Recent posts
#41
General forum / Re: Staffing levels are wild f...
Last post by groundbum2 - September 17, 2025, 04:29:18 PMref pilots. The game assumes you keep these planes flying 24x7 so 19 pilots for 10 planes is if anything on the low side. Pilots are restricted to 900 flying hours a year, plus take holiday, refresher training, ground duties etc. So the game has multipliers in for each aircraft size class. It cannot model like a charter airline where a plane may do 3 or 4 trips a week. It's assumed to be a commercial pax/cargo airline where utilization is vital.
#42
General forum / Re: Staffing levels are wild f...
Last post by WhiteYankeeBear - September 17, 2025, 04:16:52 PMI agree with this. The overhead for an airline flying small aircraft is ridiculous. I can make $350k on a 50-seater turbo prop, yet still not make a profit because of staffing levels. (Marketing is also disproportionate for smaller airlines, but I realize that's hard to change.)
Over time though, as your airline expands, it should level out a bit.
Over time though, as your airline expands, it should level out a bit.
#43
Off-topic forum / Re: Did airline industry recov...
Last post by 11Air - September 16, 2025, 06:26:35 PMUK still seems to be OK, though it's difficult to know how many a/c are in mothballs at the moment. Certainly EGHI (Southampton) is still active, though there does seems to be fewer flights, but that may just be seasonal!
Trev Walden, Southampton.
Trev Walden, Southampton.
#44
Announcements - The Age of Flight / FlightClub Opens Nürnberg Hub ...
Last post by AngryOpossum - September 15, 2025, 05:38:36 AMMUNICH, WEST GERMANY — In a bold move that industry observers are calling "technically legal," FlightClub has opened a new operational hub in Nürnberg. With no other airline establishing a hub in the city since Teutonia's brief and ill-advised expansion, FlightClub now enjoys uncontested access to the region's limited passenger demand. The new hub will support FlightClub's signature network of short-haul flights aboard aircraft best described as "nimble." Destinations will focus on regional cities within 200 miles — or slightly more with favorable wind. No long-haul, transalpine, or legally complicated routes are planned.
"People ask us how we choose our routes," FlightClub CEO Peter 'The Elbow' Braun stated. "And I tell them the truth: we're not sure there's any demand for a 6 AM departure to Zweibrücken. But we're going to find out."
The announcement was met with immediate backlash from Nürnberg residents, who staged a protest outside the airport terminal complete with banners, chants, and a dirigible painted with obscene slogans and designed to block departing FlightClub aircraft. Demonstrators decried the airline's sudden arrival, citing safety concerns, noise pollution, and a general sense of unease. In response, FlightClub issued a statement describing the unrest as "an encouraging sign of brand engagement."
Local officials responded to the announcement with visible discomfort. "We had hoped a more conventional airline would set up operations in Nürnberg. One with a track record of safety audits, scheduled flights, and, ideally, pressurized cabins," said Klaus Meier, Deputy Director of Regional Transport. "Instead, we got FlightClub." Meier went on to note that the airline's proposal was "handwritten, partially redacted, and submitted by courier in the middle of the night." He added, "We had numerous concerns. FlightClub addressed none of them and began operations anyway."
Despite the unrest, FlightClub remains upbeat. "We're thrilled by the energy in Nürnberg," said Braun. "It's not every day your brand inspires a full-scale public demonstration. That kind of visibility is hard to buy." He praised the protestors for their "creativity, commitment, and effective use of inflatable aircraft," and hinted that select chants may be incorporated into the airline's forthcoming advertising campaign.
Media Contact:
Greta Stahlknuckle
VP of Communications
"People ask us how we choose our routes," FlightClub CEO Peter 'The Elbow' Braun stated. "And I tell them the truth: we're not sure there's any demand for a 6 AM departure to Zweibrücken. But we're going to find out."
The announcement was met with immediate backlash from Nürnberg residents, who staged a protest outside the airport terminal complete with banners, chants, and a dirigible painted with obscene slogans and designed to block departing FlightClub aircraft. Demonstrators decried the airline's sudden arrival, citing safety concerns, noise pollution, and a general sense of unease. In response, FlightClub issued a statement describing the unrest as "an encouraging sign of brand engagement."
Local officials responded to the announcement with visible discomfort. "We had hoped a more conventional airline would set up operations in Nürnberg. One with a track record of safety audits, scheduled flights, and, ideally, pressurized cabins," said Klaus Meier, Deputy Director of Regional Transport. "Instead, we got FlightClub." Meier went on to note that the airline's proposal was "handwritten, partially redacted, and submitted by courier in the middle of the night." He added, "We had numerous concerns. FlightClub addressed none of them and began operations anyway."
Despite the unrest, FlightClub remains upbeat. "We're thrilled by the energy in Nürnberg," said Braun. "It's not every day your brand inspires a full-scale public demonstration. That kind of visibility is hard to buy." He praised the protestors for their "creativity, commitment, and effective use of inflatable aircraft," and hinted that select chants may be incorporated into the airline's forthcoming advertising campaign.
Media Contact:
Greta Stahlknuckle
VP of Communications
#45
Announcements - The Age of Flight / SAUSADE transitions to fully j...
Last post by DHB - September 14, 2025, 11:59:02 AMLissabon, Portugal - During this years first stated board meeting the CEO of Sausade, DHB, explained the current and future strategy of Portugal's leading airline to the attending investors and the invited members of the local and international press.
After finalizing the last fiscal year with more than 6 Mio. passengers transported and a turnover of more than 676 Mio. USD Sausade reaches out to become one of the leading european airlines. "Our partnership with the Phoenix Alliance proved to be a success. The strong cooperation between its members as well as the coordination of its schedules and the exemplary connection between its hubs provides our combined passengers with a unique and seamless experience of travelling around the world" stated DHB.
Sausade will continue and enhance its efforts to be one of the leading members within the Phoenix Alliance. As one of the first european airlines Sausade will finalize its transitioning to fully jet-based services on medium- and long-haul services with its existing fleet of Caravelle VI-N and the last arriving Vickers VC-10 until August 1966. DHB continued: "In preparation for future needs and expectations we will transform our fleet in the next 5-6 years to new and much more fuel-efficient planes. Sausade therefor ordered 100 Boeing 737-200 as well as 75 Douglas DC-8-63 to replace our still young fleet of Caravelles and VC-10s. In addition to the already ordered 25 Fokker 27's as replacement for our existing short-haul fleet of Vickers Viscount's we will continue to grow up to appr. 200 planes when entering the next decade".
Impressum
Saudade is Portugals oldest, biggest and leading airline, proud partner of the Phoenix Alliance. All of our aircrafts (on medium- and long-haul flights we only use the most modern jets) feature economy and business class for distinguished passengers comfort. On our new and soon to arrive long-haul fleet of brand-new Douglas DC-8 we are delighted to welcome our premium customers in our first class cabin for the best possible flying experience. Operating from our six bases in Lissabon (HQ), Faro, Porto, Funchal, Porto Santo and Terceira we take you to the skies and bring you safely with our well-serviced aircrafts to ever more airports every year. Sausade currently serves many major destinations at five continents (Europe, Africa, Asia, North- and South-America) and will add Oceania as our sixth continent served within the next years. "Saudade" characterises the portugese way of living which goes along with a relaxed, comfortable attitude and which is represented by our friendly staff and our fully service-oriented corporate culture.
After finalizing the last fiscal year with more than 6 Mio. passengers transported and a turnover of more than 676 Mio. USD Sausade reaches out to become one of the leading european airlines. "Our partnership with the Phoenix Alliance proved to be a success. The strong cooperation between its members as well as the coordination of its schedules and the exemplary connection between its hubs provides our combined passengers with a unique and seamless experience of travelling around the world" stated DHB.
Sausade will continue and enhance its efforts to be one of the leading members within the Phoenix Alliance. As one of the first european airlines Sausade will finalize its transitioning to fully jet-based services on medium- and long-haul services with its existing fleet of Caravelle VI-N and the last arriving Vickers VC-10 until August 1966. DHB continued: "In preparation for future needs and expectations we will transform our fleet in the next 5-6 years to new and much more fuel-efficient planes. Sausade therefor ordered 100 Boeing 737-200 as well as 75 Douglas DC-8-63 to replace our still young fleet of Caravelles and VC-10s. In addition to the already ordered 25 Fokker 27's as replacement for our existing short-haul fleet of Vickers Viscount's we will continue to grow up to appr. 200 planes when entering the next decade".
Impressum
Saudade is Portugals oldest, biggest and leading airline, proud partner of the Phoenix Alliance. All of our aircrafts (on medium- and long-haul flights we only use the most modern jets) feature economy and business class for distinguished passengers comfort. On our new and soon to arrive long-haul fleet of brand-new Douglas DC-8 we are delighted to welcome our premium customers in our first class cabin for the best possible flying experience. Operating from our six bases in Lissabon (HQ), Faro, Porto, Funchal, Porto Santo and Terceira we take you to the skies and bring you safely with our well-serviced aircrafts to ever more airports every year. Sausade currently serves many major destinations at five continents (Europe, Africa, Asia, North- and South-America) and will add Oceania as our sixth continent served within the next years. "Saudade" characterises the portugese way of living which goes along with a relaxed, comfortable attitude and which is represented by our friendly staff and our fully service-oriented corporate culture.
#46
Announcements - Airline Generations / ILYUSHIN IL 114-100
Last post by dwibowo83 - September 14, 2025, 04:27:54 AMJAKARTA - INDONESIA Today, Anjani Air Service inked an agreement to procure 35 units of Ilyushin Il 114-100. This will mark the return of Russian-made aircraft to Anjani's service after almost thirty years since the last Tupolev Tu-114 flew with them in 1970. It might be coincidental, too, that both airplanes are branded as "114". As the launch customer of the Ilyushin Il-114 in the world, Anjani plans to use the Ilyushin Il-114 as a replacement for the BAe ATP. A spokesman for Ilyushin expressed his hope that this agreement would bring more orders for the aircraft. Meanwhile, Anjani Air Service announced that the plane will be used to fly to underserved routes in Indonesia and some neighboring countries. The plane will also be equipped with a PTV on each seat. The expected date of service will be the end of 1999.
#47
Announcements - The Modern Times / a pair is always better
Last post by groundbum2 - September 13, 2025, 10:21:36 AMHere at 3MontyPrrr we pride ourselves on finding new routes where people and freight really need moving to and from our base at London Heathrow. We have a healthy track record of finding those out of the way spots that people travel to. We also have a healthy respect for johnny come seconds and CEOs that piggyback onto routes other have found, this adds resilience and extra capacity. Although when old DC10s and such are furnished, we understand why passengers prefer 3MontyPrrr! So a Pair of flights is always better for the passenger, and of course we serve T on our flights to England!
Simon, CEO 3MontyPrrr
Simon, CEO 3MontyPrrr
#48
Announcements - The Modern Times / Blue Lines starts fleet renewa...
Last post by Springbal - September 09, 2025, 04:48:09 PMBlue Lines starts fleet renewal by adding Airbus A320-family aircraft.
Despite being a rather modest airline, Blue Lines has growing ambitions. The phasing out of the older Boeing 737-200adv. Is a cornerstone in the overall strategy.
London, 8th of February 2007
PRESS CONFERENCE MINUTES
"I think it is needless to say, we live in challenging times. There is a demand for airtravel, a demand for aircraft. But the market is pretty closed at this time. According to sources, there are upto 50 airbus A320-family aircraft in storage. Yet none are brought to the market. This is a major hurdle for smaller airlines to grow. Yet we try to do so. Our data show we can. But it is too slow to keep up the pace."
With these words Blue Lines CEO Bart P. opened the press conference, with a rather gloomy prospect. Yet The airline remains positive and determined to increase passengers trust, satisfaction and overall growth.
The rapidly aging fleet of the Boeing 737-200, who played an important roll in our fleet and network developement, starts causing several challenges. Finding adequate square parts, outdated passengercomfort, noisy and fuel inefficient. The new airbus A321 has many opportunities for the airline. A single A321 carries in a full economy lay out, 72 extra passengers extra per flight, using 10% less fuel. The maintenance is quicker, cheaper and the planes are quiter.
The overall goal is phasing out at a rate of two aircraft per year. So they all departed the fleet before the next D-check. For every aircraft, there will be a sufficient replacement based on the type of flights it operates. Not every Boeing will standard be replaced by an A321. The next Boeing 737 is planned to be replaced by the beginning of august. Exciting times, indeed.
Passengers can discover our new amenities, flight schedules and more information on our brand new webiste. Our Customer Information Centre can be joined 24/7 via e-ticketing, phone, chat. On the airport our Passenger Care Teams are happy to help you further.
BLue Lines,
Happy to have you with us
Despite being a rather modest airline, Blue Lines has growing ambitions. The phasing out of the older Boeing 737-200adv. Is a cornerstone in the overall strategy.
London, 8th of February 2007
PRESS CONFERENCE MINUTES
"I think it is needless to say, we live in challenging times. There is a demand for airtravel, a demand for aircraft. But the market is pretty closed at this time. According to sources, there are upto 50 airbus A320-family aircraft in storage. Yet none are brought to the market. This is a major hurdle for smaller airlines to grow. Yet we try to do so. Our data show we can. But it is too slow to keep up the pace."
With these words Blue Lines CEO Bart P. opened the press conference, with a rather gloomy prospect. Yet The airline remains positive and determined to increase passengers trust, satisfaction and overall growth.
Quote from: Michael Hopkins, Chief Operations OfficerIn June last year we ordered thee Airbus A321-200. They took service between the end of last december and the beginning of februry. Two aircraft will help expand the fleet and allow us to fly on some new destinations. The third aircraft started the phasing out of our Boeing 737-200adv. family. An important step to increase the number of seats, complience with environmental laws and passenger convenience as a whole. Holiday passenegers who saw themselves upgrated from the older 737-200 to the brand new A321 reacted enthusiastically.
The rapidly aging fleet of the Boeing 737-200, who played an important roll in our fleet and network developement, starts causing several challenges. Finding adequate square parts, outdated passengercomfort, noisy and fuel inefficient. The new airbus A321 has many opportunities for the airline. A single A321 carries in a full economy lay out, 72 extra passengers extra per flight, using 10% less fuel. The maintenance is quicker, cheaper and the planes are quiter.
Quote from: Elisabeth Riley, Network Developement ManagerThe Airbus A321 allows us not only to give more passengers a more comfortable seat, we are able to explore new markets. The new Airbus provides us with easy access to the Greek Islands, Turkey, the Canary Islands, Senegal and Iran. But the main goal now is phase the Boeing out. We will continuously explore new markets tough.
Quote from: Jonathan Buckland, Pilots and Cabin Crew represantative organWe are now starting the operations to retrain our existing crews and engaging new crews. For each flight we will need two extra cabin crew so we will also grow as an employer. The Pilots are enthousiastic about the new mordern cockpit and avionics. Some die-hards whom are at a stonethrow form retirement, will end their carreer on the Boeing. Farewell flights will be held. The cabin crew now has larger galleys to work in and can offer an even greater service than before. Some overhead screns will provide inflight entertainment, flight information and ground information. We look forward for more happy passengers and happy crew.
The overall goal is phasing out at a rate of two aircraft per year. So they all departed the fleet before the next D-check. For every aircraft, there will be a sufficient replacement based on the type of flights it operates. Not every Boeing will standard be replaced by an A321. The next Boeing 737 is planned to be replaced by the beginning of august. Exciting times, indeed.
Passengers can discover our new amenities, flight schedules and more information on our brand new webiste. Our Customer Information Centre can be joined 24/7 via e-ticketing, phone, chat. On the airport our Passenger Care Teams are happy to help you further.
BLue Lines,
Happy to have you with us
#49
Announcements - The Modern Times / NorthStar Airways Turns 4: Fly...
Last post by xAxonZz - September 09, 2025, 11:24:39 AMJakarta, 1.2.2007 – NorthStar Airways proudly marks its fourth anniversary by welcoming the first aircraft fully owned by the airline: the Embraer E195LR. This milestone represents a new chapter in the carrier's mission to connect Indonesia to the world.
Since its launch four years ago, NorthStar Airways has flown passengers across the globe with a growing network centered on its hubs in Jakarta and Denpasar-Bali. With the addition of the E195LR, the airline is now turning its focus to strengthening domestic connectivity, ensuring that communities across Indonesia are directly linked to its international hubs.
"The arrival of our first owned aircraft is a symbol of independence and long-term commitment," said Mr. Sweets, CEO of NorthStar Airways. "As we celebrate four years of service, we are excited to expand beyond global connections and bring the people of Indonesia even closer together through reliable, comfortable, and affordable air travel."
The Embraer E195LR, a state-of-the-art aircraft known for its efficiency and versatility, is ideally suited to connect regional airports across the archipelago with NorthStar Airways' international network. This investment reflects the airline's vision of building a strong foundation for future growth while offering passengers greater access, convenience, and choice.
NorthStar Airways will continue to expand its fleet and network in the years ahead, reinforcing its role as a proud Indonesian carrier with a global outlook.
Since its launch four years ago, NorthStar Airways has flown passengers across the globe with a growing network centered on its hubs in Jakarta and Denpasar-Bali. With the addition of the E195LR, the airline is now turning its focus to strengthening domestic connectivity, ensuring that communities across Indonesia are directly linked to its international hubs.
"The arrival of our first owned aircraft is a symbol of independence and long-term commitment," said Mr. Sweets, CEO of NorthStar Airways. "As we celebrate four years of service, we are excited to expand beyond global connections and bring the people of Indonesia even closer together through reliable, comfortable, and affordable air travel."
The Embraer E195LR, a state-of-the-art aircraft known for its efficiency and versatility, is ideally suited to connect regional airports across the archipelago with NorthStar Airways' international network. This investment reflects the airline's vision of building a strong foundation for future growth while offering passengers greater access, convenience, and choice.
NorthStar Airways will continue to expand its fleet and network in the years ahead, reinforcing its role as a proud Indonesian carrier with a global outlook.
#50
Announcements - The Modern Times / New Members of the Donga Group...
Last post by Archer619 - September 09, 2025, 07:32:39 AMWe are proud to announce that Donga HOP, a subsidiary of Donga Groups, will officially receive its first Embraer 195AR aircraft in March 2007. This marks a major step forward in our mission to enhance regional air travel with greater comfort and efficiency.
With the arrival of the new aircraft, Donga HOP will launch a new sub-brand: HOP Premium. This brand will offer both Standard Economy and the Brand New class - "Light-Business", which provides a premium experience at an attractive price point, tailored for travelers seeking comfort without the full business-class fare.
The inaugural flight of the Embraer 195AR and the HOP Premium will be DA5705, operating from Incheon (ICN) to Taipei (TPE).
Looking ahead, Donga Airline, Donga HOP, and HOP Premium will work together to deliver a comprehensive and secure air travel experience across East Asia, reflecting our commitment to innovation, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Let's continue to soar higher—together.
Together, we fly toward the future.
With the arrival of the new aircraft, Donga HOP will launch a new sub-brand: HOP Premium. This brand will offer both Standard Economy and the Brand New class - "Light-Business", which provides a premium experience at an attractive price point, tailored for travelers seeking comfort without the full business-class fare.
The inaugural flight of the Embraer 195AR and the HOP Premium will be DA5705, operating from Incheon (ICN) to Taipei (TPE).
Looking ahead, Donga Airline, Donga HOP, and HOP Premium will work together to deliver a comprehensive and secure air travel experience across East Asia, reflecting our commitment to innovation, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Let's continue to soar higher—together.
Together, we fly toward the future.