AerCap leased, purchased and Sold 70 aircraft in the first quarter of 2021

AerCap, a global leader in aircraft leasing with one of the most attractive order books in the industry, serving approximately 200 customers in approximately 80 countries with comprehensive fleet solutions, has released details of its performance during the first quarter of the year.

The company has its headquarters in Dublin with offices in Shannon, Los Angeles, Singapore, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, Seattle and Toulouse.

Signed lease agreements for 60 aircraft, including 28 widebody aircraft and 32 narrowbody aircraft.

Purchased 1 aircraft, 1 Embraer E2.

Executed sale transactions for 9 aircraft, including 2 Airbus A320 Family aircraft, 1 Airbus A330, 2 Boeing 737NGs, 1 Boeing 787-8 and 3 Boeing 767-300ERs from AerCap's owned portfolio.

Issued $1 billion of 5-year senior unsecured notes with a 1.75% coupon.

Entered into a definitive agreement with General Electric (NYSE:GE) under which AerCap will acquire 100% of GE Capital Aviation Services ("GECAS"), a GE business, as previously announced. Entered into a bridge credit agreement, term loan agreement and revolving credit agreement for an aggregate amount of $28.4 billion associated with the acquisition of GECAS.

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Frost & Sullivan Analyses Airport Commercial Operations across the World

By analyzing macro and micro factors affecting operations, any airport can identify risks, growth opportunities, and the competition.

Frost & Sullivan has developed an Airport Commercial Situational Awareness Report (ACSAR) to provide a standardized framework covering all aspects involved with airports. It includes insights on airports from six regions—Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America—categorized under four tiers based on passenger volume. This study establishes a fundamental tool that generates commercial awareness of the region, area, competition, customers and airport. By analyzing macro and micro factors affecting operations, any airport can identify risks to be mitigated, growth opportunities, and the competition. This is especially important in terms of route network development in the wake of the pandemic and for the future.

New order for 10 Challenger 350 business jets as demand sky rockets!

Arrival in Malta. Photo VistaJet International 

VistaJet, a global business aviation company has taken delivery of the first two of its Global 7500 aircraft, which is designed to open up longer non-stop routes for its customers.

VistaJet is the first company to provide a fleet of Global 7500 and expects to have a fleet of up to 12 aircraft arriving during the next two years.  

The firm has also ordered 10 new Challenger 350 planes, from long-standing partner Bombardier and the majority of which are expected to be delivered through 2022. These aircraft, VistaJet says, will help to meet the "growing and urgent demand from corporates and executives who are interested in the super-mid segment — VistaJet has seen a surge of nearly 50% in corporate interest globally since July 2020".  The Challenger 350 is seen as an integral part of VistaJet’s super-midsize range.

American Airlines forms new partnership to encourage a new generation of explorers........

Glacier National Park  Photo AA

                      One of the nations leading airlines, American, has formed a new partnership with the National Park Foundation to encourage exploration of some of the most iconic natural wonders, historic sites, and cultural treasures in the U.S..

“The National Park Foundation helps protect some of the most treasured travel destinations in the United States and shares many of the priorities we have as a company,” said Alison Taylor, Chief Customer Officer for American. “Like the National Park Foundation, we value exploration, sustainability and access for all to the experiences our world has to offer. We relish the chance to support their work, and we look forward to creating opportunities for our customers to do the same.”

Currently, the mega-carrier is the only airline partner of the National Park Foundation and will support the organization’s efforts to inspire a sense of wonder and a love of exploration in America’s national parks, encouraging people of all ages to spend time outdoors.

Airlines 4 Europe issue a roadmap to restore air travel for summer 2021.

One year into the COVID-19 pandemic and faced with new variants and a third wave in most of Europe, we continue to be faced with diverging national requirements, often introduced at very short notice. As European associations representing the aviation sector,1 we call for a truly coordinated approach among European Member States, providing transparency and predictability for citizens and businesses 2.

European airlines and the wider aviation sector, as well as travellers need to understand the rules that will be in place to have the necessary confidence to plan and book their summer holidays. Recent polling 3 showed that 54% of Europeans aim to take a trip before the end of July 2021, revealing the strong pent-up demand for mobility. Among this group, 41% wish to travel to another European country, underlining the benefit of a common EU approach.

The ongoing rollout of vaccination and increasing levels of protection among the population should be reflected in a common approach and progressive removal of national travel restrictions. Similarly, the proposed Digital Green Certificate will contribute to restore freedom of movement.

Jet It Partners with HeartGift to Provide Life-Saving Heart Surgery to Children Around the World

Jet It, a private, hybrid ownership aviation firm, founded by Houston native and former United States Air Force Pilot Glenn Gonzales, has partnered with HeartGift to provide life-saving heart surgeries to children around the world.

Through this partnership, Jet It will provide funds and awareness to help support HeartGift's mission of providing access to care for children born in developing countries with congenital heart defects and very little access to care. Since inception, HeartGift has provided life-saving heart surgery to 500 children from 35 countries with medical partners Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Dell Children's Medical Center and other children's hospitals in San Antonio, New Orleans and abroad. For the children HeartGift serves, just one surgery can save their life, but it is not available where they live geographically.  

Finnair Plus members to use award points on the ePassi app in Finland.

It just got a whole lot easier for Finnair Plus members to spend their points when out and a bout in Finland.  From today, 7th April, the airline has arranged with ePassi, to allow Finnair Plus members to use award points on the ePassi app in Finland. 

ePassi is a leading mobile payments provider with 25,000 merchants in Finland and this is just the first phase of the partnership, Finnair Plus members can buy services from over 15,000 sport, culture, and wellbeing providers all over Finland using the ePassi app. Later in 2021, restaurants will also be available with points. Currently, Finnair Plus members can pay the total sum for a service in points and later it will be possible to combine points and money.  

Karolina Baszarkiewicz, Head of Loyalty, Finnair, said: “There’s a Finnair Plus member in every household in Finland and we want the programme to be relevant beyond flying. ePassi’s coverage across the country allows us to achieve that with ease. 

Japan Airlines retires all its 777 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney engines.....

Japan Airlines (JAL) has decided to bring forward the retirement of its fleet of Pratt & Whitney - P & W powered Boeing 777 aircraft, scheduled for March next year to now. The carrier made a short statement to advise the type is now retired and would not be returning to normal scheduled operations.

Over 25 years after JAL took delivery of its first Boeing 777 in 1996, the carrier has operated Pratt & Whitney (P&W) equipped Boeing 777-200 and 777-300.

In response to the incident involving an engine failure on JL904 on December 4, 2020, operating from Okinawa Naha to Tokyo Haneda airport, and the United Airlines incident involving an engine failure on February 20,2021, Japan Airlines has suspended the operations of Boeing 777 equipped with identical P&W manufactured engines. We will continue to fully cooperate and respond to the investigation by the Japan Transport Safety Board to determine the cause of the incident.

JAL has decided to accelerate the retirement of all P&W equipped Boeing 777 by March 2021, which is originally planned by March 2022. 

To address this issue, the carrier introduces state-of-the-art A350-900 with low noise and fuel-efficient engines to Osaka (Itami) routes, and put International aircraft on domestic routes, so that the carrier can maintain the frequency of flights.  "The flights scheduled to be operated by the same type of aircraft will be changed to the alternative aircraft in order. Due to the change in aircraft, your seat number may be changed without prior notice."  the airline said. 

The airline has also recently updated its international flying schedule from now until the end of September.  

Avolon's first quarter highlights

One of the leading aircraft leasing firms, Avolon,  has released the highlights of its operations during the first quarter of this year, 

The company, with its HQ in Ireland and offices in the United States, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai, completed 31 lease transactions during the quarter.  These were made up of new lease deals,  follow-ons and lease extensions as airlines start to emerge from the global shutdown following the pandemic.

Avolon provides aircraft leasing and lease management services to a wide variety of airline clients around the world.  It is the world’s third-largest aircraft leasing business with an owned, managed and committed fleet, as of 31 March 2021 of 842 aircraft.

Q1 Highlights  

 

-       Executed a total of 31 lease transactions in the quarter comprising new aircraft leases, follow-on leases and lease extensions;

 

-       Entered into Letters of Intent for the placement of 27 owned aircraft;

 

-       Sold 2 aircraft during the quarter;

 

-       Delivered a total of 8 new aircraft to 6 customers and transitioned 3 aircraft to follow-on lessees;

 

-       Ended the first quarter with a total of 146 airline customers operating in 61 countries;

 

-       Agreed an option to defer 34 single-aisle and 3 twin-aisle order book commitments from the 2022/23 period to 2025 and beyond, and;

 

-       Owned and managed a fleet of 578 aircraft at quarter-end, with total orders and commitments for 264 fuel-efficient, new technology aircraft.

 

Total available liquidity of approximately $7 billion at quarter-end;

 

Closed a private offering of senior unsecured notes, with an aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion, and historically low coupon rates of 2.125% and 2.75% for 2026 and 2028 maturities respectively, and;

 

Proactively repaid approximately $740 million of secured debt, $470 million of which continues to be available through revolving facilities.

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Ethiopian Airlines builds success on A350 “Preighter”

The East African airline has continued to fly and create new business since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the A350-900 is part of this success.

Some 60 percent of the world’s fleet was grounded in 2020 due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on air transport, as aviation industry estimates show. The impact of the pandemic took a noticeable effect from March 2020 when the number of flights dropped significantly, as a direct consequence of the collapse in passenger demand.

Most companies booked massive financial losses, making 2020 the worst year in the aviation industry financially speaking. Interestingly, Ethiopian Airlines was among those which remained “cash positive” during this period.

 

Cargo boost to operations

March 2020 is precisely the month when Ethiopian started to operate its first cargo-only service on a passenger aircraft. The Addis Ababa-based carrier made the crucial decision to temporarily convert part of its fleet to carry cargo rather than passengers. Since then, the company has boosted its capacity on cargo operations.

This remarkable agility at all levels of the company enabled Ethiopian to meet the cargo demand which was increasing at that time. Its “preighters” – passenger aircraft carrying cargo in the cabin - transported tonnes of masks and medical products, as well as industrial products and goods such as mobile phones, IT equipment, and clothing.

In a recent communication, the company indicated it had “operated 5,645 cargo flights on the cabin of passenger aircraft and transported more than 121,750 tonnes of cargo across its vast global network. The flights added an immense value to the total of 33,182 flights and 735,869 tonnes of cargo transported during the period from March 25, 2020 to March 25,2021”.

 

Iberia becomes first airline to go live with IATA Travel Pass in Europe-Latin America routes

The leading Spanish airline and part of IAG, Iberia is working with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on the development of the digital health passport known as the IATA Travel Pass, and it will be the first airline to launch it in Europe-Latin America routes, specifically in Uruguay, on its Madrid-Montevideo flights.

The IATA Travel Pass provides a consistent, predictable, and safe framework on a global basis with the dual aims of simplifying the travel experience and encouraging people to fly, while also streamlining the process of verifying the requisite health documents.

 

Uruguay is the country chosen for launching this application and Iberia customers flying to Montevideo will be the first to try it out.

IATA Travel Pass is a smartphone application that helps passengers to store, manage, and verify their Covid-19 test results, and soon vaccination certificates.

At the airport, they will enjoy a simpler and safer travel experience when they show the IATA Travel Pass, without any physical contact, and with the certainty that are in compliance with the health requisites of their country of destination.

Quironprevención with Recoletas Red Hospitalaria and the Health area of ARQUIMEA are the laboratories taking part in the IATA Travel Pass trial being conducted by Iberia.

 

, American Airlines is planning to fly all its planes in May

With the rise of vaccination forecasted to bring travelling back to normalcy, Americans are eager to take a much-needed vacation. According to a finance website survey, 57 percent of consumers have a trip planned for 2021, with 16 percent saying they booked the trip right after hearing that the COVID-19 vaccine rollout had begun. Moreover, recent data from travel search site Kayak showed that Caribbean destinations are the most searched international destinations out of US airports.

In response to the uptick, American Airlines is planning to fly all its planes in May. The company is working to increase flight frequencies and cities across its network, including a rapid expansion in Latin America and the Caribbean.

"We're optimistic for the summer of 2021," said Julie Rath, American Airlines vice president of customer experience. "So, we're optimistic that we'll continue to see travel and especially leisure travel as we've been seeing recently, continue to increase," she added.

United Airlines aims for new impressive diversity goal

United Airlines, the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, will begin accepting applications today as it embarks on an ambitious plan to train 5,000 new pilots by 2030, at least half of them women and people of colour. Backed by scholarship commitments from United Airlines and JPMorgan Chase, United Aviate Academy will create opportunities for thousands of students, including women and people of colour to pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot, one of the most lucrative careers in the industry.

In addition, for those United Aviate Academy students who may need additional financing, United has partnered with Sallie Mae to offer private student loans to ensure that no highly-qualified, highly-motivated, eligible applicants will be turned away solely because they can't afford to enrol. United Aviate Academy expects to enrol 100 students in 2021.

"Over the next decade, United will train 5,000 pilots who will be guaranteed a job with United, after they complete the requirements of the Aviate program – and our plan is for half of them to be women and people of colour," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "We're excited that JPMorgan Chase has agreed to support our work to diversify our pilot ranks and create new opportunities for thousands of women and people of colour who want to pursue a career in aviation."

Leading US airline wants to support new explorers with a tie up with National Park Foundation

Glacier National Park  Photo AA

                      One of the nations leading airlines, American, has formed a new partnership with the National Park Foundation to encourage exploration of some of the most iconic natural wonders, historic sites, and cultural treasures in the U.S..

“The National Park Foundation helps protect some of the most treasured travel destinations in the United States and shares many of the priorities we have as a company,” said Alison Taylor, Chief Customer Officer for American. “Like the National Park Foundation, we value exploration, sustainability and access for all to the experiences our world has to offer. We relish the chance to support their work, and we look forward to creating opportunities for our customers to do the same.”

Currently, the mega-carrier is the only airline partner of the National Park Foundation and will support the organization’s efforts to inspire a sense of wonder and a love of exploration in America’s national parks, encouraging people of all ages to spend time outdoors.

ATOL Spring 2021 renewals - new ATOL data published......

The UK Civil Aviation Authority confirms that of the 742 ATOL licences that expired on 31 March 2021, 554 have been renewed, with a further 89 still in the process. This means that, in total, there are now 1,662 ATOL holders overall.

Michael Budge, Head of ATOL Licensing at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said “We would like to thank those travel companies that submitted their application and supporting information for renewal in good time as well as engaging constructively with us regarding licensing requirements.”

“We have continued to focus on ensuring the appropriate protection of advance customer monies and requiring ATOL holders to maintain adequate liquidity to meet future obligations. Where appropriate, certain conditions were required to meet these obligations.”

Travel businesses that were not due to renew their ATOL licence during this renewals period should apply in good time before the 30 September 2021 expiry date.  Therefore, it is important that ATOL holders continue to work closely with the Civil Aviation Authority, so that we can support in the best interest of consumers.

 

ATOL Licences as of 31 March 2020 ATOL Licences as of 31 March 2021

805 742

Did not apply 2020 Did not apply 2021

55 (7%) 99* (13%)

Granted 2020 Granted 2021

704 (87%) 554 (75%)

Applied but not yet renewed - 1 April 2020 Applied but not yet renewed - 1 April 2021

46 (6%) 89** (12%)

 

Numbers above: At close of business 1 April 2021

* Includes 23 trade ATOL holders that no longer require to hold an ATOL licence.

** 44 of these submitted applications within the last 10 business days of March 2021.

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Finnair Plus members can use points at over ePassi 15,000 merchants in Finland

It just got a whole lot easier for Finnair Plus members to spend their points when out and a bout in Finland.  From today, 7th April, the airline has arranged with ePassi, to allow Finnair Plus members to use award points on the ePassi app in Finland. 

ePassi is a leading mobile payments provider with 25,000 merchants in Finland and this is just the first phase of the partnership, Finnair Plus members can buy services from over 15,000 sport, culture, and wellbeing providers all over Finland using the ePassi app. Later in 2021, restaurants will also be available with points. Currently, Finnair Plus members can pay the total sum for a service in points and later it will be possible to combine points and money.  

Karolina Baszarkiewicz, Head of Loyalty, Finnair, said: “There’s a Finnair Plus member in every household in Finland and we want the programme to be relevant beyond flying. ePassi’s coverage across the country allows us to achieve that with ease. 

JetBlue set to reinvent transatlantic economy travel.

In Partnership with Dig, JetBlue Changes the Airplane Food Game with New Seatback Ordering and Build-Your-Own Meal Made with Thoughtfully Sourced, Seasonal Ingredients

JetBlue’s Single-Aisle Airbus A321LR with Airspace by Airbus Interior Enables Attentive Boutique-Style Service with Plenty of Personal Space, Including the Most Legroom in Coach (a)

Unlimited, Free High-Speed Wi-Fi and Live TV Keep Customers in Both Mint and Core Connected Across the Pond

New York's hometown airline JetBlue has released more details regarding its forthcoming transatlantic flight offering. When the carrier launches flights to London later this year, it will bring a whole new level of service and comfort to customers who want a great experience at a low fare.

“From generous personal space, to our innovative build-your-own dining concept, every detail has been thoughtfully designed and will be made even better with the attentive service standards that a single-aisle aircraft allows,” said Jayne O’Brien, head of marketing and loyalty, JetBlue. “We know all too well the pain points of international flying – the dreaded center section, the ‘choice’ of assembly-line chicken or beef, and the lack of connectivity. JetBlue is ready to change all that with our take on transatlantic travel where you are well taken care of and fully connected if you want to be.”

JetBlue’s transatlantic flights will feature its newest innovation – a build-your-own meal designed by the New York-based restaurant group, Dig. In addition to the new complimentary meal service, JetBlue customers will be delighted by the same spacious seating the airline has become known for in the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America. JetBlue’s transatlantic flights will feature the most legroom in coach and seats that are wider than those found on most wide-body aircraft.

Customers in both core and Mint – JetBlue’s recently refreshed premium experience – will be able to stay connected throughout the flight with the airline’s popular unlimited, free high-speed Wi-Fi. In addition, customers will have access to a curated selection of live TV channels focused on news and sports, and an extensive library of seatback entertainment – allowing customers to have a multiple screen experience onboard, just like they do at home.

UK Civil Aviation Authority launches EASA-to-UK pilot licence conversion process

New details of how to transfer a licence published 

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has launched a simplified process to allow pilots who transferred their licence and medical certificate to an EU member state in preparation for the end of the transition period to get their UK licence back. 

Thousands of pilots transferred their documents to European member states in preparation for the end of the transition period in order to allow them to continue operating EU-registered aircraft. 

Now that the UK has left the European aviation system, pilots are able to hold both a UK and European licence - something that was not possible under European regulations. 

The new process is available to any pilot who held an EASA flight crew licence before the end of the transition period. 

Rob Bishton, Director at the Civil Aviation Authority, said: “I am really pleased we are able to offer this simplified route for pilots wishing to hold both a UK and EASA licence. We know it was a tough decision for many pilots when they transferred their licences to another European member state and hope they will make use of this opportunity.”

More details on the process can be found here.  

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Japan Airlines updates schedule, axes 777s and take part in COVID app trials.

Japan Airlines (JAL) has decided to bring forward the retirement of its fleet of Pratt & Whitney - P & W powered Boeing 777 aircraft, scheduled for March next year to now. The carrier made a short statement to advise the type is now retired and would not be returning to normal scheduled operations.

Over 25 years after JAL took delivery of its first Boeing 777 in 1996, the carrier has operated Pratt & Whitney (P&W) equipped Boeing 777-200 and 777-300.

In response to the incident involving an engine failure on JL904 on December 4, 2020, operating from Okinawa Naha to Tokyo Haneda airport, and the United Airlines incident involving an engine failure on February 20,2021, Japan Airlines has suspended the operations of Boeing 777 equipped with identical P&W manufactured engines. We will continue to fully cooperate and respond to the investigation by the Japan Transport Safety Board to determine the cause of the incident.

JAL has decided to accelerate the retirement of all P&W equipped Boeing 777 by March 2021, which is originally planned by March 2022. 

To address this issue, the carrier introduces state-of-the-art A350-900 with low noise and fuel-efficient engines to Osaka (Itami) routes, and put International aircraft on domestic routes, so that the carrier can maintain the frequency of flights.  "The flights scheduled to be operated by the same type of aircraft will be changed to the alternative aircraft in order. Due to the change in aircraft, your seat number may be changed without prior notice."  the airline said. 

The airline has also recently updated its international flying schedule from now until the end of September.  

Cathay Pacific ready to help bring Hong Kong residents home from the UK

Cathay Pacific welcomes partial relaxation of quarantine measures for passengers

Cathay Pacific stands ready to support the operation of special flights to bring Hong Kong residents home from the United Kingdom. The flights (CX2252) will be departing from London Heathrow on 21 and 28 April 2021. Seats will be available for booking on 8 April via cathaypacific.com.

We also welcome the relaxation of quarantine measures for customers returning from low-risk places, as this will help facilitate travel activities.

Providing a safe travel environment has remained our absolute priority throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We have introduced an array of hygiene measures across all aspects of the journey under our Cathay Care commitment.

We are proud of the incredible efforts of our aircrew to ensure that strict hygiene standards are adhered to across all aspects of our operations. As Hong Kong’s home airline, we strongly encourage all of our employees, including aircrew, to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their families.

We support the vaccination programme in Hong Kong and believe vaccination is pivotal to the resumption of regular air travel, the return of normal life for everyone in society and the recovery of Hong Kong's economy. We look forward to welcoming our customers on board our flights soon.

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