Does better governance for aviation's sustainability mean better financial rewards?

To discuss sustainability in the aviation industry the conversation also needs to address the subject of governance writes Chairman of the Board Of Avia Solutions Group Gediminas Ziemelis.

According to a sustainability report from the ICSA (International Coalition for Sustainable Aviation) aviation emissions amount to 2.1% of the global share, however, when non-CO2 emissions are introduced into the equation aviation contributes an estimated 4.9% to the overall global warming problem.

While the figures may seem daunting, the question needs to be asked; is the aviation sector being over-vilified at a time when governance regarding sustainability in the industry has never been so focused?

Major stakeholders in the aviation sector are being faced with the need to comply with the long-term decarbonisation goals being set by governments. But it seems that the governance of these goals is a moveable feast, with global governmental regulations still to be unified.

Even before the Paris Agreement on climate change came into force, aviation – a traditionally conservative industry – had already set in motion its own proactive governance to halve CO2 emissions by 2050; a figure which later matched the Paris Agreement's goal to limit global temperature rises to below 20C.

Additionally, in 2016, and working as a united body, the ICAO decided to adopt a market-based global measure for aviation emissions – CORSIA, the Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation. The scheme, it is envisaged, will allow the aviation sector to cut its CO2 emissions by 2.5 billion tons between 2005 and 2035. This target will be reached through US$40 billion investment in carbon-reduction products backed by solid governance procedures.

The pre-emptive attention being paid to governance on sustainability right across the industry only serves to strengthen stakeholder and investor confidence in the future of aviation. Good governance also creates an environment equipped to identify, and profit from changes within the industry.

Already, investors are actively pursuing opportunities with businesses that promote sustainability in aviation backed by proper governance procedures. It has been established that the sustainable aviation fuel market alone will be worth $15,307 million by 2030, a hugely significant increase from $66 million in 2020.

Southwest Airlines Donates $150,000 to Disaster Relief Organizations

                      Southwest Airlines has announced a donation of $150,000 to its national disaster relief partners, American Red Cross, Feeding America®, and Team Rubicon. This financial commitment is fulfilled through the Southwest Airlines® Foundation, a corporate-advised fund within the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.

Southwest Airlines is pleased to partner annually with American Red Cross, Feeding America, and Team Rubicon, to support efforts focused on preparedness, response, and resilience. The carrier is providing a $50,000 grant to each of these organizations, to assist with relief operations from the recent refugee resettlements, wildfires, earthquakes, and tropical storms including the latest, Hurricane Ida.

In an effort to provide the highest level of support to the community, Southwest invites its Customers and Employees to join these relief efforts through its Rapid Rewards® points promotion running today, Sept. 1, 2021, through Oct. 4, 2021. Rapid Rewards Members who donate a minimum of $25 to the American Red Cross, Feeding America, or Team Rubicon, will receive 20 Rapid Rewards points for every dollar donated*. Visit Southwest.com to donate to one or more of the organizations working on the frontlines providing much-needed relief to impacted communities.

FlyONE increasing flights to Russia

The Moldovan airline FlyONE has announced increases in its flight operations to Russia for this autumn and winter period.

The carrier has increased flights on its Chisinau-Moscow-Chisinau route: 

The flights will be operated according to the schedule below:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Chisinau (KIV) 13:00 - Moscow (VKO) 14:50

Moscow (VKO) 15:40 - Chisinau (KIV) 17:30

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday:

Chisinau (KIV) 17:20 - Moscow (VKO) 19:10

Moscow (VKO) 20:00 - Chisinau (KIV) 22:00

The airline also advised it was adding new flights to/from St. Petersburg to make the service twice weekly:

Monday

Chisinau (KIV) 20:10 –Saint - Petersburg (LED) 22:30

Staint Petersburg (LED) 23:20 - Chisinau (KIV) 01:40

Friday

Chisinau (KIV) 13:10 - Saint Petersburg (LED) 15:30

Saint Petersburg (LED) 16:20 - Chisinau (KIV) 18:40

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Aeroflot and Russian Post expand cooperation to ramp up airmail transportation

Aeroflot and Russian Post have expanded cooperation to increase mail volumes transported by air. A memorandum to seal the deal was signed by CEOs of the two Companies Mikhail Poluboyarinov and Maksim Akimov during the Eastern Economic Forum.

Aeroflot and Russian Post look to speed up and facilitate mail delivery, ramp up airmail volumes, primarily in online orders shipment segment.  

The companies are set to boost economic efficiency of transportation through expanding  international postal exchange offices in Sheremetyevo and other Russian airports. To achieve this the Companies plan to enhance and modernize the facilities, introduce new technologies to speed up international mail handling and launch joint transit operations.

Aeroflot and Russian Post look to expand the geography of airmail transportation as part of interline agreements of PJSC Aeroflot. Thus, mail can be transported on aircraft operated by Aeroflot’s partner airlines to points not serviced by Aeroflot’s own flights.

Norwich Airport submits Imperial Park planning application

Norwich Airport has submitted a planning application for up to 120,000 square meters of new development at Imperial Park, located on the north side of the airport.

The application, which was the subject of public consultation over the summer, has been submitted to Norwich City Council and Broadland District Council.

The plans seek to renew the planning consent obtained for Imperial Park in 2020, with an increased amount of proposed total floorspace, from 95,000 square metres to 120,000 square metres. Consistent with the previous consent, the floorspace will be split equally between aviation related development and general employment development.

The increase responds to a desire by local authorities to see land safeguarded for aviation uses, and national and local planning policies to make the best use of brownfield land.

The application is mostly in outline for 37 hectares of land, with detailed proposals for a new access off Broadland Northway immediately to the north.

Volga-Dnepr delivered over 110 tons of essential cargo to Porte-au-Prince following the devastating earthquake in Haiti

Volga-Dnepr Group - one of the international leaders for humanitarian logistics, has delivered over 110 tons of essential cargo to Porte-au-Prince following the devastating earthquake in Haiti which hit the county on the 14th of August.

The Group was able to adapt its fleet of versatile freighters and organize two charter flights – aboard An-124-100 and Il-76TD-90VD – to deliver relief cargo which included tents, water purifiers, mobile kitchens and general cargo will help the national population to overcome the difficult times and stay healthy.

Pauli Immonen, Deputy Director Healthcare and Humanitarian, highlights: ‘In times of emergency, there is no time to waste - this is the rule of thumb we follow when we get humanitarian requests. Thanks to aligned and long-standing relations with freight forwarders, brokers, NGOs, humanitarian agencies, airport authorities and other stakeholders we guarantee a fast and seamless response and organize life-saving air transport to almost any region or country of the world’.

Those first two flights from Madrid and Liege Airport had cargo from several United Nations agencies, national and International Red Crosses and many International Non-Governmental Organizations supported by several European Governments. The Group keeps on working with the partners to transport other essential cargo to Haiti and plans on operating more flights to the region in need.

The Group’s emergency aid and relief operations date back to the 1990s when it started organizing its charter flights with relief cargo aboard to help population in needs to overcome the consequences of natural and man-made disasters.

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Southwest Airlines now offering Rapid Rewards members a fast track way to A-List or A-List Preferred status

The U.S. budget carrier Southwest Airlines has launched a new way for its Rapid Rewards Members to earn double Tier-Qualifying Points* toward Tier Status with any qualifying flight from Sept. 3, 2021, through Nov. 30, 2021. Members must register for this promotion, book on Southwest.com, and travel now through Nov. 30, 2021, to fast track their way to Tier Status for 2022.  

"We understand the pandemic continues to make it difficult for existing Members to earn Tier Status and enjoy benefits that come with achieving it," said Corbitt Burns, Southwest Airlines' Director of Rapid Rewards. "Loyalty has never been as important to them and to us, and we want to provide Members with a fast and easy way to reach their next level, whether it is A-List or A-List Preferred status."

Earlier this year, Southwest gave all Rapid Rewards Members a boost to 2021 Tier-Qualifying activity and also gave qualifying Rapid Rewards Companion Pass Holders extended benefits through the end of 2021.

Join Rapid Rewards

The Rapid Rewards program is designed around a simple concept—make earning reward flights faster and easier. With Rapid Rewards, Members qualify for unlimited reward seats, there are no blackout dates, and points do not expire. 

Customers can join Rapid Rewards at Southwest.com.

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SWISS launches ‘Best of SWISS Taste of Switzerland’

SWISS will be offering Business and First Class guests a selection of the best top chefs’ creations of the past few years under its ‘SWISS Taste of Switzerland’ programme on long-haul services from Switzerland from the beginning of September. At the same time, SWISS is introducing a new Business Class service concept for all its long-haul flights that enables travellers to bring greater individuality to their air travel experience and decide for themselves when they want to eat during their flight.

For six months from today onwards, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will be offering Business and First Class travellers on its long-haul services from Switzerland selected creations from top Swiss-based chefs who have participated in the airline’s ‘SWISS Taste of Switzerland’ inflight culinary programme over the past few years. The dishes, which are accompanied as usual by Swiss regional wines and speciality cheeses, reflect the broad variety of Switzerland’s cuisine. Of the 70 guest chefs drawn from all the country’s cantons who have been spotlighted on board since the award-winning programme began back in 2002, Silvia Manser, Silvio Germann, Jean-Marc Soldati, Mike Wehrle, Thomas Amstutz, Hans-Jörg and Anja Zingg, Franck Reynaud, Christian Kuchler, Lorenzo Albrici and Rolf Hiltl are currently featured aloft.

Veal tenderloin with black truffle sauce Jerusalem artichoke, salsify and chestnuts

Veal tenderloin with black truffle sauce and blueberry slice with Appenzeller beer ice cream in First Class

“Meat Love” – meatloaf with morel sauce Mashed potato, green beans, bacon and spring onions

SWISS First travellers can look forward to two dishes from Mike Wehrle of Bürgenstock Hotels & Resorts: a starter of marinated lobster with pecorino cheese and cauliflower panna cotta, followed by veal tenderloin with black truffle sauce. The choice of main courses further includes sautéed cod with seafood nage and potato and fennel brandade, the creation of Silvio Germann of IGNIV by Andreas Caminada in Bad Ragaz. The SWISS First menu is rounded off by a choice of two desserts which includes a blueberry slice with chocolate crumble and Appenzeller beer ice cream by Silvia Manser of Restaurant Truube in Gais.

First Class guests are further treated to a selection of speciality Swiss cheeses that include an Aletsch Grand Cru from Canton Valais and a Swiss Style 10, which is Switzerland’s homage to Britain’s Stilton cheese. The choice of Swiss wines on offer extends to a Chasselas Clos du Boux 2020 Grand Cru Epesses from Luc Massy of Canton Vaud and a Ligornetto 2018 DOC Ticino red from Luigi Zanini of Canton Ticino.

Beetroot tabbouleh with green pea guacamole and ‘Meat Love’ meatloaf in Business Class

For SWISS Business travellers, the choice of SWISS Taste of Switzerland starters newly extends to a vegetarian option: a beetroot tabbouleh with green pea guacamole from Zurich’s Hiltl vegetarian restaurant, which is offered alongside a Balik salmon sashimi with avocado, cucumber and wasabi vinaigrette by Christian Kuchler of the Taverne zum Schäfli in Wigoltingen. Business Class guests have a choice of main courses, too, which includes a ‘Meat Love’ meatloaf with morel sauce created by Anja and Hans-Jörg Zingg of the el paradiso Mountain Club in St. Moritz. The menu concludes with the sweet delight of a cheesecake with chocolate sponge and citrus fruits by Franck Reynaud of the Hostellerie du Pas de l’Ours in Crans-Montana.

The speciality cheeses on offer to SWISS Business guests include a Passo dello Spluga from the Splügen Alpine Dairy and a Fette Berta by Ueli Moser from the Seeland region. The choice of Swiss wines extends to a Château de Châtagneréaz 2019 Chasselas from Canton Vaud and a Syrah Classique AOC 2019 from the Domaine Jean-René Germanier in Canton Valais.

A new Business Class service concept for a more individual flight experience

Blueberry slice with chocolate crumble Appenzeller beer ice cream

SWISS now also offers its Business Class travellers a new and more individualized service concept on all long-haul flights. In addition to the traditional ‘restaurant’ service in which the meals are served one course at a time, guests can now take advantage of a new ‘casual dining’ option in which they receive their starter, main course and dessert together and at a time of their choosing. The new service options, which are introduced today, enable the guest to tailor their inflight experience even more closely to their specific wishes and needs.

In a further innovation, the additional service shortly before landing has been replaced by a new ‘SWISS Bistro’ concept. This consists of a new bistro menu inviting guests to choose from a range of hot items (such as a Swiss prime beef burger with coleslaw salad), cold items and snacks according to their individual tastes and hunger at any time after the main service until shortly prior to landing.

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Philippine Airlines confirms restructuring programme.....

Philippine Airlines has confirmed this week that it has entered into a series of agreements with substantially all of the Company’s lenders, lessors, and aircraft and engine suppliers, as well as its majority shareholder, to allow the Company to successfully restructure and reorganize its finances to navigate the COVID-19 crisis and emerge as a leaner and better-capitalized airline.

Flights to continue uninterrupted and all valid tickets, vouchers, refund applications and Mabuhay Miles to be honored

Agreements with majority of lessors, lenders and other creditors for over US$2.0 Billion in payment reductions and other changes from the permanent restructuring of the PAL balance sheet

Infusion of US$505 Million of new debt and equity funding from existing shareholder and domestic commercial banks to provide sufficient liquidity during recovery

Arrangement for US$150 Million of additional debt financing from global private investors to facilitate post-restructuring activities

Voluntary pre-arranged filing in the US under Chapter 11 to implement restructuring plan

Recognition of the U.S. filing in the Philippines under Financial Rehabilitation and Insolvency Act (FRIA)

Ongoing trade creditors and suppliers, are expected to be unimpaired by the restructuring plan

Passengers and employees are unaffected by the restructuring

The restructuring plan, which is subject to court approval, provides over US$2.0 Billion in permanent balance sheet reductions from existing creditors and allows the airline to consensually contract fleet capacity by 25% and includes US$505 Million in long-term equity and debt financing from PAL’s majority shareholder and US$150 Million of additional debt financing from new investors.

Air Canada to restart flights between Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport and Montreal's Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport

Air Canada has confirmed it will resume services between Toronto's city centre Billy Bishop Airport on Toronto Island and Montreal with five daily flights from next Wednesday.

The airline says seats are on sale now and the flights will be operated by Dash 8-400s by Jazz and passengers will get a complimentary snack and drink during the flights. 

"We are pleased to restart our operations at Billy Bishop airport and offer our customers the choice to fly in and out of Toronto Island, which is popular among business travellers for its proximity to the city centre and its ability to connect travellers to our global network through Montreal. Our schedule enables travellers to conveniently fly between Montreal and Toronto Island Airport up to five times per day, linking the two key business and cultural centres as we continue to play our part to reinvigorate Canada's economy. We look forward to welcoming our customers back on board and expanding our daily service as more traffic returns," said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.

Air Canada's Toronto Island-Montreal Service

Flight	Departs	Arrives	Days of Operation
AC7952	Toronto at 07:15	Montreal at 08:27	Daily
AC7958	Toronto at 10:20	Montreal at 11:33	Daily
AC7970	Toronto at 16:15	Montreal at 17:28	Daily
AC7976	Toronto at 17:15	Montreal at 18:28	Daily
AC7974	Toronto at 18:20	Montreal at 19:33	Daily
AC7959	Montreal at 07:30	Toronto at 08:49	Daily
AC7955	Montreal at 08:30	Toronto at 09:49	Daily
AC7965	Montreal at 13:30	Toronto at 14:49	Daily
AC7971	Montreal at 16:30	Toronto at 17:49	Daily
AC7975	Montreal at 18:30	Toronto at 19:49	Daily

Air Canada offers its customers a complimentary shuttle bus service between downtown and Toronto City Airport. The shuttle brings travellers to and from the west entrance of The Fairmont Royal York Hotel, located at the corner of Front and York streets, directly across from Union Station.

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The next Virgin Galactic flight on hold pending FAA investigation

Virgin Galactic has announced the manifest for the next rocket-powered test flight of SpaceShipTwo Unity from Spaceport America, which will be the first commercial, human-tended research mission for the Company.

The “Unity 23” mission will be the 23rd flight for VSS Unity and will carry three paying crew members from the Italian Air Force and the National Research Council. The goal of the mission is to evaluate and measure the effects of the transitional phase from gravity to microgravity on the human body. Other payloads on board will study the effect of the microgravity environment on a range of chemical and physical properties. By testing and evaluating physiological and technological responses in sub-orbital flight, the mission aims to produce insights relevant to current and future spaceflight systems and technologies.

However,  the flight is on hold, pending clearance from the FAA after it started an investigation after it was revealed the last flight to the edge of space with Sir Richard Branson onboard went slightly off course. 

VSS Unity was not descending at the correct angle, it veered outside of its mandated airspace, for 1 minute, 41 seconds which has caused the investigation to be started,  The spacecraft  "did not fly outside of the lateral confines of the protected airspace," a Virgin Galactic spokesperson told Space.com. "As a result of the trajectory adjustment, the flight did drop below the altitude of the airspace that is protected for Virgin Galactic missions for a short distance and time before reentering restricted airspace that is protected all the way to the ground for Virgin Galactic missions. - at no time did the ship travel above any population centres or cause a hazard to the public"

Once clearance has been given again by the FAA, the crew for the next flight will be:

ATSG Subsidiary PEMCO Delivers Second Boeing 737-700 FlexCombi

The second Boeing 737-700 FlexCombi™ arrived in Bahrain on August 29, 2021. (Photo: Business Wire)

Air Transport Services Group, Inc subsidiary PEMCO Conversions has delivered a second Passenger-to-FlexCombi™ converted aircraft to Bahrain-based Chisholm Enterprises, an internationally recognized provider of tailored aviation and business solutions in the Middle East. Chisholm subsidiary Texel Air, a non-scheduled cargo airline, will operate the Boeing 737-700FC (FlexCombi™) from Bahrain International Airport.

“We have shared a very successful history with PEMCO Conversions,” said John Chisholm, chairman and owner of Chisholm Enterprises, “having received and deployed the first B737-700 FlexCombi™ in August 2020, as well as four previous B737-300 converted freighters.”

The PEMCO B737-700FC currently offers three configurations: a 24-seat cabin plus a 2,640-cubic-foot cargo hold for up to 30,000 pounds of payload in six pallet positions; a 12-seat cabin plus a 3,005-cubic-foot cargo hold for up to 35,000 pounds of payload in seven pallet positions; or full-freighter mode consisting of a 3,370-cubic-foot cargo hold for up to 40,000 pounds of payload in eight pallet positions. The available positions will accommodate 88-inch by 125-inch or 88-inch by 108-inch pallets, with the eighth position accommodating a slightly reduced height pallet in full cargo mode.

Zurich is open for business......

With the news that Switzerland has moved to the UK's Green List, what better time to see the return of Swiss Air Lines to London City Airport for four weekly flights to Zürich. 

Set alongside a stunning lake and framed by alpine mountains, Zürich is a seamless blend of the indoor and outdoor. Stroll around the Old Town, explore the Viadukt and then take a dip in a ‘badi’ or open-air swimming pool, as loved by locals.

For the best views, hop on a train and head towards the mountains, or for the high life of a different kind, take a stroll down Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets.  Zürich also loves to party, with an exciting network of bars and clubs open into the small hours and beyond.

Yesterday evening, Thursday 2 September 2021, saw an important debut for city centre airport, as at 1749, an Embraer E190-E2 made its first commercial flight there, The Helvetic Airways aircraft, registered HB-AZG, flew from Zurich to London in 1 hour 20 minutes. Flight LX 456, operated by Helvetic Airways on behalf of its partner company Swiss International Air Lines, was welcomed by a water salute from London City Airport’s fire service. Onboard the sold-out flight were 110 passengers, including representatives of the international media, business travellers and those visiting friends and family.

London City Airport Chief Operating Officer Alison FitzGerald said: "Welcoming Swiss and Helvetic back, and with the newest LCY-capable aircraft, Embraer’s E190-E2, is a significant milestone for London City. It demonstrates how we are collaborating with manufacturers and airlines to introduce more low-emission, low-noise aircraft to our airport, as well as re-establishing a vital business connection which we believe will go from strength to strength as the UK Government begins to further reduce barriers to travel. Our ambition is to be one of the most sustainable airports of our size in Europe, and it is my expectation that we will be welcoming more of these aircraft with more airlines as the industry recovers from COVID-19."

Griffin Global Asset Management orders five Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets

Boeing has confirmed that Griffin Global Asset Management has ordered five new Boeing 737 MAX 8s for its commercial aircraft portfolio. The aircraft are allocated from a previously cancelled order and being sold at a loss for the American manufacturer according to sources close to the deal.

In a deliberate move to mislead the travelling public, Boeing's senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing Ihssane Mounir referred to the jets as simply 737-8s in interviews and media statements. "Griffin Global Asset Management is building a first-class aircraft leasing business, and we are delighted that they have selected the 737-8 for their single-aisle portfolio."

"As market conditions rebound, we are finding opportunities to serve our airline customers in innovative ways. An important component of this strategy is providing balanced capacity that meets returning passenger demand," said Ryan McKenna, founder and CEO of Griffin, who achieved the low price deal on condition further orders from the leasing firm would be forthcoming.  

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July Passenger Traffic Boost, but Well Below Pre-COVID Levels

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that both international and domestic travel demand showed significant momentum in July 2021 compared to June, but demand remained far below pre-pandemic levels. Extensive government-imposed travel restrictions continue to delay recovery in international markets.  Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted all comparisons are to July 2019, which followed a normal demand pattern.   Total demand for air travel in July 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was down 53.1% compared to July 2019. This is a significant improvement from June when demand was 60% below June 2019 levels.   International passenger demand in July was 73.6% below July 2019, bettering the 80.9% decline recorded in June 2021 versus two years ago. All regions showed improvement and North American airlines posted the smallest decline in international RPKs (July traffic data from Africa was not available).   Total domestic demand was down 15.6% versus pre-crisis levels (July 2019), compared to the 22.1% decline recorded in June over June 2019. Russia posted the best result for another month, with RPKs up 28.9% vs. July 2019.  “July results reflect people’s eagerness to travel during the Northern Hemisphere summer. Domestic traffic was back to 85% of pre-crisis levels, but international demand has only recovered just over a quarter of 2019 volumes. The problem is border control measures. Government decisions are not being driven by data, particularly with respect to the efficacy of vaccines. People travelled where they could, and that was primarily in domestic markets. A recovery of international travel needs governments to restore the freedom to travel. At a minimum, vaccinated travelers should not face restrictions. That would go a long way to reconnecting the world and reviving the travel and tourism sectors,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

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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