ALC orders 111 Airbus aircraft - 25 A220-300s, 55 A321neos, 20 A321XLRs, 4 A330neos and 7 A350Fs

Air Lease Corporation has signed a Letter of Intent covering all Airbus Families, highlighting the power of the company’s full product range. The agreement is for 25 A220-300s, 55 A321neos, 20 A321XLRs, four A330neos and includes seven A350Fs. The order which will be finalised in the coming months, makes the Los Angeles based ALC one of Airbus’ largest customers and lessor with the biggest A220 order book. Founded in 2010, ALC has ordered a total of 496 Airbus aircraft to date.

With this order, ALC and Airbus are launching a multi-million dollar ESG fund initiative that will contribute towards investment into sustainable aviation development projects that will in the future be opened to multiple stakeholders from the aircraft leasing and financing community and beyond.

Joint creation of a sustainability fund to foster industry decarbonisation solutions

“This new order announcement is the culmination of many months of hard work and dedication by both organizations to optimize and fine-tune the size and scope of this large aircraft transaction in view of the rapidly growing global airline demand to modernize their jet fleets through the ALC leasing medium,” said Steven F Udvar-Hazy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “After lengthy and detailed consultations with several dozen of our strategic airline customers around the world, we are focusing this comprehensive order on the most desirable and in-demand aircraft types, covering the A220, A321neo, A330neo and A350 families. ALC is an international Market Leader in each of these categories of the most modern Airbus product lineup. These multi-year additions of new technology aircraft assets to ALC’s expanding portfolio will allow us to grow our revenues and profitability while satisfying our airline customer requirements.”

Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) achieves connectivity in trial

Airbus and NTT DOCOMO, INC. have demonstrated the ability to use its solar-powered Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) to deliver future wireless broadband connectivity. The trial took place in the United States in August when the Zephyr S aircraft undertook approx. 18-day stratospheric flights to test various capabilities.

Carrying an onboard radio transmitter, the Zephyr S provided an agile datalink during a stratospheric flight to simulate future direct-to-device connectivity. Test data was captured at different altitudes and at different times of day and night, focusing on assessing how connectivity is affected in the stratosphere by factors including weather conditions, different elevation angles and aircraft flight patterns.

Tests included various bandwidths to simulate direct-to-device service from the HAPS to end-users using low, nominal and high throughput.  The demonstration confirmed the viability and versatility of the 2GHz spectrum for HAPS-based services and also the use of a narrow (450MHz) band to provide connectivity in a range of up to 140km.

The measurement and analysis of the propagation of radio waves transmitted from Zephyr demonstrated the feasibility of stratospheric communications to devices such as smartphones. Based on the results of this experiment, Airbus and NTT DOCOMO aims to provide communication services to mountainous areas, remote islands, and maritime areas where radio waves are difficult to reach.　

Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing sign agreement for landing gear exchange for 787 aircraft.

At the Dubai Air Show, Boeing signed a memorandum of understanding with Ethiopian  Airlines that will help the airline to bring cost savings to its maintenance operations with  Boeing's 787 landing gear exchange program.  

“As the fastest growing airline in Africa, much of our success depends on our ability to seek out new ways to drive operational efficiency in our processes,” said Tewolde  GebreMariam, Group Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Airlines. “As the commercial  airline market continues to recover, we believe these services offered by Boeing provide  a reliable way to realize more stability and predictability in managing our overall  maintenance operations and costs across our fleet.”

With the landing gear exchange program, Boeing will guarantee availability of 29 landing gear shipsets wherever and whenever they are needed to support the Ethiopian 787 fleet, enabling more efficient and cost-effective maintenance operations. 

Eight aircraft and support contract for Textron Aviation Defense

Textron Aviation Defense announced a $143 million contract with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) for an Integrated System in support of the 41st Wing light attack operations at Chiang Mai Air Base. The historic contract — for eight Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine aircraft, ground support equipment, spare parts, training and other equipment — establishes Thailand as the international launch customer for the USAF’s latest light attack aircraft. The work in support of this procurement will take place at the company’s Wichita, Kansas facilities.

“We are honoured the Royal Thai Air Force has competitively selected the Beechcraft AT-6 to conduct a broad array of missions in support of its border security and its anti-smuggling, counter-narcotics and anti-human trafficking operations,” said Thomas Hammoor, president and chief executive officer of Textron Aviation Defense LLC. “The RTAF is a key U.S. security ally and operator of one of the most advanced air forces in Asia Pacific. Its extensive market research and stringent procurement process sought the alignment of best cost, schedule, and performance to replace its existing fleet of aging Aero L-39 Albatros aircraft and advance the capabilities of its fleet with the latest technology.”

From left to right: Thomas Hammoor, president and chief executive officer of Textron Aviation Defense LLC, hosts the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Air Marshal Pongsawat Jantasarn, Chairman of the RTAF Procurement Committee, for the signing of the official Thai contract procuring a fleet of 12 Beechcraft AT-6TH aircraft. Witnessing the contract signing are Thomas Webster, Textron Aviation Defense regional sales director for Asia Pacific, and RTAF Air Chief Marshal Chanon Mungthanya. (Photo: Business Wire)

The contract for the AT-6 — designated the Beechcraft AT-6TH in Thailand — supports the modernization and interoperability objectives at the forefront of the mutual defense cooperation between the U.S. and Thailand. The contract also contributes to the growth of Thailand’s aerospace industry detailed in the 10-year Royal Thai Air Force Purchase and Development (P&D) Plan, complies with requirements set forth by the Thai National Anti-Corruption Committee (ACC) and empowers RTAF light attack aircrew with a vital technological advantage.

“RTAF pilots and concerned parties found the attributes of the AT-6 procurement program extremely favorable,” stated AM Pongsawat Jantasarn, RTAF’s chairman of the procurement committee. “It will also benefit both Thai and U.S. mutual interests, strengthening the enduring strategic partnership between our nations.”

The contract signing, witnessed by RTAF Air Chief Marshal Chanon Mungthanya, aligns the procurement with the Thai government’s S-Curve 11 strategy — a program that pioneers development of the Thai domestic defense industry, cultivates diversity and supports involvement across foreign and Thai companies.

The Beechcraft AT-6TH becomes the second RTAF procurement contracted in support of S-Curve 11. The first procurement under the new strategy was the Beechcraft T-6TH Texan II, awarded in 2020. The Ministry of Defense supports the S-Curve 11 strategy and the two procurements.

Textron Aviation Defense training of RTAF maintenance professionals is set to begin in Thailand in 2023, while pilot training is set to begin in Wichita in 2024. The Beechcraft AT-6TH will join the Royal Thai fleet in 2024.

United adds flights to CES 2022

             In response to feedback from its business customers and an uptick in demand, United Airlines is expanding its schedule to make it easier for CES 2022 attendees to join the in-person show in Las Vegas. The airline is adding 14 new direct flights in early January between Las Vegas and San Jose, Calif., Boston, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, and is also adding 30 flights from its hub airports in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, and Washington D.C./Dulles. This represents a capacity increase of 37% compared to its usual January schedule to Las Vegas.

"The return of in-person conferences and events is a very positive sign in the pandemic recovery, and United is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this increase in demand," said Ankit Gupta, senior vice president of Domestic Planning and United Express. "We're adding about 80% of the capacity we did for CES in 2020, demonstrating that business travel is on the rebound and our customers are eager to reunite with clients and colleagues."

Between Oct. 27 and Nov. 9, searches on United.com for flights to Las Vegas during CES 2022 were up 70% compared to the prior two-week period. And according to a recent survey of United's business customers, nearly 20% say they expect travel to meetings and conferences will exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2022.

United will fly 81 flights into Las Vegas during the peak arrival days of January 3-4, and 109 flights on the peak departure days of January 8-10. New flights include:

8 direct flights from San Jose, Calif.

6 direct flights from Fort Lauderdale, Boston and Orlando

15 additional flights from San Francisco, and 9 flights on a larger aircraft

8 additional flights from Los Angeles, and 4 flights on a larger aircraft

5 additional flights from Washington D.C./Dulles

2 additional flights from New York/Newark

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Oman Air, Qatar Airways Announce Reciprocal Loyalty Partnership

Members of Oman Air Sindbad Programme and Qatar Airways Privilege Club can now earn and redeem miles for travel on both airlines between Muscat and Doha in either direction

Oman Air, the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, and Qatar Airways, the national airline of the State of Qatar, have signed a reciprocal loyalty partnership where members of Oman Air Sindbad and Qatar Airways Privilege Club can earn loyalty miles for travel on both airlines between Muscat and Doha exclusively, in either direction. With this partnership Sindbad members can earn Sindbad miles on Qatar Airways flights on the sector; reciprocally, Privilege Club members can earn Qmiles on Oman Air flights. Members of both loyalty programs will be able to redeem their miles for flights on either airline between the two cities.

“The strong relationship between Oman Air and Qatar Airways offers a world of exciting travel possibilities and we’re delighted that our Sindbad members can now earn and redeem Sindbad miles for travel on Qatar Airways between Muscat and Doha,” said Oman Air CEO Eng. Abdulaziz Al Raisi. “We’re equally delighted to welcome Qatar Airways Privilege Club members on board Oman Air flights on the popular sector, where they can earn and spend Qmiles.”

Winners of the 2021 Historic Hotels of America Awards of Excellence and Winners of the Historic Hotels Worldwide Awards of Excellence Announced.

Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide are pleased to announce the winners of the 2021 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence. The Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence recognize and celebrate the finest historic hotels and hoteliers from across the United States of America and from around the world.

Recipients were honoured at a special evening Ceremony and Gala at The American Club Resort Hotel on Thursday, November 11. Awards were presented before an audience of more than 200 industry leaders, owners, senior management, and representatives of the finest historic hotels. Nineteen Historic Hotels of America Awards of Excellence were given in multiple categories ranging from Historic Hotels of America Hotelier of the Year, Historic Hotels of America Hotel Historian of the Year, Historic Hotels of America Best Historic Resort, Historic Hotels of America Lifetime Achievement, and others. Three Historic Hotels Worldwide Awards of Excellence were presented for Historic Hotels Worldwide Best Historic Hotel in Europe, Historic Hotels Worldwide Best Historic Hotel in Asia and the Pacific, and Historic Hotels Worldwide Best Historic Hotel in the Americas.

The winners were selected from nominee finalists representing many of the most legendary and iconic historic hotels. The 2021 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence Nominee Finalists were nominated by historic hotels, preservation supporters, prior award recipients, community leaders, and leadership from Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. As official programs of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (in the United States), Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide provide the recognition to travellers, civic leaders, and the global cultural, heritage, and historic travel market that member hotels are among the finest historic hotels across the United States of America and around the world. The Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence program recognizes the pinnacle of this distinct group of nominees in a range of categories.

Spanish Ministry of Defence signs order for three Airbus A330 MRTT

The Spanish Ministry of Defence has signed the formal order for the acquisition of three Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft (MRTT).

Under the agreement, the handover of the first aircraft in transport configuration is scheduled in the coming days, followed by its conversion to MRTT in 2024. The handover of the first fully converted aircraft is scheduled in 2023 and the third and final unit in 2025.

The contract covers associated support such as spares, ground support equipment, training and in-service support until the end of the contract.

The aircraft, acquired from Iberia, will be converted into military tanker transport at Airbus’ Spanish headquarters in Getafe, Spain. It will be equipped with a state-of-the-art hose & drogue refuelling system and a specific Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) kit. The A330 MRTT fleet will be operated by the Spanish Air Force 45 Wing, based in Torrejón Air Base (Madrid).

‘With the addition of A330 MRTT to its fleet, the Spanish Air Force acquires a key and proven new capability, that will enhance and support overseas operations, as well as medevac missions, on which the aircraft played a key role during the Covid-19 pandemic crisis worldwide,’ said Jean-Brice Dumont, Executive Vice President Military Aircraft at Airbus.

The A330 MRTT is the only next-generation strategic tanker and transport aircraft flying and available today. The large 111 tonnes / 245,000 lb basic fuel capacity of the successful A330-200 airliner, from which it is derived, enables the A330 MRTT to excel in Air-to-Air Refuelling missions without the need for additional fuel tanks.

Thanks to its wide-body fuselage, the A330 MRTT can also be used as a dedicated transport aircraft able to carry up to 300 troops, or a payload of up to 45 tonnes/99,000 lb. It can also easily be converted to accommodate light and intensive care stations for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC).

With more than 250,000 flight hours achieved, the A330 MRTT counts 51 deliveries to 13 customers.

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Oman Air resumes services to Kuala Lumpur, Munich and Zurich this winter and adds a suite of travel add-ons to make passing through Muscat a breeze.

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has updated its winter schedule reflecting frequency increases and flight resumptions. Among reinstated destinations are Munich, Zurich and Kuala Lumpur, based on the flight schedules below:

Munich:

Starting from 1 December 2021

Flight no.	To	Departure	To	Arrival	Days
WY123	Muscat	15:00	Munich	18:50	Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
WY124	Munich	21:45	Muscat	06:50 +1

 

Zurich

Starting from 1 December 2021

Flight no.	To	Departure	To	Arrival	Days
WY153	Muscat	14:55	Zurich	19:05	Wednesday & Friday
WY154	Zurich	21:35	Muscat	06:50 +1

 

Kuala Lumpur

Starting from 4 December 2021

Flight no.	To	Departure	To	Arrival	Days
WY821	Muscat	21:15	Kuala Lumpur	08:10 +1	Tuesday & Thursday
WY822	Kuala Lumpur	09:40	Muscat	12:50	Wednesday & Friday
WY823	Muscat	08:45	Kuala Lumpur	19:40	Saturday, Thursday
WY824	Kuala Lumpur	21:05	Muscat	00:15 +1

Oman Air will maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey to ensure that guests fly confidently. Masks are required when guests are onboard the aircraft and in Oman's airports. Distancing is maintained while guests board and exit the aircraft, which are carefully cleaned after each flight and at the end of every day. Meal service has been modified to further ensure safety, and a number of other measures have been implemented to ensure that the airline's guests and crew are safe at all times.

Guests who are planning to travel to Muscat should visit the Civil Aviation Authority website, caa.gov.om, to ensure they are prepared to comply with requirements to enter the Sultanate.

Guests travelling to Germany, Switzerland and Malaysia, as well as all other destinations on Oman Air’s network, should ensure they are aware of official requirements to enter or transit through their destination.  

Oman Air Introduces Suite of Travel Add-ons

United Arab Emirates orders two additional Airbus A330 MRTT

The United Arab Emirates Air Force & Air Defence has formally ordered two additional Airbus A330 Multirole Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft increasing the country’s MRTT fleet up to five aircraft.

With deliveries starting in 2024, this agreement will also cover the upgrade of the country’s current A330MRTT fleet to the latest enhanced version.

‘Since its entry into service in 2013 with the UAE Air Force, the A330 MRTT has delivered much more than initially expected, meeting our customer’s operational needs. This repeat order, added to the growing MRTT customer base, confirms the suitability of our platform as the world’s tanker of reference’, said Bernhard Brenner, Executive Vice President Marketing and Sales at Airbus Defence and Space.

The A330 MRTT combines the advanced technology of a new generation tanker with the operational experience established over more than 250,000 in-service flight hours. The A330 MRTT is interoperable with receivers worldwide and delivers true multi-role capabilities, proven most recently during the recent MEDEVAC and strategic transport missions during the COVID-19 crisis.

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Massive Airbus order for Indigo Partners portfolio of airlines - 255 A321neo family aircraft

Indigo Partners, the private equity fund focused on worldwide investments in air transportation and based in Phoenix, Arizona has confirmed a massive order for its airlines from European planemaker Airbus.

Jointly, the airlines will order an additional 255 Airbus A321neo family of aircraft in a special deal that was inked at the Dubai Airshow. With this new commitment,  the total number of aircraft ordered by the Indigo Partners’ airlines will climb to 1,145.

Wizz Air: 102 aircraft (75 A321neo + 27 A321XLR)

Frontier: 91 aircraft (A321neo)

Volaris: 39 aircraft (A321neo)

JetSMART: 23 aircraft (21 A321neo + 2 A321XLR)

In addition to this order, Volaris and JetSMART will upconvert 38 A320neo to A321neo from their existing aircraft backlogs.

“This order reaffirms our portfolio airlines’ commitment to consistent growth through the next decade. The Airbus A321neo and A321XLR have industry-leading efficiency, low unit costs and a substantially reduced carbon footprint relative to prior models. With these aircraft, Wizz, Frontier, Volaris and JetSMART will continue to offer low fares, stimulate the markets they serve and improve their industry-leading sustainability profile,” said Bill Franke, Managing Partner of Indigo Partners.

“We are happy to further expand our relationship with our great Indigo Partners’ airlines Wizz, Frontier, Volaris and JetSMART who have acted fast and decisively over the last few months to position themselves for this landmark order as the effect of the pandemic recedes and the world wants more sustainable flying,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

The A321neo incorporates new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver more than 25 percent fuel and CO 2 savings, as well as a 50 percent noise reduction. The A321XLR version provides a further range extension to 4,700nm. This gives the A321XLR a flight time of up to 11 hours, with passengers benefitting throughout the trip from Airbus’ award-winning Airspace interior, which brings the latest cabin technology to the A320 Family.

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Sustainability in the Aviation sector

Photo John Mcarthur / unsplash

The aviation industry is the safest mode of transportation in the world. Since its origin, the aviation sector has been constantly growing by delivering unrivalled speed and safety. The first sustained flight was accomplished in the United States; soon after, the notion of the controlled flight was shared with industrialists, and aircraft manufacture in the United States started. Military and cargo transportation were the first applications of aeroplanes. In the United States, the aviation industry began in the second decade of the twentieth century.

However, expansion was sluggish, and aircraft industries remained limited until the United States Federal Government began to meet the demands generated by World War I. Aeroplanes demonstrated their strength and dominance by performing successfully during World War II, and they were swiftly adopted by several commercial organisations. Aeroplanes size increased, as did the amount of cargo and people carried, and with the adoption of gas turbine engines in aircraft, air travel expanded beyond continents. With growth in passenger demand, the number of flights each day grew, and the quantity of pollution began to climb. Regulations were adopted by regulatory agencies operating within the law to increase sustainability by reducing pollution from aviation activities.

Types of pollution 

Noise Pollution 

Aircraft noise may affect residents who live near airports. For years, the sector has attempted to reduce noise, with remarkable success: noise levels have been reduced by half in the previous 10 years. Each new aircraft generation is anticipated to have a noise footprint that is at least 15% lower than prior generations. The largest cause of noise pollution from airports is aircraft; however, additional noises generated by airports include equipment noise produced by ground vehicles and electrical generators.

An individual aircraft's Effective Perceived Noise Level at takeoff and landing defines its loudness (EPNL). It is evaluated when the aircraft is initially placed into operation and is used to track noise improvement over time. The earlier generation Boeing 737-400, for example, would have a higher noise level than the newer generation Boeing 737 Max 8. In 2013, the International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO, the United Nations' intergovernmental aviation organisation, implemented Chapter 14, a new noise reduction standard. According to the regulation, modern aircraft models must be at least seven decibels quieter than those constructed to the previous Chapter 4 standard. This assures that future aircraft will be equipped with the most advanced noise-cancelling equipment. ICAO also believes that between 1998 and 2004, the number of people globally exposed to aeroplane noise reduced by 35%. Sustainable aviation is the goal of aviation world where UK is looking to achieve net-zero emissions, so these practices are now part of aviation courses. 

The amount of air passing through the engines, the surface area of the engine's fan blades, the engine's placement on the airframe, and even the number and size of flaps that aid in wing shape alterations have all been thoroughly investigated. Aircraft designers, manufacturers, and regulatory authorities worked together to tackle aviation noise pollution. After identifying separate sources of noise pollution, designers looked into several factors that contribute to the overall noise produced by flights. To combat noise pollution, aircraft designers, manufacturers, and regulatory agencies came together. Designers examined several aspects that contribute to the overall noise produced by aeroplanes after finding distinct causes of noise pollution. The majority of the noise comes from aircraft engines, but general aerodynamics was also a significant concern. Aircraft engines produce most of the noise while overall aerodynamics was also a major concern. To boost aerodynamic efficiency, designers and manufacturers made several improvements to the overall design. Hot exhaust gases and the movement of turbines and compressor blades on a rotating shaft can cause noise and vibrations in jet engines. Modern engines are extremely fuel-efficient and quiet, and the entire design has improved significantly. High bypass engines decrease noise pollution bypassing the majority of the cold air via the bypass and just a tiny part into the core for combustion. Because the violent mixing of hot and cold gases causes a significant percentage of noise pollution, this approach aids in decreasing the overall sound of the gas turbine engine.

Regulating where planes fly during takeoff and landing dramatically minimises noise pollution. The location and utilization of runways is critical; for example, to limit noise pollution, planes flying at night may fly over oceans or rivers. Air traffic control plots out flight patterns that avoid the most densely populated regions. Jetliners can now precisely follow predefined tracks thanks to recent breakthroughs in navigation performance. With the support of air navigation service providers and airport managers, airlines and pilots can use noise reduction techniques such as reduced power take-off, repositioned landing thresholds, and continual descending landings.

Air Pollution 

SkyCell and Japan Airlines partner to support the growing Japanese pharmaceutical shipment market

 SkyCell, the manufacturer of innovative hybrid pharmaceutical containers, has partnered with Japan Airlines Cargo (JAL Cargo), to meet the country's growing needs for vaccine and pharmaceutical transportation in a safe, secure, and sustainable way.

SkyCell is committed to working with JAL Cargo to offer a tailor-made solution that meets the airline's growing business needs across vaccine and pharmaceutical shipments. This partnership will also see SkyCell further strengthen its presence in Japan and continue to support the temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical market with its high-quality hybrid containers that have been industry accredited to have near-zero spoilage rates.

SkyCell’s GDP compliant hybrid containers - which maintain internal temperature stability across the pharmaceutical industry recognised temperature ranges, without the need for external intervention - are able to cover customers’ various needs. By using lightweight, environmentally friendly material, the technology enables efficiency and reusability. The Swiss-engineered hybrid features include shock-absorbent feet to mitigate any breakage during transport and has a double-door system to protect the packing against humidity. 

The partnership between SkyCell and JAL is a first step into a joint vision to determinedly, faithfully, and creatively increase the shipment quality of highly valuable and sensitive products.

Chiara Venuti, Business Development Director and Airline Partners, SkyCell, comments: “I see this partnership with JAL as a firm commitment from SkyCell to support the Japanese pharmaceutical market. We play a key role together in delivering life-saving medicine in the most safe, secure, and sustainable way to the patients in need. A great journey starts with small steps, and we look forward to working together with a common mission focused on ensuring patients get the life-saving medicines they need in a sustainable and secure way.”   

Hidehiko Umehara, Vice President, Business Promotion Department, JAL Cargo comments: “On the signing of a Master Lease Agreement, JAL and SkyCell will work in close cooperation and coordination to provide our customers with peace of mind when using SkyCell containers, which have a temperature excursion rate of less than 0.1% and are capable of maintaining the required temperature range at the highest levels, and do not need electric power.”

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We Will Remember Them

 Royal British Legion | Armed Forces Charity

Iberia Will Fly to Dallas, San Francisco, and Washington DC in the spring

Following the recent decision by the United States government to reopen its borders to tourists from the European Union in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the Spanish airline, Iberia has made changes to its forthcoming spring and summer 2022 schedule.

As in all markets where Covid-10 restrictions are being lifted, Iberia is resuming its flights and even adding destinations, such as Dallas, San Francisco, and Washington DC, scheduled for the summer season that begins in April and will be available for booking in the near future.

Dallas, an All-new Destination for Iberia

Starting in April, Iberia will operate four weekly return flights from Madrid to this north Texas city, which is the hub of American Airlines, with which Iberia has a Joint Business Agreement (JBA), facilitating one-ticket connections to a large number of US cities. British Airways and Finnair are also partners in the JBA, which covers routes between Europe and the North Atlantic.

Direct to Washington DC

Iberia’s plans to fly from Madrid to the US capital were interrupted by the outbreak of the pandemic, but now they are back on track for four weekly return flights starting in April. The city boasts not only the seats of the three branches of government –the White House, the Capitol building hosting the two houses of congress, and the Supreme Court– but also major museums like the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest.

Return to San Francisco 

Summer flights to the West Coast city will be resumed in 2022, with three return flights per week from Madrid starting in April. 

Major Presence in the United States

These destinations will bring to a total of nine the number of cities served directly by Iberia in the United States, the Spanish airline’s most important market

In the current winter season that began on 31 October, Iberia has scheduled 70 flights per week between Spain and the US, reaching the same cities it served before the pandemic began.

Specifically, the airline is operating 10 weekly return flights to both New York and Miami, five flights a week to Chicago, and three weekly flights to Boston and Los Angeles. It is also flying four times a week to San Juan in Puerto Rico, a destination included in the North Atlantic JBA with American Airlines, British Airways y Finnair.

The JBA linking Iberia, American Airlines, British Airways, and Finnair

The four airlines have joined forces to offer their customers a global network of routes linking more than 400 cities in 100 countries of Europe and North America, which will now be enriched with access to Spanish destinations by travellers from the additional US cities served by Iberia.

Customers of the four airlines will enjoy numerous advantages under the terms of the JBA, in addition to a much wider range of destinations, flying times and better connections.

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Volocopter conducts crewed public air taxi test flight in South Korea

German urban air mobility (UAM) pioneer, Volocopter, has completed the first test flight with its 2X aircraft in Seoul, South Korea. It was the first-ever crewed public test flight of a fully electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi in South Korea. The Republic's Minister for Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) Noh Hyeong Ouk witnessed the historical test flight, marking a milestone in Volocopter's plan of introducing air taxis globally.

The 5-minute test flight took place at Gimpo International Airport, covered approximately 3 kilometres, reached a maximum altitude of 50 meters and maximum speeds of 45 km/h.

Florian Reuter, CEO of Volocopter said, "With MOLIT's comprehensive K-UAM roadmap, South Korea is well-positioned to achieve the goal of commercializing UAM by 2025. We are extremely honoured to conduct the nation's first crewed public eVTOL test flight today and prove yet again that the future of air taxis is here and now with Volocopter's aircraft. As the pioneers of the UAM industry, we look forward to working closely with friends and partners from both the government agencies and private sectors to make UAM a reality in South Korea."

German Ambassador to South Korea Michael Reiffenstuel said, "South Korea and Germany have enjoyed a close relationship for more than a century. We are connected by a common experience of a divided nation and strong ties in trade, education, and technology. We strongly welcome deepened cooperation in new sectors such as digitalization, e-commerce, and urban air mobility."

Seoul is the second city in Asia that Volocopter has conducted a test flight following the first successful public flight trial over Singapore's Marina Bay area in 2019.

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FAI has obtained supplementary type certification (STC) for the EpiShuttle on the aircraft type CL-600

FAI has obtained supplementary type certification (STC) for the EpiShuttle on the aircraft type CL-600. Photo: FAI Air Ambulance.

FAI has obtained supplementary type certification (STC) for the EpiShuttle on the aircraft type CL-600 after undergoing comprehensive tests on flammability, rapid decompression, and patient evacuation. The test was passed without any complaints or remarks.

Since FAI has installed the EpiShuttle in the Bombardier Challenger 604 on a Spectrum Aeromed MedBase with a fixed adaption to a Spectrum Aeromed Cargo Stretcher, they no longer considered the EpiShuttle to be “loose equipment” compared to other mobile medical equipment.

Due to this FAI wanted to obtain an STC for the CL-600-2B16 aircraft that included the EpiShuttle.

- We are glad to see that FAI has obtained STC for the CL-600-2B16 aircraft, an excellent aircraft for the transfer of infected patients with the EpiShuttle. We appreciate all time and resources the brilliant team at FAI Air Ambulance has put into the certification process. This shows that the EpiShuttle meets the requirements for an STC, says Ellen Cathrine Andersen, CEO in EpiGuard.

Passed comprehensive testing

FAI in coordination with EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) and a development company defined the requirements for the STC and necessary test procedures were developed.

Want to feel like you just stepped into a holiday movie

A quaint downtown area filled with cheery small-town residents. Twinkling lights, festive trees and ornamented garland decorate the boutique storefronts. Made-for-TV movies bring whimsy to the holiday season, and no doubt leave viewers yearning to experience the charm of the impossibly cute towns that serve as the backdrop for romance. If you’re looking to experience some homespun hospitality of your own this winter, check out these endearing destinations.

New Britain, Connecticut

There’s nothing more Americana than a small New England town, and New Britain fits the bill when it comes to a picture-perfect main street that’s brimming with classic old-world

architecture and local-run businesses. It’s the perfect setting to share a kiss under the mistletoe with a local bookstore owner, or the passionate proprietor of a tiny toy shop, as you join forces to prevent a takeover of their business by a large corporation!

Feel like a local as you take part in holiday celebrations in the town’s Central Park, which is home to an annual tree-lighting ceremony and visits from Santa. Book your stay DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol, Connecticut, located in an equally charismatic city that bills itself as being “all heart,” and enjoy even more small-town vibes in a city-sized package.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge is a stunning ski town that offers the best of everything the Rocky Mountains has to offer: A main street erected in the late 1800s, majestic snow-capped mountains, a bustling art district, craft breweries and more. While out for a stroll, you may bump into an attractive stranger you seemingly have nothing in common with; but if a snowstorm forces you to hunker down in a chalet together, you may learn you’re not so different after all!

Every winter the historic downtown turns into a sparkling snow-globe scene with more than 250,000 lights, and the town plays host to numerous special events, including a jolly Race of the Santas and the Bernese Mountain Dog Holiday Processional. Stay at the Valdoro Mountain Lodge, a traditional ski lodge where you can stay toasty in the spa and outdoor hot tub.

Dahlonega, Georgia

For those craving the allure of an adorably tiny town, but hoping for milder temperatures, consider a visit to the North Georgia city of Dahlonega. Situated amongst rolling hills and grapevines, you can alternate between exploring the quaint, Southern-style downtown area and visits to one of the many nearby wineries. Here you might spill your drink on a fellow patron, leading to a starry-eyed meet cute when you offer to pay the dry-cleaning bill.

Dahlonega gets into the holiday spirit with glimmering lights, carriage rides, a festival of trees and more. Nearby, the picturesque town of Helen offers holiday celebrations and traditions from Germany. Explore their European style Christkindlmarkt, visit the Festival of Trees at Unicoi State Park, and embark on a Winterfest Arts Tour. The Alpine-inspired Hampton Inn by Hilton Helen is perfectly positioned along the Chattahoochee River in Helen’s Bavarian Village.