Skywest has made a decision over its future fleet – and that fleet is to be based on the Embraer E-Jets – specifically, the E-175.

Skywest has secured orders for at least 40 aircraft which will be painted up and operated for United Express under a capacity-purchase agreement with United Airlines. This order is separate from the United order for 30 E-175′s made at the end of April

In terms of configuration, these will be 76 seater aircraft – like the ones ordered by United, so it would safe to assume the following configuration:

• 12 United First seats
• 16 Economy Plus seats
• 48 United Economy seats.

For my view on the ERJ-170/175, I’ve written a bit about them configured for Air Canada, British Airways CityFlyer and United

Deliveries of aircraft to Skywest between 2nd Quarter of 2014 to the end of 2015.

The extras that go along with this order are of interest. The first 60 are “Reconfirm-able aircraft” which Skywest can order subject to the airline winning more Capacity Purchase Agreements from United or other airlines who require E-175 airlift power.

So, if the current order is fully confirmed, that will be 100 aircraft in total. On top of that Skywest has put options in the order for another 100 aircraft – which brings the possible value up to 200 aircraft orders.

It’s clear to see as United has given direction over the future of the 50 seater aircraft (ERJ-145 and CRJ-200), Skywest want to be front and centre to replace and increase capacity. Which is convenient as SkyWest and ExpressJet operates a mixed fleet containing

• ERJ-135′s and ERJ-145′s in both ExpressJet and Skywest fleets
• CRJ-200′s in both fleets
• CRJ-100′s in the SkyWest fleet
• The classic EMB-120 Brasillia.

In terms of larger aircraft, SkyWest and ExpressJet operate Bombardier CRJ-700′s and 900′s.

For SkyWest, there is an even bigger expansion coming as it will launch the Mitsubishi Regional Jets in the America’s – taking 100 of the MRJ’s purchases and another 100 as options to purchase.

Anyway you cut this, this is one big fleet replacement that is in the works.

Etihad has been worming around the industry, snapping up bits of airlines, setting up strategic partnerships… and is now seemingly joining the ranks of those who offer credit cards in the United Kingdom with the release of the Etihad Guest Credit Card

The card is issued by MBNA (who also issue Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa Miles and More, American Airlines and United Airlines co-branded credit cards in the UK as well as a plethora of other credit cards).

The account is issued as a two cards/one bill style account -  an American Express co-branded card and a Visa Card.

The key points:

• Signup bonus: 5000 Miles
• Earn via American Express:    1.5 Miles/£1
• Earn via Visa 0.75 Miles/£1
• Fee:  Nil.

There are some extra benefits (and if you’ve got a trip with Etihad starting, these could actually be of use)

• Free upgrade to Etihad Guest Silver status after one return flight within your first year of card membership
• Double miles on Business Class flights taken with 90 days of account opening
• Triple miles on First Class flights taken within 90 days of account opening
• 0% intreset on all Etihad transactions for 12 months of account opening

That’s not a bad set of beanies if you time everything right.

To get the sign-up bonus, you’ll need to spend £250 within 90 days.

The sign-up address is http://www.etihadairways.com/sites/Etihad/global/en/guestrecognition/visitor/etihadguest/PartnerDetails/Pages/mbna-ey-guest-credit-card.aspx

Head for Points as usual has a brilliant analysis on the card – with suggestions for alternatives if you are considering this card.

For those of you who signed up for a MBNA card recently, you might want to hold off applying, as this could impact your credit score. Additionally, those of you with cards within the MBNA family may have to shift credit limits around if you want this card.

IMPORTANT: I’ve provided a direct link to the MBNA Etihad Airways Credit Card a http://www.etihadairways.com/sites/Etihad/global/en/guestrecognition/visitor/etihadguest/PartnerDetails/Pages/mbna-ey-guest-credit-card.aspx

There is no affiliate kickback on this and this link is provided for your information only. I do NOT benefit from the link above.

Please note, the  information above does not constitute financial advice and you should always do your own research on top to ensure it’s right for your specific circumstances, and may impact on your credit score. So don’t blame me if you overspend on a card and they come hounding after you. If in doubt – seek appropriate financial advice.

Those who are considering applying should bear in mind you’ll need to be resident in the UK to get one, and probably have reasonable banking references.

According to Reuters, there is a chance that the Airbus A350 could make a surprise turn at the Paris Air Show 2013.

The indications are that due to the limited time in the air if it makes it airborn and passes checks is that the Airbus A350 MSN1 will conduct a flypast and not a landing.

The confidence in the ranks that the A350 is flight ready is growing, with a predicted first flight in mid June – which gives a VERY tight window to show the plane off at the Paris Air Show – that is due to take place between the 17th-23rd June at Le Bourget.

The indications are that due to the limited time in the air if it makes it airborn and passes checks is that the Airbus A350 MSN1 will conduct a flypast and not a landing. However, Le Bourget isn’t that far away from Toulouse to conduct a test flight sortie if to steal an airshow.

However much a publicity flight would be a wonderful thing, it will be up to the test pilots and the engineers to give the plane the all clear for its maiden flight – not the marketing people thankfully.

Rumours are about that there has been extra paintwork on the belly of the plane (I’ve been trying to find evidence to match with this, and so far have come up blank)

Airbus of course not commented further on the début and first flight of the A350.

35 customers which have already placed orders for 617 A350′s of different configurations, with Eithad being the launch customer.

As I’m still buried in a mountain of user admin in the office, my take on BAcon (as well as the usual extensive – and I mean extensive) trip report is still in the process of being written.

Photos:

• Birmingham New Street, EI263 to Dublin – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/01/aer-lingus-ei263-birmingham-to-dublin.html
• Dublin Airport, Dublin DAA lounge – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/02/dublin-airport-and-daa-lounge.html
• BA827 to Heathrow – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/03/ba827-dublin-to-heathrow.html
• A bad transit at Heathrow – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/04/a-hellhole-heathrow-transit.html
• BA219 to Denver

• Set 1 – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/05/ba219-london-heathrow-denver-international-1-of-3.html
• Set 2 – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/06/british-airways-ba219-london-denver-2.html
• Set 3 - http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/07/british-airways-ba219-london-to-denver-3.html

• Set 1 – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/10/cheyenne-mountain-resort-1.html
• Set 2 – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/11/cheyenne-mountain-resort-2.html
• Set 3 Party Time - http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/12/party-at-the-old-recording-studio.html
• Set 4 – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/13/cheyenne-mountain-resort-3.html

• The Hotel - http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/15/crowne-plaza-denver-1.html
• The View – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/16/sunset-over-denver.html

There is a LOT more to come – I’m still working through the image pile (at a not inconsiderable 56GB of images and video)

Videos will be live soon – I’m just rebuilding a Youtube account at the moment so they can be hosted correctly.

As for the trip report… Well – some of it is written. Join me Wednesday and you might find some of it is alive…

A few 787 updates today that are short bit.

United Airlines fly the 787 commerically for the first time since grounding.

United took two of its 787 aircraft back into the air today with flight UA1 between Houston Intercontinental and Chicago O’Hare  (departing 11:00/arriving 13:20 local) – whilst a 2nd 787 flight took off as UA80 from Houston Intercontinental  to Newark International  (departing 11:30/arriving 15:49 local).

Currently four out of the six 787′s United have has been modified with the remaining two to be complete by 24th May.

Jeff Smisek (CEO, United), stated:

“We are delighted to have the 787 back in service,”

“It’s a terrific airplane. (But) it was a fairly expensive piece of sculpture to have on the ground.”

He says that modifications have been completed on four of the airline’s six 787s, with the remaining two scheduled to be complete by 24 May.

787′s will operate US Domestic routes from Houston IAH between its hubs – Chicago, San Francisco, Denver and Newark, with the  long awaited Denver – Tokyo Narita service commencing on 10th June 2013.

LOT Polish Airlines expects 5 aircraft by August

LOT Polish Airlines is hoping that it gets up to anticipated five Boeing 787-8′s  to be delivered by August to help its replacement plans.

The airline having taken delivery of its third 787 – with two more to follow.

LOT is preparing to recommence services with the class from 5th June – and will still be the European Launch customer of the 787.

Thomson Airways also lines up the 787 for launch

Charter and Leisure carrier Thomson Airways will be commencing 787 from the 8th July (a bit late from the original 1st May Launch, and the relaunch date of 1st July).  This is to allow time for crew training.

Those who paid extra to fly the 787 – and are due to fly between the 1st and 7th July will get £10 refunded if in Economy, £40 if in Première (and also will be sent in a Boeing 767).

The plane will initially serve Cancun and Florida. See the Florida schedule and Cancun schedule on the Thomson site. Once more aircraft arrive, they will be deployed on the Thomson long haul holiday network.

Thomson Airways expects the first aircraft to arrive at the end of May.

A lot of you are probably going “Huh? Cambridge Airport?”

So was I if I was honest. But this little airport could be in for slightly bigger things.

Cambridge Airport (CBG) is about 2 miles from the historic centre of Cambridge and about 50 miles from London – so not out in the sticks, but a local airport that has possiblities for those who work in the education, science and technology centres in the area.

Darwin Airlines will be operating services out of the airport with a total of 24 flights (both inbound and outbound), split along the following lines

- 12 weekly flights to and from Paris Charles de Gaulle,
- 8 weekly flights to and from Milan Malpensa
- 6 weekly services to and from Geneva

Services will commence on 2nd September 2013, using a SAAB 2000 Series Turboprop, with 50 seats in a plane.

Cambridge Airport and Darwin Airlines are aiming the flights more at the business traveller rather than the bucket and spade/leisure flyer. The other major target is to local and not so local travellers who want to avoid the commute down to Heathrow or Stansted Airport.

Apart from these new services, Cambridge Airport is used by Blue Islands (connecting the town to Jersey) as well as charter services flown by Small Planet Airlines. The airport also serves as a corporate jet base and flying schools.

Whilst it may never compete with capacity with its larger neighbor – Stansted -, it will compete on speed and accessibility for local businesses.

Considering the industries that are around the Cambridge area – this could be a real winner…

On my recent trip to Colorado Springs for BAcon, I ran a little competition to give away some lovely “Remove Before Flight” tags.

So lets see where was I and who the winners were….

Picture 1:

Aer Lingus Check-in, Birmingham Airport: Winner – @Abe_HT

A short hop later, and I was in Dublin’s Fair City… ok. Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport T1 – Winner:@adamcobb

The next one – I’m surprised no one got.  You really need to pay attention to my trip reports as when I’m in a BA F lounge, it’s all I drink allegedly (I drink other things too for the record)

Answer: British Airways First Class Lounge, London Heathrow (I said it was easy!) – No winner!

And I’m honestly surprised no one got this (Although it was late… granted).

The Jeppesen Terminal – Denver International Airport – again, no winner!

Thankfully someone got the next one - relativity easy if you put the pieces together…

Colorado State Capitol – Denver – Winner:@Nevetsah

And finally after a bit of guesswork…

Inside DIA – Winner @diditclear

Those who have supplied their details will have their keyrings in the post this weekend. Thanks for playing on Twitter. I’m sure I can rustle up some more goodies in the future!

It’s Sunday again, so it must be time for some more airplane art.

This week, to celebrate Denmark’s win the in the Eurovision Song Contest, it’s a Scandinavian Airlines System Airbus A330 parked at Newark International Airport

More airplane art (with no Eurovision link) next week!

It’s Saturday again, so please put you seat in the upright position, stow your tray table, and ensure the floor area is clear infront of you with the floor area clear in front of you as we go to this week’s safety video.

This week – its Monarch Airlins… with what can only be described as “dry”, if prescriptive safety video

Another safety video next week!

If you’re thinking of going through Dubai – and more specifically Dubai International Airport in 2014, you might want to rethink your travel plans.

Between May and July 2014, one of the runways at Dubai International Airport is being resurfaced, with major engineering work taking place

During this period it means that flights may be cancelled, delayed, rescheduled and in some cases – diverted to the new Dubai World Central airport at Jebel Ali. Diverted traffic will include

• Air freighter traffic
• Airline Charters
• General Aviation flights

The impact of delays at Dubai cannot be underestimated as Emirates have helped turn the airport into a major hub and nexus point. Delays will impact both Origin and Destination traffic as well as connecting passenger traffic from most points of the world.

Negotiations are under way over flight reductions during the engineering period – whilst optimising capacity.  Already, the consultation period for Dubai airports of schedule coordination has begun to allow an easier transition to the restricted access..

Dubai World Central Airport will be also be open at this point  – which will allow it to be an overflow airport during the works if needed.

Airlines as yet haven’t posted their schedules on how these works will be affecting them – but make no mistake… it will cause some serious issues. A quick glance of this article by ACL indicates a 22% service cut for “Home Airlines” (Emirates and FlyDubai)  and up to 50% cuts for airlines who operate more than once daily out of Dubai.

And that’s one hell of a cut in capacity.

Delta is preparing for the Summer season as it readies to serve both Copenhagen and Stockholm for their seasonal services to Denmark and Sweden.

First up is New York to Stockholm which will get a 757-200 for the summer, with 6 services a week in June, reducing to 5 services a week in July and finally 4 services a week in August:

DL 202 DEPART JFK 21:45 ARRIVE ARN 12:20+1
DL 203 DEPART ARN 14.20 ARRIVE JFK 16:50

Booked Equipment: Boeing 757-200
See operational notes below for schedule. 

From 01 June 2013 to 29th June 2013:
DL 202 operates All days except Thursday
DL 203 operates All days except Friday

From 01 July 2013 to 31 July 2013
DL 202 operates Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
DL 203 operates Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 

From  02 August 2013 to 31 August 2013
DL 202 operates Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday
DL 203 operates Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday

Meanwhile, New York to Copenhagen will be getting a significant boost over the summer with a 767-300. Services start off with a 4 times a week service in June, ramping up to a full daily service for July and August:

DL118 DEPART JFK 19:30  ARRIVE CPH 08:15+1
DL119 DEPART CPH 11:30  ARRIVE JFK 13:50 

Booked Equipment: Boeing 767-300
See operational notes below. 

From 01 June 2013 to 15th June 2013:
- DL118 operates Monday, Wednesday, Thursday,Saturday
- DL119 operates Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday

From 15 June 2013
- DL118 operates Daily to 01 September 2013
- DL119 operates Daily to 02 September 2013

Both services will be operated in conjunction with Air France-KLM under the Transatlantic Joint Venture agreement – and available through all the usual ticketing agents

The summer is a critical travel season as people jet off to other climbs for a break. Seeing these services is a good sign that Delta can look at these markets and move appropriately to them.

That and more direct routes are never a bad thing.