Dual taxi in the D-9 alley

A recent comment asked about dual-taxi in the D-9 alley. This photo illustrates the D-9 alley with a dual-taxi operation taking place. The alley is marked with a taxi centerline, as well as east and west lines. This feature allows two flows of traffic in the alley, such as seen here, with one coming in and another heading out. It is also possible to have two lines of aircraft outbound or inbound. The restriction on this operation is determined by the aircraft types involved; A320-series and B737-series are the largest types that can safely use the east and west lines. Anything larger, such as a B757, has to use the center line:

 

 Here's another shot that better shows the three taxi lines:

 

 

Another look at ITA's "ghost" livery

I have to admit that I like ITA's paint scheme. Nowadays, nearly all air carriers have gone to boring white airplanes with a logo on the tail. ITA is one of the notable exceptions, with their bright blue Airbuses that sport the Italian tricolor stripes on the tail. The inspiration for the blue comes from the Italian national football team, the Azzurri (the Blues), who wear blue in honor of the House of Savoy. Besides the tricolor stripes, the tail section also features a faint pattern that is reminiscent of a Louis Vuitton handbag. I know that's not what it actually is, but I have yet to find any official reference to it beyond the photos in the company's press materials. This pattern is hard to see, even in daylight, and I've had very little success catching it with the camera. These shots show it, but I've borrowed an official photo that shows it much more clearly.

 

Cargojet lands at LAX

 Yet another new name at LAX is Canadian cargo carrier Cargojet. You just gotta love no-nonsense airline names!

There's a Breeze at LAX

 Another new name at LAX this year is Breeze Airways, who flies A220-300s in configurations of either 126 or 137 seats. Destinations from LAX include Provo, UT, and Charleston, SC.