ACG deliver the 6th of 10 Airbus jets to SAS

Aviation Capital Group, one of the world’s premier full-service aircraft asset managers with over 490 owned, managed and committed aircraft as of September 30, 2023, leased to roughly 90 airlines in approximately 45 countries, has just confirmed the delivery of one new Airbus A320neo to SAS.

The jet aircraft is on long-term lease to Scandinavian Airlines and is powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines. This is the sixth of ten aircraft scheduled to be delivered to the airline as part of a multiple-aircraft sale-leaseback transaction between ACG and SAS.

Life House picked to operate three boutique hotels in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Life House is set to manage three distinguished hotels in Pagosa Springs: The Nightingale Motel, High Creek Lodge, and Pagosa River Domes. 

This initiative comes as part of a collaboration with Utah-based Elan Capital Partners, who hold an impressive portfolio of hospitality properties across the nation. The partnership not only accentuates Life House's ability to blend local charm with advanced hotel management techniques, but also positions the operator as a frontrunner for hoteliers seeking a partner with a proven track record of enhancing guest experience and operational efficiency. The partnership will blend Life House’s proven expertise in hospitality with the existing local charm and character of each property.

The Nightingale Motel has long been a cornerstone of Pagosa Springs, known for its retro charm and modern amenities. High Creek Lodge is situated on an expansive and stunning plot of land. The Pagosa River Domes offer a distinct experience, with geodesic domes placed along the serene banks of the San Juan River. Life House's commitment to crafting local, authentic experiences aligns seamlessly with the ethos of these three Pagosa Springs properties. This collaboration is set to enhance the offerings for guests, ensuring that each stay is curated, comfortable, and memorable.

Rami Zeidan, CEO of Life House, shared, “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Elan Capital Partners and to be chosen to execute their investment thesis and vision for the guest experience.”

Life House is a vertically integrated hotel management & technology company focused on serving small and medium independent hotels with institutional quality service. Life House uses advanced software & operating systems to increase profitability and reliability for independent hotels throughout North America. Life House was founded in 2017 by real estate, hospitality, and technology veterans and is backed by world renowned private equity and venture investors.

Flight trials integrate uncrewed aircraft into controlled airspace

A partnership of aviation leaders come together to demonstrate that uncrewed aircraft can be safely integrated into controlled airspace among piloted aircraft through multiple test flights.

A partnership of aviation leaders has successfully completed a first-of-its-kind trial, including a series of test flights aimed at evaluating the operational integration of uncrewed aircraft flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) into controlled airspace. The successful completion of these trial test flights in New Zealand demonstrates that safe, uncrewed flight operations are possible, today, in controlled airspace among other piloted aircraft.

Through this trial program, the partnership has established a safe process for uncrewed aircraft to access controlled airspace and created a significant new understanding and capability for commercial autonomous flight operations. The trials offer key insights for regulators and industry players globally to facilitate further testing and inform rule-making.

Led by Wisk Aero, the trials included the New Zealand Government and industry partners, including Insitu Pacific as the approved Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operator, the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) as the regulatory observer and Part 102 approver, Airways New Zealand as the air navigation service provider alongside Airways International’s uncrewed traffic management (UTM) system AirShare, and indigenous-led aerospace venture, Tāwhaki, providing the flight testing site.

The latest test flights were part of Wisk’s multi-phased testing programme under the New Zealand Government’s Airspace Integration Trial Programme (AITP). This latest phase of testing involved multiple flights that took place between November 17 and December 1, 2023, which demonstrated that a RPA can be operated under instrument flight rules (IFR) in controlled airspace and integrated with regular crewed traffic. The flights took place at the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre at Kaitorete, involving take-offs, landings, and uncontrolled and controlled airspace navigation.

“The successful completion of this phase of testing demonstrates that it is possible to safely integrate autonomous aircraft into controlled airspace that is shared with piloted aircraft,” said Catherine MacGowan, Wisk’s Vice President of APAC and Air Operations. “The processes, data, and learnings from these trial flights will help shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and the broader aviation industry.”

Air Canada offers air-to-rail deals to explore Europe

Providing convenient intermodal airport connections to France's SNCF Voyageurs, Germany's Deutsche Bahn, Swiss Federal Railways in Switzerland, or ÖBB in Austria when booking flights

The launch of the new intermodal offering puts thousands of exciting destinations within easy reach

Rail travel offers sustainable options to major European destinations

Leading Canadian legacy carrier, Air Canada has announced new air-to-rail booking options for customers to connect at European airports with four major passenger rail systems, making it convenient to explore the continent. Through new railway and distribution partnerships, Air Canada customers, when purchasing flights, can now also easily book onward rail trips to a multitude of destinations throughout France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria to create a seamless travel itinerary.

"As a leading global airline, Air Canada excels at flying, but we also know intermodal connections can enrich the travel experience through added convenience and by promoting sustainability. In offering easy onward airport connections with the national rail systems in France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria, we are creating intermodal hubs and opening the door for customers to reach stations at major cities and popular destinations throughout these countries. Moreover, by facilitating the use of rail for the short-haul segments of our customers' journeys, we can provide sustainable travel options when touring Europe," said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning, at Air Canada.

With the launch of Air Canada's European intermodal initiative, customers can now, while purchasing an Air Canada flight, at the same time book rail travel from European airports. Through the airline's partnership with Lufthansa Express Rail Product and new collaborations with AccesRail & WorldTicket, customers can use a streamlined booking process to create a seamless travel itinerary that connects their flight with trips on trains operated by France's TGV-SNCF Voyageurs, Germany's Deutsche Bahn, Swiss Federal Railways or ÖBB, the national railway of Austria.

Passenger Demand Recovery Continues On Track in October

 The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the ongoing recovery in passenger demand continued in October. 

•    Total traffic in October 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 31.2% compared to October 2022. Globally, traffic is now at 98.2% of pre-COVID levels.

•    Domestic traffic for October rose 33.7% versus October 2022, driven by the triple-digit percentage growth recorded in China, and was 4.8% above the October 2019 results. 

•    International traffic climbed 29.7% compared to the same month a year ago. All markets saw double-digit percentage gains year on year. International RPKs reached 94.4% of October 2019 levels. 

“October’s strong result brings the industry ever closer to completing the post-pandemic traffic recovery. Domestic markets remain above pre-COVID levels. International demand is recovering, but more slowly. In particular, Asia Pacific carriers’ international demand is 19.5% behind 2019. This could reflect the late lifting of COVID restrictions in p
arts of the region as well as commercial developments and political tensions, ” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. 

International Passenger Markets

Asia-Pacific airlines saw an 80.3% increase in October 2023 traffic compared to October 2022, continuing to lead the regions. Capacity climbed 72.5% and the load factor increased by 3.6 percentage points to 82.9%. 

European carriers’ October 2023 traffic rose 16.1% versus October 2022. Capacity increased 14.5%, and load factor edged up 1.2 percentage points to 85.1%.

Middle Eastern airlines posted a 24.1% rise in October 2023 traffic compared to a year ago. Capacity rose 22.2% and load factor climbed 1.2 percentage points to 80.6%. There was little impact at the regional and global levels from the Israel-Hamas war, despite reduced airline operations to/from Israel.

North American carriers had a 17.5% traffic rise in October 2023 versus the 2022 period. Capacity also increased 17.5%, and load factor was stable at 83.9%.

Latin American airlines’ traffic rose 21.2% compared to the same month in 2022. October capacity climbed faster -- up 22.3% --  pushing load factor down 0.8 percentage points to 85.3%, highest among the regions.

African airlines saw a 25.3% traffic increase in October 2023 versus a year ago. October capacity was up 32.4% causing load factor to decline 4.0 percentage points to 70.3%, lowest among the regions.

Air Cargo Demand up 3.8% in October says IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for October 2023 global air cargo markets indicating the third consecutive month of stronger year-on-year demand.

Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs*), increased by 3.8% compared to October 2022. For international operations, the demand lagged slightly at 3.5%. 

Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTKs), was up 13.1% compared to October 2022 (11.1% for international operations). This was largely related to the growth in belly capacity. International belly capacity, for example, rose 30.5% year-on-year on the strength of passenger markets.

Several factors in the operating environment should be noted:

•    Economic activities slowed in October. With the Purchasing Managers’ Index for manufacturing output and export orders for major economies (excluding the US) remaining below the critical 50 mark, there is a clear marker for economic challenges ahead.

•    Inflation in major advanced economies continued to ease from its peak in terms of Consumer Price Index (CPI), reaching between 3% and 4% for the US and for the EU respectively, in October. China’s CPI, however, indicated deflation for the second time this year, raising concerns of an economic slowdown.

•    Global trade reversed its downward trajectory and stabilized in September. Although below its 2022 peak, global cross-border trade is more than 5% above pre-pandemic levels.

•    After a continuous 17-month decline, cargo yields ticked-up in September and continued into October with a 2.6% month-on-month gain, remaining well-above pre-pandemic levels.

“Demand for air cargo was up 3.8% in October. That marks three consecutive months of year-on-year growth, placing air cargo on course to end 2023 on a much stronger footing than it began the year. Recovering demand, slightly stronger yields and the uptick in trade are all good news. But with demand still 2.4% below pre-pandemic levels, and much uncertainty remaining over the trajectory of the global economy, optimism must be balanced with caution. Nonetheless, a continued strong peak year-end season will certainly help the sector to manage through whatever turns the global economy might take in 2024,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

PLAY puts on seasonal sale....

PLAY, the low-cost Icelandic airline has done something to make passengers cheer just in time for Christmas.  A new quick seasonal sale from now until 8 December will see the career offer fares as low as $79.

Passengers can book roundtrip flights at incredibly low prices as an extravagant holiday gift or for a 2024 getaway to Iceland, Dublin, London, Amsterdam, and Paris. 

It’s too early to spot Santa in the skies, but PLAY’s striking red aircraft are bringing the holiday spirit to travellers early this year. This flash deal is a tempting treat for booking a last-minute trip in December, where families and friends can explore Christmas markets and early snowfall in Europe, or spend the holidays abroad. It’s the perfect time to start planning a getaway for 2024, or for gifting an amazing European experience to a loved one even on a modest budget. PLAY’s already low prices and no-frills service are available year-round, enabling travellers to “pay less, PLAY more” at more than 30 European destinations from Boston, New York, and Washington D.C. Travellers enjoy a comfortable ride with PLAY’s helpers, named America’s favourite flight crew this year!

New Toronto - Fort Myers service from Lynx Airlines

        Lynx Air’s inaugural flight to the Fort Myers area took off on Friday last week from Toronto Pearson International Airport.  Canada’s ultra-affordable airline will operate four flights per week between Toronto and Fort Myers, flying brand-new Boeing 737 aircraft.

This latest launch marks the continued US expansion of Lynx for the winter months. The airline already operates flights between Toronto and Orlando, Tampa Bay, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. All of these destinations are now on sale. Lynx flies more than 21,500 seats per week across its North American network to and from Toronto, representing a growth of more than 250 per cent from last year.  This summer, Lynx established a pilot and cabin crew base in Toronto to support this growth, creating 101 new jobs in the region.  

"Toronto has emerged as our fastest-growing hub, primarily due to a longstanding gap in affordable air travel options. The city has endured high airfares for a long time and was underserved by low-cost carriers. We are proud to be the only low-cost carrier connecting Toronto and Fort Myers, and we are dedicated to making travel accessible and enjoyable. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or a tranquil retreat on sun-soaked beaches, Lynx ensures an exceptional flying experience at an unbelievably affordable price," stated Vijay Bathija, CCO of Lynx Air.

Airbus upgrades A400M firefighter prototype kit

                                              Airbus Defence and Space has conducted a new flight-test campaign of the A400M Roll-on/Roll-off firefighting prototype kit, dropping 20,000 litres of retardant and creating high-concentration lines over 400 metres long.

Over two weeks, the A400M carried out a ground and flight-test campaign in south-western and central Spain, including six drops, three of which used red-coloured retardant and three using water.

“We have tested a new version of the kit, improving dropping efficiency and reducing discharge time by over 30% compared to last year, while combined with rapid deployment and easy installation on the A400M aircraft,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air Systems at Airbus Defence and Space. “We continue to pioneer new solutions and capabilities for our A400M fleet, in this case protecting populations and natural environments from fires.”

An easy-to-install solution

This roll-on/roll-off kit does not require any modification to the aircraft and, therefore, is interchangeable to any aircraft in the A400M fleet. The water or retardant is stored in a tank in the cargo hold of the aircraft and, by using a mechanical lever, a door is opened to allow the liquid to flow out of the aircraft by gravity means through a discharge pipe. The current design of the prototype is capable of dropping 20,000 litres in a single discharge.

The tanks can be filled in less than 10 minutes using standard high-pressure pumps on ground. The A400M is characterised by its ability to take off and land on short and unpaved runways, and a wide range of air bases and airfields.

During the campaign, the 43rd Firefighting Squadron of the Spanish Air Force has been involved as technical advisors and assuring that this capability in the A400M has operational value for any potential operator.

In July 2022, Airbus tested a removable firefighting demonstrator kit on the A400M for the first time. The company concluded that the A400M firefighting kit offers additional capabilities not available on the market thanks to its high-dropping capacity, high manoeuvrability with the latest safety standards, day and night operation and the potential to convert any regular A400M in any fleet to a firefighting aircraft at very short notice.

UK aviation shaping its own destiny as airport slot reform consultation launched

With a new reform, the airport slot allocation system can have a tailored approach that works best for businesses and passengers across the UK.

For the first time since the 1990s, the UK aviation industry will have a say on its airport slot regime as the Department for Transport launches the airport slot allocation system reform consultation today (4 December 2023) to boost the growing success of the sector.

Like parking spaces for planes, slots are used to manage capacity at the busiest airports across the country. A slot gives permission for an airline to use the full range of airport infrastructure – from runways to terminals – to operate on a specific date and time.

Following its departure from the EU, UK aviation is no longer shackled by an outdated slot regime and can now take a more tailored approach that works best for businesses and passengers across the country.

The reforms being consulted on will include proposals for new ways to manage slot capacity and how they are allocated to airlines.

This includes limiting slot leasing, so instead of larger airlines monopolising slots, they can be allocated to other competitors if not used after a set period – allowing for newer or smaller airlines with possible cheaper prices to receive favourable slots and make the process more dynamic. The reforms also aim to give more powers to respond to crises, making the industry more resilient and efficient in times of uncertainty.

The current system, based on EU regulations, requires the slot allocation process to be consistent across Europe but while the sector has developed and grown in the last 20 years, the rules of the slot system have remained unchanged. Now, with our new freedoms, we can ensure that the system takes the UK’s specific needs into account.

Lynx Air puts Ottawa on its growing route network for next year....

Lynx Air has announced the addition of Ottawa to its network. With flight service starting on May 17, 2024, Ottawa is the 19th destination served by Lynx across North America.

Canada’s newest ultra-affordable airline will operate flights between Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and Calgary International Airport (YYC), as well as the Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

There will be eight flights in and out of Ottawa per week. The Ottawa – Vancouver flights will operate as “through flights” with a short stop in Calgary, offering a seamless journey with a single boarding pass, bags checked through to the final destination, and no need to deplane in Calgary.

The fares are truly ultra-affordable, starting from $79* one way, including taxes. The airline has also launched a limited-time seat sale, offering up to 35 per cent off domestic base fares, with the promo code OTTAWA. The sale will run until 11:59 PM EST on December 5, 2023. To book an ultra-affordable fare, please visit FlyLynx.com.

“We are delighted to be adding Ottawa, Canada’s capital, to the Lynx Air network as we ramp up our summer 2024 schedule. While Ottawa is a beautiful destination to visit at any time of the year, Lynx is proud to be the only low-cost carrier currently servicing this market domestically from Calgary and Vancouver,” said Jim Sullivan, CEO of Lynx. “Whether you are traveling to explore Parliament Hill, visiting the National Gallery of Canada, or enjoying a relaxing stroll along the Rideau Canal with your loved ones, Lynx will ensure a great flying experience at an ultra-affordable price.”

To check fares and availability visit here.

RAF lands in Australia to participate in Exercise Global Dexterity for the first time

An RAF C-17 has touched down in Amberley, Australia, alongside the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and United States Air Force (USAF) to participate in Exercise Global Dexterity for the very first time.

The exercise sees aircrew and groundcrew from each military seamlessly fly and maintain each other’s aircraft, with opportunities to practice low-level flying amongst the mountains of Papua New Guinea next week.

Additionally, crews will experience operating out of austere airfields with intentionally limited infrastructure in Northern Australia, where they will conduct flights into Papua New Guinea to practice tactical airlifts amidst the challenging terrain.

The UK, Australia and United States all rely on the C-17 to provide strategic and tactical airlift to destinations across the world. Our participation on Exercise Global Dexterity helps train our crews to operate effectively in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as developing our interoperability with our American and Australian partners.

Pegasus Airlines launches Dortmund-Istanbul route

From 19 December, Pegasus Airlines is launching a new route between Dortmund and Istanbul operating three times a week. Flights will depart from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) at 07:20 Tuesdays and Thursdays and 06:45 on Sundays and from Dortmund Airport (DTM) at 11:35 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 11:20 on Sundays. Tickets for the new route can be booked from 49,99 Euros. Pegasus serves more than 130 destinations in 50 countries across Asia, Africa and Europe from its SAW hub. 

Ludger van Bebber, CEO Dortmund Airport, said: “The newly established connection to Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Istanbul represents a significant achievement for Dortmund Airport and our passengers. Beyond experiencing the captivating metropolis of Istanbul, travellers now have access to a variety of thrilling destinations via the Pegasus route network from SAW.  We are delighted to welcome Pegasus as our new partner, sharing our commitment to sustainable growth. Together, we aim to offer passengers affordable flights to a broad range of destinations.”

Pegasus Airlines launches thrice-weekly flights between Dortmund Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport 

To check fares and availability visit here.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah in the UAE, Qatar's Doha, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, Beirut in Lebanon, Karachi, Tbilisi and Batumi in Georgia, Baku, Yerevan, Baghdad, Erbil and Basra, Tehran and Tabriz in Iran, Medina and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Almaty, Astana and Shymkent in Kazakhstan, Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, Amman Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait are among the destinations served by Pegasus from its SAW hub. In addition to its extensive international flight network, Pegasus connects guests to Türkiye’s top summer destinations such as Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, and Izmir.

 

Airbus awarded next stage of ESA’s TRUTHS mission for metrological traceability of Earth observation data

TRUTHS will provide a benchmark of Earth’s energy balance by consistent calibration traced to a metrological reference

Consistent calibration will also enhance existing satellite missions

Airbus has been awarded the latest phase in the European Space Agency (ESA) TRUTHS mission as part of ESA’s Earth Observation Earth Watch programme. The contract covers detailed definition of the mission and payload, and focuses on payload development and de-risking activities with an option for the procurement of long lead time hardware ahead of the full implementation phase following the 2025 ESA Ministerial budget meeting. The contract is worth €109.3 million including options and was signed at COP28 in Dubai.

The TRUTHS satellite mission will measure the Sun’s radiation and the sunlight reflected off Earth's surface relative to an accurate reference, which will then be used to improve the climatological data sets and calibrate the observations of other satellites. This space-based climate and calibration observing system will enable data from other satellites to be compared more easily providing greater standards of data harmonisation for even more accurate climate change forecasts.

Jean Marc Nasr, Head of Space Systems at Airbus said: “This contract takes us one step closer to building a mission that will enable scientists and climatologists to cross reference their measurements and data enabling much more accurate forecasts and analysis in a shorter time. TRUTHS will provide the gold standard of calibration for space-based Earth observation – a kind of ‘standards laboratory in space’.”

 

UK Science, Research and Innovation Minister, Andrew Griffith, said: “This UK-led mission will have a global impact, providing invaluable measurements to improve our understanding of climate change. Overseen by Airbus UK, this work is generating growth and developing important industrial capabilities across our space sector, driving forward our ambitions to make the UK a science and technology superpower.” 

ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Simonetta Cheli, said: “We are glad to award the contract to Airbus in the UK to take their work on developing TRUTHS into the next all-important phase. We see here at COP28 that the world is committed to climate action and having reliable data on which to base decisions is of the utmost importance. TRUTHS will be used as a benchmark so that data from other satellites can be compared more easily, thereby improving reliability.”

British Airways has partnered with Signcode UK to improve services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing customers

British Airways is partnering with Signcode UK, an organisation dedicated to ensuring equal access to information, products and services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

British Airways has partnered with Signcode UK to further improve its accessibility offering for Deaf and hard-of-hearing customers, with new signed video content containing a variety of helpful travel information being made available to customers both pre-travel and whilst on board.

The partnership will mean customers can access key travel information in signed video form, including the airline’s onboard safety briefing via a unique QR code

Signcode UK is an organisation dedicated to ensuring equal access to information, products and services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community and specialises in translating key information into signed videos. As part of the airline’s continued commitment to become the airline of choice for customers travelling with additional requirements, it has collaborated with the organisation to produce signed videos which can be accessed either via a link or unique QR code, allowing customers to receive personalised video messages in sign language.

The first video, which is available for viewing pre-travel on ba.com, offers a comprehensive overview of British Airways' service proposition throughout the entire journey, including booking process, the airport experience, onboard services and the in-flight entertainment offering. It also includes a BSL introduction from Fredrick Da Costa, British Airways’ first Deaf Customer Experience Agent who uses BSL as part of his role. The video aims to empower customers by providing them with the information they need to make more informed choices when they travel.

A second video, available by the end of 2023, focuses on onboard safety features and procedures. This video will be accessible on ba.com and via a QR code that British Airways Mainline cabin crew will have on their mobile devices on board, giving customers the option to choose between receiving a signed video safety briefing on their personal device, or receiving a personalised briefing delivered by one of our crew face-to-face, which is already offered to Deaf or hard of hearing customers.  

Carrie Harris, Director of Sustainability at British Airways, said: "We are proud to partner with Signcode UK to further improve our accessibility offering for our Deaf and hard of hearing customers. This collaboration aligns with our ongoing commitment to ensure that all our customers have a seamless experience and can travel with confidence, with dignity and in comfort.”

Turkish Airlines and Riyadh Air agree strategic cooperation deal

Turkish Airlines and Riyadh Air have agreed to offer a comprehensive range of benefits for guests travelling between the Kingdom, Türkiye and points beyond their Riyadh and Istanbul hubs, as well as lay the ground for deeper future collaborations. Passengers of both airlines will be able to take full advantage of each carrier's worldwide network through a comprehensive interline and codeshare agreement that will allow customers to seamlessly connect between and combine sectors operated by either Riyadh Air or Turkish Airlines.

Turkish Airlines Chief Investment & Technology Officer, Levent Konukcu and Riyadh Air CEO, Tony Douglas, signed the agreement at a ceremony on the sidelines of the ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN 2023) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The intention of both carriers is that benefits will be made available to guests as soon as possible after Riyadh Air launches operations in mid-2025 and is subject to regulatory approvals by relevant authorities.

The cooperation will allow members of each carrier's loyalty program to earn points or credits when travelling on codeshare services operated by the other, with both airlines also exploring opportunities to develop a broader loyalty agreement covering both global networks. In addition to offering a comprehensive range of guest benefits, the MoU also commits Riyadh Air and Turkish Airlines to work together to explore and implement broader synergies and efficiencies across the value chain, touching areas such as aviation-related services, cargo and digital development.

easyJet collaborates with RTX to enhance operations

The low-cost carrier becomes the largest A320 operator to roll out Collins GlobalConnect

Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, is working with easyJet to activate GlobalConnectSM connected aircraft services on more than 330 Airbus aircraft in its fleet. easyJet will become the largest A320 operator in the world to deploy GlobalConnect. This new capability enhances safety oversight, pilot training and operational efficiencies.

The Collins GlobalConnect solution enables the already-installed Flight Operations and Maintenance Exchanger system (FOMAX), jointly developed with Airbus, to provide easyJet valuable insights into its fleet operations, enabling proactive decision-making and more efficient airline operations.

The adoption of this data exchange and analytics capability also brings the potential to simplify the avionics architecture, leading to further fuel efficiency gains through the gradual removal of quick access recorders. The airline projects that cutting this additional weight could save up to 500 tonnes of carbon per year when rolled out fleet-wide.

Air Canada announces tie-up with European rail firms.

Providing convenient intermodal airport connections to France's SNCF Voyageurs, Germany's Deutsche Bahn, Swiss Federal Railways in Switzerland, or ÖBB in Austria when booking flights

The launch of the new intermodal offering puts thousands of exciting destinations within easy reach

Rail travel offers sustainable options to major European destinations

Leading Canadian legacy carrier, Air Canada has announced new air-to-rail booking options for customers to connect at European airports with four major passenger rail systems, making it convenient to explore the continent. Through new railway and distribution partnerships, Air Canada customers, when purchasing flights, can now also easily book onward rail trips to a multitude of destinations throughout France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria to create a seamless travel itinerary.

"As a leading global airline, Air Canada excels at flying, but we also know intermodal connections can enrich the travel experience through added convenience and by promoting sustainability. In offering easy onward airport connections with the national rail systems in France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria, we are creating intermodal hubs and opening the door for customers to reach stations at major cities and popular destinations throughout these countries. Moreover, by facilitating the use of rail for the short-haul segments of our customers' journeys, we can provide sustainable travel options when touring Europe," said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning, at Air Canada.

With the launch of Air Canada's European intermodal initiative, customers can now, while purchasing an Air Canada flight, at the same time book rail travel from European airports. Through the airline's partnership with Lufthansa Express Rail Product and new collaborations with AccesRail & WorldTicket, customers can use a streamlined booking process to create a seamless travel itinerary that connects their flight with trips on trains operated by France's TGV-SNCF Voyageurs, Germany's Deutsche Bahn, Swiss Federal Railways or ÖBB, the national railway of Austria.

German Navy NH90 Sea Tiger performs maiden flight

The first NH90 Sea Tiger took off on schedule for its maiden flight, at Airbus Helicopters' site in Donauwörth, Germany. The German Bundeswehr ordered 31 NH90 Sea Tiger multi-role frigate helicopters for the German Navy’s shipborne operations in 2020.

Airbus Helicopters is now entering a qualification phase that will focus on flight testing the helicopter and new systems to be installed on board the NH90 Sea Tiger. Deliveries are scheduled to begin at the end of 2025.

"We are proud to equip the German Navy with the NH90 Sea Tiger. Operating both the NH90 Sea Lion and the Sea Tiger will allow the Navy to further streamline its operations and maintenance," said Stefan Thomé, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Germany. "The NH90 Sea Lion, which is already in service with the Navy, has recently proven its capabilities during a first major rescue operation in the North Sea.”

The helicopters will replace the German Navy’s ageing Mk88A Sea Lynx fleet which entered into service in 1981. The Bundeswehr already operates 18 NH90 Sea Lion naval transport helicopters which were delivered on schedule between 2019 and 2023.

The Sea Tiger is the latest version of the proven NH90 NFH (Naval Version). It has been specifically designed to match the needs of the German Navy for a state of the art anti-submarine warfare helicopter. Novelties include a new Electro-Optical System and improved Electronic Support Measures (ESM). On top, the Sea Tiger is equipped with a dipping sonar, sonobuoys, and weapons (torpedoes and missiles). The shipborne Sea Tigers’ missions include, in addition to reconnaissance and transport, engaging targets above and below the surface.

IAG Cargo hosts roundtable in India to discuss growth in the region

The cargo division of International Airlines Group  - IAG Cargo, hosted a roundtable at the JW Marriott Hotel in New Delhi to discuss key air cargo trends and business updates. Speakers included David Shepherd, Chief Executive Officer at IAG Cargo, Kapil Madhok, Regional Manager, Air Services, India Sub-Continent Region at Expeditors, Camilo Garcia Cervera, Chief Sales and Marketing Office at IAG Cargo, and Yashpal Sharma, President of Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI), moderated by Ankush Chawla, South Asia Commercial Manager for IAG Cargo. 

IAG Cargo has 56 flights per week from India across 5 routes and has seen a 31% increase in tonnage versus last year – with notable growth in Constant Climate, Fresh and Courier

As the world adapts to the new normal post-pandemic, India has emerged as a global powerhouse for the production and exportation of key goods such as pharmaceuticals, high-tech e-commerce such as mobile phones, and fresh produce. 

This growth is reflected in data from IAG Cargo: operating 56 flights per week from India across 5 routes, the company has seen a 31% increase in tonnage versus last year – with a notable increase in Constant Climate, Fresh and Courier services. 

David Shepherd, Chief Executive Officer, of IAG Cargo said: “This is my first trip to India since re-joining the business and I am delighted to be back. India is an exceptionally important part of our global network. Every day we connect customers through five gateways in India to the UK and onto our expansive network. Next week, we will increase our capacity going into – and out of – Delhi through up-gauging services from the current 787s with A350s. With incredibly strong pharmaceutical, high-tech and fresh produce industries, we are always looking for ways to support this growth.”