UK Government release aviation SAF plan to support growth of British aviation sector........

SAF industry estimated to boost the economy by £1.8 billion and create more than 10,000 jobs across the UK by 2030

The UK Department for Transport government's new Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate sets new targets to ensure that 10% of all jet fuel in aircraft taking off from the UK comes from sustainable sources by 2030. 

The UK’s SAF mandate will come into force in January 2025 and be one of the first in the world to be put into law, subject to approval by parliament. The move follows the world’s first commercial 100% SAF transatlantic flight taking off from Heathrow in November – backed by up to £1 million in government investment.

The government has committed to ambitious but achievable targets that will see around 1.2 million tonnes of SAF supplied to the UK airline industry each year – enough to circle the globe 3,000 times.  The plans are good for aviation, the environment and for the UK overall with the SAF industry estimated to add over £1.8 billion to the economy and create over 10,000 jobs across the country. 

£135 million of funding was recently allocated through the Advanced Fuels Fund, with the aim of supporting the growth of 13 groundbreaking SAF projects across the UK. 

It is recognised that SAF is likely to be more expensive than traditional jet fuel, at least in the immediate term, the plan ensures decarbonisation doesn’t come at the expense of consumers as the rationing of flights through ‘demand management’ is ruled out in the plan. 

The plan includes a review mechanism to help manage prices and minimise the impact on ticket fares for passengers. The government also has the power to change key limits within the mandate to block higher price rises in the case of SAF shortages – keeping the impact on consumers to a minimum. 

Providing sufficient SAF is available, any increases in air fares as a result of SAF will fall well within the range of usual fluctuations in prices we see every year and the government have plans in place to prevent any major hikes.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:      "Sustainable aviation fuel protects the future of UK aviation, the thousands of British jobs that depend on it, and the holidays and business travel flights that we all rely on.

 As part of our plan to grow the economy, the measures announced today will give both UK aviation and the UK SAF industry the certainty they need to keep creating skilled British jobs while giving passengers the freedom to continue travelling by air in a way that’s fit for the future."

SAF produces up to 70% less carbon emissions than the traditional fossil fuels used in most commercial flights. It is made from waste materials or by-products – like household waste, industrial gases or used cooking oil.

Airbus expands its Earth observation constellation with Pléiades Neo Next

Airbus has launched the Pléiades Neo Next programme to expand its very high-resolution Earth observation constellation. This new programme will result in new satellite assets and capabilities, including enhanced native resolution. As a first step of Pléiades Neo Next, Airbus is developing a new satellite which will be launched in the next few years.

“The Pléiades Neo Next programme builds on the success of our existing Pléiades Neo constellation which serves government and commercial customers around the world,” said Karen Florschütz, Executive Vice President of Connected Intelligence at Airbus Defence and Space. “This new programme will further enhance our standard of excellence in terms of quality, performance, and reliability to deliver images as well as geo-intelligence services and applications.”

The Pléiades Neo Next programme is funded, manufactured, and operated by Airbus Defence and Space, with the full image capacity available for a wide range of sectors including defence and intelligence, agriculture, environment, maritime, disaster response, mapping, location-based services, civil engineering, urban planning and utilities.

Users will continue to be able to directly task the Airbus satellites up to a few dozen minutes prior to the satellite over the area of interest. Images will be received through the customer’s Direct Receiving Stations (DRS) on the ground, or on the OneAtlas digital platform, swiftly after collection, allowing mission-critical applications.

Archer sign framework agreement to accelerate commercial air taxi operations across UAE

Archer Aviation Inc., a leader in the development of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, announced the signing of a framework agreement in Abu Dhabi today at the DRIFTx mobility event, held at the Yas Marina Circuit showcasing the latest in advanced urban mobility, driving discussions, collaboration, and innovation across the sector. 

This agreement covers multi-hundred-million dollar investments to accelerate Archer’s planned commercial air taxi operations in the UAE, slated to launch as soon as next year, including in-country manufacturing, operations and training across the region. This comprehensive agreement positions Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s leaders in promoting urban air mobility, with plans to commence air taxi operations with Archer’s Midnight aircraft as soon as next year.

Key components of Archer’s collaboration with ADIO include vertiport construction, operational enablement for air taxi operations in the UAE, and in-country manufacturing of Archer’s Midnight aircraft. Under the agreement, ADIO will also ensure local workforce development programmes for Emirati talent and facilitate the establishment of Archer’s international headquarters and Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi.

“This substantial agreement with Abu Dhabi is a pivotal moment for Archer’s commercialisation efforts across the Emirates, as it provides the catalyst to accelerate the launch of our electric air taxi service in the UAE as soon as late 2025. The agreement underscores Abu Dhabi’s strong commitment to Archer and conviction to become a global hub for urban air mobility. With Abu Dhabi’s support, we are poised to continue leading the transformation of urban transportation in the Emirate and across the globe,” said Archer founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein.

“Abu Dhabi is leading the way in accelerating the launch of electric air taxis globally, and ADIO is proud to partner with Archer as one of the world’s most innovative companies. We are excited to support Archer toward establishing its international headquarters in Abu Dhabi, and to develop a comprehensive investment framework that will accelerate its progress towards manufacturing and operating its Midnight aircraft in the UAE,” said Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO.

Ameriflight names new president and chief operating officer

Ameriflight has confirmed the appointment of Patrick Fluegeman as President and Chief Operating Officer.

Fluegeman will be responsible for planning and executing current and future business operation strategies. He will amplify Ameriflight’s vision as the unparalleled leader in scalable, outsourced aviation services to the regional express airfreight market.

“The board and I are confident that Patrick will be a great fit for building on Ameriflight’s momentum,” said Ameriflight Owner and Chairman Jim Martell. “He is a well-established leader with an extensive background in the aviation industry that includes a unique blend of airline operations, corporate strategy, finance, and business development. We are pleased to have him on board.”

A proven leader, Fluegeman’s vast background and successes in leading safe and reliable airline operations, as well as his strategic insight, brought him to the attention of Ameriflight. Most recently, he spent seven years with ABX Air, a cargo airline operating a fleet of Boeing 767 freighters for customers in the e-commerce and express delivery markets. He held a handful of operation leadership roles, ending his time there as Chief Operating Officer. Notably, he successfully added aircraft to their fleet, expanded their operations in Europe and South America, implemented new operating systems, and secured a new 6-year collective bargaining agreement with the ABX pilot group. Prior to his time at ABX, he held a number of finance leadership roles with the cargo airline Southern Air and with the financial services firm Deloitte.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity to join such a long-standing, industry-leading company,” said Fluegeman. “As I have gotten to know the team, it has become clear to me that Ameriflight operates with purpose and is passionate about its mission of Delivering More Than Cargo. As President, my intention is to continue Ameriflight’s vision and its commitment to building a diversified aviation services platform, by focusing on safety, first and foremost, as well as customer service, new business growth, and our people.”

Joby Partners with Abu Dhabi to Establish Electric Air Taxi Ecosystem

Joby Aviation, a company developing all-electric aircraft for commercial passenger service, today announced it has signed a multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Municipalities and Transport - Abu Dhabi (DMT), the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) that lays the groundwork for Joby to establish and scale air taxi services in Abu Dhabi and beyond.

Multilateral agreement signed with three Abu Dhabi government departments identifies support for establishing and scaling Joby’s air taxi service in Abu Dhabi and beyond

Agreement covers the potential to develop a full air taxi ecosystem, including training, infrastructure development and flight operations, as well as a manufacturing presence in Abu Dhabi

Agreement unlocks opportunity for inter-emirate air taxi services

The MoU, signed at the DRIFTx international thought-leadership and exhibition platform in Abu Dhabi, demonstrates the breadth of support available to Joby as part of their participation in the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster and builds on Joby’s existing commitments to the UAE, including the exclusive right to operate air taxi services in Dubai, which the company expects to start as early as next year. The agreement also unlocks the potential for inter-emirate air taxi services, for example between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of DMT, commented on the agreement, saying: "Abu Dhabi aims to spearhead the advancement and implementation of the next era of advanced mobility solutions. Through the Emirate’s SAVI cluster and this visionary partnership with Joby, we are not only laying the foundation for cutting-edge air taxi services but also shaping the future of transportation; igniting a journey where the sky is no longer the limit, but the beginning of endless possibilities. We look forward to seeing their innovative aircraft take-off from the UAE capital, offering the world a glimpse, through Abu Dhabi, of what the future of mobility looks like.”

Alaska Airlines adds new routes in Southern California

Starting this autumn, Alaska Airlines will be adding new nonstop routes from San Diego and Los Angeles... 

       Alaska Airlines is expanding service at two of its major hubs in Southern California with new routes and additional capacity to popular West Coast destinations as part of the carrier’s ongoing commitment to growth in the state. 

 

Starting in the autumn season, the airline is adding its 39th nonstop destination from San Diego with service to Las Vegas. Plus, starting a new service between Los Angeles and Pasco. The carrier is also bringing back the route between Los Angeles and Reno. 

The airline is adding more flights to destinations its already offers out of Los Angeles International Airport, boosting capacity by more than 25%, including destinations such as Boise, Medford, Portland, San Jose, Santa Rosa and Seattle.

“As the only airline based on the West Coast, we’re committed to growth in Southern California, and I’m excited that we will offer our largest schedule out of the region in recent years; with our new services from Los Angeles to both Reno and Pasco as well as increased options to the destinations our guests visit most frequently. This new schedule also solidifies our title as the airline serving the most nonstop destinations from San Diego with our new service to Las Vegas,” said Neil Thwaites, regional vice president of California at Alaska Airlines.

“We are pleased to see Alaska Airlines continue to grow at San Diego International Airport and offer new routes to destinations across the country,” said Kimberly Becker, president and CEO of San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “This new nonstop route to Las Vegas will offer yet another option for Southern Californians to travel to this city of lights and entertainment while providing Nevadans easy access to our beaches and sunshine in San Diego.”

China Eastern subsidiary Shanghai Airlines to start Shanghai-Marseille flight on 2nd July

China Eastern Airlines has confirmed it will officially launch a new direct flight between Shanghai and Marseille, France from 2nd July this year.

The new Shanghai-Marseille service will be operated by Shanghai Airlines, a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines, with three round-trip flights per week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

The flight numbers are FM871 from Shanghai to Marseille and FM872 for the return leg. The estimated flight time is around 12 hours. The new route will offer gate-to-gate internet service for passengers aboard.

Shanghai, located in east China and the estuary of the Yangtze River, and opening to the Pacific Ocean, Shanghai is one of the most economically vibrant, open, and innovative cities in China. It is dubbed "the grand halls" and the "first stop for inbound travelers to China". Marseille is France's second largest city, the biggest port in southern Europe, and an important hub for Mediterranean shipping and trade. It sits along the world-renowned azure coast of Provence. In 1987, Shanghai and Marseille became sister cities.

GDHF secures 20 Airbus Helicopters H175s for worldwide lease

Airbus Helicopters are celebrating a massive contract from GDAT, for up to 20 H175 helicopters -  this is for ten firm orders and ten options. GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF), a start-up helicopter leasing and finance company based in Dublin, Ireland, will be marketing these H175 helicopters to customers in the energy, SAR, EMS and parapublic market segments worldwide.

“GDHF is very pleased to announce the availability of 50 H160 and 20 Airbus H175 super medium helicopters to the worldwide market. This new H175 order, along with the existing 50 Airbus H160 medium helicopters already on the GDAT orderbook, will be available to GDHF. This deal will further enhance GDHF’s ability to offer our customers near term availability of efficient, cost-effective, multi-mission helicopters of the very latest technology. GDHF will build a strong relationship with Airbus to deliver high value solutions for our customers,” said Michael York, CEO of GDHF.

 

“The creation of GDHF and this follow-on GDAT contract underlines the versatility and competitiveness of the H175 and the H160. We look forward to a long-standing partnership with GDHF as they put these multi-mission helicopters into service with their customers around the globe,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. 

In service since 2015, Airbus' H175 belongs to the super-medium class of helicopters, combining long-range and payload with smooth flight qualities, making it the optimal solution for a wide range of onshore and offshore mission profiles, including disaster relief, search & rescue and other public services, as well as crew change and private and business aviation. The 55 H175s currently in service have accumulated more than 210,000 flight hours, of which 184,000 in the energy sector.

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In service since 2015, Airbus’ H175 belongs to the super-medium class of helicopters – combining long range with smooth flight qualities. It takes customers to the next level in terms of comfort, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
The H175 addresses several missions, including:

American Airlines reports first-quarter 2024 financial results.......

American Airlines Group has reported its first-quarter 2024 financial results this month which shows its revenue of approximately $12.6 billion and achieved its best-ever first-quarter completion factor.

“The American Airlines team continues to build a reliable, efficient and resilient airline,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “While we aren’t satisfied with our first-quarter financial results, we have a strong foundation in place, and we remain on track to deliver on our full-year financial targets. Our team is running a fantastic operation, driving revenue through our commercial initiatives, efficiently managing costs, and producing free cash flow to further strengthen our balance sheet.”

Operational performance

American is running the best operation in its history because of a steadfast commitment to operational excellence and strong collaboration across the entire airline. The company produced its best-ever first-quarter completion factor and improved its mishandled baggage rate year over year. American achieved these results despite air traffic control challenges and significant weather events across its network during the quarter.

Financial performance

American produced results within previously guided ranges for each of its operating metrics despite a significant increase in the cost of fuel in the quarter. The company generated record first-quarter revenue of approximately $12.6 billion and a GAAP operating margin of 0.1%. Excluding the impact of net special items1, American produced an operating margin of 0.6% in the first quarter.

Balance sheet

Strengthening the balance sheet remains a top priority for American. In the first quarter, the company reduced total debt by nearly $950 million and has now achieved more than $12 billion, or over 80%, of its goal of reducing total debt by $15 billion by the end of 2025.

1Q24 Financials 

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1Q24 Financials (q4cdn.com)

Black Tusk Helicopter Inc gets a new K-MAX helicopter.

Kaman has delivered a new medium-to-heavy lift K‑MAX helicopter to Black Tusk Helicopter Inc. of Squamish, BC, Canada. Black Tusk performs various external lift projects of every scale, ranging from aerial timber harvesting, ski tower setting, firefighting, and hydroelectric projects.

“Black Tusk is a highly respected operator, and we appreciate the confidence Black Tusk has placed in Kaman and the capabilities of the K-MAX,” said Phil Murphy, Vice President of Business Development, Kaman Air Vehicles. “Operators are choosing K-MAX® for its proven repetitive lift capability with unmatched performance in the most demanding environments.”

“Our primary business goal is to offer our clients quality helicopter services and to ensure the longevity of our company through repeat and referral business by continuing to provide customers reliable and safe performance in all areas of our business. Adding a second K-MAX® to our fleet is an important step towards ensuring we can continue offering our customers the most appropriate and efficient aircraft for their requirements and particular job needs,” stated Black Tusk Helicopter Inc.

The K-MAX is a rugged, low-maintenance aircraft that features a counter-rotating rotor system and is optimized for repetitive external load operations. The aircraft can lift up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) with unmatched performance in hot and high conditions.

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Turkish Airlines to add One Airbus A330-300 and six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to its fleet on lease from CDB Aviation

Turkish Airlines to add One  Airbus A330-300 and six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to its fleet on lease from CDB Aviation

CDB Aviation, the aircraft leasing and management firm of the China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co. has confirmed the signing of new lease agreements for a fleet of an additional seven narrowbody and widebody aircraft to Turkish Airlines.  

The flag carrier of Turkey is getting one used Airbus A330-343 which is scheduled to arrive at the carrier during May this year. This widebody jet will help support the expansion of Turkish Airlines' mainline international operations. 

The carrier is also getting another six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and these will be received between 2025 and 2026 and will be used by subsidiary, Ajet. The new jets will be powered by CFM International Leap-1B engine and are coming from CDB's existing orderbook with Boeing.

“We are delighted to continue building upon a strong and long-term partnership with our valued customer, Turkish Airlines,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “The 737 MAX 8 aircraft will contribute toward the airline’s stated goal for Ajet to become an important part of the low-cost aviation industry on a global scale, while the A330 will provide the increased capacity to support its ever-expanding global network.”

Green credentials on show....IAG Cargo transitions 160-truck fleet at London Heathrow to run on hydrotreated vegetable oil

IAG Cargo is putting green credentials on show by transitioning from Diesel to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil for its 160-strong ground vehicle fleet at London Heathrow.  HVO is a drop-in replacement for White Diesel, made from plant waste and fully renewable materials, meaning that it has a significant impact on net carbon emissions.

For IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group says the transition to HVO will reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% and significantly reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). These reductions will reduce IAG Cargo’s overall Scope 1 emissions by approximately 50%, contributing to the company’s sustainability targets.

David Rose, Director of London Operations at IAG Cargo said: “Transitioning our fleet of ground vehicles from diesel to HVO showcases our commitment to sustainable operations. This move to HVO for our large fleet at London Heathrow is just one of the actions we are taking to reach our goal of net-zero by 2050 and will pave the way for a more sustainable future at IAG Cargo.” 

In addition to transitioning to HVO, IAG Cargo is looking for further ways to reduce the carbon impact of its global fleet. This includes measures such as additional electric vehicles (EVs), and a concerted effort to streamline the total vehicles in operation, with its fleet at its Dublin hub already powered by electric or HVO vehicles. 

The fleet consists of a range of vehicles from small vans to large tugs which can tow trailers holding several tonnes of cargo. The transition to HVO was completed in March 2024. Since then, the benefits have been continuously measured, which will continue into the coming months.

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World of Hyatt adds more than 700 boutique and luxury properties from Mr & Mrs Smith

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has confirmed that World of Hyatt is offering members new access to earn and redeem at a collection of more than 700 boutique and luxury hotels and villas around the globe with Mr & Mrs Smith, the luxury travel platform Hyatt acquired in 2023.

From glamping stays and boutique wellness retreats to grand palazzos, world-class ski resorts and more, members can earn and redeem World of Hyatt points in hundreds of unforgettable destinations when they book through Hyatt channels.

The participating properties from the Mr & Mrs Smith portfolio adds more than 20 new, sought-after countries to World of Hyatt such as Namibia, Fiji and the British Virgin Islands. From the remote tented hideouts of Zannier Hotels Sonop in Namibia to sustainability-focused retreats at Hotel Aguas Claras in Costa Rica, or lofty lodgings at Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Finland, every Mr & Mrs Smith property available through World of Hyatt has been carefully chosen for its inspiring design-led decor, personalized touches and above-and-beyond attention to detail. Explore participating hotels on hyatt.com/explore-hotels/map and filter by Mr & Mrs Smith.

“Our members truly value World of Hyatt, and we’re always looking for new ways to engage guests, help them get the most out of their travels and reward them for experiencing what the world has to offer – from cozying up in a secluded treehouse in the Arctic Circle, reigning over an English country manor, glamping under starry desert skies or going wild in a jungle villa perched above Pacific waters,” said Amy Weinberg, senior vice president, brand, loyalty and data, Hyatt. “True to our Be More Here platform, the addition of hundreds of hotels and villas, hand-selected by Mr & Mrs Smith, helps Hyatt welcome even more members in new destinations and deliver on our guests’ desires to have truly meaningful experiences when they travel.”

United Airlines helps passengers get their top choice seats with new tech

Window vs aisle seat – the age-old debate on which aeroplane seat is best. But no matter your preference, United is making it easier for travellers to sit in their favourite seat type even if their preferred seat isn’t available during booking. Fliers can find the new feature in the United mobile app, request their preferred seat and automatically get moved if one opens up. Here’s how it works:

·         - Request your desired seat in the mobile app if your preferred seat type isn’t available at the time of booking your flight.

·         - Select where you’d like to sit, including preferences for window or aisle seats, exit rows or bulkhead seats.

·         - Get automatically assigned and notified about your new seat assignment if your preferred choice becomes available.

 

With up to three million users interacting with the United mobile app daily, United is continuing to bring useful features to its app, and this is just the latest new app feature that gives customers more options and makes travel a breeze.

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Airbus Helicopters’ Racer is off to a flying start..........

Airbus Helicopters Racer demonstrator, developed in the frame of the European Research Clean Sky 2 project, has performed its first flight, in Marignane. The aircraft flew for about 30 minutes, allowing the flight test team to check the overall behaviour of the aircraft.

This important milestone launches the flight campaign which will take two years and will aim to progressively open the aircraft’s flight envelope and demonstrate its high speed capabilities. 

“With its 90 patents, Racer is the perfect example of the level of innovation that can be achieved when European partners come together. This first flight is a proud moment for Airbus Helicopters and for our 40 partners in 13 countries,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “I look forward to watching this demonstrator pioneer high speed capabilities and develop the eco-mode system that will contribute to reducing fuel consumption,” he added. 

Optimised for a cruise speed of more than 400 km/h, the Racer demonstrator aims to achieve the best trade-off between speed, cost-efficiency, and mission performance. The Racer also targets a fuel consumption reduction of around 20%, compared to current generation helicopters of the same class, thanks to aerodynamic optimisation and an innovative eco-mode propulsion system. Developed with Safran Helicopter Engines, the  hybrid-electrical eco-mode system allows one of the two Aneto-1X engines to be paused while in cruise flight, thus contributing to cutting CO2 emissions. The Racer also aims to demonstrate how its particular architecture can contribute to lowering its operational acoustic footprint.

The Racer builds upon the aerodynamic configuration validated by the Airbus Helicopters X3 technology demonstrator which, back in 2013, broke the speed record and pushed the limits for a helicopter by reaching 472 km/h. While the aim of the X3 was to validate the compound architecture, combining fixed wings for energy efficient lift, lateral rotors for energy-efficient propulsion and a main rotor that provides energy-efficient VTOL flight capacity, the Racer aims to take the compound formula closer to an operational configuration and to offer increased capabilities for certain missions for which high speed can be a real advantage.

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