United expands relief efforts and fundraising for Indian crisis.

United Airlines is  providing up to 5 million bonus miles for donations and matching up to $40,000 in cash donations to disaster relief partners.

United is currently the only U.S. airline serving India, and has recently helped transport more than 300,000 pounds of critical medical supplies to the region

This week leading U.S. mega-carrier, United Airlines has expanded its efforts to support those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis in India with the launch of a new online fundraising campaign. Now the airline's customers can donate to Airlink, Americares, GlobalGiving Foundation and World Central Kitchen charities. United is offering up to 5 million bonus miles to encourage MileagePlus members to support this effort and will match each donation up to a total of $40,000 in cash donations. 

In addition, United is currently the only U.S. airline serving India, and over the last few days has helped transport more than 300,000 pounds of critical medical supplies to the region.

Airlink: Transportation of medical supplies and PPE

Americares: Supporting COVID-19 treatment facilities, donating critical medical equipment, PPE and supplies for health workers and educating the community on COVID-19 prevention and vaccination.

World Central Kitchen: Hot meal distribution to health care workers by partnering with local restaurants

Uzbekistan Airways flies critical supplies to Uzbekistan on Boeing 787-8 delivery flight

Supplies provided by Project C.U.R.E.; Boeing donates $100,000 to the relief organization

Photo Boeing

U.S. planemaker Boeing along with the national carrier of Uzbekistan recently delivered humanitarian relief supplies to the Aral Sea region of Uzbekistan onboard the airline’s newest 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. This was the third humanitarian delivery flight partnership between Boeing and the carrier.

The shipment of hospital beds, mattresses and wheelchairs will help medical personnel and facilities treat the most vulnerable of Uzbekistan’s population and 

“We are delighted to have partnered with Boeing and Project C.U.R.E. to bring home a new consignment of medical supplies on our 787-8 delivery flight,” said Ilkhom Makhkamov, chairman of Uzbekistan Airways. “This third flight builds on our partnership for two previous humanitarian flights in 2016. We would like to thank all involved parties for their generosity to support the Uzbek communities during this global pandemic.”

Air Cargo demand now higher than pre-COVID levels - records broken in March.

Photo Cathay Pacific

Demand for air cargo continues to grow and develop and shows no sign of slowing down, for the month of March 2021 it was up by 4.4% on pre-COVID levels.  Indeed, the demand in March reached the highest level recorded since the series began in 1990.

Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), was up 4.4% compared to March 2019 and 0.4% compared to February 2021. This was a slower rate of growth than the previous month, which saw demand increase 9.2% compared to February 2019. A weaker performance by Asia-Pacific and African carriers compared to February contributed to softer growth in March, reports the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

New guidance on preventing runway excursions released

Flight Safety Foundation today released new guidance and industry best practices aimed at preventing runway excursions – the most frequent type of aviation accident and a continuing risk for large and small aircraft.

The guidance, best practices and explanatory material are contained in an expanded version of the Global Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Excursions (GAPPRE), which was developed by an international team of more than 100 aviation professionals from around the world. The document, published today on the Foundation's website, includes more than 100 recommendations to stakeholders across the industry as well guidance material and best practices that support those recommendations.

Cathay Pacific Cargo ships 15 million vaccine doses

Cathay Pacific Cargo has passed the milestone of shipping 15 million COVID-19 vaccines around the world. The landmark figure includes vaccines that have been imported for use in Cathay Pacific’s home hub of Hong Kong, as well as supplies for distribution to countries including Mexico, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Cathay Pacific Head of Cargo Markets and Products John Cheng said: “The 15-million-dose landmark was achieved today upon delivery of a new batch of Fosun Pharma/BioNTech vaccines into Hong Kong. This week, we also have two other shipments from Beijing to Mexico carrying doses of Sinovac and CanSino vaccines. All of these shipments deploy our new Ultra Track multidimensional tracking and data-logging system.”  

British Airways to transport 27 tonnes of aid to India tonight.

Photo British Airways

The implications of the current humanitarian crisis in India increases day by day as the situation worsens and the future looks bleaker and bleaker. To offer assistance, the UK's British Airways will fly a Boeing 777-200 aircraft loaded with emergency aid to Delhi this evening.

BA has commissioned a special project team to organise the flight, which is due to leave on Wednesday May 5 at 5pm (BA257F), landing in Delhi at 5.45am (local time) on Thursday, May 6. The aircraft is being loaded with more than a thousand items from the High Commission of India and charities including Khalsa Aid International and the largest Hindu temple outside of India, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, in Neasden, London. 

The load to support the Indian government as the country continues to battle rising Coronavirus cases with dwindling oxygen supplies includes hundreds of urgent life-saving oxygen cylinders and shipments of oxygen concentrators, respirators and blood oxygen saturation monitors. The airline is also donating care packages for families in need. 

1,349 items of aid will depart on an aircraft specially chartered by British Airways and supported by volunteers from the airline to ensure life-saving supplies reach the country urgently 

British Airways Chairman and CEO Sean Doyle says the airline has offered the free support as it “stands with its friends in India as the country endures one of the worst crises it has ever known”  

While IAG Cargo and British Airways have maintained a vital air link between London and India throughout the pandemic, sending aid on scheduled flights, this air lift is a special charter, fully funded by the two companies.  

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chief Executive and CEO, said: “The British Airways family has been deeply affected by the terrible scenes in India of the deepening humanitarian crisis that has impacted the lives of many of our people. We are fortunate to be in a position to help transport aid and I am so proud of the volunteers from across the airline and IAG Cargo who have stepped up to make this happen. We continue to stand with our friends in India as the country endures one of the worst crises it has ever known.” 

British Airways works in partnership with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which is organising the UK’s humanitarian response.  Saleh Saeed, Chief Executive of the Disasters Emergency Committee, said: “The DEC brings together 14 leading UK aid charities to respond quickly and effectively to disasters, with the fantastic support of partners in the corporate sector, including British Airways. We are hugely grateful to British Airways for springing into action to support our emergency appeals, enabling us to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to people in India and elsewhere across the world when disaster strikes." 

Photo British Airways

Captain Minesh Patel, a member of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple, has been instrumental in helping to organise the flight and is commanding the relief service.  He said: “It seemed natural to connect British Airways with the wealth of aid and relief material amassed by BAPS in the UK to enable the medical supplies to reach the organisation’s volunteers in India who can provide relief, medical and social aid to the victims in the worst affected regions." 

The airline’s people have also raised several thousand pounds for the DEC’s appeal through internal online donations.  

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

Delta to add Premium Select to more aircraft soon.

Delta is expanding its Delta Premium Select experience to more aircraft this spring, with plans to outfit its Boeing 767-300 aircraft beginning this May and Airbus A330 fleet beginning mid-July – just in time for customers considering their next trip abroad. Both fleet types will also receive additional upgrades like refreshed lavatories, new LED cabin lighting, expanded personal power outlets and memory-foam comfort cushions. Both aircraft will now have four cabin experiences to give customers more options whether booking for business or leisure: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin.

“As customers return to travel, we’re bringing them better and more comfortable experiences, and that includes introducing Delta Premium Select to more aircraft in our fleet,” said Byron Merritt, V.P. – Brand Experience Design. “We know customers are ready to get back into the world, and that is driving us to accelerate improvements to our aircraft that will give our customers the best onboard products.”

Cathay Pacific ready to support Hong Kong residents return home from the UK

Cathay Pacific ready to support Hong Kong residents

return home from the UK

Over 5,600 seats added from

London Heathrow to Hong Kong from 8 May

Following the Hong Kong Government’s relaxation on flight restrictions originating from the UK, Cathay Pacific will be resuming scheduled passenger services from London Heathrow to Hong Kong from 8 May (Saturday) to bring Hong Kong residents home.

Increase capacity to help passengers return to Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific has scheduled 17 flights in May 2021 to help Hong Kong residents return from the United Kingdom. Operated by the Airbus A350-1000 in a three-class configuration, flights are now available for booking via cathaypacific.com.

Operation Dates

8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30 May

Routing

London Heathrow to Hong Kong

Service

CX252

Departure & Arrival Times

12:20 – 06:50 (Next Day)

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

DB Schenker signs partnership with SkyCell: Temperature-controlled containers for lifesaving medicine and Covid-19 vaccines

DB Schenker increases response to the pandemic by signing a Master Lease Agreement (MLA) with SkyCell. The partnership enables DB Schenker to enhance its vaccine logistics service solutions with additional flexibility through the new healthcare product DB SCHENKERlife+. Based in Switzerland, SkyCell manufactures innovative temperature-controlled air freight containers for pharmaceutical supply chains that can maintain internal temperatures as low as -80°C to -15°C for a minimum of five days, and temperatures of +2°C to +8°C and +15°C to +25°C for more than eight days. As part of the new partnership with SkyCell, DB Schenker’s service portfolio is extended by an additional reliable packaging solution to transport lifesaving pharmaceutical products, such as vaccines against Covid-19, globally. 

Milestone agreement for the lease of SkyCell’s hybrid pharma containers • Containers maintain constant temperatures for more than a week • Suitable for all Covid-19 vaccines on the market 

Thorsten Meincke, Global Board Member for Air & Ocean Freight at DB Schenker: “Logistics matters extensively in trying to overcome the pandemic and DB Schenker is already transporting Covid-19 vaccines worldwide. With this agreement, we upgrade our existing broad portfolio of healthcare-related logistics services with even more capability for our customers for the widespread roll-out of global vaccinations. With SkyCell, we have found an excellent partner in this endeavor to provide high quality on a global level.” 

Delta Air Lines announces partnership with Inter American University of Puerto Rico to develop next generation of pilots

Qualified aviation students will be offered a defined career path and accelerated timeline to become a Delta pilot

Delta Air Lines announced on Tuesday a new partnership between Delta’s Propel Pilot Career Path Program and Inter American University of Puerto Rico’s School of Aeronautics.  

The Delta Propel program will offer qualified Inter American aviation students two paths to becoming a career Delta pilot:  

Flying for one of the Delta Connection Carriers 

Flying military aircraft for the Air National Guard or Reserves. 

“Delta’s Propel Pilot Career Path Program is excited to launch this partnership with Inter American University and welcome these highly-capable students into the Delta family as future members of our pilot team,” said Delta’s Patrick Burns, V.P. – Flying Operations and System Chief Pilot. “As we continually prepare for the future, Propel is an additional avenue for Delta to proactively identify, select and develop the next generation of Delta pilots.”  

This marks the first Propel Pilot Career Path Program partnership for Delta outside the contiguous United States. Inter American University is accredited through the Aviation Accreditation Board International and is a FAA Part 141 program. 

KKR and Altavair Close Sale and Leaseback of Four Airbus A350-900 Aircraft with Singapore Airlines

KKR, a leading global investment firm, and Altavair L.P., a leader in commercial aviation finance, announced today the closing of a sale and leaseback with Singapore Airlines (SIA) of four Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The acquisition was funded by funds and accounts managed by KKR, with Altavair acting as servicer on the assets.

“We were honored to be selected by Singapore Airlines to participate in these transactions,” said Steve Rimmer, CEO of Altavair. “Singapore Airlines is continually recognized as one of the top international carriers and we are extremely pleased to be continuing our relationship with them with this new agreement.”

“This transaction with Singapore Airlines is another exciting milestone as we continue to deepen our trusted relationships with leading carriers around the world,” said Dan Pietrzak and Brandon Freiman, Partners at KKR. “These four modern aircraft operated by a world-class airline are a great addition to Altavair’s portfolio.”

New Braniff Airways Hotel Building Listed in National Register of Historic Places

Dallas-based Braniff Airways, Inc, announced this week that its licensed hotel building has been listed in the National Park Service National Register of Historic Places, according to Braniff Airways Chairman Richard Ben Cass. The Texas Historical Commission posted that the nomination was officially listed in the Register on March 2, 2021.

In November 2020, Braniff licensed a new Braniff-themed hotel project at the former Braniff International Hostess College located in the Oaklawn neighbourhood of Dallas. The boutique hotel is tentatively scheduled to open in 2022, once the facility is fully remodelled. In 2014, Braniff Airways Foundation initiated the process to have the building listed in the National Register.

The hotel is planned to feature 75 luxury rooms amidst the elegant and stylish themes of Braniff International including both historic as well as recently created designs and styles. The hotel will be the only Braniff hotel in existence in the United States with the TWA Hotel in New York as the only other airline-themed hotelier. Proposed amenities include a restaurant, bar and large swimming pool with outdoor beverage service. A Braniff Boutique store will be housed in the new hotel offering luxurious Braniff-branded goods ranging from model aeroplanes to bags and apparel.

Photo Recent Listing: Braniff International Hostess College | THC.Texas.gov - Texas Historical Commission

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

First Airbus A220 added to the Aviation Capital Group portfolio

Aviation Capital Group. a leading aircraft asset manager, announced the delivery of one new Airbus A220-300 aircraft on long-term lease to airBaltic. This aircraft is ACG’s first A220 and the first of four A220-300 aircraft to be leased by ACG to airBaltic as part of a sale and leaseback transaction between ACG and the airline.

“We are proud to take delivery of our first A220 and welcome airBaltic into the ACG family of customers,” said Tom Baker, CEO and president of ACG. “As the only Airbus aircraft designed specifically for the 100-150 seat market, the A220 offers excellent fuel efficiency and passenger comfort in this segment of the market. The A220 incorporates state-of-the-art aerodynamics and is powered by Pratt & Whitney’s advanced PW1500G geared turbofan engines.”

“The current crisis enabled us to focus on the Airbus A220-300 as the only aircraft type airBaltic will fly in the future. Our aircraft choice has already showed itself as the most efficient, sustainable aircraft for our market,” said Vitolds Jakovlevs, CFO of airBaltic. “We are glad that ACG will now be a part of our growth story.”

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

American Airlines Admirals Club Lounges Primed to Welcome Customers Back

Admirals Club lounges continue to reopen across the country, including in Atlanta, Phoenix and Miami

New signature menu offerings feature new healthy options such as Quinoa Salad and Power Bowls

The airline expands innovative touchless technology to give customers a safe, convenient and easy experience

As American Airlines continues welcoming customers back to the skies, the airline is reopening additional Admirals Club lounges and adding enhancements to give customers more peace of mind when travelling.

Lounges reopening in May include the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) Admirals Club at gate B7 and the Miami International Airport (MIA) lounge at gate D15, and the Admirals Club at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). The previously reopened lounges at Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Nashville International Airport (BNA), and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will extend their operating schedule to 7 days a week. Prior to travel, visit aa.com for the latest on specific lounge reopening dates.

Just in time to travel this Memorial Day weekend, American will have 27 lounges reopened across 21 U.S. cities. Additionally, lounges at São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in Brazil and Mexico City International Airport (MEX) have reopened as well. American began reopening lounges in June 2020, with health and wellbeing improvements in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Revamped signature offerings for the entire family

Starting May 5, revamped signature food-for-sale items such as chilled quinoa salad, southwestern power bowl, cheesy tater tots and bacon, egg & cheese breakfast sandwich will be available all day in select lounges. American will expand offerings for children like chicken bites and cheddar sandwiches at all locations. Children’s rooms have also reopened inside Admirals Club lounges.

“As we welcome customers back to the skies, we have been eager to expand signature offerings that everyone in the family — including kids — can enjoy,” said Clarissa Sebastian, Managing Director of Premium Customer Experience and Onboard Products for American. “We know even more families will be returning to travel this summer and the Admirals Club provides safe and clean service with care.”

Touchless Admirals Club enhancements

American is expanding its touchless technology to streamline the customer’s airport experience. Starting May 6, the airline will introduce a touchless entry trial for the Admirals Club lounge located in Terminal A at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Customers who choose to participate in the trial will enjoy quick, easy entry to the Admirals Club through facial recognition technology, which automatically verifies membership without customers pulling out their phone or wallet. This technology is currently in use to enable a touchless bag drop trial at DFW and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and will roll out to Admirals Club lounges in Terminals B, C, and D in the coming weeks. Findings from these tests will inform future trials to expand the touchless experience throughout the customer journey.

Later this month, customers will also be able to order signature food offerings and beverages using their own mobile devices, gloved and masked team members will serve the orders. The trial will begin at the Admirals Club lounge located in Terminal A at DFW.

Admirals Club lounges currently offer touch-free ways to read the news and enjoy magazines. Customers can access the content via QR code or read.aa.com after connecting to the free Admirals Club Wi-Fi signal and download the publications for free.

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

Skyborne Aviation completes its take over of Vero Beach Flight Academy

Skyborne Aviation Group has completed its take over of the Vero Beach Academy located in Vero Beach, Florida. It is now called “Skyborne Airline Academy Vero Beach” and will be the first pilot training base in the United States for the UK-headquartered airline academy.

“Skyborne Airline Academy Vero Beach” offers prospective pilots a full-time FAA Part 141 approved training on a 12-month residential program, airline pathway programs with leading US airlines, plus Private, Instrument, Commercial and Instructor courses. It will also serve as a fair-weather base for Skyborne’s UK CAA Integrated ATPL programme, and welcome trainees from the Academy’s IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme as they complete their US FAA 141 CPL SEIR plus ME flying.

Allegiant Travel Company First Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Allegiant Travel Company First Quarter 2021 Financial Results

The Allegiant Travel Company has released details of its First quarter 2021 results,  showing revenue was down over 31 per cent year on year.  

"The momentum reported last quarter picked up in earnest towards the back half of the first quarter with booking trends showing meaningful improvement," stated Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., chairman and CEO of Allegiant Travel Company. "We completed the quarter with earnings per share of $0.42 on year over two-year revenue declines of 38.2 percent, continuing the trend of sequential revenue improvement. We were the first domestic carrier to restore capacity to pre-pandemic levels, with first quarter scheduled capacity up 3.1 percent as compared to 2019. Booking trends have been particularly impressive with average daily bookings for the months of March and April exceeding the same time period in 2019. Furthermore, the booking curve appears to be normalizing and more closely resembling what we saw in 2019. April's results came in as strong as March helped by a ten-point increase in load factor from 54 to 64 percent. We expect capacity in the coming months will be equal to or greater than our 2019 levels. 

Airbus demonstrates C295 FITS mission system operated by ground-based crews

Airbus has successfully concluded a flight test campaign featuring a new capability for the C295 FITS mission system (COMMOMISS) which enables it to be remotely operated by ground-based crews.

The campaign, carried out in April over the south of Spain, covered four flights and involved the use of an Airbus C295 Intelligence Surveillance Recognition (ISR) testbed equipped with a Collins avionics package.

The aircraft performed standard maritime patrol missions with all sensors controlled in near real-time by a mission operator based at a ground station at Airbus’ Getafe site. Sensor control was successfully handed over to the ground control station, with different surveillance tasks, including Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) pointing control and radar management, performed by the ground crew using the installed Ka band SATCOM.

During the tests, the ground operator’s situational awareness was complete, sharing the same set of tools and apps available in the onboard Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) workstations, transforming the COMMOMISS ground station into an effective additional operator’s node.

Aviation, Travel & Tourism Sectors Applaud European Parliament Vote on “EU COVID-19 Certificates” – Setting Final Negotiations with European Commission and Council into Motion

Swift alignment by all three EU Institutions critical in restoring free movement for EU citizens by summer.

A clear, simple and harmonized European approach is desperately needed to reopen travel in a safe and responsible way.

Europe’s aviation, travel and tourism sectors fully welcome yesterday’s vote in the European Parliament on the EU’s proposed Digital Green Certificate Regulation, setting trilogue negotiations between the Parliament, the Council and the European Commission into motion. Swift action and alignment among the institutions is now critical in order to make the certificates operational by June and ensure reciprocity with non-EU systems. Common, interoperable, secure and GDPR-compliant health certificates represent an essential tool to facilitate the free movement of people within the EU and reopen travel in a safe and responsible way through the easing, and ultimately lifting of current travel restrictions.

The Parliament position brings forward important changes to the original proposal:

A new name, “EU COVID-19 Certificate” has been agreed to make it clearer to EU citizens and also limit the certificates’ use to during the pandemic.

Free and accessible testing: Testing is absolutely key in the fight against COVID-19, and the requirement to conduct pre-departure tests (often PCR) should not create an economic distortion between travellers. With tests ranging from €10 to €150, it is clear that such high costs could become a deterrent to travel – in particular among families.

Full equality among vaccinated and tested citizens: No additional measures such as quarantine or further testing should be imposed on travellers presenting a valid “EU COVID-19 Certificate”.

The proposed amendments send a strong political message from the Parliament on the urgency to restore free movement in the EU. This is not a privilege — it is a right as one of the pillars of the single market enshrined in the European treaties. Safely and swiftly re-establishing free movement is both possible and vitally important – not only for holidaymakers, but also for cross-border workers and citizens who will be able to visit their families more easily once the certificates are operational. Vaccination drives in Europe continue to gain momentum, with 26.5% of EU citizens having received at least one dose, compared with 16% four weeks ago.

Lufthansa Group and BASF roll out sharkskin technology

From 2022, Lufthansa Cargo will equip all Boeing 777 freighters with AeroSHARK

Innovative surface technology from Lufthansa Technik and BASF improves fuel efficiency and helps airlines to reach sustainability targets

The lower the frictional resistance of an aircraft in the air, the lower the fuel consumption. Using nature as a role model, the aviation industry has been intensively researching ways to reduce aerodynamic drag for many years. Now Lufthansa Technik and BASF have succeeded in making the breakthrough as part of a joint project. AeroSHARK, a surface film that mimics the fine structure of a shark’s skin, is to be rolled out on Lufthansa Cargo’s entire freighter fleet from the beginning of 2022, making the aircraft more economical and reducing emissions.

The surface structure consisting of riblets measuring around 50 micrometers imitates the properties of sharkskin and therefore optimizes the aerodynamics on flow-related parts of the aircraft. This means that less fuel is needed overall. For Lufthansa Cargo’s Boeing 777F freighters, Lufthansa Technik estimates a drag reduction of more than one percent. For the entire fleet of ten aircraft, this translates to annual savings of around 3,700 tons of kerosene and just under 11,700 tons of CO2 emissions, which is the equivalent of 48 individual freight flights from Frankfurt to Shanghai.

Cranfield becomes first airport to deploy Altitude Angel’s GuardianUTM Enterprise Platform

Altitude Angel, the world’s leading UTM (Unified Traffic Management) technology provider, announced Cranfield University’s global research airport in collaboration with Cranfield Airport Operations Limited, is the first aerodrome to deploy its next-generation airspace management solution - GuardianUTM Enterprise into service.

Launched in March, GuardianUTM Enterprise is an intuitive, cost-effective platform which has been developed to support regional and local airports and airfields.

GuardianUTM Enterprise will provide Cranfield with a combined view of the airspace in the vicinity of its FRZ (flight restricted zone), enabling the airport to enhance and provide UTM Services for drone companies and drone operators, using Altitude Angel’s proven digital authorisation and flight management technology.

Saab’s Technology Makes London City Airport First Major UK Operator of Remote Air Traffic Control Tower

Technology pioneered by Saab Digital Air Traffic Solutions has enabled London City Airport to become the first major international airport in the world to be fully controlled by a remote digital air traffic control tower.

Saab’s Digital Tower is a next-generation air traffic control system that significantly improve controllers’ situational awareness, enabling quick and informed decisions that advance safety and operational efficiency. The Digital Tower has also allowed London City Airport to expand its area of operations due to the increased coverage it provides, thereby allowing the airport to maximise its air traffic capacity.

The technology presents increased levels of information to air traffic controllers on digital window screens: such as identifying flight and radar data, the ability to zoom in and out, as well as additional graphics and augmentation to enhance visibility.  These functionalities can be used by control rooms that are offsite.

Lufthansa to buy ten long-haul aircraft: five Airbus A350-900s and five Boeing 787-9

The German Lufthansa Group is accelerating its fleet modernization plans by rapidly retiring older aircraft in favour of newer more fuel-efficient and environmentally sound types like the A350 and 787.  As a result, the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG has agreed on Monday to buy ten long-haul aircraft: five Airbus A350-900s and five Boeing 787-9.  As part of the long-standing fleet renewal programme, a total of 175 new aircraft will be delivered to Lufthansa Group airlines this decade.

Boeing 787-9

The first Boeing 787-9 are scheduled to fly for Lufthansa as early as next winter, with others to follow in the first half of 2022. Monday's decision brings the total number of firm orders for Boeing 787-9s and Boeing 777-9s to 45 aircraft.

Due to the dramatic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on global aviation, aircraft that had been ordered by some airlines could not be delivered in the past twelve months. Lufthansa held talks with Boeing and found a way to buy five 787-9 that were already manufactured. At the same time, the Group reached an agreement with Boeing on a restructured delivery plan.

General Aviation in the UK

A written statement to the UK Parliament on General Aviation in the UK from Department for Transport, Civil Aviation Authority, and Robert Courts MP is listed here. 

General Aviation (GA) is often referred to as the ‘grassroots’ of aviation and is the bedrock to our successful and world-leading aviation sector.

It’s worth nearly £4 billion to the UK economy, supporting nearly 40,000 jobs. The hundreds of aerodromes up and down the country form an important part of the nation’s transport infrastructure.

General Aviation provides the entry point for careers in aviation and is fundamental to inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals. It supports vital services from law enforcement to life-saving airborne medical and search and rescue teams, and provides future pilots, engineers and other highly skilled professionals a first glimpse of a potential career in aviation.

Therefore, it is only right that the government’s vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for General Aviation as a flourishing, wealth-generating and job-producing sector of the economy. Our ambitions remain high and we have set out our priorities and how we can achieve these in the government’s General Aviation Roadmap, which I am pleased to announce. The roadmap sets out our vision and strategic priorities for the sector, alongside our ambitious programme of work that will help us to deliver this. We will work alongside the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and our GA stakeholders to achieve these ambitions.

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority has issued 630 fines since February to airlines carrying passengers without the right documents.

The Civil Aviation Authority has issued 630 fines since February to airlines carrying passengers without the right documents.

It remains a requirement for all passengers, no matter which country they have travelled from, to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 3 days before departure and to self-isolate on arrival. A passenger locator form (PLF) must also be completed and passengers arriving without a completed form and negative test face a £500 fine.

Carriers are obliged to ensure passengers have these documents before they arrive in England and can face fines of £2,000 for each passenger they carry who does not have a valid Pre-Departure Test Certificate and £2,000 for each passenger who does not have a completed PLF (including with the correct test booking reference number for managed quarantine or mandatory testing).

This is in addition to fines of £4,000 for failing to provide the correct information to passengers before departure and during the journey informing them of their requirements, and a £2,000 fine for conveying passengers who have been in a red list country in the previous 10 days to a non-designated port.

Bill to modernise airspace and tackle illegal use of unmanned aircraft receives Royal Assent

Powers to decarbonise aviation infrastructure granted as part of Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Bill.

Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft (ATMUA) Bill becomes law

Transport Secretary given further powers to drive down carbon emissions through airspace modernisation

police granted powers to ensure skies remain safe and secure from disruption and illegal use of drone technology

The Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft (ATMUA) Bill, designed to modernise airspace and clamp down on the illegal use of unmanned aircraft, has today (29 April 2020) received Royal Assent.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has been granted a range of additional powers to help enhance and decarbonise the country’s aviation infrastructure.

The new law means airports that don’t implement changes quickly enough could be directed to modernise their airspace, helping deliver quicker, quieter and cleaner journeys.

Modernising the use of UK airspace through the re-routing of existing flight paths will play a vital role in the government’s plans to build back greener from the pandemic, generating lower CO2 emissions from flights while also reducing noise pollution and improving punctuality for passengers.