Singapore Airlines makes senior management appointments

Photo Singapore Airlines

The SIA Group is making a number of changes to its senior management structure as moves forward to modernisation plans in 2020.  The airline confirmed the changes this week and will take effects from 1st April 2020, local sources say more leadership announcements will be made in the forthcoming weeks.  

Mr Mak Swee Wah, Executive Vice President Commercial, will assume the post of Executive Vice President Operations. He will be responsible for SIA’s Cabin Crew, Customer Services and Operations, Engineering, and Flight Operations divisions.

Mr Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of low-cost carrier Scoot, will return to SIA and be promoted to Executive Vice President Commercial. He will be responsible for the Cargo, Customer Experience, Marketing Planning, and Sales and Marketing divisions, as well as the Sales Regions.

Mr Tan Kai Ping, Senior Vice President Marketing Planning, will be promoted to Executive Vice President Finance and Strategy. In his new role, he will oversee the Corporate Planning and Finance divisions.

You could have part of the first Airbus A380 in your pocket soon!

The first-ever A380 to enter scheduled service
and also the first-ever to be retired is

now available as a new edition of especially rare Aviationtags

Photo Aviationtags

On 25 October 2007, the largest and heaviest commercial airliner that had ever flown on this planet took to the skies, the legendary Airbus A380 with the manufacturer serial number MSN003. It was the first of some 240 A380s now in existence to enter scheduled service with passengers onboard, flying from Singapore to Sydney for Singapore Airlines as flight number SQ380. The four pilots, 26 crew members and exactly 455 passengers must have been very aware that on this flight they were witnessing a historic event. The tickets sold for record prices, with one passenger paying over 100,000 US dollars for a First-Class cabin measuring a little under three square metres. For a decade, the jumbo Airbus spanned the globe for Singapore Airlines until it was finally retired at the airport in Tarbes, France, also the first-ever A380 to have this distinction.

Russia's United Aircraft Corporation creates Commercial Aviation Division

Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) forges corporate and business processes to form the Commercial Aviation Division. In accordance with the decision of the UAC’ Board of Directors, JSC Sukhoi Civil Aircraft and LLC UAC - Aggregation Center will join the PJSC Irkut Corporation as subsidiaries. As part of the Division, subsidiaries retain core competencies in the development and production of aircraft.

The main efforts of the Division in the near future will be focused, first of all, on the completion of MC-21-300 tests and the serial production establishment, modernization of Superjet 100 and its business version, the creation of a unified system of MRO and marketing.

Consolidation of the main scientific and production capacities of civil aircraft industry will allow more efficient implementation of existing programs and development of prospective projects.

It is planned to achieve significant progress in the field of after-sales support service, optimize operational processes and, ultimately, significantly increase the attractiveness of Russian commercial aircraft in the market. Measures to resolve existing intra-group obligations and accomplishing of the formation of the share capital structure will be implemented during 2020.

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Bombardier sells transportation division to concentrate on business aviation

The Canadian firm Bombardier has announced today of a further shrink the once mighty global company with the sale of its transportation division to concentrate exclusively on business aviation.  

Ther firm had previously held preliminary talks with a number of parties regarding the sale of core assets and divisions but confirmed the move on Tuesday 18th February. “Today marks an exciting new chapter for Bombardier. Going forward, we will focus all our capital, energy and resources on accelerating growth and driving margin expansion in our market-leading $7.0 billion business aircraft franchise. With a stronger balance sheet after the completion of this transaction, an industry-leading portfolio of products, a strong backlog, and a rapidly growing aftermarket business, we will compete in this market from a position of strength,” said Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc.

Radisson Rewards offers members the chance to win a spectacular adventure to Iceland.

ICELAND: LAND OF FJORDS, FANTASY, AND FUN!

Search for whale sightings, soar above geological landmarks, and bathe in Iceland’s hot springs with our Iceland Moments contest. One lucky Radisson Rewards member will win a five-night stay for two in this land of explosive geysers, wondrous wildlife, and the Northern Lights. 

The contest is open to residents in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

For more details  please visit Iceland Moments.

Take flight

Feel like you’re flying over stunning glaciers, fjords, and mountains with ultra-modern technology. You’ll soar above the dramatic landscape, aided by special effects such as wind and mist as you take in the sights, sounds, and smells of this beautiful country.

Golden memories

See Iceland’s most celebrated natural landmarks on the “Golden Circle” tour. Stopping at the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park, you’ll also visit the Fridheimar greenhouse to learn about sustainable tomato farming and taste their delicious produce.

Heat up...

Indulge yourself in the restorative waters of the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa – one of 25 wonders of the world. You’ll enjoy access to this all-natural pampering spot, along with a mud mask, towel, and a free drink to savour as you luxuriate in the hot springs.

Radisson Hotels. 

Spirit to move more than 240 jobs out of Florida to Tennessee

The US budget carrier Spirit is moving its Operational Control Centre out of Miramar Florida to a nearly 49,000-square-foot facility in Williamson County, Tennessee.

The airline says the move will bolster network resiliency and reduce hurricane and tropical storm risk by shifting the 240 or so jobs out of Florida and nothing to do with costs.  The airline says the transition is scheduled to be completed by early 2021, and Spirit also plans to add nearly 100 more positions at the OCC over the next five years.

The OCC controls round-the-clock flight operations for more than 650 flights each day across the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean. Team Members are responsible for flight dispatch, crew scheduling, maintenance control, aircraft routing, air traffic control coordination, Guest solutions and more. Spirit’s operations team is instrumental in the airline’s commitment to invest in the Guest experience and deliver the Best Value in the Sky. Spirit secured industry acclaim as the country's most on-time Low Cost Airline by Flight Global, as well as international recognition as the Low Cost Airline of the Year at the CAPA World Aviation Summit and Air Transport World'sValue Airline of the Year. Spirit’s OCC team efforts have helped the airline achieve among the best on-time performance for the past two years.

Allegiant's January

Allegiant Travel Company  reported preliminary passenger traffic results for January 2020 this week. 

Scheduled Service
	January 2020	January 2019	Change
Passengers	1,061,034	924,957	14.7%
Revenue passenger miles (000)	964,773	857,008	12.6%
Available seat miles (000)	1,180,041	1,054,498	11.9%
Load factor	81.8%	81.3%	0.5 pts
Departures	7,774	6,782	14.6%
Average stage length (miles)	880	901	(2.3%)

                                                                       

Total System*
	January 2020	January 2019	Change
Passengers	1,069,139	930,238	14.9%
Available seat miles (000)	1,221,070	1,080,826	13.0%
Departures	8,081	6,981	15.8%
Average stage length (miles)	877	898	(2.3%)

2020 has been extremely challenging says Cathay Pacific.

The Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific Airways has confirmed this week that it fully expects a significant drop in its first-half results and due to the coronavirus outbreak, which followed hot on the heels of the months of pro-democracy protests.

Severe travel restrictions as a result of a coronavirus outbreak in China, which has caused about 1,770 deaths across mainland China, have led to a steep rise in flight cancellations. “The first half of 2020 was already expected to be extremely challenging financially,” the company said in a statement.

EU widens investigation of Spanish aid given to Ryanair and other airlines

EU competition regulators on Monday widened their investigation into additional incentives granted by Spanish authorities to Ryanair (RYA.I) and other airlines operating at two airports in Catalonia, concerned that they may have an unfair advantage, reports Reuters.

The European Commission launched an investigation in 2013 into marketing schemes offered to airlines operating at Girona-Costa Brava and Reus airports, about 120 km from Barcelona.

Spanish public authorities subsequently offered the carriers additional marketing deals, which will now be included in the ongoing investigation.  “Through these additional marketing agreements, as well as through the other marketing agreements already under investigation, Ryanair and other airlines received payments in the form of ‘marketing incentives’ since 2004,” the Commission said.

The EU competition enforcer said its preliminary view was that the marketing schemes might constitute State aid.

It will now seek feedback from interested parties before deciding whether the incentives comply with the bloc’s state aid rules.

Companies have to pay back aid if this is found to be illegal.

Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by David Goodman

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British Airways COO and director of people to leave

British Airways said on Sunday its Chief Operating Officer, Klaus Goersch, and its Director of People, Angela Williams, were leaving the company.

Former director of engineering Jason Mahoney will be the new COO while Stuart Kennedy, previously director of people at IAG Cargo, will replace Williams, a BA spokeswoman said in an emailed statement.

Goersch has decided to move back to North America and Williams plans to leave in the next few months, the company said.

British Airways executives have also had a tumultuous year, dealing with a pay dispute that resulted in the first pilot walkout in the airline’s history.

The airline’s owner IAG (ICAG.L) has seen a number of managerial changes - long-time Chief Executive Willie Walsh is stepping down in March to be replaced by Iberia chief Luis Gallego.

Reuters Reporting by Akshay Balan and Rama Venkat in Bengaluru

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Changes to EL AL's schedules

EL AL is making changes to its schedules for flights to and from China

Beijing – following the previous announcement of temporary suspension of the flights until March 25,2020, will now extend until April 24, 2020.

Hong Kong – following the decision to allow customers to change or cancel their flights without a penalty, the airline will now temporarily suspend its flights until March 20, 2020.

Bangkok -  EL AL will continue its flights to Bangkok, however, will reduce frequencies from double daily to one daily on certain dates.

Tokyo - EL AL is preparing to inaugurate the launch of the historic Japan route on March 11, 2020 as planned.


Gonen Usishkin, EL AL CEO: "We are continually monitoring the reports from China.  We hope that the recent cautious optimism as reported in the global media will indeed continue in the coming days.  Nevertheless, we at EL AL have decided to make commercial adjustments to the schedule in the Far East and increase frequencies to North America and Europe with a focus on the upcoming Passover period."


EL AL will do all possible to assist its passengers holding tickets for the changed or cancelled flights, finding alternative flights as needed. As soon as the situation allows, EL AL will reinstate its flights to Beijing and Hong Kong even prior to the dates mentioned.

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101 reasons to celebrate for Manchester Airport’s onsite education Academy

The Airport Academy offers training and qualifications for both airport staff and local people seeking work

First NVQ programme for existing staff sees 101 earn Level 2 NVQ certificates - 59 in Customer Service and 42 in Team Leadership

Graduates came from a range of departments including Landside Operations, Security and Car Parking

Manchester Airport is lauding the success of 101 members of staff who have attained Level 2 NVQ certificates at its Airport Academy, in the first programme of its kind. 

A total of 59 Airport colleagues obtained qualifications in Customer Service, whilst 42 completed a course in Team Leadership.

The programme, which began in summer 2018, was organised by Manchester Airports Group (MAG) as part of a training investment worth over £130,000. It accepted applications from staff in a range of departments including Landside Operations, Terminal and Airfield Security, Car Parking, Forecourts and the Emergency Services.

Hyatt Place Indianapolis/Carmel opens

Hyatt Place Indianapolis/Carmel Celebrates Official Opening

92-room Hyatt Place hotel opens in Carmel.

Hyatt Place Indianapolis/Carmel is officially open, expanding the Hyatt Place brand’s footprint globally in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. The new hotel features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings.

Because Hyatt’s efforts are grounded in listening and fueled by care, Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveller. Located less than 15 miles from downtown Indianapolis, guests of Hyatt Place Indianapolis/Carmel can discover Carmel’s independent shops and picturesque green spaces. Hyatt Place Indianapolis/Carmel is a short drive to the Carmel Arts and Design District and destinations like Indiana Wesleyan University and is less than 30 minutes away from Riley Hospital for Children, Grand Park Sports Campus and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500.

RAF offers media training to African peacekeepers

The RAF has helped deliver vital training in East Africa to peacekeepers before they are sent to Somalia.

Two officers were part of a team-teaching media skills to soldiers from Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya and Burundi.

Flight Lieutenants Robin Griffiths and Martin Wade were based in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, where they gave training to personnel from the African Union (AU) which runs the peacekeeping mission in Somalia, called AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia).

Etihad Airways launches TravelPass, an innovative subscription-based travel solution

 Etihad Airways has announced a partnership with Norwegian technology developer Braathens IT, to develop TravelPass, an innovative travel solution initially aimed at corporate and frequent travellers which will launch later this year.

The new TravelPass technology provides a subscription-based travel solution, allowing Etihad to offer its frequent guests complete flexibility and ease with their regular and recurring travel arrangements. Customers can purchase a TravelPass for a set number of trips or a particular travel period instead of purchasing flights one by one.

Subscription-based travel is good news for the aviation industry as it provides customers with the choice between prepaid trips and pay-as-you-fly options, meeting the demands of flexibility, ease of booking and cost-efficient travel management.