USAirways Flight 1549 ATC Communications Released

Just a few days ago, FAA released full Air Traffic Control communications of US Airways Flight 1549.

Included in this release are:
New York Tracon Audio & Transcript,
Teterboro Tower Audio & Transcript,
LaGuardia Tower Audio and Transcripts,
Clearance Delivery Position Audio & Transcript,
Ground Control Position Audio & Transcript,
Local Control Position Audio & Transcript,
Class Bravo Airspace Position Audio & Transcript,
Cab Coordinator Position Audio & Transcript and ATIS Audio

Download at http://www.faa.gov/data%5Fstatistics/accident%5Fincident/1549/

Boeing delivers first Australian 777 to V Australia

Boeing and the Virgin Group’s new V Australia long-haul airline celebrated the first 777-300ER to go to an Australian carrier. The airplane, delivered by Boeing to International Lease Finance Corp. and leased to V Australia, is one of seven leased and purchased 777-300ERs V Australia will deploy on trans-Pacific and other routes.

V Australia Boeing 777-300ER

V Australia will launch three-class Sydney-Los Angeles non-stop service on Feb. 27, building to daily flights by March 20. Brisbane-Los Angeles flights begin April 8. V Australia’s 777-300ER carries 361 passengers in business, premium economy and economy classes, with advanced in-flight entertainment options.

Boeing has been eager to see an Australian airline using the 777’s capabilities in the South Pacific region, according to Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president, Asia Pacific Sales.
“It is a great day to see this 777-300ER take on the job it was designed for,” he said. “V Australia will be first with 777 service on the Sydney-Los Angeles route – exactly why we built this airplane. We congratulate V Australia for its visionary role.”

V Australia’s 777-300ER is powered by the GE90-115B.

Photo: Boeing
Source: Boeing

Korean Air orders more A380s

Korean Air has placed firm orders with Airbus for two more A380 aircraft. This latest purchase agreement brings the total number of A380s ordered by Korean Air to 10 aircraft. The carrier will operate the aircraft in a three-class layout on routes linking Seoul to destinations in North America and Europe, including Los Angeles, New York and Paris.

“Our decision to purchase the A380 aircraft is in line with our vision to become a global leading carrier providing the best quality of service to our passengers,” said Yang Ho Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air. “The A380 is a comfortable, environment-friendly aircraft for the 21st century and it will enable Korean Air to provide Excellence in Flight to our customers.”

Total orders for the aircraft now stand at 200 from 16 customers.

Korean Air Airbus A380

Source: Airbus
Image: Airbus

Virgin Atlantic – World’s Funniest Passenger Complaint Letter

Probably the world’s funniest passenger complaint letter ever was sent recently to Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Atlantic. The passenger complaining about the quality of catering and in-flight entertainment was on flight VS351 from Mumbai to London Heathrow on 7th December 2008.

According to the Telegraph, Virgin’s Director of Corporate Communications confirmed that Sir Richard Branson had telephoned the author of the letter and had thanked him for his “constructive if tongue-in-cheek” email.

Someone has put together a video of this. It’s just hilarious!

Read the full letter at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/