NASA funds demo of 3D-printed spacecraft parts...........

NASA Funds Demo of 3D-Printed Spacecraft Parts Made, Assembled in Orbit

NASA has awarded a $73.7 million contract to Made In Space, Inc. of Mountain View, California, to demonstrate the ability of a small spacecraft, called Archinaut One, to manufacture and assemble spacecraft components in low-Earth orbit. The in-space robotic manufacturing and assembly technologies could be important for America's Moon to Mars exploration approach.

Through a private-public partnership with NASA, Made In Space, Inc. will demonstrate the ability of a small spacecraft, called Archinaut One, to manufacture and assemble spacecraft components in low-Earth orbit. Archinaut One is expected to launch on a Rocket Lab Electron rocket from New Zealand no earlier than 2022. Once it’s positioned in low-Earth orbit, the spacecraft will 3D-print two beams that extend 32 feet (10 meters) out from each side of the spacecraft. As manufacturing progresses, each beam will unfurl two solar arrays that generate up to five times more power than traditional solar panels on spacecraft of similar size.

The contract is the start of the second phase of a partnership established through NASA's Tipping Point solicitation. The public-private partnership combines NASA resources with an industry contribution of at least 25% of the program costs, shepherding the development of critical space technologies while also saving the agency, and American taxpayers, money.

Cute Panda flash mob promotes Chengdu to people in Pompeii.

Photo Business Wire

On Friday, July 12th, the city of Pompeii, not very far from Naples in Italy played host to visitors from around the world as usual. However, something was different on Friday, as suddenly, several charmingly naive pandas with white and black patches appeared in the crowd and danced lovely “Panda Swing Dancing”, attracting a lot of visitors to stop and watch their performance.

The dancing pandas were greeted by loud cheers from the visitors and then accompanying the rhythm of famous Italian singer Jovanotti’s Il Più Grande Spettacolo Dopo Il Big Bang, these “baby pandas” passionately hugged the friends from all over the world and sent a warm travel invitation from the “hometown of pandas” to all visitors on behalf of Chengdu, the next city to hold the 31st Summer Universiade.

Passenger numbers expected to rise for Lufthansa..

The German mega-airline Lufthansa says it expects its passenger numbers will rise about 4% this year, despite the movement spearheaded by teenager Greta Thunberg to curb air travel. 

Carsten Spohr the firms CEO told German newspaper NZZ am Sonntag, “At this time we don’t see restraint - in fact, the opposite. In comparison to last year, already a record year, we’re expecting passenger growth of about 4% (Lufthansa unit) Swiss International Air Lines is also showing growth. The discussion of climate change is not leading to restraint with bookings. People want to fly.”

There has been widespread media speculation that a supposed “Greta effect”  would curb the demand for air travel, as people follow the 16-year-old environmental evangelist's efforts to reduce carbon emitting activities - including flying. Indeed a 'Flight-strike' by environmental protestors targeted Swiss International at Zurich Airport on Saturday, chanting, handing out flyers trying to convince people not to fly in 2020, according to news agency Reuters. 

Delta gives nod to young fliers with family friendly augmented reality gaming app

Delta gives nod to young fliers with a family-friendly augmented reality gaming app

The global airline offers AR app as part of an effort to give kids more options to spend time across a journey

Delta customers can take to the skies from the palm of their hands this summer with Delta’s new Cloud Crew app – an augmented reality digital game now in testing and available via iOS app store in select markets.

During the initial test, users can soar through the air by means of a virtual aeroplane – with their real-life settings as the background. Players will collect miles and bonus points, aiming for new high scores that keep kids – and even adults – engaged with an easy-to-use navigation interface.  Users can choose a Delta-branded aeroplane or that of the airline’s joint-venture partner Virgin Atlantic.

Qatar Airways finalises an order for 5 Boeing 777 freighters

Boeing and Qatar Airways finalized an order for five Boeing 777 Freighters during a ceremony at the White House on July 9.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar and included His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways Group and Kevin McAllister, President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The purchase, worth $1.8 billion at current list prices, was first signed as a Memorandum of Understanding at the Paris Air Show in June.

Almost 3 million people flew with SAS in June

The number of passengers travelling with SAS increased slightly compared to same month last year and reached the highest reported number for a single month. Unit revenue continues to develop favourably and increased with 4.8%.

Scheduled capacity increased with nearly 1% and the number of passengers increased with 0.5%. Currency adjusted unit revenue and yield increased with 4.8% and 5.2% respectively, reaffirming the positive underlying trend during the year.  

Biofuels and carbon offsets power Delta’s first carbon-neutral flights

Delta Air Lines to take 20 carbon-neutral new aircraft deliveries from the Airbus final assembly line in Mobile, Alabama.

The newest A321 in Delta’s fleet will make its initial flight today – completely carbon-neutral, a first for Delta as it continues to make strategic moves to bolster its ongoing sustainability commitments.

Delta has partnered with Air BP to supply biofuels for an initial 20 delivery flights from the Airbus final assembly line in Mobile, Ala. which are manufactured and refined via sustainable sources and processes. The first flight will depart Mobile, Ala. for a facility in Kansas City where final induction work will be performed before the aircraft moves into service for Delta’s customers across its extensive domestic route network.

Using biofuels and carbon offsets in coordination with Air BP, this move is Delta’s latest sustainability action toward its long-term goal of a 50% carbon emission reduction by 2050.

BOAC magic n memories

British Airways has created magic by sending its special BOAC retro painted Boeing 747 centenary aircraft out to Los Angeles for one special customer.

Earlier this year the airline re-painted four of its aircraft in iconic liveries from its 100-year history which have created a real stir among customers. One customer, Judie Parr Graham-Bell who had heard about the special fleet got in touch with British Airways as she wanted to share her special memory.

Judie’s late husband, Philip Graham-Bell, worked for BOAC, the forerunner to British Airways, for 28 years. Philip started his career in the Royal Air Force before holding various roles at BOAC. In 1951, Philip was promoted to be the Charter Manager, with responsibility for organising flights around the world for the Royal Family.

Bombardier celebrates 300 Challenger 350 deliveries

The Canadian transport firm Bombardier is celebrating 300 deliveries of the Challenger 350 business jet, making it the fastest in history to reach the 300 mark in the medium and large categories.

This landmark comes as the Challenger 350 jet was recently recognized by Robb Report Magazine as the Best of the Best super mid-size aircraft for the second consecutive year. Since 1988, Robb Report’s Best of the Best awards spotlight products, services and destinations at the very pinnacle of their industries, defining the benchmark of quality. Not only have Bombardier business jets been recognized as trendsetters in the industry for over a decade, its Challenger 300 series received the honour seven times, making it one of the most distinguished business jet in its class.

Fraport Traffic Figures - June and First Half 2019: Trend for Frankfurt Airport and Fraport's Group Airports Worldwide Remains Stable

Frankfurt Airport sets new single-day record of over 240,000 passengers

In June 2019, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) served almost 6.6 million passengers – an increase of 3.4 percent year-on-year. Aircraft movements climbed by 1.4 percent to 45,871 takeoffs and landings. Accumulated maximum takeoff weights (MTOWs) expanded by 1.7 percent to some 2.8 million metric tons. Only cargo throughput (airfreight + airmail) dropped by 4.7 percent to 174,392 metric tons. This was mainly due to the weak global economy and the fact that two public holidays (Whit Monday and Corpus Christi Day) fell in June this year compared to May last year.

CFO Geir Karlsen appointed interim CEO of Norwegian as Bjørn Kjos steps down

After 17 years as the CEO of Norwegian Air Shuttle, Bjørn Kjos (72) will leave the position and continue in a new role as an advisor to the Chairman, with effect from July 11th. Until Norwegian appoints a new CEO, CFO Geir Karlsen (54) will act as interim CEO, while Chairman Niels Smedegaard (57) will take on a more active role in the management.

“I am very pleased Bjørn will remain at the company as an advisor to the Board and the Chair. As Norwegian moves from growth to profitability, it will be an advantage for the company to benefit from Bjørn’s extensive network, in-depth knowledge of and experience with global aviation. We have already started the process of recruiting a permanent new CEO”, said Niels Smedegaard, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Norwegian.

“I am confident that the Board of Directors will find the best qualified successor to lead the next chapters of the Norwegian story together with the top management team. Leaving the exciting future tasks to a new CEO and taking on a new challenge as an advisor, is a set-up I am very happy with. I look forward to spending more time working on specific strategic projects that are crucial to the future success of Norwegian,” said Bjørn Kjos.

Alaska Airlines and Port of Seattle celebrate grand opening of the first phase of the new North Satellite

Eight new gates, a new flagship Alaska Airlines Lounge represent a major milestone for Sea-Tac Airport and one of the region's fastest-growing companies

Alaska Airlines and the Port of Seattle celebrated a milestone of growth and passenger experience improvement at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: completion of the first phase of the North Satellite Modernization Project, bringing an elevated travel experience to passengers flying in and out of the modern and expanded facility. As part of the $658.3 million project, the Port and Alaska unveiled eight new gates, expanded locally-based dining and retail options and the brand-new, flagship Alaska Airlines Lounge to community and business leaders.

"The old North Satellite worked for 45 years and worked well, but it's become a living time capsule. We are now headed into the future with a stunning facility that improves the passenger experience with more space, light, and services. Alaska, Seattle's hometown airline, is a perfect partner to grow with Sea-Tac," said Port of Seattle Commission President Stephanie Bowman. "Built by Pacific Northwest businesses and residents, this project brings economic opportunities in construction as well as for airport dining and retail businesses, including small, local and disadvantaged entrepreneurs."

Delta Air Lines announces June quarter 2019 profit

Delta Air Lines, the US mega-carrier has reported financial results for the June quarter 2019 and provided its outlook for the September quarter 2019. Highlights of the June quarter 2019 results, including both GAAP and adjusted metrics, are below and incorporated here.​

June Quarter Financial Highlights

​ ​Adjusted earnings per share were $2.35, reflecting a 32 percent increase year over year with 8.7 percent top-line growth, 2.3 points of operating margin expansion and $1.8 billion of free cash flow.

Total adjusted revenue, which excludes refinery sales, grew nearly $1 billion to $12.5 billion, a new quarterly record, with 52 percent of adjusted revenue from premium products and non-ticket sources.

Total unit revenue, adjusted, increased 3.8 percent driven by healthy growth in leisure and corporate revenue and an approximate one point benefit from the amended American Express agreement announced earlier this year.

Non-fuel unit cost (CASM-Ex) increased 1.4 percent compared to the prior year period, driven by better operations, fleet transformation and efficiency initiatives.

Generated $5.2 billion of operating cash flow and $2.5 billion of free cash flow on a year-to-date basis, after investing $2.7 billion into the business, primarily for aircraft purchases and modifications.

Returned $497 million to shareholders, comprised of $268 million of share repurchases and $229 million in dividends.

Park Inn by Radisson Set to Sail into Germany’s Historic Port City of Wismar

Radisson Hotel Group is pleased to announce the signing of the new Park Inn by Radisson Wismar, in Northern Germany, with the property set to open in Q3 2019. The historic city of Wismar boasts one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval town centres, while the old city district from the golden age of the Hanseatic League has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.

Following the lead of the Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson Hotels in Lübeck and the Radisson Blu Hotel, Rostock, this new property in Wismar will be the fourth hotel to be operated by the Radisson Hotel Group on the German Baltic coast. As a destination, Wismar attracts more than 2.4m visitors every year. The city is especially popular for its location on the Baltic Sea and its sights dating back to the Hanseatic era.

Norwegian’s financial turnaround moves in the right direction: Increased revenue and reduced cost

Norwegian’s financial turnaround moves in the right direction: Increased revenue and reduced cost

Norwegian’s second-quarter results are characterised by reduced growth and improved profitability, in line with the company’s strategy. Despite the reduced production growth and grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, the underlying operating result before ownership costs more than doubled from the same quarter in 2018.

The underlying operating result before ownership costs was more than NOK 2.3 billion, the highest ever in a second quarter and NOK 1.2 billion higher than last year. The unit revenue (RASK) increased by 13 %, and the revenue per passenger per kilometre (yield) increased by 11 %. For the second quarter, the total revenue was more than NOK 12 billion, an increase of 19 percent from the same period last year, primarily driven by intercontinental growth. Almost 10 million passengers flew with Norwegian this quarter, on par with the same quarter in 2018. The load factor was 88 percent, up 1.2 percentage points from last year.