Winners announced for Aviation Week Network’s annual laureate awards

Award Honors Outstanding Achievements in Aviation, Aerospace & Defense
Winners will be recognized on March 12, 2020 in Washington, DC

 Aviation Week Network announced today the winners of the 63rd Annual Laureate Awards, honouring extraordinary achievements in the global aerospace arena.  The 2020 Laureate Awards will take place on March 12, 2020, at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC.   At that time a Grand Laureate in each of the four categories will be named from among the winners. 

“These winners, selected by Aviation Week Network editors who reviewed dozens of nominations, embody the spirit of exploration, innovation and vision that will inspire others to strive for broad-reaching progress in aviation, aerospace and defence,” said Aviation Week & Space Technology Editor-in-Chief Joseph C. Anselmo. “We look forward to honouring them all, and announcing the Grand Laureate winners in March.”

  

The award categories are Business Aviation, Commercial Aviation, Defense and Space.  In addition, Aviation Week Network will bestow the Philip J. Klass Award for Lifetime Achievement.  Four cadets and midshipmen from U.S. military academies will be recognized as Tomorrow’s Leaders, honouring young men and women who have chosen career paths in the armed forces.

In addition to the Laureate Awards, Aviation Week Network will recognize the “20 Twenties” in partnership with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).  This program recognizes the accomplishments and drive of 20 science, technology, engineering and mathematics students in their 20s and currently enrolled in a master's degree or bachelor's degree program.

120 aircraft order for Airbus from Air Arabia

Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low cost carrier, has signed a firm order for 120 Airbus aircraft comprising 73 A320neos, 27 A321neos and 20 A321XLRs. The agreement was signed at the 2019 Dubai Airshow in the presence of Air Arabia’s Chairman Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Adel Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer Air Arabia and Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer.

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said: “Air Arabia’s fleet growth strategy has always been driven by commercial demand and we are glad to announce today one of the region’s largest single-aisle orders with Airbus to support our growth plans. This new milestone underpins not only our solid financial fundamentals but also the strength of our multi-hub growth strategy that we have adopted over the years while remaining focused on efficiency, performance and passenger experience.” He added: “The addition of the A320neo, A321neo and A321XLR complements our existing fleet and allows us to expand our service to farther and newer destinations while remaining loyal to our low-cost business model. We look forward to working with Airbus and receiving the first delivery.”

Six A330neo aircraft for Garuda Indonesia

CDB Aviation has confirmed the delivery of the first of six Airbus A330-900neo aircraft as part of a sale and leaseback transaction and on long-term lease to a new customer in Asia Pacific, the flag carrier of Indonesia, Garuda Indonesia. 

The fleet of six A330neo widebody airliners, equipped with latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and configured in a two-class cabin layout with 24 seats in business and 277 seats in economy, will support the company’s growth and business expansion in the future.

“We are delighted to welcome Garuda to our growing Asia Pacific customer base,” noted CDB Aviation Head of Commercial, Asia Pacific Sign Kadouh. “These A330neos will deliver superior operating economics and extended range capability to position Garuda for the sustained growth in its medium and long-haul operations as the company continues its long-term strategy to compete in the industry.”

50 A350-900s for Emirates

Airbus and Emirates Airline have signed a purchase agreement for 50 A350-900s - Airbus’ newest generation widebody aircraft.

The order was signed at Dubai Airshow 2019 by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer.

HH Sheikh Ahmed said: “Today, we are pleased to sign a firm order for 50 A350 XWBs, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. This follows a thorough review of various aircraft options and of our own fleet plans. It is Emirates’ long-standing strategy to invest in modern and efficient aircraft, and we are confident in the performance of the A350 XWB.

“Complementing our A380s and 777s, the A350s will give us added operational flexibility in terms of capacity, range and deployment. In effect, we are strengthening our business model to provide efficient and comfortable air transport services to, and through, our Dubai hub.”

Air Transat to get six Airbus A321-200s

Air Lease Corporation announced lease agreements with Air Transat for six Airbus A321-200 aircraft on Monday. The aircraft will deliver to the airline beginning this month through December 2019.

“ALC is very pleased to add Air Transat as a new airline customer, leasing six A321-200s to support their route network in Canada, across the Atlantic, and to the USA, Mexico and the Caribbean,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “We have a long history of working with our friends at Air Transat and this opportunity enhances our excellent relationship with the airline.”

“We are delighted to have been able to arrange the leasing of these A321 aircraft with Air Lease Corporation on such short notice,” said Jean-François Lemay, President of Air Transat. “They are replacing seasonal aircraft we were supposed to receive from Thomas Cook this winter as part of our seasonal aircraft-sharing agreement. We have known people at ALC for a long time and we are happy to work with this trusted partner, which is enabling us to have the type of aircraft we need to provide the best service to our leisure-travel

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KLM Animal Hotel wins international IPATA Excellence Award 2019

The Animal Hotel run by Air France KLM Martinair Cargo has won the prestigious IPATA Excellence Award 2019. The prize was awarded on 14 November by customers of the Animal Hotel, VCK Logistics, Copex and Eagle Freight.

The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) is an international trade association for companies dedicated to the care and welfare of pets and animals during transportation. Every year, IPATA presents awards to companies involved in animal transport, including airlines. The Excellence Award was presented for the first time this year. IPATA members were asked to vote on the basis of the following criteria: communication, reliability, price, care during transfer, and compliance with IATA regulations.

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£59 million baggage system upgrade progresses at pace as Stansted Transformation Project celebrates two-year milestone

As London Stansted marks two years since the start of its multi-million-pound transformation project, one of its most complex and important projects is progressing at pace behind the scenes.

Stansted is investing £59 million in a brand-new baggage delivery system, updating the huge network of conveyor belts, lifts and chutes underneath the main terminal which transports up to 30,000 bags every day.

The work is designed to coincide with the improvements to the airport’s check-in areas as part of the on-going transformation project, and the installation of new hi-tech ‘Standard 3’ baggage scanners which are required under new EU regulations.

Delta wins historic 9th consecutive Business Travel News award

BTN is the leading source of business travel information, reaching 44,000 corporate executives who are responsible for setting travel policy, managing and buying business travel for their companies.​

Corporate travel professionals have named Delta the No. 1 airline in the annual Business Travel News Airline Survey for a record ninth consecutive year, again sweeping all 11 categories.

Since the creation of the award, Delta is the only airline to have earned the top spot for nine years in a row. We earned our highest marks for quality of client communications; value of relationships with account managers and sales reps; and quality of customer service.

Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines joint venture operation SunExpress has firmed up options for 737 Max 8 aircraft.....

At the Dubai Airshow, Boeing has said the Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines joint venture operation SunExpress is converting its options for 10 Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft to firm commitments.

"We have a long-standing, strong and trustful relationship with Boeing and thus we decided to turn our option into an order. We stand behind our strategic decision to phase the 737 MAX into our fleet for all of its economic and ecological advantages, mid- and long-term," says Jens Bischof, CEO of SunExpress. "We have full confidence that Boeing will deliver us a safe, reliable, and efficient aircraft. However, it goes without saying that this requires the undisputed airworthiness of the model, granted by all relevant authorities. Our utmost priority at SunExpress is and has always been safety."

The airline, which specializes in offering direct connections between Europe, Turkey and popular holiday destinations, has achieved significant growth in recent years as it steadily expanded its fleet of mainly Boeing 737 aeroplanes. Last year, SunExpress' passenger count climbed to nearly 10 million across roughly 100 destinations.

Whilst the two parties have agreed on the list price for the deal would be in the region of $1.2 billion, they would not be drawn on the speculation that the aircraft are being sold at below cost price, partly in compensation to the airline and partly for Boeing to find some market traction for the troubled and still grounded jet. Stan Deal, president & CEO of Boeing Commercial Aeroplanes said, "We regret the impact the MAX grounding has had on SunExpress and their passengers. The Boeing team is working hard to safely return the aeroplane to service and providing the capacity for SunExpress to continue serving as the backbone of air travel in the Turkish tourism industry."

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EGYPTAIR switch lease deals from A320neo's to A321neo's

EGYPTAIR announced on Monday they have signed documents converting seven leases for Airbus A320neos into leases for seven Airbus A321neos with AerCap, one of the worlds aircraft leasing specialists.

The announcement was made during the 2019 Dubai Airshow in the presence of EGYPTAIR Holding Company Chairman & CEO Captain Ahmed Adel, EGYPTAIR Airlines Chairman & CEO Captain Ashraf Elkhouly, AerCap CEO Aengus Kelly and AerCap President & Chief Commercial Officer Philip Scruggs.

Speaking at the Dubai Airshow, AerCap CEO Aengus Kelly said, “We are very pleased to continue supporting EGYPTAIR’s narrowbody fleet renewal. These new generation Airbus aircraft, with additional capacity, will strengthen EGYPTAIR’s fleet for many years to come.  We look forward to working with the EGYPTAIR and Airbus teams as these aircraft deliver.” 

“We are pleased to welcome the first Airbus A321neos, as we continue to reconfigure our fleet,” said Capt. Ahmed Adel, Chairman and CEO of EGYPTAIR Holding. “Over the past few years, we have established a strong and sustainable partnership with AerCap that allows us to continue to offer our customers the service and comfort they are used to. We continue to progress the introduction of the best-in-class service, and we thank AerCap for supporting our airline’s fleet renewal strategy and vision.”

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British Airways use AI to improve punctuality

The UK's British Airways has introduced advanced neural networks, otherwise known as artificial intelligence, to its airside operation at Heathrow Terminal 5 to help staff ensure every flight departs safely and on time.

Currently, when customers disembark an aircraft, British Airways’ ground staff manually check and record the details of eighteen different activities that need to be completed before the plane can depart for its next flight - including a thorough cleaning of the aircraft interiors, unloading and reloading of catering, luggage and cargo and refuelling. An issue affecting just one of these tasks has the potential to disrupt the entire process and delay the flight’s departure.

Customers flying from Heathrow Terminal 5 can expect a faster getaway as British Airways employs latest artificial intelligence and wearable tech for staff preparing aircraft to depart
Intelligent software captures every moment from when aircraft arrive at the airport until they depart to help spot areas to improve punctuality
British Airways remains at the forefront of airport innovation, with biometric technology and autonomous, driverless vehicles also being trialled by the airline

Air Arabia orders 120 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, including XLRs

Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low cost carrier, has signed a firm order for 120 Airbus aircraft comprising 73 A320neos, 27 A321neos and 20 A321XLRs. The agreement was signed at the 2019 Dubai Airshow in the presence of Air Arabia’s Chairman Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Adel Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer Air Arabia and Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer.

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said: “Air Arabia’s fleet growth strategy has always been driven by commercial demand and we are glad to announce today one of the region’s largest single-aisle orders with Airbus to support our growth plans. This new milestone underpins not only our solid financial fundamentals but also the strength of our multi-hub growth strategy that we have adopted over the years while remaining focused on efficiency, performance and passenger experience.” He added: “The addition of the A320neo, A321neo and A321XLR complements our existing fleet and allows us to expand our service to farther and newer destinations while remaining loyal to our low-cost business model. We look forward to working with Airbus and receiving the first delivery.”

Emirates Airline orders 50 A350XWB at Dubai Airshow 2019

Airbus and Emirates Airline have signed a purchase agreement for 50 A350-900s - Airbus’ newest generation widebody aircraft.

The order was signed at Dubai Airshow 2019 by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer.

HH Sheikh Ahmed said: “Today, we are pleased to sign a firm order for 50 A350 XWBs, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. This follows a thorough review of various aircraft options and of our own fleet plans. It is Emirates’ long-standing strategy to invest in modern and efficient aircraft, and we are confident in the performance of the A350 XWB.

“Complementing our A380s and 777s, the A350s will give us added operational flexibility in terms of capacity, range and deployment. In effect, we are strengthening our business model to provide efficient and comfortable air transport services to, and through, our Dubai hub.”

EGYPTAIR Adds More Boeing 787s to Fleet

The Egyptian flag carrier to lease two more 787-9 jets from leading lessor AerCap it has been confirmed by Boeing and EGYPTAIR. 

 EGYPTAIR is growing its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet with an agreement to lease two more aeroplanes from AerCap, the airline announced at the Dubai Airshow.  “The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has outperformed our expectations, helping us significantly reduce our fuel use and emissions, while bringing comfort to our passengers,” said Ahmed Adel, chairman and CEO of EGYPTAIR Holding Company. 

The aircraft are from AerCap’s order book with Boeing and the first aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in 2021 with the second arriving in 2022. Speaking at the Dubai Airshow, AerCap CEO Aengus Kelly said, “AerCap is very proud to continue to support EGYPTAIR’s widebody fleet renewal program and sustainable growth ambitions. We thank our friends and partners at EGYPTAIR for their continued confidence in AerCap and we look forward to working with the EGYPTAIR and Boeing teams as these aircraft deliver."

“EGYPTAIR has shown a strong commitment to growing its business in a sustainable and profitable manner and we are thrilled that the 787 Dreamliner is helping the airline realize their vision. There is no better endorsement of the 787’s efficiency, range and passenger comfort than an operator returning for more aircraft,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing, The Boeing Company. “Of course, this would not be possible without AerCap and its market-leading portfolio that gives carriers great flexibility in operating an optimized fleet.”

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Boeing and Etihad 787 flying testbed!

Boeing and Etihad Airways announced today that one of the airline's 787 Dreamliner aeroplanes will serve as a flying laboratory for testing procedures and initiatives that could further reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, as a part of a growing partnership to advance the sustainable growth of aviation.

"Innovation, productivity and sustainability are core values and objectives of Etihad Airways and of Abu Dhabi said Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive of Etihad Aviation Group, at the 2019 Dubai Airshow. "The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a key enabler of all three."

The specially-themed 787 will enter service early next year and operate regular flights in Etihad Airways' network, while periodically serving as a testbed for assessing environmental sustainability initiatives. The project builds on Etihad's ample experience with the super-efficient aeroplane.