Airlines try to leverage Boeing woes despite lack of alternatives

Airline executives are frustrated with Boeing as its safety crisis has upended their business plans. But in a tight market for large aircraft supplied by two companies, they have little choice but do business with the U.S. planemaker, reports Rajesh Kumar Singh from Reuters.

Despite some public displays of alarm - United Airlines  CEO Scott Kirby flew to France to talk with Airbus as Boeing's latest crisis erupted - carriers are still negotiating new plane orders, looking to leverage Boeing's delays to secure better terms.

Boeing's delivery schedule faces extended delays following a Jan. 5 mid-flight cabin blowout that exposed problems with safety and quality control in its manufacturing processes. But rival Airbus already has a backlog of orders that makes shifting over a non-starter.

Instead, airlines are adopting a variety of strategies to try to stay in the game with Boeing, using orders of one type of plane as a placeholder to possibly take deliveries of a different model. They also are negotiating harder, looking to use production delays to get discounts from the planemaker on new orders and compensation for financial losses.

"Boeing customers don't have much option but to stick with Boeing whether they like it or not," said Scott Hamilton, managing director at aviation consulting firm Leeham Company.

Kirby has been among the most vocal in expressing frustrations with Boeing. He met with Airbus after regulators grounded all of United's Boeing 737 MAX 9 fleet and put a big question mark over certification of the larger variant MAX 10, which was due for deliveries this year and was to be the cornerstone of United's fleet.

U.S. approve full speed production of F-35 fighters.

The Pentagon has finally approved the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter for full-rate production, five years later than originally anticipated reports Breaking Defense. 

The U.S. Defense Department acquisition chief Bill LaPlante signed off on the “milestone C” decision earlier this week, a crucial moment signifying the department’s confidence in the performance of the aircraft and maturity of Lockheed Martin’s production system — though the plane has already been in service in the US and with friendly foreign nations for years and has suffered a vast number of mechanical and practical issues that have resulted in an aircraft that is 80% fit for use, according to some RAF personnel working on the aircraft.   

“This is a major achievement for the F-35 Program,” LaPlante said, according to a Pentagon news release. “This decision — backed by my colleagues in the Department — highlights to the Services, F-35 Cooperative Program Partners, and Foreign Military Sales customers that the F-35 is stable and agile, and that all statutory and regulatory requirements have been appropriately addressed.”

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Sentient Jet unveils 2024 exclusive benefits guide

Leading private aviation company and inventor of the jet card category, Sentient Jet launches its highly anticipated 2024 Exclusive Benefits Guide, providing Jet Card Owners increased opportunities to maximize their membership with Sentient Jet with 12 new partners. 

As Sentient Jet celebrates its legacy of loyalty and commitment, the updated benefits guide reaffirms the brand’s unwavering dedication to enhancing the travel experience for Jet Card owners. In its eleventh edition, the new benefits guide builds on the value that Sentient Jet already offers and incorporates more partnerships to meet Card Owners where they are spending today.

Through its Exclusive Benefits Guide, Sentient Jet demonstrates its reach, well-earned reputation as a trusted travel utility and the relationships it has fostered for 25 years. New partnerships this year include:

- Etereo, Riviera Maya, Auberge Resorts

- Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts

- L’Ermitage Hotel, Beverly Hills

- The Boca Raton Resort & Beach Club

- Castle & Key Distillery, Lexington, KY

- Worth Avenue Yachts

- Human Longevity Wellness & Medical Service

- The Ranch Wellness Retreats

- Ghurka Luxury Leather Goods & Accessories

- Solstice Sunglasses

- Theorem Vineyards

- SkyView Sunlight Lamps

“As Sentient Jet looks ahead to the next chapter, we remain deeply grateful for the loyalty and trust of our valued Card Owners over the past 25 years,” said Andrew Collins, Co-CEO of Flexjet, Sentient Jet’s parent company. “Each year, we are able to enrich the membership experience by evolving our benefits guide to focus on where travellers are vacationing, dining and the events they are attending. We are committed to exceeding expectations and delivering unparalleled value - both on and off the aircraft. We understand that a private flight is just one part of the journey. Excellence, service and customer satisfaction remain pivotal, setting the stage for continued growth and success in the years to come.”

Each thoughtfully sourced benefit aligns with Sentient Jet’s core brand tenets, including:

Service

Known for providing exceptional service, Sentient Jet's relationship with its trusted partners provides its Card Owners with exclusive benefits that they can't find anywhere else. Select benefits range from exclusive offers from Flexjet Helicopters, Exclusive Resorts, Auberge Resorts, Human Longevity Wellness & Medical Testing, and PS aka Private Suite, to name a few.

"Our collaboration with Sentient Jet has been remarkable, thanks to their unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service to their Card Owners. Together, we have seamlessly integrated our offerings, creating unique opportunities for Sentient Jet Card Owners who join Exclusive Resorts. This collaboration not only highlights our shared commitment to excellence but also sets the stage for continued innovation in luxury travel," said James Henderson, CEO of Exclusive Resorts.

Card Owners who take full advantage of Sentient Jet’s Exclusive Benefits Guide can experience benefits with a value of approximately $225,000.

RAF Voyager operates with Swedish and US fighters over Scandinavia.

Royal Air Force Voyager tanker has successfully refuelled Swedish Gripen fighters taking part in NATO’s biggest exercise in decades.

The tanker was operating from RAF Lossiemouth in northern Scotland when it rendezvoused with the Swedish jets and United States Marine Corps F-35Bs, over the Arctic Circle.

Normally based at RAF Brize Norton, the Voyager flew sorties from Lossiemouth on Exercise Nordic Response, part of Exercise Steadfast Defender.

The Royal Air Force and Swedish Air Force have been increasing cooperation in recent months. This latest exercise saw dogfighting fighters refuel over Sweden, in the run-up to the country’s NATO accession. Steadfast Defender is demonstrating NATO’s ability to reinforce the Euro-Atlantic area during a simulated emerging conflict across the maritime, land, air, space and cyber domains.

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Voyager is the RAF’s sole air-to-air refuelling (AAR) tanker and also operates as a strategic air transport.  The aircraft is in service as the Voyager KC.Mk 2, equipped with two underwing pods for refuelling fast jets, and as the Voyager KC.Mk 3, with an additional centreline hose for use by large aircraft. 

United turning its back on Boeing's 737 MAX 10 jets.

United Airlines has told Boeing to stop making the 737 MAX 10s the U.S. mega-carrier ordered from the manufacturer, as it moves away from those aircraft and heads for the MAX 9 variant.

Bloomberg has reported that United's CEO Scott Kirby made the revelation at the JPMorgan conference.  "We’ve asked Boeing to stop building Max 10s, which they’ve done, for us and start building Max 9s. - It’s impossible to say when the Max 10 is going to get certified."

Kirby continued:  "We are in the market for A321s, and if we get a deal where the economics work, we’ll do something," however, there was no guarantee a deal could be struck with Airbus.  "If we don’t, we won’t and will wind up with more Max 9s." 

Boeing failed 33 of 89 audits in FAA investigation: report | Fox Business

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BBN Airlines Indonesia Secures Additional AOC, Boosts Passenger Flight Operations

BBN Airlines Indonesia, a part of Avia Solutions Group, the world's largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, has recently obtained an additional Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for commercial passenger flights from the Indonesia DGCA. This certification reaffirms the airline's readiness to operate aircraft for commercial purposes, solidifying the company's commitment to meeting the needs of the Indonesian public by providing safe, reliable, and efficient air travel services.

Martynas Grigas, Chairman of BBN Airlines Indonesia, stated, “With the issuance of this AOC, BBN Airlines Indonesia aims to bring more capacity to the region, and deliver a high standard of safety and service in the air travel experience.”

According to Martynas, this certification marks the initial step for BBN Airlines Indonesia to meet the substantial demand for flights, particularly during major holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and the holiday season in Indonesia.

Xwing gains U.S. Army xTech SBIR autonomy contract

Building on success of recent Air Force autonomous cargo missions, Xwing will demonstrate its mission-ready autonomy technology to support Army modernization efforts.

Xwing, a leading defense and aviation autonomy technology startup, today announced that it was advanced as a winner of a Phase I SBIR from the Army xTech SBIR Autonomy program. In the coming months, Xwing will showcase its ability to conduct autonomous airlift and logistics missions during live operational demonstrations for Army stakeholders.

In a recent announcement, Nicole Fox, the Army’s SBIR Program’s portfolio manager for autonomy and contested logistics, sustainment, science and technology stated, “To support mobility and navigation across multiple terrains, it’s important we develop and employ ground and aerial robotic autonomous systems throughout the Army. Solutions developed via the competition – and through follow-on SBIR contracts – will support Soldier safety and efficiency in contested environments.”

Bringing innovative autonomy solutions to solve mission capability gaps for Defense customers is familiar territory for the company. Xwing is a key partner of the Air Force’s AFWERX Autonomy Prime program. Last month, Xwing was awarded a Military Approval to fly autonomous cargo missions during the Air Force’s AGILE FLAG 24-1. As part of this Agile Combat Employment (ACE) exercise, Xwing flew over 2,800 autonomous flight miles through public and military airspace, delivering essential cargo to 8 different military and civilian airports across California.

flyExclusive announces $25 Million equity investment

flyExclusive, a provider of premium private jet charter experiences, today announced that it has entered into a securities purchase agreement with an investment vehicle managed by EnTrust Global pursuant to which the Investor purchased 25,000 shares of Series A Non-Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value of $0.0001 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), at a purchase price of $1,000 per share. The Company received approximately $25 million in cash proceeds in connection with the transaction, which closed on March 4, 2024.

“We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with EnTrust Global, a partner that recognizes the significant opportunity flyExclusive has to become the nation’s first vertically integrated private aviation company,” said Jim Segrave, Founder and CEO of flyExclusive. “Expanding our fleet will allow us to further build out our fractional program and bring greater reliability and convenience to our customers.”

Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines agree deal for 8 Boeing 777-9 jets.

Ethiopian Airlines has agreed to purchase eight Boeing 777-9 passenger aircraft with options for 12 additional jets.

Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines confirmed the agreement on Tuesday,  Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO said:  "We are pleased to continue setting the trend in African aviation by adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance our services and customer satisfaction. Improving our operational performance and commitment to environmental sustainability, the 777-9 offers more flexibility, reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions," 

He added: "We are grateful to Boeing for their long-standing partnership and support, and we eagerly anticipate flying the 777-9 across the African skies and beyond."

Based on the 777 and with advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner family, the 777-9 features new carbon-fibre composite wings and engines that will enable the aeroplane to achieve 10% better fuel efficiency and operating costs than the competition. The 777-9 will support Ethiopian Airlines' plans to grow and renew its fleet in size, range and passenger and cargo capacity to reach high-demand markets in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

Ethiopian Airlines has agreed to purchase eight Boeing 777-9 passenger aircraft

Ethiopian Airlines has agreed to purchase eight Boeing 777-9 passenger aircraft with options for 12 additional jets.

Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines confirmed the agreement on Tuesday,  Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO said:  "We are pleased to continue setting the trend in African aviation by adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance our services and customer satisfaction. Improving our operational performance and commitment to environmental sustainability, the 777-9 offers more flexibility, reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions," 

He added: "We are grateful to Boeing for their long-standing partnership and support, and we eagerly anticipate flying the 777-9 across the African skies and beyond."

Based on the 777 and with advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner family, the 777-9 features new carbon-fibre composite wings and engines that will enable the aeroplane to achieve 10% better fuel efficiency and operating costs than the competition. The 777-9 will support Ethiopian Airlines' plans to grow and renew its fleet in size, range and passenger and cargo capacity to reach high-demand markets in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

"Ethiopian Airlines marks yet another first in our longstanding partnership by selecting the 777-9 to be the flagship of its growing fleet," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.

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American Airlines to retrofit Airbus jets to add more seats...

For the past decade, the A321 and A321neo aircraft have flown American’s customers across the U.S. and to short-haul international destinations. American continues to be the largest single-carrier operator in the world of A320 family aircraft.

“The continued investment in the A321neo is a testament to the unprecedented value of the world’s most versatile and capable single-aisle aircraft,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, Airbus. “For nearly two decades, American Airlines has used its A320 family of aircraft, some of which have been produced in the U.S. in Mobile, Alabama, to grow its domestic and short-haul international network and provide an exceptional experience for its passengers and crews.”

The carrier will start retrofitting its A319 and A320 aircraft beginning in 2025. The retrofit will refresh the interior with power at every seat, larger overhead bins and new seats with updated trim and finish.

American’s A319 fleet will be outfitted with more premium seats for a total of 12 domestic first-class seats. The A320 fleet retrofits will increase the aircraft’s domestic first-class seat count to 16.

With the planned refresh of existing aircraft and the expected deliveries of new aircraft, premium seating in American’s fleet is expected to grow by more than 20% by 2026.

Another big Airbus order from American Airlines.

American Airlines orders 85 additional A321neo aircraft

The U.S. mega carrier American Airlines, has signed a big firm order with Airbus for an additional 85 A321neo aircraft, this new order will mean the carrier has commitments for 219 of the type. 

“Over the past decade, we have invested heavily to modernise and simplify our fleet, which is the largest and youngest among U.S. network carriers,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “These orders will continue to fuel our fleet with newer, more efficient aircraft so we can continue to deliver the best network and record-setting operational reliability for our customers.”

“The continued investment in the A321neo is a testament to the unprecedented value of the world’s most versatile and capable single aisle aircraft,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, Airbus. “ For nearly two decades, American Airlines has used its A320 Family of aircraft, some of which have been produced in the U.S. in Mobile, Alabama, to grow its domestic and short-haul international network and provide an exceptional experience for its passengers and crews.”

American Airlines took delivery of its first A321neo in February 2019, and 70 have been delivered as of January 31, 2024. The airline is the world's largest operator of A320 Family aircraft, the world’s largest A321 operator (CEO and NEO) and the largest customer for the A321neo in North America.

Volaris Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter 2023: Net Income of USD $112 million

 Volaris, the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) serving Mexico, the United States, Central, and South America, has announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 20231.

                

Fourth Quarter 2023 Highlights

(All figures are reported in U.S. dollars and compared to 4Q 2022 unless otherwise noted)

Net income of $112 million. Earnings per share of $0.10 and earnings per ADS of $0.97 cents.

Total operating revenues of $899 million, a 10% increase.

Total revenue per available seat mile (TRASM) increased 11% to $9.56 cents.

Available seat miles (ASMs) decreased 1.1% to 9.4 billion.

Total operating expenses of $735 million, representing 82% of total operating revenue.

Total operating expenses per available seat mile (CASM) decreased 2.3% to $7.81 cents.

Average economic fuel cost decreased 16% to $3.13 per gallon.

CASM ex fuel increased 11% to $4.86 cents.

EBITDAR of $281 million, a 35% increase.

EBITDAR margin was 31.3%, an increase of 6.0 percentage points.

Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short-term investments totaled $789 million, representing 24% of the last twelve months’ total operating revenue.

Net debt-to-LTM EBITDAR2 ratio decreased to 3.4x, compared to 3.9x in 2022.

Enrique Beltranena, President & Chief Executive Officer, said: “Throughout 2023, we gained valuable lessons when resizing the operations, capitalizing on strong demand while adjusting our network, and turned a very complex situation into a solid financial result for the fourth quarter. We recorded our highest-ever historical quarterly TRASM and posted a net income of $112 million. Our performance demonstrated resilience in the face of the challenges encountered throughout the year, such as the extended FAA downgrade of Mexico to CAT 2, Pratt & Whitney's engine preventive accelerated inspections, and slot reductions at the Mexico City International Airport. Our proactive strategies and mitigation plan have proven effective.

Looking ahead, 2024 holds promise, as our booking curves and total unit revenues indicate continuing favorable trends aligned with our guidance. We expect that our focus on operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and prudent capacity management will continue to drive profitability.”

Full Year 2023 Highlights3

(All figures are reported in U.S. dollars and compared to FY 2022 unless otherwise noted)

Net income of $8 million. Earnings per share of $0.01 and earnings per ADS of $0.07.

Total operating revenues of $3,259 million, a 14% increase.

Total revenue per available seat mile (TRASM) increased 3.8% to $8.38 cents.

Available seat miles (ASMs) increased 10% to 38.9 billion.

Total operating expenses of $3,036 million, representing 93% of total operating revenue.

Total operating expenses per available seat mile (CASM) decreased 1.7% to $7.81 cents.

Average economic fuel cost decreased 18% to $3.11 per gallon.

CASM ex fuel increased 13% to $4.81 cents.

EBITDAR of $823 million, a 40% increase.

EBITDAR margin was 25.2%, an increase of 4.7 percentage points.

Ukrainian pilots learn to fly F-16 Fighter jets following basic training in the UK

The first cohort of Ukrainian pilots to receive training from the Royal Air Force are now learning to fly F-16 fighter jets, having completed a basic programme of training in the UK. 

The RAF began delivering flying and English language training in August as part of the UK contribution to the international Air Capability Coalition for Ukraine, which will see allies and partners working together to bolster Ukraine’s air capabilities.

The group was formed of six experienced Ukrainian combat fighter pilots who received aviation-specific English language training to increase their ability to engage with coalition training and support.

A further ten Ukrainian trainee pilots took part in the language training but remain in the UK to continue with practical elementary flight training, as well as important skills such as aviation medicine and centrifuge training.

“Combined with training from the world-leading RAF, this is a significant step forward from Ukraine’s current Soviet-era capabilities."

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said, “I am proud of the support the Royal Air Force is providing to the next generation of Ukraine’s combat air pilots and ground crew, who will be the first line of defence in protecting Ukraine’s skies. The UK has been instrumental in building Ukraine’s air defences since Putin launched his full-scale invasion, providing hundreds of missiles and munitions, as well as radar and weapons systems.

Grant Shapps continued: "While Ukraine was highly vulnerable to attack from Russian aircraft, drones, and missiles in the early months of the invasion – with support from the UK and our allies, its Armed Forces are now able to intercept and destroy the overwhelming majority of incoming ordinance – protecting their civilian population and vital infrastructure.

Together we’re now going further by ensuring Ukraine has a credible air force in the future, formed around the highly capable fourth-generation F-16 fighter jet."

The programme is designed to give trainee pilots the skills required to advance to the next phase of training on fighter jets with partner nations and to bring future Ukrainian pilots closer to a NATO standard approach to flying.

These young students are highly motivated and very capable. It is a privilege to be part of the training programme for Ukraine.”

Virgin Australia leadership to transition

Following on from a return to profitability in FY23 and a strong first half of FY24, Virgin Australia Holdings announces that Jayne Hrdlicka, with the Board’s support, has decided now is the time to transition on from the role of CEO.

After nearly four years of intensive work and transformation since the dual challenges of Administration and the onset of COVID-19, Jayne has decided that now is the right juncture to ensure that succession is in place to see the company through a future IPO and beyond.

The Board of Virgin Australia will shortly commence a global search process for a new CEO.

Ms Hrdlicka has led Virgin Australia as CEO since her appointment in 2020 after the airline was acquired out of Administration by Bain Capital and supported by Virgin Group during the COVID-19 pandemic and guided the business out of the unprecedented period of lockdown and back into the skies.

During this period the airline has been repositioned as a value carrier and rebuilt to deliver great choice and value to travellers while also returning the airline to profitability and a sustainable future. Our people have been the centrepiece of this period and have enabled a successful phase one to Virgin Australia’s transformation. Virgin Australia is underway in the second phase of its transformation, targeting continued growth and margin expansion that will underpin ongoing investment in its customer proposition, secure its long-term financial sustainability, and strengthen its competitive position in the Australian market.

Comments from Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka:   “I have decided the time is right for me to signal CEO transition for this great airline and ultimately to pass the baton on. This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but the last 4 years have been heavy lifting across the organisation during the toughest of times. We are in the midst of the next phase of our transformation program and there is a lot to do and an IPO to deliver. The next phase of this journey is another 3-5 years, making now the perfect juncture to begin the process of leadership transition to deliver the next few chapters of what I’m sure will be a significant long-term success story.”

I am very proud of what the Virgin Australia team has accomplished together since the depths of Administration and the COVID-19 pandemic. I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to guide the team to this point on its journey, and I very much look forward to seeing the continued success of Virgin Australia.

Secretary of State for Defence visits RAF Valley

The Secretary of State for Defence visited RAF Valley recently to see the results of £775 million invested in state-of-the-art equipment to train the next generation of pilots.  The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP met flying instructors, student pilots and Engineers from BAE, Babcock and Ascent, and as a keen pilot himself also flew the Hawk T2 simulator on a low-level flight.

“The sobering events taking place 1500 miles to the east of us, underscore the importance of RAF Valley’s work to both UK Defence and to our NATO Allies."

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said, "There is a real sense of purpose about this place, it is buzzing with activity and one quickly gains a sense that RAF Valley is fully connected to the front-line and committed to meeting future operational needs, in the form of producing first class, front-line fighter pilots of the highest quality, in the required quantity, and getting them where they are needed in a timely manner.

The new investments at Valley totalling £775 million - that are being directed into engineering support for Hawk and the new Texan training facility, will strengthen this endeavour. They also underline MoD and Government commitment to jobs and skills in North Wales; guaranteeing existing jobs and nurturing the next generation of Engineering apprentices - of which a great many are locally recruited.”

The Defence Secretary was visiting RAF Valley as part of a wider visit to North Wales. He was met by the RAF Head of Flying Training - Air Commodore Sharrocks, and the Station Commander RAF Valley - Group Captain Hoare.

The Secretary of State was keen to witness how the RAF is training the next generation of fast jet pilots and also to assess for himself the impact of recent investment in flying training and the efforts to increase the throughput of pilots to the trained strength in a timely manner.

Envoy IV CC Mk1

The Envoy name reflects the role of the aircraft in defence diplomacy and relationship building and is a nod to previous Envoy aircraft in RAF service. The original Envoy aircraft in RAF service was the Airspeed Envoy, first flown in 1934. It was a twin-engine light transport aircraft, used by the RAF across Marks I, II (as the Oxford) and III, before and during World War 2 in the communications role; one of which served with the ‘Kings Flight’, the precursor to today’s No 32 (The Royal) Squadron.

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Emirates A380 lands in Austria

                     The Emirates A380 has returned to  Vienna again after a break of nearly four years and carrying more than 400 passengers to the Austrian capital. Emirates has become the only air carrier to operate the double-decker at Vienna International Airport, a significant milestone in the history of the partnership between the two entities.

The iconic aircraft landed on Austrian soil for the first time back in 2014 to mark the 10th anniversary of Emirates’ operations in Austria, followed by a scheduled A380 service in 2016 between Dubai and Vienna.

"We are delighted to bring our A380 back on the Vienna-Dubai route and offer our passengers the incomparable experience on board the popular aircraft. The A380 is Emirates' flagship aircraft and a fan-favourite among passengers around the world. The return of the double-decker marks a milestone for Emirates’ operations in Austria and demonstrates the significance of our market in Emirates’ global route network," says Elisabeth Zauner, Country Manager Emirates Austria, on the resumption of the scheduled Emirates A380 operations to Vienna.

Julian Jäger, Joint CEO of Vienna Airport, is also enthusiastic about the return of the Emirates A380: "I am delighted that the Emirates A380 is back in regular service to Vienna. The world's largest passenger aircraft is a highlight for all travellers and a great enrichment for Vienna Airport. The associated increase in capacity is a further sign of the strengthening of connections to the Near and Middle East and is good for tourism to and from Austria."

RAF Poseidon aircraft conducts training in Iceland

A Poseidon P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft based at RAF Lossiemouth has conducted training with the United States Navy and the Icelandic Coast Guard flying from Keflavik Iceland.

The Poseidon from 120 Squadron, a part of the RAF Poseidon Force, conducted training as part of Exercise Icelandic Falcon.  Also taking part was a second P8 flown by the US Navy’s Patrol Squadron 9 (VP-9), the “Golden Eagles”. This squadron is based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington on the US west coast.  

The RAF objective of the exercise was to continue the development of overseas training by the Poseidon Force as they approach Full Operating Capability. The deployment was also part of the Force’s Agile Combat Employment Capability development. This was demonstrated by the aircraft deploying with 13 aircrew to conduct the sorties and eight ground engineers to maintain and prepare the aircraft.

Another element of the exercise was to conduct cooperative Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) training with the US Navy who were flying a second Poseidon. The Poseidon sorties were controlled from the Icelandic Coast Guard-operated Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) at Keflavik. This CRC is integrated into the wider NATO Air defence system.

“Ex Icelandic Falcon is a high-value training event providing the CXX Squadron crew the opportunity to work closely with our Allies in the North Atlantic theatre.  

Squadron Leader ‘Barbs’ Barber, RAF Detachment Commander said: "We were excellently hosted by the Icelandic Coast Guard and worked closely with the US Navy to conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare training missions to improve our interoperability and ability to operate in cold climates.  The RAF Poseidon engineering team did a great job in ensuring the jet performed as expected throughout the detachment and the air and ground crews gained a huge amount of experience from this deployment."

Airbus and TotalEnergies sign strategic partnership for sustainable aviation fuels

Airbus and TotalEnergies have signed a strategic partnership to address the challenges of decarbonising aviation through sustainable aviation fuels.

 

In line with the objective of achieving net carbon neutrality of aviation by 2050, this partnership aims to contribute to the reduction of the sector's CO2 emissions, in which Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) play a key role. SAF supplied by TotalEnergies can reduce up to 90% CO2 emissions over their lifecycle compared to their fossil fuel equivalent.

 

The partnership will cover two main areas:

The supply by TotalEnergies of sustainable aviation fuels for more than half of Airbus' needs in Europe.

A research and innovation programme aimed at developing 100% sustainable fuels tailored to the design of current and future aircraft. The impact of the composition of sustainable aviation fuels on the reduction of CO2 emissions and non-CO2 effects, such as contrails, will also be studied.

Airbus and TotalEnergies confirm their common ambition to promote SAF technology and to strengthen their collaboration to decarbonise the aviation industry:

TotalEnergies has been supplying the SAF used by Airbus for its aircraft deliveries in Toulouse since 2016.

TotalEnergies also supplied the fuel for several first SAF flights with Airbus aircraft:

In May 2021, the 1st long-haul flight using French-produced SAF with an A350 between Paris and Montreal;

In November 2021, the first flight of a H225 helicopter, from the "Super Puma" family, using 100% SAF;

In March 2023, the first A321neo flight with 100% SAF.

Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies, said: "The development of sustainable aviation fuels is at the heart of our Company's transition strategy. We are happy to form a strategic alliance with Airbus to play our part in meeting the challenge of aviation decarbonization together. TotalEnergies has been working hard to respond to the sector’s new demand for a reduced carbon footprint. Our Company has set itself a target of 1.5 million tons of annual SAF production by 2030".

JetSMART opts for Pratt & Whitney GTF engines to power its latest order of Airbus jets

RTX subsidiary Pratt & Whitney, has revealed JetSMART has selected GTF engines to power an additional 35 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, including nine A321XLR aircraft. Pratt & Whitney will also provide JetSMART with GTF engine maintenance through an EngineWise® Comprehensive service agreement. 

JetSMART, an ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC), selected the GTF engine to power 70 A320neo family aircraft in June 2019. The airline also operates an additional 15 leased GTF powered A320neo family aircraft and a fleet of 11 A320ceo family aircraft powered by the V2500® engine.

"We are building upon our collaboration with JetSMART as they drive continued expansion in the Latin American market," said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. "With unmatched fuel efficiency, payload and range, GTF engines will enable JetSMART to open new routes across South America and fly more people, farther, with less fuel and lower carbon emissions."