It has been referred to as a "near miss" and "runway incursion" but as far as the editor of this blog knows it has not been officially established that the incident at Barcelona (BCN) on Saturday, 05Jul14 involving a UTair 767-300 and an Aerolineas Argentinas A340 was either one of these types of events.
However, according to the pilots of the UTair plane, the Aerolineas A340 was instructed by ATC to cross Runway 02 AFTER the UTair aircraft landed but for some reason the pilots of the Argentine aircraft crossed BEFORE the Russian airliner touched down on the runway.
UTair co-pilot Kirill Kuzmin, told the Russian newspaper "Izvestia":
"Before getting close to the runway we heard the air traffic controller's command allowing Argentinians to cross the runway after we had landed. The Argentinians repeated the comment which meant that they heard and accepted it. But then suddenly - and without a clear reason - the Argentinians got onto the runway just as our altitude was going below 100 metres".
He went on to comment about the Barcelona (BCN) air traffic control:
"The air traffic controller clearly got confused. He went silent. We had nothing else to do than go on a second round. We have worked on this situation many times during training."
Kuzmin went on to claim that the air traffic controller "apologized", saying that the incident had been a "failure".
The UTair flight's captain, Nikolay Limarev, indicated that the Barcelona incident "could have been serious if the weather was no clear as it was on that day" allowing the UTair plane to see the Aerolineas A340 and execute the go-around in time.
UTair has said that the incident is under "investigation".
In fairness, it would be interesting to hear the Aerolineas' pilots side of the story.
Source:
http://siberiantimes.com/other/others/news/hero-pilots-warn-of-safety-concern-at-busy-barcelona-airport-after-shocking-near-miss/
Friday, July 11, 2014
Thursday, July 10, 2014
ROUTE UPDATES: More Info on World Cup Charters to Semifinals: Aerolineas Argentinas operated 22 flights, Andes Lineas Aereas 5 flights
Aviacion News reports that Aerolineas Argentinas operated 22 charters from Buenos Aires to Sao Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) for the World Cup semifinal match between Argentina and Holland on 09Jul14. The airline operated nine 737-700, eight 737-800, four Embraer 190, and one A340 flight to the Brazilian airport in the couple of days prior to the match and the matchday itself.
Additionally, Andes Lineas Aereas flew five MD-80 charters to GRU.
These were very profitable flights with the Buenos Aires - Sao Paulo airfares reportedly being 21000 Argentine pesos or US$ 2576 at the official exchange rate !
Source:
http://www.siscoma.com.ar/online/aviacion/2014/avn140710/avn-140710.html
Additionally, Andes Lineas Aereas flew five MD-80 charters to GRU.
These were very profitable flights with the Buenos Aires - Sao Paulo airfares reportedly being 21000 Argentine pesos or US$ 2576 at the official exchange rate !
Source:
http://www.siscoma.com.ar/online/aviacion/2014/avn140710/avn-140710.html
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
ROUTE UPDATE: Aerolineas Argentinas adds 10 Flights from Buenos Aires to Sao Paulo for World Cup semifinal against Holland on 09Jul14
Aerolineas Argentinas added seven extra sections from Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) and three from Ezeiza (EZE) to Sao Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) on 08Jul14 and 09Jul14 for the World Cup semifinal game of the Argentine national team against Holland. All of the flights are scheduled to return on 10Jul14, some of them shortly after midnight not too long after the game is over. The AEP flights will all be operated by 737-700's but at least one of the flights from EZE will be operated by an A340.
These flights are in addition to the normal 20 or so flights between Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) operated each day by Aerolineas Argentinas, Austral, LAN Argentina, GOL, TAM and even Qatar Airways and Turkish. Additionally, TAM flies from Rosario (ROS) and both GOL and TAM fly from Cordoba (COR) to Sao Paulo Guarulhos (GRU).
Below is an advertisement that appeared with details on the extra flights:
These flights are in addition to the normal 20 or so flights between Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) operated each day by Aerolineas Argentinas, Austral, LAN Argentina, GOL, TAM and even Qatar Airways and Turkish. Additionally, TAM flies from Rosario (ROS) and both GOL and TAM fly from Cordoba (COR) to Sao Paulo Guarulhos (GRU).
Below is an advertisement that appeared with details on the extra flights:
Sources:
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Aerolineas Argentinas Press Release: "Aerolíneas Argentinas clarifies on alleged incident at Barcelona El Prat Airport"
Text of Aerolineas Argentinas' press release regarding the incident with the UTair 767-300 on Saturday, 05Jul14 at Barcelona's El Prat Airport (BCN):
"Aerolíneas Argentinas clarifies that in the alleged incident at El Prat airport in Barcelona on Saturday 5 July, involving an aircraft of the Russian airline UTair and an Aerolíneas Argentinas aircraft, there was no risk at any time.
This has been corroborated by the manager of the Spanish airports operator AENA (Spanish Airports and Air Navigation) who initially reported that "both planes were where they should be."
Moreover, a spokesman of AENA also said that "the landing of the UTair aircraft could have been done without risk, since both aircraft were in the proper place, with enough distance between them."
This is consistent with the report made by the captain of the Aerolineas Argentinas aircraft, who said the AR plane followed the instructions of El Prat control tower.
This morning AENA issued a statement that ensures that the "go-around" performed by the Russian aircraft "is a standard procedure, with all the guarantees of safety".
Thus Aerolineas Argentinas clarifies that the situation recorded by a plane spotter and widely publicized by the media, related to flight AR 1163 on Saturday 5 July, did not involve any risk."
Cecilia Scordo
Jefe de Relaciones Institucionales y Prensa
Aerolíneas Argentinas S.A
Bouchard 547, 4 Piso (1106)
Buenos Aires, Argentina
00 54 11 41303085
Source:
http://www.aerolineas.com.ar/en-ar/prensa/comunicado/3396_aerolineas-argentinas-clarifies-on-alleged-incident-at-barcelona-el-prat-airport-
via Cabecera Norte blogspot
BLOG EDITOR'S COMMENT:
If it is true that "there was no risk at any time" and that "the landing of the UTair aircraft could have been done without risk, since both aircraft were in the proper place, with enough distance between them." then why did the UTair pilot execute a "go-around" ? An excess of caution ?
Also, it seems odd that an airline would comment on an incident prior to the conclusion of an investigation, assuming that an investigation is taking place.
It could be that the Aerolineas Argentinas press release is correct but it seems premature to be making such sweeping declarations. It is the opinion of the editor of this blog that more answers are needed first.
This has been corroborated by the manager of the Spanish airports operator AENA (Spanish Airports and Air Navigation) who initially reported that "both planes were where they should be."
Moreover, a spokesman of AENA also said that "the landing of the UTair aircraft could have been done without risk, since both aircraft were in the proper place, with enough distance between them."
This is consistent with the report made by the captain of the Aerolineas Argentinas aircraft, who said the AR plane followed the instructions of El Prat control tower.
This morning AENA issued a statement that ensures that the "go-around" performed by the Russian aircraft "is a standard procedure, with all the guarantees of safety".
Thus Aerolineas Argentinas clarifies that the situation recorded by a plane spotter and widely publicized by the media, related to flight AR 1163 on Saturday 5 July, did not involve any risk."
Cecilia Scordo
Aerolíneas Argentinas S.A
Bouchard 547, 4 Piso (1106)
Buenos Aires, Argentina
00 54 11 41303085
Source:
http://www.aerolineas.com.ar/en-ar/prensa/comunicado/3396_aerolineas-argentinas-clarifies-on-alleged-incident-at-barcelona-el-prat-airport-
via Cabecera Norte blogspot
via Cabecera Norte blogspot
BLOG EDITOR'S COMMENT:
If it is true that "there was no risk at any time" and that "the landing of the UTair aircraft could have been done without risk, since both aircraft were in the proper place, with enough distance between them." then why did the UTair pilot execute a "go-around" ? An excess of caution ?
Also, it seems odd that an airline would comment on an incident prior to the conclusion of an investigation, assuming that an investigation is taking place.
It could be that the Aerolineas Argentinas press release is correct but it seems premature to be making such sweeping declarations. It is the opinion of the editor of this blog that more answers are needed first.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Aerolineas Argentinas A340 comes dangerously close to a UT Air 767-300 at Barcelona (BCN)
Aerolineas Argentinas A340-313X, LV-FPV, (c/n 193) sporting the "Skyteam" color scheme crossed in front of a UT Air 767-306ER, VQ-BSX, (c/n 27612/647) on final approach to Barcelona El Prat Airport's (BCN) Runway 02 on the morning of Saturday, 05Jul14.
While some experts say that it was likely that the A340 would have crossed the runway before the 767-300 reached that point, the 767 still had to abort its approach and perform a go-around to approach and finally land.
The Aerolineas A340 was reportedly following ATC instructions to taxi to Runway 25R so ATC had primary responsibility for the incident but it seems that the first officer sitting on the right side of the aircraft should have seen the approaching 767. The Aerolineas pilots will presumably be interviewed after this incident and it will be interesting to see what they have to say about this serious incident.
Video of the incident:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N5THRSp4hM
Sources:
Tom Sheehan - Boston Airliner Spotters Meetup Group
http://aerospotter.blogspot.com.ar/2014/07/mama-mama-puedo-volver-argentina-si.html
http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1707778-un-avion-de-aerolineas-cerca-de-una-tragedia
While some experts say that it was likely that the A340 would have crossed the runway before the 767-300 reached that point, the 767 still had to abort its approach and perform a go-around to approach and finally land.
The Aerolineas A340 was reportedly following ATC instructions to taxi to Runway 25R so ATC had primary responsibility for the incident but it seems that the first officer sitting on the right side of the aircraft should have seen the approaching 767. The Aerolineas pilots will presumably be interviewed after this incident and it will be interesting to see what they have to say about this serious incident.
Video of the incident:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N5THRSp4hM
Sources:
Tom Sheehan - Boston Airliner Spotters Meetup Group
http://aerospotter.blogspot.com.ar/2014/07/mama-mama-puedo-volver-argentina-si.html
http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1707778-un-avion-de-aerolineas-cerca-de-una-tragedia
Sunday, July 6, 2014
ROUTE UPDATE: GOL started Fortaleza (FOR) - Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) service on 10May14
GOL Transportes Aereos started service from Fortaleza, Brazil (FOR) to Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) on 10May14. Flights are operated roundtrip once per week on Saturdays using the carrier's 737-800 aircraft.
The new service has come about as a result of a reduction in the fuel tax by the Ceará State Tourism Department for Brazilian airlines starting new international services from the airport.
Gol has 77 flights per week between Argentina and Brazil, more than any other airline, linking Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) and Aeroparque (AEP) plus Cordoba (COR) to six Brazilian airports: Curitiba (CWB), Florianopolis (FLN), Fortaleza (FOR), Porto Alegre (POA), Rio de Janeiro Galeao (GIG) and Sao Paulo (GRU).
Sources:
http://airlineroute.net/2014/03/24/g3-eze-may14/ via Eric Trum
http://worldairlinenews.com/2014/04/23/gol-to-start-nonstop-fortaleza-buenos-aires-flights-on-may-10/
http://www.flightstats.com/
The new service has come about as a result of a reduction in the fuel tax by the Ceará State Tourism Department for Brazilian airlines starting new international services from the airport.
Gol has 77 flights per week between Argentina and Brazil, more than any other airline, linking Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) and Aeroparque (AEP) plus Cordoba (COR) to six Brazilian airports: Curitiba (CWB), Florianopolis (FLN), Fortaleza (FOR), Porto Alegre (POA), Rio de Janeiro Galeao (GIG) and Sao Paulo (GRU).
Sources:
http://airlineroute.net/2014/03/24/g3-eze-may14/ via Eric Trum
http://worldairlinenews.com/2014/04/23/gol-to-start-nonstop-fortaleza-buenos-aires-flights-on-may-10/
http://www.flightstats.com/
Friday, July 4, 2014
Alas Uruguay approved for US$ 15 million loan from FONDES Uruguayan Government Development Fund; hopes to lease 3 737-300's
The FONDES Uruguayan development fund approved in late May Alas Uruguay's application for a US$ 15 million loan that will be used to finance the lease of 3-4 737-300's by the new Uruguayan carrier. The loan will be granted in five installments totaling US$ 3.78 million subject to the carrier meeting certain development goals with the US$ 11.22 million balance being subject to financial requirements being met.
Soon after this, Uruguay's Aeronautical Commission approved Alas Uruguay's operational plan contingent upon the carrier meeting the above-mentioned objectives. Should Alas Uruguay fail in this regard the FONDES would discontinue funding and the Aeronautical Commission would rescind its approval halting the carrier's startup plans.
The next step is for Alas Uruguay to apply with the Uruguayan Aviation Administration (Dirección Nacional de Aviación Civil e Infraestructura) for certification to operate the 737-300's allowing the airline to finalize its lease agreement with the lessor.
Staff from the carrier have been writing manuals and making other preparations for the carrier's hoped-for start of service later this year as a charter airline followed by scheduled service from Montevideo to Asuncion, Santiago, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and especially Buenos Aires Aeroparque with up to 35 weekly frequencies which was PLUNA's most profitable route. Routes to be added later would include Cordoba, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, and Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
With many of the airline's crews having flown 737-200's and a sole 737-300 while at PLUNA, the training process is simpler than if they had had no previous experience with the types.
Editor's Note: Alas Uruguay's plans call for it to compete head on with BQB Lineas Aereas on many routes but it seems doubtful that there is enough traffic on these city pairs to support two carriers, which looks especially doubtful for Alas Uruguay going up against the Buquebus Travel Group's financial strength. Also, getting approval for anywhere near 35 weekly frequencies to Buenos Aires will be impossible given the Argentine government's protectionism of Aerolineas Argentinas.
Sources:
http://www.siscoma.com.ar/online/aviacion/2014/avn140508/avn-140508.html
http://www.siscoma.com.ar/online/aviacion/2014/avn140529/avn-140529.html
http://aeronavescx.blogspot.com.ar/2014/06/junta-aeronautica-aprobo-plan-de.html
http://www.siscoma.com.ar/online/aviacion/2014/avn140605/avn-140605.html
http://www.siscoma.com.ar/online/aviacion/2014/avn140626/avn-140626.html
Soon after this, Uruguay's Aeronautical Commission approved Alas Uruguay's operational plan contingent upon the carrier meeting the above-mentioned objectives. Should Alas Uruguay fail in this regard the FONDES would discontinue funding and the Aeronautical Commission would rescind its approval halting the carrier's startup plans.
The next step is for Alas Uruguay to apply with the Uruguayan Aviation Administration (Dirección Nacional de Aviación Civil e Infraestructura) for certification to operate the 737-300's allowing the airline to finalize its lease agreement with the lessor.
Staff from the carrier have been writing manuals and making other preparations for the carrier's hoped-for start of service later this year as a charter airline followed by scheduled service from Montevideo to Asuncion, Santiago, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and especially Buenos Aires Aeroparque with up to 35 weekly frequencies which was PLUNA's most profitable route. Routes to be added later would include Cordoba, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, and Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
With many of the airline's crews having flown 737-200's and a sole 737-300 while at PLUNA, the training process is simpler than if they had had no previous experience with the types.
Editor's Note: Alas Uruguay's plans call for it to compete head on with BQB Lineas Aereas on many routes but it seems doubtful that there is enough traffic on these city pairs to support two carriers, which looks especially doubtful for Alas Uruguay going up against the Buquebus Travel Group's financial strength. Also, getting approval for anywhere near 35 weekly frequencies to Buenos Aires will be impossible given the Argentine government's protectionism of Aerolineas Argentinas.
Sources:
http://www.siscoma.com.ar/online/aviacion/2014/avn140508/avn-140508.html
http://www.siscoma.com.ar/online/aviacion/2014/avn140529/avn-140529.html
http://aeronavescx.blogspot.com.ar/2014/06/junta-aeronautica-aprobo-plan-de.html
http://www.siscoma.com.ar/online/aviacion/2014/avn140605/avn-140605.html
http://www.siscoma.com.ar/online/aviacion/2014/avn140626/avn-140626.html
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
FLEET UPDATE: Seven ex-PLUNA CRJ-900's to be sold to Strategic Air Finance of Miami for US$ 77 million
The seven company-owned ex-PLUNA CRJ-900's that have been parked unused in Montevideo (MVD) since July 2012 have been sold to SAF (Strategic Air Finance), an aircraft leasing company of Miami, Florida for US$ 11 million each.
The aircraft, nearly all of which were delivered in 2008, were originally purchased for US$ 29 million each and assessed at US$ 19 million per aircraft in late 2012 when they were unsuccessfully put up for auction. The Asociación Uruguaya de Peritos (AUPE) overseeing PLUNA's bankruptcy proceedings received offers from five parties for the aircraft with AUPE recommending SAF's offer as the one with the best price and overall terms.
Proceeds from the sale will go to settling claims by creditors of the defunct airline.
Two of the aircraft are due to be taken by SAF in August with the remainder gradually by the end of the year.
The various bodies that oversaw PLUNA's liquidation spent a total of US$ 6.5 million on maintaining both the seven owned CRJ-900's and the six leased examples that were returned to their manufacturer, Bombardier, in December 2012.
The seven aircraft being sold are:
CX-CRA (c/n 15165)
CX-CRB (c/n 15169)
CX-CRC (c/n 15175)
CX-CRD (c/n 15180)
CX-CRE (c/n 15185)
CX-CRF (c/n 15204)
CX-CRG (c/n 15209)
Sources:
http://www.elpais.com.uy/informacion/venden-siete-aviones-bombardier-pluna.html
http://aerospotter.blogspot.com.ar/2014/06/se-autoriza-la-venta-de-los-aviones-de.html
http://www.elpais.com.uy/informacion/aviones-pluna-gasto-milones-dolares.html
http://www.siscoma.com.ar/online/aviacion/2014/avn140703/avn-140703.html
The aircraft, nearly all of which were delivered in 2008, were originally purchased for US$ 29 million each and assessed at US$ 19 million per aircraft in late 2012 when they were unsuccessfully put up for auction. The Asociación Uruguaya de Peritos (AUPE) overseeing PLUNA's bankruptcy proceedings received offers from five parties for the aircraft with AUPE recommending SAF's offer as the one with the best price and overall terms.
Proceeds from the sale will go to settling claims by creditors of the defunct airline.
Two of the aircraft are due to be taken by SAF in August with the remainder gradually by the end of the year.
The various bodies that oversaw PLUNA's liquidation spent a total of US$ 6.5 million on maintaining both the seven owned CRJ-900's and the six leased examples that were returned to their manufacturer, Bombardier, in December 2012.
The seven aircraft being sold are:
CX-CRA (c/n 15165)
CX-CRB (c/n 15169)
CX-CRC (c/n 15175)
CX-CRD (c/n 15180)
CX-CRE (c/n 15185)
CX-CRF (c/n 15204)
CX-CRG (c/n 15209)
Sources:
http://www.elpais.com.uy/informacion/venden-siete-aviones-bombardier-pluna.html
http://aerospotter.blogspot.com.ar/2014/06/se-autoriza-la-venta-de-los-aviones-de.html
http://www.elpais.com.uy/informacion/aviones-pluna-gasto-milones-dolares.html
http://www.siscoma.com.ar/online/aviacion/2014/avn140703/avn-140703.html
Monday, June 30, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Aerolineas Argentinas 737-700 in special World Cup scheme
 |
Aerolineas Argentinas 737-7Q8, LV-CPH (c/n 28238 LN:817) in special World Cup scheme rotates at Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) on 20Jun14. (Phil Perry Photo)
Aerolineas painted two 737-700's in identical special World Cup schemes featuring stickers of the AFA (Asociacion de Futbol Argentino), three of Argentina's best soccer players; Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona, Sergio Aguero of Manchester City and Gonzalo Higuain of Napoli plus "Vamos Argentina" (Let's Go Argentina) titles.
The first 737-7Q8 to be painted was LV-CSI (c/n 30707 LN:975) which rolled out of the hangar around 30May14 followed by LV-CPH on approx. 08Jun14. Both aircraft were originally delivered to Virgin Blue Airlines in 2001.
Sources:
|
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Posts to Resume July 1
Dear Readers:
The editor of this blog has been traveling a lot the last two months and has not had time to do new postings but will resume postings on July 1.
Best Regards,
Phil Perry
The editor of this blog has been traveling a lot the last two months and has not had time to do new postings but will resume postings on July 1.
Best Regards,
Phil Perry
Sunday, April 6, 2014
ROUTE UPDATE: Air Canada to fly 777-300's on Buenos Aires - Santiago - Toronto Route for Six Months effective 26Oct14 with possible 787's in 2015
Air Canada will reportedly replace its current daily 767-300 flights on the Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) - Santiago (SCL) - Toronto (YYZ) route with 777-300's on 26Oct14 for the southern hemisphere summer.
Rumors are that the airline will employ the 787 on the route as it takes more deliveries of the type in 2015.
Source:
http://www.siscoma.com.ar/online/aviacion/2014/avn140403/avn-140403.html
Rumors are that the airline will employ the 787 on the route as it takes more deliveries of the type in 2015.
Source:
http://www.siscoma.com.ar/online/aviacion/2014/avn140403/avn-140403.html
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Aerolineas Argentinas / Austral Fly to the Capitals of all 23 of Argentina's Provinces (almost)
With the start of daily service by Aerolineas Argentinas' sister airline Austral from Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) to Parana (PRA) (capital of Entre Rios province) on 05Mar14 with its E-190's, it was the first time that the Aerolineas Argentinas group of airlines has flown to the capitals of all 23 of Argentina's provinces since 1988, when Austral last flew BAC 1-11's to Parana.
This is technically not true in the sense that the airline does not serve La Plata (capital of the province of Buenos Aires), located some 35 miles (50km) southeast of the city of Buenos Aires, but that city is, in effect, served by Buenos Aires' two airports, Aeroparque (AEP) and Ezeiza (EZE).
With the start of service to Parana (PRA), Aerolineas Argentinas / Austral now serve 36 cities in Argentina.
Source:
http://www.siscoma.com.ar/online/aviacion/2014/avn140213/avn-140213.html
This is technically not true in the sense that the airline does not serve La Plata (capital of the province of Buenos Aires), located some 35 miles (50km) southeast of the city of Buenos Aires, but that city is, in effect, served by Buenos Aires' two airports, Aeroparque (AEP) and Ezeiza (EZE).
With the start of service to Parana (PRA), Aerolineas Argentinas / Austral now serve 36 cities in Argentina.
Source:
http://www.siscoma.com.ar/online/aviacion/2014/avn140213/avn-140213.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)