IAE AG successfully tests V2500 engine on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel

The test demonstrates a commitment to supporting greater use of SAF

IAE International Aero Engines AG (IAE) announced it has successfully tested the V2500 engine with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at MTU Maintenance Hannover, Germany. IAE is a multinational consortium comprised of Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, Pratt & Whitney Aero Engines International GmbH, Japanese Aero Engines Corporation and MTU Aero Engines AG. The V2500 engine currently powers the A320ceo family aircraft and the Embraer C-390 Millenium.

IAE AG successfully tests V2500 engine on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel

"This test with 100% SAF demonstrates that V2500 engines can continue contributing towards making aviation more sustainable in the decades ahead," said Kim Kinsley, president, IAE AG, and vice president, Mature Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. "With nearly 3,000 V2500-powered aircraft in service today, IAE recognizes our important role in supporting the industry's goal to meet net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. We anticipate the majority of our eight IAE company shops will be prepared to use SAF in their operations in the next few years."

The V2500 engine test was run on 100% Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosine (HEFA-SPK) fuel supplied by Neste. HEFA-SPK is produced by hydrotreating renewable raw materials, such as waste oils or fats, into an aviation turbine fuel and is a prominent sustainable alternative to conventional jet fuels. Pratt & Whitney continues collaborating closely with the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) and ASTM International towards the goal of developing future specifications for 100% SAF.

"MTU Maintenance Hannover is the first maintenance, repair and overhaul facility worldwide to carry out a 100% SAF test on a V2500," said Michael Schreyögg, Chief Program Officer, MTU Aero Engines. "This test demonstrates our commitment to supporting greater use of SAF across both our entire network and the broader industry. We remain dedicated to working with IAE, suppliers and partners to ensure not only that our products are capable of operating with SAF but also that our maintenance, repair and overhaul infrastructure can support all operators and owners with their SAF testing requirements."

Passenger numbers rise at Vinci Airports.

The airport operating arm of the Vinci group has released the latest figures from February 2024 which show passenger numbers are on the rise. Globally, the number of passengers in February 2024 exceeds its pre-pandemic level by more than 3%

Change in VINCI Airports commercial movements (ATM)

Cathay Cargo Terminal first air cargo terminal in Hong Kong to enable ePayments...........Providing seamless payment for cargo collection

Cathay Cargo Terminal has become the first air cargo terminal in Hong Kong to introduce a business-to-business (B2B) ePayment solution, partnering with leading global cargo payment platform PayCargo to offer a secure, user-friendly, and efficient digital payment method for import cargo collection.

Cathay Cargo Terminal Chief Operating Officer Mark Watts said: “We are delighted to have selected PayCargo as our ePayment solution, providing more choice and convenience for freight forwarders and their trucking agents. This marks yet another milestone in our digital journey after enabling eAWBs (electronic airwaybills) and introducing eSRF (electronic Shipment Release Forms) at our terminal, reaffirming our commitment to digital leadership.”

Benefits to freight forwarders include the convenience of settling transactions anytime anywhere, eliminating queuing for cash payments, enhanced security, and expediting the entire cargo release process. This initiative has also been welcomed by the terminal’s customer airlines, who value the ease with which their customers will be able to settle payments in future.

Icelandic budget airline PLAY picks new CEO

In an unexpected move, the Icelandic budget airline PLAY has picked a new CEO in the shape of its biggest shareholder and Chairman Einar Örn Ólafsson.  He is also chairman of the board at Terra hf. Einar was previously the general manager of Fjarðlax, CEO of Skeljungur and before that held various management positions in banking.

Birgir Jónsson, who will continue to work at PLAY until 2nd April said:  "Being involved in building up PLAY airlines has been a real adventure. In a relatively short period of time, we have created a powerful Icelandic low-cost airline with outstanding products, services and a bright future. A competitive landscape in the aviation industry will result in lower fares, a diverse selection of destinations and valuable foreign tourists, which is especially important for an island like us."

Adding: "I’d like to thank our passengers and partners for this particularly enjoyable period. I will say goodbye to my incredible colleagues in person in the next few days."

Einar Örn said: "I am really looking forward to this new role. After a great ramp-up phase these past few years under Birgir’s strong leadership, the Company is now at a turning point. As the Company’s largest shareholder, I’d like to see my investment through."

Your travel planning isn’t complete without learning the language—or at least some essential phrases. Fully immerse yourself in the language, or use Phrasebook to learn travel essentials—the choice is yours!

World-first high-tech time-capsule lands at East Midlands Airport

High-tech time capsule arrives

Hundreds of children have submitted their predictions of the future to the UK’s children’s radio station, Fun Kids, to be locked into the time capsule to be discovered by future generations. 

Created by US design studio CW&T, the capsule is made from a decommissioned scuba tank with custom electronics. Once sealed, a countdown clock in the capsule’s lid displays how long remains before the time capsule unlocks itself. It’s the first-ever electronic time capsule and can seal its contents for up to 100 years.

The time capsule was delivered from Brooklyn NY to East Midlands Airport via DHL. It’s due to be displayed at We The Curious Science Centre in Bristol when it reopens later this year.

Lloydie James Lloyd, Content Controller at Fun Kids said: “We’ve had entries about everything from futures where homework tastes like strawberries to the invention of teleportation devices! It’s great that they’re going to be kept safe in a time-capsule that’s as high-tech as these predictions.”

Going on holiday to sleep.....

Hilton Caters to Rising Number of Sleep Tourists with Debut of Hilton Sleep Retreats

Sleep expert Dr. Rebecca Robbins to host snooze‑worthy series at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort’s Kilolani Spa.

 

Hilton’s 2024 Trends Report found the No. 1 reason people of all generations want to travel this year is to rest and recharge. In fact, some travellers are even building their entire trip around sleep, which is a trend now known as “sleep tourism.” Sleep tourism first picked up speed in 2023 and has accelerated this year – in its recent report, the Global Wellness Institute cites Wellness Tourism as one of the fastest-growing segments of travel, projected to reach $1.4 Trillion USD by 2027.

To address this demand and in celebration of National Sleep Month in March, Hilton has partnered with sleep science expert Dr Rebecca Robbins to offer expert insight into ways Hilton can lead the industry in providing the best night’s rest possible across the portfolio. This includes new programming like the launch of Sleep Retreats at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, with the potential to expand to additional markets in the coming months. Dr. Robbins, an assistant professor in medicine and associate scientist at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, is also an acclaimed author and sleep expert featured in national print and television. She deeply understands the importance of sleep and which behavioural changes can help travellers get the most Zzzs when staying in unfamiliar environments. Together with Hilton, she will help guests put these insights into practice during a series of one-of-a-kind retreats, with the first launching in Maui at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort’s Kilolani Spa, an all-new open-air luxury spa adorned by the natural beauty of Hawaii. 

“Understanding the vital role sleep plays in our lives goes much deeper than just knowing we need it. It's about nurturing and prioritizing it, especially in our fast-moving world where being constantly on the go is the norm," said Dr. Robbins. “Collaborating with Hilton to bridge the gap between sleep science and its practical, everyday application excites me and our retreats serve as a wonderful demonstration of how this knowledge can be brought to life – whether travelling or at home.” 

Viasat and Deutsche Telekom Boost European Aviation Network In-flight Broadband Coverage in Mediterranean Sea

- Additional ground stations enhance Viasat’s award-winning connectivity solution.

- Airline customers, including the Greek flag carrier AEGEAN, to benefit from improved service on flights to and from Cyprus.

Viasat, Inc., a global leader in satellite communications, and Deutsche Telekom, announced this week a ground network expansion for Viasat’s award-winning European Aviation Network (EAN) to further support in-flight broadband service in the Eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. Set to meet growing demand from airline passengers, three new ground stations are now operating in the region to complement more than 300 ground network antenna sites already set up across Europe. These sites will provide enhanced capacity to EAN’s existing satellite coverage.

The enhanced capacity is particularly beneficial for passengers flying to and from Cyprus with the award-winning Greek airline AEGEAN. The airline launched its in-flight connectivity service, powered by EAN, in 2022 to enhance its onboard passenger experience; since early this year, AEGEAN is offering free Wi-Fi access to all its passengers. 

To date, more than one million passengers have enjoyed the in-flight connectivity service since launch. The service is being installed on AEGEAN’s Airbus A320 and A321, covering both existing aircraft and upcoming deliveries. 

SAS and the Norwegian armed forces signs new agreement for strategic evacuation

The Norwegian Armed Forces have on March 4 signed a new agreement with SAS for strategic air evacuation. The agreement ensures continued capacity for strategic air evacuation using SAS’ latest Airbus A320neo aircraft. This will follow the phase-out of the current aircraft and transition to the new agreement will take place in 2025.

The agreement between Norwegian Armed Forces and SAS consists of two parts: a cooperation agreement to design a A320neo based solution and an agreement covering operational assignments.

“We are honoured that the Norwegian Armed Forces have selected SAS for future evacuation missions, building on several years of joint assignments across the world. While the currently used aircraft has served us well, it is now time for the next-generation, lower-emission A320neo to continue these proud assignments together with our highly skilled and dedicated staff. Contributing to the safe transport of citizens across the world when crisis strikes is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we are grateful for the trust placed in us by the Norwegian Defense through this work,” says Paul Verhagen, Chief Commercial Officer at SAS.

The A320neo is a regular passenger plane and – once the new design is finalized – can be converted into a flying hospital, with medical equipment and hospital beds. SAS’ Airbus A320neo has around 18% lower CO2 emissions compared to the aircraft it replaces. Additionally, there is 30% less noise in these aircraft, creating a more favourable environment for evacuees and crew on board.

SAS has a 25-year history of taking part in evacuation assignments, with missions such as the tsunami in Thailand, and evacuation missions from Afghanistan, Moira refugee camp and Ukrainian patients.

AirAsia X partners Kazakh Tourism to elevate tourism and further boost the economy between Malaysia and Kazakhstan

Following its successful inaugural flight celebration to Almaty, Kazakhstan, AirAsia X (AAX) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kazakhstan Tourism for strategic collaboration.

The MOU encompasses greater commercial collaboration and partnerships between the airline and the organisation in promoting tourism between Kazakhstan and Malaysia, creating new business opportunities, developing joint sales and marketing campaigns, as well as boosting both countries’ economies through tourism.

As a strategic partner, AirAsia will not only fly travellers from Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries to Almaty but also connect travellers from Almaty to 130 destinations across the region via Kuala Lumpur. The airline is also looking to extend both Malaysian and Kazakh tourism product promotion across the region through conferences, travel marts, and other exciting events.

The MoU was signed by Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X, and Kairat Sadvakassov, Chairman of Kazakhstan Tourism, witnessed by H.E Mohd Adli Bin Abdullah, Ambassador of Malaysia to Kazakhstan; Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Executive Chairman of Capital A; and Dato’ Fam Lee Ee, Chairman of AirAsia X. Also in attendance were representatives from Almaty Airport, Civil Aviation Authority of Kazakhstan, and other key industry players.

Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X said: “This strategic alliance is a significant leap for both Malaysia and Kazakhstan. It is not just about enhancing travel experiences, but also about bolstering our economies. This partnership opens up more opportunities for travellers, leading to growth for both nations. Our competitive fares stimulate air travel wherever we fly, contributing to the tourism sector, a major engine for job creation and a driving force for economic growth.

Boeing warns airlines to check 787 flight deck seat switches following LATAM mishap.

The U.S. planemaker Boeing has warned all customer airlines flying its 787 Dreamliners to check flight deck crew seat switches following the sudden mid-air fall by a LATAM Airlines 787 jet that resulted in over 50 people injured.

Boeing and regulators are investigating the incident on LATAM flight 800 flying between Sydney and Auckland where it appears that a flight attendant accidentally hit a switch on the pilot’s seat while serving their meal. The switch powers the pilot's seat movement and on this occasion pushed him into the controls of the jet leading to a devastating plunge which caused more than 50 people to be injured. 

This incident has forced Boeing to warn airlines they should check the crew seats in the cockpits of 787 aircraft for loose covers on switches. The seats are supposed to have a spring-loaded seat back switch guard which may jam or become loose and activate the rocker switch, resulting in seat movement.

Boeing said today that it was taking the precautionary measure of alerting customer airlines of the issue and reminding them of a 2017 service bulletin which has details of how to inspect and maintain the flight deck seat switches. "We are recommending operators perform an inspection at the next maintenance opportunity," Boeing said.

IATA Announces Winner of 2024 FACE-UP Competition

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Erik Goldenstein was the recipient of the IATA FACE-UP award for 2024. FACE-UP is a competition for recent university graduates who have developed innovation and transformation solutions in air transport logistics.

Goldenstein was voted as the winner for his role in creating the NE:ONE Play app built on the ONE Record Data Standard. The app provides a visualization of ONE Record data giving a very simplified overview of complex air cargo data. This allows organizations to browse through their shipment data as easily as browsing the web, facilitating optimization of their operational processes. The award was presented at the World Cargo Symposium (WCS) in Hong Kong.

FACE-UP is a competition that provides recent graduates from around the globe a unique opportunity to present their solution on addressing the challenges of the air cargo supply chain to industry executives.

 Goldenstein is a research assistant, data scientist and software engineer in the Aviation Logistics department of Fraunhofer IML at Frankfurt Airport, currently working on a variety of topics in the field of aviation digitalization.

Delta puts New York-JFK - Tel Aviv flights back on the schedule from 7th June

Delta has decided it is safe enough to restart flights from New York's JFK airport to Tel Aviv from 7th June after pausing the service back in October last year. 

The U.S. mega-carrier will operate the route on an Airbus A330-900neo aircraft that will provide customers with nearly 2,000 weekly seats from New York to Israel. It said it had made the decision following an extensive security risk assessment and was working in conjunction with government and private-sector partners. 

In recent months, Delta has strengthened its presence in Israel through a codeshare arrangement with EL AL Israel Airlines. Delta customers have access to EL AL’s direct services to Tel Aviv from major U.S. cities like New York-JFK, New York-Newark, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

The carrier had initially hoped to bring the route back on 1st May this year, customers currently booked on flights prior to 7th June restart will be proactively notified by the airline and reaccommodated accordingly.

Air New Zealand to pause Chicago service from late March due to engine issues with its Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes.

Air New Zealand has confirmed it will put a pause on its Auckland – Chicago non-stop service between 31st March to 25th October 2024.

The Kiwi airline advises the route is being put on hold because of the ongoing challenges with the availability of serviceable Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines it uses on its Boeing 787 aircraft.

Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines normally require heavy maintenance, during which they are taken off the aircraft and sent to the manufacturer for inspection, after 1000 engine cycles (take-offs and landings). During regular inspections, Air New Zealand engineers identified that the engines required maintenance after 750-850 cycles. Rolls-Royce has been unable to provide Air New Zealand with spare or replacement engines to deliver the level of service needed, leading to a reduction in the amount of flying Air New Zealand can deliver via its 787 fleet. 

The airline's Chief Customer and Sales Officer, Leanne Geraghty claims it was a difficult decision to make, but chose the route that would impact the least number of customers.  “We know this will be disappointing for customers travelling to and from Chicago during this period, especially to those travelling over the upcoming April holiday break. It’s not a decision we’ve made lightly and we’re sorry to make this change so close to the time some customers plan to fly.

Unfortunately, Air New Zealand continues to be impacted by challenges with availability of Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, meaning we will now have up to three aircraft unavailable for an extended period, so we’ve had to review our schedule."

The airline says that passengers affected by the Chicago service pause will be rebooked on another international service and a connection through another US airport. Passengers who booked directly with Air New Zealand will get a new itinerary within 72 hours and those who booked via a travel agent or tour operator should contact their holiday company or agent to confirm the changes.

Geraghty said "We need to ensure our aircraft and engines are maintained to the highest standard. These challenges do not present a safety risk to customers flying on our 787 fleet."

The airline didn't rule out the possibility that further schedule changes may be required later in the year when more aircraft and engines come in for heavy maintenance.  The company currently has 14 Boeing 787 jets with a further 8 on order. 

More jobs at Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce has said it plans to create hundreds of new jobs in Derby following a £55m cash injection which will be split between the firm's operations in Derby and Dahlewitz, Germany.

Air France-KLM - state aid appeal

 Air France-KLM and Air France confirm having lodged two appeals before the Court of Justice of the European Union of two judgments of the General Court of the European Union rendered in December 2023, annulling a 2020 Commission decision and a 2021 Commission decision which approved various French State aid measures during the Covid 19 crisis.

Air France-KLM reminds that Air France-KLM and Air France have fully refunded all State aid received, in accordance with the applicable legal framework.

Leadership Award for Pegasus Airlines’ CEO at Aviation Week Network’s 66th Laureate Awards

Güliz Öztürk, CEO of Pegasus Airlines, has received the 2024 Aviation Week Laureate Award for Leadership in the Commercial Aviation category. The award was presented at a black-tie gala at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. on 14 March.

 

Highlighting Pegasus Airlines’ successful post-pandemic recovery, strong financial results and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion under Güliz Öztürk's leadership, Aviation Week Network stated: “Güliz Öztürk has led the remarkable comeback of Pegasus Airlines as CEO since 2022. Pegasus is one of the most profitable airlines globally, following a highly successful low-cost carrier model mainly from its biggest base at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen airport. Öztürk has not only delivered strong financial results but is also a keen supporter of gender equality and diversity.”

 

Aviation Week Network is the largest multimedia information and services provider for the global aviation, aerospace, and defense industries. Aviation Week Network’s 66th Laureate Awards recognise extraordinary achievements in aerospace by innovators that represent the values and vision of the global aerospace community across industry sectors including commercial, defence, space and maintenance, repair, and overhaul.

Your travel planning isn’t complete without learning the language—or at least some essential phrases. Fully immerse yourself in the language, or use Phrasebook to learn travel essentials—the choice is yours!

UK orders long-range Chinook helicopters

Capability boost for UK's global military operations as contract confirmed for new Chinooks

The new helicopters will have double the range of the existing Chinooks in service among the UK Armed Forces

Britain’s heavy-lift capability will be bolstered with the purchase of 14 extended-range Chinooks (CH47-ER), which will pump an estimated £151 million into the UK economy.

14 state-of-the art Chinook helicopters to provide versatile heavy-lift capability over double the range of a standard Chinook.

Programme now confirmed to bring in an estimated £151 million of extra investment to UK economy.

UK companies will produce components critical for manufacturing and maintaining the helicopters.

The new Chinooks significantly enhance the UK’s strategic mobility with its ability to operate in challenging environments. From the desert to the arctic, the helicopter has double the range of a standard Chinook and is capable of air-to-air refuelling, with the ability to carry up to 55 personnel or 10,000 kg of cargo.

With a top speed of 300 kilometres per hour, the new helicopters will have a range of new capabilities, including an advanced digital cockpit and a modernised airframe to increase stability and survivability.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps announced the commitment to proceed with the contract after meeting crew members from one of the Chinooks in the Royal Air Force’s existing fleet.

Through successful negotiations between MOD’s procurement arm - Defence Equipment & Support - and the US Government, the UK has reduced costs for elements of the programme by more than £300 million, ensuring value for money whilst providing our armed forces with a cutting-edge heavy lift capability.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: "Procuring these Chinook helicopters will mark a significant milestone in our efforts to modernise and enhance the agility of the UK Armed Forces, cementing our ability to respond at pace to situations and threats across the globe.

The Chinook is one of our most iconic aircraft, having been operated in every major conflict since the Falklands War. Delivering on this deal not only enhances our capability, but will boost UK industry and skills."

The Defence Secretary also visited Poland yesterday and met his counterpart to discuss international support for Ukraine, and made a further visit to meet British troops currently exercising in Poland. 

Hilton to Accelerate Expansion in Fast-Growing Lifestyle Category with Addition of Graduate Hotels to Global Brand Portfolio

Hilton announced an agreement with Adventurous Journeys Capital Partners (“AJ Capital”) to acquire the fan-favourite Graduate Hotels® brand, adding a significant growth opportunity for the global hospitality leader in the fast-growing lifestyle hotel market.  

Hilton will pay $210 million to acquire all rights to the Graduate brand worldwide, enter into franchise agreements for all existing and signed pipeline Graduate Hotels, and become responsible for the brand’s future development and growth. AJ Capital will remain the owner of the more than 35 operating and pipeline Graduate properties, each of which will be operated under long-term Hilton franchise agreements.  

The transaction, which is expected to close in the second quarter, subject to customary closing conditions including review and approval pursuant to Hart-Scott-Rodino, will be immediately accretive to Hilton. The company expects the fee contribution for the first full year of ownership to be approximately $16 million.

“Adding Graduate Hotels to our portfolio of award-winning brands accelerates our expansion in the lifestyle space by pairing an existing much-loved brand with the power of Hilton’s strong commercial engine to drive growth,” said Chris Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton. “We have long had a high bar for adding brands to our portfolio, whether organically or through acquisition, and Graduate will be another driver of growth for us, presenting a unique opportunity to serve more guests in more sought-after destinations. With thousands of colleges and universities around the world, we believe the addressable market for the Graduate brand is 400-500 hotels globally.”

BOC Aviation reports record earnings in 2023.....

BOC Aviation Limited has released details of 2023 results, which show a net profit after tax of US$764 million for the year, exceeding 2019’s previous record of US$702 million. 

The improvement reflected underlying growth across the business, combined with insurance settlements in respect of aircraft in Russia.  The balance sheet grew by 10% during 2023 to more than US$24 billion, reflecting investment in new aircraft. In 2023, BOC committed to acquire 95 aircraft and ended the year with record total committed capital expenditure of US$12 billion and an orderbook of 224 aircraft.

“We are delighted to report record earnings as we celebrate our 30th anniversary,” Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, BOC Aviation, commented. “We achieved record fleet growth in 2023, which also drove our revenues, cashflows and asset values to record highs. With passenger travel growth expected to remain firm, we are well placed to leverage continued strong demand for the modern aircraft that comprise our fleet and orderbook.”

Financial Highlights

Our financial highlights for the year ended 31 December 2023 are:

• Total revenues and other income rose 7% year-on-year, to US$2.5 billion

• Record net profit after tax of US$764 million compared with US$20 million in 2022

• Earnings per share of US$1.10 and net assets per share of US$8.28

• Operating cash flow net of interest rose 8% to US$1.6 billion

• Total assets of US$24.2 billion at 31 December 2023, up 10% on 2022

• Raised US$4.1 billion of new debt financing comprising US$2.5 billion of loans and

US$1.7 billion of bonds

• Maintained strong liquidity of US$5.6 billion, comprising US$392 million in cash and

cash equivalents and US$5.2 billion in undrawn committed credit facilities at 31 December 2023

• The Board recommended a final dividend for 2023 of US$0.2721 per share, pending

approval at the AGM to be held on 30 May 2024. The final dividend will be payable

to shareholders registered at the close of business on the record date, being 7 June

2024, bringing the total dividend for the financial year 2023 to US$0.38521 per

share, calculated at 35% of net profit after tax

Portfolio and Operational Highlights

As at 31 December 2023, BOC Aviation had:

• A total fleet of 684 aircraft owned, managed and on order, with an average aircraft

age of 4.6 years and an average remaining lease term of 8.1 years for the 426

owned aircraft fleet, weighted by net book value2

• A customer base of 91 airlines in 45 countries and regions in the owned and

managed portfolios

• Executed a record 348 transactions in 2023, including:

• Commitments to purchase 95 aircraft

• Delivery of 65 aircraft (excluding two acquired by an airline customer on

delivery)

• Sale of 20 aircraft and one engine

• 142 lease commitments

• An orderbook of 224 aircraft

• Recorded aircraft utilisation of 99% for the owned portfolio for the year ended 31 December 2023

IATA Announces First Signatories to Air Cargo Digitalization Leadership Charter

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the launch of the IATA Digitalization Leadership Charter at the IATA World Cargo Symposium in Hong Kong. Cathay Cargo, CHAMP Cargosystems, Global Logistics System (HK) Company Limited, IAG Cargo, IBS Software, LATAM Cargo, and Lufthansa Cargo are the inaugural signatories of the charter.

The Digitalization Leadership Charter aims to accelerate the air cargo industry’s digitalization journey by committing to five key guiding principles. Developed in consultation with IATA’s Cargo Advisory Council Members, airlines and the wider air cargo community, the charter seeks to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and promote a sustainable and harmonized digital transformation. Central to the charter is the importance of data sharing using IATA ONE Record for smooth and efficient data exchange.

“Digitalization is imperative for the air cargo industry. It requires alignment to ensure a unified and effective approach. IATA has introduced the Digitalization Leadership Charter to spearhead this alignment. By adhering to the Charter's principles—adopting industry-wide standards, championing sustainability, ensuring ethical technology use, and upholding digital leadership—the charter sets a benchmark for excellence,” said Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo.

IATA Announces Winner of ​​​​​​2024 FACE-UP Competition

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Erik Goldenstein was the recipient of the IATA FACE-UP award for 2024. FACE-UP is a competition for recent university graduates who have developed innovation and transformation solutions in air transport logistics.

Goldenstein was voted as the winner for his role in creating the NE:ONE Play app built on the ONE Record Data Standard. The app provides a visualization of ONE Record data giving a very simplified overview of complex air cargo data. This allows organizations to browse through their shipment data as easily as browsing the web, facilitating optimization of their operational processes. The award was presented at the World Cargo Symposium (WCS) in Hong Kong.

FACE-UP is a competition that provides recent graduates from around the globe a unique opportunity to present their solution on addressing the challenges of the air cargo supply chain to industry executives.