easyJet opens base at Birmingham

This week the budget airline easyJet opened its newest UK base, Birmingham Airport, the airline’s ninth UK base creating 140 direct jobs for pilots and crew in the UK and supporting around 1200 jobs in total.*

The opening of the base, its first UK one in a decade,  ushers in a new era for expansion for the airline in the UK – the fastest growing airline in the UK this summer -  as well as easyJet Holidays which is the fastest growing holidays company in the UK. 

UK touching flying now makes up 56% of easyJet’s total operation and the airline  is operating its biggest ever UK programme this year with four additional aircraft joining the UK-based fleet. There will be more than 57 million seats on sale to and from the UK which is up around 10% compared to last year. The airline’s growth is set to continue with more aircraft joining the fleet next year.  

With an economy bigger than Hungary’s and the largest economy in the UK outside London and the South East, Birmingham provides easyJet with significant growth opportunities in the Midlands – a key part of easyJet’s strategy. Not only will the aircraft help support vital UK domestic connectivity outside of London, each UK-based aircraft directly supports 400 jobs and £27m UK gross value added (GVA) considering direct, indirect and induced impacts.*

RTX's Pratt & Whitney collaborates with FAA to study non-CO2 emissions under FAA ASCENT program

Tests will compare emissions from conventional Jet A and 100% SAF 

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX  business and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will work together with Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), Aerodyne Research, Inc., and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to study non- CO2 aviation emissions, to help understand and reduce the environmental impact of those emissions. As part of the FAA's ASCENT program, the project will measure emissions from a Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine combustor rig test stand using conventional Jet A and 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

"As the aviation industry targets a goal of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, we continue to pay close attention to addressing the environmental impact of other emissions, including cruise non-volatile particulate matter and NOx," said Sean Bradshaw, senior technical fellow of sustainable propulsion at Pratt & Whitney. "Combustor rig tests with 100% SAF provide a controlled environment for generating valuable baseline data, which will support future studies using full scale engines on-wing at ground and flight test conditions."

The project will compare emissions from Jet A kerosene and SAF comprised of 100% Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (HEFA-SPK), a biofuel derived from vegetable oils and animal fats; the fuel is supplied by World Energy.

Aireon Signs Expanded Data Distribution Deal with Airbus for Space-Based ADS-B

 Aireon, the leader in space-based air traffic management data products and services, has signed an expanded distribution agreement with Airbus to enable more users access to Aireon's space-based automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data.

Under the terms of the multi-year contract, Airbus will integrate Aireon's global ADS-B data feed into its advanced flight analytics products, as well as the advanced digital solutions that the company offers to its customers. Multi-sourced real-time flight position data is one of the pillars to provide airlines, aircraft lessors and lessees and other aviation stakeholders advanced digital solutions, which will allow them to excel in their mission. Skywise Core users can leverage these solutions covering their fleet right from their private spaces where they can include it in their custom reports and analysis supporting them in operating Airbus products more efficiently and sustainably. Securing the provision of Aireon's global ADS-B data feed confirms Airbus' commitment to its customers to provide advanced real-time solutions to boost their operations and business.

This agreement, signed today at the Airspace World exhibition in Geneva, marks the expansion of an agreement signed between the two companies in 2018. Since that time, Aireon has seen tremendous uptick in its data around the world.

"Aireon's data holds a great deal of potential for Airbus and its customer base," said Peter Cabooter, Aireon Vice President of Customer Affairs. "The power of, not only of Aireon's real-time data, but also the historical information powers valuable analytic and situational awareness tools for Airbus. We look forward to the next phase of this outstanding partnership."

IAG Cargo looks to double its IT and digital team

IAG Cargo will expand its IT and digital team with more than 60 roles

The team will focus on enhancing systems and improving customer access to IAG Cargo’s extensive global network

 

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), is growing its IT and digital team with more than 60 roles, more than doubling the size of its global team. People can find out more information on available roles at www.iagcargo.com/en/careers, where applications are now open.

This expansion is part of IAG Cargo’s commitment to be an agile, innovative and customer-centric business, increasing efficiency and embracing new technologies that will enable the company to adapt in an ever-changing landscape. 

IAG Cargo already utilises various digital technologies and tools to streamline operations. For example, its new cargo handling facility at London Heathrow saw bespoke IT system upgrades and integrations that optimise how freight is moved and allocated within the facility, this state-of-the-art technology helps make IAG Cargo smarter and faster, enabling the company to provide the best customer service. 

UK Parliament Treasury Committee looks at timeshare loan scandal

Entry-level timeshare purchases across both the UK and Europe are running at about £20,000 according to the Timeshare Consumer Association. Many purchasers have had to resort to high-interest-bearing unsecured loans to purchase what they thought was a product to give them the continual right to have the holidays of their dreams. Some years ago the timeshare product went through one of its regular facelifts and the “fractional ownership” product arrived.

Dan Keating, spokesperson for the Timeshare Consumer Association says “Fractional ownership is really timeshare by any other name; the difference is that the buyer technically owns a fraction of the bricks and mortar” A logical question for us to ask would be “is this now not just a holiday product, but more of an investment?” Keating was quick to point out that any form of timeshare, including fractional ownership should never be considered as an investment, he went on to say “The 2008 EU Timeshare Directive specifically outlawed the selling of any long-term holiday product or timeshare as an investment”.

CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO (Timeshare coverage begins at time 11.09)

Information divulged at the Parliament Treasury Committee meeting revealed that three large institutions being Barclays Partner Finance, Shawbrook Bank and Novuna, formerly Hitachi have historically been more than happy to lend money to would-be timeshare purchasers. Keating pointed out that “whilst borrowing high-interest finance to buy any form of timeshare is illogical, in certain circumstances it may also be in contravention of the law”. By this, Keating is referring to fractional ownership. Our research indicates that sales staff at various timeshare resorts intimated that buying timeshare via the fractional route represented an investment, which of course is against the law.

American Airlines enhances inflight connectivity and entertainment, will introduce AAdvantage redemption

American continues to make its high-speed inflight Wi-Fi more accessible and easier to use, whether customers connect to work or browse the internet. From introducing a new way for AAdvantage® members to use their miles to consistently improving the inflight connectivity and entertainment experience, customers can look forward to making the most of their time onboard.

• AAdvantage® members will soon be able to use their miles in even more ways with a new option to redeem for Wi-Fi on board.
• All customers can enjoy ad-sponsored Wi-Fi available across 100% of American’s Viasat domestic narrowbody fleet.
• Regional high-speed Wi-Fi installations kick off this summer, bringing high-speed Wi-Fi to nearly 500 dual-class regional aircraft.
• New inflight content and specially curated channels further enhance entertainment offerings.

Coming soon: redeem miles for Wi-Fi in flight

AAdvantage® members will soon be able to use miles to pay for Wi-Fi on board. American will start rolling out this new ability to redeem miles in the next few weeks on a couple select aircraft. By the summer travel season, all of the airline’s Viasat-equipped narrowbody aircraft will offer this ability to unlock Wi-Fi in exchange for miles. With this enhancement to help loyalty go even further, American continues to deliver on the commitment that travel is better as an AAdvantage® member.

Taking Wi-Fi connectivity to new heights

Once connected, customers can enjoy Wi-Fi even longer with gate-to-gate connectivity on most mainline aircraft, allowing customers to stay connected from the minute they find their seat to when they’re deplaning. and connectivity is only going up from here. Customers looking for a free Wi-Fi option can enjoy ad-sponsored Wi-Fi across 100% of American’s Viasat domestic narrowbody aircraft.

All Wi-Fi connectivity enhancements will be powered by a new design for the Wi-Fi portal that customers use inflight, rolling out throughout the year. The new Wi-Fi portal design will further enhance the customer experience by making Wi-Fi offerings even more accessible for customers with a user-friendly Wi-Fi purchase process with fewer clicks and effective direct-to-customer communication through strategic pop-up messaging. The portal will also make content easier to navigate through a sleeker design, providing an aesthetically pleasing experience that highlights American’s Wi-Fi, entertainment and partner offers on a single page.

Air Lease Corporation announces pricing of offering of €600 Million of senior unsecured medium-term notes

Air Lease Corporation announced the pricing on March 20, 2024 of its offering of €600 million aggregate principal amount of 3.70% senior unsecured medium-term notes due April 15, 2030 (the “Notes”). The sale of the Notes is expected to close on March 27, 2024, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

The Notes will mature on April 15, 2030 and will bear interest at a rate of 3.70% per annum, payable annually in arrears on April 15 of each year, commencing on April 15, 2024. Owners of the Notes will receive payments relating to the Notes in Euros.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, the purchase of commercial aircraft and the repayment of existing indebtedness.

BBVA, Deutsche Bank, J.P. Morgan, NatWest Markets, and Societe Generale are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering of the Notes.

HIA Milestone Delivery Report lists critical next steps for UK to be leader in global hydrogen aviation race

The Hydrogen in Aviation alliance is calling for a comprehensive industrial strategy for aviation to ensure the UK is a global leader in the development of  hydrogen aviation

The report sets out how to ensure the country has the right conditions for the technological development, regulation, infrastructure, financial framework and hydrogen supply that will be needed for hydrogen aviation

HIA’s ultimate goal is to ensure hydrogen-powered flights become a reality to help preserve the huge social and economic benefits that aviation brings

The Alliance, formed of major players across the aviation, manufacturing and renewable energy sectors, see hydrogen as one of the key tools for the decarbonisation of aviation, and key to creating new jobs and supporting the sector’s long term sustainable future

The Hydrogen in Aviation alliance (HIA), formed of easyJet, Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Ørsted, GKN Aerospace, Bristol Airport and ZeroAvia, has today released its Milestone Delivery Report – outlining the steps and timeline the UK Government and industry needs to follow to secure its position as a global leader in hydrogen-powered aviation.

The UK is home to many world-first advances in hydrogen-powered aircraft technology, from hydrogen engine testing to the first flights of hydrogen-fuelled planes – making it well placed to be a leader in hydrogen aviation. This would secure substantial economic, employment and sustainability benefits. To realise these benefits we need an industrial strategy for the sector focussed on these long term opportunities.

The UK will need to secure massive increases in hydrogen supply. This will involve the accelerated deployment of renewable and low carbon energy generation and significant investment in hydrogen infrastructure and skills.

In order to achieve this, HIA’s new Milestone Delivery Report – which has been shaped by accurate aviation demand figures and other critical industry data – outlines specific steps that need to be taken by industry, government and regulators to equip the UK with everything it needs to be a leader in the field of hydrogen-powered aviation.

Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet and first Chair of HIA, said:  “It’s without doubt that the UK is well placed to be a global leader in hydrogen – but the opportunity will be gone if we do not act now to build on all the great work that has already been done.

“The breakthroughs in hydrogen-powered technology happening across the UK are truly astonishing but these advances will be inconsequential if we fail to complement them with the appropriate skills, infrastructure, investment and regulation needed to support hydrogen aviation.

“HIA’s Milestone Delivery Report outlines the critical steps and the timeframe needed to do this and if followed, not only will it create significant wealth, jobs and prosperity across industry and across the UK, it will be a vital component in decarbonising the aviation sector.”

Mark Bentall, Head of Research & Technology at Airbus, said:  “Technology is already unlocking the potential of hydrogen as a new fuel and Airbus is firmly focused on getting a hydrogen powered aircraft in the air by 2035. Beyond the aircraft, we have to prepare people, policy and infrastructure to build a world-leading hydrogen aviation economy in the UK. This report gives us the blueprint for making it happen, so now is the time to follow through.”

NAV CANADA joins the iTEC Alliance to foster more efficient and sustainable aviation

NAV CANADA is joining the iTEC Alliance and gives further momentum to an initiative that brings together some of the world's leading air navigation service providers. With this important partnership, iTEC has reached beyond the European borders for the first time and continues its cooperative venture to create a more efficient and environment-friendly generation of air traffic management systems.

The signing took place this week at the Airspace World event in Geneva which has brought together some of the main players in air traffic management ecosystem. Mark Cooper, Vice-President and Chief Technology and Information Officer on behalf of NAV CANADA, and the main representatives of the iTEC Alliance, Dirk Mahns, DFS COO and Chairman of iTEC Board; Kuldeep Gharatya, NATS Technical Services Director; Laura Garcés, ENAIRE Deputy Director ANS; Jan-Gunnar Pedersen, Avinor CEO; Magdalena Jaworska-Maćkowiak, PANSA President; Marlou Banning, LVNL CFO; Saulius Batavičius, Oro Navigacija CEO; and Javier Ruano, Indra's ATM General Director, signed the agreement. 

With this settlement, cooperation between Europe and North America will be reinforced, and global air traffic will reach new levels of efficiency thanks to a more collaborative management. This partnership also brings the possibility of operating transoceanic flights using the same technology from start to finish, thereby facilitating smoother traffic management across both sides of the world's busiest oceanic areas.

The joining of NAV CANADA, who plays a unique and critical role in managing the second-largest airspace in the world, constitutes a significant advancement for the Alliance—expanding its partnered airspace from 8 million to over 26 million square kilometres and supporting more than 12 million flights from 27 control centres each year. Aircraft will be able to cross almost half of the globe with iTEC SkyNex as the system managing their flights.

United makes it easier to share award miles with family and friends

Just in time for summer travel planning, United launched MileagePlus miles pooling – a new way for MileagePlus members to contribute and combine their miles into a joint account. Available on United.com, groups of up to five members can now share and redeem miles in one linked account. United allows any MileagePlus member – whether relatives or close friends – to be in a pool with other members. United is the first and only major U.S. airline to offer this feature.

"We're always looking for new ways to provide the most value to all of our loyalty members and are proud to be the first major U.S. airline to allow our members to pool their miles with their loved ones and friends," said Luc Bondar, Chief Operating Officer of MileagePlus. "MileagePlus miles pooling further reinforces United's position as the leader in family and group travel and gives our members more flexibility to use their miles while making it easier to connect to the destinations and moments that matter most, with the people that matter most." 

As 81% of parents report intent to travel with their children in the next year and nearly 60% report concern about travel affordability, according to a 2023 U.S. Family Travel Survey conducted by the Family Travel Association, the introduction of MileagePlus miles pooling aims to make travel even easier for families or groups looking to get away; even the youngest family members can contribute as there's no minimum age to become a MileagePlus member.

MileagePlus miles pooling is now available to all MileagePlus members by logging in to their account on United.com. For those not already MileagePlus members, the program is free to join here. 

How MileagePlus miles pooling works

Any MileagePlus member over 18 years old can become the pool leader and create a pool for free when logged in to their account on United.com.

Pool leaders can invite up to four of their family, friends, or close travel companions of any age to join the pool if they have an active MileagePlus account. There is no minimum age to join MileagePlus.

When logged in to their MileagePlus account on United.com, members will be instructed on how to contribute miles to the group pool as well as how to redeem pooled miles for award flights on United and United Express*.

There are no limits to the number of miles that may be contributed to an active miles pool.

Pooled miles can be used when booking a ticket on United.com or in the United mobile app. 

Department of Transportation to launch first industry-wide privacy review of U.S. Airlines

The Department of Transportation (DOT) in the U.S. will undertake a privacy review of the nation’s ten largest airlines regarding their collection, handling, maintenance, and use of passengers’ personal information. The review will examine airlines’ policies and procedures to determine if airlines are properly safeguarding their customers’ personal information. In addition, DOT will probe whether airlines are unfairly or deceptively monetizing or sharing that data with third parties. As DOT finds evidence of problematic practices, the Department will take action, which could mean investigations, enforcement actions, guidance, or rulemaking.

“Airline passengers should have confidence that their personal information is not being shared improperly with third parties or mishandled by employees,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “This review of airline practices is the beginning of a new initiative by DOT to ensure airlines are being good stewards of sensitive passenger data. DOT is grateful for the expertise and partnership of Senator Wyden as we undertake this effort to protect passengers.”

“Secretary Buttigieg and the Biden Administration deserve serious credit for working with me to launch a new initiative to review the privacy practices of the major U.S. airlines,” said Senator Ron Wyden. “Because consumers will often never know that their personal data was misused or sold to shady data brokers, effective privacy regulation cannot depend on consumer complaints to identify corporate abuses. I will continue to work with DOT to ensure that it is holding the airlines responsible for harmful or negligent privacy practices.”

WestJet achieves significant reductions in aircraft emissions

The Canadian airline WestJet has reported an 11% reduction in its fuel emissions intensity in 2023, compared to 20191. The reductions align with the airline's commitment to responsible growth and the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) goal for achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The lower aircraft emissions intensity can be attributed to strategic initiatives including fleet modernization and a responsible shift in network planning. By incorporating newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft and optimizing flight routes, WestJet is successfully curtailing its impact on the environment.

"Sustainability has been a core value for WestJet for more than two decades. Our achievements in reducing emissions intensity demonstrates our commitment to climate change and positions WestJet as a leader in Canada with a proven track record in sustainable aviation," said Angela Avery, WestJet Group Executive Vice President and Chief People, Corporate and Sustainability Officer.

WestJet remains committed to sustainable aviation as it strives to find innovative ways to build upon its momentum, while continuing its mandate of providing affordable air travel for Canadians. The airline's current initiatives include progressive fleet modernization plans and advocacy for sustainable aviation fuel production in Canada.

airBaltic to add three new routes....

airBaltic continues expansion from the Baltics

The Latvian state airline airBaltic has announced a further expansion from the Baltics by adding three new routes – Riga–Madeira (Portugal), Tallinn–Kittilä (Finland) and Vilnius–Oslo Torp (Norway) – for the upcoming winter season that will start at the end of October 2024.

Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic: “We are pleased to announce our further expansions from the Baltics by launching these new routes. Madeira is a unique destination in our network and offers a fantastic leisure experience with its magnificent scenery and breath-taking nature. Additionally, the new routes – from Tallinn and Vilnius to Kittilä and Oslo, will serve as a destinations for both leisure and business travel.”

“When preparing for the upcoming season, we are constantly evaluating the market and are committed to further improve the connectivity to and from the region. In 2024, we will operate a record high number of routes from our home bases more than ever before, enhancing the global connectivity, which is generating significant interest and is set to offer passengers a wide range of travel options,” Martin Gauss added.

In addition to new destinations airBaltic will increase flight frequencies on routes from Riga to Stockholm, Prague, Tampere, and more, as well, as from Tallinn to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Gran Canaria, and from Vilnius to Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin and more. Furthermore, the airline will continue to operate some of its seasonal routes during the winter season, including Riga–Ljubljana, Riga–Baku (November), Tallinn– Malta (November), Vilnius–Lisbon and Vilnius–Hamburg.

Transavia to lease two new Airbus A321-200neo jets

Global leasing giant, Air Lease Corporation has confirmed this week it has agreed with Transavia on a long lease deal for two new Airbus A321-200neo aircraft.  

The jets are scheduled to arrive in late 2025 and early 2026 and these two new Airbus A321-200neos join seven A321-200neos ALC has leased to Transavia. The first ALC A321neo aircraft was delivered to Transavia in December 2023 and was the first A321-200neo to join the Dutch carrier’s fleet.

“ALC is pleased to announce this transaction for two additional Airbus A321neo aircraft with Transavia,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “Our nine A321-200neo aircraft will offer significant enhancements and efficiency to the airline’s fleet operations, as demonstrated by the first ALC A321neo that delivered to Transavia last year.”

In addition to the nine Airbus A321-200neo aircraft, ALC has ten Boeing 737-800s on long-term lease to the Dutch carrier.

Air Lease Corporation is a leading global aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing new commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. 

Transavia is a low-cost airline that for the past 50 years has taken great pleasure in flying passengers to over 110 destinations in Europe and North Africa. Transavia stands for accessibility and affordability: whether you are planning a holiday or a business trip, you will always find a flight that fits your budget. Transavia operates from the Netherlands and France.

Finnair has executed a reverse split on its shares

Finnair Plc confirmed on Wednesday it had executed a reverse split, i.e. the reduction of the number of shares in the Company, and a related directed share issue without consideration, redemption of shares and cancellation of shares. After these measures, the new number of shares in the Company is 204,811,392. The new number of shares has been registered with the Trade Register maintained by the Finnish Patent and Registration Office today, 20 March 2024, and trading with the new total number of shares in the Company commences on Thursday 21 March 2024 with a new ISIN code FI4000567029. Finnair’s trading code FIA1S will remain the same after the reverse split.

Finnair’s Annual General Meeting resolved on 18 March 2024 on the reverse split and on a related redemption of shares so that after carrying out the reverse split, every 100 shares in the Company corresponds to one (1) share in the Company. Concurrently with the execution of the reverse split, the Board of Directors of the Company has resolved on implementing the directed share issue without consideration resolved by the Annual General Meeting in which the Company has issued without consideration a total of 4,714,922 treasury shares held by the Company in such manner that the number of shares in each book-entry account holding Finnair’s shares has been made divisible by 100. The aggregate market value of the shares issued without consideration is EUR 140,976.17, based on the closing price of 20 March 2024.

After the directed share issue, the Company has redeemed without compensation 99 shares for each 100 shares in the Company, in accordance with the resolution of the Annual General Meeting. The Company’s shares redeemed in connection with the reverse split have been cancelled immediately. After the reverse split, Finnair holds 354,315 treasury shares.

The aim of the reverse split is to facilitate trading conditions of the shares by increasing the value of a single share as well as to improve the price formation of the shares.

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Riyadh Air joins United Nations Global Compact with the intention to incorporate United Nations Sustainability Goals across its operations

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new world-class airline, has this week announced it has joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative that promotes responsible business practices and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In a letter to António Guterres UN Secretary General, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas officially committed Riyadh Air to implementing the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact. As active participants of the UNGC, Riyadh Air will adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies in areas such as human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption and report on progress on these efforts regularly.

As part of its aim to support the advancement of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) working alongside partners and stakeholders to drive progress towards these goals by 2030. Riyadh Air will also publish its first Sustainability Report in advance of its maiden in mid-2025.

Tony Douglas CEO Riyadh Air said, "At Riyadh Air, we are conscious of our environmental impact and committed to actively contributing to the Kingdom's sustainability goals, adopting world-class practices and leading our industry in integrating ESG into every area of our business."

Alaska Access: A new subscription service by Alaska Airlines to save on travel planning and costs,

Alaska Airlines to offer a bundle of exclusive deals with Alaska Access, a new subscription offer that includes discounted Wi-Fi plus more cost-saving tools

Alaska Airlines is launching a new subscription program for savvy, price-conscious guests that will save them time and money throughout the year. Starting today, travellers can sign up for Alaska Access at just $5 per month to take advantage of exclusive savings.

Immediately after sign-up, subscribers will receive their first monthly voucher to Alaska’s inflight streaming-fast satellite Wi-Fi. Benefits also include advanced alerts to some of our biggest fare sales of the year. Subscribers will be notified the night before a sale is announced to take advantage of huge savings and seat selection. Alaska Access also offers a calendar view of the lowest fares that are tailored to subscribers' favourite destinations, so they never miss out on the best deals.

“We know time is valuable for our guests who are busy balancing a lot in their lives and we kept that in mind when we developed Alaska Access,” said Shane Jones, vice president of business development at Alaska Airlines, “Alaska Access is part of our commitment to make travel more affordable and convenient for everyone – whether planning for your dream vacation or returning home from college. Our new subscription service allows you to discover some of our best deals of the year right at your fingertips, in just minutes.”  

Alaska was the first U.S. airline to introduce a subscription service to travellers in 2022 when it launched Flight Pass. Responding to the continued shift in consumer demand for personalized and tailored experiences, the carrier seeks to open up a new revenue stream with Alaska Access. 

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Boeing Finally Settles Lawsuit of Deadly Spanair Crash After 15 Years of Legal Battles

Boeing has finally settled for an undisclosed amount in the lawsuit that resulted from the deaths of 154 passengers and crewmembers in Spain over 15 years ago. The case was brought against Boeing as the manufacturer of the ill-fated plane through their acquisition of McDonald Douglas. BCA argued that Boeing was aware of a mechanical defect that increased the risk of error during takeoff but failed to apply a known fix to all of their planes. While there were initially several law firms involved in the litigation, only Brent Coon & Associates held out and fought for a trial for their clients. After all of the legal wrangling, the Civil Courts in Spain finally allowed litigation to move forward to trial, 15 years after Spanair flight JK5022 crashed, killing 154 people.  

Brent Coon, whose firm undertook representation early on in the initial lawsuit in California, finally feels like his clients have been vindicated.  “We have been fighting the good fight for these victims and their families for well over a decade. It has been extraordinarily frustrating to see Boeing dodging accountability for so long, and to succeed in convincing our own judiciary that the victims would get a swift and fair trial in Spain. They knew that wasn’t going to be the case, and showed their true colours once they obtained the rulings throwing everything back into the laps of the Spanish courts, which rarely deal with this type of complex litigation. We weren’t surprised to see them undertake multiple protracted appeals of the trial court rulings to further delay the matter and wear down these families, who were already devastated by the loss of their loved ones and impatient to ride out appeal after appeal. But we have weathered all the storms and got a definitive trial date. This positioned us to negotiate a fair settlement of our claims and these families can finally have closure.   Spanish government oversight of the airline industry is frankly pretty weak or this would likely not have been allowed to happen in the first place,” says Mr. Coon.  

Ivan De Miguel Perez, Spanish counsel to the plaintiffs, had this to say: “These recent developments allowed us to see that justice is now finally available for the people we have represented for such a long time in a tragic accident that happened as a result of negligence on a massive scale. While the terms of the settlements are confidential, we believe that our clients are receiving the maximum amount they would have been awarded by the court under the laws applicable to these types of claims in Spanish law.   It has been a pleasure working with Brent Coon & Associates as their Spanish local counsel and look forward to working again with such a dedicated team of lawyers and staff. They just don’t give up”.

Air101: Why is one of the deadliest crashes in aviation history yet to be resolved after 15 years?

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Jet2.com recognised by CAA for punctuality performance in Q4 of 2023

Jet2 has been recognised for its punctuality performance by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), after operating 77 percent of its flights on time between October and December 2023 which makes it the best of the UK’s major airlines. 

The latest Aviation Trends report from the CAA reviewed the on-time performance of both UK airlines and international airlines in the fourth quarter of 2023. It found that 67 percent of flights were on time overall. 

Jet2 surpassed the industry average, operating 77 percent of its flights on time – arriving or departing the gate within 15 minutes of their scheduled time - between October and December 2023. This achievement makes Jet2 the best of the UK’s major airlines for punctuality performance during that period.  

The full Aviation Trends report by the CAA for quarter four of 2023 can be found here -  57 (caa.co.uk)  

Jet2 is repeatedly recognised for its continued commitment to delivering industry-leading customer service, seeing the airline receive a high number of prestigious accolades, in recognition of the way it looks after customers. Earlier this year, the airline was ranked as amongst the very best companies in the UK for delivering outstanding customer service by the latest Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI) and was also the only UK airline to be named a Which? Recommended Provider. 

flynas signs strategic partnership with stc Group and SkyFive Arabia to Provide High-Speed Air-to-Ground Internet Onboard for the First Time in The Middle East

flynas, stc Group, and SkyFive Arabia have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aims to provide a cutting-edge high-speed Air to Ground internet on 120 flynas aircraft, for the fist time in the Middle East enhancing the passenger experience across the airline's extensive fleet.

The MOU has been signed in presence of Mr. Olayan Alwetaid stc Group CEO, Mr. Ayed Aljeaid, chairman of flynas, Mr. Abdulaziz Aldahmash, GACA deputy president, Mr. Omar Alrejraje CST deputy governor.

SkyFive Arabia and stc Group will spearhead the initiative by delivering state-of-the-art Air-to-Ground internet connectivity, set to debut on domestic services in the 4th quarter of 2024. This innovative service will progressively extend its reach throughout the network and fleet of flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the Middle East.

SkyFive Arabia provides reliable high performance home-like broadband services to airlines and business jet operators. Aircraft connect through a network on the ground that creates a high-performance low-latency grid serving the sky based on proven cellular technology. Passengers can anticipate a seamless surfing experience with high speeds and minimal latencies, thanks to the latest connectivity technology employed from our partner SkyFive Arabia. The incorporation of lightweight technology not only ensures efficiency but also mitigates weight and drag, contributing to reduced fuel consumption and environmental sustainability.