JetBlue E-190 N298JB comes to LGB

JetBlue's second newest E-190 currently, N298JB (c/n 19000249) passed through LGB today. This aircraft was delivered March 13, 2009 to the airline.

Dave Barger and The Cranky Flyer Part 2

Welcome back to Part 2 of my interview with Dave Barger, CEO of JetBlue. If you missed Part 1 which discusses the problems in Long Beach along with the general product direction, then you might want to go check it out.

In Part 2, Dave and I talk about inflight wi-fi, big changes coming to the TrueBlue program, and some future international partnerships, including Lufthansa. Let’s get on with it.

Click here to read part 2: http://crankyflier.com/2009/03/31/across-the-aisle-from-jetblue-ceo-dave-barger-part-2-wi-fi-trueblue-changes-and-international-partners/

Alaska Airlines 737 with Wi-Fi visits LGB

Alaska Airlines 737-790 N644AS (c/n 30795/1277) was used on the late afternoon SEA-LGB-SEA Alaska flight and appears to be sporting the new Wi-Fi dish on top of the aircraft. The service is currently in the trial phase and will be free for passengers at the start of the service trial. After a successful trial period, the airline will determine the schedule for rolling out the commercial availability of its wireless Internet service to its entire fleet of aircraft. N644AS appears so far to be the only Alaska plane I have seen with this dish.

Dave Barger speaks with the Cranky Flyer about Long Beach and the JetBlue Brand

Across the Aisle from JetBlue CEO Dave Barger Part 1: Keeping the Product Fresh and Long Beach Troubles


While I was at the Phoenix Symposium last week, I had the chance to sit with Dave Barger, CEO of JetBlue to talk shop. I had planned to chat mostly about the airline’s plans to keep the product fresh, but after I mentioned I lived in Long Beach, Dave became quite vocal about the status of things around here. It appears that there’s trouble in paradise, and leaving the airport entirely is not out of the question.

We did get to the product discussion after that, and as you’ll see tomorrow in Part 2, we also talked about the state of wi-fi onboard, some serious upcoming changes to TrueBlue, the airline’s frequent flier program, and some brand new international partnerships on the way. But enough of that. Let’s get to the interview.

Cranky: It’s good to see you again Dave. I always pay particularly close attention to you guys since I live under the usual departure path out of Long Beach. I’m also probably the only guy in my neighborhood who would like to see more flights out of the airport. So, I certainly watch what happens with you and the airport in general very closely. But let’s get to my first question. Many people describe Virgin America as being the “cool” airline, and that’s something that used to be used to describe your brand. What are you guys doing to take back that title?

Dave: Let’s talk about Long Beach for a second. It has been a huge frustration for us. They need to make good on their commitment to improve the airport experience. The City of Long Beach couldn’t have a more committed partner than JetBlue, but it’s been difficult.

Cranky: So what exactly is the problem? Is it that you can’t use your E-190s in the commuter slots?

Dave: We would like to be able to use our E-190s in those commuter slots. That’s the perfect use of those slots, because these aircraft are very quiet. But the best example is that it took us 30 months to build a brand new terminal at JFK but we’re still stuck in temporary trailers in Long Beach. I don’t think communities always realize what an economic tool an airport is. You can’t take commercial air service for granted.

Cranky: How much of an issue is this? Would you consider leaving the airport?

Dave: Well, LAX is part of our LA Basin strategy, but it becomes a necessary part because of the lack of partnership with the City of Long Beach. People might have to go to LAX to use us, because we’re actually wanted there.

Cranky: So you would leave Long Beach?

Dave: I wouldn’t take any option off the table. Municipalities must make good on their commitments. That includes parking, terminals, baggage claim and every other part of the experience. The message I would give is that especially in a recession, you shouldn’t take air service for granted.

Dave: Now, to get back to your question about the product, we want to keep refreshing it. We’ve won the JD Power award 4 years in a row, and we have our Strive for Five program now, but we want to keep improving.

Cranky: What does that mean in practice? What can customers expect to see?

Dave: The question is not “how do you create a club atmosphere when people get on the plane?” We’re not talking about mood-lighting or cool-colored seats. We don’t think you have to order from your seatback. Our focus in on the whole cabin as opposed to just First Class, not just the 8 seats up front. It’s LiveTV, it’s XM Radio, but it’s building the brand for the long term.

Looking back, I wish I would have pressed a little more on this subject, but time was short, and I had a lot to discuss. Come back tomorrow and I’ll have Part 2 with his thoughts on inflight wi-fi, changes to the TrueBlue program, and new international partnership opportunities.

Southwest Airlines Brings Troops From Iraq To LGB

Southwest Airlines 737-7H4 N215WN (c/n 32487/1723) arrived as SWA7158 from McGuire Air Force base (KWRI) at 11:51am and parked at the terminal. The plane was bringing in Military Police (MP) who have been serving in Iraq. The plane ferried to Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (KPHX) as SWA8681 at 1:01pm.

Saturday 3-28-09

Swift Air Boeing 737-4B7 N801TJ (c/n 24892/1944) arrived as SWQ801 from Denver Intl (KDEN) at 3:02pm and parked at Signature. The plane brought in the Colorado Avalanche Hockey team. The plane ferried to Salt Lake City Intl (KSLC) at 4:30pm as SWQ801.

NetJets Boeing 737-7BC BBJ N127QS (c/n 30327/356) arrived from Grand Junction Regional (KGJT) at 3:07pm and parked at Signature. The plane departed to Jacqueline Cochran Regional (KTRM) at 4:30pm.

Friday 3-27-09

Today JetBlue Airways A320-232 N779JB (c/n 3811) "Blue Ribbon" was parked and moved to remote around 7:00pm. Currently this is the newest A320 in the JetBlue fleet. Also JetBlue will be recycling old names used on aircraft that have been sold and using them on the new aircraft as they arrive into the fleet. Top photo is of N779JB this afternoon while the second photo of E-190 N203JB was taken last week.

Sunday 3-22-09

Gulfstream G450 N458GA (c/n 4158) was towed to the Gulfstream paint shop at 06:32am.

Swift Air Boeing 737-4B7 N802TJ (c/n 24874/1936) ferried in as SWQ802 from Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (KPHX) at 6:06pm and parked at Signature. The plane departed back to Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (KPHX) as SWQ802 at 8:58pm carrying the Phoenix Coyotes hockey team. This aircraft is still painted in the basic livery used for flying around Senator and Presidential Candidate John McCain during the summer and fall of 2008.

Saturday 3-21-09

Gulfstream G450 N458GA (c/n 4158) arrived from Savannah/Hilton Head Intl (KSAV) as GLF17 at 3:29pm in green primer and parked on the Gulfstream ramp.

Allegiant Air MD-87 N952MA arrived as AAY6211 from Reno/Tahoe Intl (KRNO) at 4:15pm. The plane ferried to San Diego Intl (KSAN) as AAY6212 at 4:55pm.

US Department of Commerce Gulfstream G-IV(SP) N49RF (c/n 1246) arrived as NOAA49 from Anchorage Intl (PANC) at 7:48pm and parked on the Gulfstream ramp.

Tail numbers noted at Gulfstream: N353VA

Friday 3-20-09

Boeing C-17A Globemaster III 05-5142(P-142) departed at 4:27pm after being loaded up with the remainder of USAF ground eqiuptment and helicopters after President Obamas visit yesterday.