by Lufthansa Flyer | Sep 14, 2013 | Airlines |
Lufthansa has recently suggested that it will not expand inflight WiFi internet service to its short-haul routes within Europe, although plans remain in place for an inflight entertainment system via BoardConnect.
Additionally, LH is still planning to make Wifi available through BoardConnect on medium haul routes (Africa, Middle East, Russia and certain Asian destination) which are typically served by Airbus A321 aircraft. According to Lufthansa, 20 A321s will have inflight BoardConnect Internet connectivity by the summer of 2014 specifically for the aforementioned routes.
BoardConnect is an Inflight Entertainment System developed by Lufthansa Systems that allows for streaming of movies, videos, music etc. to a passenger’s own device or seat-back monitors while on board an aircraft. Part of BoardConnect’s capability includes internet access as well and passengers can use their Apple, Android or Windows based device to access the system. Lufthansa will be the first airline to offer this type of IFE capability on European routes.
As far as Lufthansa’s long haul fleet is concerned, nearly every aircraft is now equipped with FlyNet internet access except for most of the A380s. Lufthansa expects all of the A380s to have FlyNet installed by next year.
by Lufthansa Flyer | Sep 13, 2013 | Airlines |
Last month while on an extended layover in LAX enroute to Seattle, I was caught a bit by surprise when Marine One flew down the runway and landed at a remote stand on the west side of the airport while I was plane spotting along the north side of the airport.
At first I thought perhaps it was not actually “MARINE 1”, because in order to be Marine 1 the President would need to be aboard. Even at that point I figured it was nothing more than a regular Marine helicopter flight ferrying a dignitary or 2 to the airport. However, things got very quiet at the Airport during what is normally a very busy time during the mid-afternoon. I figured it was just a lull in the action and that it would soon pass. I would be proven wrong.
Soon after Marine 1 arrived at the airport, I noticed out of the west side of the airport the iconic Air Force One making her way down taxiway Echo towards Runway 24L. Suffice to say that I was caught completely off guard and just starting chuckling at my good fortune. After all, how many times has anyone actually seen Air Force One live and on an actual ‘mission’? This would rank in the top 3 experience of my plane spotting ‘career’.
What’s my number #1 experience you ask? Being in Frankfurt to watch Lufthansa’s 747-8i D-ABYA depart on her inaugural flight to Washington DC.
Once Air Force One departed, 2 Boeing C-17 Globemaster aircraft carrying the President’s support vehicles (limos / security vehicles, etc) would also depart for home.
After seeing Air Force One depart, I can only wonder when will it be finally decided to replace this workhorse with a new 747-8i? After all, the current airframe is actually a ‘vintage’ Boeing 747-200 (but for ‘military purposes’ it is referred to as a VC-25A). Even though it is obviously updated with the newest and most secret technology, it is still a 23 year old aircraft!
And by the way if you are wondering about the ‘Air Force 1’ call sign, it was created in 1953 after the airplane carrying President Eisenhower was using the same call sign as another commercial flight and was creating security risks and confusion for air traffic controls. From that point on, ANY aircraft (Except Marine 1) that is carrying the president (it could be a Cessna 172!) is automatically assigned the call sign of Air Force One.
So with our further ado, I’ll let the photos tell the ‘rest of the story’:
Marine One bringing her ‘Cargo’ to the airport to a waiting 747 that would become ‘Air Force One’ as soon as the president stepped aboard.
Air Force One making her way down taxiway Echo at Los Angeles (LAX) –Heat haze from 24L made this photo less than perfect
Waiting for take-off clearance
Entering runway 24L
Boeing’s C17 Globemaster is responsible for carrying the President’s support vehicles to and from wherever Air Force 1 goes.
The second of 2 Globemasters departing Los Angeles shortly after Air Force One’s departure.
by Lufthansa Flyer | Sep 12, 2013 | Airlines |
Lufthansa’s fare sale to Venice ends at midnight tonight. It’s a “farely” attractive sale that lets you fly from New York to Venice for only $919. Other US gateways range in the low $1000 to $1100 (for example Seattle or San Francisco to Venice is $1129).
The fare sale is valid for departures between October 24 and December 15, 2013. You must return between October 27, 2013 and January 15, 2014.
Venice ranks among my most favorite cities in the world. After spending several days there 2 years ago, it quickly earned a “MUST VISIT AGAIN” rating from me. If you have never been to ‘VCE’, I highly recommend that you see it at least once!
