United Works to Increase Efficiency

As United Airlines exits Chapter 11 bankrupcy protection, it has announced plans to implement an efficiency program.  "By using our assets more efficiently, we can increase our departures without adding more aircraft to the fleet," says United chief operating officer Peter McDonald.

United plans to reduce its 61 minute average turnaround time by 8 minutes. That will free up at least 10 aircraft this year, according to the carrier, and also allow United gates to handle more aircraft.  Quick turnaround has over the years been one of the keys to Southwest Airlines' efficiency and cost-effective operation.

United spent three years in bankruptcy protection and says that during this time it reduced its average annual costs by about $7 billion.

Saudi Arabia's First Low-Cost Airline

The commercial aviation industry continues to grow throughout the world; now is a great time to start flight training and begin an exciting life-long career.  Opportunities abound right now.

Another example of this growth is Saudi Arabia's first low-cost airline, Sama, plans to start flights within months and expects to carry at least half a million passengers by the end of the year, a company spokesman said.

Sama, which means "elevation" in Arabic, will lease up to seven Boeing 737 aircraft to tap the lucrative domestic market, later expanding within the region.  The market in Saudi Arabia is important, according to chief executive Andre Cowen: "...with a population of more than 25 million and a very strong demand from a customer base left with little choice currently in terms of prices." Saudi authorites are gradually liberalizing air transport services by opening domestic flights to private investors.  The plan is also for Saudi Arabian Airlines to be privatized.   

Sama will begin serving mainly Rhyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah. The airline will directly employ 350 people in its first year and 1,200 by the end of 2010. 

Is Flight Training Right for You?

You think you have a passion for flying, but have never flown an aircraft.  How do you know if a career as a pilot is right for you?  It sounds glamorous, but keep in mind it's a demanding job, not just during training, but when you're employed as a pilot.

Besides having an immense amount of technical aviation knowledge, you have to be able to solve large and small crises efficiently and by the rules.  You have to work nights, weekends and holidays sometimes.  However, the benefits are great, and you don't have to work 8 to 5 everyday.  The pay is decent, and the free travel is fantastic.

If you'd like more detailed information on training: what it entails, what it costs, how long it takes etc., just call an Admissions Officer at Phoenix East Aviation.  They can answer your questions and send you information to help you make this important decision.   

JetBlue Expands Markets

JetBlue will add four daily flights between Pittsburgh and New York Kennedy starting June 30, the same day the airline's two daily flights from Boston to Pittsburgh and from Boston to Buffalo also commence.

JetBlue competes directly with US Airways in the Pittsburgh and Boston markets.   

Performance Upgrades for Royal Air Maroc

Of special interest to flight students from African countries:

Casablanca based Royal Air Maroc has ordered 29 shipsets of Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets for both retrofit and new aircraft deliveries.  The carrier will upgrade 16 737-700's and 737-800's with Blended Winglet Technology.

The decision was motivated by a combination of reasons including block fuel savings of 5%, which will save the carrier over 100,000 gallons of fuel per year per aircraft. Royal Air Maroc serves 40 countries with over 1,200 flights per week.