Remotely piloted aircraft to operate from RAF Waddington this summer

This summer personnel at RAF Waddington will receive a glimpse of the future when a SkyGuardian aircraft, a pre-production example of the new Protector Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), will operate from the Lincolnshire station.

The UK has ordered the first three Protector RG Mk 1 systems (three aircraft, three ground control stations and supporting equipment) as the first phase of the acquisition, with the additional 13 aircraft, four ground control stations and support equipment expected this year.

Operating in the UK will assist in the development of the revolutionary Detect and Avoid technology which will permit Protector to fly in all UK airspace safely. It will also allow the RAF to refine the requirements needed to fully integrate Protector operations into Waddington where the RPAS will operate alongside the based fixed wing aircraft.

W Hotels Opens the Doors to W Melbourne

It’s time to press play. W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, opened the doors to Melbourne’s first luxury lifestyle hotel – W Melbourne – at 408 Flinders Lane. In the heart of an eclectic dining and edgy fashion district, W Melbourne brings the community’s iconic laneway culture and emerging music scene to life. Inspired by the contrasts of the city, the hotel slowly reveals itself to visitors as guests peel back layers to unearth the unique personality of each space.

“Melbourne is the perfect locale for the playfully luxe spirit of the W brand and we could not be more excited to unveil this highly anticipated hotel to the world,” said Jennie Toh, Vice President of Brand Marketing and Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Marriott International. ”From its unique, locally inspired design to its eclectic lineup of restaurants and bars, W Melbourne is destined to redefine the luxury hotel scene here and become a must-go destination for travelers and local scene-stealers alike.”

KLM, Shell and Dutch ministry for Infrastructure and Water Management celebrate the first passenger flight performed with sustainable synthetic kerosene

For the first time worldwide, a passenger flight partly flown on sustainably produced synthetic kerosene, was carried out in The Netherlands. This was announced today during the international conference on Synthetic Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) in The Hague. Shell, producer of the sustainable kerosene and KLM, operating the flight, presented this showcase during the meeting initiated by Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, Dutch Minister for Infrastructure and Water Management. European politicians, policymakers, representatives from the business community, the (aviation) industry and NGOs participated at the conference.

The Netherlands is one of the leading countries in Europe that aim to boost the development and application of sustainable aviation fuels to make aviation more sustainable. The Netherlands wants to stimulate the development and application of sustainable aviation fuels (biofuels and synthetic kerosene) so European airlines will be able to fly entirely on sustainable fuel by 2050. The Dutch government supports various initiatives to stimulate production and use and thereby make it commercially viable. The construction of the first European factory for sustainable biokerosene in Delfzijl, The Netherlands, for which SkyNRG is collaborating with KLM, Schiphol Airport and SHV Energy, is one example.

500 liters delivered, refueled and used

JAL Successfully Operates a Commercial Flight Using Sustainable Aviation Fuel Produced in Japan

Japan Airlines (JAL), a recognized Eco-First company by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan, reiterated its commitment to further preserve the environment by operating a commercial flight from Tokyo Haneda to Fukuoka airport using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The product was a blend of traditional jet kerosene and SAF produced in Japan.

In October 2018, JAL launched a project to convert cotton clothing into SAF, produced within the country of Japan. During the project, 50 local companies helped collect approximately 250,000 pieces of clothing and with the technical support from Green Earth Institute Co., Ltd. and using a bioprocess technology developed by the Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE), a domestically produced SAF was successfully created in March 2020.

Details

Date: February 4, 2021

Flight Number: JL319

Route: Tokyo Haneda to Fukuoka (Departure 13:00)

Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-8 (JA849J)

Lufthansa Crew returns to Munich from record breaking long flight to the Falkland Islands

The crew of the Lufthansa record-breaking flight received a very warm “welcome back” upon their return in Germany. After landing at Munich Airport, the Airbus A350-900 was greeted by the fire department with a water salute. The Lufthansa crew was welcomed by Stefan Kreuzpaintner, Lufthansa Chief Commercial Officer & Hub Manager Munich, along with the CEO of the airport, Jost Lammers.

Last Sunday, 31 January, the 16-member crew led by Flight Captain Rolf Uzat departed on the longest nonstop flight in the history of Lufthansa. The flight time from Hamburg to the Mount Pleasant military base on the Falkland Islands took exactly 15:26 hours for the 13,700-kilometer route.

The return flight was another record-breaker: The Airbus A350-900 “Braun-schweig” completed the 13,400-kilometer route in 14:03 hours. In the history of Munich Airport, this was the first aircraft to ever land after operating such a long distance without having a stopover. On board today’s special flight were 40 passengers from the crew of the research vessel “Polarstern”, who flew back home on behalf of the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) in Bremerhaven (Germany).

Because the hygiene requirements for this flight were extremely strict, this round-trip will go down in the history of Lufthansa: The passengers and crew were required to quarantine for two weeks before this flight in a hotel in Bremerhaven. The entire duty trip took a total of 20 days for the crew; no other crew had recently completed more duty days coherently.

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Just 280,000 people flew with SAS during January

SAS saw less passengers in January as a direct consequence of increased travel restrictions

During January, 280,000 passengers flew with SAS, a decrease of 28% compared to December, when demand was higher during the holidays. Compared to January last year, the number of passengers decreased by some 85%. Compared to December, SAS' capacity decreased by 15%, which corresponds to a decrease of almost 78% compared to last year. The load factor was 30%, a decrease of about 3 percentage points compared to December and 37 percentage points in comparison to last year.

“During January, new travel restrictions have been introduced at short notice in Scandinavia and the rest of the EU. This means that as of February 1, all SAS’ international destinations have either requirement for quarantine, requirements for a negative PCR test or a general entry ban for non-residents. Reintroduced and extended travel restrictions have significantly reduced the demand for air travel and has forced SAS to adapt both the offered destinations and departures to the prevailing conditions. The increased restrictions mean that we estimate that demand, and thus our capacity, will remain at low levels for the rest of the winter season” says Rickard Gustafson, CEO SAS.

SWISS serves ordinary notice to terminate pilots’ CLA and offers new negotiations

                                          SWISS has terminated its negotiations with the Aeropers pilots’ association on temporary crisis measures in response to the coronavirus pandemic without reaching a result. Aeropers was not prepared to make sufficient concessions for the crisis years. In the light of this, SWISS has served ordinary notice to terminate the present collective labour agreement (CLA) for its cockpit personnel on 31 March 2022. SWISS remains committed to its social partnership, and is offering negotiations on a new CLA.

Like the rest of the global airline industry, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has been severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. In the first nine months of 2020 the company sustained an operating loss of more than CHF 400 million and saw its passenger numbers decline by around 70 per cent. On top of this, the company is currently drawing on a state-backed bank loan facility of up to CHF 1.5 billion which it plans to repay as soon as possible.

In response to these developments, SWISS has subjected itself to a rigorous cost-saving programme. Substantial cost economies are essential in all corporate areas. And with these aims in mind, crisis agreements extending over several years have been concluded with the company’s social partners for its ground and its cabin personnel.

Delta to keep the middle seat free until the end of April

The U.S. mega-carrier Delta Air Lines is continuing its industry-leading commitment to keep the middle seat free and both protect passengers and give them more space. 

Delta is the only U.S. airline to block middle seats and limit capacity on all flights departing through April 30, 2021, ensuring customers can confidently plan and book their spring travel. 

Delta has blocked middle seats and reduced the number of customers on board each flight since April 2020.

The airline has consistently listened to its customers and prioritized their preferences by offering more space through seat blocking and reducing the overall number of people on board each flight since April 2020. 

SG Blocks to Provide Testing Services to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

COVID-19 Antigen Testing is now being deployed in the Tom Bradley International Terminal for Travellers

SG Blocks, Inc. a leading designer, innovator and fabricator of container-based structures, announced today that it will offer travelers rapid antigen testing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for COVID-19 via Clarity Mobile Ventures, the joint endeavor between SG Blocks and Clarity Diagnostics.

“We are excited to continue to expand our healthcare testing services with Clarity’s highly rated Antigen test which is best in class. The Netherlands has instituted very clear and rigorous testing protocols for those wishing to enter the country, and we are excited to work with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and their passengers,” said SG Blocks Chairman & CEO Paul Galvin. “Working alongside specific airlines and LAX entities has been extremely rewarding in that we have been able to help various segments of the travel industry get back on their feet during a very tough time for everyone.”

Commencing Tuesday, February 9, testing will be offered 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Testing appointments can be booked online and paid for at claritymv.com. The testing will be focused on serving KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, though testing will be available for all passengers.

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Magellan Aerospace and General Electric Aviation Canada Sign Memorandum of Understanding for F414 Engine Sustainment in Support of Boeing Super Hornet Bid for Canada Future Fighter Competition

Magellan Aerospace Corporation announced this week, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with General Electric Aviation Canada for the purpose of exploring an arrangement whereby GE Canada would support Magellan in establishing and delivering a Canadian-based sustainment solution for the GE F414-GE-400 engine, which powers Boeing’s F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet fighter jet. This initiative is in support of Boeing’s proposal to provide the Block III Super Hornet as a solution for Canada’s Future Fighter Capability Project. 

Under this MOU, with the selection of the Super Hornet for the FFCP, GE Canada and Magellan would develop an appropriate and competitive sustainment solution for Canada which would provide all aircraft engine sustainment services for the Royal Canadian Air Force (“RCAF”) on their F414 engine fleet. The in-country depot level sustainment support for the engines includes onsite maintenance, repair and overhaul (“MR&O”) support services, technical services, and engineering support and would be performed in Magellan’s facility in Mississauga, Ontario for the life of the program. This engine sustainment work for Magellan aligns with the objectives outlined in Canada’s FFCP ITB requirement and will continue to provide high-value, high-complexity jobs in Ontario, Canada.

Tuvoli Acquisition of FlyEasy Expands Technology Access for Charter Operators and Brokers

Tuvoli’s customers gain an expanded set of capabilities with FlyEasy’s empty leg search, automated marketing suite, and customer nurturing tools.

Instant guaranteed payments when making flight services transactions will remain a vital tool for Tuvoli members

-Tuvoli, an open technology platform that enables charter aircraft brokers and operators to seamlessly buy, sell and pay for flights, announced today its acquisition of FlyEasy, an advanced software aviation solution provider. The acquisition will increase the services available to Tuvoli’s clients including FlyEasy’s map-based business aviation search platform and marketing tools.

Tuvoli was founded in 2019 with a mission to bring leading-edge technology to a broader segment of the air charter industry. Charter brokers and operators on the platform have been able to buy or sell flights with secure and instant payment facilitation through either a desktop web experience or on their mobile devices.

Qantas and Alliance Airlines agree on capacity deal

Deal with Alliance Airlines to provide capacity using recently acquired Embraer E190s aircraft from mid-2021.

The E190 offers right range and size to better service routes linking regional centres with smaller capital cities.

Flexibility to increase or decrease capacity provided by Alliance depending on market conditions.

Opportunity for Qantas Group crew to fly E190s with Alliance while international markets recover.

A new deal with Alliance Airlines will help the Qantas Group meet an expected surge in local tourism demand once the country moves beyond sudden COVID-related border closures.

Alliance will provide the QantasLink network with flexible capacity using its recently acquired Embraer E190 aircraft – a 94 seat jet with a five-hour range that is well suited to linking regional centres with smaller capital cities.

Initial routes that Alliance will fly are expected to include Adelaide–Alice Springs, Darwin–Alice Springs and Darwin–Adelaide. Passengers can expect an increase in frequency made possible by the size, range and economics of the E190 compared to the Boeing 737s that are currently used on these routes; the 737s will be redeployed elsewhere in Australia as part an ongoing ‘right aircraft, right route’ approach to the Group’s network.

Qantas has signed a three year deal with Alliance to access three E190s based in Darwin and Adelaide. The timing will depend on the rate of recovery in travel demand but is currently expected to start in June 2021, once the vast majority of the Qantas Domestic flying has returned to pre-COVID levels.

Delta TechOps marks latest next-generation engine maintenance milestone

Delta TechOps aviation maintenance technicians recently completed the first engine visit of a Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine

The next-generation engine types completed testing at the world’s largest MRO test cell at the Atlanta Technical Operations center, marking the first of many visits in the decades ahead

Delta TechOps teams achieved a major milestone this week by completing the first engine maintenance visit of a Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine from a Delta A330-900neo at its state-of-the-art Technical Operations Center in Atlanta.

The repair marks the first of many Trent 7000 engine repairs to come through Delta TechOps’ maintenance facility. While this first engine came directly from Delta’s fleet, Delta TechOps will perform maintenance on Trent 7000 engines from airline customers around the world.

Rolls-Royce engines – the Trent 1000, Trent 7000, Trent XWB and BR715

Finnair Traffic Performance in January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic impact was clearly visible in the January passenger traffic figures, strong cargo performance continued

In January, Finnair carried 85,600 passengers, which was 92.4% less than in the corresponding period of 2020 and 7.5% less than in December 2020. The COVID-19 impact, including the exceptionally strict travel restrictions imposed by several countries, still affected all passenger traffic figures. It was visible especially in the North Atlantic figures (no scheduled passenger flights in January).

The overall capacity measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) decreased in January by 89.8% year-on-year. Finnair operated 74 daily flights (cargo-only included) on average which was 20.8% compared to January 2020. The differences between capacity figures are explained by the shorter operated flights on average and by the smaller gauge of operated aircraft compared to January 2020. Finnair's traffic measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs) decreased by 96.7%. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) decreased by 52.6% points to 25.4%.

Airbus deliveries in January 2021

The European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has released details of its commercial aircraft deliveries for January this year.

For a full listing including details on customers and regions, as well as historical data for the previous year can be downloaded here.

January 2021 deliveries: 

21 deliveries to 15 customers 

3 A220,

16 A320 Family (4 ceo, 12 neo), 

1 A330neo, 

1 A350,

January 2021 orders: No new orders

January 2021 cancelations: No cancelations

January 2021 Backlog: 7,163 aircraft

2021 deliveries to date: 21 deliveries to 15 customers  

 

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Las Vegas based Allegiant released details of its 2020 financial results........

The Las Vegas based Allegiant Travel Company has just reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2020,  one of the most challenging years the aviation industry has ever faced.

The carrier finished the quarter with an adjusted loss per share of $1.12 - an improvement of 81 percent when compared to the second quarter with total revenue of $247 million, up 85 percent from the second quarter. 

During the last quarter, the average load factor was  58.2 percent and the airline says forward bookings are showing improvements in both loads and revenue, although the carrier's management remains cautious about the future recovery.  

"With the close of the fourth quarter, we completed the most challenging year the industry has faced in its history," stated Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., chairman and CEO of Allegiant Travel Company. "We still have a long road ahead to a full recovery, but we are gaining momentum and moving in the right direction. We finished the quarter with an adjusted loss per share of $1.12 - an improvement of 81 percent when compared to our second quarter lows. The fourth quarter continued the trend of sequential improvement to total revenue, which came in at $247 million, up 85 percent from the second quarter. Similar improvements were seen in load factor at 58.2 percent. Booking trends suggest we will continue to see both revenue and load improvements into the first quarter."

KC-135 Stratotankers; fuelling the fight as Red Flag 21-1 integrates space, cyberspace for joint all-domain operations training

Photo by Airman 1st Class Dwane Young

Red Flag 21-1 is well underway. Pilots, crew members and maintainers look to find their stride within the frenetic pace of day and night missions. Those who look to the skies over Nellis AFB can bear witness to the revolving door of aircrafts constantly taking off and landing.

Tasked with refueling these aircraft is an integrated team from the 906th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS), Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, and the 91st ARS, MacDill AFB, Florida, and their KC-135 Stratotankers.

The KC-135 Stratotanker has provided aerial refueling for the United States Air Force, joint partners and allied nation aircraft for more than 50 years.

“This is my first Red Flag, and it’s amazing,” said Senior Airman Edwin Mensah, 906th ARS boom operator. “I’ve been refueling aircraft for five years now, but you really don’t get to do it at this level unless you deploy.”

Red Flag provides essential training for its participants, but for Capt. Titan Miller, 906th ARS KC-135 pilot, it also serves as a benchmark of accomplishment.

Miller participated in Red Flag ten years ago as a Boom Operator and now returns as a KC-135 pilot.

“This moment for me is a dream realized,” said Miller. “Red Flag is designed to give you critical experience and no matter the job you perform, after you leave here, you leave better.”

Photo by Airman 1st Class Dwane Young

Airbus helicopters rise to the challenge of getting COVID-19 vaccine to remote areas

The speed and extraordinary ability of helicopters to reach remote locations make them an essential component for accomplishing the last leg of the logistical challenge involved in distributing COVID-19 vaccines to isolated areas.

Today, more than 30 countries are engaged in mass vaccination campaigns to protect populations against the coronavirus, with Airbus-built rotorcraft providing vital airlift services in locations around the world. Many Airbus helicopter types are being deployed by military services, government agencies and civil operators – from the single-engine, H125 light utility version to the twin-engine heavy-lift H225M.

Chile: Civil and military helicopters for a common goal

Since the end of 2020, Chilean authorities have been deploying helicopters and aircraft to distribute Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines in different regions of the country. This airlift includes a BK117 from the Prefectura Aérea de Carabineros and a Chilean Navy AS365 Panther, pictured left.

"The H125 offers many benefits for getting vaccines to remote and high-altitude locations."

José Luis Bendicho, Suma Air’s General Manager

Additionally, a Suma Air H125 (pictured top) transported 85 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from Santiago to Quillota Hospital. “The helicopter is an excellent alternative to transferring vaccines in optimal conditions – providing a fast, timely and efficient way to reach locations that would be difficult to access without the proper means of transportation,” explained José Luis Bendicho, General Manager of Suma Air. “The H125 offers many benefits for getting vaccines to remote and high-altitude locations.”

Firebirds training in southwestern US highlights C-17 capabilities

Photo Photo by Airman 1st Class Faith Schaefer

On the morning of Jan. 8, 2021, 13 U.S. Airmen, all assigned to the 517th Airlift Squadron, boarded a C-17A Globemaster III aircraft and flew from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to March Air Reserve Base, California. Their mission: to train and prepare for global operations in a deployed environment, reports Samuel Colvin.

The crew brought computers, printers, projectors and other supplies with them to set up a mobile mission-planning cell (MMPC) to plan airlift operations in a simulated austere environment. An MMPC kit can be set up anywhere in the world to plan airlift operations in locations where a well-established network may not be available.

The week of training focused on Agile Combat Employment (ACE), an operational concept designed to develop Airmen to become multi-functional and operate from smaller, tactical-level forces to increase combat capability.

Just 8 Norwegian aircraft flew in January.......... 10% of flights departed late....

The struggling budget carrier Norwegian has released details of its operating performance in January, which demonstrated that 10% of the airline's flights departed late, despite only operating an average of just eight aircraft over the month. 

Just 74,224 people flew with the airline in the first month of the year,  down some 96 percent compared to the same period last year and the carriers load factor was a dismal 35.9 percent. 

Norwegian operated eight aircraft on average in January, mainly on domestic routes in Norway. Surprisingly the company operated 96.8 percent of its scheduled flights in January, whereof only 90.4 percent departed on time.

Jacob Schram, CEO of Norwegian, said: “The pandemic continues to have a negative impact on our business as travel restrictions remain. We are doing everything in our power to come out of the examinership as a stronger, more competitive airline and we look forward to welcoming more customers on board as travel restrictions are lifted.”

The airline is under fire from unions in a number of countries for walking away from paying proper redundancy payments to staff that were laid off when the firm decided it was pulling the plug on its long-haul operations. The company is also accused of siphoning off money to various subsidiary and associated companies in a concerted effort to avoid paying up for its responsibilities. Whilst it is commonplace for airlines to get ground European regulations by opening up sideline companies in different countries to employ local staff on lower rates of pay and less favourable terms, many former staff are calling for an enquiry by both the Norwegian and European authorities into the practice.

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