[PW#1889] Knighthawk Airways

[Cipher53]

Knighthawk Airways (KHA)

Recently commencing operations in São Paulo, operating mainly out of São Paulo/Guarulhos-Governador Andre Franco Montoro International Airport (SBGR), Knighthawk Airways currently serves airports across Brazil with a fleet of four Airbus A320-200s.

Knighthawk Airways is currently looking to expand its operations with the new subsidiary Knighthawk Airways Regional, bringing connections from smaller airports to the international airports. In addition to Knighthawk Airways Regional, Knighthawk Airways has also formed the Crux Alliance with the noted intent of a fellow Southern Hemisphere airline- Borongaj Airlines- to allow for more exceptional service within and between South America and Africa.


Knighthawk Airways Fleet



Knighthawk Airways Airbus A320-200 displayed in the primary livery for Knighthawk Airways.

Knighthawk Airways currently operates four Airbus A320-200s, and looks forward to the delivery of two CASA C-212-400 Aviocars for use in the Knighthawk Airways Regional division. Pending the performance of these aircraft in their role, Knighthawk Airways may exercise an option for 6 additional aircraft.

Future plans for Knighthawk Airways fleet aircraft are a mid-range aircraft to bridge the gap between our Crux ally Borongaj Airlines, such as an Airbus A330 or Boeing 767.


Knighthawk Airways Statistics

Airline Value: €293,721,174

Total Routes/Destinations: 22

Daily Passengers: 7,339

Longest Route: 9 Hours

Destinations Served:
SBGR     São Paulo/Guarulhos-Governador Andre Franco Montoro International
SBCT    Afonso Pena International
SBNT    Augusto Severo International
SBBE            Belem International Airport
SBBR     Brasília International Airport - Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek
SBCG    Campo Grande International
SBFI     Cataratas International
SBSP     Congonhas/São Paulo International
SBEG     Eduardo Gomes International
SBFL     Florianópolis International
SBMO    Maceió-Zumbi dos Palmares International
SBSL     Marechal Cunha Machado International
SBCY    Marechal Rondon International
SBFZ     Pinto Martins International
SBRF     Recife/Guararapes-Gilberto Freyre International
SBGL     Rio de Janeiro/Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim International
SBPA     Salgado Filho International
SBSV    Salvador-Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International
SBGO    Santa Genoveva
SBRJ     Santos-Dumont Airport
SBCF     Tancredo Neves/Confins International
SBKP     Viracopos/Campinas International
SBVT    Vitoria - Goiabeiras Airport

*Destination Map to be Posted*

[Cipher53]

CASA C212-400 Aviocars Received[/u]

Not long ago the regional operations arm of Knighthawk Airways was launched with the reception of two CASA C212-400 Aviocars, much to the anticipation of many in the airline. Thus far, the initial opinion is that the aircraft are performing well, however not well enough to warrant further orders.

[Cipher53]

Update!

Crux Alliance Expands Into Southeast Asia

The original two airlines of the Crux (Southern Cross) Alliance, Knighthawk Airways (KHA) and Borongaj Airlines (BOA) welcome the newest member of the Crux Alliance; Malaccan Air (MCA)! Voting commenced early last month, and the entry proposal was wholeheartedly agreed upon by both members of the Southern Cross Alliance.

With the admission of Malaccan Air to the Crux Alliance, the influence of the Southern Cross Alliance now spans all three of the oceans in the Southern Hemisphere; The South Pacific, South Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Though plans to link Knighthawk Airways and Borongaj Airlines were rather simple in comparison to execute against the plans to link all three of the Southern Cross Alliance members, a plan has been formed and will likely see completion within the coming years.

Knighthawk Airways Passes Milestones

This month Knighthawk Airways and Knighthawk Airways Regional (KHA) finally surpassed two basic goals set forth by CEO Kya Martinez; Exceed 10k passengers daily and attain an airline value of €400 million. In the aftermath of recent developments, the airline value has fallen below €400 million, however the event has still been celebrated by Knighthawk employees, the first flight thereafter welcomed back to the terminal with a congratulatory salute from the Airport Fire Department.

Tupelov Favored Vendor for Knighthawk Airways

Photograph of Tu-334-100D PP-AAG while undergoing initial shakedown tests in Russia

In recent months, Tupelov has become a favored vendor of aircraft for Knighthawk Airways in the aftermath of the delivery of the first Tu-334-100D, an aircraft chosen in a contract to deliver mid-range service comparable to that of the Airbus A320-200s currently in service with Knighthawk Airways for a more agreeable price (At this point in time). This first Tupelov Tu-334-100D, registered PP-AAG with Brazil, has gone on to perform as the 2nd most profitable aircraft in the Knighthawk Airways inventory.

Satisfied with the results of the first order, Knighthawk Airways has since gone on to order another Tupelov Tu-334-100D and has expressed interest in further orders, though the current financial situation prevents another order. Tupelov Tu-334-100D PP-AAH, the second aircraft of the type delivered to Knighthawk Airways, has gone on to become the 3rd most profitable aircraft in the Knighthawk Airways inventory, beating out the majority of the Airbus A320-200 fleet.

When inquired regarding as to why these aircraft have become so popular with the airline, CEO Kya Martinez offered the following explanation;

"Honestly I would have to say its a combination of our current needs in our area and the product that Tupelov has delivered us so far. While it is rather difficult to wait around on the orders after they have been made, almost a month and a half if I do recall correctly, once the aircraft are delivered they perform very well in the routes that we place them. Our pilots are pleased with the new aircraft and our passengers have had little more than praise for them as well, and we will continue to operate these aircraft until Tupelov halts production."

When asked if she was considering other Tupelov aircraft Martinez declined to comment, however did not rule out the potential for future orders for aircraft of different types from the company.

Knighthawk Lands in Columbia

Representing the final step in connecting all of South America, Knighthawk Airways has opened a new base of operations in El Dorado International Airport. The opening of the base comes on the heels of the delivery of the second Tupelov Tu-334-100D, which will be operating from the airport serving destinations across northern South America.

Knighthawk Airways Regional Expands

For the duration of its operation so far, Knighthawk Airways Regional has continued to play second part to Knighthawk Airways. This is understandable, considering that percentage wise Knighthawk Airways Regional only contributes little under 10% of income to the company. With the opening of the new base in Columbia, Knighthawk Airways Regional is now being given a second chance with the order of two ATR 72-200s, as well as the rebranding of the subdivision to Knighthawk Airways Connection. Current plans are to operate the aircraft on routes within Columbia, as well as routes to Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, countries in Central America, as well as islands in the Caribbean.

Hopefully with this second chance Knighthawk Airways Connection can redeem its reputation within the company, becoming a more vital part in the day to day operations. Knighthawk Connection currently has negotiated a contract with Knighthawk Airways and ATR for 2 ordered aircraft, and the option for an additional 4 aircraft in the event that they perform well.


Knighthawk Airways Statistics

Airline Value: €392,573,626

Total Routes: 44

Total Destinations: 43

Daily Passengers: 10,279

Longest Route: 9 Hours

*Posting of the Airports Served will be discontinued, as it was difficult enough last time when I had less airports. If you wish to view the destinations served by Knighthawk Airways (KHA), please direct your attention to the following link.*

Knighthawk Airways and Knighthawk Connection (KHA)

[AirbusL1011]

*clap clap clap* nice paintwork!

[Mastafa]

Very organized

[Cipher53]

Thanks guys, I think you'll like what I'm planning right now for some of my future stuff. I've got two special liveries in planning right now (One's actually in progress right now), and I've got a hypothetical set of liveries (One of which happens to be one of the two special liveries) coming up soon as well. There's also some other stuff I've got planned, but I'm going to keep that under wraps for now..

Update!



August 2001

In the months since our last newsletter, Knighthawk Airways has been concentrating on expanding our operations in Latin America. That's right, Knighthawk Airways has advanced far enough to begin operations into Central America, currently serving Panama and Honduras, with plans to expand operations as far north as Mexico, possibly even the United States.

While growth has stalled at this point in time, it has not been without reason. For more information regarding this matter, we encourage you to continue reading.

Crux Alliance Surpasses €1 Billion

With operations worldwide, most notably in Africa, Central America, the Middle East, South America, and Southeast Asia, it was only a matter of time before the Crux Alliance- more informally known as the Southern Cross Alliance- surpassed the milestone of €1 billion net worth. Carrying over 6 million passengers yearly as of this publication with a fleet of 26 aircraft, an additional four aircraft ordered, the three airlines of the Southern Cross Alliance are progressing very well.

Crux Alliance Cooperation

Recent growth in the Crux Alliance could likely be attributed to the cooperation that is currently taking place between the alliance head Knighthawk Airways (KHA) and the remaining members; Borongaj Airlines (BOA) and Malaccan Air (MCA). Knighthawk Airways is currently leasing out a Boeing 737-500 to her ally, Borongaj Airlines, and has acted as a broker to Malaccan Air, purchasing an Airbus A320-200 for the airline and selling it at a reduced rate. When asked regarding whether or not she minded the sacrifices made on Knighthawk's end, CEO Kya Martinez had the following to say;

"Not at all. We're all working towards a common goal, and I have had to convince our investors to trust in my judgement to assist our allies in getting up on their feet. Knighthawk is doing exceptionally well here in Brazil with very little competition, and meanwhile our allies have more competition to deal with in their theatres. It is only fair that we try to help them out."

Knighthawk Connection Exceeds Expectations

During a press conference with reporters from across Brazil, CEO Kya Martinez praised the subsidiary Knighthawk Connection for their exceptional performance in the past months.

"Though Knighthawk Connection's operations are concentrated in northern South America right now, their performance is exceeding the expectations that we had of them so far, hinted upon by the growth that we've been allowing them."

Indeed, with an increase to 22% of daily operating income (Up about 14% from pre-expansion), Knighthawk Connection is quickly becoming the supplement to Knighthawk Airways that it was originally planned out to be. From an original order of two ATR 72-200s, Knighthawk Connection has already ordered and received an additional two ATR 72-200s, and ordered two ATR 42-500s as part of a smaller scale regional experiment. Consisting just over half of the current Knighthawk Airways fleet, Knighthawk Connection is quickly taking root in airports that are expected to be less competitive than the larger airports currently served by Knighthawk Airways, and is predicted to provide a more steady source of income.

While current focus seems to be on expanding Knighthawk Connection, Martinez has confirmed that fleet expansion for Knighthawk Airways looms on the horizon.

Knighthawk Airways Orders A320-200

In an unexpected move, Knighthawk Airways has started to expand its mid-range segment of aircraft with the order of an Airbus A320-200. While Knighthawk already operates aircraft of the type, it is still in the process of training its pilots for operations with the new aircraft, as the new A320 will possess different engines than the rest of the fleet. Maintenance concerns have been mostly quelled by the fact that the new engine will provide a much longer range than the current sets, and Knighthawk is working to secure contracts with IAE to keep a supply line open for any potential spares needed.

The new aircraft is anticipated to be based from the Columbian base in El Dorado International Airport running routes in the Caribbean.


Knighthawk Airways Statistics

Airline Value: €563,272,892

Total Routes: 61

Total Destinations: 59

Daily Passengers: 12,425

Longest Route: 12 Hours

Knighthawk Airways and Knighthawk Connection (KHA)

[Cipher53]

Paint Barn

Borongaj Airlines (BOA) Airbus A320-200 in the standard livery.


Knighthawk Airways (KHA) Airbus A320-200 in the standard 'Nighthawk' livery.


Knighthawk Connection (KHA) ATR 72-200 in the special Knighthawk Connection introduction livery.

[Cipher53]

Update!



August 2003

Author's Note: It's been so long since I updated this thread, so here goes...


With our PR department formerly busy with feedback from investors and customers worldwide, Knighthawk Airways (KHA) is proud to bring back the first issue of "Inside Knighthawk Airways" in two years! Much has happened, as Knighthawk Airways has matured into a successful airline and the Southern Cross Alliance has grown into a competitive global alliance.

Crux Alliance Surpasses €15 Billion, Passes Open Skies Alliance

Initially the Crux Alliance only dreamed of the day, however the time came when the Southern Cross Alliance, propelled by the growth of its membership as well as the growth of individual members in the alliance finally passed the Open Skies Alliance. Crux member Malaccan Air paved the way for Southern Cross growth, passing Knighthawk Airways as the leader in terms of airline worth some time ago, while most of Crux's 6 members have now surpassed €1 billion airline worth.

CEO Kya Martinez remains humble about the surpassing of Open Skies Alliance, stating that if not for the stagnation of two of Open Skies' members, Crux would have had to work much harder for this achievement.

The Southern Cross Alliance now spans all of the continents, with emphasis on service in North America and Europe. Carrying over 252,000 passengers daily with a fleet of 294 aircraft and an additional 39 aircraft on order, the now six airlines of the Crux Alliance are maturing quickly to become an influential part in air travel worldwide.

Knighthawk Airways Growth 2001-2003

The past two years has seen a lot of growth within the Knighthawk Airways airfleet, and notably acquisitions as of late have been focusing on the operations of Knighthawk Airways instead of Knighthawk Connection (As reported in our last newsletter).

Knighthawk Connection has phased out many planes, including the original CASA C-212-400s, our former fleet of Canadair CL-415s, and finally our fleet of CASA CN-235s. Knighthawk Connection now operates 12 ATR 42-500s, 12 ATR 72-200s, 8 Embraer ERJ-145LRs, and 2 Embraer ERJ-145XRs. 4 ATR 72-200s are soon to be retired, which will bring the overall fleet down to 30 aircraft.

Knighthawk Airways has also matured since our last report, phasing out the four Airbus A320-200s that we started out with. Knighthawk Airways now operates 4 Airbus A300-600Rs, 4 Airbus A319s (With an order for two more), 6 Airbus A320-200s, 1 Airbus A321-100, 1 Boeing 767-200ER, 12 Embraer ERJ-170LRs, 4 Tupelov Tu-334-100s, 10 Tupelov Tu-334-100Ds, and 4 Valsan converted Boeing 727-200RE's (With an order for 2 additional airframes, and a brokerage request being processed for 2 more aircraft.) This brings Knighthawk Airways up to a total fleet of 46 aircraft, with orders for 6 additional aircraft.

Knighthawk Airways Becomes Launch Customer for Embraers

In a surprising move by CEO Kya Martinez, Knighthawk Airways became the launch customer at the beginning of the year for the Embraer ERJ-170LR, a 76 passenger jet airliner that ended up replacing Knighthawk Connection's CASA CN-235s. They were chosen for this role due to their additional seats over the CN-235s, their greatly increased speed, and their great fuel consumption with all of these improvements considered.

CEO Kya Martinez has stated that Knighthawk Airways has negotiated with Embraer, who has opted to finish development of the ERJ-190LR on their behalf. Knighthawk Airways has negotiated the purchase of 14 aircraft with options for more, all of which will replace the Tupelov Tu-334-100 series currently in service. Tupelov officials thus far have not acted surprised in the face of this news, as "Preferred Vendor" status had apparently been dropped long ago.

In addition, Knighthawk Connection became launch customer for the ERJ-145XR, a modification for the ERJ-145LRs currently in service that notably adds winglets to the airframe. Knighthawk Connection has not made any additional orders for aircraft of the type, and it is rumored that they will instead opt for further ERJ-145LR airframes unless range is needed due to fuel consumption concerns.

Knighthawk Airways Becomes Launch Customer for Valsan Conversions

Further breaking new ground, Knighthawk Airways became the launch customer for Valsan converted Boeing 727-200s earlier this year, using them on routes from all hubs to great success. The aircraft have been compared to "hot-rods" by the Knighthawk Airways pilots, and their fast speed will allow them to serve airports at longer ranges than previously accomplished. With their independent airstairs, it is anticipated that Knighthawk Airways will also be able to provide services to airports without jetways, if the need ever arises.

Currently Knighthawk Airways is expanding its fleet of Valsan 727s, and expects to operate over 10 of them by the end of the year.

[Cipher53]

Knighthawk Airways Statistics

Airline Value: €3,597,390,075

Total Routes: 398

Total Destinations: 346

Daily Passengers: 75,286

Longest Route: 20 Hours


Paint Barn



Embraer ERJ-145LR "Roll the Dice"

Type: Embraer ERJ-145LR
Registration: Brazilian Registration PP-AAR
Internal Designator Number: Aircraft ID #869

This venerable aircraft has been aptly named "Roll the Dice" by the Knighthawk Airways and Knighthawk Connection executives, representing the literal gamble on the performance of the Embraer ERJ-145LR in Knighthawk Connection service. "Roll the Dice" is the first of 8 aircraft of its type in Knighthawk Connection service, and was not initially painted in this livery until CEO Kya Martinez directly ordered the milestone aircraft done specially. Wearing the signature Knighthawk emblems on the tail and forward fuselage, color coordinated with the livery, and a dice logo underneath the airline's name, "Roll the Dice" is painted in a very 'spacy' theme. CEO Kya Martinez chose this design to signify that the sky was the limit for Knighthawk Connection, their performance had finally perked up and they would have an equal footing in negotiations with the overall Knighthawk Airways team.

[Cipher53]

Update!



November 2003

Knighthawk Airways would like to wish everybody a good holiday season as the busiest time of air transport comes upon us all. Our employees have started preparations for the busy holiday season, and we have additionally built up a list of personnel that can be called up if need be to alleviate long lines and delays.

Knighthawk Retires ATRs

Last month Knighthawk retired two ATR 42-500s and two ATR 72-200s, marking the first time that Knighthawk Connection has engaged in replacement negotiations with global aircraft manufacturers. The retirement of the four aircraft marks a turning point for Knighthawk Connection, which has opted to replace its ATR 72-200 fleet with Dorniers instead of the traditional ATRs. ATR currently has sold over 74 aircraft to major airlines globally, possessing a much greater recognition and reputation than Dornier at this point in time. Dornier's submission for the ATR 72-200 replacement tender is the Dornier 728-100, which has been delivered by ally Malaccan Airways.

Initially ATR thought that the tender would go their way as the 728-100 only managed to slightly best their aircraft, however when Dornier opened up their submission to include the 728-200, things quickly turned. ATR's representatives watched silently as Knighthawk Connection's acquisitions manager signed a contract with Dornier for 10 aircraft; 8 to replace ATR 72-200s in service right now and 2 to replace the trial run Dornier 728-100s. It is unknown at this point in time as to whether or not Knighthawk Connection will continue operating the Dornier 728-100s, however aviation experts believe that they will be on the market within the next couple of months as the first -200s arrive.

ATR maintains its relationship with Knighthawk Connection however, as the ATR 42-500s have been replaced with more ATR 42-500s.

Knighthawk Airways Doubles A319 Fleet

In a move today to expand operations in the lower spectrum of Knighthawk Airways' service, CEO Kya Martinez has signed a deal with Airbus for 6 additional A319s. It is expected that with the current ambitions of Knighthawk Airways, these aircraft will be serving globally, representing the first major push into the Caribbean (Which has not been done for some time in force) and Central America.

Current forecasts predict that within the next year, Knighthawk Airways will operate some 20-30 Airbus A319s (Increased from the current prospective total of 12).


Knighthawk Airways Statistics

Airline Value: €4,357,743,994

Total Routes: 465

Total Destinations: 405

Daily Passengers: 91,634

Longest Route: 20 Hours

Knighthawk Airways/Knighthawk Connection (KHA)