VINCI Airports wins bid to run Manaus airport and 6 other airports in Brazil

· Seven airports which welcomed almost 4.7 million passengers in 2019, including 3 million at Manaus international airport

· Crucial mobility and connectivity infrastructures for the country

· Strong environmental agenda

Portal da Copa, CC BY 3.0 br

On completion of a call for tenders initiated by ANAC (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil), VINCI Airports was today awarded a 30-year concession for seven airports of the North region of Brazil: Manaus, Porto Velho, Rio Branco, Boa Vista, Cruzeiro do Sul, Tabatinga and Téfé.

Gateway to the Amazon region and neighbouring Brazilian states, these airports welcomed 4.7 million passengers in 2019. They are essential for opening up a vast region of 3.8 million km2.

In addition to ensuring the operations, maintenance and modernization of terminals and runways, VINCI Airports will also transform these airports into eco-efficient infrastructures:

- net-zero emissions goal,

- set-up of photovoltaic farms,

- waste and water management,

- establishment of biodiversity laboratories,

- carbon sinks projects with local NGOs.

Wyndham Adds New Private Island Beach Resort in the Caribbean With Second Conversion to its Trademark Collection in Belize

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with over 8,900 hotels across nearly 95 countries, today announces the opening of Turtle Island Beach Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham in Belize. The hotel operated by Wyndham Hotels & Resort’s management division is set on a private island on the west side of pristine Ambergris Caye, just five minutes by boat from San Pedro Town. Owned by Castle Capital Investment LTD, the resort marks the third Wyndham-branded hotel in Belize and the second hotel on the island to convert to the Trademark Collection by Wyndham.

Launched in 2017, Trademark Collection by Wyndham is designed for travellers seeking distinctive, attainable accommodations in sought-after destinations, with each Trademark hotel maintaining its own unique attributes. The addition in Belize is the latest in the brand’s fast growth trajectory around the world over the past four years, with approximately 115 hotels in the U.S., Canada, Belize, Mexico, Sint Maarten, Curacao, Australia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Belgium.

Star Alliance Lounge Hygiene Standards Rolled Out

 

Star Alliance is working to ensure that visiting a Star Alliance lounge anywhere in the world is safe and relaxing.

Passengers will notice the following measures in place to further protect their health and wellbeing when travelling with Star Alliance

    Social Distancing

        Lounge capacity will be restricted to ensure social distancing, with specific seating to remain unoccupied. 

        Some amenities and facilities may be temporarily unavailable due to social distancing restrictions. 

         

    Personal Protective Equipment

        It is a requirement that customers use facial masks while in the lounge, of a type approved by local regulators.  

        Lounge staff are required to use facial masks along with appropriate protective food preparation and cleaning gear.

     

Airports in the Netherlands will start electric flying

Eindhoven Airport, Rotterdam The Hague Airport and Groningen Airport Eelde are going to carry out tests with electric flying. The trial is supported by the Royal Schiphol Group and NLR - Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre. In the shared learning environment 'Power Up', the aim is for the airports to gain knowledge of the feasibility, potential and handling of electric flights. The test results will be used for research into the operation of scheduled flights with aircraft powered by electricity, to connect regions and create a dense network within Europe. It is expected that the first electric passenger flights will be operated between airports in the Netherlands within five years.

Potential of electric flying

Electric flying is a technically and economically feasible, and fast means of transport to connect regions, initially 500 kilometres apart, and with the potential of extending to 1000-kilometre distances. This became apparent from research recently carried out by M3 Consultancy, the results of which point to the rapid development of this technology. The aim is to first experiment with 4-seater to 9-seater aircraft in the Netherlands, and eventually to build a dense European network and to operate with larger aircraft.

Airports in the Netherlands are joining forces

Roel Hellemons, CEO of Eindhoven Airport: “With this trial, we wish to jointly play an active role in the development of innovations in aviation. We are starting in the Netherlands where we can gain knowledge and experience in a controlled environment so that it can be used in the further rollout of electric flying within Europe. The trial is also important for the region. In addition to the fast connections that are created, electric flying offers opportunities for the Brainport region in terms of employment in, for example, charging systems.”

CEO Ron Louwerse of Rotterdam The Hague Airport: “We are extremely proud to join this consortium. As one of the drivers of aviation innovation with our Rotterdam The Hague Innovation Airport (RHIA) foundation, we have been developing small aircraft powered by electricity for just over two years, together with Royal NLR and TU Delft, via (hybrid) electric, but also with hydrogen. We are happy to contribute our data and research results and we will gladly continue to develop electric passenger air transport together with our existing partnerships and expertise in this consortium. With several Dutch airports working together, we hope to be able to speed up this process."

"Groningen Airport Eelde launched the NXT Airport initiative in January. We have the ambition to make the airport more sustainable. This cooperation fits in perfectly with our ambition: electric flights from Groningen Airport Eelde within five years! We believe it is important to do this together with other airports, so that sustainable connections are created between the important regions in Europe in the future. In the north of The Netherlands we have a great deal of knowledge and initiatives in the field of hydrogen technology. Groningen Airport Eelde will therefore focus on the potential of electric flying on green hydrogen," says Meiltje de Groot, CEO of Groningen Airport Eelde.

“In this way, the Dutch airports are creating a learning environment for electric flying and, at this early stage, are starting to develop knowledge in the field. With The Netherlands as the testing ground for aviation, the knife cuts two ways, our international competitive position and employment opportunities grow, and our knowledge base and business climate are strengthened. " says Dick Benschop, President & CEO of the Royal Schiphol Group.

"There is a great need for demonstration projects," says Michel Peters, CEO of Royal NLR. "This trial fits well with our own research into the possibility of increasing the flight range of an all-electric aircraft using hydrogen. We also want to get grips with the 'electric turnaround'. These are procedures and actions to deploy a (hybrid) electric aircraft safely, efficiently and effectively. Steps to demonstrate the feasibility of electric flying."

Cooperation in the regions

The trial is supported by Brainport Development and Brabant Development Agency. For the project Power Up, the airports are also looking for collaboration with innovative companies and start-ups. Power Up offers economic opportunities for the regions and for business, by entering into innovative partnerships. We are talking about, for example, opportunities in the field of Battery technology, electric aircraft engines and charging systems, and possibilities in the field of hydrogen technology and infrastructure.

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First quarter results for BOC

BOC Aviation Limited, the aircraft leasing firm has released its operational transactions for the quarter ended 31 March 2021.   

 

Transactions Summary 

 

·         A total fleet of 549 aircraft owned, managed and on order1,2, with our owned and managed portfolio exceeding 400 aircraft for the first time

·         An average aircraft age of 3.6 years and an average remaining lease term of 8.5 years for the 366 owned aircraft fleet, weighted by net book value

·         Order book of 144 aircraft1,2

·         Executed a total of 45 transactions in the first quarter of 2021:  

·           Took delivery of 17 aircraft (including three acquired by airline customers on delivery)

·           Sold six owned and one managed aircraft

·           Committed to purchase eight Airbus A320NEO aircraft

·           Signed 13 lease commitments

·         Customer base of 86 airlines in 38 countries and regions in the owned and managed portfolios

·         Managed fleet comprised 39 aircraft, with three single-aisle aircraft off lease

·         Owned aircraft utilisation at 99.8% for the quarter ended 31 March 2021, with two single-aisle aircraft off lease

Domestic routes to resume as City Airport gears up for the Great British Summer

Key regional connections restored between London City and three Scottish cities in boost for domestic tourism.

BA CityFlyer to restart flights to Edinburgh on 15th April 

Loganair’s route to Dundee to resume from 16th April

BA CityFlyer to resume flying to Glasgow on 17th May 

London City Airport (LCY) has welcomed the restoration of key regional routes, with flights to resume to Edinburgh, Glasgow (both with British Airways) and Dundee (with Loganair), re-establishing important domestic connectivity and tourism links between Scotland and the heart of London.

As momentum starts to build ahead of the summer and the potential restart of international travel, British Airways operated by BA CityFlyer (BACF), will resume flying to Edinburgh on 15th April and Glasgow from 17th May. Both routes will start with two rotations per week, but as the UK gears up for the summer holiday, the expectation is that frequencies will increase. 

Separately, Loganair has announced that it will resume operating the only direct flight between Dundee and London from 16th April. It too will operate with two rotations per week initially, enabling Dundonians to travel from the Tay to the Thames in less than two hours.  

                 Check out Best Staycations in Ireland

Air Cargo Demand Up 9% in February Compared to Pre-COVID Levels

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released February 2021 data for global air cargo markets showing that air cargo demand continued to outperform pre-COVID levels with demand up 9% over February 2019. February demand also showed strong month-on-month growth over January 2021 levels. Volumes have now returned to 2018 levels seen prior to the US-China trade war. 

Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted all comparisons to follow are to February 2019 which followed a normal demand pattern.

 

Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs*), was up 9% compared to February 2019 and +1.5% compared to January 2021. All regions except for Latin America saw an improvement in air cargo demand compared to pre-COVID levels and North America and Africa were the strongest performers.

The recovery in global capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTKs), stalled owing to new capacity cuts on the passenger side as governments tightened travel restrictions due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases. Capacity shrank 14.9% compared to February 2019. 

The operating conditions remain supportive for air cargo:

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Flexjet Grows Private Terminal Network in Van Nuys, California

Photo Dylan Patrick Photography

The Latest Private Terminal Opens at One of the World’s Busiest General Aviation Airports

3,000-Square-Foot Lounge Pays Homage to Van Nuys’ Local Aviation History

Other Flexjet Private Terminals Include White Plains, NY, Naples, FL and West Palm Beach, FL

More Private Terminals to Open and be Announced Later This Year

Flexjet LLC, a global leader in private jet travel, today announced the expansion of its private terminal network at the Van Nuys airport in Los Angeles, California. The company’s fourth terminal is on the Clay Lacy Executive Complex and features a 3,000 square-foot lounge available exclusively to Flexjet clients.

“In choosing to locate our Van Nuys private terminal at the Clay Lacy Executive Complex, we are able to offer our clients one of the most premium, private and secure locations,” said Flexjet Chief Operating Officer Megan Wolf. “And expanding our network of private terminals offers our clients another retreat as they travel with us.”

Flexjet’s growing network of private terminals gives its clients the opportunity to experience on the ground, the Red Label by Flexjet premium comfort and customization they enjoy in flight. Red Label by Flexjet mirrors a private flying experience that is as rewarding and empowering as owning one’s own aircraft, bridging the gap between traditional fractional ownership programs and whole-aircraft ownership.

Alaska Airlines to open new exec lounge at San Francisco International Airport this summer 2021.

Alaska Airlines guests will have the opportunity to relax in the new Alaska Lounge at San Francisco International Airport by late summer, as the airline announces updated plans for Bay Area travellers. Under this new plan, Alaska will move into the former American Airlines Admirals Club space in Terminal 2, enabling the airline to open a new lounge just as guests start to return to travel.

"We're always looking for ways to be more responsive to our guests and offer amenities that make travel more relaxing. SFO has been the top-requested Alaska Lounge location by our guests for years," said Sangita Woerner, Alaska Airlines' senior vice president of marketing and guest experience. "So many people are dreaming of travel this year, so we want to open up our newest Alaska Lounge as quickly and efficiently as possible – and renovating this space in Terminal 2 allows us to do that."   

The announcement comes as Alaska Airlines continues to expand its presence in the Bay Area. Alaska now operates more than 80 daily flights out of the Bay Area (including SFO, San Jose and Oakland) and has more than 1,700 Bay Area-based employees. In June, Alaska will begin service to Anchorage and Bozeman, Montana, from SFO. Other recent service announcements include:

Recently resumed service to Honolulu and Maui from SFO as of April 4

Resumed service to Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta from SJC in early April

New service to Missoula, Mont., from SJC starting in May

Ethiopian Airlines is 75..................Celebrating 75 years of excellence

Ethiopian Airline Group, the largest Pan-African aviation group, celebrates its 75th anniversary today, April 8, 2021. Ethiopian made its maiden international flight on April  8, 1946, to Cairo. Since then, the Airline overcame the ups and downs of the aviation industry and the challenges unique to Africa to become Africa’s largest, most profitable and award-winning Aviation Group. Ethiopian kicks off a yearlong celebration under the theme “Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence”. 

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr Tewolde GebreMariam said, “As we celebrate 75 years of excellence, we take stock of our accomplishments over three-quarters of a century. Among the many firsts introduced by Ethiopian are the first Jet aircraft in Africa, the first East Africa to West  Africa scheduled flight, the first airline from the Western Hemisphere to fly to China, the first scheduled service between the capitals of the most populous nations in the world (from New Delhi to Beijing), the first airline in Africa to introduce the B767, B777-200LR, B787(the Dreamliner) and later on the A350 to Africa. Today, our industry faces a serious challenge posed by COVID 19. The route we chose to overcome this challenge is to tighten our belt, change the way we do business and be agile. We remain the only commercial airline that hasn’t sought a government bailout and didn’t lay off a single employee. I would like to take this opportunity to cement our commitment to sustainable aviation and continue to work with all stakeholders to enhance Africa’s air connectivity. While congratulating all Ethiopian families, I would like to thank our esteemed  customers for their strong vote of confidence, their loyalty and support.’’ 

Ethiopian attributes its success to the four pillars of its growth strategy. These pillars are human resource development, modern fleet, infrastructure development and technology. It will continue to focus on these pillars with renewed emphasis on sustainability. It will also continue partnering with other African airlines and governments to create a robust,  competitive airline industry in Africa by sharing its technical and management expertise. 

Happy Birthday, Ethiopian Airlines. ....

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Airbus and TNO to develop aircraft laser communication terminal

Airbus and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) have launched a programme to develop a laser communication terminal demonstrator for aircraft, known as UltraAir.

The project, which is co-financed by Airbus, TNO and the Netherlands Space Office (NSO), is part of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ScyLight (Secure and Laser communication technology) programme. It covers the design, construction and testing of the technology demonstrator. Laser communication technologies are the next revolution in satellite communications (satcom), bringing unprecedented transmission rates, data security and resilience to meet commercial needs in the next decade.

First of five Boeing 737 MAX jets delivered to Belavia

The leasing giant Air Lease Corporation has confirmed the delivery of five Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to Belavia-Belarusian Airlines. The jet,  which is on a long term lease with the carrier is powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines, and is the first of five of the type to be delivered to Belavia from ALC’s order book with Boeing.

“ALC is pleased to confirm this historic and significant transaction with Belavia, delivering the airline’s first 737-8 today,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation.  “Our team introduced the Boeing 737 aircraft family to Belavia 18 years ago and now we are delighted to announce the first of five new 737-8s on long-term lease with the airline.”

Two new routes from London City Airport from British Airways...... Gibraltar and Jersey added to the destinations on offer.

British Airways has today announced the launch of two new routes to Jersey and Gibraltar from London City Airport.

Operating initially over the summer period, the routes will launch on 25 June, 2021. Two flights a week will operate to Jersey and Gibraltar – on Mondays and Fridays - offering important air links for business travellers, holiday makers and those visiting friends and relatives as regulations ease, as well as for cargo.

With fares starting from just £42 to Jersey and £43 to Gibraltar each way*, customers can book from today via ba.com. Customers benefit from British Airways’ flexible booking policy, offering customers no change fees or a voucher exchange for bookings made for travel before the end of April 2022, giving customers a large variety of options should their plans change.

A new airline will be coming to Toronto's Billy Bishop City Airport this October.......

A new airline is all set to start operating this October, from Billy Bishop City Airport in Toronto in direct competition with Porter which also operates out of the same city centre airport. And, just like Porter,  this new airline will be using Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft to service various destinations in the Northeast and the Midwest areas of the United States.

The new carrier will be called Connect Airlines and is the brainchild of Waltzing Matilda Aviation (WMA) which is an FAA licensed Part 135 private jet charter operator based in Bedford,  Massachusetts. The company has been going since June 2008 and has operated thousands of hours of safe and reliable flying out of the Boston area.

WMA owns and operates both its own aircraft as well as managed aircraft and believes in utilizing the latest technology to ensure the safest operations. The current aircraft are equipped with the latest avionics that allows for landings with lower visibility conditions than most aircraft.

Connect Airlines aims to offer a premium style service for day-tripping business travellers direct into Toronto's downtown island Billy Bishop airport, subject to regulatory approvals.  John Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of WMA, comments: "We are passionate about how aviation brings people, cultures and business together. Especially in these challenging times, we are committed to delivering the world's most rewarding premium travel experience with safety, service, convenience and reliability."

IAG Cargo celebrates its 10-year anniversary

IAG Cargo marks its tenth anniversary, following a decade of expansion and innovation

 

The merger between British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo offered customers a ‘one-stop’ shop – creating a truly global network through the carriers in the IAG group spanning five continents

 

With the integration of Vueling, Level and Aer Lingus the business has transported cargo on almost 1 million flights (950,000) to over 450 destinations

 

08 April 2021 – This month, IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), celebrates its tenth anniversary – marking a decade of transporting vital shipments safely and efficiently for customers across the world.

 

IAG Cargo was created in 2011 following the merger of British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo, bringing together two distinct brands focused on providing a quality services for their customers to unlock the full potential of their networks. Since then, IAG Cargo’s mission – to be ‘always moving’ – has led it to become one of the largest cargo operators in the world, serving key sectors of the global economy including ecommerce, tech, manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceutical and aerospace. 

 

In total, in the last decade it is estimated that IAG Cargo has served nearly 14,000 freight forwarders, operated 950,000 flights, transporting millions of tonnes of cargo and flown to over 450 destinations worldwide using 30 models of aircraft.  Today, the business is trusted by some of the world’s best known brands to transport their precious cargo, from ancient artefacts for The British Museum, endangered animals for BornFree, vaccine shipments for Biological E to airplane parts for Boeing.

 

Allegiant to open new crew and aircraft base in Austin

The U.S. low-cost carrier Allegiant has announced plans to establish a base of operations at the South Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). The Las Vegas-based company will invest $75 million to establish the new base in Austin, creating at least 89 high-wage jobs and housIng three Airbus A320 aircraft.

The budget airline which focuses on linking travellers in small-to-medium cities to world-class leisure destinations plans to begin its base operations in Austin on November 18, 2021.

"Austin has been a really exciting location for Allegiant – not only do leisure travellers appreciate having convenient access to the incredible music scene, cultural and historic attractions the community has to offer, but local residents have also flocked to our affordable, nonstop flights for their travel needs," said Drew Wells, Allegiant's senior vice president of revenue. "It makes perfect sense to establish a permanent base in Austin, further establishing Allegiant as a hometown airline in a city we love and where we plan to grow. Having locally-based operations will mean opportunities for expanded hours, as well as more – and more frequent – flight offerings for visitors and locals alike."

Air passenger traffic fell in February 2021 - compared to pre-COVID levels and January 2021.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that passenger traffic fell in February 2021, both compared to pre-COVID levels and compared to the immediate month prior. 

Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted all comparisons are to February 2019, which followed a normal demand pattern.

 

Total demand for air travel in February 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was down 74.7% compared to February 2019. That was worse than the 72.2% decline recorded in January 2021 versus two years ago. 

 

Brazil's GOL releases preliminary traffic figures for March 2021

GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A., Brazil's largest domestic airline, has released details of its preliminary air traffic figures for the month of March 2021, compared to the same period in 2020.

During March, GOL operated an average of 245 flights per day, and adjusted frequencies to match lower demand in its hubs in Congonhas (São Paulo), Galeão (Rio de Janeiro), Brasília (Distrito Federal), Fortaleza (Ceará) and Salvador (Bahia). GOL remains disciplined in its leadership of the market.

March/21 x February/21 Highlights:  

In the domestic market in March 2021, demand (RPK) for GOL's flights decreased 32% over February 2021 and supply (ASK) decreased by 23% over February 2021, primarily due to a reduction in the demand for airline tickets and an increase in cancellations and no-shows deriving from the effects of a second wave of Covid-19. GOL's domestic load factor was 71.8% in March.

GOL did not operate regular international flights during the month.

U.S. Air Force selects Collins Aerospace to modernize B-52 wheels and brakes

A US Air Force B-52                                                                     Photo US Air Force

The U.S. Air Force is extending the operational service life of the B-52 Stratofortress into the 2050s, and therefore it has selected Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies business, to design and develop a new wheel and carbon brake for the platform, leading to fleet retrofit of vintage 77 aircraft.

Collins will design the new wheel and carbon brake for the B-52H using the company's proprietary DURACARB® carbon heat sink material. With its increased wear life, DURACARB® will allow the Stratofortress to conduct more landings per overhaul, helping to reduce maintenance time and cost while increasing aircraft availability. DURACARB®'s ability to handle higher thermal energy loads during braking will also increase the safety margin when stopping heavily-loaded B-52s. 

"Since the first Stratofortress variant took flight in the 1950s, Collins Aerospace has been onboard," said Ajay Mahajan, vice president, Landing Systems for Collins Aerospace. "Our world-class engineers will develop a solution that offers seamless technology insertion to help sustain the B-52 as it continues flying for another three decades."

Southwest Airlines Cargo gets top honour from Airforwarders Association for the 12th consecutive year

 Southwest Airlines Co. Cargo is being honoured for its consistent work delivering outstanding service for its Customers in 2020. The carrier recently was named the Airforwarders Association's Domestic Airline of the Year for the 12th consecutive year. The Airforwarders Association ranked Southwest Airlines® at the top of its list for the airline's superior operational performance, service offerings, and overall value for air cargo Customers.

"This past year brought unprecedented challenges, and through it all our People prevailed with an unwavering commitment to deliver the Hospitality and Customer Service that sets Southwest Cargo® ahead of its competitors," said Wally Devereaux, Managing Director, Southwest Cargo and Charters. "I'm so thankful for our incredible Team across the entire Southwest organization for always taking care of our Customers and each other."

"Over the past year, our membership, and the industry as a whole, faced incredible challenges that completely changed the way we conduct business," said Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association. "Through this period of turbulence and uncertainty, we have consistently been impressed with how Southwest Cargo has risen to the challenge to provide exemplary service. Southwest Cargo continues to demonstrate innovation, agility, and an admirable commitment to excellence."

In 2020, Southwest Cargo also celebrated the launch of its new commodity tracking system, giving Customers peace-of-mind with a confirmed onboard status of shipments and timely updates as their freight moves from its origin to destination.

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