kagoshima at 7.30 am before leaving Kagoshima for Hanoi at 9 am and landing in Hanoi at 12 pm under flight VN9349.

Vietnam Airlines also flies to Kagoshima from Hanoi on 3 January 2025. The flights are operated by Vietnam Airlines' A321 aircraft.

Batik Air Malaysia launches charter flight from Changi to Hiroshima on 30 December 2024

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Batik Air Malaysia, formerly Malindo Air, launches New Year charter flight from Changi to Hiroshima on 30 December 2024 with its 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

On 30 December 2024, Batik Air Malaysia flight OD8520 departs from Changi for Hiroshima at 4.40 am touches down in Hiroshima at 12 pm before leaving Hiroshima for Changi at 1 pm and arriving in Changi at 6.35 pm under flight OD8521.

Batik Air Malaysia also flies to Hiroshima on 3 January 2025.

Uzbekistan Airways launches flight to Sanya on 18 December 2024

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Uzbekistan Airways, the national airline of Uzbekistan, launches direct scheduled flight to Sanya from Tashkent on 18 December 2024.

On 18 December 2024, according to schedules, Uzbekistan Airways flight HY509 departs from Tashkent for Sanya at 6.30 pm, touches down in Sanya at 4.10 am on 19 December 2024 before leaving Sanya for Tashkent at 5.40 am and landing in Tashkent at 10.15 am under flight HY510.

Uzbekistan Airways flies to Sanya from Tashkent with its A321neo on its inaugural flight and from 25 December 2024 onwards with its 787-8 Dreamliner on Wednesdays. It returns to Tashkent from Sanya on Thursdays.

Inflight Pictures : China Southern 787-8 to be sold off

 Pictures copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

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Shanghai Airlines launches Changchun-Pudong-Suvarnabhumi flights on 15 December 2024

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Shanghai Airlines launches flight from Changchun to Suvarnabhumi via Pudong on 15 December 2024.

On 15 December 2024, according to schedules, Shanghai Airlines flight FM841 departs from Changchun for Suvarnabhui via Pudong at 5.40 pm, transits in Pudong at 8.50 pm before leaving Pudong for Suvarnabhumi at 10.15 pm and arriving in Suvarnabhumi at 1.55 am on 16 December 2024.

On 16 December 2024, flight FM854 leaves Suvarnabhumi for Changchun at 10.45 am, transits in Pudong at 4 pm before departing from Pudong for Changchun at 5.35 pm and touching down in Changchun at 8.15 pm.

The eight-hours journey operated by Shanghai Airlines' 737 MAX 8 operates daily.

Inflight Pictures : Jetstar Asia's new crew uniform

Pictures copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

West Air launches flight from Lhasa to Changi via Chongqing on 25 December 2024

Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

West Air launches scheduled flight from Lhasa to Changi via Chongqing Jiangbei on 25 December 2024.

On 25 December 2024, according to schedules, West Air flight PN6425 departs from Lhasa for Changi via Chongqing at 5.40 pm, transits in Chongqing Jiangbei Airport T2 at 8.30 pm before moving to Chongqing Jiangbei Airport T3 to pick up outbound passengers to Changi. 

At 10.50 pm, flight PN6425 takes off from Chongqing Jiangbei T3 to Changi T4 and touches down in Changi T4 at 3.55 am on 26 December 2024 before flight PN6426 departs from Changi for Chongqing at 4.55 am and lands in Chongqing Jiangbei T3 at 9.40 am for Chongqing-inbound passengers to alight. After passengers have left the aircraft at T3, flight PN6426 then proceeds to transfer to Jiangbei T2 to pick up Lhasa-bound passengers.

At 12.20 pm, flight PN6426 leaves Chongqing Jiangbei T2 for Lhasa Gonggar Airport T3 and touches down in Lhasa at 3.20 pm.

West Air flies from Lhasa to Chongqing Jiangbei and Changi on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays before returning to Chongqing and Lhasa from Changi on Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays with its Airbus A319 aircraft.

By 25 December 2024, the passenger route from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport to Singapore Changi Airport will have been increased from 21 flights per week to 24 flights per week, becoming one of the international routes with the highest flight density from Chongqing Jiangbei.

After the launch of the Lhasa-Chongqing Jiangbei-Changi passenger route, the Chongqing-Singapore route will be increased to 24 flights per week, of which Singapore Airlines, Air China, and Chongqing Airlines will each operate 7 flights per week between Changi and Chongqing, and West Air will operate 3 flights per week. These airlines continue to play an important role in promoting economic, trade, cultural, and tourism exchanges between Chongqing and Singapore. 

From January to November 2024, the passenger throughput of the Chongqing-Changi route was 226,000, a year-on-year increase of 250.6%.

Chongqing has two airports, namely Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport and Chongqing Xiannu'shan Domestic Airport.

Air India Express launches flight from Mangalore to Changi on 21 January 2025

Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Air India Express launches direct scheduled flight from Mangalore to Changi on 21 January 2025.

On 21 January 2025, according to schedules, Air India Express flight IX862 takes off from Mangalore for Changi at 5.55 am, touches down in Changi at 1.25 pm before leaving Changi for Mangalore at 2.25 pm and landing in Mangalore at 4.55 pm under flight IX861.

Air India Express flies to Changi from Mangalore on Tuesdays and Fridays with its B737-800 aircraft.

Mangalore is the fourth Indian destination on Air India Express' Singapore route network after Chennai, Tiruchirappalli and Madurai.

Qanot Sharq avails charter flights to Pudong in winter

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Qanot Sharq, Uzbekistan's largest private airline, has availed charter flights to Pudong from Tashkent.

According to AeroRoutes, Qanot Sharq flight HH865 takes off from Tashkent for Pudong at 10.50 pm, touches down in Pudong at 8.50 am before leaving Pudong for Tashkent at 10.50 am and landing in Tashkent at 3.50 pm under flight HH866.

Qanot Sharq's charter flights to Pudong operate on Wednesdays and return to Tashkent from Pudong on Thursdays with its A330-200 aircraft.

The Uzbek airline operates regular Sunday flights to Phuket with the same A330 aircraft type.

40 LANDINGS in 25 MINUTES | BANGKOK Suvarnabhumi Airport Plane Spotting ...

Korean Air to become South Korea's only "super-large airline" by end of 2026

Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

According to Yonhap News Agency, Korean Air said on 11 December 2024 that the company participated in Asiana Airlines' private placement and had paid 131,578,947 shares on the same day. The merger process of the two airlines, which lasted more than four years, has come to a successful conclusion.

The total amount of Korean Air's acquisition is 1.5 trillion won (about 7.63 billion Dollars). The company paid a contract deposit of 300 billion won in December 2020, an intermediate payment of 400 billion won in March 2021, and a final payment of about 800 billion won on the same day. As a result, Korean Air holds 63.9% of Asiana Airlines' shares and becomes its largest shareholder.

Korean Air submitted a merger application to competition regulators in 14 countries and regions in 2021, and has been approved by 13 countries except the U.S. regulator (Department of Justice, DOJ). Since the U.S. Department of Justice opposed the merger by filing an antitrust lawsuit, but did not raise any objections, it can be regarded as approving the merger of the two companies.

Korean Air has included Asiana Airlines as its subsidiary on 12 December 2024, and the new shares will be listed on 3 January 2025. By the end of 2026, the two airlines will complete the integration of "two into one" in an orderly manner. By then, South Korea's only "super-large airline" will be born.

China United Airlines flies to Vientiane four days a week from 10 December 2024

 Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA     Image : China United

At 9.53 am on 10 December 2024, China United Airlines flight KN895 took off smoothly, flying directly from Beijing Daxing International Airport to Wattay International Airport (Vientiane International Airport), marking the successful opening of China United Airlines' international route from Beijing to Vientiane, Laos. This route is the second regular international route opened at Beijing Daxing International Airport after China United Airlines opened the route to Vladivostok.

China United Airlines' Beijing Daxing-Vientiane route operates 4 round-trip flights every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The outbound flight takes off from Beijing Daxing International Airport at 9.45 am Beijing time and arrives in Vientiane,is at 1:20 pm local time; the return flight takes off from Vientiane, Laos at 2.20 pm and lands at Beijing Daxing International Airport at 7.45 pm Beijing time.

As the only direct flight from North China to Vientiane, Laos, the opening of this route not only provides more travel options for passengers from China and Laos, but will also greatly promote the development and integration of tourism resources in the two countries, becoming an important bridge connecting China with Southeast Asian countries such as Laos, and helping to build the "Belt and Road" with high quality.

China United Airlines is actively strengthening the construction of its international route network. It is currently preparing routes from Beijing Daxing to Osaka, Fukuoka and several Southeast Asian regions. The routes are expected to open as planned in 2025, helping Beijing Daxing International Airport to build a world-class aviation hub.

Inflight Pictures : Thai Airways International

Pictures copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Inflight Pictures : Japan Airlines Dreamliner Expo Osaka 2025 livery

 Pictures copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Inflight Pictures : Qanot Sharq A321neo

 Pictures copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Air Canada launches flight to Manila from Vancouver on 2 April 2025

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Air Canada launches non-stop scheduled flight from Vancouver to its third Southeast Asia destination, Manila, on 2 April 2025.

According to schedules, Air Canada flight AC17 departs from Vancouver for Manila at 1.55 am on 2 April 2025, touches down in Manila at 6.20 am on 3 April 2025 before leaving Manila for Vancouver under flight AC18 at 9.25 am and arriving in Vancouver at 6.20 am local time on 4 April 2025.

It takes estimated 13 hours 25 minutes to reach Manila from Vancouver while a shortened 11 hours 35 minutes is all it takes for Air Canada's flight to arrive in Vancouver from Manila.

Air Canada flies to Manila on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays while it leaves Manila for Vancouver on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays with its 787-9 Dreamliner, that comprises of 298 seats including 30 Business Class seats, 21 Premium Economy Class and 247 Economy Class seats.

Aero K launches Incheon=Kansai flights on 6 February 2025

 Report photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Aero K launches direct flight from Incheon to Kansai on 6 February 2025.

On 6 February 2025, Aero K flight RF314 departs from Incheon for Kansai at 2.25 pm, touches down in Kansai at 3.55 pm before leaving Kansai for Incheon at 4.55 pm and landing in Incheon at 7.10 pm under flight RF315.

Aero K flies from Incheon to Kansai with its A320 aircraft on Thursdays and Sundays.

Icelandair receives its first A321LR aircraft and will take delivery of 13 A321XLRs

 Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA                            Image : Airbus

Keflavik-based Icelandair has taken delivery of its first Airbus aircraft. The arrival of the long-range A321LR marks not only the first step in the airline's fleet renewal, but also makes it the newest operator of Airbus aircraft. The aircraft is the first of four leased from Sumitomo Mitsui Aviation Capital Co., Ltd. Icelandair will also take delivery of 13 ultra-long-range A321XLRs.

Icelandair has chosen Pratt & Whitney GTF engines for its A321LR, which can accommodate 187 passengers in a two-class cabin layout, including 22 business class seats and 165 economy class seats. The aircraft also features a new "Airspace" cabin interior, including extra-large overhead luggage bins with 60% more capacity than the previous generation, which will provide a more relaxed boarding experience for passengers and crew. In addition, Icelandair's passengers will enjoy premium full-flight connectivity, next-generation in-flight entertainment and the latest generation of lighting systems, enhancing their well-being and overall onboard experience.

The long-range A321LR is ideally suited for transatlantic routes with a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles. Compared with the previous generation of single-aisle aircraft, the A321LR's leading technology applications and fuel efficiency levels enable it to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by at least 20%. In addition, like all Airbus aircraft, the A321neo can run on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with a blend ratio of up to 50%. Airbus is committed to achieving 100% SAF fuel for all aircraft products by 2030. The A321LR will help Icelandair's sustainable development, improve operational efficiency, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

To date, the A321neo has received more than 6,700 orders from more than 90 customers worldwide.

Inflight Pictures : Descending on Suvarnabhumi

 Pictures copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA