Opulent Holdings to Acquire Midcon Airlines!

Two Industry Leading Airlines Become One Under Proposed Merger.
Press Contact: bcosgrove(a t)fusionairways(d o t)com

San Mateo, CA September 6, 2010 (PRWEB) -- Opulent Holdings Corporation, owner of San Francisco based Fusion Airways, announced Sunday they had reached a tentative agreement to acquire MidContinent Holdings LLC. The deal, valued at an undisclosed amount, would form one company under the Fusion Airways branding and absorb the wholly owned MidContinent Airlines' fleet, assets, debt and crew members. The merger would form one of the largest simulated airlines to date, and would join the two most realistic and innovative airlines in the simulated airline industry.

MidContinent Airlines was formed in late 1997 under the operating identity of America West by a dedicated board of directors with a single goal: realism. Over time, they created the most realistic virtual airline environment ever developed, implementing industry leading training, flight records, and real world part 121 dispatch operations. Throughout the years, MidContinent expanded their branding and currently serves over 50 destinations throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada and Europe. Utilizing a fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft, MidContinent provides excellence in service, on-time performance, and professional operations.

San Francisco based Fusion Airways, formed in early 2007, also strives to achieve a similar goal as MidContinent: industry changing realism. Through the use of an award winning website, the first seniority based bidding system, enhanced flight records and an industry leading dispatch center, Fusion Airways has been an innovator in the virtual airline industry. Fusion Airways currently operates air service to over 40 destinations throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Europe.

Details surrounding the MidContinent fleet integration are unknown, however industry analysts believe that Fusion Airways may liquidate many of the airline's older assets.

Beginning September 5th, MidContinent Airlines will begin a phased shutdown. Routes that can be accommodated by Fusion Airways will be cut first and the remainder scaled back through September 15th. MidContinent Airlines ceased ticket sales in July after the fate of the airline was deemed unknown, thanks largely to issues with creditors and their reservation system.

"We understand this is truly a sad day for MidContinent Airlines, however the MidCon brand and all it stands for will be better represented with the stability of Fusion's brand." Opulent Holdings Chairman, and Fusion Airways CEO, Jordan Greene said Sunday. He continued: "Today should not be looked upon as an ending for MidContinent, but rather as a rebirth with a stronger and more successfully orientated brand name."

MidContinent airlines executives were not immediately available for comment, however they did release the following statement to their employees: "MidContient Airlines has a proud history, since being founded in 1997, we've seen enormous growth and stability, providing the most realistic virtual airline experience ever seen in the industry. Through our crew member's hard work and dedication, we have fostered a genuine customer base, and have helped to mold a standard for other airlines to follow. This is certainly a difficult day for all of us, however our leadership team believes that this move will not only ensure long-term success of MidContinent, but it will set a new standard for Virtual Airlines that has never before been seen."

Fusion Airways is expected to release more information regarding passenger accommodations, and the airline's long-term plan in several days.
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About Fusion Airways

Fusion Airways (ICAO: FUS, IATA: F4, Call-Sign: "Rip-Tide") is the a virtual air carrier based in San Francisco, California. Fusion provides air service to destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Fusion Airways is the only San Francisco based luxury air carrier, with lie-flat seats in Fusion's widebody aircraft and a plethora of legroom throughout Business and Coach class. Fusion offers a state-of-the-art in In-flight Entertainment System, Zoom!, featuring 25 channels of DirecTV, countless channels of XM Satellite Radio and three channels of monthly featured films in every seatback of their Boeing 737, 757, and 767 aircraft. Fusion also operates a wholly owned cargo operation, Fusion Cargo, which provides global logistical support to cities worldwide with a fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11F aircraft. In addition to customer amenities, Fusion employs the latest in PHP technology including a state-of-the-art flight dispatch and financial tracking system as well as an industry leading ACARS platform, seniority based bidding and dynamic fleet and pilot tracking. For more in-depth information regarding Fusion Airways visit Fusion's website at http://www.fusionairways.com.

About Opulent Holdings

The Holding Company for San Francisco based air carrier Fusion Airways, Opulent Holdings is a virtual corporation based in White Plains, New York. Opulent Holdings is traded on the vNYSE under the symbol "OPU." More information about Opulent Holdings is available at Fusion Airways' website at http://www.fusionairways.com.

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747-800 Visit to KIWA

So the 747-800 recently made a visit to Gateway Airport in Phoenix over this past week. I was able to grab some shots, but they are with my cell phone so unfortunately I don't have a zoom function.

http://www.fusionairways.com/bcosgrove/ima...WA/CIMG0138.jpg
The 748 shortly after arriving on Friday.

http://www.fusionairways.com/bcosgrove/ima...WA/CIMG0139.jpg
Another shot from the ramp Monday.

http://www.fusionairways.com/bcosgrove/ima...WA/CIMG0140.jpg
Its very hard to see, but this is it just after departure banking to the west. It went on about a 3 hour flight to do hot weather testing and returned later Wednesday night.

http://www.fusionairways.com/bcosgrove/ima...WA/CIMG0141.jpg
I was a little late, but it did do a Touch and Go! so this is a shot of the 748 climbing after that touch and go.

Here's a link to a video of the 748 landing on Wednesday night. It is amazing how quiet it is. Again sorry about the crappy quality.
http://www.fusionairways.com/bcosgrove/ima...WA/CIMG0115.mp4

http://www.fusionairways.com/bcosgrove/ima...WA/CIMG0143.jpg
Finally the 748 departed this afternoon. Before departing it did an engine runup which kicked up quite a lot of dirt in the desert.

http://www.fusionairways.com/bcosgrove/ima...WA/CIMG0144.jpg

And here is a video of it's departure. Note how quiet it is, the loud jetblast you hear about 02:00 to 02:05 is just a LearJet landing. http://www.fusionairways.com/bcosgrove/ima...WA/CIMG0119.mp4

http://www.fusionairways.com/bcosgrove/ima...WA/CIMG0145.jpg
The field just after the 748 departed.

http://www.fusionairways.com/bcosgrove/ima...WA/CIMG0147.jpg
The 748 climbing on the departure.

Anyway, exciting stuff. Awesome plane!

And for Andrew, a video of a JPATS MD-88 blasting off in 104 temperatures.
http://www.fusionairways.com/bcosgrove/ima...IWA/MD80DOJ.mp4

Fusion Airways Launches Bidding System!

Airline is the first Virtual Airline to launch fully automated, seniority based bidding and flight line assignments for it's crew members.
Press Contact: bcosgrove(a t)fusionairways(d o t)com

San Mateo, CA August 31, 2010 (PRWEB) -- In another industry leading move, San Francisco based Fusion Airways announced Tuesday that it had officially launched seniority based bidding for it's crew members. The bidding system, which was custom wrote for Fusion Airways, combines the realism of allowing crew members to bid on particular flight lines, mixed with flexibility to allow crew members their choice in number of trips, and the number of credit hours that each crew member can fit into their schedule.

"It's great to see almost two years of hard work finally pay off. We are proud to be one of the first, if not the first, to launch such an innovative system." Fusion's President of Operations, Bobby Cosgrove, said Tuesday in a press conference. He continued: "The system we are providing to our crew members is designed around several bidding systems used by real-world airlines. With the ability for our crew members to bid reserve lines, pick up additional pairings, and trade legs, this system is truly something to be proud of."

The bidding center joins Fusion's unmatched fleet tracking, financial realism and ACARS platforms to create the most advanced virtual airline experience to date. Fusion's flight operations systems can track aircraft as they progress through the airline's route network, crew members have the ability of adding logbook entries for errors experienced in-flight which could lead to a MEL deferment for the next flight with that airframe until the problem can be rectified. Once airborne, crew members can communicate with the San Francisco Flight Operations station using Fusion's ACARS system, where a live-dispatcher is staffed during peak travel times. After arrival, crew members can submit a flight report in as little as three clicks, giving both the pilot their valuable hours, but also crediting Fusion the profit or loss for that particular flight.

"Our bidding system along with our comprehensive route network is what makes Fusion the best virtual airline in the industry, bar none. There isn't anyone with the complexity and focus on realism that we here at Fusion uphold." Fusion's Chief Executive Officer, Jordan Greene, said Tuesday.
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About Fusion Airways

Fusion Airways (ICAO: FUS, IATA: F4, Call-Sign: "Rip-Tide") is a virtual air carrier based in San Francisco, California. Fusion provides air service to destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Fusion Airways is the only San Francisco based luxury air carrier, with lie-flat seats in Fusion's widebody aircraft and a plethora of legroom throughout Business and Coach class. Fusion offers a state-of-the-art in In-flight Entertainment System, Zoom!, featuring 25 channels of DirecTV, countless channels of XM Satellite Radio and three channels of monthly featured films in every seatback of their Boeing 737, 757, 767 and Embraer E-190 aircraft. Fusion also operates a wholly owned cargo operation, Fusion Cargo, which provides global logistical support to cities worldwide with a fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11F aircraft. In addition to customer amenities, Fusion employs the latest in PHP technology including a state-of-the-art flight dispatch and financial tracking system as well as an industry leading ACARS platform, and dynamic fleet and pilot tracking. For more in-depth information regarding Fusion Airways visit Fusion's website at http://www.fusionairways.com.

About Opulent Holdings

The Holding Company for San Francisco based air carrier Fusion Airways, Opulent Holdings is a virtual corporation based in White Plains, New York. Opulent Holdings is traded on the vNYSE under the symbol "OPU." More information about Opulent Holdings is available at Fusion Airways' website at http://www.fusionairways.com.

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Airline to lease five Boeing 737-800's and place Embraer E-190's into long term storage

Airline to lease five Boeing 737-800's and place Embraer E-190's into long term storage.
Press Contact: bcosgrove(a t)fusionairways(d o t)com

San Mateo, CA Friday August 20, 2010 (PRWEB) -- San Francisco based Fusion Airways unveiled plans today to obtain five Boeing 737-800 aircraft through a long-term lease program aimed at boosting domestic and international capacity in response to stronger than forecast market demand. The resulting capacity shift will see flights currently operated by the Embraer 190 replaced by the 124 seat Boeing 737-700, and existing 737-700 flights supplemented by the Boeing 737-800. The Embraer 190 fleet will be rotated into long term storage and redeployed in the future.

"The switch over to these new types will take place over the next week or so." Said Jordan Greene. "With the urgent need for extra capacity, the decision was made to redeploy existing resources and introduce higher capacity equipment where we need them most."

"With our legacy to the Boeing company, and our satisfaction with the 737-700, the 737-800 seemed like the next logical step" Fusion's President, Bobby Cosgrove, said Friday.

Fusion Airways already operates 12 Boeing 737-700's, an aircraft that has become the workhorse of Fusion's domestic fleet. The Boeing 737-800 is a larger version of the 737-700 with upgraded engines and higher capacity. The 737-800 will feature aerodynamic Blended Winglets, as seen on the majority of Fusion's 737-700 fleet, to conserve fuel on longer flights and allow the aircraft to cruise at higher altitudes for enhanced passenger comfort. The 737-700/800 share an FAA type rating, meaning that Fusion Airways Crew Members can fly the 737-700 and 737-800 without additional training which is usually required when an airline adds a new aircraft.

The 737-800's will be integrated in to higher revenue and higher density flights thought the route network, while the 737-700 will be moved to almost directly replace Embraer 190 routes. The 737-800 will also bring minor expansion to Fusion's fleet network, service to Grand Cayman (MWCR) will begin at the end of this week, as well as new Canadian service to Toronto (YYZ).
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About Fusion Airways

Fusion Airways (ICAO: FUS, IATA: F4, Call-Sign: "Rip-Tide") is the a virtual air carrier based in San Francisco, California. Fusion provides air service to destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Fusion Airways is the only San Francisco based luxury air carrier, with lie-flat seats in Fusion's widebody aircraft and a plethora of legroom throughout Business and Coach class. Fusion offers a state-of-the-art in In-flight Entertainment System, Zoom!, featuring 25 channels of DirecTV, countless channels of XM Satellite Radio and three channels of monthly featured films in every seatback of their Boeing 737, 757, 767 and Embraer E-190 aircraft. Fusion also operates a wholly owned cargo operation, Fusion Cargo, which provides global logistical support to cities worldwide with a fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11F aircraft. In addition to customer amenities, Fusion employs the latest in PHP technology including a state-of-the-art flight dispatch and financial tracking system as well as an industry leading ACARS platform, and dynamic fleet and pilot tracking. For more in-depth information regarding Fusion Airways visit Fusion's website at http://www.fusionairways.com.

About Opulent Holdings

The Holding Company for San Francisco based air carrier Fusion Airways, Opulent Holdings is a virtual corporation based in White Plains, New York. Opulent Holdings is traded on the vNYSE under the symbol "OPU." More information about Opulent Holdings is available at Fusion Airways' website at http://www.fusionairways.com.

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Fusion Airways to Offer Extensive MD-80 Training Program

Airline to offer industry leading training to all crew members, beginning on the MD-80 aircraft.
Press Contact: bcosgrove(a t)fusionairways(d o t)com

San Mateo, CA July 3, 2010 (PRWEB) -- San Francisco based Fusion Airways announces an extensive training program for the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series. Beginning on June 21st, pilots enrolled in the MD-80 program will begin receiving enrollment keys to the Fusion Airways online training system, or Fusion Airways Pilot Development Center (PDC) which will allow pilots to access MD-80 manuals, support material, limitations quizzes, etc.

The PDC highly resembles what many may be familiar with as an online college course webpage. Pilots will be able to work at their own pace on a schedule that suits them best.

"This training program will give our crew members an extensive understanding of this very complex aircraft, and will set Fusion Airways miles apart from other virtual airlines." Fusion's President of Operations, Bobby Cosgrove said Saturday.

Fusion is scheduled to commence MD-80 operations toward late July. Fusion Airways has also secured contracts with Pineapple Caribbean Vacations in Ft. Lauderdale, and Harrah's Casinos in Las Vegas. All six MD-80 aircraft are scheduled to be in service by late September. Fusion Airways would be the first virtual airline to provide extensive, hands on training in the complex Maddog aircraft, thus proving Fusion as one of the industry leading airlines.

"I could not be happier with the progress we're making with the program as a whole." Project manger Andrew Reynolds said over a telephone interview. "Our pilots will be the safest, most proficient, and best out there ensuring customer satisfaction."

CEO Jordan Greene was unavailable for comment.

Pilots interested in participating in the training program should submit an application if not already a Fusion Airways employee. Employee's can then contact the airline's Managing Director of Flight Crew Standards and Training to submit a letter of intent to fly the MD-80 series aircraft.

Fusion Airways was expected to make a major decision regarding the airline's expansion within the coming week. When asked about possible destinations, or aicraft, the airline declined to comment. However, some aviation experts think that the airline may be looking at expanding it's capacity for domestic flights by possibly purchasing or leasing larger Boeing 737 airframes, either the Boeing 737-800 or Boeing 737-900 series aircraft.
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About Fusion Airways

Fusion Airways (ICAO: FUS, IATA: F4, Call-Sign: "Rip-Tide") is a virtual air carrier based in San Francisco, California. Fusion provides air service to destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Fusion Airways is the only San Francisco based luxury air carrier, with lie-flat seats in Fusion's widebody aircraft and a plethora of legroom throughout Business and Coach class. Fusion offers a state-of-the-art in In-flight Entertainment System, Zoom!, featuring 25 channels of DirecTV, countless channels of XM Satellite Radio and three channels of monthly featured films in every seatback of their Boeing 737, 757, 767 and Embraer E-190 aircraft. Fusion also operates a wholly owned cargo operation, Fusion Cargo, which provides global logistical support to cities worldwide with a fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11F aircraft. In addition to customer amenities, Fusion employs the latest in PHP technology including a state-of-the-art flight dispatch and financial tracking system as well as an industry leading ACARS platform, and dynamic fleet and pilot tracking. For more in-depth information regarding Fusion Airways visit Fusion's website at http://www.fusionairways.com.

About Opulent Holdings

The Holding Company for San Francisco based air carrier Fusion Airways, Opulent Holdings is a virtual corporation based in White Plains, New York. Opulent Holdings is traded on the vNYSE under the symbol "OPU." More information about Opulent Holdings is available at Fusion Airways' website at http://www.fusionairways.com.

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