UK government extends Dundee to London flight route for another year

Dundee and surrounding areas will continue to benefit 

from direct flights to London

Direct flights between Dundee and London will be rolled out into 2020, the UK's Aviation Minister Paul Maynard announced recently.  The announcement means that people in Dundee and surrounding areas will be able to continue to enjoy the benefits of direct flights to London. It will also support local jobs and businesses markets across the country.

The route is supported by the Public Service Obligation (PSO), which protects routes that boost tourism, connects the UK and encourages economic growth, and backed by UK government funding.

Airline Loganair has been chosen by Dundee County Council to run the flights along the route, which will run from Dundee Airport to Stansted 11 times per week. The airline has also committed to increasing the size of the planes on the route from a 33 seater aircraft to a 48 seater in May, meaning more people will be able to benefit from the flights.

Norwegian has raised new capital

Norwegian has raised NOK 2.5 billion in gross proceeds through a private placement and a convertible bond issue of USD 150 million. After the completion of the transactions, Norwegian is fully funded through 2020 and beyond.

The capital raise was completed yesterday, November 5th, through a private placement and a convertible bond issue. Both the private placement and the convertible bond issue received significant interest and were oversubscribed.

After the completion of the transactions, Norwegian is fully funded through 2020 and beyond based on the current business plan.

UK Space Agency confirms £7.35 million funding to support small satellite launch from Cornwall

The UK Space Agency will award £7.35 million to Virgin Orbit UK Limited, the UK branch of US launch operator Virgin Orbit, to enable horizontal launch of small satellites at Cornwall Airport Newquay, it was confirmed on Tuesday 5th November.

The funding will help to develop advanced ground support equipment, including UK-based manufacturing of key equipment, and conduct mission planning. Together with funding from the Cornwall Council for spaceport infrastructure, this grant helps secure the first satellite launch from Spaceport Cornwall, which Virgin Orbit are planning for the early 2020s, pending regulatory approvals.

Spaceport Cornwall estimates a horizontal launch spaceport at Cornwall Airport Newquay could create 150 immediate jobs, with additional opportunities for local businesses indirectly supporting the site.

Science Minister, Chris Skidmore said: "We want the UK to be the first country in Europe to give its small satellite manufacturers a clear route from the factory to the spaceport. That’s why it’s so important that we are developing new infrastructure to allow aircraft to take off and deploy satellites, a key capability that the UK currently lacks.

JetBlue expands its free entertainment offerings. I

JetBlue the only major US airline with free high-speed Fly-Fi and seatback screens at every seat, on every plane, is providing customers with even more inflight entertainment (IFE) options based on their feedback with the launch of its newest onboard offerings from SHOWTIME, Spotify, INSCAPE and PressReader. Starting this month, customers onboard the airline’s HD touchscreen-equipped aircraft (a) can enjoy access to full seasons of the hottest shows from SHOWTIME, chart-topping podcasts from Spotify, the day’s biggest headlines from PressReader, curated meditation and relaxation content from INSCAPE and much more.

JetBlue introduces refreshed lifestyle content on the first airline-owned seatback channel, JetBlue TV

False alarm causes major incident at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport..................

A false alarm by a member of the flight deck crew of an Air Europa aircraft sent the security forces at Amsterdam's Schipol airport into a frenzy on Wednesday evening.

Dutch police and emergency services rushed to the area amid fears that a hijacking was in progress.

Wild and unconfirmed reports started circulating o social media that two men had been spotted with knives trying to hijack a Madrid bound aircraft.

Military Police and other security services cleared and evacuated some parts of the terminal and airport apron while the investigations took place. 

Air Europa later apologised, saying in a tweet it has been a false alarm.

"In the flight Amsterdam - Madrid, this afternoon was activated, by mistake, a warning that triggers protocols on hijackings at the airport.
Nothing has happened, all passengers are safe and sound waiting to fly soon. We deeply apologise."

#AirEuropaInfo False Alarm. In the flight Amsterdam - Madrid, this afternoon was activated, by mistake, a warning that triggers protocols on hijackings at the airport. Nothing has happened, all passengers are safe and sound waiting to fly soon. We deeply apologize.

— Air Europa (@AirEuropa) November 6, 2019

Hybrid aerial vehicle on test in Frankfurt's passenger terminals

H-Aero floats through the check-in halls surveying the airport 

The H-Aero is a small, helium-filled hybrid aerial vehicle and between October 28 and 31 it was on test in Frankfurt Airport.  Passengers were able to see it floating almost silently through Halls D and E in Terminal 2. Fraport AG joined forces with the start-up Hybrid-Airplane Technologies GmbH to carry out test flights assessing whether the aerial vehicle could be used to perform status checks in the terminals.

The H-Aero has approval to fly over people and combines the advantages of a balloon, aeroplane and helicopter in a single system. The hybrid aerial vehicle can perform a vertical take-off like a helicopter, for instance. It features a helium-filled, lens-shaped balloon that keeps it in the air as well as wings that can rotate 270° to steer it in all directions.

VistaJet Crowned Best Operator for the Fourth Consecutive Year

VistaJet, the first and only global private aviation company, continues an outstanding 2019 by being crowned Asia’s best operator for the fourth consecutive year at the AsBAA Icons of Aviation Awards. The honour celebrates excellence and recognizes best practices in the private aviation industry across the continent, and comes following VistaJet’s receipt of the inaugural award for Most Innovative Company at the 2018 ceremony.

VistaJet is celebrating its 15-year anniversary in 2019, having transformed from a start-up with two aircraft in Europe to a global aviation unicorn with more than 70 long-range jets. A leading innovator in the industry, VistaJet has continued to see record growth year on year, with a 31% increase in new Members in 2018 and a 25% rise in flights globally. Asia performed strongly with a 26% growth in flights, and the momentum continues with the launch of customer-centric programs including VistaPet, the most comprehensive global pet travel program, and VistaJet World, a portfolio of once-in-a-lifetime exclusive global travel experiences.

Boeing 787 oxygen system scandal

Another damming revelation has come from a former Boeing quality manager from it's North Charleston, South Carolina centre, now turned whistleblower, who warns that 787 Dreamliner passengers could be left literally dying for air in a disaster.

John Barnett has claimed that passengers on Boeing's new flagship 787 Dreamliner aircraft could be left without oxygen in a sudden decompression after tests found that up to a quarter could be faulty. Barnett has also claimed some faulty parts have deliberately been fitted to aircraft on the production line at one Boeing factory to avoid costly delays. 

Barnett worked for the American aircraft manufacturer for more than 32 years before having to retire on medical grounds in 2017.  Since 2010 he'd been a quality manager at firms Charleston facility.  He says that when decommissioning oxygen systems that had minor cosmetic damage, he noticed a number of oxygen bottles were not discharging when they were supposed to.  Subsequently, he arranged for a controlled test to be carried out by Boeing's own research and development unit. During those tests, replicating true to life conditions, out of 300 "straight out of stock" systems,  75 of them did not deploy properly, a failure rate of 25%.

Hyatt Announces Plans for Andaz Macau

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced that with Galaxy Entertainment Group it will develop a new Andaz property in Macau, China. The hotel, expected to open in the first half of 2021 as part of the ever-expanding Galaxy Integrated Resorts precinct, will mark the entry of the Andaz brand into Macau.

Andaz Macau will comprise over 700 rooms and suites, an Andaz Lounge, a bar and restaurant, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and an indoor pool. The hotel is directly connected to Galaxy International Convention Center and 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena with a dedicated private lounge catering to large Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions (MICE) groups. The hotel is also part of the Galaxy Integrated Resorts precinct, providing guests easy access to 11.8 million square feet (1.1 million square meters) of unique entertainment, shopping with over 200 world-renowned luxury brands, leisure attractions and more than 120 dining options.

Safer skies, but claims and risks grow, according to Allianz and Embry-Riddle aviation risk report

Despite record numbers of passengers, 2017 and 2018 are among the aviation industry’s three safest years for fatal plane crashes

Analysis of 50,000 aviation insurance claims reveals collision/crash incidents are a major cause of loss, followed by faulty workmanship and machinery breakdown

Nearly 15,000 reported wildlife collisions with aircraft in the U.S. with an average claim of $360,000

More incidents of turbulence due to climate change – particularly on flights between Europe and North America

Despite record numbers of more than four billion passengers, the global airline industry has experienced some of its safest years in terms of fatal accidents, according to Aviation Risk 2020: Safety And The State Of The Nation published by the corporate and aviation insurance specialist Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) in association with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace.

Fraport reports solid revenue and earnings performance

Fraport has continued its growth trend in the first nine months of 2019, achieving an increase in both revenue and earnings. This positive performance was driven by solid traffic growth at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and the Fraport Group's airports worldwide. However, the growth momentum has been slowing down during the year to date.

Fraport AG's executive board chairman, Dr. Stefan Schulte, said: "Our industry is being impacted by the weaker global economy and consolidation of the European aviation market. Furthermore, regulatory interventions by the German government - such as the planned increase to the national air traffic tax - are also affecting our sector. After a phase of rapid traffic growth, airlines are cutting back their plans and thinning out their winter schedules. Nevertheless, we are maintaining our full-year outlook for the 2019 business year - also backed by the ongoing positive performance of our Group airports worldwide. Thanks to Fraport's large and diversified portfolio of international airports, we are well-positioned for the future."

WestJetters come together to build five more homes for families in Dominican Republic

Since 2012, more than 450 WestJetters have built 48 homes through            WestJet Live Different Builds

48 WestJetters are back in Canada after returning from the Dominican Republic for WestJet's ninth humanitarian trip with WestJet Live Different Builds. The team spent 11 days building five homes for families in the local community of La Union in Puerto Plata.

"It is inspiring to see the transformation of the communities that more than 450 WestJetters have volunteered their time and given their hearts to over the past eight years," said Richard Bartrem, WestJet Vice-President Marketing Communications. "As a brand and airline with caring at its core, we are grateful there are hundreds of WestJetters who have significantly changed the lives of these deserving families in the Dominican Republic. We are thankful to work alongside Live Different to continue making these important trips happen."

Brazil launches a mega cultural contest for international tourists - The King of Rolê - 30 Days In Brazil For Free

The newest promotional campaign from the Brazilian Tourism Board -Embratur has just been launched. It is named as "The King of Rolê" and is directed exclusively to the international travelling public. The campaign works as a reality show to promote Brazil as a tourist destination for the world.

"Rolê" is a Brazilian expression that loosely translates to "going for a walk". Going for a "rolê" means to have fun, to make friends, to enjoy life. "This is an international Internet contest to choose a foreigner willing to spend 30 days travelling around Brazil", explains Embratur's President, Gilson Machado Neto.

The action will have the support of Brazilian airlines and hotel chains. The estimated production cost is R$ 3 million.

How to take part....

IBS help Korean Air Cargo improve profitability

 IBS Software's iCargo platform has overhauled Korean Air cargo pricing model by deploying an integrated revenue management system, to improve yields and boost profitability. An industry first, the solution provides intelligent, intuitive analysis and algorithms, fully integrated to the core sales and booking system that delivers unrivalled insight into critical commercial operations – allowing Korean Air to determine the selling price of capacity and ensure maximum profitability per shipment carried.

NOH SAM SUG, Head of Cargo & Senior Vice President, Korean Air cargo, said, "I am very pleased to announce the successful go-live of IBS' iCargo Revenue Management solution at Korean Air Cargo. I also take this opportunity to thank the teams from IBS and Korean Air who worked together to develop the integrated revenue management solution that will help Korean Air to better match the cargo supply and demand while improving profitability. Korean Air looks forward to partner with IBS Software in future opportunities related to cargo and other core airline business systems as well".

"At IBS we're thrilled to have such a progressive partner in Korean Air, a dominant player in the air cargo industry who is leaving no stone unturned in their quest to modernise their operations to boost profitability and deliver exceptional customer service," said Ashok Rajan, SVP & Head of Airline Cargo Services, IBS Software. 

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Newly modified B767-400 brings Delta Premium Select to Santiago de Chile

2020 brings Delta Premium select product to two Latin American markets

Delta brings its newly modified B767-400 aircraft to customers travelling between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL), who now will be able to experience the new Delta Premium Select—Delta’s international premium economy product. Santiago de Chile also will have a 31% capacity increase on its Delta One cabin. Effective Nov. 4, 2019, Delta Premium Select will be available for purchase for travel from Atlanta beginning Feb. 5, 2020.   

“Soon our customers flying to and from Santiago de Chile will have more cabin choices and the benefits of Delta’s continuous investments in its fleet and on-board experience,” said Rodrigo Bertola, Director - Hispanic South America, Central America and the Caribbean. “These new seats, based on our latest design, give our customers a luxurious experience, which is complemented by the refreshed amenity kits and the soon to be announced fall menu and wine selection.”