Chairman of Azul Brazilian Airlines David Neeleman to join Lilium Board

Lilium GmbH, a regional electric air mobility firm confirmed David Neeleman has joined the Board of Directors of Lilium N.V. to be effective upon completion of Lilium's business combination with Qell Acquisition Corp.

With nearly 30 years of experience in commercial aviation and as the founder of five airlines, including JetBlue Airways and Azul Brazilian Airlines, David Neeleman brings significant expertise in building and scaling a mobility business across new markets. David currently serves as Chairman of Azul, which recently entered a strategic alliance with Lilium to transform high-speed regional transportation in Brazil.

Daniel Wiegand, Co-Founder and CEO of Lilium said: "I'm delighted to welcome David to the future Board of Directors of Lilium N.V. His decades of senior leadership experience in aviation and entrepreneurship will be integral to our Board as we prepare to launch our service in markets across the world."

David Neeleman said: "As a serial entrepreneur who has spent decades working in the aviation industry and watching it grapple with the challenge of sustainability, it's clear to me that Lilium has the right team, technology, and vision to fundamentally transform how we travel. I'm excited to join this accomplished team of Board members and help build a new kind of network and service powered by electric flight."

David joins other recently announced appointees to the post-combination Board, which is expected to be chaired by former Airbus CEO Thomas Enders and include Gabrielle Toledano, Chief Operating Officer at Keystone Strategy LLC, and Henri Courpron, Founder and Chairman of Plane View Partners, LLC and former CEO of International Lease Finance Corporation and Airbus North America.

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The Republic of Kazakhstan orders two Airbus A400Ms

The Republic of Kazakhstan has placed an order for two Airbus A400M aircraft and becomes the ninth operator together with Germany, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Malaysia and Luxembourg.

With the delivery of the first aircraft scheduled in 2024, the contract includes a complete suite of maintenance and training support. Together with the agreement a Memorandum of Understanding has also been signed to collaborate on Maintenance and Overhaul services and with a first step of creating a local C295 maintenance centre.

”The A400M will become the cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s tactical and strategic airlifting operations,” said Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. “This new export contract brings the total number of A400M orders to 176 aircraft, a figure that we expect to increase in the near future. With more than 100 aircraft delivered and 100,000 flight hours in operation, the A400M has proven its capabilities, reaching a state of maturity that many potential customers were waiting for.”

With the capacity to accommodate the country’s inventory and conduct military, civil and humanitarian missions, the A400M will enable Kazakhstan to quickly respond to any mission by rapidly deploying game-changing capabilities over long distances and enabling effective access to remote areas.

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ACIA Aero Leasing Adds New Customers in Europe and Asia

ACIA Aero Leasing has added two new lessees, Fly LeOne in Italy and NXT Air in Bangladesh, as the lessor continues to expand its customer base in major markets across the world.

“We are delighted to further broaden ACIA’s growing customer base both in Europe and Asia by adding our first airline customers in Italy and Bangladesh,” commented Sameer Adam, ACIA Aero Leasing Senior Vice President, Commercial. “Our commercial and technical teams worked closely with both carriers to overcome the significant logistical challenges to getting their aircraft delivered in view of the countries’ strict Covid-19 mitigation measures.”

Start-up Fly LeOne took delivery of a Beechcraft 1900D, which the carrier will operate on direct routes between Italy’s underserved regional airports and Mediterranean tourist destinations in addition to connecting small city pairings within the country.

Stefano Costantini, Chief Executive Officer of Fly LeOne, reacted to the delivery by emphasizing the ACIA team’s “strong support for our airline and working closely with the Fly LeOne team over the past six months to deliver this aircraft. As we look to put this first aircraft into service in the coming weeks, we are already looking forward to adding additional aircraft from ACIA as European and Italian passenger demand continues its recovery.”

British Airways starts next phase of lounge reopening

The UK's British Airways has opened the doors to its Concorde Room - the premium lounge for First Class passengers at New York's JFK and London's Heathrow airports.  on September 1sty with a number of other enhancements in store for customers.

To coincide with both Concorde Rooms opening their doors once again, British Airways will be introducing a new exciting cocktail menu, created exclusively for the airline by Mr Lyan (Ryan Chetiyawardana), a figurehead in the global cocktail scene. Driven by sustainability and his love for experimenting with new ingredients, he has carefully created an array of elegant cocktails for customers to enjoy depending on their individual tastes and preferences, ahead of their flight.

The new menu contains seven cocktails, with two unique British Airways serves designed in celebration of the airline’s heritage and iconic colleagues. The two special cocktails are named the Barton and Lawford after Lynne Barton, the first female British Airways pilot, and Bill Lawford, the first ever British Airways pilot in 1919.  The menu has been designed with a focus on the best of British seasonal ingredients that specifically embrace ‘in-flight’ and wind pollinated flavours. The Barton and Lawford will also be available in the Galleries Club lounges and First lounge.

Customers in the Concorde Room will continue to receive table service across the whole lounge, but visitors to other lounges will also benefit from using the airline’s new digital ‘Your Menu’ service which allows them to order food from the menu directly to their seat in the lounge with the use of a QR code close to them.

WestJet adds Toronto to Edinburgh to its international network and new non-stop service between Glasgow and Toronto

WestJet adds Toronto to Edinburgh to its international network and new non-stop service between Glasgow and Toronto

WestJet announced new service between Toronto and Scotland with the addition of non-stop flights to Edinburgh and Glasgow beginning in Spring 2022. Adding to the airline's international destination map, service between Edinburgh and Toronto is set to launch on June 2, 2022, while flights between Glasgow and Toronto will begin on May 20, 2022.   

"As we continue to rebuild our international network, we're pleased to offer our guests new options to connect via our Toronto hub for business and leisure to these incredible cities," said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. "This spring, guests on both sides of the Atlantic will benefit from more choices and lower fares when travelling between Canada and Scotland."

With the addition of Edinburgh to the airline's international network, service between Toronto (YYZ) and Edinburgh (EDI) is set to operate three-times weekly effective June 2, 2022, while service between Toronto and Glasgow (GLA) will operate four-times weekly as of May 20, 2022.

"We're looking forward to welcoming Edinburgh to our international network and strengthening travel and tourism between our two countries," continued Weatherill. "Whether travellers are looking to discover Edinburgh's enchanting castles and cobbled streets or exploring the vibrance of Toronto and beyond, we're committed to introducing new destinations and routes to our network."

By Spring 2022, WestJet will offer service to two Scottish destinations with service from Toronto to Edinburgh and Glasgow and the resumption of flights between Halifax and Glasgow.

Details of WestJet's new services between Toronto and Scotland:

Route	Frequency	Start date
Toronto-Glasgow	4x weekly	May 20, 2022
Toronto-Edinburgh*	3x weekly	June 2, 2022

*New WestJet destination

"We are excited to see our partners at WestJet bringing these new routes to Toronto Pearson," said Janik Reigate, Director, Strategic Customer Relationships, Greater Toronto Airports Authority. "From curb to gate and back again, when you're ready to travel, you can do so knowing that your health and safety is our top priority. You'll notice our Healthy Airport commitment in action across all touchpoints of your airport journey, from parking, check-in and bag drop to shopping, dining and more."

"I welcome WestJet's commitment to Scotland and the launch of their new services to Toronto from both Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports," said Graeme Day, Minister of Transport, Scotland. "It is encouraging to see airlines develop their connectivity with Scotland at this time. Canada is an important market for Scotland, and I am sure these routes will be welcomed by both business travellers and tourists in both our countries. I also welcome the use of WestJet's latest generation aircraft that will help minimise carbon emissions. I wish WestJet and the airports every success with these routes." 

"We know there is huge interest in North America and Canada in particular, so welcoming a fantastic airline like WestJet to Edinburgh Airport is hugely exciting and we are glad to welcome them to Scotland's capital," said Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport. "People are beginning to plan those family reunions and longed for holidays so we hope new additions where possible will help to satisfy that demand, and the route will also present a great opportunity to strengthen business links. We look forward to welcoming WestJet to Edinburgh and showing off our fantastic capital city and everything else that Scotland has to offer."

"The announcement today that WestJet will launch Toronto services direct into both Glasgow and Edinburgh in spring 2022 is hugely welcome for the recovery of Scotland's inbound tourism markets. With Canada now a green list destination, making it easier for Canadians to visit, this adds further grounds for optimism for the return of one of Scotland's key international markets, said Denise Hill, Head of Engagement, Visit Scotland. "VisitScotland has enjoyed a very positive partnership with WestJet in promoting their continuing Halifax to Glasgow service and we look forward to working closely with them to make these additional services a success also. With a strong latent demand for travel, these new air routes present an opportune moment for Scottish tourism businesses to re-engage with this important market."

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United Invites MileagePlus Members to Donate Miles to Help Afghanistan Evacuee Aid Efforts

MileagePlus®Members can donate miles to non-profits providing air travel, medical care and meals to Afghan evacuees through United's mile crowd-sourcing platform, Miles on a Mission

United will match all donations up to five million miles

For the last week, United has directly supported the Department of Defense and its mission to transport Afghan evacuees to the U.S.

Participating non-profits, include:

Miles4Migrants: A non-profit that is using miles to book air travel for Afghans who have left their home country, and need flight assistance to reach their final destination.

Americares: A health-focused relief and development organization mobilizing medical professionals to provide in-flight medical care on United relief flights to the U.S.

World Central Kitchen: A food-focused, global relief organization that will provide meals to Afghan refugees as they arrive at various locations across the world.

"United has been proud to put our expertise to work and partner with the Department of Defense over the last week to help urgently evacuate thousands of people from Afghanistan," said Suzi Cabo, managing director of global community engagement, United Airlines. "We're now ready to offer our MileagePlus community the opportunity to support those organizations that are providing critical support to those Afghans and their families that risked their own lives to help our servicemen and women. We know our most loyal customers will step up to support those in need because they always do."

United's mile-raising campaign is an extension of the airline's ongoing collaboration with Americares, World Central Kitchen and Miles4Migrants to support the Afghanistan relief efforts. Medical professionals from Americares have joined United volunteers on several of the airline's recent relief flights to bring Afghan refugees, American citizens and service members to the U.S. United has also supported the efforts of World Central Kitchen at Washington Dulles International Airport as they provide comforting meals for all Afghan evacuees arriving in the U.S.

In addition to helping transport Afghan refugees to the U.S., United is working with partner organizations to help support the thousands of refugees who will need to be resettled across the country once they have been fully processed by the U.S. Government. United is partnering with Miles4Migrants to provide critically needed air travel to fly Afghan citizens from several military bases in the U.S. to their final destinations.  

"Like so many, we have been watching the tragic situation in Afghanistan unfold, and are working to support Afghans in their time of need however possible," said Andy Freedman, co-founder and managing director at Miles4Migrants. "We are grateful to have the support of MileagePlus members to help us fly as many Afghan refugees and other displaced persons from around the world to safe new homes."

Additionally, United is working closely with Walgreens to ensure the passengers on the airline's relief flights have all the critical personal care items they need to comfortably travel. Walgreens has generously donated personal care and comfort items to United including diapers, disinfecting wipes, feminine hygiene products, baby bottles and more, which are being provisioned onboard United's CRAF flights to the U.S.

So far, United has operated 13 international missions, carrying more than 3,908 U.S. citizens and Afghan evacuees safely to the U.S. More than 8,000 United employees have raised their hands to participate in these missions – working as crew members, onboard translators, volunteer onboard medics, coordinating the complex operation and more. Many of these employees have personal or family ties to Afghanistan and/or are military veterans.

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Seraph Aviation Group places one B737-800 with Joy Air in China

Seraph Aviation Group, the specialized aviation asset manager headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is delighted to announce that it has successfully placed one B737-800 with Joy Air in the People's Republic of China.

David Butler, Chief Executive, Seraph Aviation Group, said: "We are delighted to have secured Joy Air as a new airline customer and are proud of our achievement to deliver an aircraft into China during the COVID pandemic. We look forward to commencing a long and positive relationship with Joy Air and we wish the airline well as it introduces the aircraft into service this month."

Seraph Aviation Group is a dedicated Aviation Asset Manager and Financial Advisor. The Group focuses on originating and managing aircraft investments for third parties, with expertise in managing a wide range of aviation assets throughout their life cycle and arranging aviation-related financings. Seraph Aviation Group is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland with offices in Stamford, CT, USA, and London, England.

Joy Air is a Xi'an state-owned airline that was launched by China Aviation Industry Group in 2008 and has been controlled by Xi`an Aerospace Investment Co., Ltd. since November 2018. Joy Air's main base is Xi'an, the capital city of the central province of Shaanxi, famous for its international tourist destination of the Terracotta Warriors archaeological site.

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Alaska Airlines opens new San Francisco lounge

Alaska Airlines unveils its brand-new Lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) this week. With sights of the city and runway throughout the 9,200 square feet of Bay-Area inspired amenities, visitors will experience the best of the Bay at every turn.

"After much anticipation, we're thrilled to give our guests a place to work, relax, unwind and enjoy some of the best of what the Golden City has to offer when they travel through SFO on Alaska or a oneworld partner," said Sangita Woerner, senior vice president of marketing and guest experience at Alaska Airlines. "Hands down Alaska offers the single best value of any airport lounge membership in the country. Our eight lounges redefine the guest experience and offer a calm oasis for every type of traveler including kid-friendly spaces, peaceful nooks, local wine or beer and tasty, locally sourced bites."

Flyers will discover a variety of welcoming experiences in the new Lounge -- with a range of approachable spaces and amenities throughout, each guest will find a place they feel at home.

Those looking for a refreshing beverage will enjoy a full bar featuring complimentary Bay Area craft brews on tap, wines from local vineyards, and an espresso bar staffed by a trained barista. Guests with a sweet tooth can choose from a wide selection of favorites like made-to-order pancakes or dig into locally-based, mouthwatering sweet treats at the candy bar including Ghirardelli chocolates, Jelly Belly jelly beans and custom travel-themed cookies by Oakland Fortune Cookie Factory—a third-generation family business we are proud to support. Still hungry? Treat yourself to fresh meals at the bistro or belly up to the new sourdough toast cart, featuring San Francisco's famous sourdough from The Acme Bread Co.

Craving more? Dive in for a closer look on the blog: New SFO Lounge celebrates local flavor and flare.

Norwegian second quarter results show steady uplift of demand

Norwegian reported its second-quarter results and published the H1 2021 financial report. The results continued to be impacted by COVID-19 and travel restrictions in all markets. However, following the successful completion of the reconstruction process and the subsequent NOK 6 billion equity raise, the company is now well-positioned for future growth and to respond to increased customer demand.

Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian, said: “The H1 financial report and Q2 results mark a clear improvement in both the financial situation, due to lower operating costs and the successful completion of the reconstruction process of the company, and the gradual ramp-up of our operations in response to increased passenger demand.”

Profit before tax (EBT) was NOK 1,590 million in the first half of 2021, compared with a loss of NOK 4,792 million in the same period in 2020. For the first half of 2021, production (ASK) was reduced by 94 percent compared to the same period last year. Total revenue in the first half of 2021 was NOK 591 million, compared with NOK 7,138 million in the same period last year, a decrease of 92 percent. Unit revenue increased by 22 percent following a yield increase of 93 percent and a decreased load factor by 28.8 percentage points. Average sector length decreased by 62 percent. At the end of first half of 2021, the total fleet comprised 51 aircraft. Up to 32 aircraft were operational during the first half of 2021 due to travel restrictions and lower demand.

Constant Aviation, Official Sponsor of the Cleveland National Air Show, To Support U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds

• Constant Is Official Aircraft Maintenance & AOG Support Sponsor and Provider for the 2021 Show
• Constant Aviation to Provide Hangar Space for the Thunderbirds, Known for Their Thrilling Air Show Aerial Acrobatics
• Cleveland Labor Day Weekend Tradition Another Reason for Constant Aviation Employees to Celebrate During the Company’s 15-Year Anniversary

Constant Aviation, the nation’s leading provider of quality maintenance, repair, overhaul and aircraft-on-ground (AOG) services, announced today that it is the Official Aircraft Maintenance & AOG Support sponsor and provider for the 2021 Cleveland National Air Show at Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland on September 4-6, Labor Day Weekend.

Constant Aviation also will provide hangar space at its Cleveland Hopkins International Airport facility (ICAO: KCLE) and will provide other support for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds are well known for their thrilling display of aerial acrobatics and demonstrate the finest aircraft in the Air Force fleet, the most advanced in the world.

“The Cleveland National Air Show is a Labor Day tradition that aviation geeks like my colleagues and I look forward to attending. Sponsoring the show and hosting the Thunderbirds is truly an honour,” said Constant Aviation CEO David H. Davies. “Our employees are looking forward to getting together outside of work to celebrate Labor Day and aviation during the company’s 15th anniversary.”

Constant Aviation will have a display of its own at the air show including one of its AOG service vans, which travel the country providing onsite aircraft maintenance, and a ground support equipment van featuring a Williams FJ44-3AP Engine.

BOC Aviation Limited signs unsecured syndicated US$935 million credit facilities

BOC Aviation Limited announced that it has signed unsecured syndicated US$935 million credit facilities comprised of a US$500 million revolving credit facility and a US$435 million term loan facility (the “Facilities”), both with a tenor of five years. Following a strong response from lenders after the launch into general syndication, the Facilities were increased to a combined final size of US$935 million from an initial launch amount of US$750 million.

 

Bank of Communications Co., Ltd, BNP Paribas, Citigroup Global Markets Singapore Pte. Ltd., DBS Bank Ltd., The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, MUFG Bank, Ltd, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited and United Overseas Bank Limited are the Original Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners (the “OMLABs”) for the Facilities. Participating in the Facilities are 16 financial institutions, including the OMLABs.

 

“We are very pleased to have completed this flexible financing package with some of our leading banking partners,” said Steven Townend, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of BOC Aviation. “The interest in this Facility has confirmed for us the continuing support of the loan markets for BOC Aviation and complements the liquidity that is available to us in the debt capital markets.”

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Hyatt Teams Up with Gopuff to Offer Everyday Essentials On-the-Go

The pilot program rolls out today with free deliveries at select Hyatt Place locations in the U.S., expanding the brand’s Necessities Program and bringing even more convenience to guests

Hyatt Hotel has announced a collaboration between the Hyatt Place brand and Gopuff, a go-to platform for consumers’ immediate everyday needs, such as drinks, snacks, over-the-counter medications, home and baby products and more, including alcohol in select markets.

Starting today at more than a dozen Hyatt Place hotels, this pilot program will create an added layer of convenience and comfort for travellers, providing guests at participating properties with fast, free delivery of thousands of everyday items. Guests at participating hotels can receive items in just 30 minutes delivered from Gopuff’s local micro-fulfilment centres. The collaboration will expand the Hyatt Place brand’s Necessities program, which offers guests a wide range of essentials to keep, borrow or buy, such as toothpaste, cellphone chargers or headphones.

In a recent survey, Hyatt learned that 60% of travellers have forgotten to pack an item (e.g., toiletries and first aid) for a business or leisure trip*. Leveraging data from the same survey, Hyatt and Gopuff identified the most-often-forgotten and most-likely-to-purchase items and collaborated to create in-app categories such as Travel Essentials, Spa Retreat, Movie Night, Office on the Go, and more, to ensure guests have easy, quick access to the items they need most while travelling.

“As both business and leisure travellers adjust their travel routines and seek new ways to travel safely, it’s important for us to keep the needs and wellbeing of our guests at the forefront of everything we do,” said Emily Wright, Global Brand Leader, Hyatt. “Every detail of the Hyatt Place experience is designed around innovation and intuitive design to make guest stays as seamless and comfortable as possible. Our collaboration with Gopuff is just another way the brand is helping guests get the most out of their stay, regardless of their reason for travel.”

Through this collaboration, Hyatt Place guests at participating hotels may enjoy the following benefits:

Opening PHL to Afghanistan evacuees

Following news that Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) would become the second entry point for evacuees arriving on Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) flights, American Airlines quickly mobilized to assist airport partners and city officials to prepare.

Leveraging knowledge and experience from previous operations at Dulles International Airport (IAD), American worked with PHL Airport Operations and federal partners to develop a process that would expedite CRAF arrivals. Central to the plan, passengers and crew would be allowed to deplane into secure areas of the airport rather than waiting on board aircraft — improving the experience for evacuees and ensuring aircraft could be cleaned and redeployed on future missions without delay.

Overnight, portions of Terminal A-West and the Terminal A-East baggage claim volunteered by American were secured and repurposed into relief areas for evacuees waiting to be vetted and screened for entry into the U.S.

An array of city, state and federal agencies as well as local hospitals and nonprofit organizations also mobilized to provide care and assistance to evacuees after arrival. Once initial vetting and coronavirus testing are complete, evacuees have on-site access to Dari, Pashto, Farsi and Urdu translation services, religious space, medical care and aid stations with food, medicine, personal care items and children’s toys.

The plan was put to the test Saturday morning. Shortly after 4 a.m. ET, an American Boeing 777-200 with hundreds of evacuees touched down from Europe — and within 40 minutes, all passengers and crew were able to deplane. Since then, the process has continued to improve. American’s second mission, which arrived at PHL on Saturday, took less than 20 minutes to offload passengers and bags. Several military aircraft have also landed at PHL since Operation Allies Refuge expanded to PHL. Unable to utilize jet bridges, American provided airfield buses to transport evacuees from remote pads to the terminal.

“We’ve been able to develop and refine a seamless 24/7 operation led by the airport, city agencies, the military and our federal partners,” said Anthony Stanley, PHL Director of Administration and Planning for American Airlines. “In the past three days, more than 1,600 evacuees have arrived at PHL on CRAF flights — and we’re prepared to welcome even more in the coming days.”

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UK holiday airline Jet2 turning its back on Boeing with a massive Airbus order

In a deal worth approximately $4.9billion at list prices, UK holiday airline Jet2 has ordered 36 Airbus A321neos jets, the planemaker and carrier confirmed today.  In addition, Jet2 also has purchase option rights that could see the order increased to 60 aircraft. 

Philip Meeson, Jet2.com Executive Chairman said, “Jet2.com will be proud to  operate the Airbus A321neo in the years ahead.  This aircraft  is, in our opinion,  the most efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft in its class today – it will give our holiday customers a wonderfully comfortable and enjoyable experience as they travel with us for their well deserved Jet2holiday.”

The aircraft will be configured for 232 seats with an Airspace cabin featuring innovative lighting, new seating products and 60 percent larger overhead baggage bins for added personal storage.

“We very much welcome Jet2.com’s decision. Traditionally having been operating non fly-by-wire aircraft, we note with great satisfaction that after having tested a couple of leased A321s and run a comprehensive evaluation, Jet2.com is forward-looking and investing in modern and future proof Airbus fly-by-wire technology. This is a testimony to Jet2.com’s vision of efficiency, quality, performance and environmentally friendly flying,” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

The A320neo Family incorporates the latest technologies, including new generation engines and Sharklets, delivering a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption per seat. With an additional range of up to 500 nautical miles/900 km. or two tonnes of extra payload, the A321neo will deliver Jet2.com with additional revenue potential.

Qantas restarting international flights......

Gradual restart planned around National Cabinet’s phased reopening of international borders.

Current date of December 2021 remains in reach, based on pace of vaccine rollout.

Plans remain dependent on Government decisions in coming months, including future quarantine requirements.

Destinations with high vaccination rates are initial focus, including North America, UK, Singapore, Japan.

Early return of five A380s to meet high demand to Los Angeles and London from mid-2022.

Total of 10 A380s with upgraded cabins to return to service; two to be retired.

The Qantas Group has released more details on preparations for restarting its international flight programme, with plans linked to the vaccine rollout in Australia and key overseas markets.

On current projections Australia is expected to reach National Cabinet’s ‘Phase C’ vaccination threshold of 80 per cent in December 2021, which would trigger the gradual reopening of international borders.

Similarly, key markets like the UK, North America and parts of Asia have high and increasing levels of vaccination. This makes them highly likely to be classed as low risk countries for vaccinated travellers to visit and return from under reduced quarantine requirements, pending decisions by the Australian Government and entry policies of other countries.

This creates a range of potential travel options that Qantas and Jetstar are now preparing for. While COVID has shown that circumstances can change unexpectedly, the long lead times for international readiness means the Group needs to make some reasonable assumptions based on the latest data to make sure it can offer flights to customers as soon as they become feasible.

Flights to destinations that still have low vaccine rates and high levels of COVID infection will now be pushed out from December 2021 until April 2022 – including Bali, Jakarta, Manila, Bangkok, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City and Johannesburg. Levels of travel demand – and therefore, capacity levels – will hinge largely on government decisions on alternative requirements to mandatory hotel isolation for fully vaccinated travellers.

Assuming current projections hold and the 80 per cent vaccine threshold is met in December, Qantas and Jetstar plan to trigger a gradual restart as outlined below. If those assumptions change or dates move, the restart plans will adjust accordingly.

Bournemouth Airport at 80....

Bournemouth Airport is celebrating its 80th birthday this month having started life as an RAF base in August 1941.

RAF Hurn as it was then known, because of its proximity to Hurn village, was vital to the defence of southern England during the Second World War.

Control tower in 1989  photo Bournemouth Airport

It was used by both the RAF and United States Army Air forces until 1944 when it was transferred to civilian control and served as London’s transatlantic airport until Heathrow opened in 1948. Back then Pan Am operated a New York to Hurn flight five days a week, with a journey time of almost 18 hours because of various fuelling stops along the way.

Fast-forward to today and Bournemouth Airport will serve in excess of 30 domestic and international destinations in 2020/21 with more being added all the time as it rebuilds its route network following the impacts of travel restrictions caused by the pandemic.

Photo Bournemouth Airport

Steve Gill, Managing Director of Bournemouth Airport, said: “It’s great to be marking our 80th birthday and who would have guessed that a wartime airfield all those years ago would grow into the modern, international airport we see today.

Hybrid Electric flight comes to South West England

Ampaire, a pioneer in hybrid electric aircraft technology, launches demonstration flights between Exeter Airport and Cornwall Airport Newquay this week, to advance the use of sustainable aviation, driving down costs and emissions on short regional routes.  The flights are part of a series of government-backed trials aimed at moving the UK towards green aviation.

Demonstration flights will be flown by its Electric EEL technology aircraft.  The EEL, a modified US-built six-seat Cessna 337 Skymaster, features a battery-powered electric motor at the front and conventional combustion engine at the rear, enabling a reduction in emissions and operating costs by as much as 30%.  The aircraft will fly between these two regional airports, 85 miles apart, on a combination of battery and piston power, collecting valuable data to monitor fuel savings, efficiency and noise.

Ampaire uses the EEL as an important research and development platform.  It is currently developing hybrid electric power train upgrades for 9- to 19-seat regional aircraft, including the Cessna Grand Caravan and Twin Otter.  It views the near-term opportunity to transform existing turboprop aircraft as the first step to fully electric aircraft, which will become feasible as battery technology advances.  

Ampaire Ltd heads a UK-based consortium created to explore regional electric aviation transport solutions.  Last year the team received £2.4 million from the UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) £30 million Future Flight Challenge towards the consortium’s £5 million 2ZERO programme.

2ZERO (Towards Zero Emissions in Regional Aircraft Operations) involves the operation of hybrid electric aircraft on regional routes in South West UK, together with a study of the ecosystem required to enable the future of electric aircraft within existing airport and airline operations.

More flights for Brussels Airlines this winter

Brussels Airlines sees an increase in the demand for winter-sun destinations from both individual passengers and travel agents.

As of 30 September Brussels Airlines adds Marrakech to its flight offer.

As from 31 October also flights to winter-sun destinations Lanzarote & Hurghada.

Additional flights to Tenerife and Gran Canaria during school holidays.

In the aftermath of a rainy summer in Belgium, during which the flights to vacation destinations in Southern Europe were particularly successful, Brussels Airlines notices that also in the coming months there is a demand for holiday destinations in the sun. The airline wants to meet this demand with extra flights to winter-sun destinations.

As from 30 September, Marrakech will for the first time be part of Brussels Airlines' offer. The Moroccan city will be connected twice a week with flights on Thursdays and Sundays. Thanks to the low chance of precipitation, this city with its wide variety of cultures is the ideal destination for either a weekend or a longer vacation in the sun.

For the first time since March 2020, Hurghada is again part of the Brussels Airlines network. As from 31 October, the Red Sea resort will be served three times a week (Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday).

With the addition of Lanzarote as from 31 October, Brussels Airlines strengthens its presence on the Canary Islands, where it will also fly to Tenerife and Gran Canaria this winter. To these last two destinations additional frequencies are added during the Belgian school holidays. With flights on Thursdays and Saturdays, Lanzarote is the ideal destination for both short and longer winter vacations in the sun.

The complete winter offer of Brussels Airlines will follow in the course of September. 

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Massive losses for Australian airline Qantas

Photo Getty

The Qantas Group has posted a substantial full-year loss as a result of the COVID crisis – but has started FY22 in a fundamentally better position to deal with uncertainty and manage its recovery compared with 12 months ago.

Total revenue loss from COVID reached $16 billion as the full-year impact of minimal international travel and multiple waves of domestic border restrictions continued to hit travel demand.

Underlying Loss Before Tax: $1.83 billion

Statutory Loss Before Tax: $2.35 billion

$12 billion revenue impact from COVID-19 crisis in FY21

Net debt reduced in 2H21 to $5.9 billion

Statutory Net Free Cash flow of $267 million in 2H21

Restructuring program ahead of target, delivering $650 million in year one

Total liquidity of $3.8 billion, providing buffer against uncertainty

95 per cent of domestic flying cash positive

Record performance by Qantas Freight mostly offsetting cost of idling international operations

Continued strong cash generation, growth in members at Qantas Loyalty

Updated plan for restart of international services from end-2021

Ongoing flexibility for customers in response to booking uncertainty

The Group’s Underlying PBT loss was $1.83 billion. The statutory loss before tax – which includes one-off costs such as redundancies and aircraft write-downs – was $2.35 billion. Underlying EBITDA was $410 million, in line with guidance provided in May.

Periods of open domestic borders in the second half saw significant cash generation by Qantas and Jetstar, which helped the Group to reduce net debt from $6.4 billion in February 2021 down to $5.9 billion by the end of June. Throughout the year, cash flow was underpinned by continued strong performance by Qantas Loyalty and significantly higher international yields for Qantas Freight.

As well as delivering an essential service under very challenging circumstances, the Group made significant progress towards its recovery program. Planned rightsizing is largely complete and much restructuring has been implemented. Central to these changes has been the ability to better manage costs in the face of sudden border closures. Cost benefits from the recovery program were ahead of expectations for FY21 at $650 million.

Deeper Scan – a game-changer in hardware validation, threat and anomaly detection

Scanning electronic items is an essential part of airport security. NWPro Ltd are making this a quicker, easier and less invasive process for passengers

Airports are at risk of falling victim to a wide array of threats, but one that is persistently challenging to overcome is detecting explosives inside baggage. Both from an operational and a governance perspective, airport security is incredibly complex. Authorities need to provide effective, efficient and passenger friendly screening systems, whilst staying ahead of evolving security threats. Airports employ reliable processes and technologies to detect threats in baggage, however, these are invasive for passengers and resource intensive for airlines and airports.

In 2018, DASA launched a themed call: Finding Explosives Hidden in Electrical Items as part of the Future Aviation Security Solutions (FASS) programme managed by the Home Office and the Department for Transport.

Astra conducts test aunch

The launch vehicle lifted off at 3:35PM PT on Saturday, August 28, 2021. One of the five main engines shut down less than one second after liftoff, causing the vehicle to slowly lift off the pad before resuming its trajectory. After approximately two minutes and thirty seconds of flight, the range issued an all engine-shutdown command, ending the flight. The vehicle achieved an altitude of approximately 50 kilometres, before safely returning to Earth.

Astra’s mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Astra’s first flight to space was within 4 years of its inception, making it the fastest company to reach space. Visit www.astra.com to learn more about Astra.

“We regret that we were unable to accomplish all mission objectives for the U.S. Space Force; however, we captured a tremendous amount of data from this test flight,” said Chris Kemp, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Astra. “We will incorporate learnings from this test into future launch vehicles, including LV0007, which is currently in production.”

Astra has opened a mishap investigation and is working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Reviewing flight data and video, two things are very clear - 1) An engine shut down right after launch 2) Everything that happened next made me incredibly proud of our team. Space may be hard, but like this rocket, we are not giving up. #AdAstra pic.twitter.com/2g3n812EaW

— Chris Kemp (@Kemp) August 29, 2021

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Canada halts flights from Morocco over COVID fears until end of September.

Canadian authorities have banned all flights from Morocco over fears of increased COVID-19 infections among recent visitors to the north African nation. 

Based on the latest public health advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Transport Canada is issuing the notice to all direct commercial and private passenger flights to Canada from Morocco. Cargo-only operations, medical transfers or military flights are not included in the ban. Passengers who depart Morocco for Canada, changing aircraft enroute will be required to obtain a valid COVID-19 pre-departure test from a third country – other than Morocco – before continuing on to Canada. 

The new rules come into effect a minute past midnight tonight and will remain in force until at least 29th September.  Any passengers currently on flights that are already in transit from Morroco will be required to take a test upon arrival.

Transport Canada says the country "Continues to closely monitor the situation, and will be working closely with the Government of Morocco and aviation operators to ensure appropriate procedures are put in place to enable a safe resumption of direct flights as soon as conditions permit.  

Restricting flights from countries of concern is part of Canada’s general approach to the responsible and effective management of Canada’s border re-opening plan."

Canadian citizens are currently advised to avoid non-essential foreign travel to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the authorities warn border measures are also subject to change at short notice as the epidemiological situation evolves.

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BA in talks to create low-cost subsidiary for London Gatwick

The UK's British Airways is currently in negotiations to return short-haul routes to London Gatwick after the company dropped them at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.  However, the BA return will,  according to various media in the guise of a new low-cost subsidiary.

The IAG carrier has so far refused to make any comment other than confirming that it was in talks with unions. The Sussex airport has also remained tight-lipped over plans of the airline, although it's understood the new airline will use the same slots vacated by BA early in the pandemic. 

Acting General Secretary Martin Chalk of The British Airline Pilots Association said: “BALPA cautiously welcomes this decision to restart BA short haul operations at LGW and create a number of much needed new pilot jobs.  BALPA and BA are in the final stages of negotiations over the revised pay and conditions for Gatwick based BA pilots and we hope to bring these talks to a conclusion shortly”

Most staff based at Gatwick have either been on limited duties or furloughed for some or most of the pandemic and are keen to get back to work.  There are some media reports of a letter being sent to LGW based staff by the airline's senior management saying "This was previously a highly competitive market, but for us to run a sustainable airline in the current environment, we need a competitive operating model. Because of that, we are proposing a new operating subsidiary to run alongside our existing long-haul Gatwick operation, to serve short-haul routes to/from Gatwick from summer 2022.  This will help us to be both agile and competitive, allowing us to build a sustainable short-haul presence at Gatwick over time."

It would seem that the chief executive, Sean Doyle is progressing with his predecessor's plans to downgrade British Airways to a low-cost carrier on all short and medium-haul routes, whilst adopting a hybrid service level on long-haul flights consisting of budget carrier limited service in the economy and full-service airline in business and first. 

It wouldn't be the first time British Airways has set up a low-cost airline,  some might remember Go,  which operated mainly out of Stansted and had to be rescued by a management buy-out and was then sold on to easyJet. 

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FedEx helping humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti

Photo FedEx Express

As doctors and nurses on the frontlines work to treat those affected by the deadly earthquake in Haiti, FedEx Corp is working with multiple humanitarian agencies to deliver aid where it’s needed most. This week, the company will operate two dedicated charter flights into the disaster zone to provide help and hope.

The company transported 79 tons of critical medical supplies for Direct Relief via a dedicated charter flight. FedEx Express team members loaded the aircraft on Thursday morning in Memphis with $8 million worth of prescription medications, IV solutions, emergency medical backpacks, and other supplies. The cargo jet landed in Port-au-Prince just before 1 p.m. local time, where Direct Relief has teams on the ground.

“Our hearts go out to those affected by the devastating earthquake in Haiti,” said Richard W. Smith, regional president of The Americas and executive vice president, global support for FedEx Express. “It is clear the need for help is urgent. In times like these, we are proud to be able to use our global network to bring life-saving resources to the country. It’s a big part of who we are and what we do as a company.”

Volga-Dnepr Airlines shifts our urgently needed Bell 214B fire fighting helicopters to Greece

Volga-Dnepr Airlines has masterminded urgent delivery of four Bell 214B helicopters with tanks and other associated equipment from Australia to Greece.

The complex delivery was organized in partnership with Chapman Freeborn Australia and McDermott Aviation – Heli-Lift within the toughest timeframes - only two days after confirmation An-124-100 was positioned to Australia to commence its journey to Athens (Greece) with double pick-up at Wellcamp and Perth (Australia). The cargo, weighing over 30 tons, has been split between two locations, with two helicopters and equipment to be uplifted in each airport.

It is expected that four water-bombers will ramp up Greek efforts to battle wildfires which have significantly spread over the last weeks. 48 hours after landing and reassembly in Athens they joined the fleet of other Bell 214B.

Ekaterina Andreeva, Commercial Director, Volga-Dnepr Airlines, highlights: ‘This is the first time throughout our 30 years of operations when we transported four helicopters on a single occasion, with the loading being done in two steps. This requires exquisite workmanship of the loadmasters, technicians, and crew and is only achieved by accurate calculations, powered by experience and respective competence in helicopters' transportations. Since 1990, Volga-Dnepr has accomplished deliveries of more than 40 types of helicopters for humanitarian missions, medical, firefighting, law enforcement, tourism, and other civil purposes, as well as for aerospace exhibitions and airshows, and they know the special transportation requirements of each of them'.

Today Volga-Dnepr Group’s global team provides the helicopter industry with the technical and engineering air transport solutions the Group is known for, including technical and project concept consulting services. Loading and offloading of non-demountable large-scale units is one of the Group’s proven skills. The core components to make this happen are ‘natural resources’ being Volga-Dnepr’s personnel, the people behind the tools who have extended experience, knowledge, and skills to deliver any project, no matter how complex it may seem.

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