Air cargo to double in 20 years time.......

According to the latest projections from US aircraft manufacturer Boeing, air cargo operators will need more than 2,600 freighters over the next two decades to keep up with increasing global freight traffic, which is expected to double with 4.2% growth annually.  

Apparently, there will be demand for 980 new medium and large freighters and a further 1,670 converted freighters which will go towards replacing older aircraft and growing the global fleets of cargo operators to meet demand. "The air cargo market continues to be a major element of commercial aviation's growth story," said Darren Hulst, managing director of Market Analysis & Sales Support at Boeing Commercial Aeroplanes. "Our new forecast indicates strong long-term air cargo trends, which coincide with the market recovery that we have seen over the last few years across Europe, North America, and Asia."

The World Air Cargo Forecast was released by Boeing today at The International Air Cargo Association's Air Cargo Forum and Exhibition which detailed how some of the main forces behind the rise in demand for cargo aircraft comes from China. The global rise of e-commerce is also a key factor in the growth in demand as that industry is expected to rise by around 20% each year. 

CTA releases What We Heard Report summarizing its air passenger protection consultations

The What We Heard Report from The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has been released today, which summarises what it was told by the Canadian travelling public during a three month long research period.

The CTA is rightly proud of the engagement travellers mdae in the consultation process as there were close to 31,000 visits to the website and, 4,923 online questionnaires were completed, 463 written comments were sent in through the website, 930 randomly-selected travellers filled out surveys in 11 different airports, 104 formal written submissions were sent to the CTA, 39 in-depth discussions were held with key stakeholders and experts, and 203 Canadians attended in-person consultation sessions in eight cities and a phone-in consultation session. 

Korean Air boss indicted on embezzlement charges...

The woes at Korean Air Lines continue as its Chairman Cho Yang-ho was indicted on Monday 15th October on a number of charges that include embezzlement and breach of trust.

The South Korean prosecutor's office advised on Monday said Cho Yang-ho pocketed 19.6 billion won that's around $17 million in commission between 2003 and 2018 after setting up a trading company to broker specialist aircraft equipment and in-flight duty-free goods purchase deals for Korean Air, which cost the airline the same amount. 

Preveza and Bastia become new destinations for British Airways in summer 2019

New routes from London Heathrow to Preveza in Greece and Bastia in Corsica are the headlines from the release of the UK's biggest airline British Airways' new summer schedule for 2019. 

Preveza is said to be ideally positioned as a gateway to both beach and mountain escapes, sitting just 20 minutes north of the island of Lefkada, a popular summer yachting haven and windsurfers’ paradise. Adventure seekers can also explore one of Europe’s great wildernesses as Preveza is located just 60 minutes away from the Pindus mountains, where travellers can trek the vast alpine trails or explore the UNESCO protected Vikos Gorge.  The new service from British Airways will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays between 26th May and 29 September from May 26 through to September 29, with fares starting at £71.

Flights to the Corsican gateway of Bastia are scheduled for every Saturday from 25th May to 28th September, next year. Bastia will then become the second destination the carrier will serve on the French island following the launch of a new service to Figari this year. Corsica is perfectly placed between France and Italy in the Mediterranean Sea and is fast becoming a must-visit destination for European holidaymakers, BA says the lowest economy fares will start from £48.  

Yakutia Sukhoi Superjet100 damaged beyond repair in runway overun incident

An investigation is underway into why a Sukhoi Superjet 100 of  Yakutia Airline overran the runway on 10th October at Yakutsk International Airport not long after three in the morning.

There were no fatalities during the incident although a small number of the passengers did require medical assistance according to the airline. The SSJ100, registration RA-89011 was on a flight from Ulan-Ude, in Buryatia and was carrying 91 passengers and 5 crew.

The runway at Yakutsk International Airport is undergoing a programme of repair and refurbishment at the time of the incident. According to local media the aircraft touched down and landed normally on part of the runway that has finished being reconstructed.  However, it failed to stop before continuing onto an unfinished part of the runway which included a hump, which caused the main landing gear to collapse. The crew deployed the emergency slides for passengers and crew to escape the aircraft on the runway.

The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has released a video of the damaged aircraft on the runway which shows the forward landing gear off the ground as the nose points skywards, the main gear collapsed forcing the rear fuselage on the ground.

Jetlines makes another step forward in the race to get airbourne

Canada Jetlines has taken another massive leap forward in its race to get in the air, the company announced this week that it has completed a second set of advance lease payments to leading aircraft leasing firm, AerCap.

These lease payments are for two Airbus A320 aircraft, that are currently flying with Air New Zealand and near the end of their lease term with the kiwi airline.  Delivery of Airbus A320 MSNs 2594 and 2663 which are around 12 years old and are expected by early in the second quarter of 2019. These two planes are virtually identical in design, features, and equipment, allowing Jetlines to expedite the necessary training and maintenance processes to commence operations at an earlier date. 

Jetlines has made another deposit to AerCap for USD $438,000 per the terms of the agreement and in a demonstration of the continued partnership. To date, Jetlines has made payments totalling USD $2,190,000 toward securing these aircraft. CEO Javier Suarez stated “Our operations team has worked diligently on securing quality aircraft, carrying out a meticulous vetting process to ensure that the aircraft are fit for Jetlines’ ultra-low-cost operation. As a part of the process, Jetlines retained Lufthansa Technik to accomplish the preliminary inspection prior to the lease agreement completion to ensure the aircraft suitability and condition. Both AerCap and Air New Zealand have been proactive in supporting the transfer of data and information to Jetlines in order to allow the early entry into service. We look forward to getting these aircraft off the ground and to finally bring low fares to Canada.”

Oscar Wilde takes to the skies (again) with Norwegian

The popular low-cost airline, Norwegian has proudly announced that Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde has become the second Irish ‘tail fin hero’, ahead of the anniversary of his birthday on the 16th October. The renowned writer’s portrait graces the tail fin of two Norwegian aircraft –a Boeing 787 Dreamliner as well as a Boeing 737 MAX. 

From the very start of the airline, it has honoured many iconic people on the tails of its planes, sometimes they have been literary geniuses of Jane Austen and Oscar Wilde, other times the airline has celebrated big players in the aviation world like Sir Freddie Laker, but all the time the celebrated figures chosen symbolise the spirit of Norwegian by pushing boundaries, challenging the norm and inspiring others.

To represent Norwegian’s growth in Ireland, the airline has launched a second Irish tail fin hero following the announcement of explorer Tom Crean who also graces a Boeing 737 MAX and a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Born in Dublin on 16 October 1854, Oscar Wilde was a renowned Irish poet and playwright. He tried his hand at various literary activities throughout the 1880s and became one of London’s most popular playwrights. His imaginative works, in particular, his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray and his play The Importance of Being Earnest, are considered among the great literary masterpieces of the late Victorian period.

Matthew Wood, SVP Commercial Long haul and New Markets at Norwegian said: “Our ‘tail fin heroes’ offer us a perfect chance to pay tribute to some of the greatest Irish men and women of all time. Oscar Wilde has inspired generations and we are very happy to have one of the greatest poets of all time adorn our aircraft.”

(Photo  Norwegian)

Russian airline Aeroflot wins its first ever Business Traveller Award!

The leading Russian airline Aeroflot has been named Best Airline in Eastern Europe at the Business Traveller Awards,  this is the first time that the national flag carrier has scooped one of the annual awards voted for by readers of UK magazine Business Traveller.

"It is a special honour to receive this prestigious international award," said Aeroflot CEO Vitaly Saveliev. "The Business Traveller Awards are particularly valuable as they reflect the unfiltered opinions of our most discerning passengers. More and more international travellers are choosing to fly with Aeroflot, which reflects our consistently high standards of service, convenient route network and attractive prices. We will continue to focus on these competitive advantages as we seek to further strengthen our global market position."

The Business Traveller Awards are considered to be among some of the most prestigious awards within the travel media industry and have been going for more than 30 years. The results of the poll of the magazine's readers are authenticated by an independent auditing company, and are widely recognised as the market's benchmark for excellence.

Aeroflot is a regular winner of international awards based on passenger polls. The loyalty and high levels of satisfaction of the airline's passengers were reflected at this year's Skytrax World Airline Awards, when Aeroflot was named Best Airline in Eastern Europe for the seventh time, while users of TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel reviews site, named Aeroflot's business class service the best in Europe.

(Photo Aeroflot)

Massive route expansion for America's United Airlines - 22 new routes for 2019

The US mega-carrier United Airlines has revealed its latest domestic route network development plans today which will see the company offering more ways for customers to connect to 22 destinations from six of its U.S. hubs. 

United also announced it will begin nonstop service to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, from Chicago, New York/Newark and Washington, D.C. With the new service, United will offer more nonstop service from more cities to Hilton Head Island than any other airline. Tickets are available now for purchase.

United announces the only nonstop flights connecting New York and Pensacola, Florida,

and new daily service to Anchorage, Alaska

Strengthens connectivity at Washington Dulles with four new routes and

 expands service between New York/Newark and seven destinations

"With more than 40 new domestic routes added this year, we remain committed to expanding our network to offer customers even more choices in their travel destinations," said Ankit Gupta, United's vice president of Domestic Network Planning. "The expansion to Hilton Head Island from three of our hub cities and the introduction of New York's only nonstop service to Anchorage and Pensacola, are just some of the ways we are responding to customer interest and demand." 

Team UK heads off for Invictus Games in Sydney

The 2018 Invictus Games are about to get underway in Sydney, Australia and the UK's British Airways gave the nations 2018 squad, a heroes’ send-off at Heathrow ahead of their 10,558-mile flight down under.

The Invictus games were set up by His Royal Highness Prince Harry in 2014 and is a parasport event especially for wounded, injured or sick armed forces personnel and their associated veterans.  Some of the disciplines taking place at the games in addition to athletics are archery, rowing, powerlifting, cycling, swimming and wheelchair basketball.

This year, Team UK comprises of 72 wounded, injured and sick serving military personnel and veterans who were photographed in front of a specially detailed British Airways Boeing 777.  The jet proudly displays a Good Luck message to the team and conveyed the team to Australia for the games which run from 20th - 25th October. 

Canada's Porter Airlines flies to Melbourne........

Canadian regional airline that is based at Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport, Porter Airlines are hoping to attract more snowbirds to head south for the winter with its service to Orlando.

The airline flies down to Orlando-Melbourne International Airport nonstop with services from Toronto, Ottawa, and Windsor begin the week of 19th December and run until 13th April.  The Toronto service flies twice weekly, while the Ottawa and Windsor operates once a week each during peak periods. All three cities will have additional round-trip flights during March Spring Break.

"There is significant demand from Canadians to visit Florida throughout the winter months, and we're pleased to provide our passengers with service to the sunshine state," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "Continuing to offer non-stop service from Toronto, Windsor, and Ottawa means that more people can visit Florida directly from their own communities."

Orlando-Melbourne is a key gateway to Florida, located just 20 minutes from Port Canaveral – the world's second-largest cruise port. Just 30 minutes from Kennedy Space Center and less than 10 minutes from the beach. Popular entertainment venues, including theme parks, museums, and wildlife attractions are within an hour's drive.

Boeing Business Jets Delivers First BBJ MAX Airplane

US plane-makers Boeing announced today that it had delivered the first Business Jet (BBJ) has delivered the first BBJ MAX aeroplane to a customer. "We are excited to begin delivering a longer-range and more capable version of the world's most popular business jetliner," said Greg Laxton, head of Boeing Business Jets. "There has been great market interest and anticipation for the BBJ MAX and our valued customers will soon be able to see the new standard in business travel."

BBJ MAX offers customers unmatched range and comfort

Boeing unveils new BBJ MAX interior design concept

The aircraft is now scheduled to fly off to an interior finishing centre for complete luxury cabin fitting. Boeing Business Jets unveiled a new interior concept by award-winning aviation design firm SkyStyle. The concept, named Genesis by SkyStyle Co-Founders Max Pardo and Lucas Colombo, represents the company's debut in BBJ MAX design.  "From an aviation designer's perspective, the BBJ MAX is incredibly appealing because there is so much more interior space to realise one's vision," said Max Pardo. "And since the MAX flies ultra-long-distances, the owners are looking for a comfortable lounge, multi-function conference area and a large master suite to ensure the ultimate flight experience."

The BBJ MAX Genesis concept draws inspiration from nature's tranquillity, its voluminous clouds hanging over a white sand beach, smooth rolling hills and a starry night sky. "BBJ MAX interiors have always been a sharp departure from the cramped cabins of smaller business jets, and the Genesis design is yet another example of our exclusive cabin capabilities," said Laxton.

Norwegian will be presenting partner of National Basketball Association - NBA London Game 2019

Norwegian, one of the world's most popular airlines has announced this week that it has formed a partnership with the US National Basketball Association (NBA) which will see the award-winning airline be named as the presenting partner of the NBA London Game 2019. The regular-season game will feature the Washington Wizards and the New York Knicks at The O2 on Thursday, 17th January.

Washington Wizards and New York

Knicks to Meet at The O2 17th Jan 2019

S7 gets its first 737MAX

The US plane-maker Boeing, leasing company Air Lease Corp and the Russian airline S7 Airlines celebrated the delivery of the airline's first 737 MAX, via lease from ALC.  S7, operated by Globus Airlines, becomes the first Russian airline to fly the 737MAX.  

British Airways' Dreamflight takes off again......

It was chocks away again for another British Airways Dreamflight took to the skies making lifelong memories and smiles on the faces of the hundreds of children, who all have a serious illness or disability that had been welcomed onboard.

Every year Dreamflight raises funds to enable a British Airways 747 to fly almost 200 children to Florida to enjoy a fun packed ten-day trip. On the trip, they spend time at attractions including Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Universal Studios. 

Singer-songwriter Una Healy mingled and took selfies with the children before they boarded the special jet. “It is a pleasure to be part of such an inspiring event at the British Airways hangar this morning. Dreamflight does amazing work and it’s great to meet the children, hear their stores and see the excitement on their faces. I’m sure they’ll have a trip to remember.” Una Healy said.

British Airways supports the Dreamflight team each year to help give the departure a party atmosphere. An army of volunteers donned superhero outfits, including dressing up as Stormtroopers to wow the children, while the Air Cadet National Marching Band performed popular hangar-roof-raising songs. British Airways cabin crew and pilots were also at Heathrow as the children boarded the superjumbo through a magical castle.