Travel plans of thousands of passengers still in question following last minute withdrawal of French ATC strike threat

Europe’s largest airlines and hundreds of thousands of passengers have been left in limbo despite the French SNCTA union withdrawing its notice of strike action at the eleventh hour. Airlines still do not have full clarity this afternoon of what French ATC capacity will be tomorrow, meaning there will still be significant disruption for flight operations and passengers. 

In advance of the strike, airlines had been forced to cancel more than 2,000 flights, the majority of which would have landed or departed from France. Another 1,000 flights would have had to divert away from French airspace causing further delays and disruption.  

The strike was set to be one of the largest ATC strikes in years and comes after 2023 saw 16,000 flight cancellations, 85,000 delayed flights and 20 million passengers being impacted due to ATC strikes.

 

This illustrates why A4E’s call for a passenger protection proposal at EU level remains critically important for providing certainty and predictability for airlines across Europe. The proposal would see:

 

•            a legally binding requirement for arbitration with unions ahead of strike action;

•            a 21-day notice period ahead of strikes;

•            72-hour confirmation of employee participation in strikes; and protection for overflights over countries affected by ATC strikes, without impacting flights flying to and from the country affected 

 

Direct flights from Manchester to ‘Italy’s best kept secret’ begin this month

Passengers will soon be able to fly directly from Manchester to Reggio Calabria in southwest Italy – making Manchester the first UK airport with a direct link to the city.

Flights will run on Wednesdays and Sundays with Ryanair, starting on Sunday 28th April, from as little as £14.99 per person one-way.

The city provides visitors with an ideal base to explore the wider Calabria region – often referred to as the country’s ‘best kept secret’ by travel writers.

Calabria is the ‘toe’ of Italy’s ‘boot’, and the city of Reggio Calabria faces the island of Sicily across Strait of Messina. The region is one of the most affordable parts of the country to visit and has long been popular with Italian tourists, but international visitors are only just beginning to discover this hidden gem – which combines white sand beaches and spectacular scenery with the culture, architecture and fantastic food that Italy is famous for.

Here are just some of the highlights that holidaymakers from Manchester will be able to indulge in this summer;

Lap up the sun on a Calabrian beach

If it’s sun, sea and sand you’re after, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Calabria, which has more outstanding beaches than you could ever hope to visit in one trip. Some of the very best are found in and around the village of Tropea, which is less than two hours from Reggio Calabria by train and makes for a great day trip.

Textron Aviation starts delivering Beechcraft King Air 260 Multi-Engine Training System (METS) Aircraft to U.S. Navy

Textron Aviation has delivered the first two of up to 64 Multi-Engine Training System (METS) Beechcraft King Air 260 aircraft contracted by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) on January 25, 2023, following a full and open competition.

The aircraft, which will be known as the T-54A, replaces the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) fleet of T-44C Pegasus aircraft at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. A variant of the twin-engine and pressurized Beechcraft King Air 260, the T-54A will modernize the fleet and be more representative of follow-on fleet aircraft. The T-44 has been in service for more than 40 years.

The T-54A includes an updated avionics suite and automation qualities to better prepare students for the advanced aircraft they will fly in the fleet.

“The T-54A benefits from an active Beechcraft King Air assembly line in Wichita, Kansas, where all required METS avionics and interior modifications are installed on the line; keeping costs down, aircraft conformity consistent across the fleet and optimizing the delivery schedule to the Navy,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Missions Sales, Textron Aviation. “We are thrilled to continue our 47-year relationship of Textron Aviation aircraft conducting multi-engine flight training for Navy, Marine and Coast Guard Aviators.”

METS-specific capabilities include factory options for TACAN (Air-to-Air), angle-of-attack (AOA), V/UHF radio, digital audio system, engine trend monitoring, condition-based maintenance plus, observer/jump seat, passenger mission seats and full-face oxygen masks.

Earlier this month, TRU Simulation + Training Inc., an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., announced the company was awarded the METS Ground Based Training System (GBTS) contract providing the U.S. Navy with a fully integrated training system of aircraft and training devices. The contract base award is for three Unit Training Device (UTD) simulators in a King Air 260 standard configuration, one Operational Flight Trainer (OFT) simulator in the METS T-54A configuration, one Simulator Support Station (SSS) in the METS T-54A configuration and 21 Desktop Trainers for avionics training.

Endless Special Missions Possibilities

When government, military and commercial customers want airborne solutions for critical missions, they turn to Textron Aviation. The company’s aviation solutions provide the high performance and flight characteristics required to address the unique challenges of special missions operations. With unparalleled quality, versatility and low operating costs, Textron Aviation products are preferred for air ambulance; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); utility transport; aerial survey; flight inspection; training and a number of other special operations.

Delta to increases starting pay to $19 an hour....

Delta announced plans to raise its minimum starting wage to $19 an hour for employees and provide a 5% pay raise to eligible employees worldwide, representing an approximately $500 million annual investment in employees across the company.

Following a payout of $1.4 billion in profit sharing bonuses, Delta is investing in frontline employees by raising the minimum starting wage to $19 an hour and providing employees across the company with a 5% pay raise. In an internal memo, CEO Ed Bastian announced Monday the raise comes as Delta continues to invest in industry-leading total compensation to reward operational excellence and customer care. 

With this investment, which will take effect on Jun 1, 2024, Delta continues to lead with industry-leading total compensation for industry-leading performance in all work groups. Including this 2024 raise, Delta has made cumulative investments of 20-25% in compensation in each of our largest frontline workgroups since 2022.  

“Delta’s leading position comes thanks to a simple concept that dates back nearly a century – invest in our people first, and they will deliver great service and experiences for our customers,” Bastian said in a memo to all employees. “That’s exactly what you do, and it always sets us apart.” 

Summer headache for travellers to Canary Islands

British travellers are facing an uncertain reception should they be going on holiday this summer to The Canary Islands, where mass protests are have been taking place by locals hacked off with the number of holiday-makers heading their way.

Protests are set to continue in to the summer months with more than 50,000 people turning up to vent their anger and dissatisfaction. 

In 2023, around 13.9 million tourists visited the seven main islands in the Canary Islands archipelago and thousands of the islands' 2.2 million population have taken to the streets in recent weeks, complaining about the over-tourism of the islands. official figures show.

Most of those protesting speak of tourists not respecting the islands and accusing them of making locals' lives unbearable.  Lydia Morales told the BBC."We are feeling we're being pushed away, our priorities are not taken in consideration," adding politicians were "more focused" on building tourism complexes and hotels than helping the local inhabitants. 

National Statistics Institute INE warned that last year 34% of Canary Islanders were at risk of poverty or social exclusion last year. Which is the second highest after the region of Andalusia.

There are reports of a number of protesters going on hunger strikes in Tenerife, over what they believe is the destructive growth of tourism. 

"We Canarians are fed up with being second and third class citizens, we are fed up with overcrowding, with institutional mistreatment, with low salaries, with our heritage being destroyed," Nieves Rodrigues Rivera, a teacher and writer told France 24. 

Antonio Bullon, from Tenerife, told Sky News: "The authorities must immediately stop this corrupt and destructive model that depletes the resources and makes the economy more precarious."

Whilst most of the protesters are peaceful and the main group The Canaries Have Had Enough say their actions are not against tourists themselves, but against the over-development of the islands. There are reports of tourists being targeted and verbally abused.  In some cases holidaymakers have been barred from entering shops and restaurants, villa driveways have been blocked and rubbish put in pools.  There have also been a few reports of graffiti saying 'tourists go home' being sprayed on buildings and hotels. 

Tourism represents 35% of the GDP of the islands and nearly 40% of all jobs are reliant on the tourist industry.

FCO advice

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Spain.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Recent terrorist attacks in Spain include:

in January 2023, one person was killed and others injured in a machete attack at 2 churches in Cadiz

in 2017, 14 people were killed and over 100 injured across 2 incidents where vehicles were driven into pedestrians in Barcelona and Cambrils.

Political situation

Demonstrations, political gatherings or marches can take place with little or no warning, particularly in cities. Follow the advice of police and local authorities.

While most demonstrations are peaceful, there is a risk of unrest or violence. If you’re in and around areas where demonstrations are taking place, be aware of what is happening around you and move away if there are signs of disorder.

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easyJet reopens applications for 2024 Pilot Training Programme

The budget carrier easyJet has opened its renowned Generation easyJet Pilot Training programme, which takes aspiring pilots with little or no experience to the cockpit of an Airbus A320 commercial airliner in around two years as qualified co-pilot. Over 1000 new pilots are set to join easyJet by 2028 as part of a five year recruitment drive, with around 200 places now available this year. 

With still only around 6% of pilots worldwide being women, easyJet has been focused on tackling this industry-wide challenge for a number of years through initiatives including recruitment campaigns, its pilot school visits programme and Summer Flight School. 

As a result, 7.5% of easyJet’s pilots in the UK are women compared to the UK industry average of 6.5%, with around 300 women including 99 Captains now flying for the airline, which has continued to work on tackling stereotypes and misconceptions around the job and encouraging more women to apply. 

The Generation easyJet Pilot Training Programme is now open for aspiring pilots to apply at Generation easyJet Pilot Training Programme | CAE

Earlier this month the airline launched an online test which assesses some of the key skills required to become an airline pilot, after research revealed that half of Brits (50%) don’t know what qualifications are needed to become an airline pilot and learn to fly a commercial jet. 

To apply to easyJet’s Pilot Training Programme, aspiring pilots need to be aged 18 or over by the time they begin training and have a minimum of 5 General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) of Grade C or above (or equivalent), including Mathematics, Science and English language – no higher qualifications or degrees are required. 

The Royal Aeronautical Society publishes paper on the Mental Health Challenge in Civil Aviation

The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) has published a paper on the mental health challenge to civil aviation safety, covering both psychosocial risk management and mental health. The paper explores the impact that mental health in aviation currently has within civil aviation.

The Royal Aeronautical Society’s Human Factors Wellbeing Working Group (HFW WG) paper highlights key areas of the civil aviation ‘eco-system’ that would be positively impacted by a coherent approach to managing and mitigating staff mental health and wellbeing.

Poor mental health is now an acknowledged safety risk factor in civil aviation, from Germanwings in 2015 through to Alaska Airlines in 2023, the issue in the mental wellbeing of safety-critical staff has become an issue for the industry. One key question relating to this challenge is to what extent can the risk be monitored and quantified by means of the psychological assessment of safety-critical staff to inform safety management strategies.

The view of the HFW WG is that an approach based on the information outlined in this paper could provide a positive ’tailwind’ for the industry addressing the challenges in the current environment.

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the development of a response to the emerging recognition of the safety risk posed by the mental health and wellbeing of all civil aviation personnel. In addition, the paper provides recommendations and psychosocial risk management systems that can be implemented into current organisational structures to prevent the degradation of staff mental health and wellbeing.

AerCap releases its 7th Environmental, Social, and Governance report.

AerCap Holdings has published its seventh annual Environmental, Social, and Governance ("ESG") Report, for the year ended December 31, 2023.  The report sets out in detail AerCap's commitment to growing its business in a responsible and sustainable way and includes a number of environmental, social, and governance disclosures. The ESG Report is produced with reference to the Global Reporting Initiative ("GRI") Standards. The report can be found here or on the ESG section of our website.

Key highlights of the report include:

Our ESG ratings have continued to show a positive trajectory as evidenced by our recent rating improvements. In September 2023, we were upgraded by MSCI ESG Ratings to 'AA' or 'Leader' level, and in April 2024, we were upgraded by Morningstar Sustainalytics to 'Low Risk' level.

We continued our corporate fleet modernization strategy to ensure we own the most in-demand and fuel-efficient aircraft, with ~$50 billion invested in new technology aircraft since 2014.

As of December 31, 2023, AerCap's fleet comprised of ~70% new technology aircraft by net book value and ~80% new technology engines, with an additional ~$18 billion of new technology assets on order.

Our indirect Scope 3 emissions intensity improved in 2023. We have achieved a 15% reduction in gCO2 per seat/km across our entire fleet over the last decade, notwithstanding our fleet doubling in size during this period. 

We continued to make progress on our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging ("DEIB") framework and strategy, conducting focus groups and training sessions throughout 2023 to focus on the issues that matter most to our employees.

We had continuous engagement and collaboration with regulatory authorities and the wider aviation industry on policy and decarbonization matters through our dedicated Government Affairs & Sustainability function, aiding our situational awareness and ability to engage on key policy developments.

Together with our employees, AerCap donated over $800,000 to charitable and social causes and partnerships in 2023.

Stacey Cartwright, ESG Committee Chair, said, "We are very pleased to launch AerCap's ESG Report for the year 2023, coinciding with World Earth Day."

WestJet's new codeshare with Korean Air

Starting next month WestJet's codeshare deal with Korean Air begins, giving Canadians access to six additional cities across four Asian countries from Seoul's Incheon International Airport.  

Through the agreement, passengers will have more opportunities to explore unique transpacific Asian destinations beyond Seoul with a seamless single connection at Incheon ICN and the convenience of booking their entire journey with one ticket, baggage transfers, and earning WestJet Dollars throughout.

New WestJet Codeshare Destinations

Bangkok, Thailand (BKK)

Da Nang, Vietnam (DAD)

Hanoi, Vietnam (HAN)

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (SGN)

Hong Kong, China (HKG)

Singapore (SIN)

"As we prepare for WestJet's inaugural flights between Calgary and Incheon, the timing of this codeshare expansion is ideal.  We are enhancing connectivity to more destinations in Asia for our guests and WestJet Rewards members from one of the world's busiest cities, and Korean Air's global hub" said Jeff Hagen, WestJet Vice-President of Commercial Development and Strategic Partnerships. "Our longstanding reciprocal partnership with Korean Air opens up exciting opportunities for leisure and business travellers to more locations in the Asian continent and offers new guests in Asia access to all of Canada through our global hub in Calgary."

Following the success of WestJet's entry into Asia, the airline recently introduced seasonal service between YYC and ICN. The new route launches on May 17, 2023, and will fly on WestJet's 787 Dreamliner up to three days per week during peak travel periods.

"We are excited to announce an expanded codeshare with our longstanding partner WestJet, offering our valued customers access to a wide range of transpacific destinations," said Tae Joon Kim, Korean Air Senior Vice President and Head of International Affairs & Alliance. "The launch of WestJet's Calgary - Seoul Incheon route will bolster connectivity between Korea and Canada, while our strengthened partnership will seamlessly connect customers to an expanded array of Asian and Canadian cities through our hubs in Incheon and Calgary, respectively."

All WestJet codeshare destinations are now available through WestJet's website, the WestJet app, and travel agent partners, where WestJet Rewards members can earn and redeem WestJet Dollars on their entire journey. Visit WestJet.com for further details.

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GoJet Airlines brings in groundbreaking pilot recruitment initiative.

GoJet Airlines, brings in a  groundbreaking pilot recruitment initiative, offering unparalleled bonus opportunities and career advancement pathways. With the aviation industry facing dynamic changes, GoJet Airlines remains committed to attracting and retaining top talent, providing lucrative incentives for experienced pilots.

GoJet Airlines is proud to introduce a comprehensive Direct Entry Captain bonus package, including a staggering $175,000 sign-on bonus and an additional $25,000 bonus for pilots with a Part 121 type-rating. This unprecedented offer presents a total bonus opportunity of up to $200,000, paid out within the first 12 months without any contractual obligations or strings attached.

Adding to this industry-leading compensation package, GoJet Airlines is proud to offer up to 18 years in longevity matching, demonstrating the company's commitment to recognizing pilots’ years of service within the industry. This creates the potential to earn over $400,000 in the first year of employment, enabling pilots to achieve financial stability and success while flying with GoJet Airlines.

British Airways restarts London - Abu Dhabi route

British Airways returned to Abu Dhabi on Sunday morning as flight BA073 touched down at Zayed International Airport, following a four-year pause of the route.

From now on, British Airways will operate a daily flight between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi all year around  The new route adds to the UK's leading legacy carrier's extensive global network and strengthens connections between UAE and UK.

Flight BA073 to Abu Dhabi departs London Heathrow at 22.25, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 08.30+1.  The inbound flight to London (BA072) departs at 10.10, arriving London Heathrow 15.20.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: "We extend a warm welcome to British Airways as they start operating at Zayed International Airport with a daily schedule that promises to enrich connectivity and invigorate both business and tourism. Our new award-winning and cutting-edge terminal offers visitors an unparalleled introduction to the vibrant UAE capital, where they will be greeted with Emirati hospitality at its finest."

Calum Laming, Chief Customer Officer at British Airways said: “We are really excited to be celebrating our Abu Dhabi route launch. The new daily flight connects Abu Dhabi with London Heathrow and beyond, providing our customers with another amazing destination within our expansive global network and further growing our connections with the UAE. With four cabins to choose from, including First, we are confident customers will enjoy our exceptional and original British Airways service brought to life by our incredible colleagues.

And on a personal level, it is an honour to return to the fantastic city and Emirate of Abu Dhabi where I was lucky to live for the best part of a decade."

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BA Schedule

Season	Flight number	Departing LHR	Arriving AUH	Flight number	Departing AUH	Arriving LHR
Summer ‘24	BA73	22:25	08:30+1	BA72	10:10	15:20
Winter ‘24	BA73	22:25	09:30+1	BA72	11:10	15:20

Air Canada Introduces New Sports Channels to Live TV Service Just in Time for the Stanley Cup Playoffs

 Air Canada announced the addition of three new Live TV sports channels to its award-winning in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. Just in time for the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Sportsnet ONE and Sportsnet East are available today, while TVA Sports will be available in May, so Air Canada customers can cheer their favourite hockey team onboard select flights.

"We are extremely excited, as the only Canadian airline with Live TV, to show the Stanley Cup Playoffs onboard. Hockey is an integral part of the Canadian identity, so it only makes sense that we offer it in French and English to our customers as part of our extensive in-flight entertainment. These new channels further cement our dedication to Canada's game. Our commitment to hockey includes flying all seven Canadian teams, being a jersey sponsor of the Montreal Canadiens, and as official airline of the PWHL," said John Moody, Managing Director, Onboard Product at Air Canada.

Air Canada's Live TV experience is delivered through a satellite-connected solution, directly to the seat-back screen. Live TV programming on Air Canada flights is comprised of:

• Sportsnet ONE and Sportsnet East offer extensive coverage of the NHL and Stanley Cup Playoffs, Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Raptors, as well as NBA, MLB, Grand Slam of Curling, and more (available only on domestic flights)
• TVA Sports offers extensive French-language coverage of the NHL and Stanley Cup Playoffs, WTA, Blue Jays and MLB games, UFC, EURO 2024 and more (available on domestic and transborder flights)
• TSN and RDS, delivering comprehensive live sports coverage of marquee sports events including this summer's UEFA EURO 2024 and CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™, as well as additional sports including hockey, basketball, football, baseball, golf and tennis majors, auto racing, and more

UK Ministry of Defence orders more H145 helicopters

The UK Ministry of Defence has ordered a further six Airbus H145 helicopters as the next step in renewing its rotary fleet and cutting the number of different types in service.

The new aircraft will be deployed to Cyprus primarily for emergency response duties and to Brunei to support UK military training in jungle warfare and will replace Airbus Pumas currently performing those roles.

Airbus Helicopters in the UK Managing Director Lenny Brown said: “We congratulate the MoD on this smart acquisition which simultaneously provides the right-sized helicopter for the Cyprus and Brunei requirements, represents excellent value for the UK taxpayer, and is another key step in the rationalisation of types in the transport helicopter fleet.”

“The H145 Jupiter, and its sister H135 Juno, continue to demonstrate exceptional reliability and versatility in the training role in the Military Flying Training System (MFTS) and will bring these crucial attributes to their new tasks.”

The new helicopters will be delivered next year and will serve in parallel with 29 H135s and seven H145s in the Defence Helicopter Flying School which trains all UK military pilots as part of MFTS at RAF Shawbury. The enlarged H145 fleet brings economies of support costs and substantially reduces pilot conversion training time.

The latest version of Airbus’ best-selling H145 adds an innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission H145, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design eases maintenance operations, improves serviceability and reliability, and enhances flight comfort for both passengers and crew.

Worldwide there are more than 1,675 H145 family helicopters in service, with a total of more than 7.6 million flight hours. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class, while its CO2 emissions are the lowest among its competitors.

The Helionix avionics generate significant savings in pilot training due to commonality between different Airbus types including the H135 and H175M.

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Aerobytes confirm sponsorship of Rich Goodwin Airshows

Popular Aerobatic Display team, Rich Goodwin Airshows, can now confirm that Aerobytes, a world-leading Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) company will be their headline sponsor for the 2024 Airshow Season.

Rich, an ex-RAF Tornado and commercial pilot, wows crowds throughout the UK and Europe with his unique style of flying where high energy gyroscopic forces blend with aerobatic manoeuvres to produce an exciting dynamic routine.

He flies two aircraft, G-EWIZ, a modified muscle biplane and a recent edition to the fleet; G-JPIT - the Jet Pitts muscle biplane - a unique aircraft, and one of a kind. It has been modified structurally to have two LYNX jet turbine engines mounted on the fuselage sides – a first for such an aircraft and means it can hover like a Harrier!

This unique innovation turns heads at every airshow because nobody in the audience expects a small, propeller-driven aircraft to suddenly ‘let rip’ with jet noise and accelerate vertically. Once those jets power up, all heads are pointing in only one direction! 

But it is the story behind those jet engines that has attracted Aerobytes to sponsor Rich Goodwin Airshows, as well as the shared ambition to inspire and excite the next generation in aviation and the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

Eddie Forrester, MD of Aerobytes commented; “What Rich has achieved with both of his superb, home-built aircraft is an inspiration to future engineers and pilots. You don’t know what the limit is on ‘possible’ until you witness somebody having passed it! If only a handful of would-be pilots or engineers have that creative fire lit in them as a result of seeing Rich then our investment will be repaid a hundred times over.”

Aerobytes was established in 2001, supplies flight-safety software globally and has directly

supported the UK air-display industry since 2007 when it started sponsoring the much-loved and missed Vulcan XH558. Subsequently, Aerobytes sponsored several air-shows, was the title sponsor for The Blades Aerobatic Team, and The Blades Air Race Team and is now the title sponsor for the disabled flying charity Aerobility.

Rich Goodwin commented, “It’s great that Eddie and Aerobytes are sponsoring us this year, and I really understand the importance of their FDM product having spent the last 26 years being monitored by it on the flight deck of the Boeing 757. It delivers ever-increasing flight safety and risk mitigation to the commercial Aviation sector.”

The 2024 season is looking to be the busiest yet for Rich Goodwin Airshows with numerous

displays around the UK as well as France, Belgium and Poland.

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Rich Goodwin, is an ex-RAF Tornado and commercial Boeing 767 pilot who has competed with the British Aerobatic Association. He owns two highly modified Pitts Special stunt planes, flying stunning aerobatic displays at airshows and events throughout the UK and Europe. Based at Gloucestershire Airport he also focuses on innovation and STEM within aviation to inspire the next generation. He's known as the pilot who draws smiles in the sky, gaining national media coverage for his efforts!

Aerobytes are a world-leading provider of automated and adaptive Flight Data Monitoring and

Flight Operational Quality Assurance.  In layman’s terms, they make flying safer and more efficient by using aircraft usage data to detect potential training issues for pilots, predict failures before they happen and reduce fuel burn.

Reliable Airlines joins top 5% of part 135 cargo operators

Reliable Airlines, a cargo airline based in Albuquerque, today announced its Safety Management System (SMS) is in full compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. The Safety Management System Voluntary Program (SMSVP) is optional, and the airline’s achievement in attaining FAA acceptance, or “active conformance,” demonstrates its strong commitment to aviation safety and establishing the requisite infrastructure to meet these rigorous standards. Reliable Airlines is building an airline with sophisticated safety systems, procedures and technology to safely scale.

The Reliable Airlines SMS provides guidance and procedures that cover operations, flights, testing, engineering, environmental health and safety, cargo services and airspace management. The FAA completed a review and validation of the associated manuals and processes before formal acceptance.

“Ensuring the highest levels of safety has been our top priority since day one, and it’s instilled in our culture,” said Tom Klassen, President and Director of Operations for Reliable Airlines. “Our dedicated team completed the SMSVP process from application to acceptance in less than 90 days. We could have not accomplished this without the support of our partners at the Albuquerque FAA Flight Standards District Office.”

The airline has a fleet of five Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft and operates daily cargo flights from Albuquerque Sunport and has near-term plans for aircraft and route expansion. Reliable Airlines is a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliable Robotics, which is focused on developing and certifying aviation safety-enhancing technologies, including auto-land, auto-taxi, and auto-takeoff, as well as high-integrity navigation and remote piloting capabilities. The Reliable autonomous flight system is aircraft-agnostic and will be deployed first on the Caravan.

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Corporación América Airports released its passenger traffic numbers for March 2024

Corporación América Airports S.A., one of the leading private airport operators in the world, reported today a 0.8% year-on-year (YoY) increase in passenger traffic in March 2024, reaching 92.4% of the levels seen in March 2019. Excluding Natal for comparison purposes, total traffic in March increased by 4.0% YoY, reaching 95.1% of March 2019 levels.

Passenger Traffic Overview

Total passenger traffic grew 0.8% compared to the same month of 2023, or 4.0% when adjusting for the discontinuation of the Natal airport. Compared to March 2019 levels, total traffic stood at 92.4%, or 95.1% ex-Natal. International passenger traffic increased 12.9% year-over-year (YoY) and surpassed pre-pandemic levels by 4.7%, while domestic traffic decreased 6.7% YoY to 86.2% of March 2019 levels.

In Argentina, total passenger traffic continued to recover in March, increasing by 3.8% YoY and reaching 96.6% of pre-pandemic volumes, down from the 98.6% recorded last month. Domestic traffic was 1.1% down YoY and in line with March 2019 levels, while International traffic was 15.0% up YoY, reaching 90.6% of pre-pandemic levels.

In Italy, passenger traffic grew by 18.0% compared to the same month in 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic levels of March 2019 by 8.3%. International passenger traffic, which accounted for over 75% of the total traffic, increased 20.1% YoY and was 15.6% higher than March 2019 levels, while domestic passenger traffic increased 11.2% YoY and was 11.2% below pre-pandemic levels. Florence airport exceeded March 2019 traffic volumes by 17.6% while traffic at Pisa airport, where some pre-pandemic destinations still need to resume, was above pre-pandemic levels for the first time.

In Brazil, total passenger traffic decreased by 13.5% YoY, or increased by 0.3% YoY when adjusting for the discontinuation of the Natal airport. Domestic traffic, which accounted for almost 60% of the total traffic, reached 71.4% of pre-pandemic levels, or 88.1% when adjusting for Natal, while transit passengers improved to 87.0% of March 2019 levels. Traffic in Brazil remained heavily impacted by financial and aircraft constraints in some of the local airlines. As a reminder, following the friendly termination process concluded in February 2024, CAAP no longer operates Natal airport, effective February 19, 2024. Therefore, statistics for Natal are available up to February 18, 2024.

Air Canada to offer more flights to more destinations....

Air Canada is introducing more flights to more destinations across Europe and Asia this summer, along with a choice of 120 destinations in North America, to fulfil their summer travel plans. Alongside new and enhanced international routes to Singapore, Madrid, Stockholm, Osaka and Seoul, the carrier's Summer 2024 international capacity is growing by 30 per cent into Asia-Pacific and 25 per cent to key leisure destinations in Southern Europe compared to last Summer.

New international services to Singapore, Madrid, Stockholm, Osaka and Seoul

Over 30% additional capacity into Asia-Pacific with up to 87 weekly flights

25% increase to key leisure destinations in Southern Europe

120 destinations across North America, including new services to Charleston, South Carolina and Tulum, Mexico

Air Canada customers have a wide range of exciting options across Europe and Asia this summer, along with a choice of 120 destinations in North America. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

"We continue to see strong demand for southern European destinations, and have increased capacity to countries such as Italy, Greece and especially Spain for this summer. Air Canada is also focused on strategically expanding its Pacific hub in Vancouver and we are thrilled to have launched service to Singapore earlier this month, as well as increasing service to Hong Kong and Japan. With continued high demand for visiting friends, relatives and leisure travel, our increased services to key destinations give customers more options than ever before," said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning, at Air Canada.

"Within North America, Air Canada's domestic and trans-border network will grow to 120 destinations this summer, with the addition of Tulum, Mexico and Charleston, South Carolina, and be further strengthened by our joint business agreement with United Airlines. Taken together, our domestic, trans-border and international schedules, alongside our airline and intermodal partnerships, create a global network unrivalled among Canadian carriers. We have continued to build scale at our Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver hubs, each offering convenient and easy connections and such amenities as our Maple Leaf Lounges and Signature Suites in Toronto and Vancouver for our premium customers."

Saudi Arabia shows investment initiatives in tourism at International Hospitality Investment Forum

The Saudi Ministry of Tourism is currently taking a prominent stage at the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF), presenting a unique opportunity for global investors to dive into the thriving tourism landscape of the Kingdom. With the spotlight on the Tourism Investment Enablers Program (TIEP), that was recently announced, Saudi Arabia is aggressively pushing towards its Vision 2030 goal of being a top global tourism destination for investors and tourists alike. ​

This strategic presentation comes at a time when Saudi Arabia's tourism sector celebrates an incredible milestone of 100 million visitors in 2023, seven years ahead of schedule, marking a significant stride towards economic diversification and emphasizing the sector's growing contribution to the national GDP. The flagship Hospitality Investment Enablers (HIE), one of TIEP’s initiatives, aims to leverage this momentum, planning an investment infusion into the hospitality sector of up to SAR 42 billion in key destinations, which alone is anticipated to create 120,000 new jobs by 2030.​

The IHIF audience is getting a close look at Saudi Arabia's plans to expand its accommodation capacity dramatically. The Kingdom is targeting an increase in hotel rooms to over 500,000 and aiming to welcome 150 million visitors annually by 2030. The HIE stands at the core of these ambitions, designed to energize the hospitality sector by introducing a new wave of supply in targeted tourism hotspots, significantly enriching the Kingdom's diverse tourism offerings.​

Avolon's boss wins top business leadership award

The Irish American Partnership has presented its 2024 New York Business Leadership award to Paul Geaney, President & Chief Commercial Officer at Avolon. The award was celebrated at a breakfast reception on Thursday at the historic Union League Club of New York attended by over 300 business leaders, friends, and supporters.

Irish American Partnership previous honorees include Adrian Jones, Chairman and Co-Head, Global Private Equity, Goldman Sachs; Stan McCarthy, former Chief Executive, Kerry Group; Michael Dowling, President and Chief Executive at Norwell Health; and Bernie Brennan, President of the Royal Dublin Society.

A founding member of the Avolon team in 2010, Mr. Geaney was appointed as Avolon’s Chief Commercial Officer in July 2021, adding the role of President in July 2022. He had previously held Head of Americas, Head of OEM, and Chief Risk Officer roles. A Dublin native, Geaney holds a Bachelor in Economics and Politics from Trinity College Dublin, and served on the Board of the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (2019-2023). 

Avolon is a global leader in aviation finance, with 145 airline customers in 64 countries, and an owned, managed and committed fleet of 1,033 aircraft. In its 2023 financial results it reported net income of $339 million and $31 billion in total assets.

Guests enjoyed an in-depth interview of Mr. Geaney by Brian Ruane, Global Head of Clearance with BNY Mellon and Board member of the Partnership. 

JetBlue is making several leadership and organizational changes as it tries to get back to sustained profitability.

JetBlue is continuing on its path to sustained profitability following its failed attempt to take over ailing budget airline Spirit with a series of top-level changes.... 

Daniel Shurz has been named JetBlue’s new head of revenue, network, and enterprise planning. Over the past 20 years Shurz has served as vice president, network planning for Air Canada and senior vice president, commercial for Frontier Airlines, and held strategy and business development roles at both carriers. He will lead JetBlue’s network planning, airline partnerships, sales and revenue management, and enterprise planning teams which are critical elements of the company’s push for profitability and plans to strengthen its network positioning. Daniel will report to JetBlue’s president, Marty St. George.

Dave Clark has been named JetBlue’s new head of finance and strategy, responsible for financial planning and analysis, strategy and business development, as well as investor relations. He joined JetBlue in 2009 and most recently served as JetBlue’s head of revenue and planning. He will report to JetBlue’s chief financial officer, Ursula Hurley.

Shelly Griessel has been promoted to vice president, customer support. She joined JetBlue in 2022 and since then has served as managing director, customer support, responsible for JetBlue’s omnichannel management of all customer contacts. She will continue to report to Jayne O’Brien, JetBlue’s head of marketing and customer support.