Delta looking to cement global partner strategy

The U.S. mega-carrier, Delta Air Lines has confirmed it will be making further investments in Virgin Atlantic, Aeromexico and LATAM as these partner airlines transform their businesses to emerge from the global pandemic.

Prior to the pandemic, Delta was achieving record international growth attributed to a combination of organic growth and its global partner network. Over the past 10 years, Delta has built industry-leading partnerships with flagship airlines across Europe, Asia and Latin America. As international travel demand returns, the connectivity, relevance and breadth of Delta’s global network with its partners remains critical to continuing this success.

“These strategic investments in our partners will transform our ability to improve travel for our customers, enabling us to deliver a seamless travel experience alongside offering our customers an unrivalled network between North American and premier markets worldwide,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “The work each of our partners has done to strengthen their businesses for the future makes these partnerships even more valuable and creates a new era of international travel to benefit our customers, our employees and our investors as global travel rebounds in 2022 and beyond.”

In support of its global future, Delta is investing in Virgin Atlantic, Aeromexico and LATAM as each carrier emerges from restructuring or recapitalization. Upon completion of their respective processes, Delta is targeting a 20% equity stake in Aeromexico and a 10% equity stake in LATAM. In addition, Delta will maintain its 49% equity stake in Virgin Atlantic. The airline’s investment in these carriers will be approximately $1.2 billion.

With new widebody aircraft on the way, record hiring, and significant investments in international readiness, Delta is positioned to lead the industry through the ongoing recovery. Delta’s partnerships with Virgin Atlantic, Aeromexico and LATAM expand that growth potential, helping to fuel route additions, customer connectivity and associated job creation:

Aeromexico: The airlines’ existing Joint Cooperation Agreement (JCA) launched in 2017. Over the past four years, Delta and Aeromexico have built a leading trans-border network of more than 40 popular business and leisure routes from their main hubs and offering the most service in the largest New York and Los Angeles markets.

LATAM: Delta and LATAM’s trans-American Joint Venture Agreement will combine the carriers’ highly complementary route networks between North and South America. Following Chilean Court approval of the JV in October this year, Delta and LATAM expanded their existing codeshares to improve connectivity between North and South America.

Virgin Atlantic: Delta’s joint venture with Virgin Atlantic has, since 2013, solidified Delta’s position on key U.S.-U.K. routes including the leading business route New York-JFK to London Heathrow.  

“Throughout the pandemic, Delta has continued to invest in our future, including new aircraft orders, accelerating real estate projects and putting significant resources into health and safety measures to protect our employees and our customers,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Dan Janki.  “Similarly, investing in our partners now – even as we continue to navigate the pandemic – is the right choice to support Delta’s long-term strategy.”

There is no change to Delta’s investments in AFKL, Korean Air and China Eastern.

With a shared ethos of the highest levels of customer service, Delta is focused on delivering benefits for customers through initiatives including seamless technology, loyalty reciprocity and frictionless connectivity with its global partners.   Delta’s own international network combined with its partnerships creates an extensive global network and positions the airline to successfully capitalize on the re-opening of international markets, as well as anticipated growth into the future.   

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British Airways and its Atlantic Joint Business partners set transatlantic dominance

The UK's British Airways, along with its IAG stablemates and American Airlines have strengthened its strategic Atlantic Joint Business partnership to exert dominance in the transatlantic market and arrange cooperative pricing. The mass group of airlines are also introducing a selection of new routes to choose from for Summer 2022.  New gateways include London to Portland, Barcelona to Los Angeles and Helsinki to Dallas.

The Atlantic Joint Business is a joint venture that started in 2010, between American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia, with Finnair joining in 2013, LEVEL in 2017 and Aer Lingus in 2021.  By bringing their network of flights together, the partnership offers customers in the North Atlantic the most competitive choice, with Aer Lingus, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia and LEVEL operating in Europe and American Airlines in the USA.

Customers can mix and match flights operated by any of the six carriers to get the best deals and enjoy smoother connections through coordinated schedules.  The new routes are:

Aer Lingus

Two new North American routes have launched from its new base in Manchester:

Manchester to JFK New York, launched 1 December operating year-round

Operating 7 times a week

Fares start from £438 economy return including taxes and charges

Aircraft type A321Neo

 

Manchester to Orlando, launched 11 December operating year-round

Operating 4 flights a week – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; increasing to    daily flights from 2 May 2022

Fares start from £558 economy return including taxes and charges

Aircraft type A330-300

 

London Gatwick partners with GRIDSERVE to build the first airport electric forecourt...........

A partnership between Gatwick Airport and sustainable energy company GRIDSERVE will build the Gatwick Electric Forecourt – an electric charging, net zero equivalent to a petrol station - that will be available to millions of passengers, commuters, staff, local residents and businesses that pass through the airport and its surrounding motorway network each year.

The new facility – a UK airport first – will be located on the Ring Road South approach to Gatwick’s South Terminal and adjacent to the M23 – it will enable 36 Electric Vehicles to be charged simultaneously, with high-power chargers that can deliver up to 350 kW of charging power, capable of adding 100 miles of range in less than 10 minutes. Multiple charging connectors will cater for all types of electric cars.

The site is due to open in Autumn 2022 and will host a café, comfortable waiting lounge with free superfast WiFi, convenience supermarket, children’s play area and a dedicated educational space to increase awareness around electric vehicles. As with all of GRIDSERVE’s chargers, the site will also be supplied with low cost, 100% renewable net zero carbon energy generated by GRIDSERVE’s own solar farms.

The Electric Forecourt also forms part of Gatwick Airport’s commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions for its internal operations before 2040 and its broader aspirations to become the UK’s most sustainable airport, including through involvement in UK industry plans to reach net zero aircraft emissions by 2050. It also contributes to majority stakeholder VINCI Airports’ global environmental action plan – the first in the industry to be applied to a network of 45 airports in 12 countries – to develop carbon-free energy for passengers and users.

United Becomes Largest Airline to Invest in Zero-Emission Engines for Regional Aircraft

New equity stake in hydrogen-electric engine developer ZeroAvia gives United the ability to purchase up to 100 zero-emission, 100% hydrogen engines that could be used on United Express aircraft by 2028

ZeroAvia completed the world's first hydrogen fuel cell powered flight of a commercial-grade aircraft in September 2020

United remains the largest airline to commit to hydrogen-electric aviation

United today became the largest airline to invest in zero-emission, hydrogen-electric engines for regional aircraft, the latest move toward achieving its goal to be 100% green by reducing its GHG emissions 100% by 2050, without relying on traditional carbon offsets.

Through a new equity stake in ZeroAvia, a leading company focused on hydrogen-electric aviation solutions, United expects to buy up to 100 of the company's new zero-emission, 100% hydrogen-electric engines (ZA2000-RJ). The engine could be retrofit to existing United Express aircraft as early as 2028. One potential use is on United's unique CRJ-550, the only 50-seat aircraft which offers first class and other premium amenities, making this leading aircraft even better and marking another first for United.

"Hydrogen-electric engines are one of the most promising paths to zero-emission air travel for smaller aircraft, and this investment will keep United out in front on this important emerging technology," said Scott Kirby, CEO of United. "United continues to look for opportunities to not only advance our own sustainability initiatives but also identify and help technologies and solutions that the entire industry can adopt."

Hydrogen-electric engines use electricity created by a chemical reaction in a fuel cell to power an electric motor instead of burning fossil fuel. Because no fuel is burned, there are no climate-harming emissions or carbon released into the atmosphere when the engines are operated.

The ZA2000-RJ is expected to be used in pairs as a new power source for existing regional aircraft. Under the agreement with United Airlines Ventures, United will pursue a conditional purchase agreement for 50 ZeroAvia ZA2000-RJ engines, with an option for 50 more, enough for up to 50 twin-engine aircraft which would be operated by United Express partners once they are fully developed and certified by regulators as soon as 2028.

Airbus delivers world's first H160 in Japan

Airbus has delivered the first-ever H160 to Japanese operator All Nippon Helicopter (ANH), heralding a new chapter for this next generation twin-engine helicopter. With 68 patents, the innovative H160 is the world’s most technologically advanced helicopter.

The multi-role H160 was delivered from Airbus’ helicopter facility in Kobe, Japan, where flight training and specialised equipment installation for electronic newsgathering will be performed before the helicopter’s entry into service next year.

“It is an honour to have ANH as our very first H160 operator. I would like to thank ANH for their continued trust and confidence in our helicopters. I’m also very proud of the hard work and dedication of our teams in France and Japan in preparation of the aircraft delivery. I can’t wait to see this next-generation helicopter flying the skies of Japan, playing a key role in the country’s electronic newsgathering market,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO.

“ANH is excited to be the first in the world to receive this state-of-the-art H160 helicopter to support our electronic news gathering missions,” said Jun Yanagawa, President of ANH. “The electronic news gathering industry is changing rapidly, and we are happy to have the perfect helicopter for our operations, becoming the leading workhorse in our Airbus fleet.”

Hyatt Place New York Chelsea officially opens.............New 510-room Hyatt Place New York Chelsea is located in the heart of Chelsea, Manhattan offering great service and great views.

King guest room with great views

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Hyatt Place New York Chelsea. Hyatt Place New York Chelsea today celebrated the 510-room hotel’s opening. 

The new 510-room, 45 story hotel offers business and leisure travellers contemporary rooms equipped with modern technology, blush bedding, dedicated work and seating areas and some of the best, unobstructed views of the Empire State Building and One World Trade. Guests are invited to experience a thriving atmosphere, and practical amenities throughout their stay, such as complimentary Wi-Fi, pet-friendly rooms, business centre, fitness centre and 24-hour food offerings.

“As New York City continues to reopen, grow, and thrive economically, we are excited to add to the momentum by welcoming the world’s second-largest Hyatt Place hotel to the area.” said Gary Maida, general manager, Hyatt Place New York Chelsea. “With our intuitively designed social spaces and guestrooms with dedicated work and sleep areas, our multitasking guests can easily accomplish what they need to do while on the road in the city that never sleeps.”   

Hyatt Place New York Chelsea is centrally located in the beautiful, brownstone-lined Chelsea neighbourhood, within walking distance to some of New York City’s best attractions, such as the Empire State Building, Chelsea Market, The Highline, Hudson Yards, Madison Square Park, Flatiron Building and much more.

Garmin G3000 integrated flight deck selected by Heart Aerospace for the first all-electric ES-19 airliner

Garmin® International announced a long-term agreement with Heart Aerospace to provide the state-of-the-art Garmin G3000® integrated flight deck for the ES-19 electric airliner. Heart Aerospace is working to develop the new ES-19, a 19-seat electric airliner that has the potential to provide the regional air transport market with a more sustainable and environmentally friendly aircraft option as early as 2026. Additionally, United Airlines has conditionally agreed to purchase 100 ES-19 aircraft once the aircraft meets United’s safety, business and operating requirements.

“It’s an honour to have our G3000 integrated flight deck chosen for the ES-19 and to work alongside the Heart Aerospace and United Airlines teams in their commitment to long-term sustainability by reducing aviation’s carbon emissions,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation and marketing. “We’re confident in Heart’s practical, market-driven approach to expanding the regional air transport market with the introduction of the first all-electric airliner, whose lower operating costs have the potential to enable more universal access to air travel and a broader network of short-haul flights.”

“We’re thrilled to have Garmin provide their industry-leading G3000 integrated flight deck, customized and optimized for integration and operation, in our ES-19 all-electric airliner,” said Anders Forslund, CEO of Heart Aerospace. “Known for award-winning innovation and unmatched reliability and performance, Garmin was the perfect avionics choice for this transformational aircraft.”

Hyatt Unveils Plans to Further Expand Its Luxury Brand Portfolio Globally

Announced during ILTM Cannes, Hyatt introduces plans for seven new luxury hotels throughout Europe and the Middle East, in addition to 24 luxury properties in stunning destinations throughout the U.S., Mexico, Morocco, Greater China, Thailand, and more.......

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced at the internationally renowned luxury travel trade show ILTM Cannes, plans for seven new luxury hotels and resorts throughout Europe and the Middle East, in addition to 24 previously announced luxury hotels within Hyatt’s luxury portfolio globally that are slated to open by 2023. These hotels are expected to further bolster Hyatt’s portfolio of luxury brand offerings in key growth markets.

Hyatt continues to grow its brands in locations that matter most to guests, members, and owners. As leisure travel continues to drive recovery in many parts of the world, today’s announcement signals a continued commitment to catering to high-end travellers through a strong pipeline of diverse brands in some of world’s most desirable locations. The hotels and resorts set to join the Alila, Andaz, Destination by Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Park Hyatt, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, and Thompson Hotels brands are expected to exceed the expectations of the luxury traveller, delivering personalized and engaged service, story-worthy experiences and world-class offerings.

“Today, more than ever, our members and guests are looking for unforgettable travel moments – moments that are truly meaningful and leave an indelible mark, connecting them to experiences that change and inspire them,” said Amy Weinberg, senior vice president, loyalty, brand marketing and consumer insights, Hyatt. “The addition of these new hotels and resorts across Hyatt’s luxury portfolio will reinforce Hyatt’s position as a leader in the luxury hospitality space.”

All grounded in premium, cultural and desirable destinations known for their cuisine, architecture, immersive cultures, and history, these newly announced projects are located throughout Europe and the Middle East and have been carefully selected to complement Hyatt’s elevated, luxury portfolio:

How Hong Kong is Spreading Joy This Christmas Season

Christmas is just around the corner, and Hong Kong is one of the best cities at celebrating this special season, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Events and activities are resuming in this vibrant city with preparations in full swing. There is a myriad of unique shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences to be discovered in the festive season from near and far.

Christmas Town in the West Kowloon Neighborhood: The site of the newly opened M+ in West Kowloon is Hong Kong’s newest cultural hotspot. It is the centrepiece of the WinterFest celebrations with dazzling views of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline and a Harbourfront Park transformed into a storybook Christmas Town. This year, the six-story tree has been relocated from Central to West Kowloon for the first time, putting the cultural district in the spotlight.

Shopping Spectacular: Hong Kong has an enviable reputation as a shopper’s paradise, and with a burgeoning scene for independent artisans, it’s easier than ever to find stylish, creative, and unique gifts, which you can also find online, to remind you of a trip, past or future.

Decorate Your Tree, Hong Kong Style: A gift company inspired by Hong Kong, The Lion Rock Press began as part of a 120-year-old family business specializing in paper and printing. It offers beautiful heirloom Christmas ornaments inspired by local culture.

Hearty Delicacies: Hong Kong winter cuisine offers signature dishes like Claypot Rice, Roasted Goose and Hotpot. On your trip you will want to try these at traditional and modern locales:

BA sponsors 2021 Diana Legacy Awards again.....

British Airways is proud to have flown 15 young award winners from around the world to London for the 2021 Diana Legacy Awards as its official travel partner. The past and present winners travelled on British Airways flights from countries including the US, India, Italy and Germany to attend the prestigious event.

The Awards have been established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, who would have celebrated her 60th birthday this year and British Airways has supported the Diana Legacy Awards since 2017.  The ceremony, which recognises 20 exceptional young people who are inspiring the next generation by leading and mobilising social change in their communities, took place at Althorp House yesterday evening and were hosted by Diana’s brother, Lord Spencer.

The winners were selected by a prestigious judging panel, including Lord Spencer and British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, Sean Doyle, who said: “We were delighted to partner with The Diana Legacy Awards again this year and were honoured to fly many past and present winners to London for the ceremony.

“At British Airways we want to play our part in making a better, more connected world for everyone to live in, supporting communities in the UK and globally. It was truly inspirational to hear the stories of these outstanding individuals and we are proud to be championing the next generation of young leaders, driving positive change within their communities.”

Airbus preparing for an independent legal assessment in response to customer disagreement over A350 surface degradation

 In the face of the ongoing mischaracterisation of non-structural surface degradation on its fleet of A350 aircraft by one of its customers, it has become necessary for Airbus to seek an independent legal assessment as a way forward to resolve the dispute, which the two parties have been unable to settle during direct and open discussions.

Safety is Airbus’ top priority. The surface paint-related findings have been thoroughly assessed by Airbus and confirmed by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as having no airworthiness impact on the A350 fleet.

The attempt by this customer to misrepresent this specific topic as an airworthiness issue represents a threat to the international protocols on safety matters.

JetBlue Ramps Up Efforts to Build Diverse Pipeline of New Pilots and Maintenance Technicians as Demand for Talent Bounces Back

JetBlue’s Innovative Suite of Programs Brings High-Paying Aviation Careers Within Reach for Current Crewmembers and Non-Traditional Candidates

JetBlue’s Landmark Competency-Based Training Program for Aspiring Pilots With No Experience Produces Its First 28 Pilots for JetBlue

JetBlue announced it is advancing efforts to meet the growing demand for qualified pilots and maintenance technicians through its industry-leading suite of education and training programs, JetBlue Gateways. JetBlue has demonstrated that airlines can meet the growing need for aviation professions through programs that offer a range of pathways into the industry, while also opening the door to more candidates from underrepresented communities, including women and people of colour.

JetBlue Gateways program offers seven distinct education and training paths to becoming a JetBlue pilot or maintenance technician. JetBlue’s program is the longest-running US airline program, which produces a significant number of new hire pilots for an airline. 12% of JetBlue’s new hire pilots to date in 2021 came to the airline through one of these non-traditional programs and the pipeline for both pilots and maintenance technicians continues to grow:

• Gateway Select, JetBlue’s landmark training program for aspiring pilots with no flight experience, successfully placed its first 28 pilots this summer after extensive education and training, many of whom came from unlikely backgrounds like a movie theater manager, a teacher, and a project manager.

• Gateway University has expanded to include eleven partner schools, adding four new aviation colleges to the program in 2021, including the first historically black college and university (HBCU) to participate.

• This fall, JetBlue Pilot Gateway Programs® was expanded to include opportunities for those aspiring to become aircraft maintenance technicians, with the first class of accepted candidates through JetBlue’s crewmember development Gateway Direct (Tech-Ops) starting in 2022.

• With its crewmember-centric culture, in the first quarter of 2022 JetBlue will further expand its crewmember development Gateways by extending the opportunity to participate in a pilot pathway to the immediate family of current JetBlue crewmembers.

“As travel rebounds and we prepare for growth from our Northeast Alliance with American Airlines, we need to ensure a pipeline of qualified pilots and technicians over the next several years,” said Warren Christie, head of safety, security and fleet operations, JetBlue. “Successful candidates will not only be skilled in their craft but also reflect JetBlue’s culture, and through the Gateways programs, we can invest in our future crewmembers from day one.”

Women and people of color have typically been under-represented within the pilot and maintenance technician professions. JetBlue is breaking down the barriers to find candidates from all background who exhibit the skill and aptitude to take on these high-quality and high paying airline jobs.

JetBlue’s Landmark Gateway Select Delivers

This year, JetBlue welcomed to the company its first Gateway Select pilots. These 28 pilots are the first to complete the airline’s groundbreaking ab initio program, first announced in 2016. With Gateway Select, candidates with little or no flying experience but demonstrate the aptitude of a JetBlue pilot, can secure a path to land first officer status.

"Gateway Select was the perfect opportunity that presented a structured path to a dream job, said First Officer Philip Carroll, JetBlue. “I can't discount the relationships and support network JetBlue provided. Though the course was challenging, we covered everything needed to prepare for a great career."

American celebrates 75 years at Los Angeles International Airport

First American Airlines crewmembers to land at LAX, from left, First Officer Lawson, Stewardess MacDonald and Capt. Floyd.
 Photo provided courtesy of LAWA/LAX Flight Path Museum.

This week, American Airlines celebrates the 75th anniversary of the first commercial departure — operated by American — at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The airport, known at the time as Los Angeles Municipal Airport, was developed more than 20 years before launching commercial air service. American and three other carriers shifted a portion or all of their operations from nearby Burbank Airport to LAX, which was renamed in 1949.

"For three quarters of a century, American's service at LAX has helped Angelenos reach domestic and international destinations and brought visitors from around the globe to our great city,” said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer of Los Angeles World Airports. “Our partnership with American has only grown stronger over the decades, as we jointly look toward a future with a fully modernized LAX, which will set new standards for how passengers experience air travel in Los Angeles. We congratulate our partners at American and wish them many more years of success to come."

First American flights celebrated at LAX

Onlookers celebrated the first departure from a nearby roadway, as well as the first arrival. First Officer Lawson, Stewardess MacDonald and Capt. Floyd were surprised to learn that they were the first commercial flight crew to land after the opening of the field.

1954 advertisement promotes faster flights provided on American’s Douglas DC-7 aircraft.

A history of firsts in the aviation industry

Throughout the years, American celebrated many successes and many firsts for the region. Beyond inaugural flights to new destinations, the airline and its team members helped solidify American's presence in the region with an ever-increasing focus on better connecting the greater Los Angeles community.

Beyond transporting customers to American's broader network, the airline's cargo operation, then known as AA Airfreight, also helped facilitate quicker transport of consumer goods from around the world. For the first time starting in August 1947, American's Flagship Mercury delivered newspapers the morning of publication from both the New York Times and the Herald Tribune. The daily papers appeared on local California newsstands shortly after 7:30 a.m. after the Mercury's arrival each day.

American continued to increase service to LAX throughout the 1950s. The airline advertised as the first choice in transcontinental travel aboard its new Douglas DC-7 Flagship aircraft, which began service Nov. 29, 1953. The Flagship Mercury offered the only nonstop service and became known as the finest and fastest path to the West Coast — almost three hours faster than any other airline serving Los Angeles. It was American Capt. Joe Glass and Capt. James B. Ingram who began setting records of how quickly they were able to complete the trip between New York and Los Angeles.

Things just got a little more dangerous.......

Swarms Take Flight in Final Field Experiment

The future of warfare and indeed the world just got a little more dangerous as tests into swarming autonomous vehicles rose to new heights. 

Researchers, roboticists, and technologists deployed swarms of autonomous air and ground vehicles to test mission capabilities in the final field experiment (FX-6) of DARPA’s OFFensive Swarm-Enabled Tactics (OFFSET) program at the Cassidy Combined Arms Collective Training Facility (CACTF) in Fort Campbell, Tennessee. 

Since the program kicked off in 2017, OFFSET has held six field experiments with objectives of increasing complexity and difficulty, the last one by far was the best and arguably most successful and clearly demonstrates a gear shift in future warfare and covert attacks. 

The program envisions future small-unit infantry forces employing large-scale teams of unmanned air and/or ground robots to accomplish diverse missions in complex urban environments. OFFSET specifically focused on advancements in collaborative swarm autonomy and human-swarm teaming capabilities. The goal is to develop a set of “swarm tactics” that can be used to implement a swarm commander’s intent using algorithms that autonomous systems can understand.

Two Swarm Systems Integrators – Northrop Grumman Mission Systems and Raytheon BBN Technologies – were tasked with designing, developing, and deploying an open architecture for swarm operations in both physical and virtual environments. The swarm systems consist of an extensible game-based architecture that enables the design and integration of swarm tactics, immersive interfaces for collaboration among teams of humans and swarm systems, and a physical testbed with hundreds of aerial and ground robots to validate new capabilities.

American Airlines announces service to Doha, Qatar - connecting customers to the Middle East and Beyond,

 

American will launch service from New York’s JFK to Doha, Qatar, on June 4, 2022, as part of its deepening relationship with Qatar Airways.

Seasonal routes to customer favorite destinations such as Barcelona, Lisbon, and Venice return to American’s summer 2022 schedule.

For customers wanting to visit Athens and Rome, American will launch seasonal services earlier than in previous years.

Seasonal routes to Europe will also return for summer 2022 travel

U.S. Mega-carrier

American Airlines will be starting a new service between New York's JFK airport to Doha, Qatar which will offer a range of attractions, including museums and galleries, desert safari adventures and beautiful landscapes such as the amazing Inland Sea.

“We continue to creatively find ways to build a network that gets customers where they want to go when they are ready to travel,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Vice President of Network Planning. “Adding Doha to our expansive global network and resuming a significant portion of our European routes provides our customers with more choices as they plan next year’s vacations.”

With the launch of American’s new service to Doha, the airline will deepen its relationship with Qatar Airways. Customers have already benefited from the expansive codeshare between the two airlines as it has allowed customers to access new destinations in the Middle East, East Africa, South Asia, and South East Asia that American does not currently serve.

“We look forward to welcoming our oneworld partner and friends at American Airlines to our home airport in Doha, recently voted the World’s Best Airport, and offer connectivity to numerous business and leisure destinations across the region and beyond,” said Thierry Antinori, Qatar Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer.

Finnair and Wunderdog to join forces in establishing a technology hub in Málaga, Spain

Finnair and its software development partner Wunderdog are taking their relationship to a next level by opening a joint technology hub in Málaga, Spain, in 2022. Together the companies aim at building a diverse ecosystem that will support the future development of Finnair’s digital services. 

“Digital services are at the heart of Finnair’s ambition to build a modern premium offering and they are a key part of our customer experience in every step of the customer’s journey”, says Seppo Pöyhönen, Head of Digital Solutions Development at Finnair. “This collaboration strengthens our capabilities to support strategic initiatives and gives us access to a wider base of experts in this area where we have a fierce competition for talent”, Pöyhönen states. 

The software developers will be employed by Wunderdog, working fully integrated with the Finnair Digital Services team to develop digital solutions for Finnair customers. The recruitment will start before year-end, and the site is expected to be operating in the first half of 2022.  

New Airbus A321-200neo LR Aircraft for Peach Aviation

 A  new Airbus A321-200neo LR Aircraft for Peach Aviation on long term lease from Air Lease Corporation. 

Air Lease Corporation announced the delivery of one new Airbus A321-200neo LR aircraft on long-term lease to Peach Aviation, an affiliate of ANA based in Osaka, Japan.  Featuring CFM International LEAP-1A32 engines, this is the first of two new A321-200neo LRs confirmed to deliver to the airline from ALC’s orderbook with Airbus.  This aircraft is the first A321neo LR to join Peach Aviation’s fleet. 

“ALC is delighted to be the first to introduce the A321-200neo LR to Peach Aviation,” said Chi Yan, Senior Vice President of Air Lease Corporation.  “The A321neo LR will provide key enhancements to the airline’s fleet operations as Peach continues to add the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to their expanding fleet and offer the highest quality passenger experience.” 

In addition to this new A321-200neo LR, Peach Aviation currently has two A320-200neos on long-term lease from ALC.  

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Air Canada's First Boeing 767-300ER Freighter Enters Service; Deployed to British Columbia to Support Canadian Supply Chain

Air Canada's first dedicated Boeing 767-300ER freighter aircraft was put into service today and operated its inaugural flight from Toronto to Vancouver. Originally scheduled to first fly to Frankfurt, Air Canada Cargo deployed the aircraft early to provide capacity where needed.

"Our first freighter is being deployed earlier than initially planned in order to provide additional cargo capacity needed into and out of Vancouver to meet ongoing demand as a result of the flooding that disrupted British Columbia's transportation network. The freighter is planned to operate 12 trips between our Toronto and Vancouver cargo hubs. Our teams have also worked extremely hard over the last several days to get our freighter into service early to aid in the transport of goods to Vancouver," said Jason Berry, Vice President, Cargo, at Air Canada.

Prior to its first freighter operation, Air Canada and Air Canada Cargo had boosted cargo capacity by 586 tonnes into Vancouver from Toronto, Montreal and Calgary in November to allow for the transport of more critical supplies to and from British Columbia.

Freighters part of Air Canada Cargo's growth strategy

The first freighter aircraft is currently planned to operate between Toronto and Frankfurt for the remainder of 2021, in addition to the flights to Vancouver. In 2022, primarily out of Toronto, it will also serve Miami, Quito, Lima, Mexico City and Guadalajara. With additional airports including Madrid, Halifax and St. John's planned when the second aircraft is delivered in the first half of 2022.

The Boeing 767-300ER freighters will allow Air Canada Cargo to offer five different main deck configurations, increasing the overall cargo capacity of each aircraft to nearly 58 tonnes or 438 cubic metres, with approximately 75 per cent of this capacity on the main deck.

The addition of freighter aircraft to Air Canada's fleet will allow Air Canada Cargo to provide consistent capacity on key air cargo routes, which will facilitate the movement of goods globally. The freighters will allow Air Canada Cargo to increase its capabilities to transport goods such as automotive and aerospace parts, oil and gas equipment, pharmaceuticals, perishables, as well as handling the growing demand for fast, reliable shipment of e-commerce goods.

Given the immediate demand for cargo capacity, the first freighter entered service without its final livery. At a later date, it will be painted in an Air Canada Cargo variation of the Air Canada livery introduced in 2017.

Since March 2020, Air Canada has operated more than 13,000 all-cargo flights globally using its wide-body passenger aircraft as well as certain temporarily modified Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 aircraft, which have additional available cargo space due to the removal of seats from the passenger cabin.

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IAG Cargo restarts regular services to Rio de Janeiro

IAG Cargo restarts an important trade route between London to Rio de Janeiro, with regular flights commencing four times a week.  The route will enable the flow of e-commerce and automotive goods into Rio de Janeiro, and the export of perishables to London-Heathrow.

 

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG) has announced a return of its direct service from London-Heathrow – Rio de Janeiro. The route was paused throughout the majority of the past 20 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The services to Rio de Janeiro officially restarted on 01 December and will now run four times per week, by a B787 wide-body aircraft. IAG Cargo also services Sao Paulo with a daily service from its Madrid hub, and four times a week from London-Heathrow.

The connection is expected to be a key supply route for automotive parts into Brazil. The route is also forecast to enable the flow of electronic and e-commerce goods between Europe and South America.

 

The London-Heathrow – Rio de Janeiro service is also significant for the export of perishable products across the world, including popular tropical fruits such as papayas and melons. According to The Brazilian Fruit Exporters’ Association (Abrafrutas) in 2020, the UK ranked as the world’s second-largest importer of fresh fruits from Brazil, after the Netherlands.[1] These perishable goods can be moved seamlessly using IAG Cargo’s specialised product for perishables goods, its Constant Fresh service.

 

Rodrigo Casal, Regional Commercial Manager for Latin America at IAG Cargo, said: “We are delighted to be restarting regular services to Rio de Janeiro, presenting a positive start to the New Year for our customers. Brazil is an integral part of our global network. IAG Cargo will provide a fast and reliable service to two important areas of the Brazilian economy – the automotive and perishables sectors, drawing on our extensive experience.”

 

In 2020 IAG Cargo officially appointed Aviation Services as its General Sales Agent (GSA) for Brazil.

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Aerospace Bearings Market revenue to cross USD 1.8 Bn by 2027

 The aerospace bearings market size is anticipated to record a valuation of USD 1.8 billion by 2027, according to the most recent study by Global Market Insights Inc. Robust demand from aerospace applications for repair & maintenance across the globe is poised to drive the overall growth during the forecast timeline.

The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted various industrial sectors with aerospace being one of the highest impacts. Lockdowns across countries along with air travel restrictions are affecting domestic and international flights. Furthermore, a slowdown in the transportation of non-essential goods and disruptions in the distribution chain have majorly impacted the aviation sector. This has also lowered the sales of various types of aircraft coupled with MRO demand for components such as bearings. The COVID-19 crisis has negatively impacted several players operating in the market.

The roller bearing segment is expected to witness 6.6% growth rate through 2027. Resembling wheels, roller bearings enable devices to roll, reducing the friction between the surface of the bearings and the surface they are rolling over. Roller bearings find applications in multiple areas such as engines, cockpit controls, landing gears, and aerostructures.

American Airlines Pilots First to Use CEFA Aviation Flight Replay App in the U.S.

American Airlines, the world’s largest airline, is the first carrier in the U.S. to adopt CEFA AMS, an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) application allowing pilots to virtually review flight data on their tablet after landing.

CEFA AMS (Aviation Mobile Services) is the first self-improvement tool allowing individual pilots to access and review the specifics of their flight after landing.

Captain Neil Raaz, Operations Safety Director at American Airlines, says that CEFA AMS is the next step in American’s data-driven approach to relentlessly advance safety. “By choosing CEFA AMS, we are now able to advance the Safety-II approach in a practical way in our operations. This progressive new debriefing capability will help promote a culture of continuous self-improvement and reinforce American’s safety-first mentality into each and every flight.”

“We are delighted to partner with American Airlines, who sets the standard when it comes to flight safety,” says Dominique Mineo, CEO of CEFA Aviation, a France-based software company specialized in flight safety and pilot training. “Being able to deploy our innovation in the U.S. was one of our main ambitions. Today we have the opportunity to work with an airline committed to the highest safety standards and, beyond the conventional safety approach, aiming for Safety-II implementation.” Mineo added.

The implementation of CEFA Aviation’s EFB flight replay capability is a milestone for American. It demonstrates its will for innovation as well as a strong desire to lead the shift in pilot empowerment through increased access to and awareness of operational flight data.

JetBlue and Aer Lingus expand codeshare deal.

 JetBlue has just announced it is expanding its codeshare partnership with the Ireland based IAG carrier Aer Lingus, providing customers more ways to book and connect their travel between the two airlines’ networks.

Joanna Geraghty, president and chief operating officer, JetBlue (left) and Lynne Embleton, chief executive officer and chairman, Aer Lingus at the IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Boston on October 3, 2021. (Photo: Business Wire)

As part of the new bilateral codeshare, JetBlue is now placing its “B6” code on four Aer Lingus routes between JetBlue’s Northeast focus cities and Ireland:

New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to:

Dublin Airport (DUB)

Shannon Airport (SNN)

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to:

Dublin Airport

Shannon Airport

JetBlue intends to add its code to select Aer Lingus routes beyond Ireland in the near future.

“Connecting our customers with more of the destinations they want to fly to ensures JetBlue grows its relevance in the Northeast, and by expanding our partnership with Aer Lingus we’re introducing new options for travelers flying between the U.S. and Ireland,” said Joanna Geraghty, president and chief operating officer, JetBlue. “More than 13 years after Aer Lingus became our very first international airline partner our relationship continues to strengthen in ways that bring more benefits customers on both sides of the Atlantic.”

“Our relationship with JetBlue is long-standing and valued,” said Lynne Embleton, chief executive officer and chairman, Aer Lingus. “All at Aer Lingus are looking forward to extending a warm Irish welcome to more JetBlue customers. These customers can now travel seamlessly to Dublin and Shannon airports as we continue to connect friends and families, businesses and colleagues from the US and Europe.”

JetBlue and Aer Lingus customers purchasing a codeshare itinerary benefit from having a single ticket that includes flights operated by both carriers, as well as conveniences on their day of travel like one-stop check-in and baggage transfer. Additionally, customers traveling to the U.S. from Ireland benefit from the convenience of pre-clearing customs prior to departing Dublin and Shannon, allowing them to be on their way faster after landing in New York or Boston.

JetBlue and Aer Lingus have partnered since 2008 and in 2013 announced a unilateral codeshare agreement. Today the Aer Lingus “EI” code is available on more than three dozen JetBlue routes and offer customers convenient connections through JetBlue’s New York and Boston focus cities.

Aer Lingus will operate 16 transatlantic routes from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester, UK to North America and the Caribbean in 2022. Aer Lingus is a 4-Star airline, awarded by Skytrax, the international air transport rating organization. Aer Lingus is a member of International Airlines Group (IAG), one of the world's largest airline groups.

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final assembly for first Airbus A321XLR development aircraft

Airbus took a major step forward this week when the very first A321XLR flight test aircraft, MSN11000 entered the final assembly in Hamburg.  This is the first of three planned development aircraft which will be used to perform the rigorous flight testing programme as well as the type certification test flights which are scheduled to start in the spring of next year

 

In an update, the European planemaker confirmed the structural completion of MSN11000 in the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Hamburg follows the recent assembly and delivery of the nose and forward fuselage from Saint Nazaire; the centre and aft fuselage assembled in Hamburg; the wings from Broughton in the UK; the landing gears supplied by Safran, and the vertical and horizontal tailplanes from Stade and Getafe respectively.

While other Airbus FAL locations will eventually be producing A321XLRs to fulfil the type’s impressively large customer order-book, Hamburg has been chosen to ‘pilot’ this new variant into series production. This is starting with the three development flight test aircraft – now in various stages of completion there.

Michael Menking, Head of the A320 Family Programme explains: “For the A321 Family, we have started all the head-of-versions in Hamburg -- the real first ones -- and it is our intention to build these aircraft also at the other sites.” 

He adds: “We are currently on the way to also have the A321XLR delivered out of other Single Aisle FALs. So it is important for sure that all the teams learn from the experience in Hamburg so we can bring this knowledge to the other facilities. This is also what we are doing with the A320 Family Airspace cabin which we started in Hamburg.”

Of the four A320 Family assembly lines in Hamburg, the one which is processing the first A321XLR is referred to as “FAL Line 2”, which is inside the “Hangar-9” building. The subsequent two A321XLR development aircraft – MSN11058 and MSN11080 – will follow in due course from the same assembly line.