10 October, 2021

Ethiopian Airlines scores more awards at SKYTRAX 2021 World Airline Awards


Ethiopian Airlines, the largest Aviation Group in Africa, is pleased to announce that it 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 



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 a 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”.  

The World Airline Awards survey operated for 23 months (September 2019 to July 2021),  and the 2021 Awards represent a mix of more normal travel times combined with some travel during the global pandemic. Over 100 customer nationalities participated in the survey, with the 2021 Awards based on 13.42 million eligible survey entries counted in the final results. Survey entries were screened to identify IP and user information, with duplicate, suspect or ineligible entries deleted. More than 350 airlines are featured.  






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At least 16 dead after L410 crashes in Russia.

    A Let L-410 Turbolet twin-engine short-range transport aircraft has crashed shortly after taking off in the Russian region of Tatarstan early on Sunday, officials have confirmed.

The small aircraft was carrying a group of some 20 parachutists and two crew members at the time of the accident, which is currently being investigated. According to local media, the crew reported their left engine had failed whilst they were at a height of around 70 metres. They reportedly tried to make an emergency landing near the city of Menzelinsk, as they tried to avoid an inhabited area. Upon the emergency landing, the aircraft's wing hit another vehicle and that caused the plane to turn over and hit a wall.  

The Let L-410 was owned by an aeroclub in the city of Menzelinsk which has links with the state-run Cosmonaut Training Centre which is also in the area, According to reports the centre has suspended its ties with the aeroclub pending an investigation into the crash. The aeroclub has declined to comment while investigations take place. 


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Qantas to offer direct Darwin - London flights from November 14th

The Australian flag carrier - Qantas has confirmed it will operate its flagship direct route from Australia to London via Darwin when international flights resume next month with the reopening of Australia’s border.

In agreement with the Northern Territory Government and Darwin Airport, it will temporarily reroute its flights from Melbourne and Sydney through Darwin. With the new hub arrangement in place in time for borders reopening from 14 November 2021 and carry on until April 2022 when London flights are expected to operate via Perth again. Although it rather depends upon how well operations go via Darwin during this trial period, if Perth will make a long-term come back. 

Qantas has scheduled the Sydney-Darwin-London route to begin on 14th November while the Melbourne-Darwin-London route is scheduled to begin on 18th December 2021 - however the carrier says it might restart earlier, depending on discussions with the Victorian Government. 

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the new route via Darwin will be made possible due to the support from the Northern Territory Government  "The NT Government has worked closely with us to make these flights happen and I’d like to thank the Chief Minister and his team for finding a solution that is safe and streamlined."

Mr Joyce added, "The Kangaroo route is one of the most iconic on the Qantas international network and we are delighted that Darwin will play a vital role in Australia’s post pandemic reopening to the world.

Qantas has been flying repatriation services from London to Darwin as part of the airline’s efforts to help bring Australians home over the past 12 months, so our pilots already have extensive experience operating this particular route."

Fiji back on the schedule for both Jetstar and Qantas

Following the Fijian Governments announcement regarding the reopening plan for Australian travellers, both Jetstar and Qantas have confirmed plans for direct flights between Sydney and Fiji from mid-December. 

Jetstar will start services from 17th December and will fly the route five times a week. Qantas will restart services from 19th December and operate the route four times each week.  The airline's say fares for the summer period will start at $219 one way with Jetstar and all-inclusive Qantas fares start at $358 one way.

Jetstar CEO Gareth Evans said Fiji was set to be one of Jetstar’s first international flights to take off "Australians will be excited to start planning their first overseas holiday now that international borders are set to open, and both Jetstar and Qantas have seen a significant spike in Fiji flight searches in recent weeks.

In a recent survey conducted by Jetstar, Fiji rated as one of the top international beach holiday destinations that people want to visit once borders open - particularly for families and young people.

Returning to the South Pacific is an exciting milestone in our international restart plans as we gradually rebuild our network over the next six months. It also means more of our crew can return to work, which is great news."

The new rules instigated by the Fijian Government mean  Australian travellers will be required to stay within their resort for 48 hours upon arrival and return a negative test, before being able to explore ‘safe travel areas’ across Fiji.

Returning Australians may be required to home quarantine for up to seven days on arrival into New South Wales, in accordance with the requirements from the Federal and New South Wales governments.

As previously indicated, all passengers on Qantas and Jetstar international flights will be required to be fully vaccinated with a TGA-approved or recognised vaccine (some exemptions for medical reasons and children). They will also be required to return a negative PCR COVID test 72 hours prior to departure.

International flights remain subject to Government and Regulatory approval.

Carry on reading for more details about the multitude of islands that make up Fiji

Norwegian returns to Manchester Airport

The budget carrier Norwegian has restarted its service to Manchester Airport from Oslo following the removal of travel restrictions.  The carrier now operates the route twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays and has indicated it will increase rotations as demand increases later in the year.

Norwegian is the latest of more than a dozen airlines to fly and out of the airport's new-look terminal two, which opened its doors in July.

Meanwhile the airports boss, Charlie Cornish welcomed news of the recent major changes to the traffic light system, "This is brilliant news for British people who are desperate to travel overseas on holiday, to visit friends and family or for business. Customers can now book with confidence, safe in the knowledge that testing is affordable and easy to understand.  Removing so many countries from the red list gives people the most choice they have had since before the pandemic, which will help stimulate the recovery of the UK’s prized aviation sector.

We look forward to welcoming passengers taking advantage of these changes through our airports in the weeks and months ahead."


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New partnership for Ethiopian Airlines and AccessRail

Ethiopian Airlines has signed a special codeshare and interline deal with AccessRail to widen connectivity options for its passengers destined to Western Europe, United  Kingdom, Scandinavian, Japan and Canada. 

The agreement avails AccesRails’ wide rail destinations to passengers of Ethiopian Airlines through seamless connectivity with all journey segments contained on a single Ethiopian Airlines ticket.  

Regarding the partnership, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr Tewolde GebreMariam said, “I am glad that we have entered into such a monumental agreement with AccessRail, the world’s leading provider of air-rail intermodal solutions. Each year, we are growing in terms of customer service excellence through collaboration with key partners across the globe. As rail travel is becoming popular, especially when travelling regionally or locally, our collaboration with the world-renowned flight and rail connection provider helps our customers access extra convenience and better connectivity options. In view of expanding our service to markets where  Ethiopian has no direct operations to, our partnership with rail services is a great strategic move in enhancing our customer service. I hope the success of the partnership between AccesRail and  Ethiopian would be felt throughout our customers.” 

Ethiopian Airlines has further developed its air-rail strategy by partnering with the world’s leading provider of air-rail intermodal solutions, AccesRail (9B). This new partnership provides Ethiopian Airlines with the ability to expand its network of destinations and to feed ET flights in both interline and codeshare format. In addition,  this partnership will offer agents as well as consumers’ new options to book Ethiopian  Airlines journeys which include surface sectors via a single process and workflow thus enabling Ethiopian Airlines to extend its value proposition and offer greater content options. 

Andrew Popescu, Vice President of Business Development, AccesRail, said: “We are excited about our Ethiopian-AccesRail intermodal cooperation which will enable Ethiopian Airlines to offer an important amount of entirely new destinations all over the world to their passengers.  Ethiopian Airlines have embraced at a global level the concept of network expansion through air-rail partnership and we are thrilled to help make this strategic vision into a reality.”  

Intermodality is becoming a growing part of airline network planning and demand for the service is also increasing with the inception of high-speed rail services. AccesRail is the world’s leading provider of air-rail intermodal solutions that specializes in intermodal travel and GDS distribution for passenger railways.  





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212,132 passengers flew with Icelandair during September.


Icelandair September 2021 results 

The total number of passengers on international and domestic flights was over 212,000 compared to around 25,000 in September 2020. Thereof, the total number of passengers on international flights was around 191,000 compared to around 12,000 in September 2020. The number of passengers to Iceland was around 102,000 compared to around 6,000 in September 2020. The number of passengers from Iceland was around 23,000 compared to around 6,000 in September 2020. VIA passengers were around 65,000, compared to a few hundred in September 2020. On-time performance was 88%.

The load factor on international flights was 62% compared to 45% in September 2020. Increased uncertainty in relation to the spread of the Delta variant had a negative effect on the load factor in September. In addition, as in previous months, the deployment of Boeing 767 aircraft on several routes instead of smaller aircraft due to strong cargo demand still somewhat negatively impacted the passenger load factor. U.S. authorities recently confirmed that they plan on opening their borders to vaccinated European tourists.

The number of passengers on domestic flights was around 21,500 compared to 13,000 in September 2020. Year to date, the increase in domestic passengers has been 57% compared to 2020.


     
PASSENGER FLIGHTS TOTALSEP 21CHG (%)YTD 21CHG (%)
Number of Passengers212,132761%916,8179%
Load Factor62.1%14.7 ppt62.6%-6.5 ppt
Available Seat KM (ASK´000,000)963.01390%3,85228%
Revenue Passenger KM (RPK´000,000)598.41853%2,41016%
     
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTSSEP 21CHG (%)YTD 21CHG (%)
Number of Passengers190,6411506%754,7143%
Load Factor62.0%16.7 ppt62.5%-6.6 ppt
Available Seat KM (ASK´000,000)953.01513%3,781.528%
Revenue Passenger KM (RPK´000,000)591.32107%2,361.716%
Stage length (KM)3,16931%3,12212%
On-Time-Performance (Arrivals)88.0%-1.0 ppt87.0%3.0 ppt
     
DOMESTIC FLIGHTSSEP 21CHG (%)YTD 21CHG (%)
Number of Passengers21,49168%162,10357%
Load Factor71.2%1.9 ppt68.8%-1.6 ppt
Available Seat KM (ASK´000,000)10.080%70.163%
     
CHARTER AND CARGO FLIGHTSSEP 21CHG (%)YTD 21CHG (%)
Sold Block Hours - Charter1,243153%10,146-16%
Freight Tonne KM (FTK´000)12,98642%102,94023%

Positive Play in September?

New start-up airline Play scored a load factor of 52.1% in September
96.2% of flights arrived on-time 



In September, PLAY carried 15,223 passengers spread out on its flights, scoring a load factor of 52.1%, which was up from 46% in August. According to the airline, this result reflects recovering demand from passengers to and from Iceland. 

The airline also reported that during the month there was a decline in the number of passengers who changed their bookings due to COVID-19. Demonstrating growing consumer confidence and the relaxation of travel restrictions in Iceland and further afield. 

The airline also thinks the increase is in part to its name and brand becoming more known and recognised. More people are wanting to sample the style of the new airline and trust it to carry them overseas. 

Also in September, PLAY announced a recruitment drive to fill 100 cabin crew and 50 flight crew positions to support the airline’s growth for 2022.  This will double the number of employees employed by the company.

Due to the positive demand trends outlined above, PLAY has added Amsterdam as a new destination to its winter schedule. The first flight to Amsterdam will be on December 3, with flights initially operating Mondays and Fridays and Thursdays and Sundays to be added from December 16. Additional new destinations in Europe will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We have been careful in our plans due to the pandemic. As the local tourism shows signs of recovery and travel restrictions are being relaxed, we see our load factor increase and very positive demand trends for the future. It’s safe to say that we are optimistic and looking forward to a robust next year. I am truly excited to welcome new members to our team and we are very proud to be able to provide all these new jobs. We have exciting times ahead of us,” says Birgir Jónsson CEO. 


09 October, 2021

Air Canada Begins Work to Enhance Cold Chain Handling Capabilities at its Toronto Pearson Cargo Facility

The project will increase and diversify freight handling capabilities as part of Air Canada Cargo expansion strategy


Air Canada recently announced the start of a $16-million project to expand and enhance Air Canada Cargo's cold chain handling capabilities for shipments such as pharmaceuticals, fresh food and other perishables at its Toronto Pearson International Airport cargo facility. The project is part of Air Canada's strategy to further develop its cargo division, which also includes the acquisition of freighter aircraft, the launch of dedicated freighter routes and an expansion into e-commerce.   

"This is another important step for Air Canada Cargo as we continue to grow our business and invest in our facilities to better serve our customers. Our new temperature-controlled facility, which will be the only one of its kind for a Canadian airline, represents a significant addition to Air Canada's on-site capabilities at Toronto Pearson and to Canadian cold chain logistics. It will also give Air Canada Cargo a strategic advantage at our main hub, which handles more than 60 per cent of all our traffic, and will support the launch of routes to be served by our new freighter aircraft," said Jason Berry, Vice President, Cargo, at Air Canada.

Once completed, the upgraded facility will feature over 30,000 square feet of temperature-controlled areas and an expanded cooler to fully meet the requirements of cold chain shipments such as pharmaceuticals, fresh food and other perishables.

New Gin house from KLM to celebrate birthday.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has released another miniature Delftware house to mark its anniversary as it does every year. The new collector's item was released at a special ceremony at the stunning Tuschinski movie theatre earlier this week. 

KLM has been presenting miniature Delftware houses containing Bols Jenever gin to World Business Class passengers on intercontinental flights since the 1950s. The houses are replicas of special buildings in the Netherlands and are much sought after collector's items. Since 1994, the house number has matched KLM's age, with a new miniature being added to the collection every year around KLM's anniversary on 7 October.

KLM President and CEO Pieter Elbers said: "Now the world is gradually beginning to reopen, we are looking forward to taking our customers to special places of culture, such as the Tuschinski movie theatre. Like KLM, the Tuschinski has a long history. Abraham Tuschinski's philosophy, creating a warm sense of home and giving customers a memorable experience, is what KLM stands for too. Tuschinski Theatre is a beautiful addition to the KLM collection of Delftware miniature houses."

These are delightful little creations, ideal to collect and keep. 

 

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Finnair Traffic Performance in September 2021

Clear improvement especially in short-haul passenger traffic figures, although the COVID-19 pandemic impact still visible in September, but it was an excellent month for cargo says Finnair.

In September, Finnair carried 298,200 passengers, which was 158.1% more than in September 2020. The number of passengers in September 2021 was 11.9% more than in August 2021 (month-on-month figures are not fully comparable as there is one fewer day in September).

The COVID-19 impact, including the strict travel restrictions imposed by several countries, still affected all passenger traffic figures. It was particularly visible in the North Atlantic and Asian figures.

The overall capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK), increased in September by 151.3% year-on-year and by 12.9% month-on-month. Finnair operated, on average, 144 daily flights (cargo-only included), which was 73.5% more than in September 2020 and 13.4% more than in August 2021. The differences between capacity figures compared to September 2020 are explained by the longer average stage length of flights operated and by the larger gauge of aircraft operated. Finnair's traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs), increased by 220.0% year-on-year and by 8.9% month-on-month. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) increased by 8.7% points to 40.5% year-on-year but decreased by 1.5% points month-on-month.

Airport security training is 'outstanding’ at East Midlands Airport

 
                                   The UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has rated East Midlands Airport’s (EMA) training provision for new and existing security staff as ‘outstanding’ in its latest quality assurance scheme.  

At East Midlands, a dedicated team of four delivers the training in-house to both new airport security officers (ASOs) and refresher training for existing security teams. Airport course providers are assessed annually but now that EMA has received two consecutive outstanding ratings, the next assessment won’t be until September 2023.

The CAA was particularly impressed with the quality of the training delivery, and the supporting information provided to each trainee, especially as the learning needs of participants varies from person to person.

Earlier this summer, EMA opened a new training facility in Pathfinder House, the airport’s administration HQ which was built above the expanded immigration hall. Airport security staff are required to be trained in several disciplines including body searches, identifying ‘threatening’ objects, x-ray, baggage screening and patrols. Also included is a module on modern slavery so staff are well-equipped to look out for behaviours that may indicate people smuggling.

Given EMA’s seasonal peaks in passenger volume (two-thirds of all passengers fly between the months of April and October), each year the airport increases the number of security staff it employs for the busiest months of the year. Training for these roles begins in January so that new recruits are qualified by the start of the peak season for international travel. In the autumn, a programme of refresher training starts for existing staff who need to be kept updated with changing rules and regulations.

Jessica Hosier, EMA’s Compliance Manager for Training and Terminal Operations, welcomed the recent assessment. She said, “I’m really pleased for the team here who work tirelessly to deliver quality training. This is a reflection of their dedication and commitment to ensuring the highest standards so that passengers can travel through our airport safe in the knowledge that security teams are highly trained. This is part of our wider commitment to the best possible customer experience.”

In anticipation of more passengers using the airport next summer, now that the UK government is committed to easing travel restrictions next month, the airport will begin recruiting more security staff towards the end of the year.





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Allegiant paints up a jet to celebrate Ron's Gone Wrong......


The Las Vegas based budget airline Allegiant has teamed up with 20th Century Studios and Locksmith Animation to celebrate the release of Ron's Gone Wrong, a new animated adventure comedy debuting in U.S. cinemas from 22nd October.    

From late September through to November, Allegiant customers and fans can join the story of Barney, a socially awkward middle-schooler, and Ron – a walking, talking digitally-connected device whose malfunctions lead to a hilarious, perilous action-packed adventure - through special inflight features and surprises, and an online sweepstakes*.

Fans can watch the skies for a special Ron's Gone Wrong-themed aircraft, featuring larger-than-life images of the film's heroic duo on the fuselage.


Onboard every Allegiant flight, passengers will go behind-the-scenes with filmmaker Sarah Smith in an exclusive feature interview in the airline's Sunseeker Magazine. Flyers will also enjoy fun surprises like movie-themed napkins and a special Ron's Gone Wrong kids' snack pack, available for inflight purchase while supplies last. Allegiant will donate $1 from every Ron's Gone Wrong snack pack purchase from Sept. 9 through Oct. 9, 2021, to Make-A-Wish®.

Celebrating the film's theme of taking time away from technology to make a true connection, Allegiant is offering families their own opportunity to reconnect by presenting the Disconnect to Reconnect Flyaway Sweepstakes. From Oct. 4 -22, fans can enter for a chance to win a grand prize of $1,000 in travel vouchers for tickets to the Allegiant vacation destination of their choice, tickets to see Ron's Gone Wrong in their local theatre, and a $100 Visa gift card for a family night out (or in!). Five additional winners will receive a $500 voucher for tickets to the Allegiant destination of their choice. Fans can enter the sweepstakes online at Allegiant.com/RonsGoneWrong.


* About the Disconnect to Reconnect Sweepstakes

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE OR PAYMENT DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. The Disconnect to Reconnect Sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who have reached the age of majority. Void elsewhere and where prohibited. Promotion ends October 22, 2021. Subject to complete Official Rules available at Allegiant.com/RonsGoneWrong.


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flyExclusive makes major enhancements to its Jet Club

flyExclusive has made some new improvements to its Jet Club that allow members to fly like an owner, these enhancements include a new membership and rate structure and expanded international capabilities plus Wi-Fi being installed across the fleet.

flyExclusive’s Jet Club is the ultimate private jet membership, providing fliers who buy-in with guaranteed availability and access to flyExclusive’s floating fleet of more than 75 Light, Midsize and Super-Midsize Citation aircraft. Members can retain their membership for as long as they choose to fly for a low monthly fee, with an aircraft daily rate that enables access to the most aggressive hourly rates in the industry. And, thanks to flyExclusive’s investments in aircraft exterior and interior refurbishment capabilities and commitment to consistency of aircraft look and feel, members can be assured of a premium experience every time they fly.

The new enhancements to Jet Club are purposefully designed to add greater consistency and savings to the member experience. Now, whether it’s a cross-country flight, an out-and-back hop, a weekend excursion on the ever-popular Teterboro-to-Palm Beach route or a single-day, three-city trip, Jet Club members have more opportunities to save than ever before. Specific enhancements include:

Streamlined check-in and security in Atlanta thanks to Delta's partnership with TSA



It was first unveiled in Detroit security checkpoints in early 2021, Delta Air Lines digital identity experience is an industry first in exclusive partnership with TSA PreCheck. The experience is expanding to Atlanta, which will help customers have a more efficient way to navigate the airport – without showing a paper boarding pass or a physical government ID. With just one look at a camera, customers who qualify and opt in can easily and efficiently check a bag, pass through the TSA PreCheck security line and board their plane.

A customer’s digital identity is made up of their passport number and TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Known Traveler Number and verified by facial recognition technology, which confirms a traveller’s identity at airport touchpoints. Facial recognition equipment will first be visible in Atlanta’s South Security Checkpoint in the coming weeks and will expand to select bag drop and boarding areas before the end of the year. Delta aims to expand to additional hubs next year to ensure a seamless, touchless travel experience across our network.

“The exclusive expansion of digital identity moves Delta one step closer to achieving our vision of creating a more personalized and fully connected travel journey,” said Byron Merritt, Delta’s Vice President of Brand Experience Design. “Our goal in turning pivotal moments like security and check-in into seamless experiences is to give time and focus back to the moments customers enjoy. Innovations like digital identity are implemented with the intention to transform the cohesive travel experience into a journey that our customers can truly look forward to.”

In both Atlanta and Detroit, domestic digital identity builds on Delta’s existing facial recognition option for international travel, which Delta began trialing more than five years ago and culminated with the launch of the first fully biometric terminal in Atlanta in 2018.

08 October, 2021

Birna Osk Einarsdottir steps down as Chief Commercial Officer of Icelandair.......

Another top-level change has been announced at the troubled Icelandair, this time Birna Osk Einarsdottir is stepping down as Chief Commercial Officer of the group after only taking the role during 2019.  prior to the CCO job, Einarsdottir was Chief Customer Experience Officer and Chief Business Development and Strategy Officer. 

 Icelandair carried 212,134 during September

Bogi Nils Bogason, President & CEO of Icelandair Group commented:  "I would like to thank Birna for her great contribution to the Company over the past years. She has strengthened Icelandair’s commercial capabilities where the customer is at the centre and successfully led our sales and services teams through challenging times. I congratulate her on her new endeavours and wish her all the best for the future."

Birna Osk Einarsdottir, Chief Commercial Officer of Icelandair Group said: "The last four years have been a thrilling experience. Big challenges with an amazing team of people across the organization with the aim to bring the spirit of Iceland to the world. I am grateful for having been entrusted with this important role, for my colleagues and for the experience this has given me. Although it is hard to leave, I will proudly watch Icelandair spread its wings again towards a successful future."


September 2021 results 

Air Belgium has taken delivery of the first of two A330-900


 Air Belgium, the full-service international destination carrier headquartered in Mont-Saint-Guibert in Belgium, has taken delivery of the first of two A330-900. 

The aircraft is configured with 286 seats in a three-class layout (30 comfortable lie-flat business class,  21 premium-class,  and 235 economy-class seats). The aircraft is furnished with the Airbus Airspace cabin. All seats are equipped with the latest-generation, in-flight entertainment system, on-board wifi and mood lighting.

Thanks to the A330neo’s latest technologies, Air Belgium will benefit from cost-effective and eco-efficient aircraft solutions, while providing passengers with the best comfort standards in the quietest cabins in its class. In addition, lower noise and emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft make the A330neo a friendlier airport neighbour.

Air Belgium will deploy the aircraft on routes connecting Brussels to long-haul destinations.
The Belgian carrier currently operates an all-Airbus widebody fleet comprising A330-200F and A340-300; the A340s will be gradually replaced by the A330neos. 

The A330neo Family is the new-generation A330; it builds on the proven economics, versatility and reliability of the  A330 Family, while reducing fuel consumption and CO 2  emissions by about 25 per cent-per-seat compared to previous-generation, competitor aircraft, and offers an unrivalled range capability. The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines and features a new wing with increased span and composite winglets for better, fuel-beating aerodynamics. 

With an order book of more than 1,800 aircraft from 126 customers at the end of September 2021, the A330 remains the most popular widebody family aircraft of all time. 






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United Airlines putting plans in place for the largest U.S. domestic schedule since March 2020


The U.S. mega-carrier United Airlines has announced it has a plan for the biggest domestic schedule since the start of the pandemic to meet an expected surge in holiday travel. The carrier wants to emphasise connecting the Midwest to warm-weather cities like Las Vegas and Orlando as well as offering nearly 70 daily flights to ski destinations, including new service between Orange County and Aspen.

United will fly 3,500 daily domestic flights in December - 
the most since the start of the pandemic and 91% 
of its December 2019 domestic schedule


According to United, holiday travel flight searches on united.com and the airline's app are up 16%, compared to 2019. The airline expects the busiest travel days for the Thanksgiving holiday will be Wednesday, November 24 and Sunday, November 28, while popular days for winter holiday travel are expected to be Thursday, December 23 and Sunday, January 2. 

"We're seeing a lot of pent-up demand in our data and are offering a December schedule that centers on the two things people want most for the holidays: warm sunshine and fresh snow," said Ankit Gupta, vice president of network planning and scheduling at United. "We know families and friends are eager to reunite this holiday season, which is why we're thrilled to add new flights that will help them connect and celebrate together."

In December, United will begin new direct flights to Las Vegas and Phoenix from Cleveland, and to Orlando from Indianapolis. The carrier also will resume eight popular direct flights from Midwest cities, including routes to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa, offering the most departures the airline has flown from Cleveland since 2014 including direct service to Nassau and Cancun. United will offer up to 195 daily flights to 12 destinations in Florida this winter, the most flights to the Sunshine State in company history. United is also resuming direct flights from Columbus, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Pittsburgh to Fort Myers – which were some of the airline's most popular point-to-point flights last winter.

Customers who prefer fresh powder can enjoy more flights to ski destinations with United than any other carrier. The airline offers 66 daily flights to over a dozen ski destinations across the U.S., including brand new service beginning this December between Orange County and Aspen. This winter season, United will have flights to Aspen/Snowmass, Mammoth, Bozeman/Big Sky, Eagle/Vail, Kalispell, Gunnison/Crested Butte, Hayden/Steamboat Springs, Jackson Hole, Montrose/Telluride, Reno/Tahoe, Sun Valley from its hub airports.




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Global Medical Response orders 21 new Airbus helicopters

Global Medical Response (GMR) will add a total of 21 Airbus helicopters from the H125, H130 and H135 families to its growing air medical fleet, with options to include up to an additional 23 helicopters, bringing the total order potential up to 44 helicopters.

“We fly a variety of Airbus products, but the main thing they have in common – and the most important thing we look for in our critical care transport solutions – is reliability,” said Rob Hamilton, president of the GMR Alliances Group. “Our Airbus fleet allows us to respond quickly and transport critical patients with the appropriate level of care to give them the absolute best chance of survival. With the addition of these new aircraft, our fleet grows stronger and more capable to save lives when it matters most.”

GMR, an industry-leading air, ground, specialty and residential fire services and managed medical transportation organization with more than 38,000 employees, is one of the largest operators of Airbus helicopters. GMR delivers care through multiple operating brands, including Air Evac Lifeteam, Guardian Flight, Med-Trans Corp., and REACH Air Medical Services. These operations transported more than 125,000 patients in 2020. This latest order will add to GMR’s current Airbus fleet of nearly 133 helicopters.

ACJ highlights the ACJ319neo from K5-Aviation at NBAA




Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) is exhibiting at NBAA-BACE 12-14 October for the first time ever showcasing an ACJ319neo from K5-Aviation. K5-Aviation is the largest Airbus operator in Europe with four ACJ319s in its fleet and is preparing to operate two ACJ widebodies soon . 
 
“Our ACJ aircraft offer the best comfort, with the most specious cabins that are widely appreciated by our customers and operators. K5-Aviation’s ACJ319neo will turn heads at the show with contemporary luxury styling in each of the four cabin zones- it is a real beauty!,”  said ACJ President, Benoit Defforge.
 
The ACJ319neo from K5-Aviation features four large living areas with lie flat beds, king size bedroom with ensuite bathroom and stand-up shower, as well as a 55” TV. Customers will enjoy a brand-new in-flight entertainment system and high-speed Wi-Fi for smooth video streaming and video calls to stay connected and entertained during the flight.
 
Also showcased at the event is the ACJ TwoTwenty cabin immersive presentation that customers will be able to discover via a VR experience.  These will be located in the ACJ/ACH Chalet at the Henderson Airport static display. 
 
Nearly 200 Airbus corporate jets are in service worldwide, flying on every continent, including Antarctica, and more than 1,800 private and business aviation Airbus helicopters are in service worldwide.





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