Coming to the UK has just gotten a whole lot easier with the scrapping of the traffic light entry system which has been replaced with a single red list.
The new rules came into effect at 04:00 this morning and have been welcomed by the majority of the UK's travel industry. The rule change will mean most fully vaccinated travellers coming in from non-red list countries will now no longer be required to take a test before departure or a test 8 days later or enter a 10-day self-isolation period. The Government has also eased rules for people coming in from non-red list destinations who have been vaccinated in the UK, the EU, the US, or any of the other 18 recognised nations.
UK's Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "We are accelerating towards a future where travel continues to reopen safely and remains open for good, and today’s rule changes are good news for families, businesses and the travel sector.
Our priority remains to protect public health but, with more than 8 in 10 people now fully vaccinated, we are able to take these steps to lower the cost of testing and help the sector to continue in its recovery."
The UK now recognises vaccines from Pfizer BioNTech, Oxford AstraZeneca (including Covidshield), Moderna and Janssen (J&J). Those eligible must have a document from a national or state-level public health authority that includes certain information including name, date of birth and vaccination details, as set out in the guidance on GOV.UK.
Fully vaccinated residents in other countries not yet part of the inbound policy, as well as those partially vaccinated, will still have to take a pre-departure test, PCR tests for day 2 and day 8 after arrival, and self-isolate for 10 days, with the option to test to release after 5 days.
The UK government is continuing to work with international partners as we seek to more regularly expand the policy to further countries and territories.
The Riga based carrier airBaltic has recently yesterday launched direct flights between Riga and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. airBaltic now connects both cities with four weekly flights.
Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of airBaltic: “We are proud to offer our passengers such a unique destination as Dubai, which now connects the Baltic region with the United Arab Emirates with one of the longest flights on our route map. Dubai has been one of the most demanded destinations among our passengers for some time now, and it will be hosting the Expo 2020, which attracts a lot of interest to this city.”
Laila Odiņa, Chairperson of the Board of Riga Airport: “Expanding the range of destinations accessible from Riga Airport with Dubai will open new opportunities for our passengers, who will be able to get to the attractive Middle East leisure and business centre faster and more conveniently. At the same time, it is also an important step forward for the Airport, continuing to strengthen Riga's position as an important air transit hub.
H.E. Mrs Hanan Al Aleeli, Ambassador of the UAE to the Republic of Latvia: “I am pleased by the direct flights connectivity between the UAE and Latvia, which will bring new opportunities and closer ties between both countries. Inauguration of this flight coincides with the opening of Expo 2020 in Dubai which will further increase the demand for these convenient and necessary flights and provide new options for cooperation.”
Destination served
Flight frequency
Start date
Price *, GREEN
Price *, GREEN Classic
Price*, Business
Riga–Dubai
4 flights weekly
September 27, 2021
339 EUR
439 EUR
1 389 EUR
*Lowest fare (round trip), including taxes, fees and service charges, on www.airBaltic.com, subject to availability
Spirit AeroSystems has confirmed it signed an agreement with SF Airlines (SFA) to modify inlet cowlings for its Boeing 757 cargo freighters.
SF Airlines CEO Mr Li Sheng attended the contract signing with Mr Kailash Krishnaswamy, General Manager of Spirit AeroSystems (Hangzhou) Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd. in China, during the Air Show China event in Zhuhai, China. Also from SFA, Mr Tong, General Manager of the SFA Maintenance and Engineering Department, and Ms Wu, Director of the SFA Maintenance and Engineering Department, joined Mr Li for the signing.
“Spirit AeroSystems is honoured to be selected by SF Airlines for this 10-year agreement,” Mr Krishnaswamy said. “Under this agreement, Spirit will provide important repairs for inlet cowlings that will help keep SFA’s Boeing 757 fleet operating effectively now and in the future.”
SFA technicians will remove cowlings from the engines and ship them to Spirit’s site in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where the repairs will take place. Once repairs are complete, the cowlings will be shipped back to SFA.
Mr Krishnaswamy added, “Spirit is positioning itself regionally to support SF Airlines and other operators with increasing passenger travel and freight traffic in the post-COVID era, and we look forward to bringing our world-class repair capabilities to the Asia Pacific region.”
Intelsat, the operator of the world's largest integrated satellite and terrestrial network, has been selected by Air France to install its 2Ku high-speed, satellite-based inflight connectivity solution on 60 new Air France A220-300 aircraft. With deliveries commencing in 2021, the aircraft will fly to short and medium-haul destinations of the Air France network.
Intelsat's solution is the industry's leading inflight connectivity (IFC) because it simply delivers the highest throughput and best reliability to aircraft and devices globally, providing a superior connected passenger experience and exceptional Net Promoter Scores (NPS).
"We are honored to partner with Air France and delight their passengers with a superior inflight connectivity experience on Airbus' state-of-the-art A220 aircraft," said John Wade, president, Commercial Aviation of Intelsat. "This award expands the total Intelsat fleet at Air France to 143 aircraft, including widebody B777s and A330s. Air France is the third airline partner to select Intelsat on the A220 airframe and our first 2Ku line-fit European airline partner."
During this month, October 2021, the Latvian airline airBaltic celebrates its birthday. This rapidly growing airline is celebrating its 26th anniversary since the launch of commercial operations. airBaltic's Chief Executive Officer, Martin Gauss said: "Since the pandemic began, airBaltic has undergone a significant transformation, accelerating change that is necessary for future growth. We have achieved major milestones over the past 26 years and we are well equipped to come out of this crisis even stronger than before. We are thankful to our employees, passengers and partners for being with us together on this journey."
The airline was established in the early autumn of 1995 with the signing of a joint venture between the Latvian state and Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). On October 1, airBaltic operated its first commercial flight, from Riga to Stockholm, with the Saab SF340 aircraft. Throughout October 1995, airBaltic carried 4 400 passengers on 209 flights. During these 26 years, airBaltic has carried a total of over 46 million passengers on more than 780 thousand flights.
These days, airBaltic operates a fleet of 31 super modern, comfortable and efficient Airbus A220-300 aircraft, making airBaltic the largest operator of the type globally. The airline connects the Baltic region by performing direct flights on more than 90 routes.
Happy birthday airBaltic, your journey has taken many turns over the last 26 years and your trajectory is ever upwards which is only enhanced by your great staff, service and aircraft.
Nearly five years ago we were the launch operator of @Airbus A220-300, and until today we've grown into the largest A220-300 operator in the world. Learn more of this success story shared by @airBaltic President & CEO @Gaussm. pic.twitter.com/NpQrjEQLyl
Alaska Airlines, the official airline partner of the San Francisco Giants, has unveiled a new Giants-themed livery on one of its Airbus A321 aircraft, just in time for the Giants' upcoming playoff run.
The aircraft's first revenue flight transported sports fans from San Francisco (SFO) for Seattle (SEA) on Wednesday 29th September.
"Few things are as exciting as seeing this big, colorful giant fly across our beautiful state as we go into our playoff run. My hope is that this aircraft gives Giants fans a way to feel part of the team, every time they travel," said San Francisco Giants CEO and President Larry Baer. "Partnerships like we have with Alaska Airlines offer critical support of local community, youth and education programs like the Willie Mays Scholarship Fund and the Giants Community Fund, which in turn is helping change the lives of our youths."
This is the second livery dedicated to the San Francisco Giants. The plane, tail number N855VA, will fly throughout Alaska's network now through 2022. The new Giants-themed livery is one of many ways guests can celebrate the team's playoff run. Alaska just announced that fans who wear Giants' apparel can board early for all San Francisco departing flights for the duration of the team's postseason play.
Alaska employees dedicated the plane along with a $100,000 check to the Willie Mays Scholarship Fund, in honor of the 'Say Hey Kid's' 90th birthday. The fund assists in making college aspirations come true for San Francisco's Black youth and empowers them to pursue their goals to achieve success in high school, college and beyond. Terminal 2 flyers were also treated to a surprise celebration complete with DJ entertainment on-site, prizes, giveaways and a visit from the Giants' mascot "Lou Seal" joining in on the festivities.
"Alaska has been a proud partner of the Giants since 2017," said Natalie Bowman, Alaska Airlines managing director of brand and marketing communications. "We're thrilled to display our Giants pride from 35,000 feet with this unique looking plane, and we wish the team the best of luck as they hopefully make a deep run in the postseason."
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the recovery in air travel decelerated in August compared to July, as government actions in response to concerns over the COVID-19 Delta variant cut deeply into domestic travel demand.
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 August 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) was down 56.0% compared to August 2019. This marked a slowdown from July, when demand was 53.0% below July 2019 levels.
Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Tewolde GebreMariam has been awarded Air Cargo Leadership Award in the Airline Strategy Awards ceremony organized by Flight Global in London on 27 September 2021. The Airline Strategy Awards is launched by Airline Business to recognize excellence in boardroom leadership and awarded Group CEO of Ethiopian, Mr Tewolde GebreMariam and Ethiopian Airlines for the commendable air cargo leadership during the pandemic.
The award is in recognition of the airline's agile strategies during the COVID 19 crisis through the CEO’s excellence in crisis leadership. Among the key criteria for the award are business performance, network strategy, innovative thinking during the crisis. Ethiopian is among the pioneers in reconfiguring its passenger aircraft to enhance its cargo capacity and responding to the soaring demand for shipments when the passenger business declined.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr Tewolde GebreMariam said “I am very happy that Flight Global and the airline strategy award judging panel recognized our unique crisis management skills, agility, speed of decision making, creativity and resilience. Despite the enormity and devastation of the global pandemic crisis in the world in general and the aviation industry in particular, we at Ethiopian Airlines have successfully changed the crisis in to an opportunity. Accordingly, we have taken advantage of the booming cargo business and converted 25 of our passenger aircraft into freighters. We have done well by doing good to the global community by providing critical medical supplies, equipment and vaccines. I am very grateful to all Ethiopian management team, the board of Directors and the 17,000 plus hard-working employees for whom I have the greatest appreciation. I would also like to thank Airline Business and Flight Global for choosing me for the award.”
The air cargo leadership category of Airline Strategy Awards is for the chief executive or management team that have demonstrated excellence in leading a cargo carrier or cargo business unit during the Covid-19 crisis. This category applies to all types of air-cargo carriers and businesses – including scheduled, charter, ACMI/wet-lease and integrator, whether they are operating independently, as a dedicated air-cargo business, or as a freight division of a passenger airline group.
Mr Tewolde GebreMariam was appointed as Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines in January 2011. He began his career at Ethiopian in 1985 as Transportation Agent and has held a number of senior leadership positions in different divisions in the Airline including; Ethiopian Cargo, Area Offices and Sales & Marketing.
Mr Tewolde also serves as a member of the High-Level Advisory Group on Sustainable Transport with United Nations, Chief Executive Board member of Star Alliance, Board member of International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airlink Advisory Council. Additionally, he is an Executive Committee member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), a member of the Board of Directors of Africa Travel Association (ATA) and the Board of Directors of Ethiopian Tourism Organization (ETO).
In his role as CEO, Mr Tewolde has been a multi-award winner including ‘African CEO of the Year’, ‘Best African Business Leader’, ‘The Airline Strategy Award for Regional Leadership’ and ‘The Most Gender Focused CEO Award’.
He earned his B.A. Degree in Economics from the Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia and his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Open University in the United Kingdom. He has received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters Honoris Causa from Addis Ababa University on 13 July 2019.
The global aircraft leasing giant, Air Lease Corporation confirmed on Thursday 30 September that ITA, the new national airline of Italy, has agreed to lease 31 new ALC aircraft consisting of 15 A220s, two A320neos, nine A321neos and five A330-900neos on long-term lease from ALC’s orderbook with Airbus. The 31 aircraft will deliver to the airline progressively beginning in the second half of 2022 through early 2025.
In addition to these 31 ALC Airbus aircraft, ITA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus for the purchase of 28 new aircraft: 10 Airbus A330neo aircraft for long-haul flights, seven Airbus A220 family regional jets and 11 Airbus A320neo family aircraft (deliveries for the latter to start after the completion of the business plan).
Overall, ITA will lease a total of 56 new Airbus aircraft over the course of the plan (13 long-haul jets, including the ultra-modern Airbus A350-900, and 43 short and medium-haul aircraft).
“Air Lease Corporation is pleased and proud to be the launch Lessor for ITA to supply the new airline 31 new Airbus jet aircraft, including the most modern A220 and A320/321neo family jets, as well the latest environmentally friendly widebody aircraft on long-term operating leases from ALC’s orderbook. These transactions will allow ITA to operate the most technologically advanced new aircraft to cover ITA’s European and Intercontinental route network with great efficiency,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “We look forward to a long-term successful partnership,” he said.
The Executive Chairman of ITA, Alfredo Altavilla, said: “The strategic partnership with Airbus and ALC is crucial for ITA to jumpstart our Business Plan aiming at achieving our targets of a new environmental-friendly fleet with significantly lower operating and leasing costs. I want to thank both Christian Scherer, CCO of Airbus, and Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation, for their trust in the future of our brand-new airline.”
“ITA has done a thorough clean sheet aircraft evaluation and has chosen Airbus across all segments. This is very gratifying and a testimony of the great value of the Airbus product range. It sets a benchmark in driving the decarbonization and efficiency agenda. From the start, we have been working closely with ITA, listening carefully to their requirements. Today we are proud and grateful to be alongside ITA in building its future together. Grazie Mille!" said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.
STARLUX Airlines officially launched its inaugural flight between Singapore and Taipei. Once again, the airline achieves a significant milestone despite the pandemic following the opening of new routes to Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City and Manila earlier this year. STARLUX will initially operate two flights per week.
STARLUX recognizes the importance of Singapore as a centre of economic and cultural events as well as an important transportation hub in Asia. The airline chose to open the route based on the level of cargo flight demand and hopes to provide travel service to passengers commuting between Singapore and Taiwan in the post-pandemic period. As regards COVID-related travel rules and regulations, please check for the latest information on customs, immigration and quarantine procedures before departure, and cooperate with all associated instructions.
Changi Airport welcomed the inaugural flight from Taipei with a water salute today. Mr Lim Ching Kiat, Changi Airport Group (CAG)’s Managing Director of Air Hub Development said, “We are delighted to welcome STARLUX Airlines to our Changi family. This new service will provide passengers with more travel options to Taiwan and presents growth opportunities for leisure and business travel in the region. Changi Airport Group strives to maintain connectivity to the world despite the pandemic, and we look forward to welcoming back more visitors as our air borders gradually open.”
JetBlue - New York’s Hometown Airline announced it has expanded its presence in the transatlantic market with new, nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW). The first customer-carrying JetBlue flight from the U.S. touched down at Gatwick just before 8 o’clock this morning, local time. The flights – which operate four times weekly in October, then daily onward from November – arrive well-timed for the long-awaited easing of U.S. entry requirements for travellers from the U.K. and other European destinations.
“With a 500% increase in JetBlue’s U.K. bookings following news of easing U.S. entry requirements for international travellers, it’s clear there is significant pent up demand for travel between our two countries and that our Gatwick launch is well-timed to meet the growing number of customers returning to the skies,” said Joanna Geraghty, president and chief operating officer, JetBlue. “JetBlue’s new service at Gatwick – complemented by our recently launched flights at Heathrow – introduces an all-new choice for London travellers who won’t have to choose between an attractive fare and great service as they reunite with family, friends and colleagues on either side of the Atlantic.”
JetBlue’s arrival at Gatwick brings the U.S. airline’s award-winning service and attractive fares to a second London-area airport. In August, the carrier touched down at Heathrow, marking the start of JetBlue’s first-ever transatlantic service. With JetBlue service established at Heathrow, flights at Gatwick now bring the airline’s London service in line with JetBlue’s successful multi-airport approach in New York, Los Angeles, South Florida, and other regions, where the airline can conveniently serve a wider range of travelers across large metropolitan areas. Additionally, JetBlue is the only carrier flying nonstop between the U.S. and Gatwick, where it will bring exceptional experience and affordable fares that will redefine transatlantic travel.
“The launch of JetBlue’s service between New York and London has been a most welcomed addition to the transatlantic market, and following the recent announcements of simplified travel rules between the U.S. and the U.K., the new service to London Gatwick will provide even greater accessibility for Americans to book their next trip to Britain,” said Sheelagh Wylie, Chief Marketing Officer, Americas at VisitBritain. With the festive holiday season around the corner and an exciting year ahead full of events such as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Coventry City of Culture and many other annual festivals and shows, we are thrilled to welcome JetBlue to its second home in London Gatwick. We look forward to safely having American visitors back to experience the finest British hospitality, our breathtaking coasts and countryside, and our world-class attractions in London and beyond.”
Schedule between New York (JFK) and London Gatwick (LGW)
JetBlue announced plans to speed up its transition to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with an offtake agreement with SG Preston, a leading bioenergy developer. With the addition of this SG Preston agreement to its previous SAF commitments, JetBlue is well ahead of pace on its target to convert 10 percent of its total fuel usage to SAF on a blended basis by 2030. The airline will reach nearly eight percent SAF usage by the end of 2023 when delivery of SAF under this agreement is expected. JetBlue is doubling its previous SAF commitment with SG Preston, which was first announced in 2016 as one of the largest SAF purchase agreements in aviation history.
JetBlue’s agreement with SG Preston also marks a major milestone for SAF in New York’s airports. This deal is expected to bring the first large-scale volume of domestically produced SAF for a commercial airline to New York’s metropolitan airports. JetBlue will convert 30 percent of its fuel buy across John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) from traditional Jet-A fuel to SAF (b), which is expected to reduce emissions by an estimated 80 percent per gallon of neat SAF, compared to traditional petroleum-based fuels.
Targeting a start in 2023 and continuing over a 10-year period, SG Preston will deliver at least 670 million gallons of blended SAF to JetBlue to fuel its flight operations at JFK, LGA and EWR, helping JetBlue avoid approximately 1.5 million metric tons of CO2 emissions. JetBlue expects to invest more than $1 billion in purchasing SAF over the term of this agreement, at a price competitive to traditional Jet-A fuel, with no expected material impact to the airline’s total fuel costs. This marks the largest-ever announced near-term SAF deal for delivery in the Northeast and will be become the airline’s largest single jet fuel contract.
On September 26th, China Eastern Airlines held the "New Value, New Experience, New Pleasure—China Eastern Airlines New Loyalty Program" press conference in Shanghai Tower. The "Eastern Miles" membership system globally released features these five highlights as a brand-new membership upgrade, a brand-new points accumulation system, a brand-new point exchange method, a brand-new product series and a brand-new service platform.
The core of the new membership system lies in the points accumulation framework transition from "mileage-based" to "revenue-based" system, by which we are dedicated to creating a brand new customer-centered service platform and making it possible for more cross-border and cross-industry partners to enter the value chain of the aviation.
The new membership system has made sweet adjustments in the member points and the validity of points, covering issues that travellers are most concerned about. In the new "revenue-based" system, the member points will be associated with the flight ticket fare, and the mileage points can be calculated by matching with the member grade coefficient. For passengers, the number and distance of flights are no longer the only ways to realize the renewal and upgrade of membership. The period of validity will be extended from the original 3 years to long-term "rolling effective", and it will be invalid and cleared only after being dormant consecutively for more than 36 months. During this period, as long as the members of "Eastern Miles" accumulate their points by their travel, or use them for redemption and consumption, they can ensure that their points are always valid, not fearing of "clearing by the expiration".
In recent years, China Eastern Airlines has brought enormous surprises to the public and its members in aviation product innovations, such as the "Fly At Will" from last year. Relying on big data mining and analysis, China Eastern Airlines has been studying the travel habits of passengers, and making constant efforts in hope of enriching the travel scenes and providing more accurate services. With the appearance of the New Loyalty Program, more and more good news about the travel experience are coming. For travelers, high-speed Wi-fi in the air and the newly upgraded on-board dining are really something to look forward to. As members of SKYTEAM, the members of China Eastern Airlines can enjoy premium service of 19 member airlines.
Airbus Helicopters is demonstrating its commitment and determination to better support its Chinese customers at the 13th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in the city of Zhuhai in China’s southern Guangdong Province.
On the opening day of the show, Airbus Helicopters signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement and an HCare Smart Parts By Hour (PBH) contract with State Grid General Aviation Company (SGGAC), enhancing its support and services capability with more localised solutions.
The Strategic Cooperation Agreement will enable SGGAC to expand the activities of its existing MRO Centre, which became an official Airbus Helicopters customer service centre in October 2018, responsible for H125 aircraft maintenance.
As one of Airbus Helicopters’ most important Chinese customers, SGGAC currently operates 15 H125s, China’s largest H125 fleet. The expanded authorisation will further improve reassembly services for Chinese customers and enhance H125 fleet development in the country.
In addition, SGGAC becomes China’s second HCare Smart customer with the signing of a PBH contract covering its H225 and H215.
The global aircraft leasing giant, Air Lease Corporation confirmed on Thursday 30 September that ITA, the new national airline of Italy, has agreed to lease 31 new ALC aircraft consisting of 15 A220s, two A320neos, nine A321neos and five A330-900neos on long-term lease from ALC’s orderbook with Airbus. The 31 aircraft will deliver to the airline progressively beginning in the second half of 2022 through early 2025.
In addition to these 31 ALC Airbus aircraft, ITA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus for the purchase of 28 new aircraft: 10 Airbus A330neo aircraft for long-haul flights, seven Airbus A220 family regional jets and 11 Airbus A320neo family aircraft (deliveries for the latter to start after the completion of the business plan).
Overall, ITA will lease a total of 56 new Airbus aircraft over the course of the plan (13 long-haul jets, including the ultra-modern Airbus A350-900, and 43 short and medium-haul aircraft).
“Air Lease Corporation is pleased and proud to be the launch Lessor for ITA to supply the new airline 31 new Airbus jet aircraft, including the most modern A220 and A320/321neo family jets, as well the latest environmentally friendly widebody aircraft on long-term operating leases from ALC’s orderbook. These transactions will allow ITA to operate the most technologically advanced new aircraft to cover ITA’s European and Intercontinental route network with great efficiency,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “We look forward to a long-term successful partnership,” he said.
The Executive Chairman of ITA, Alfredo Altavilla, said: “The strategic partnership with Airbus and ALC is crucial for ITA to jumpstart our Business Plan aiming at achieving our targets of a new environmental-friendly fleet with significantly lower operating and leasing costs. I want to thank both Christian Scherer, CCO of Airbus, and Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation, for their trust in the future of our brand-new airline.”
“ITA has done a thorough clean sheet aircraft evaluation and has chosen Airbus across all segments. This is very gratifying and a testimony of the great value of the Airbus product range. It sets a benchmark in driving the decarbonization and efficiency agenda. From the start, we have been working closely with ITA, listening carefully to their requirements. Today we are proud and grateful to be alongside ITA in building its future together. Grazie Mille!" said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released August 2021 data for global air cargo markets showing that demand continued its strong growth trend but pressure on capacity is rising.
As comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted, all comparisons below are to August 2019 which followed a normal demand pattern.
Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), was up 7.7% compared to August 2019 (8.6% for international operations). Overall growth remains strong compared to the long-term average growth trend of around 4.7%.
The pace of growth slowed slightly compared to July, which saw demand increase 8.8% (against pre-COVID-19 levels).
Cargo capacity recovery paused in August, down 12.2% compared to August 2019 ( 13.2% for international operations). In month-on-month terms, capacity fell by 1.6% – the largest drop since January 2021.
Economic conditions continue to support air cargo growth but are slightly weaker than in the previous months indicating that global manufacturing growth has peaked:
Air France has received its first A220-300 from an order for 60 aircraft of the type, the largest A220 order from a European carrier. The aircraft was delivered from Airbus’ final assembly line in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada and officially unveiled to the public during a ceremony held at Paris Charles-De-Gaulle Airport.
The A220 is the most efficient and flexible aircraft in the 100 to 150 seat market segment today. The renewal of the Air France single-aisle fleet with this latest generation aircraft will increase efficiency along with customer comfort and support Air France to meet its environmental goals and sustainability objectives.
The first Air France A220-300 will be operated on its medium-haul network from the 2021 winter season. Currently, Air France operates a fleet of 136 Airbus aircraft. Air France is also renewing its long-haul fleet, and has already taken delivery of 11 A350s out of an order of 38.
The Air France A220-300 cabin is configured in a single-class layout to comfortably welcome 148 passengers. Offering superior single-aisle comfort, with the widest leather seats, largest windows and up to 20% more overhead stowage space per passenger, the Air France A220 also features full WiFi connectivity throughout the cabin and two USB sockets at each passenger seat.
The A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market and brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation geared turbofan engines. With a range of up to 3,450 nm (6,390 km), the A220 gives airlines added operational flexibility. The A220 delivers up to 25% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, and 50% lower NOx emissions than industry standards. In addition, the aircraft noise footprint is reduced by 50% compared to previous generation aircraft - making the A220 a good neighbour around airports.
As of the end of August, over 170 A220s have been delivered to 11 operators worldwide.
On board the aircraft, up to eight rows of seats can be dedicated to customers travelling in the Business cabin. Located at the front of the aircraft, passengers in this cabin enjoy priority boarding and disembarkation. For greater comfort, privacy and space, a movable curtain isolates the cabin, where each customer has a seat left free beside them.
The catering offer is adapted to the flight time and depends on the time of departure. In the Business cabin, each customer is served a generous breakfast or meal with warm bread. Champagne, wine and a
wide selection of hot and cold drinks are also available. In the Economy cabin, biscuits or sandwiches including a vegetarian choice are available.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are also offered. In all cabins, passengers on the Airbus A220-300 enjoy Air France Connect, the airline’s inflight Wi-Fi service. Thanks to the aircraft’s Wi-Fi network, which is available throughout the flight, customers can easily stay connected from their personal devices. The Air France Connect portal offers them three passes according to their needs, including one that is free of charge and allows them to send and receive messages during the flight.
Customers can also find all the information related to their flight and their connections. In addition, thanks to the Air France Play app, customers can download a wide selection of newspapers and magazines onto their smartphone or tablet up to 30 hours before departure.
As of 31 October 2021, Air France customers will be able to enjoy the comfort on board the Airbus A220-300 on flights to Berlin (Germany), Barcelona and Madrid (Spain), Milan-Linate and Venice (Italy). Throughout the 2021-2022 winter season, the aircraft will gradually extend its network to include Bologna and Rome (Italy), Lisbon (Portugal) and Copenhagen (Denmark).
A220 Family aircraft have been specifically designed for the 100-150 seat market, resulting in efficiencies inherent in purpose-built aircraft, and an unmatched environmental scorecard. What’s more, the A220-100 and A220-300 have over 99% parts commonality, as well as the same pilot type rating, facilitating the family’s addition to any airline’s fleet.
A220 Family jetliners were designed using state-of-the-art computational aerodynamics combined with 21st century supercomputing capability; the result is a family of aircraft with optimal aerodynamic performance and efficiency. Powering the aircraft are twin Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G geared turbofan engines specifically designed for the A220. With a bypass ratio of 12:1 – one of the highest of any turbofan engine in the world – the aircraft features 25% lower fuel burn per seat than previous generation aircraft, half the noise footprint, and decreased emissions.
Together, the A220 Family represents the most efficient aircraft in the skies in their class, with low operating costs and low noise levels. This makes the A220 Family aircraft ideal for urban operations and noise-sensitive airports.
A220 Family aircraft are designed to deliver the feel of a wide-body jetliner in a single-aisle aircraft. The cabin provides space where it matters the most, leading to an unparalleled passenger experience.
Overhead bins, with the largest stowage capacity in their class, are easily accessible. The extra-large windows with more than one at each row, are positioned high on the cabin sidewall to provide an optimal viewing angle and an abundance of natural light. Wide seats –18 inches or more – provide a generous personal space without compromise, and the newly designed engines contribute to the quietest cabin in its class.
The A220 lower deck cargo hold boasts a wide flat floor and vertical sidewalls for efficient stacking, which result in a significantly higher usable volume than the competition.
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest Aviation Group in Africa, has been honoured with four awards at the SKYTRAX 2021 World Airline Awards.
Ethiopian has taken the crown for:
• Best Airline in Africa 2021 for 4th consecutive years,
• Best Business Class in Africa 2021 for 3rd consecutive years,
• Best Economy Class in Africa 2021 for 3rd consecutive years and
• Best Cabin Crew in Africa 2021.
Moving 7 ranks up, Ethiopian has also been placed 37th in the World's Top 100 Airlines for 2021 as voted by airline customers around the world Regarding the award Ethiopian group CEO, Mr Tewolde Gebremariam remarked, “Keeping up with the same phase as before Covid had been a challenging task. However, here at Ethiopian we never gave up, keeping our loyalty of serving at all times to our customers, we never stopped flying. The awards we received today are proof of our consistent effort to provide our passengers with world-class service at ups and downs at all geographies across the globe. As a customer-focused and market-driven airline, a SKYTRAX award where winners are determined based on the votes of travellers manifests the airlines’ journey on the right direction thus it is with deep pleasure that we accept these awards.”
Commenting on the award as the Best Airline in Africa, Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said: “Ethiopian Airlines have firmly established themselves as the Best Airline in Africa by winning this award for the fourth consecutive year. It is a strong recognition for both the management and all of their front-line staff who contribute to the success of the Ethiopian Airlines customer experience.”
The World Airline Awards are independent and impartial, introduced in 1999 to provide a customer satisfaction study that was truly global. Travellers across the world vote in the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey to decide the award winners. The awards are referred to by media around the world as “the Oscars of the aviation industry”.
Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the fastest growing Airline in Africa. In its seventy-five years of operation, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the Pan-African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 130 international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian fleet includes ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Airbus A350, Boeing 787-8, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200 Freighter, Bombardier Q-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of seven years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate these aircraft. Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2025 that will see it become the leading aviation group in Africa with seven business units: Ethiopian International Services; Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services; Ethiopian MRO Services; Ethiopian Aviation Academy; Ethiopian ADD Hub Ground Services, Ethiopian Airports Services and Ethiopian Express Services (Domestic). Ethiopian is a multi-award winning airline registering an average growth of 25% in the past seven years.
