13 January, 2021

British Airways releases limited edition range of baggage marking the end of 747 operations.

  
                                      To mark the retirement of its 747 fleet, British Airways and luxury travel brand Globe-Trotter have teamed up to create a limited-edition range of handmade carry-on suitcases which celebrate the spirit of the jumbo jet age. Taking inspiration from the airline’s iconic BOAC livery, which also adorned the final British Airways aircraft to retire in December 2020, the BOAC Speedbird suitcases have been handmade in England and incorporate the iconic ‘Gold Speedbird’ insignia and a precious fragment from a retired British Airways 747 aircraft.

To officially launch the range, two of these stunning suitcases are being auctioned via online auction platform ‘bid_in’ to raise funds for Flying Start, British Airways’ global charity partnership with Comic Relief. Since the partnership began in 2010, British Airways has raised over £25million for the charity through Flying Start, reaching more than 824,000 people.

Runway excursions are the most frequent type of accident in aviation therefore the Global Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Excursions (GAPPRE) has been produced


Runway excursions are the most frequent type of accident in aviation and regularly are identified as one of the most serious risks for large and small aircraft. Because of the complexity of the risk factors, preventing runway excursions requires coordination and commitment among numerous stakeholders. Today's release of the Global Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Excursions (GAPPRE) is the culmination of a two-year effort and demonstrates the industry's commitment to preventing runway excursions.

GAPPRE was developed by an international team of more than 100 aviation professionals from more than 40 organizations. The initiative was coordinated by Flight Safety Foundation and EUROCONTROL, and the GAPPRE recommendations have been validated by the Airports Council International (ACI), the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The Flight Safety Foundation is an independent, nonprofit, international organization engaged in research, education, advocacy and communications to improve aviation safety. The Foundation's mission is to connect, influence and lead global aviation safety.

Air Canada gets Diamond Status for CleanCare+ biosafety programme

This week the Canadian giant  Air Canada today was certified as a global champion for its commitment to the health and safety of customers and employees as it received the Diamond certification from the APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying. This recognizes the numerous initiatives Air Canada has taken since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Air Canada CleanCare+ program, a suite of biosafety measures the airline continues to refine and enhance with best practices from around the world.

Air Canada is one of the first airlines in the world, and the only airline in Canada, to receive the Diamond accreditation, the highest possible level from Airline Passenger Experience Association based on the evaluation of a 66-point checklist. The Diamond certification means that Air Canada has been recognized for reaching hospital grade levels of biosecurity, measures that have been implemented since very early on during the pandemic.

Atlas Air Worldwide order four Boeing 747-8 Freighters - the last ones ever.

Atlas Air Worldwide has confirmed an agreement to purchase four 747-8 Freighters from planemaker Boeing, closing out the 747-8 production line in 2022.

“The 747-8F is the best and most versatile widebody freighter in the market, and we are excited to bolster our fleet with the acquisition of these four aircraft,” said John W. Dietrich, Atlas Air Worldwide President and Chief Executive Officer. “This significant growth opportunity will enable us to capitalize on strong demand and deliver value for our existing and prospective customers. The 747-8F further complements our longstanding focus on leading-edge technology. Dedicated freighters – like those operated by our Atlas, Polar and Southern subsidiaries – will continue to be in demand as the global airfreight market, particularly the e-commerce and express sectors, continues to grow.”

The 747-8F has a maximum payload capacity of 137.7 metric tonnes (137,750 kg) and on average uses 16% less fuel compared to previous-generation 747s. The jet also features 30% quieter engines. The 747-8 aeroplanes in this agreement will be the final four aircraft to roll off the production line in Everett, Washington.

Finnair introduces one-way ticket fares for its flights within Europe

European airline Finnair is introducing a new, one-way fare structure for its intra-Europe and domestic flights. One-way tickets with competitive fares are now available for all Finnair intra-Europe and domestic flights in all purchase channels. 

“We want to offer our customers more choice and flexibility, and removing the complexity of return fare rules makes buying simpler and more transparent. Now the best fare levels will be available for all customers regardless of the length of stay in the destination. This is something our customers have wished for,” says Ole Orvér, Chief Commercial Officer at Finnair. 

The best Finnair fares are available on Finnair.com and Finnair mobile app, where shopping for either return or one-way tickets is made easy. Customers can still choose a return ticket instead of one-way. No changes are required to bookings made before 12 January 2021. 

JetBlue and American Airlines get clearance to advance strategic alliance

The two airlines will now begin introducing key elements of the alliance in first quarter 2021



JetBlue and American Airlines Group Inc. announced on Tuesday their strategic alliance is moving ahead following review by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Both carriers will begin implementing key aspects of this innovative and customer-focused alliance in phases, offering more seamless connectivity and better travel choices on routes to and from New York (JFK, LGA and EWR) and Boston (BOS). The carriers also expect this alliance will accelerate each airline’s recovery from the pandemic as customers are attracted to the expansion of options and enhanced service.

“Due to the COVID crisis, I fought for and delivered over $40 billion in payroll support to the airlines and its workers to keep the industry from collapsing and prevent massive job loss,” said incoming Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). “I am glad to see JetBlue and American Airlines collaborating on innovative solutions to save thousands more jobs in a way that also expands New Yorkers’ travel options.”

Massive new route announcement by US budget airline.

The US budget airline from Las Vegas, Allegiant has announced 21 new nonstop routes, including nine routes to three new cities:
Portland, Oregon; Key West, Florida, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 

Included as part of the announcement are eight routes that were delayed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To celebrate the new service, Allegiant is offering one-way fares on the new routes as low as $39 for a limited time and with some terms and conditions applied. 

"Today, travellers are seeking destinations that allow them the chance to recreate in a safe way, usually outdoors," said Drew Wells, Allegiant's vice president of revenue and planning. "The three cities we're adding to our network – Key West, Portland and Jackson Hole – are gateways to some of the United States' most scenic destinations, including national parks and other outdoor attractions that are in high demand."

New service from Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) includes:

Los Angeles, California via Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – beginning June 2, 2021 with fares as low as $59 each way.*
Phoenix, Arizona via Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) – beginning June 2, 2021 with fares as low as $59 each way.*
Las Vegas, Nevada via McCarran International Airport (LAS) – beginning June 4, 2021 with fares as low as $49 each way.*
Reno, Nevada via Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – beginning June 4, 2021 with fares as low as $49 each way.*

12 January, 2021

RAF Typhoons cause sonic boom heard over parts of UK


Two Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire caused a sonic boom on Tuesday when they were sent to investigate and intercept a civilian aircraft that had lost communications with air traffic control.

The sound wave was heard by many people with some taking to social media to enquire what the noise was. Kendra Little said: "At first I thought something had fallen from the sky and hit the roof. Then I thought a bomb had gone off." Others thought it was a couple of gunshots whilst others believed it was a car backfiring. 

A Royal Air Force spokesperson said: "Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft were launched this afternoon from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft that had lost communications; subsequently, communications were re-established, the aircraft was intercepted and safely escorted to Stansted.

The Typhoon aircraft were authorised to transit at supersonic speed for operational reasons."



Sam Harrison's doorbell camera captured the sonic boom.  

Forces.net first broke the story on Tuesday. 

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JetBlue introduces its new Airbus A220-300 - take a look inside.




New York's hometown airline, JetBlue has opened the doors to its brand new Airbus A220-300 to passengers for the first time.  This aircraft will soon greet customers at the end of the jetway and is the first of 70 the carrier has on order.

This delightful next-generation of aircraft combines style and substance with its game-changing economics, custom-created cabin design, large windows and supreme comfort.  "With the A220 we’ve taken a state-of-the-art aircraft and added our award-winning touch to bring to life an experience only JetBlue could dream up," said Jayne O’Brien, head of marketing and loyalty, JetBlue. "We look forward to welcoming customers onboard our newest aircraft, with incredible onboard comfort, one-of-a-kind design elements and unparalleled entertainment and connectivity."




Spacious Seats

JetBlue’s A220 is outfitted with the Collins Meridian seat, customized around customer feedback and featuring a number of design elements with comfort and convenience in mind. And, in a first for the airline’s fleet, seating is arranged in a two-by-three configuration. Whether travelling as a couple or a family, JetBlue’s newest plane has multiple seating options for all party sizes.




Jet2 axes winter programme until 25 March










Due to the ongoing uncertainty and travel restrictions caused by the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, one of the UK's leading leisure airlines and holiday companies - Jet2 has taken the unlikely action of axing its entire programme until 25th March.

Jet2 said it would be automatically cancelling affected bookings with a full refund, although the firm hasn't advised of the time frame for all those affected to get their money back. 

"There is a lot of demand for our award-winning flights and holidays and with a huge choice of popular destinations available from across our network of ten UK bases, customers can take advantage of some fantastic deals for Summer 21, Winter 21/22 and Summer 22. Our customers work hard and save hard for their holidays, and we are very excited to take them away on holiday again. For customers due to travel from 26th March onwards, we will provide further updates closer to the time as appropriate." Jet said in a statement issued on Tuesday. 





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CEO and President Rickard Gustafson to leave SAS

The President and CEO of SAS, Rickard Gustafson, has decided to leave the company after 10 years. He will leave the company, at the latest, by the first of July 2021 this year, the airline confirmed in a shock announcement. 

Chairman Carsten Dilling comments:  “I’m both disappointed and sorry that Rickard wants to move on from his important role in SAS. At the same time on behalf of the Board of SAS, I want to thank Rickard for his fantastic performance during his ten years as President and CEO. Under Rickard’s management SAS has made a remarkable turnaround, from loss to several years of profitable performance. Recently he has led the company with safe hands in the first part of the toughest crisis in the company’s 75-year history, the pandemic.

Most of all, Rickard will be remembered for his excellent leadership in SAS’s sustainability initiatives, which was the starting point for a new sustainability era in the whole aviation industry.”

Latitude 33 Aviation adds another Bombardier Challenger 350 Bizz Jet to its fleet

Bombardier and Latitude 33 Aviation have confirmed the delivery of a brand-new Challenger 350 business jet, which will be available for charter out of the U.S. West Coast. Latitude 33 Aviation, a private jet charter, executive jet management, and aircraft sales and acquisitions company based in California, will manage the Challenger 350 business jet out of San Diego on behalf of the aircraft owner. The aircraft will be available for charter starting in January 2021.

“The Challenger 350 business jet provides a spacious, comfortable and productive alternative to commercial travel, especially as passengers seek to avoid crowds,” said Peter Likoray, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, New Aircraft, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “The iconic, market-leading Challenger 350 aircraft is a top choice among the most discerning travellers.”

Jet2 and Jet2 Holidays keeps Recommended Provider status from Which? Summer 2022 programme launched

Jet2 will continue to be recognised with the prestigious Which? Recommended Provider status for Airlines, after a year dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic. This means Jet2.com and Jet2holidays both continue to receive prestigious Which? Recommended Provider status.

Each year Which? publish the Which? Holiday Companies Survey and Which? Airlines Survey, after asking thousands of paying customers about their experiences with different travel companies and airlines. The last Which? Airlines survey was carried out in January 2020 and because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Which? have instead carried out careful analysis and checks of each company in the survey.

After doing so, they have confirmed that Jet2.com is to continue to be recognised as Which? Recommended Provider for Airlines, saying: “Jet2.com has long been the best low-cost carrier, and we are still happy to recommend it for trips in 2021 and beyond.”

Cathay Pacific Resumes Flights to London Heathrow - one way

Cathay Pacific will be flying to London Heathrow today!



Cathay Pacific has confirmed it will start flying back to London Heathrow from today from its home base of Hong Kong. 

The resumption of the service is designed to offer assistance to customers needing to travel to the UK.  The airline says it will operate CX251 flights to London Heathrow on 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 21, and 24 January. 

There is no way the airline can make money on these services as all flights departing from the UK to Hong Kong will continue to be suspended until 25 January in view of the HKSAR Government’s entry restrictions.

Manchester flights are still cancelled.

Cathay Pacific is offering greater flexibility for customers, enabling them to make free and unlimited changes to their tickets up to 31 December 2021 or exchange them for Cathay Credits for use at a later date. Alternatively, customers can cancel their tickets and request a refund.

Where to stay in London?  

Crowne Plaza London - Heathrow 

2020 was the most challenging year the commercial aviation industry has ever faced, yet leasing giant Avolon performed ll.

There is little room for argument, 2020 was a disastrous year for commercial aviation, the pandemic and resulting border restrictions and closures caused airlines to ground all or most of their fleets of aircraft for weeks and m months at a time. Even now, the industry is teetering on a knife-edge, with many airlines struggling to survive January alone.  It is a sentiment echoed by Dómhnal Slattery, the CEO of aircraft leasing giant Avolon, which has released its latest figures. 

"2020 was the most challenging year the commercial aviation industry has ever faced. The level of airline distress truly tested the resilience of the leasing sector business model. Through Avolon’s decisive actions to reduce our capital commitments, strengthen our liquidity and reduce our future obligations, the business is now well-positioned to benefit from the recovery." Slattery said,  adding: "We steadfastly supported our airline partners through temporary deferrals during the year and have seen cash flows improve in the second half of the year from a low in the second quarter."



Slattery believes it will take a lot of time for the industry to recover and the sped of which is determined on the roll-out of the vaccine as well as massive pre-travel testing programmes. "Air travel will drive economic recovery. It is clear there is a strong desire to travel and latent demand in markets across the world. It is incumbent on Governments to provide appropriate policies to facilitate that demand and drive recovery."

Avolon is, Slattery, contends, well-positioned to face the future and is ready to take up the challenge with positive momentum as the recovery takes hold through 2021.

 Total available liquidity in excess of US$6.5 billion at year-end

 

Delta no longer accepts emotional support animals

One of the last big airlines to make the change is US Mega-carrier Delta which has confirmed this it will no longer accept emotional support animal bookings on any Delta flight. 

Delta’s updated policy follows a final rule issued last month by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which states carriers are no longer required to recognize emotional support animals as service animals.  

“We applaud the DOT for making this change and acknowledging the concerns that Delta and many other stakeholders have raised for the past several years,” said Allison Ausband – S.V.P., In-Flight Service. “The DOT’s final rule enables airlines to put the safety of all employees and customers first, while protecting the rights of customers who need to travel with trained service animals.”  

Delta’s updated policy includes input and guidance from our frontline teams, as well as recommendations from Delta’s Advisory Board on Disability.  

With Pent-Up Demand Expected in 2021, Hilton Introduces Hilton EventReady Hybrid Solutions for Meetings and Events

 
As we emerge from a year of uncertainties, one business reality seems crystal clear: Hybrid meetings and events will be critical in the near-term. To address this dramatic shift in how people meet and celebrate, Hilton is introducing a set of Hilton EventReady Hybrid Solutions. The new suite of offerings, which will continue to evolve, directs event planners to Hilton’s hybrid-ready hotels while also providing them with planning resources – including an expanded Hilton EventReady Playbook and flexible customer offers.

Global program roll-out to feature hybrid-ready hotels across the portfolio



With each meeting and event experience delivered by dedicated team members, as part of the Hilton EventReady Hybrid Solutions, participating hotels will have access to comprehensive team member training resources to build and strengthen their knowledge in hybrid events.

11 January, 2021

Air France awarded 4-star "Covid-19 airline safety rating" by SKYTRAX


Air France has been certified with the Covid-19 Airline Safety Rating following the global audit conducted by the international air transport rating agency Skytrax. This audit carried out in December 2020 on several Air France medium and long-haul flights, evaluates airlines’ safety protocols, primarily the effectiveness and consistency of safety and hygiene measures implemented to protect customers and staff from Covid-19. These measures include the cleaning and disinfection procedures at the airport and onboard aircraft, special signage and floor markings, physical distancing recommendations, compulsory wearing of masks and provision of hand sanitiser.

Air France, after obtaining a 4-star* rating, is already making improvements with a view to gaining a 5-star rating, and attain the highest Covid-19 Airline Safety Rating. 

"Air France places the health and safety of its customers and staff at the heart of its concerns. Since the beginning of the Coronavirus crisis, the company has been rolling out the strictest health and hygiene measures both on the ground and on board to ensure a completely safe trip. As part of its “Air France Protect” commitment, these measures are regularly adapted in line with the changing health context." Catherine Villar, SVP Customer Experience Air France, stated: 

More information about Air France Protect




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Air Lease Update

        Today the giant aircraft sales and leasing firm, Air Lease Corporation announced an update on aircraft investments, sales and new significant financing occurring in the fourth quarter of 2020.


As of December 31, 2020, ALC’s fleet was comprised of 332 owned aircraft and 81 managed aircraft, with 361 new aircraft on order from Boeing and Airbus set to deliver through 2026.

Aircraft Investments

Delivered ten new aircraft from ALC’s order book including two A320neos, six A321neos, one A330-900 and one A350-1000 
Purchased and leased back ten A320-200 aircraft and four 737-800 aircraft 
Aircraft investments in the quarter totaled approximately $1.1 billion with the majority occurring in the second half of the quarter
Sales 

No aircraft sales occurred during the quarter
Financing

Issued $1.5 billion of senior unsecured medium-term notes comprised of $750 million due 2026 at a fixed rate of 2.875% and $750 million due 2030 at a fixed rate of 3.125%
 

Air Lease Corp. is based in Los Angeles, California and has airline customers throughout the world.  ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions.


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Further refinancing for Virgin Atlantic as services reduced

Virgin Atlantic is hurrying a refinancing deal through that will see Griffin Global Asset Management buy two of the airline Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft and then lease them back which will release a further $231 million.  Griffin is a subsidiary company of Bain Capital which has already rescued another Virgin air company - Virgin Australia and is also an investor in the recently launched Virgin Voyages.

According to reports, the majority of the money will be used to pay back Davidson Kempner - the specialist hedge fund that stepped in to help at the height of the first UK lockdown. There will be approximately $70 million left over to help keep the airline going into the middle of the year.

Enders Diagnostics and Swissport Open Pre-Departure PCR Testing Facility at Zurich Airport

Swissport subsidiary Checkport Schweiz AG have opened a PCR testing facility at Zurich Airport. The novelty: Enders Diagnostics’ PCR tests are carried out by saliva sample and not by nasal swab and the test result is available within only 5 hours, instead of 24 to 48 hours as with previous PCR tests.

Ender Diagnostics, offers a PCR test innovation at the newly opened pre-departure testing facility operated by Checkport at Zurich Airport in Switzerland. The sample is not taken by nasal swab as with conventional tests, but on a saliva basis, which is much more convenient for those being tested. The tests are sold as self-test kits on site and can be performed in test boxes independently, with no assistance required by medical personnel. The test boxes are cleaned after each traveler. The samples are transported to the Swiss Analysis AG laboratory four times a day by a dedicated courier service.

Lufthansa raised 500 million euros in aircraft financing in the second half of 2020

Since July 2020, Deutsche Lufthansa AG has raised a total of around 500 million euros by using aircraft as security in eight financing transactions. This enabled the Group to secure additional funds on top of the 1.6 billion euros raised via a convertible bond and a corporate bond.

The five Airbus A350s and three aircraft from the A320 family were used as securities for various financing instruments. Funds were raised through sale and leaseback financing, secured loans and secured promissory notes (Schuldscheindarlehen). Banks, private equity funds and corporate investors, particularly from Europe and Asia, participated in the financing. Lufthansa was also able to agree upon attractive terms compared with the most recently issued bonds.

“We have taken another successful step in refinancing existing liabilities which are maturing in 2021. The transactions once again demonstrate the confidence the market has in our company and our restructuring measures. We have a wide range of financing instruments at our disposal and aircraft financing will continue to play a key role in our financing strategy as it offers financially attractive conditions,” said Wilken Bormann, Executive Vice President Corporate Finance of the Lufthansa Group.

 



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RAF Voyagers support French mission to Djibouti


On 6th January, the UK and French Air Forces flew a combined mission involving two RAF Voyager tankers escorting and refuelling four Armee de l’air Mirage 2000 fighters en route to Africa.

The Long-Range Projection mission to Djibouti was a real-life demonstration of the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force Air Component’s (CJEF(Air)) capability to project aircraft long distance at pace.

Air Commodore Tim Below, Defence Attaché, Paris said: “It's great to see French Mirage aircraft taking fuel from an RAF Voyager yesterday as they flew from France to a French air base in Africa. This mission clearly demonstrates the close Franco-British relationship and our ability to work together to rapidly project air power across the globe. In doing so we have both improved our techniques and validated our procedures to ensure we are ready to act as part of the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force.”

Finnair saw passenger numbers dip by 92% in December

European airline Finnair saw its passenger numbers fall by 92% in December due to the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.  Just 92,500 passengers flew with the carrier during the month, down 92.0% on 2019 levels, but 8.8% more than in November 2020. 

The airline blames the exceptionally strict travel restrictions imposed by the authorities in Finland, as well as those imposed by other nations. However, Finnair operated 75 daily flights including cargo-only services on average which was just 21.5% compared to December 2019. Passenger load factor was just 30.1%, down over 47 percentage points. 

Domestic traffic capacity reduce by 73.8%,  Asian traffic was 89.5% down,  European traffic saw a reduction of  91.3% whilst the North Atlantic traffic decreased by 100.0%.  Passenger numbers decreased in Asian traffic by 98.3%, in North Atlantic traffic by 100.0%, in European traffic by 93.3% and in domestic traffic by 82.2%.

In December, 89.3% of all Finnair flights arrived on schedule (81.4%).

  

2020 a positive start for FXAIR

FXAIR, a premium on-demand charter provider and the newest member of the Directional Aviation family of companies, has had tremendous success since its launch in August 2020.

FXAIR will end the year having arranged more than 4,000 premium on-demand charter flights for more than 8,000 passengers to 600 destinations. In addition, the company has doubled its 2020 goal for sales of its innovative Aviator program.

With the launch of FXAIR, Directional Aviation’s North American on-demand charter segment grew its revenue by 55% in 2020 when compared to the year prior.

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