Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Collaborating with ZeroAvia to Develop Hydrogen Powertrain for Dornier 228 Zero-Emission Aircraft

 

HAL & ZeroAvia will develop a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to incorporate a 600KW hydrogen-electric powertrain system into a Dornier 228 aircraft.

HAL intends to offer retrofits to existing Dornier & Hindustan-228 Aircraft and line fit new manufactured Dornier & Hindustan-228 Aircraft.

The aircraft will use the ZeroAvia ZA600, the company's first commercial type powertrain platform, capable of producing up to 600 kW without emissions.

ZeroAvia, the leading innovator in zero-emission aviation, has announced a development collaboration with the Indian state-owned aerospace & defence company Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for a hydrogen-electric powertrain capable of flying the 19 seats Dornier 228 aircraft up to 500 NM.

HAL intends to work with ZeroAvia to develop a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to allow retrofit of existing airframes for both Indian military and worldwide operators. HAL also intends to continue to build new aircraft with additional FAA approval, designated Hindustan-228, creating the opportunity to incorporate ZeroAvia's ZA600 zero-emission engines. Additionally, HAL and ZeroAvia engineers will integrate ZeroAvia's ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain into the Dornier 228 airframe. ZeroAvia will work closely with HAL and aircraft regulators during this project to ensure that aircraft meets both safety and operational requirements.

Approximately 270 Dornier 228 aircraft have been manufactured globally, with 242 currently in service. The production line of Do-228 aircraft is operational at HAL, India (Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur, UP, India). 

"HAL is committed to contributing to the protection and better development of the environment. This MoU with ZeroAvia has the potential to pave the way for zero emission regional connectivity.  We are looking forward to steering and supporting sustainable and environmentally friendly aviation in India and the world", says R Madhavan, CMD, HAL.

Airbus and its partners demonstrate how sharing the skies can save airlines fuel and reduce CO2 emissions

Airbus has performed the first long-haul demonstration of formation flight in general air traffic (GAT) regulated transatlantic airspace with two A350 aircraft flying at three kilometers apart from Toulouse, France to Montreal, Canada.  The aircraft were greeted at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport. Over 6 tons of CO2 emissions were saved on the trip, confirming the potential for more than a 5% fuel saving on long-haul flights. 

The “final demonstration” test flight took place on 9 November 2021 involving two A350 test aircraft, MSN1 and MSN59, the former as the leader aircraft and the latter as the follower. This was made possible with flight control systems developed by Airbus which position the follower aircraft safely in the wake updraft of the leader aircraft allowing it to reduce engine thrust and reduce fuel consumption. A similar principle can be observed with large migrating birds such as geese, which fly together in a distinct V-shaped formation.

Sabine Klauke, Chief Technical Officer at Airbus declared: “This demonstration flight is a concrete example of our commitment to making our decarbonisation roadmap a reality. It also speaks to how collaboration across the industry will be key to making this happen. We have received a strong level of support for this project from our airline and air traffic partners, plus regulators. The opportunity to get this deployed for passenger aircraft around the middle of this decade is very promising. Imagine the potential if fello’fly was deployed across the industry!” 

Pilots from Airbus partner airlines SAS Scandinavian Airlines and Frenchbee witnessed the transatlantic flight onboard as observers. The flight was made possible by Airbus and its air traffic management partners and navigation service providers (DSNA, NATS, NAV CANADA, Eurocontrol and IAA), with the support of the DGAC, who together proved that wake energy retrieval flight technology leveraged in a fello’fly flight can be achieved  without compromising safety. The demonstration also shows how fello’fly operations could significantly boost environmental performance of commercial aircraft and contribute to the aviation industry’s decarbonisation targets in the immediate term.

airBaltic carries 240 300 passengers in October

airBaltic carries 240 300 passengers in October

During October 2021, Latvian airline airBaltic has carried 240 300 passengers – 272% more than during the same period last year. In October 2021, airBaltic performed 3 140 flights.

Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of airBaltic: “Although in aviation autumn months usually mean smaller traffic figures, it is still different this year. For the first time ever, we carried more passengers in October than September. During the upcoming months, we will continue to offer a wide selection of sunny leisure destinations as well as connections to the largest European business hubs.”

During October 2021, the 15-minute flight punctuality indicator for airBaltic reached a level of 87.9%. This means that more than 87 out of every 100 airBaltic flights departed at the planned time or with a delay of no more than 15 minutes.

	October, 2021	October, 2020	Change
Number of passengers	240300	64600	+272%
Number of flights	3140	1530	+104%
15-minute flight punctuality indicator	87.9%	97.7%	-9.8%-points

Currently airBaltic offers more than 70 direct destinations from Riga. In September, airBaltic launched direct flights from Riga to sunny Tenerife (Spain) and Dubai (United Arab Emirates).

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Alaska Airlines promotes Diana Birkett Rakow to senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability

Alaska Airlines has promoted Diana Birkett Rakow to senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability, the carrier has confirmed. "Diana is a strong and purpose-driven leader who recognizes the urgency of this work, and that's why she is the right person to lead our efforts to make Alaska Airlines and the aviation industry more sustainable for the future," said Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci. "We're proud of all we've accomplished on this journey so far, and we're excited about where we're headed in the years ahead."

Birkett Rakow joined Alaska in 2017 and has led the establishment and pursuit of the airline's climate strategy and strengthened Alaska's Environmental Social Governance (ESG) program as a whole. Her previous title was vice president of external relations. In April 2021, the airline announced 2025 ESG goals across the most important areas of impact for the company, including near-term goals to be the most fuel-efficient U.S. airline by 2025. The company also set a five-part path to net zero carbon emissions by 2040, joined the Climate Pledge, and established Alaska Star Ventures to identify and enable technology that can accelerate our path to net zero. That strategy leverages operational best practices and next-generation disruptive technology to transform and reduce the long-term climate impact of aviation.

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First Airbus helicopter flight with 100% sustainable aviation fuel

An Airbus H225 has performed the first-ever helicopter flight with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) powering one of the Safran Makila 2 engines. The flight, which took place at the company’s headquarters in Marignane, marks the start of a flight campaign aiming to assess the impact of unblended SAF on the helicopter systems in view of certifying the use of SAF blends that exceed today’s 50% limit.

“While all Airbus helicopters are certified to fly with up to a 50% blend of SAF mixed with kerosene, it is our Company’s ambition to have its helicopters certified to fly with 100% SAF within the decade. Today’s flight is an important first step towards this goal”, said Stefan Thome, Executive Vice President, Engineering and Chief Technical Officer, Airbus Helicopters.

The flight campaign, which follows earlier unblended SAF bench tests performed by Safran Helicopter Engines at its Bordes plant, will provide further understanding of the technical challenges associated with the use of 100% SAF. The H225 test helicopter flew with an unblended SAF derived from used cooking oil, provided by TotalEnergies, which offers a net 90% CO2 reduction compared to regular jet fuel.

“SAF is an important pillar of Airbus Helicopters’ decarbonisation strategy because it provides immediate CO2 reduction with no negative impact on the performance of the helicopter,” Thome added. “I thank our partners Safran Helicopter Engines and TotalEnergies for their important collaboration in making today’s flight a reality. Further cooperation among all industry stakeholders is essential to overcome the challenges associated with implementing SAF widely and to make real progress in reducing the aviation industry’s CO2 emissions”.

In order to drive the deployment of biofuels, Airbus Helicopters has launched a SAF User Group dedicated to the rotary-wing community. The company has also started using SAF for training and test flights at its French and German sites.

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Catering to diverse Dietary needs, Universal Tourism from Japan.....

Shojin Ryori served at a Buddhist temple on Mount Koya. Shojin Ryori is a Buddhist vegetarian meal introduced to Japan as the influence of Zen Buddhism was spreading throughout the country. ©JNTO (Photo: Business Wire)

Prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of overseas visitors to Japan set a new annual record of 31.9 million in 2019, the eighth straight year of growth.

To help revive this positive trend as global travel resumes, JNTO is promoting the concept of “Universal Tourism”, part of a policy encouraging all tourists—regardless of race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, or impairment—to visit Japan and enjoy a secure and comfortable stay.

We would accordingly like to highlight how Japan’s hospitality sector is planning to welcome overseas visitors with diverse dietary requirements, including vegetarians and vegans, and those with food allergies.

A survey by the Japan Tourism Agency in 2019 showed that eating Japanese food was the activity most overseas visitors looked forward to when visiting the country for the first time, with almost 70% choosing it (with multiple answers permitted).　The latest Michelin Guide shows that Tokyo has the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world – a true culinary paradise.

To help tourists enjoy safe and enjoyable culinary experiences, JNTO is providing information on these for international visitors and tour operators, including restaurant search facilities. This includes A Vegetarian and Vegan Guide to Japan, as well as brochures featuring local vegetarian restaurants. Vegetarian-specialty websites such as Happy Cow and Vegewel introduce local eating spots; other sites such as Google Maps and TripAdvisor as well as Facebook groups provide useful tips for those conducting pre-trip searches.

ASL Aviation Holdings Signs Deal with ZeroAvia for Zero Emission Freight Operations

 

ZeroAvia will scale up its hydrogen-electric propulsion technology, already flight tested in six-seat PAX airframe and currently in advanced R&D for a certifiable 19-seat configuration

ZeroAvia, the leading innovator in hydrogen-electric zero emission powertrains, today announced that it has signed an agreement to partner with ASL Aviation Holdings in developing hydrogen-electric engine conversions for ATR72 aircraft. The project will ultimately include an order with ZeroAvia for converting up to 10 of ASL's owned ATR72 freighter aircraft to hydrogen-electric propulsion, resulting in zero emission cargo operations.

Under the deal, ASL Airlines Ireland will provide a retired ATR72F aircraft for the program development and subsequent use as a demonstrator. ASL will then convert a number of owned aircraft on its freight operations, resulting in the launch of zero-emission hydrogen-electric powered operations for the carrier from 2026 onwards.

ASL Aviation Holdings and ZeroAvia are members of the ASL CargoVision Forum, an initiative to drive innovation and sustainability in the air cargo industry. Working together in this forum, ZeroAvia and ASL aim to use ZeroAvia's new technology to  reduce emissions progressively in the regional sector where connectivity is a critical issue.

Wright Electric Announces Details of Powertrain Development for the Wright Spirit Aircraft

Wright has taken another key step in the development of the world’s first zero-emissions regional jet. On the heels of the Wright Spirit launch announcement, the company has announced the launch of the Joint Technical Assessment Phase (JTAP). The JTAP will build on the work Wright has performed on its megawatt-class propulsion system and with partners.

“The JTAP is an important phase in an aircraft development program,” says Jeff Engler, CEO of Wright Electric. “The role of the JTAP is to define a firm system architecture and operations plan for the megawatt-class powertrain.”

Key deliverables of the JTAP include:

Determining the ultimate architecture, aircraft and technology path for the development aircraft and market entry.

Development & test facilities and location.

Evaluation of the system architecture including selection of energy storage and generation solutions for the power system.

Technical Readiness Level (TRL) of critical path components and working with Wright's Airline Advisory Board (AAB) to determine the best fit for their market requirements.

The JTAP team includes some of the most innovative names in zero-emissions technology including Honeywell and EaglePicher. “Wright is proud of the advances we have made with our megawatt-class system and excited to build on this strategic collaboration,” says Jeff.

Innovation Partners:

airBaltic to showcase Airbus A220 at Dubai Airshow

The Latvian Government-funded airline airBaltic has confirmed it will be taking part in the Dubai Airshow between 14th and 18th November this year. Together with aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the airline will show off its delightful and popular  Airbus A220-300 jet.

Dubai Airshow is one of the largest and most successful air shows in the world, connecting aerospace professionals across all areas of the industry to facilitate successful global trade. It will be the first global airshow since 2019 and the largest aerospace event to take place in 2021.

airBaltic introduced the Airbus A220-300 aircraft into its fleet almost five years ago, back then it was known as the Bombardier CS300 and since then the jets have carried over 6,500,000 passengers. Thus far, most passengers have been carried to such destinations as Amsterdam, Paris, London, and Moscow with the Airbus A220-300’s completing more than 78,246 flights and flown over 175 312 block hours.

According to the airline, the Airbus A220-300 has performed beyond the company’s expectations, delivering better overall performance, fuel efficiency and convenience for both passengers and the staff. This aircraft offers an excellent flying experience with such benefits for passengers as wider seats, larger windows, more hand luggage space in the cabin, improved lavatories and much more.

Jetstar receives vaccinated travel lane approval

Jetstar receives vaccinated travel lane approval

Jetstar has received approval to operate designated Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) services from Melbourne and Darwin to Singapore, starting in December.

Jetstar Airways flights between Melbourne and Singapore will commence from 19 December, offering two-way quarantine-free travel for fully vaccinated Singaporeans, Australians and Australian Permanent Residents.

To celebrate the expansion of Singapore’s VTL scheme to Australia, Jetstar has launched Singapore to Melbourne fares starting as low as SG$168 one way.

In addition, three weekly services from Darwin to Singapore, operated by Jetstar Asia, will commence on 20 December, marking the resumption of Jetstar Asia’s direct link to Australia’s “Top End”.

Singapore to Darwin fares of SG$138 one-way are now available for travel from late January 2022, when quarantine-free travel into the Northern Territory is expected to resume.

Customers outside Singapore wanting to travel to Australia can now connect to Darwin and Melbourne via Singapore’s Changi Airport from services operated by Jetstar’s global network of codeshare and interline partners as well as from across Jetstar Asia’s Southeast Asian network, such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Manila.

New routes to Busan, Tokyo Haneda and Dallas for Finnair next summer

Helsinki based Finnair will be serving nearly 100 destinations in the next summer season as it rapidly expands its schedule to almost pre-pandemic levels the carrier has confirmed.

Also new to the route network will be services to Busan in South Korea, Tokyo Haneda, Dallas in the US, and will also have Sapporo as a summer destination for the first time.  “We look forward to the world continuing opening again,” says Ole Orvér, Chief Commercial Officer, Finnair. “Before the pandemic, Japan was our single largest market outside our home market Finland, and we look forward to returning to all our five destinations in Japan. We are also opening a new route to Busan in South Korea, demonstrating our continuous commitment to offering the best and most sustainable connections between Europe and Asia via our Helsinki hub.”

“We are also pleased to strengthen our network in the US by adding Dallas as a new destination. Our customers will be able to enjoy great connections to other cities in North America through the extensive network of our alliance partner, American Airlines,” says Ole Orvér.

If travel restrictions allow, Finnair will resume service to all the five destinations in Japan it served before the pandemic – Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Sapporo – and launch a new service to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Altogether, Finnair will fly up to 40 weekly flights between Helsinki and Japan in summer 2022. Finnair flies daily to Tokyo Narita and Haneda, offering a total of 14 weekly frequencies to the capital of Japan. Finnair also flies daily to Nagoya and Osaka and will introduce double dailies to Osaka in June.  Finnair’s Sapporo route will be introduced for the summer season for the first time with two weekly frequencies, and Fukuoka in Southern Japan is served with three weekly flights.

Finnair Traffic Performance in October 2021

Clear improvement especially in European passenger traffic figures, although the COVID-19 pandemic impact still visible in October; another excellent month for cargo

In October, Finnair carried 433,300 passengers, which was 330.0% more than in October 2020. The number of passengers in October 2021 was 45.3% more than in September 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 October by 252.8% year-on-year and by 31.6% month-on-month. Finnair operated, on average, 173 daily flights (cargo-only included), which was 130.7% more than in October 2020 and 20.1% more than in September 2021. The differences between capacity figures compared to October 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 419.3% year-on-year and by 51.3% month-on-month. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) increased by 14.9% points to 46.6% year-on-year and by 6.1% points month-on-month.

Virgin Galactic Announces Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Virgin Galactic Holdings has announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021.

“We are entering our fleet enhancement period with a clear roadmap for increasing the durability, reliability and predictability of our vehicles in preparation for commercial service next year,” said Michael Colglazier, Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Galactic. "Demand for space travel is strong, and we've been selling seats ahead of the pace we had planned. This demonstrates the incredible market for our product and appreciation for the value of the unique experience we offer. It's a pivotal time for the Company as we transition from a prototyping space innovator to the global, scaled, commercial operation we are becoming."

Business Highlights:

• Expected start of private astronaut commercial service on track for Q4 2022.
• On July 11, 2021, successfully completed first fully crewed spaceflight, Unity 22. The flight fulfilled several test objectives including evaluating the cabin and customer experience. The livestream was watched by tens of millions around the world and brought in tens of thousands of requests for information on future Virgin Galactic spaceflights.
• In August 2021, opened sales to our Spacefarer community, the group of early hand-raisers who had reserved the right to be first in line for tickets. The Company announced a target of 1,000 reservations prior to the launch of private astronaut commercial service. Approximately 700 of these 1,000 have been sold to date. Current pricing of $450,000 per seat has been well received.
• On October 14, 2021, announced the beginning of planned vehicle enhancement period. This program will increase vehicle service life and flight-rate capability in preparation for commercial service.
• In October 2021, the Company entered into a lease agreement for a new design and collaboration centre where the next-generation vehicles will be designed and engineered.

Third Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights:

• Cash position remains strong at approximately $1.0 billion, which includes cash and cash equivalents of $721 million and marketable securities of $286 million as of September 30, 2021.
• In July 2021, the Company completed an “at-the-market” equity offering program (the “ATM Offering”). In connection with the ATM Offering, the Company filed a prospectus supplement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to offer and sell up to $500 million of shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time. The Company ultimately generated $500 million in gross proceeds through the sale of approximately 13.7 million shares of common stock. The Company intends to use the net proceeds generated from the ATM Offering for general corporate purposes, with a priority on the expansion of its spaceship fleet.
• GAAP selling, general, and administrative expenses of $50 million, compared to $31 million in the third quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses of $40 million in the third quarter of 2021, compared to $24 million in the third quarter of 2020.
• GAAP research and development expenses of $36 million, compared to $46 million in the third quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP research and development expenses of $31 million in the third quarter of 2021, compared to $41 million in the third quarter of 2020.
• Adjusted EBITDA totalled $(68) million, compared to $(66) million in the third quarter of 2020.
• Net loss of $48 million, compared to a $92 million net loss in the third quarter of 2020.
• Cash paid for capital expenditures totalled $1 million, compared to $4 million in the third quarter of 2020.

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Finnair to fly to nearly 100 destinations in summer 2022 – opens new routes to Busan, Tokyo Haneda and Dallas

Finnair is preparing for the continued expected gradual opening of Asia, and plans to serve nearly 100 destinations in Asia, the US and Europe during the summer season, which begins on 27 March 2022. Finnair will open new long-haul routes to Busan in South Korea, Tokyo Haneda, Dallas in the US, and will also have Sapporo as a summer destination for the first time.

“We look forward to the world continuing opening again,” says Ole Orvér, Chief Commercial Officer, Finnair. “Before the pandemic, Japan was our single largest market outside our home market Finland, and we look forward to returning to all our five destinations in Japan. We are also opening a new route to Busan in South Korea, demonstrating our continuous commitment to offering the best and most sustainable connections between Europe and Asia via our Helsinki hub.”

“We are also pleased to strengthen our network in the US by adding Dallas as a new destination. Our customers will be able to enjoy great connections to other cities in North America through the extensive network of our alliance partner, American Airlines,” says Ole Orvér.

If travel restrictions allow, Finnair will resume service to all the five destinations in Japan it served before the pandemic – Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Sapporo – and launch a new service to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Altogether, Finnair will fly up to 40 weekly flights between Helsinki and Japan in summer 2022. Finnair flies daily to Tokyo Narita and Haneda, offering a total of 14 weekly frequencies to the capital of Japan. Finnair also flies daily to Nagoya and Osaka and will introduce double dailies to Osaka in June.  Finnair’s Sapporo route will be introduced for the summer season for the first time with two weekly frequencies, and Fukuoka in Southern Japan is served with three weekly flights.

Finnair connects customers to key Asian megacities, flying to Shanghai and daily to Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore and Bangkok. Finnair offers daily flights to Delhi as of June. The new Busan route in South Korea will be launched in March with three weekly frequencies.

In North America, Finnair will fly to Chicago, Los Angeles and New York, and open a route to Dallas as a new destination. Dallas will be added to the network as of 7 February 2022 and will be operated four times a week, with excellent connections to Finnair’s partner American Airlines’ network.

As intercontinental traffic grows, Finnair will also strengthen its European network from Helsinki with smooth connections to more than 70 European cities, including new destinations Zagreb and Larnaca. Finnair offers double daily flights to cities like Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Vienna, Zürich, Gdansk and Milan, and even more daily frequencies to Paris, London, Berlin, Warsaw, Brussels, St Petersburg as well as the Scandinavian and Baltic cities.

The Helsinki Airport is expanding, with the new Terminal 2 entrance, arrivals hall and travel centre with the new parking and public transportation arrangements opening in December 2021, and new security control and check-in area opening in summer 2022. The expansion of the airport further supports the Finnair customer experience with smooth and reliable transfers at Helsinki.

 “We look forward to being able to serve more customers in a more personal way. I also look forward to updating you on some additional destinations and routes within the coming weeks,” finishes Ole Orvér.

All Finnair products can be found on Finnair.com and the company's mobile application.

Finnair’s summer 2022 destinations

Finland	Europe	Asia & Middle East	USA
Kittilä	Alicante	Bangkok	Dallas
Ivalo	Amsterdam	Busan	Chicago
Kuopio	Antalya	Delhi	Los Angeles
Kuusamo	Barcelona	Fukuoka	New York
Mariehamn	Bergen	Hong Kong
Oulu	Berlin	Nagoya
Rovaniemi	Billund	Osaka
Tampere	Bologna	Sapporo
Turku	Brussels	Seoul
Vaasa	Budapest	Shanghai
	Chania	Singapore
	Copenhagen	Tel Aviv
	Dublin	Tokyo Haneda
	Dubrovnik	Tokyo Narita
	Düsseldorf
	Edinburgh
	Frankfurt
	Funchal
	Gazipasa
	Gdansk
	Geneva
	Göteborg
	Hamburg
	Iraklion
	Krakow
	Larnaca
	Lisbon
	Ljubljana
	London
	Madrid
	Malaga
	Manchester
	Moscow
	Munich
	Naples
	Nice
	Oslo
	Palma de Mallorca
	Porto
	Prague
	Reykjavik
	Rhodes
	Riga
	Rome
	Santorini
	Split
	St. Petersburg
	Stockholm Arlanda
	Stockholm Bromma
	Tallinn
	Tartu
	Tromso
	Trondheim
	Warsaw
	Venice
	Verona
	Vienna
	Vilnius
	Visby
	Zagreb
	Zurich

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Qantas Airbus A380 returns to Australia after 593 days away.....

A familiar and hard-to-miss sight will return to Australian skies soon now that one of Qantas’ iconic A380 aircraft has returned to Australia to get ready for commercial operations, 593 days after it departed Australian shores.

Hudson Fysh, named after one of Qantas’ founders, is expected to touch down at Sydney Airport around 3.00pm more than 19 hours after it departed Dresden, Germany. The aircraft recently underwent scheduled maintenance for a new landing gear, after spending the best part of two years in storage during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Its early return comes as the airline gears up for the first two of the superjumbos to return to service in April 2022, following strong demand for international travel, particularly on key routes to Los Angeles and London.

Qantas has taken close to half a million domestic bookings in the past two weeks, compared with around 20,000 in a two-week period in August.

Jetstar’s recent international sale saw 75,000 seats sold in 72 hours.

Demand for seats on Qantas’ London to Sydney service has been extremely strong, with Aussies reuniting with family and friends in time for Christmas and more flights added as a result.

Originally expected to remain in long term storage in the Californian desert until the end of 2023, Qantas has since announced that five A380s with upgraded cabins would return ahead of schedule with two to operate flights to Los Angeles from April 2022 and three to operate flights to London from November 2022.

The airline is now working to further accelerate the return of the A380s, with superjumbo flights to London brought forward to July 2022. In addition, a sixth aircraft will arrive before the end of the calendar year 2022, with the remaining four A380s expected to return to service by early 2024.

Hudson Fysh will undergo additional maintenance checks in Australia before taking to the skies again in the coming weeks as part of crew training.

Qantas Chief Pilot Captain Richard Tobiano said it was a terrific day, not just for Qantas crew but also passengers who love flying onboard the national carrier’s flagship aircraft.

“The A380 is a fantastic aircraft and we are very excited to welcome it home today. The early return is symbolic of how quickly demand for international travel has bounced back and this aircraft will play a key role in preparing our crew to return to A380 flying operations in the new year.

“Many of our crew have found other jobs during the pandemic doing everything from working in vaccination hubs and hospital wards to driving buses and tractors, and painting houses.

“Over the next few months, pilots will undergo an extensive retraining period including simulator sessions, training flights and classroom courses to prepare for take-off.”

While it wasn’t flying during the pandemic, the aircraft was cared for by Qantas engineers who carried out regular inspections before it flew to Dresden earlier this year.

Delta delivers more destinations and premium in-flight experiences to Europe next summer

• Delta to offer the most trans-Atlantic flights from New York-JFK and Boston
• Delta Premium Select experience offered on every European flight for the first time
• More cities to rediscover with service restored to Brussels, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Munich, Prague and Zurich

Customers planning next summer’s European vacation will discover more routes, premium seats and destinations in 2022, including a significant restoration of service in which Delta will offer the most flights to Europe from New York-JFK and Boston.

And those looking to kickstart their trip with a more elevated onboard experience can indulge in Delta Premium Select, as every European flight will boast the premium economy cabin for the first time since its debut in 2017.

“We’re focused on bringing back the routes and destinations our customers love, so they enjoy easy, convenient access to a comprehensive, far-reaching network throughout Europe and its neighboring regions,” said Joe Esposito, Delta’s S.V.P. – Network Planning. “With the lifting of restrictions to the U.S. and abroad, plus growing vaccination rates and tremendous pent-up demand, travel to Europe is expected to surge next summer – and Delta customers are assured to enjoy every moment from curb to claim.”

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As the largest trans-Atlantic carrier from New York-JFK and Boston, Delta’s summer 2022 schedule will jump 90% in additional capacity across the pond, compared with summer 2021. In total, Delta plans to operate up to 73 daily flights to 25 destinations from 10 U.S. gateway cities. Including Delta’s partners Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic, customers have even more nonstop options to begin their travels with a total of 21 U.S. cities.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport and EMMA Systems Collaborate to Implement an Airport Operations Management Platform

This AI platform will help the airport comply with EUROCONTROL’s A-CDM requirements and will provide extensive functionality for the real-time monitoring of operations.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport (BSCA), Belgium’s second-largest airport in terms of passenger traffic, and EMMA Systems, a provider of operations management solutions for airports, have agreed to collaborate to jointly configure, test and commission an airport operations management platform (with A-CDM functionality) at BSCA. EMMA System’s platform will help BSCA increase the predictability of operations, reduce delays, conserve fuel and decrease operational costs.

“We look forward to working closely with EMMA Systems to develop a best-in-class A-CDM approach and leverage the power of EMMA’s cutting-edge technology towards reaching new levels of efficiency and sustainability within our operations,” stated Philippe Verdonck, Chief Executive Officer at Brussels South Charleroi Airport.

American Airlines and JetBlue’s Northeast Alliance Will Give Customers Access to the Largest Flight Schedule on the Most Connected Network in 2022

The NEA has increased competition, created the most frequencies in New York and is transforming business travel in high-frequency markets

• The NEA has created the largest flight schedule in New York and Boston than any other airline, offering consumers more flight choices in 60 markets from New York and 49 markets from Boston.
• In December, American and JetBlue will offer lie-flat seats on all transcontinental routes from New York and Boston, offering the most lie-flat seats of any airline for a premium travel experience from the Northeast.
• In 2022, the NEA has 18 new international routes launched or planned to meet increased travel demand.
• American is introducing Main Select, which will provide business customers more flexibility, convenience and comfort starting on flights in the Northeast, and then throughout its network.

In 2022, customers will experience the full benefits of the Northeast Alliance (NEA) between American Airlines and JetBlue, including the most flight choices in dozens of markets from New York and Boston, lie-flat seats on all transcontinental routes and a robust international network. In addition, American will reimagine business travel in 2022 with the launch of Main Select for business travellers.

“The NEA is open for business, providing customers the most frequencies in New York, the best routes across key business markets and reciprocal status benefits,” American’s Chief Revenue Officer Vasu Raja said. “With lie-flat seats offered in all transcontinental markets and a robust international network that includes the launch of 10 new routes, the NEA is spurring competition in New York and transforming travel beyond the northeast.”

The innovative alliance between American and JetBlue continues to increase competition in the Northeast.

"The NEA has already supercharged competition in the Northeast by providing more choices and better service for customers,” said Scott Laurence, head of Revenue and Planning at JetBlue. “We were able to deliver on more consumer benefits, including most recently, more JetBlue flying out of LaGuardia than ever before, and reciprocal elite benefits.”

The easiest way to travel the East Coast

The NEA has created more frequencies in New York than any other airline, offering consumers access to nearly 60 markets, and more than 48 markets from Boston. And with a retimed 2022 schedule in high-frequency markets such as from Boston (BOS) to Washington, D.C. (DCA) and New York (LGA) to DCA, the NEA will offer customers the most convenient service on key business routes.

Recently, JetBlue added its code to several international flights on American’s network and continues to add its code to further domestic and international flights.

Fly The Whale Now Offering Private On Demand Flights Throughout Florida and The Bahamas

Fly the Whale, a US Part 135 Scheduled Air Carrier is now offering private on demand flights from the Company’s new base at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) with great access to The Bahamas as well as flights to all intra Florida destinations.

Fly the Whale’s southern fleet is comprised of three Cessna C208 EX Caravan seaplanes and two standard Caravans. The standard aircraft can accommodate up to nine guests and the seaplanes up to eight. Safety is the top priority at Fly the Whale and all private charters are flown with two pilots with extensive training and experience that meet ARGUS requirements. Service is top notch with our friendly, professional flight crew and expert sales specialists ready to handle travel quotes all delivered with Style.

“All of us at Fly the Whale are excited to have begun warm weather operations from our new base at FXE in Ft. Lauderdale,” said Omer ErSelcuk, President of Fly the Whale. “We have two aircraft in place and will add three more over the next few weeks to meet peak Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s demand. While our base is FXE, we’ll be available for charters throughout the state as well as flights to and from The Bahamas. Fly The Whale’s number one asset is our team, from maintenance, dispatch, sales and our highly experienced flight crews. When you are ready to fly, we fly with Safety, Service, and Style.”

At FXE, Fly the Whale will be based at the W Aviation FBO conveniently located in the heart of the City’s Uptown Business District, and only minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport features an array of outstanding amenities including a 24- hour FAA Air Traffic Control Tower, US Customs and Border Protection facility, 24-hour Aircraft. Rescue and Firefighting services, 24-hour airport security, a Fort Lauderdale Police Substation, and four Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) that make traveling with Fly the Whale convenient and seamless for destinations within Florida and throughout The Bahamas.

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Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Announces Five New Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham Hotels In Oregon

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,000 hotels across nearly 95 countries – announced today an agreement with developer Matt Braun of Braun Hospitality, LLC for five new Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham hotels in Oregon. These hotels join the approximately 300 Microtel hotels across the United States, and over 80 Microtel properties in the company’s U.S. pipeline.

The agreement provides for new Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham properties in the exciting  Oregon growth markets of Florence, Ashland, Salem, Bend and Hood River. Braun Hospitality, the hotels’ ownership, will provide the development oversight and expertise for the planning, design, entitlement, and construction management of the five new properties.

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ashland

• Will offer 86 rooms in a popular four-season recreational and arts-centric destination nestled at the base of the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain ranges. Home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland is a cultural hotspot with award-winning galleries, theatres, and restaurants.

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Florence

• Located near Oregon’s coastal playground of miles of beaches and rolling sand dunes and just one hour west of Eugene-Springfield, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Florence will feature 81 rooms in this go-to getaway destination for rest, relaxation, and recreation.

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salem

• Set in Oregon’s capital city, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salem will feature 74 rooms in this city known for its vibrant downtown, museums, and historic sites, surrounded by green pastures and scenic vistas.

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hood River

• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hood River will provide the perfect location for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Guests of the 86-room hotel can enjoy nearby hiking, mountain biking, skiing, windsurfing, kite boarding and rafting, as well as an eclectic mix of downtown restaurants, bakeries, breweries, wineries, shops, and galleries.

Microtel Inn & Suites Bend

• With both outdoor pursuits and pristine beauty, Bend, Ore. offers everything from award-winning restaurants to alpine sports and ancient lava tubes. Microtel Inn & Suites Bend will feature 86 rooms conveniently located for travellers visiting the city’s art galleries, the High Desert Museum, or trekking the legendary Bend Ale Trail, the largest beer trail in the west.

Chapman Freeborn and Volga-Dnepr Airlines transport six helicopters from Greece to Australia

Chapman Freeborn and Volga-Dnepr Airlines have successfully collaborated with McDermott Aviation to demobilise helicopters from Greece. This most recent operation involved the repatriation of 6 McDermott Aviation Bell 214B helicopters to Australia on an AN124 aircraft.

The helicopters, totalling 35 tonnes, were flown individually into Athens Airport (ATH) by a single pilot who landed them on the tarmac prior to them being dismantled airside and exported as IATA-compliant air cargo. Usually exports would take place within a cargo terminal, however the Bell 214Bs’ exceptional versatility enables a level of mobility that is invaluable when dealing with complex load planning, airport coordination and constraints pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Loading onto the AN124 was executed with the help of Volga-Dnepr’s internal cranes, external equipment and the highly-specialised expertise of Volga-Dnepr and McDermott Aviation crew.

It is a rare occurrence and colossal achievement for 6 helicopters to be transported in one aircraft simultaneously, and the success of this charter required all parties involved to embrace this challenging and dynamic situation. The Chapman Freeborn team worked closely with experts including McDermott’s helicopter engineers, Volga-Dnepr’s loadmaster and other crew from both organisations comprising of 24 people in total, to seamlessly coordinate the operation.

The team also navigated complexities presented by COVID-19 to ensure PCR tests, vaccinations and COVID-safe procedures were all prioritised.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, this important and rare charter meant that the 6 helicopters arrived punctually at Perth Airport (PER).