Airlines

Why does Alaska Airlines’ livery feature salmon fish? Here are the details.

Recently, it was revealed that Alaska Airlines had decided to repaint the well-known flying fish known as “Salmon-Thirty-Salmon II,” a Boeing 737-800 that is actually painted to look like a salmon. Alaska changed their corporate brand in 2016, which featured a stunning new livery (aka the paint of the plane). Regrettably, this resulted in incredible special schemes being painted over with plain designs or completely forgotten to fly using ordinary colours.

#BREAKING: just getting word that the @AlaskaAir has internally announced on an employee site that the “Salmon-Thirty-Salmon II” will be making its final flight in that livery on April 17 when it operates AS65 and it will not be replaced with another Salmon paint but instead a… https://t.co/JXZiRlbVUE pic.twitter.com/XWH4WqiARJ
— Brandon Farris Photography (@BDFphotography) February 22, 2023
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The aircraft’s livery includes a picture of a 129-foot-long wild Alaska king salmon, fish scales on the winglets, and the word “Alaska” written across the fuselage in salmon pink. The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, which promotes wild, natural, and sustainable Alaska seafood, collaborated with Boeing to create the 2012 design, which is among the most extensively painted commercial aircraft in the world.

Let’s attempt to convince Alaska Airlines of the importance of this livery to us, the travelling public, and everybody who appreciates the flavour of salmon! On April 18, this magnificent aeroplane is scheduled to go to the paint shop.

How the term Salmon-Thirty-Salmon came to fruition

While a Boeing 737 was taking off from Juneau, Alaska on a crisp day, the pilots spotted a bird. Nonetheless, the pilots ultimately realised that this bird was a very huge Bald Eagle and posed minimal threat of a strike. Bird sightings or even strikes are not that unusual. At that moment, they became aware of a target they would afterwards come across: a fish that was plummeting. The eagle released its lunch from its talons when it saw the jet speeding towards it, and the salmon was now airborne.

The fish clattered on the side of the jet, doing very little damage, and the pilots turned around for a safe landing. The pilots were back in their aircraft and on their way after a quick inspection and approval from maintenance personnel. But not before washing the scales off their plane! So, Mark Boyle was called by Alaska Airlines, which is well-known for its vibrant distinctive liveries, to paint a plane in honour of their collaboration with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (which promotes wild, natural, and sustainable Alaska seafood).

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Dawal

He is an aviation journalist and the founder of Jetline Marvel. Dawal gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aviation industry. He has worked in a range of roles for more than 9 years in the aviation and aerospace industry. He has written more than 1700 articles in the aerospace industry. When he was 19 years old, he received a national award for his general innovations and holds the patent. He completed two postgraduate degrees simultaneously, one in Aerospace and the other in Management. Additionally, he authored nearly six textbooks on aviation and aerospace tailored for students in various educational institutions. jetlinem4(at)gmail.com

Airlines

Cathay Pacific asks business class customers to bring their own cutlery

In an innovative move towards sustainability, renowned Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific has recently floated an unconventional idea to its business class customers.

Bringing their own cutlery sets onboard. This initiative, revealed through a member survey circulated within the airline’s “Cathay Lab” community – a platform comprising frequent business class travelers – has stirred a wave of curiosity within the aviation industry.

With sustainability becoming an increasing concern in aviation, Cathay Pacific’s survey aimed to gauge passengers‘ willingness to partake in various eco-friendly practices during their journeys.

Among the initiatives presented, including refilling reusable water bottles and recycling plastic, the prospect of bringing personal cutlery garnered significant attention. Some members expressed practical concerns, questioning the feasibility of carrying cutlery through airport security and the potential inconvenience for passengers unaware of regulations.

Others suggested that Cathay Pacific should simply provide reusable cutlery onboard instead. Furthermore, there were suspicions among some respondents that the BYO cutlery proposal might be a precursor to introducing additional charges, with one user humorously envisioning a scenario where the airline lends cutlery sets for a fee.

Despite the skepticism surrounding the proposal, Cathay Pacific’s exploration of innovative sustainability measures reflects a broader industry trend towards environmental consciousness.

Airlines

Air India and IndiGo’s Joint Initiative, Plans for 170 Wide-Body Aircraft

In a bold move that underscores their confidence in India’s burgeoning aviation sector, Air India and IndiGo have revealed ambitious plans to acquire a combined total of up to 170 wide-body aircraft.

This strategic investment marks a significant shift in the country’s aviation landscape, as it brings European aircraft manufacturer Airbus into a domain traditionally dominated by American giant Boeing.

With India positioned as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, the timing couldn’t be more opportune for such expansion endeavors. The aim is clear: to elevate India’s status as a global aviation hub by enhancing connectivity through direct flights between Indian cities and international destinations.

Currently, a substantial portion of India’s international air traffic relies on overseas hubs, particularly in the Gulf region. IndiGo’s announcement of firm orders for 30 A350-900 aircraft, with an option for an additional 70, signals its commitment to capturing a larger share of the long-haul market.

Meanwhile, Air India’s comprehensive order, unveiled last year, encompasses 70 wide-body planes, including a mix of A350 and Boeing 787 models.

Recognizing the potential for disruption in the long and ultra-long haul segments, aviation consultancy CAPA India has emphasized the pivotal role Indian carriers can play in driving innovation and transformation.

With the current combined fleet size of Indian airlines exceeding 700 aircraft, the stage is set for Air India and IndiGo to spearhead a new era of growth and connectivity in the Indian aviation sector.

Airlines

Air China Makes Landmark Deal: Orders 100 C919 Jets from COMAC

In a strategic move that could reshape China’s aviation industry, Air China has inked a monumental deal with Comac, signaling a significant shift in the nation’s commercial aircraft procurement landscape.

The agreement, valued at a staggering $10.8 billion based on list prices, entails the purchase of 100 Comac C919 jets, a resounding endorsement of the homegrown challenger to aerospace giants Airbus and Boeing.

The announcement, disclosed in a filing by Air China, underscores the airline’s commitment to bolstering its fleet with domestically manufactured aircraft. These C919 jets, slated for delivery between 2024 and 2031, are poised to amplify Air China’s operational capabilities and enhance its competitive stance in the global aviation arena.

The C919, a formidable competitor to Boeing’s 737 Max and Airbus’s A320neo, symbolizes China’s ambitious foray into the global aviation market. With Air China’s commitment to acquiring a substantial fleet of C919s, the aircraft is poised to carve out a formidable niche in the industry, challenging the dominance of established players.

Notably, Air China‘s existing fleet comprises an extensive array of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, showcasing its diverse operational portfolio.

With nearly 500 airplanes in service, including models from the A320 family and the 737 series, Air China’s decision to incorporate the C919 into its fleet underscores a strategic diversification strategy.

While Airbus has enjoyed notable success in China, buoyed by its local assembly line, Boeing has faced formidable challenges in recent years. However, Air China’s resolute investment in the C919 signals a paradigm shift, amplifying China’s quest for self-sufficiency in aviation.