Vietnam Airlines becomes the second operator of the new Airbus A350-900

Vietnam Airlines (Hanoi) has become the second airline in the world to operate the all-new Airbus A350-900 XWB, following a special ceremony in Toulouse today (June 30).

The A350-900 aircraft was delivered to global lessor AerCap on lease to the airline for operation on long haul routes and is scheduled to arrive in Hanoi tomorrow. Altogether, Vietnam Airlines is set to acquire 14 A350-900 XWBs, including 10 ordered from Airbus and four from lessors.

Vietnam Airlines will inaugurate commercial service with the A350-900 XWB later this week, initially on the Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh domestic sector and then on nonstop flights from Hanoi to Paris (CDG). The aircraft is configured with a premium three class layout, with 29 seats that convert to full flat beds in Business Class, 45 seats in Premium Economy and 231 in Economy. In addition to more personal space in all classes, the aircraft features the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems throughout.

Vietnam Airlines’ new A350-900 XWB will join an existing Airbus fleet of 59 aircraft flying with the carrier, comprising 49 A321s and 10 A330s.

AerCap is Airbus’ largest customer, and has ordered a cumulative total of 945 Airbus aircraft over the years. These include firm orders for a total of 20 A350 XWBs.

To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 781 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 40 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever. The aircraft handed over today is the fifth A350 XWB to be delivered, following the type’s entry into commercial service with its first operator earlier this year.

Vietnam Airlines is also taking delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, an unique situation for an airline introducing two new types at the same time.

Photos: Airbus/Master Films-P. Masclet. Airbus A350-941 VN-A886 (msn 014) in pictured in flight in the updated 2014 livery.

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United Airlines purchases a stake in Fulcrum BioEnergy for $30 million

United Airlines (Chicago) today announced an historic $30 million equity investment in U.S.-based alternative fuels developer Fulcrum BioEnergy, Inc., a pioneer in the development and commercialization of converting municipal solid waste into low-cost sustainable aviation biofuel. It is also the single largest investment by a U.S. airline in alternative fuels and sets United apart in the aviation industry in the advancement of aviation biofuels and carbon emissions reductions. In addition to the equity investment, United and Fulcrum have entered into an agreement that contemplates the joint development of up to five projects located near United’s hubs expected to have the potential to produce up to 180 million gallons of fuel per year.

Fulcrum Video:

United has also negotiated a long-term supply agreement with Fulcrum and, subject to availability, will have the opportunity to purchase at least 90 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel a year for a minimum of 10 years at a cost that is competitive with conventional jet fuel. This alternative fuel will be a drop-in fuel that meets all of the airline’s technical requirements and specifications, and will power the aircraft in the same way as conventional jet fuel. Fulcrum expects its first alternative fuels plant to begin commercial operation in 2017.

Fulcrum’s Waste-to-Biofuel Technology

Fulcrum’s technology converts household trash, known as municipal solid waste (MSW), into renewable jet fuel. Fulcrum’s renewable jet fuel is expected to provide a greater than 80 percent reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions when compared to conventional jet fuel. Fulcrum
has successfully developed and proven its technology to convert MSW into low-cost, low-carbon transportation fuels in an innovative, clean and efficient thermochemical process. MSW is an attractive biofuel feedstock as it is low cost, has limited volatility and a virtually unlimited supply. United’s agreement with Fulcrum is expected to decrease the airline’s carbon footprint through the use of sustainable aviation biofuel, while also diverting waste from landfills and creating new jobs in those communities where new Fulcrum facilities are sited. Fulcrum’s projects have also received support and participation from the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy for the future production of fuel that meets military specifications.

United’s Track Record in Aviation Biofuels

United is the first U.S. airline to invest in a biofuel company. It is another in a series of firsts for the airline which, since 2009, has made significant investments in the advancement of sustainable aviation biofuels.

In 2009, United made history as the first North American carrier to perform a two-engine aircraft demonstration flight using sustainable biofuels.

In 2011, United operated the first U.S. passenger flight powered by advanced biofuels made from algae.

In 2012, United spearheaded the Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuel Initiative (MASBI), a public/private partnership of experts from across the Midwest Region, to accelerate the commercialization of advanced biofuels for aviation.

In 2013, United announced an agreement with AltAir Fuels for advanced aviation biofuels to be used on flights out of the airline’s Los Angeles hub, making it the first U.S. carrier to execute a commercial scale agreement for aviation biofuels. United expects to begin regularly scheduled flights using AltAir’s fuel later this year.

In 2015, United received the World Bio Markets (WBM) Award for Excellence in Advanced Biofuels.

Alaska Airlines announces new regional flying from Los Angeles and Boise

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) today announced two new routes from Los Angeles, and one new route from Boise, Idaho. New daily roundtrip service between Los Angeles and Monterey, California; and Boise, Idaho and Reno, Nevada begin November 5. A new seasonal flight between Los Angeles and Gunnison/Crested Butte will shuttle skiers and snowboarders from California to Colorado starting in December.

The flights will be operated by Alaska’s sister carrier Horizon Air (Alaska Horizon)(Seattle/Tacoma), using the pictured 76-seat Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) aircraft.

Alaska also announced today that it will upgauge its flights from Los Angeles to Loreto, Mexico, beginning November 1. The flights are currently operated daily, using 76-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft. Beginning in November, they will be operated Thursday-Sunday using Boeing 737 jets, adding about 70 additional seats each week.

Cargojet and First Air expand their commercial agreement

Cargojet Inc. (Cargojet Airways) (Hamilton), Canada’s domestic premium overnight air cargo network operator, and First Air (Ottawa), the Airline of the North, announced today that they have expanded their commercial co-operation agreement effective July 1, 2015 and extended their Transportation Agreement to June 30, 2025.

According to both carriers:

This agreement further strengthens the strategic alliance between the two companies, and will allow for seamless air cargo transportation between the 14 major Canadian cities served on Cargojet’s overnight air cargo network as well as the 32 communities served by First Air in Canada’s North.

Above Copyright Photo: Chris Sands/AirlinersGallery.com. Cargojet Airways Boeing 767-35E ER (F) C-GUAJ (msn 26063) departs from Calgary.

Cargojet Airways aircraft slide show: 

First Air aircraft slide show: 

Below Copyright Photo: Tony Storck/AirlinersGallery.com. First Air Boeing 737-406 C-FFNC (msn 27232) (Native Hunter) taxies at Yellowknife.

Condor to add new long-haul weekly service from Munich next summer

Condor Flugdienst (Frankfurt) is planning to start new long-haul service from Munich commencing in June 2016 according to Airline Route. The carrier will add weekly flights to Cancun (starting on June 6, 2016), Halifax ( June 3, 2016), Havana (June 4, 2016), Windhoek (June 29, 2016) and Zanzibar-Mombasa (June 21, 2016).

The new routes will be operated with Boeing 767-300s.

easyJet to add six new routes from Amsterdam

easyJet (London-Luton) is expanding again at Amsterdam. The low-fare carrier will add six routes from AMS for the winter season according to Airline Route: Grenoble (December 12, weekly), Lyon (December 17, four weekly flights), Milan (Linate) (October 27, six weekly flights), Salzburg (December 18, three weekly flights) Tel Aviv (October 26, four weekly flights) and Tenerife Sur (December 15, twice-weely).

In other news, the company will add four new routes from Lyon in December 2015. Besides Amsterdam, the airline will add new service from Lyon to Belfast (International), Southend and Naples per Airline Route.

Tourist Attractions in Arizona

1 Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon

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One of the biggest attractions in America, and certainly in the state of Arizona, is the spectacular Grand Canyon. This incredible landscape, carved out by the Colorado River, reveals the power of nature and and the wonder it can create. The canyon walls glow a variety of colors in the late afternoon sun, with hues of orange, red, yellow, and everything in between. Most visitors see the canyon from the South Rim, where there are numerous lookout areas all along the road and walkway running along the canyon's edge. The North Rim provides a different view altogether, but the road is closed in winter. For those who want a closer look, t is possible to hike down into the Grand Canyon or take a helicopter flight over and through the canyon.

Accomodation: Where to Stay in the Grand Canyon - TripAdvisor.com

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• Grand Canyon: A Visitor's Guide

2 Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

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The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a stunning area of blue water, desert landscape, and dramatic stone walls. In addition to Glen Canyon, the area is also home to Lake Powell, one of the largest manmade lakes in the United States.

The Glen Canyon Dam was constructed between 1956 and 1964 to block the Colorado River and create Lake Powell. There is still a 15 mile section of Glen Canyon downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam, which stretches from the dam down to Lees Ferry.

The town of Page is a good base for exploring the Glen Canyon National Recreation area and surrounding region. The largest marina on Lake Powell, Wahweap Marina, is located just 7 miles north of Page. One of the area's biggest attractions is the nearby slot canyons of Antelope Canyon. Depending on the section of the canyon, visitors can either simply walk through a narrow slot canyon with shafts of light penetrating through the top, illuminating the red walls, or repel down into a canyon. Photos of Antelope Canyon are often found on postcards or in fine art galleries. Visitors can visit Antelope Canyon on a guided tour.

Official site: www.nps.gov/glca/

Accomodation: Where to Stay in the Glen Canyon - TripAdvisor.com

3 Monument Valley

Monument Valley

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Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park straddles the border between Arizona and Utah. The impressive Wild West landscape includes jagged rock formations, dramatic buttes, and sand dunes. Visitors can do a self drive tour through the valley, take a guided tour or photography tour, or simply appreciate some of the views from the passing highway.

Official site: http://navajonationparks.org/htm/monumentvalley.htm

Accomodation: Where to Stay near Monument Valley - TripAdvisor.com

4 Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam

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Hoover Dam is one of the world's great engineering marvels. This massive structure, completed in 1935, crosses the Colorado River, linking Arizona and Nevada. It is 726 feet high and 1,244 feet long. Lake Mead, held back by the Hoover Dam, is the largest artificial lake in the United States. It is 110 miles long, and holds the equivalent of two years of flow of the Colorado River.

Official site: http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/

Accomodation: Where to Stay near the Hoover Dam - TripAdvisor.com

5 Sedona

Sedona

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The town of Sedona, about an hour and a half drive north of Phoenix, is situated in a stunning setting, surrounded by red rock mountains and buttes. There are fabulous views from the main highway running through the town and almost every street corner. The area has great hiking and mountain biking, but jeep tours provide an even easier way to get out into the landscape. Sedona is known for its energy vortexes and many people consider it to be a highly spiritual place.

Accomodation: Where to Stay in Sedona - TripAdvisor.com

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• 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sedona

6 Jerome

Jerome

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Located along a mountainside high above the desert floor, Jerome is an old mining town, turned ghost town, turned tourist attraction. A steep hill with switchbacks is the main street through town, and where visitors will find interesting stores and restaurants. Views from the streets and some of the shop windows are amazing. Many of the old buildings have been renovated but some still stand as ruins, creating a very interesting dynamic. This town is a popular day trip from Sedona, Prescott, Phoenix, or Flagstaff. There is also accommodation for those who want to spend the night. The town's history can be appreciated at the Gold King Mine Museum and the Jerome State Historic Park.

This town is unique to say the least, and has many interesting and quirky sites. The Sliding Jail in Jerome was originally built around 1928. Built on a clay slick, it soon began to slide and now sits 2,500 feet from its original location. The Jerome Grand Hotel, built in 1927, is the highest public building in the Verde Valley, and it offers breathtaking views. The Bartlett Hotel was once one of Jerome's finest hotel but today stands in ruins.

7 Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls

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Near Supai on the Havasupai Indian Reservation is the 100-foot Havasu Falls. The pools at the base of Havasu Falls have a bluish green tint to the water, and the fall is forked so it appears that there are two falls when the river is flowing heavily. In the canyon of Havasu Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River, some 450 Havasupai Indians (the "people of the blue-green water") live a secluded life, subsisting on their modest farming activities but now mainly dependent on the tourist trade. In this paradisiac valley the Havasu have created a number of waterfalls and carved out basins in the travertine rock which form attractive bathing pools.

Official site: http://www.havasupaifalls.net/havasu.html

8 Canyon De Chelly National Monument

Canyon De Chelly National Monument

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The Canyon de Chelly National Monument is home to spectacular cliff dwellings found on and at the base of steep-sided canyons up to 1,000 ft deep. In the main canyon are Spider Rock, a striking rock formation, and the White House, constructed c. 1050 and discovered in 1849. This is the best known of over a hundred cliff dwellings, mostly in inaccessible locations, which were occupied from around AD 350 to 1300. Other cliff dwellings are the Antelope House and Mummy Cave (in which mummies were found) in the Canyon del Muerto. There is an informative archeological museum in the Visitor Center, and there are various guided tours and walks.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/cach/index.htm

Accomodation: Where to Stay near Canyon De Chelly - TripAdvisor.com

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Arizona - Canyon De Chelly National Monument Map

9 Bisbee

Bisbee

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In the far south of Arizona near the Mexico border is Bisbee. This former mining town is set high in the mountains, with views that extend over rolling terrain to Mexico. Homes, many of which are former miners cabins, line the hills which surround the historic downtown area. After the mines closed Bisbee became a ghost town and squatters took up residence. Eventually the town became a haven for artists and hippies. Today it is a prosperous little community with an eclectic mix of people living here, unique shops lining the old main street, and many interesting things to see. This is a popular day trip from Tucson and surrounding areas, often combined with a trip to Tombstone.

10 Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

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Lake Mead National Recreation Area spans 177 miles of the Colorado River, including Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. The area's 1.5 million acres stretches into southern Nevada.

The area offers boating and watersports, camping facilities, fishing, and hiking opportunities. Lake Mohave is 67 miles long, making it the smaller of the two major lakes in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Like its counterpart, Lake Mohave is an artificial body of water, held back by Davis Dam. Willow Beach is a small resort town on the Colorado River with accommodation, restaurants, marina and fish hatchery.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/lake/index.htm

11 Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park

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Large pieces of petrified wood, along with fossilized plants, fish, and reptiles, have been revealed in great numbers in what is today Petrified National Forest in the Painted Desert. The park access road allows visitors to drive passed many of the highlights and short interpretive trails allow for close up looks at a variety of unique sights. The Visitors Center provides insight into the ecology and geology of the park and is a good place to start before heading out on the drive.

12 Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park

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Saguaro National Park is a great place to experience the desert landscape around Tucson and see the famous saguaro cacti up close. The park has two sections, an east and a west portion, located on the east and west side of Tucson, approximately a half hour drive apart. Both offer great opportunities to see the desert flora and fauna with roads and hiking trails. There are also challenging hiking options available with trails that lead up into the high mountains, reaching up to 8000 ft in elevation. Visitors can visit both sections of the park on the same entrance ticket or park pass.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm

Accomodation: Where to Stay near Saguaro National Park - TripAdvisor.com

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• 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tucson

13 Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

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In southwestern Arizona, on the frontier with Mexico, is Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, with three distinct desertic vegetation zones and some 30 different species of cactus. However, the park is famous for the organ pipe cactus, which grows up to 23 ft high, and blooms from May to July. Because of the great heat during the day it opens up its flowers only after sunset. The area can be explored on various roads and hiking trails. There are two scenic drives of note; the Ajo Mountain Drive, and the Puerto Blanco Drive.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/orpi/index.htm

14 Tumacacori National Historical Park

Tumacacori National Historical Park

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Tumacacori National Historical Park, located south of Tucson, preserves the ruins of three early Spanish colonial missions on 47 acres in southern Arizona. San José de Tumacácori and Los Santos Ángeles de Guevavi were established in 1691 and are the two oldest missions in Arizona. The third mission, San Cayetano de Calabazas, was established in 1756. The site was abandoned in 1848 due to Apache raids, neglect, and a terrible winter. Tumacacori became a national monument in 1908 and the two Spanish missions, Guevavi and Calabazas, were added to the site in 1990.

Address: 1891 East Frontage Road, Tumacacori

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/tuma/index.htm

15 Antelope Canyon at Page

Antelope Canyon at Page

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Antelope Canyon, just outside of Page, is a slot canyon and very popular photography location. Photos of Antelope Canyon can be found in almost every major gallery in Arizona. There are two parts to the canyon, Upper and Lower. Visiting each location requires a guide and there are a variety of tour options available. The canyon lies within the Navajo Nation reserve boundary.