COVID-19 vaccination arrives at RAF Lakenheath

Photo Jessi Monte

The U.S. Air Force 48th Fighter Wing received its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccinations at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, on Sunday 27th December 2020.

The United States Government has purchased COVID-19 vaccines and is making them available to the Department of Defense for distribution and administration to DoD personnel. Initially, the vaccine will be offered under an Emergency Use Authorization, and vaccinations will be voluntary until achieving full Food and Drug Administration approval.

“The health of our force, families, and communities always remains a top priority,” said Col. Jason Camilletti, 48th Fighter Wing commander. “This vaccine is an important part of the way forward as we continue to care for the communities where we live and work.”

Initial quantities of the vaccine are limited and will be distributed on a rolling delivery basis as more vaccines become available. Tri-base personnel, (RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Feltwell) will be prioritized to receive the vaccine based on the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and on the DoD COVID Task Force’s assessment of unique DoD mission requirements.

The Russian airline Aeroflot carried 2.1 million passengers in November.

The continued coronavirus pandemic has heavily affected the operational performance of most airlines around the world, including Russia's leading airline group - Aeroflot. 

During November the group carried an amazing 2.1 million passengers on its flight,  down nearly 53% on last years numbers.

The company recently released its latest figures for November and the 11 months of the year so far. In total this year, 27.9 million passengers have flown with the group, 50.5% down year-on-year. Aeroflot the airline itself has carried 13.5 million passengers, down 60.7% compared to this point last year.  The passenger load factor decreased by 8.8% year-on-year to 73.5% for Aeroflot Group and decreased by 12.9% to 66.8% for Aeroflot airline. 

November 2020 Operating Highlights

Fancy a taste of Russia on your dinner table? Aeroflot selling inflight tableware.....

The Russian airline Aeroflot is bringing a taste of inflight Russia to a table near you soon.  Following on from the success of other airlines including British Airways, Aeroflot has put a limited collection of its Business Class tableware up for sale.   

The range includes nine sets of porcelain and glassware. Some tableware sets are complete with branded non-slip serving trays. 

This line of Aeroflot tableware for business class meals was designed in 2003 and remained in use until 2019. The pieces have become collectables as the tableware collection is no longer produced or used onboard.

Helicopter operations return to Devonport naval base after a ten-year gap.

A Dauphin helicopter has landed in Devonport Naval Base – as helicopter operations return after a ten-year gap.

The old helipad at Weston Mill made way for the revamp of the area to make way for RM Tamar and the centre of amphibious excellence.

Since then regular helicopter flights have been diverted to a small facility across the Tamar at HMS Raleigh.

The pad is principally used by personnel from Fleet Operational Sea Training, flown to and from ships undergoing training and assessment off the coast of Plymouth – which has meant a journey of about an hour from Devonport to Torpoint, rather than five to ten minutes to FOST headquarters in HMS Drake.

The result at Bull Point – beyond the mock village used for disaster relief training – is a new multi-million pound, Helicopter Operating Facility.

The facility features a meteorological observation station and provision to refuel visiting helicopters. As well as Dauphins of the Fleet Helicopter Support Unit, based at Newquay, the new pad can host Merlin and Wildcat Helicopters.

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As of December 29th negative test declaration mandatory for all international air travel to the Netherlands

Photo Eindhoven Airport  

As of December 29th 2020, all passengers must have a recent negative PCR test declaration in order to board an aircraft bound for the Netherlands. This also applies to Dutch people flying to the Netherlands. The test result may not be older than 72 hours upon arrival.

The rule requiring passengers to submit a negative test declaration before the start of their trip has already been in effect since 15 December for non-EU residents. It also applies to all passengers travelling to the Netherlands from the United Kingdom and South Africa. The government has decided to expand the requirement to all flights bound for the Netherlands.

In addition, a negative travel advice from the government is in force until mid-March. Travellers are urgently advised not to travel abroad until that time, unless strictly necessary. Eindhoven Airport will remain open for passenger flights, emergency services and evasive aircraft. 

Government information here. 

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KLM 2020: an extremely challenging year plus Intern On a Mission....two new videos

KLM 2020: an extremely challenging year

The year 2020 has been a turbulent year in many ways, also for KLM. The annual video and facts & figures show a year to be remembered as the year of the Covid-19 crisis.

Mesa Air Group's November performance

                                                                              Mesa Air Group, the ragional air carrier based in Phoenix, Arizona, that specialiseses in operating flights as either American Eagle, United Express, or DHL Express flights pursuant to the terms of capacity purchase agreements entered into with American Airlines, United Airlines and DHL has released its latest figures for November,

Mesa Air Group, operates scheduled passenger service to 104 cities in 39 states, the District of Columbia, and Mexico as well as cargo services out of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. As of November 30th, 2020, Mesa operated a fleet of 146 aircraft with approximately 384 daily departures and 3,200 employees. 

Mesa Airlines reported 23,144 block hours in November 2020, a 38.2 percent drop from November 2019 as a result of reduced schedules during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company also reported a controllable completion factor of 99.62 percent and 99.97 percent for its American and United operations, respectively.

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Atlas Air Partners with Fuel Supplier on Sustainable Aviation Fuel Test Flight from Spain’s Zaragoza Airport

 Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, a leading global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services, has announced the completion of a transoceanic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) test flight that originated at Spain’s Zaragoza Airport.

Atlas Air Flight 562 was powered by a blend of fuel containing 2.33% SAF sourced from fresh vegetable oil. The Boeing 747-400F left Zaragoza on Monday, December 21 and arrived in Mexico City. This is believed to be the first transoceanic commercial cargo flight in Spain to include a blend of SAF and Jet A-1 fuel. Using life cycle analysis, SAF has been shown to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%. The flight’s cargo included a shipment of goods from an Atlas customer.

Sale and lease back deal on two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft provides lifeline for Icelandair

Welcome news has for Icelandair as it confirmed it has entered into an agreement with Sky Aero Management (SKY Leasing) on a deal for the sale and leaseback of two Boeing 737 MAX9 aircraft. 

These aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Reykjavik based airline during the second quarter of next year.  The airline has agreed on a 12-year leaseback period for the two aircraft to start as soon as the aircraft are delivered. 

The carrier has already completed a deal with BOC Aviation on the sale and leaseback of another Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. These two deals along with a backstop financing regarding the two aircraft which will not be exercised will provide a much-needed lifeline for the troubled carrier that has been operating a limited schedule with a less than 30% average load factor some time.  

The airline is still looking to make similar arrangements for a further three Boeing 737 MAX aircraft that are expected for delivery in the last quarter of 2021 and the first quarter of the next year. 

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More travel chaos from Delta

More holiday flight chaos from Delta Air Lines as the U.S. mega-carrier cancels dozens of flights over Christmas due to a lack of pilots.

The airline had promised to have learned from the mass disruption it inflicted upon passengers of the thanksgiving holiday.  However, as reported by One Mile at a Time and FlightAware Delta axed 5% of its flights yesterday and has already cancelled over 120 flights today and more look set to be axed as the day unfolds. 

The major cause of the disruption is the lack of pilots the carrier has available on in short-haul, narrow-body fleet following a number of earlier retirements and retraining instigated at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.  The airline has also seen a rise in the number of its flying staff having to quarantine after contracting the virus. 

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Transport Canada validates the design changes to the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft

The Government of Canada remains committed to keeping Canadians, the travelling public, and the transportation system safe and secure.

Transport Canada aviation safety experts have completed their independent review of the design changes to the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft recently certified by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and have now validated these changes. Validation of these changes means that these modifications can now be incorporated on Canadian registered aircraft.

Transport Canada has worked extensively with the FAA and other key certifying authorities, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC), as well as the three Canadian operators of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, and their pilot unions throughout the validation process of the aircraft to ensure all factors are addressed prior to a safe return to service of the aircraft. Transport Canada’s certification experts, by their rigour and thoroughness, have demonstrated great leadership throughout the process, and were instrumental in guiding the aircraft design changes.

This validation is an important first step in the eventual return to service of this aircraft in Canadian airspace. However, the return to service is complex, and Transport Canada must put in place comprehensive safety plans that require additional aircraft changes, maintenance and training.

Transport Canada will work with Canadian airline operators, crews and union associations over the coming weeks to determine how these requirements will be implemented in Canada.

US Department of Transportation Approves Aer Lingus to Join Trans-Atlantic Joint Business Between American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia and Finnair

American Airlines welcomes the decision by the U.S. Department of Transportation to grant antitrust immunity to enable Aer Lingus to join the trans-Atlantic joint business between American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia and Finnair. The trans-Atlantic joint business has brought significant benefits to millions of passengers since its launch in 2010. 

Customers have benefited from lower fares and easier journeys to more destinations with better-aligned schedules and frequencies. The addition of Aer Lingus’ Dublin hub and its complementary network will significantly enhance customers’ travel options and add new European destinations not currently served by any other trans-Atlantic joint business. Aer Lingus’ customers will also obtain access to more than 200 new US destinations via the AJB network.

Many in the industry have expressed opposition to the joint partnership which covers more than half of the transatlantic traffic between Europe and the U.S. as a legalised price-fixing and a powerful force to curb the competition.  

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Ukraine International Airlines boss Yevhenii Dykhne sends message to passengers

The CEO of Ukraine International Airlines,  Yevhenii Dykhne has sent a message to all the carriers passengers telling of the trials and tribulations the airline has gone through in the past tumultuous year.  Dykhne detailed how the airline had been in mourning since the January tragedy when flight PS752 was shot out of the sky by an Iranian missile, which was soon followed by the coronavirus pandemic. 

Here is the full message:

Dear Passengers,

As we approach the end of 2020, a year like no other, we need to look back and see what 2020 has taught us and how it has made us stronger.

2020 was a year of success, trials and tribulations like no year ever before, and also a year of sorrow for UIA. The most important lesson that we have learned is that the road obeys the one who walks forward despite what life presents.

We have been in sorrow since January, from the loss of family, friends and colleagues that were onboard flight PS752 from Tehran to Kyiv, when Iranian military missiles took the lives of 167 passengers and 9 crew members. That tragedy has divided the entire airline into “before” and “after”.

What you need to know about travel to Europe from 1st January 2021 - post Brexit travel

After years of negotiations, some bitterness, a touch of resentment, a few verbal attacks, blockades and recriminations, the UK Government and EU negotiators have agreed on a Brexit trade as of 01 January 2021.  Here are some key things you need to know about travel to Europe now.

You do not need a visa to visit Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway,  Switzerland and most European Union country for short touristic trips, but your passport will need to have at least six months validity left on in and have been issued within the last ten years. More details below.

Your European Health Insurance Card will continue to be valid until its expiry date, except for visits to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. If you don't have one already you can apply for the new Global Health Insurance Card - GHIC.

The GHIC entitles you to free or reduced-cost state-provided healthcare where treatment becomes medically necessary during a temporary visit - like a holiday, to the EU.  It may help to get necessary healthcare in some non-EU countries. Check GOV.UK foreign travel advice pages for more details

Whilst the card is free the medical treatment may not be,  the card gives you access to treatment at the same cost as residents of the country you are visiting. Therefore, in countries that have charges for state healthcare, you will need to pay them and you will not be able to claim the money back.  The bottom line regarding the GHIC is that yes it can help greatly in emergency situations and essential medical treatment it is not a valid alternative to travel insurance, so ideally you should get comprehensive travel insurance which includes repatriation for any trip overseas.  

Apply for a GHIC here. 

You can travel to any Schengen area countries (most of the EU as well as  Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway,  Switzerland) for tourist purposes without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180 day period. Different rules apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania. If you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries do not count towards the 90-day total.

London City Airport celebrates completion of key airfield infrastructure projects

London City Airport confirmed this week that it has completed key improvements to its airfield infrastructure as part of the City Airport Development Programme (CADP), including the construction of a full-length parallel taxiway and eight new stands capable of handling larger and more fuel-efficient aircraft.

 

The airfield infrastructure at London City Airport has been transformed in the past three years, with the construction of a new 70,000m2 concrete deck to house the parallel taxiway and aircraft stands.

 

The deck was created by drilling 1,000 piles of concrete 20m below the bed of the King George V Dock - one of the most challenging and complex civil engineering and inland marine construction projects in Western Europe. The deck is equivalent to the size of 10 football pitches and its completion required the work of 45 contractors and took over 1.2 million hours. Not even the discovery of a World War II bomb in the dock bed hindered progress for long.

Bombardier confirms sale of 10 Challenger 350 biz jets

Bombardier has confirmed an order for 10 Challenger 350 aircraft in a transaction valued at $267 million U.S., based on 2020 list prices, yet with discounts and reductions will be more like $240 million. Even at the discounted price tag, the order is a much-needed boost for the troubled Bombardier.

The Canadian firm has not disclosed the name of the customer at this stage, but the order of 10 aircraft is one of the largest bizjet orders of 2020. 

“This order highlights the tremendous value customers place on the unmatched capabilities of our aircraft,” said Éric Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. “Bombardier’s newly refreshed portfolio and growing service network position the company well to respond to growing interest in private aviation and the enhanced safety it provides.”

The Bombardier Challenger 350 aircraft holds the coveted title of best-selling super-midsize business jet since entering service six years ago, and continues to strengthen its position with performance enhancements and cabin upgrades. 

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Brussels Airlines and chef Tim Boury renew collaboration for 2021 to offer Belgian cuisine on intercontinental flights

In 2021, Brussels Airlines will continue its successful culinary collaboration with Belgian chef Tim Boury of Restaurant Boury in Roeselare. Throughout 2021, Tim, Chef of the Year 2017, will again create gastronomic experiences for the Business Class customers of Brussels Airlines on its long-haul flights.

After a successful first collaboration in 2020, Tim Boury and Brussels Airlines join forces again to create a year full of Belgian gastronomic experiences at 10km altitude. To this end, Boury will create four different menus throughout 2021 for Brussels Airlines’ Business Class guests on intercontinental flights.

“After a turbulent year, we are delighted to be able to work with Brussels Airlines once again. With the experience we accumulated this year, we have the unique opportunity to make the Business Class dining even better in 2021. This will undoubtedly enhance the experience of their guests. We are grateful to Brussels Airlines for its confidence in us!” – Tim Boury

Hyatt Announces Plans for a New Hyatt Regency Hotel in San Francisco

Following a multi-million-dollar renovation, Park Central San Francisco is slated to become Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SoMa in 2022.

Hyatt Hotels confirmed that it has entered into a franchise agreement with 50 Third Street Owner LP for Park Central San Francisco to join the Hyatt portfolio as an affiliated hotel. 

 

The hotel is managed by Highgate and expected to rebrand to Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SoMa, following significant renovations. The 681-room Park Central San Francisco, located in the heart of San Francisco’s south of market (SoMa) neighbourhood, will undergo a multi-million-dollar renovation starting in early 2021, that will include a full redesign of guestrooms, transformation of the meeting and event spaces, ground floor lobby area and food and beverage experience, as well as a relocation and expansion of the fitness centre.

Saab Receives Order for Definition of Future Options for Sweden’s Gripen C/D Fighters

Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) to define what is needed to meet Sweden’s requirements for the continued, effective operation and availability of Gripen C/D until 2035. The order value is 185 MSEK.

The work will be conducted during the period of December 2020 to December 2021.

 “Gripen C/D is the backbone of the Swedish Air Force and will be for many years to come. The result of the work will be that the customer has the ability to take different directions depending on their future needs. Saab’s expertise in developing advanced fighter technology gives Sweden the means to decide how Gripen C/D remains a formidable frontline fighter in the 2030s,” says Jonas Hjelm, Senior Vice President and head of Saab business area Aeronautics.

Gripen is in service with a number of air forces including Sweden, the Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa and Thailand. The UK Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) is operating Gripen as its platform for test pilot training. Sweden and Brazil have also respectively ordered 60 and 36 new Gripen fighter aircraft.

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Flexjet First-in-Industry to Require Flight Crew COVID-19 Testing Before Each Tour of Duty

Flexjet LLC, an innovative leader in private aviation dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of its travellers and employees, today announced that they are the first and only large-scale operator in their industry to routinely test all of its more than 830 flight crew members for COVID-19 before each tour of duty.

Developed by a Rutgers University laboratory, called RUCDR Infinite Biologics, and administered by Vault Health, this at-home test is a PCR based test that utilizes a saliva sample. PCR tests are considered the “gold standard” of COVID-19 testing methodologies, because of their sensitivity and ability to directly detect small amounts of the virus’s genetic material.

Giving back, not giving up: How Delta staff have served communities in need

The global pandemic changed our lives and our business this year, but one thing that didn’t change was Delta’s commitment to the communities we serve. The indomitable Delta spirit continued to shine as employees gave back to those in need.  

From donating more than 1 million pounds of food to providing more than 1 million blankets and amenity kits to social service agencies and donating over 10,000 pints of life-saving blood, Delta people served communities across the world during uncertain times. 

“Giving back to the communities where we live, work and serve is a part of our DNA at Delta, and it has never been more important,” said Tad Hutcheson, Managing Director – Community Engagement. “Even in a pandemic, our people want to roll up their sleeves and help. Whether through giving blood, providing food and supplies to those in need or bringing smiles to children’s faces during the holidays with bikes built by TechOps employees - Delta people care, and it shows.” 

British Airways pats itself on the back over charity engagement

British Airways has published a summary of its community investment activity in 2020, highlighting everything from the huge generosity of its customers and colleagues through Flying Start, the airline’s global charity partnership with Comic Relief, to the role the airline played in helping communities respond in times of crisis internationally and in the UK, including joining the fight against Covid-19.

Thanks to the airline’s customers and colleagues, during 2020 it has continued to raise vital funds for Comic Relief. Since the partnership began in 2010, British Airways has raised over £25 million for the charity through Flying Start, reaching more than 824,000 people.

Highlights from the airline’s community activity this year include:

European space and digital players to study build of EU’s satellite-based connectivity system

The European Commission has selected a consortium of European satellite manufacturers, operators and service providers, telco operators and launch service providers to study the design, development and launch of a European-owned space-based communication system.

The study will assess  the feasibility of a new initiative aiming to strengthen  European digital sovereignty and provide secure connectivity for citizens, commercial enterprises and public institutions as well as providing global coverage for rural and ‘not-spot’ areas. Complementing Copernicus and Galileo,  this new EU flagship programme, once given the green light, would  fully exploit the synergies of the technological potential akin to the Digital and Space industries. The contract value of the year-long feasibility study amounts to € 7.1 million.

Air Lease Corporation confirms delivery of a new Airbus A320-200neo to Peach

On Tuesday Air Lease Corporation confirmed the delivery of one new Airbus A320-200neo aircraft on long-term lease to Peach Aviation Limited (Japan).  Peach Aviation is the largest low fare, low cost airline in Japan, operating an extensive domestic and international network. Based in Osaka, Japan at Kansai International Airport, Peach is an affiliate of All Nippon Airways.

This aircraft, featuring CFM International LEAP-1A engines, is the first of two new A320-200neo aircraft delivering this December from ALC’s order book with Airbus.  In addition to the two A320-200neos, Peach also has two new A321-200neo LRs delivering to the airline on lease from ALC in 2021 and 2022.

“We are pleased to announce this first of four Airbus aircraft delivery to Peach today,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation.  “This most recent transaction by ALC in the Japanese market demonstrates our commitment to environmental sustainability with the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.  ALC is honored to contribute to Peach’s growing all-Airbus A320 fleet and we are confident that our A320-200neo and A321neo LR aircraft will greatly enhance the airline’s operations in its domestic and international market.” 

   

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One new Airbus A321-200neo aircraft for Pegasus Airlines

One of the globes leading aircraft leasing firms, Air Lease Corporation has announced this week a long-term lease agreement for one new Airbus A321-200neo aircraft with Pegasus Airlines (Turkey).  Scheduled to deliver in Spring 2023, this aircraft will deliver to the airline from ALC’s order book with Airbus. 

Pegasus Airlines also confirmed to sell four young Boeing 737-800 aircraft to ALC as part of a sale-leaseback transaction.  The airline will lease these four 737 aircraft back from ALC.

“ALC is pleased to announce these lease placements with Pegasus Airlines today,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation.  “This deal aligns with Pegasus Airlines’ fleet modernization and rationalization efforts to advance the airline’s environmental, financial and operational performance.” 

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