Tag Archives: Tokyo

Azamara Journey returning to duty March 17th

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Azamara Journey will return to service on March 17th, following repairs to the damaged propeller that forced it to cancel its upcoming voyage from Shanghai.

Earlier this week, the ship was forced to cut its current cruise of Asia short after debris caused damage to the propeller. The ship was en route to Tokyo when the 601 passengers and 399 members of the crew on board felt an “unusual vibration”, according to a statement from the cruise line.

A subsequent inspection revealed the damage. Although Azamara said that the required repair work is relatively straightforward, it does require access to a dry dock, which is why the ship will be out of action for the first half of March.

The vessel will travel to Korea’s Orient Shipyard Gwanguang for repairs, according to Seatrade-Insider, before resuming service mid-March with a 17-night cruise around Asia.

A tweet from Azamara read: “It is regrettable that this incident occurred and spoiled our guests’ vacation. We will do everything we can to assist them.”

Japan Airlines confirms $9.5bn Airbus order

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Japan Airlines confirms $9.5bn Airbus order

By Phil Davies

Japan Airlines confirms $9.5bn Airbus orderJapan Airlines has confirmed its first order for Airbus aircraft with a deal for 31 wide-body jets worth $9.5 billion.

The agreement also includes options for a further 25 aircraft.

The deal covers the purchase of 18 A350-900s and 13 A350-1000s, with the first aircraft due to enter service from 2019. The aircraft will gradually replace its ageing fleet over a six-year period.

It is the first order the European manufacturer has had from Japan for A350 EWB (extra wide-body) aircraft.

The A350-900 seats more than 300 passengers in a typical three-class configuration on routes as long as 8,100 nautical miles. The A350-1000 is the largest member of the A350 XWB Family, seating 350 passengers on flights of up to 8,400 nautical miles.

Jal president Yoshiharu Ueki said: “We will utilize the A350 XWB to maximum, which offers high level of operational efficiency and product competitiveness, while positively catering to new business opportunities after slots at airports in Tokyo are increased.

“In addition to improving profitability with advanced aircraft, we always aim to deliver unparalleled services to customers with the latest cabin and steady expansion of our route network.”

Airbus president and chief executive Fabrice Brégier said: “We sincerely welcome Japan Airlines as a new Airbus customer and feel honoured by this first-ever order from Japan for our all-new A350 XWB.

“It fills us with pride to see a leading Japanese airline start a new chapter with us. This highlights a very bright and flourishing future for both of us, Jal and Airbus.”

The first A350-900 is due into commercial service in the second half of 2014. Airbus now has more than 750 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 38 customers worldwide.

Boeing to investigate wiring defect in Dreamliner

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Boeing to investigate wiring defect in DreamlinerBoeing has said that it will investigate a wiring defect that was found in a fire extinguisher system on three of its 787 Dreamliner jets.

The fault was found on jets operated by Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA).

The problem – the latest in a series of setbacks for Boeing’s 787 – was first discovered during pre-flight maintenance of a jet at Tokyo airport, an ANA spokeswoman said.

Rival Japan Airlines turned back a 787 travelling from Tokyo to Helsinki to check the wiring after ANA reported the fault on Wednesday.

It is the latest issue to hit the 787 jet after battery problems grounded the entire fleet earlier this year.

Boeing said it was aware of the latest issue and was looking into the matter.

“The safety of those flying on Boeing aeroplanes is our top priority. We will thoroughly examine this issue and take the appropriate steps,” the firm said in a statement.

In July, a fire broke out on a 787 Dreamliner jet operated by Ethiopian Airlines while it was parked at Heathrow airport.

The fire was traced to the upper rear part of the plane where a transmitter used to locate aircraft after a crash is located.

US carrier United Airlines also found a pinched wire during an inspection of one of its six 787s.

Boeing has since asked airlines to carry out inspections of the transmitters.

It has also asked operators of other aircraft models – the 717, Next-Generation 737, 747-400, 767 and 777 – to inspect aircraft.