16 August, 2022

Cathay Pacific Cargo takes the lead on two new Cargo iQ milestones in Hong Kong

The recording of the handover to and from the ramp and the cargo warehouse will bring greater transparency to the cargo journey

Cathay Pacific Cargo has become one of the first carriers to pioneer two new milestones in the Cargo iQ Master Operating Plan (MOP).

The new milestones, FOW (freight out of warehouse control) and FIW (freight into warehouse control), will bring more transparency to the overall shipment journey in the MOP and better measurement of ground-handling performance in the handover between the ramp operating handlers and the cargo terminal, and vice-versa, for imports and exports, at air waybill (AWB) level. The milestones are now operational at the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal in Hong Kong, with a view for roll-out across the network.

Cargo iQ is a not-for-profit membership group supported by IATA composed of major airlines, freight forwarders, ground handling agents, trucking companies and IT providers who work together to bring standardisation and transparency to the air cargo journey.

As part of that, the Cargo iQ MOP, which has been endorsed by IATA as a recommended industry practice, describes the standard end-to-end process of transporting air cargo from shipper to consignee. These two new messaging standards, FIW and FOW, in the end-to-end airfreight shipment journey bring the total number of milestones in the MOP to 20.

Cathay Pacific has had a seat on the Cargo iQ board and has been an active contributor to the working group since it was first established as Cargo 2000, 25 years ago. Today, Cathay’s GM Cargo Service Delivery Frosti Lau is on the Cargo iQ board and has helped shape the new developments. ’We are delighted to be an early adopter of these two new milestones because we are dedicated to enhancing the quality control on our handling processes with the accountable parties,’ he said. ‘That's why we are working closely with our counterparts to launch these milestones so we can better monitor the performance of the handover of shipments between our ramp handling and cargo terminal subsidiaries at Hong Kong International Airport.’  

Eindhoven Airport takes a step towards enhancing Instrument Landing System (ILS)

Eindhoven Air Base The Ministry of Defence and Eindhoven Airport has reached an agreement in principle on upgrading the ILS system   


Eindhoven Airport uses the runway at Eindhoven Military Airport. The new ILS, category III, makes it possible for aircraft to land and take off from Eindhoven Airport in dense fog. Because of the new ILS, air traffic will experience significantly less disturbance due to fog.   

The Ministry of Defence will include the higher category ILS in the tender for major maintenance of the runway planned for 2025. The reason for this is that the runway must be broken open just as in the case of major maintenance. In the case of a category III ILS, extra lighting is installed in the runway, which means that air traffic cannot use it. By combining the installation of the new ILS with major maintenance, the runway only needs to be broken up once. A final decision on the higher category of ILS will be taken on the basis of the tenders received in due course, following the invitation to tender.  

The ILS is a radio navigation system that pilots use for landing. Using the ILS, a precision approach to the runway can be performed. With a Category III, there is also lighting in the runway. The ILS has three categories (with category IIIB being the most comprehensive). At airports with this ILS category, landings can be made without having a view of the runway. Eindhoven Airport currently has an ILS category I. At Eindhoven Airport, pilots need at least 550 metres visibility of the runway in order to be allowed to land. 







Delta to restart Japan service from Los Angeles - plus start new route from Honolulu

Delta A330 to fly between LAX at HND from end of October


One of the leading mega carriers from the U.S., Delta Air Lines confirmed this week that it will resume flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Tokyo International Airport  Haneda in Japan, beginning on 30th October.  

Delta says the route will start operating three times weekly before moving to daily starting 1st December. The restart of service will use Airbus 330-900neo aircraft featuring Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin services.

Delta will also start a new daily service between Honolulu and Haneda on 1st December and this is the first time Delta has offered service from Haneda to Honolulu with its start delayed due to the pandemic. This route will be served by Boeing 767-300ER aircraft with Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort + and Main Cabin services on the plane. 

Haneda is a key hub for Delta and offers multiple travel options from key U.S. gateways including Seattle, Atlanta and Detroit.

The flight schedule, listed below remains subject to change due to the evolving nature of COVID-19, customer demand and government travel regulations. 

American Airlines goes supersonic....... American, the world’s largest airline, poised to have the world’s largest supersonic fleet with 20 new Boom Supersonic aircraft

 

American Airlines and Boom Supersonic today announced the airline’s agreement to purchase up to 20 Overture aircraft, with an option for an additional 40. American has paid a non-refundable deposit on the initial 20 aircraft. Overture is expected to carry passengers at twice the speed of today’s fastest commercial aircraft.

Boom Supersonic’s Overture would introduce an important new speed advantage to American’s fleet, which is currently the simplest, youngest and most efficient among U.S. network carriers. Under the terms of the agreement, Boom must meet industry-standard operating, performance and safety requirements as well as American’s other customary conditions before delivery of any Overtures.

“Looking to the future, supersonic travel will be an important part of our ability to deliver for our customers,” said Derek Kerr, American’s Chief Financial Officer. “We are excited about how Boom will shape the future of travel both for our company and our customers.”

Overture is being designed to carry 65 to 80 passengers at Mach 1.7 over water — or twice the speed of today’s fastest commercial aircraft — with a range of 4,250 nautical miles. Optimized for speed, safety and sustainability, Overture is also being designed to fly more than 600 routes around the world in as little as half the time. Flying from Miami to London in just under five hours and Los Angeles to Honolulu in three hours are among the many possibilities.

“We are proud to share our vision of a more connected and sustainable world with American Airlines,” said Blake Scholl, Founder and CEO of Boom. “We believe Overture can help American deepen its competitive advantage on network, loyalty and overall airline preference through the paradigm-changing benefits of cutting travel times in half.”

In July, Boom revealed the final production design of Overture, which is slated to roll out in 2025 and carry its first passengers by 2029.







KLM and the Dutch Airline Pilots Association have reached an agreement in principle on a new collective labour agreement

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has confirmed it is happy with the agreement reached with VNV - the Dutch Airline Pilots Association regarding a new collective labour agreement (CLA).  The new agreement, starts 1 March 2022 through 1 March 2023, for pilots covered by the CLA for KLM cockpit crew.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has confirmed it is happy with the agreement reached with VNV - the Dutch Airline Pilots Association regarding a new collective labour agreement (CLA).  The new agreement, starts 1 March 2022 through 1 March 2023, for pilots covered by the CLA for KLM cockpit crew. 

The airline says the deal 'will ensure calm and stability for the coming year and reflects KLM’s current circumstances.'  The airline and VNV will now finalise the protocol texts, which VNV will then present to their members’ council for approval.

KLM has ensured that the new CLA takes account of price developments in the Netherlands. A wage clause specifying a 2% increase effective 1 October 2022 and a further 2% effective 1 March 2023 has been agreed. This reflects agreements recently reached with the trade unions representing ground personnel.

We also reached an agreement with VNV on productivity and flexibility in the coming period.

The existing international commuting arrangement for pilots has been discontinued. Pilots who live outside the Netherlands will now pay for their flights when commuting to work.

KLM employees will receive one-off payment when KLM no longer has a credit facility with government guarantees. This payment acknowledges the concerted effort made by KLM staff in the face of recent challenges.

Despite KLM’s successful recovery, the future remains uncertain due to factors such as high inflation, rising costs, uncertainties surrounding coronavirus and scarcity in the job market. KLM must therefore continue to cut costs structurally. The negotiating parties agreed to return to the table if the situation so demands in the coming period.








World Economic Forum’s `Medicine from the Sky` Drone Delivery Programme Set for Take-off in Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh


Medicine from the Sky, a flagship initiative by the World Economic Forum, is to be launched in Arunachal Pradesh, north-east India, on Independence Day.

The aim is to document how health systems in remote parts of the state respond to the integration of drone-based supply chains. After numerous confidence-building pilot schemes across the country, the Arunachal Pradesh initiative focuses on a more elaborate agenda involving deeper operational planning and observations.

Medicine from the Sky – Arunachal Pradesh is a six-month project aimed at analysing the response of the state’s healthcare system when integrated with drones
The pilot project is a culmination of regional confidence-building measures in the healthcare sector following the liberalization of India’s drone economy in 2021
Under the Forum-Arunachal Pradesh collaboration agreement, village chiefs will create “drone ambassadors” to raise awareness among local youth

 



The six-month programme will be centred around four pillars:

Basic healthcare needs – regular services for vaccines; iron, folic acid, nutrition supplements; prophylactic and mass drug administration; diagnostic sample collection; emergency medications; blood and blood products
Ecosystem skill levels, terrain, weather considerations – identification of local stakeholders, including engineering, medical, paramedical, humanities and management colleges; technical and skill development institutes; find continuous source for weather data and real-time prediction
Survivability, scalability and sustainability – resource estimation, impact assessment and economics
Stress testing of drone platforms – ascertaining ability of available technologies to handle undulating terrain


“In mid-2021, we undertook a field study in Arunachal Pradesh, along with the Public Health Foundation of India, to learn more about the local health distribution system, disease profile and the nature of the terrain. Traversing the Seppa-Bameng belt by road, in particular, made it evident that drones were an absolute necessity,” said Vignesh Santhanam, Lead, Aerospace and Drones, World Economic Forum.

19 new Airbus aircraft for Germany's Condor.....

One of the global leading aircraft leasing and management companies, Air Lease Corporation, has confirmed the placements of 19 new Airbus aircraft with the German leisure and holiday airline Condor on a long lease basis.

This deal includes 17 Airbus A321neos and 2 Airbus A320neos, with the new aircraft scheduled to start arriving with the airline in early 2024 and continue through until mid-2027.  ALC currently leases five aircraft to Condor, including three A321s and two A320s and the new planes are all from ALC’s existing order book with manufacturer Airbus. 

“We are looking forward to continuing our partnership with ALC in the future. We are thankful for this collaboration as it supports Condor in reaching its next milestones,” says Ralf Teckentrup, CEO of Condor. “With the replacement of our entire long-haul fleet, it‘s the obvious next step for us to modernize our short/medium-haul fleet as well. We consistently focus on modern technology, maximum efficiency and the highest customer comfort and as a result, will have one of the greenest fleets in Europe.”

Steven Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation said:  “This significant lease placement for 19 Airbus new generation aircraft continues ALC’s excellent relationship with Condor, one of our key German airline customers. -  The A321neo and A320neo are fundamental to Condor’s fleet operations and to maintain the airline’s highly competitive position in the European market.”

Rocket Lab to launch 150th satellite......

Rocket Lab USA, has announced this week that its upcoming 30th Electron launch will deliver its 150th payload and 300th Rutherford engine to space. The mission is a dedicated launch for Japanese Earth-imaging satellite constellation operator Synspective.

“The Owl Spreads Its Wings” mission is scheduled to lift-off from Pad B at Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand during a launch window opening in mid-September. The mission is the second of a bulk buy of three Electron launches by Synspective to deliver their StriX satellites to low Earth orbit. StriX-1 is Synspective’s first commercial satellite for its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation to deliver imagery that can detect millimetre-level changes to the Earth’s surface from space, independent of weather conditions on Earth and at any time of the day or night. “The Owl Spreads Its Wings” will be Rocket Lab’s third mission for Synspective after successful launches in December 2020 and February 2022.

Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter Beck, says: “From launching Synspective’s first demonstration spacecraft to now helping to build their SAR constellation with this launch of their first commercial StriX satellite, it’s an honour to once again be the trusted launch partner for Synspective. As the sole payload on this dedicated Electron launch, Synspective are able to build their constellation to a specific LTAN (Local Time of the Ascending Node) that couldn’t be achieved if StriX was launched on a rideshare mission with other satellites – a highly important differentiator when building a new satellite constellation.”




The mission for Synspective will mark a series of company milestones for Rocket Lab.


30th Electron launch


“The Owl Spreads Its Wings” mission will be Rocket Lab’s 30th launch of its Electron rocket. From its first launch in 2017, Electron quickly made regular and reliable launch to space accessible for small satellites. As the United States’ second most-frequently launched rocket, with this mission Electron will have successfully launched to orbit more times in 2022 than all other small launch providers combined.

In response to exceptional demand, Oman Air, has increased flights between Muscat and Turkey


 In response to exceptional demand, Oman Air, the Sultanate of Oman's national airline, has increased flights between Muscat and its Turkish destinations (Istanbul and Trabzon).

Based on the table below, the airline has increased frequencies between Muscat and Trabzon from 3 weekly flights to 5 weekly flights, and between Muscat and Istanbul from 7 weekly flights to 8 weekly flights.
8 weekly flights to Istanbul
5 weekly flights to Trabzon
Widebody B787 Dreamliner and Boeing 737 service       

Additional Istanbul flights:

Flight

number

From

 

Departure

Time

To

Arrival

Time

Days

WY 165

Muscat

14:35

Istanbul

19:00

Sunday

WY 166

Istanbul

00:55

Muscat

06:50

Monday

 Additional Trabzon flights:

Flight

number

From

 

Departure

Time

To

Arrival

Time

Days

WY 167

Muscat

09:35

Trabzon

12:45

Friday, Sunday

WY 168

Trabzon

14:00

Muscat

19:05


Oman Air is renowned for its exceptional award-winning products and services, both in the air and on the ground, and for the signature Omani hospitality accessible to guests on every flight. The airline offers wide-body service, including Boeing 787 Dreamliner in addition to the Boeing 737 between Muscat and Istanbul. The airline’s single-aisle Boeing 737 fleet runs flights between Muscat and Trabzon. Guests should check omanair.com for the most up-to-date flight schedules and times, as they are subject to change

Guests can also book a customized Istanbul and Trabzon holiday package through Oman Air Holidays.







15 August, 2022

Oman Air Adds More Flights Between Muscat and Salalah


To meet exceptional Khareef season demand for Salalah in Oman’s southern Dhofar Governorate, Oman Air has gradually increased daily flight frequencies on its Muscat-Salalah-Muscat sector to reach up to 30 flights a day.

The additional flights on the sector reflect Salalah's reputation as a top tourist destination during Khareef (monsoon) season. The airline will increase flights based on the schedule below:

Flights a day

Dates

 

20 Flights

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday

Effective 14 August 2022

28 Flights

Thursday, Saturday

22 Flights

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday

Effective 21 August 2022

30 Flights

Thursday, Saturday

 

Oman Air is renowned for its exceptional award-winning products and services, both in the air and on the ground, and for the signature Omani hospitality accessible to guests on every flight. Between Muscat and Salalah, the airline offers wide-body service, including Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A330 in addition to Boeing 737. Guests should check omanair.com for the most up-to-date flight schedules and times, as they are subject to change.

Oman Air Holidays has assembled customizable Salalah packages, which allow visitors to see some of the most popular tourist attractions in and around Salalah. Each package is intended to give visitors a taste of the city's most popular attractions.





Air Canada picks longlist for Canada's Best New Restaurants 2022


Air Canada is proud to present the 30 nominees for Canada's Best New Restaurants. Since 2002, Air Canada enRoute has celebrated through this program the country's best new restaurants, chefs, teams and emerging talent—and this year, the Top 10 list is back! The highly anticipated longlist is out today on CanadasBestNewRestaurants.com.

Canada's Best New Restaurants celebrates its 21st year, making it the longest-running national culinary talent search and the only cross-country restaurant ranking to use a single, anonymous reviewer who sets out to sample the year's best new restaurants. Based on the recommendations of our national panel of food experts, Air Canada sent one undercover writer on a month-long culinary marathon in search of the top 30 most notable openings across the country, all of which are now contenders for the coveted Top 10 list.

The 2022 Canada's Best New Restaurants longlist spans 15 cities across eight provinces. From a four-seat Sichuan noodle counter at a Chinese grocery store in Montreal to a steakhouse reimagined in a panoramic lounge 40 floors above Calgary, this year's list features 30 restaurants in a range of formats, including a permanent pop-up, an art gallery-housed takeout spot, and pandemic-delayed visions that finally came to fruition.

Oman Air to operate 48 Match Day Shuttle flights between Muscat and Doha for football world cup

The national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, Oman Air has confirmed it will offer more flights for football fans during this winter's FIFA World Cup being held in Qatar.

The airline has said it will operate 48 Match Day Shuttle flights between Muscat and Doha from 21st November to 3rd December 2022. Oman Air offers wide-body service, including Boeing 787 Dreamliner between Muscat and Doha. Passengers on shuttle flights will enjoy Oman Air’s exceptional award-winning products and services, both in the air and on the ground, and its signature Omani hospitality is accessible to guests on every flight.

Return Match Day Shuttle flights can be booked on the Oman Air website (omanair.com) with prices starting from 49 OMR for Economy Class and 155 OMR for Business Class. Fares include fees, taxes, airport charges, and hand baggage allowance.

Passengers are advised to arrive in Doha at least four hours before the start of a match due to the high frequency of flights each day. In addition, all passengers must register for a Hayya card (fan ID) prior to their flight, as this is required for travel on all Match Day Shuttle flights and for entry into Qatar.


Throughout the tournament, football fans can book their Match Day Shuttle flights, which provide a smooth and comfortable 24-hour experience between Muscat and Doha. The service is intended to seamlessly connect fans to Qatar so that they can attend their respective matches. A no-check-in baggage policy also allows passengers to plan an easy-in, easy-out travel itinerary. 

Football fans to the region can also visit Muscat to experience thrilling adventures, breathtaking natural beauty, and genuine Omani hospitality through a variety of stopover packages available from Oman Air Holidays. Whether stopping for a few hours, overnight or for several days, the Sultanate of Oman has something to appeal to every traveller's itinerary.




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Hormuz Grand Muscat, A Radisson Collection Hotel

Places to stay in Oman......


Hormuz Grand Muscat, A Radisson Collection Hotel



A luxury stay in the capital of Oman



Set where east meets west, the Hormuz Grand Muscat, a Radisson Collection Hotel celebrates a new kind of luxury, rich in culture overlooking the Muscat Mountains. The hotel exceeds the expectations of the modern traveller and is the ideal business and leisure destination. This top-quality hotel is centrally located between Muscat International Airport, Ministries, the popular Muscat Hills, and Al Mouj Golf course. Overlooking the fast-growing Central Business District of Seeb and being in close proximity to some popular landmarks and shopping destinations as well as the New Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre make Hormuz Grand Muscat the ideal attraction for business, leisure, and tourism.

Whether you are visiting Muscat for business or leisure, this hotel has everything you need. After a day of meetings or exploring, relax in one of the 231 elegantly appointed spacious rooms and suites, each with 5-star amenities like free high-speed Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service.
Hormuz Grand Muscat, A Radisson Collection Hotel
Check rates and availability here.


Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat


Explore the beautiful Gulf of Oman

the Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat is perfect for business visits and relaxing vacations.
Located by Muscat's central business district and prime shopping, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat is perfect for business visits and relaxing vacations. Located just 15 kilometres from Muscat International Airport, guests can enjoy the bustle and culture of this capital city, as well as the beauty of nearby mountains and beaches along the Gulf of Oman. Choose from 153 comfortable rooms and suites with climate control and free Wi-Fi. This stylish hotel has two restaurants and three bars that offer a variety of cuisine and ambience. Visit the health club for a refreshing swim in the outdoor, temperature-controlled pool. 

Check rates and availability here.

American Airlines to make $1.5 million donation to the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals

American will provide $750,000 as a resource grant and $250,000 for scholarships to OBAP’s Luke Weathers Flight Academy
An additional $250,000 per year over the next two years will be provided for scholarships
American Airlines extended job offers to 45 diverse aviators at OBAPs 46th Annual Conference



American Airlines announced a donation of $1.5 million to the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) Luke Weathers Flight Academy during the organization’s 46th annual conference, held Aug. 10–12. American served as the title sponsor of OBAPs 46th annual conference, which included several notable industry speakers, aerospace professional development workshops and networking opportunities.

“Our strength lies in having a team, especially pilots, that represent the diverse communities we serve,” said American CEO Robert Isom. “We must expose young people to careers in aviation, provide relief to financial barriers and increase the number of underrepresented minority pilots on the flight deck.”

The contribution will provide resource grants and scholarships to the Lieutenant Colonel Luke Weathers Flight Academy to recruit and train pilots with diverse backgrounds and support the airline’s efforts to help the industry diversify the flight deck.

AEGEAN and Emirates ink codeshare partnership


AEGEAN and Emirates confirmed a new codeshare partnership has been agreed upon and will give passengers better connectivity on each airline's route networks. 

Emirates will place its code on AEGEAN operated flights, providing customers with a convenient and seamless booking experience as well as one consistent baggage policy, to popular destinations: Kerkyra, Chania, Irakleion, Mikonos, Thira, Rhodes, Thessaloniki and Alexandropoulos.

AEGEAN will place its code on Emirates-operated flights between Dubai and Athens for their customers to benefit from smooth connections to Dubai and onward. Travel itineraries can now be booked on emirates.com and aegeanair.com, with travel agents as well as online travel agents (OTAs), for travel immediately.

Starting October 2022, Emirates and AEGEAN will further increase their joint codeshare network to include eight more European regional routes via Athens, including Bucharest, Belgrade and Naples, among others, as well as westwards on Emirates’ flights to New York Newark from Athens, and New York JFK from Milan. Emirates currently serves Athens with 12 weekly flights operated by a Boeing 777.  These additional codeshare routes will be subject to receiving the necessary regulatory approvals.

Through its codeshare agreements with more than 26 carriers, two rail partners as well as 110 interline partners worldwide, Emirates offers its customers truly global connectivity across 6 continents.





Philippines is looking to buy Boeing Chinook helicopters after dropping Russian deal

Chinook helicopters could be heading to Philippeans following Russia deal exit
Photo RAF / Royal Air Force
The Philippines is now looking to buy Chinook helicopters from Boeing in the United States, its ambassador confirmed today after a deal worth $227.35 million with Russia was scrapped in order to avoid sanctions.

It was just days before Rodrigo Duterte ended his six-year Presidential term, that Philippines scrapped the deal to buy 16 Mi-17 Russian military transport helicopters.   "This cancellation of this contract is precipitated mainly by the war in Ukraine. While there are sanctions expected to come our way, from the United States and western countries, obviously it is not in our interest to continue and pursue this contract," ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez told the media.

The Chinooks would be used to transport troops and equipment, replacing the nation's existing hardware, the ambassador confirmed. The Philippines is pursuing discussions with Russia to recover the $38 million deposit payment it made for the helicopters. 








Airbus A380 to return to Perth in December as Emirates ramps up service.

From 1st December the Dubai-based Emirates has confirmed it will be bringing back the iconic Airbus A380 to service to and from the Australian city of Perth.

From 1st December the Dubai-based Emirates has confirmed it will be bringing back the iconic Airbus A380 to service to and from the Australian city of Perth.

The daily A380 service will replace the existing daily Boeing 777- 300ER operation between Dubai and Perth and marks a significant step in the airline’s ramp-up of services to Australia. The upgauge of aircraft effectively increases the seats on the route to close to 500 more per flight.

EK420 from Dubai will depart at 02:45, arriving in Perth at 17:20 the same day while EK421 flight will depart from Perth at 22:20, arriving in Dubai at 05:25 the following day.

20 Years of Flying to Perth



Since its inaugural flight to Perth back in August 2002, Emirates has flown close to 6 million passengers between Perth and its Dubai hub, travelling more than 220 million kilometres on over 24,000 flights.

Initially starting as a four times weekly service, the airline expanded its Perth operations due to strong demand for travel, the seamless connectivity provided by the airline, coupled with its award winning product and hospitality. This grew to a daily operation in May 2003 and was followed by the opening of Emirates’ first Perth lounge in February 2006.

In recognition of the demand for its premium offering, Emirates introduced its signature First Class Suites in March 2008 which was extended across multiple services. The airline touched down with its flagship A380 for the first time in May 2015, highlighting its ongoing commitment to the market, and putting its customers first with exceptional service and a premium travel experience across all classes.

Emirates has also been a longstanding supporter of arts, cultural and sporting institutions during this period in Western Australia, with investments across a number of initiatives.

The airline’s cargo arm, Emirates SkyCargo, has also been an important contributor to the local economy, exporting meat, fruit and vegetables and mining equipment across the airline’s global route network including the Middle East, Europe and beyond.

The Demand for Travel


Emirates has seen a strong increase in passenger bookings to and from Australia with significant demand across all its cabins, particularly following the launch of its Premium Economy which was first introduced on one of its daily Sydney services on 1 August.

The European summer has been the biggest driver of demand for Emirates, with European cities making up 8 of its top ten destinations Australians are currently flying to. Topping the list is the UK followed by Italy, France, Greece and Ireland making up the top five. Spain, Lebanon, Germany, The Netherlands and Turkey round out the top 10 destinations.

Many Emirates passengers are taking advantage of stopover travel, with the airline seeing a strong increase in the number of passengers who have enjoyed a brief stop in Dubai. Dubai Experience, which launched in April across 20 markets including Australia, helps passengers explore everything about Dubai and the UAE.

Flying with Emirates


Customers of Emirates and Qantas have access to an expansive network of destinations thanks to the codeshare partnership between the two airlines. Together, Emirates and Qantas provide customers access to more than 100 codeshare destinations, including 55 points across Australia and New Zealand. Qantas customers can fly with Emirates to Dubai and access over 50 cities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Emirates remains focused on taking the stress out of travel and has led the industry in protecting the health of its customers. Emirates’ customers travel with the assurance that the latest health and safety measures are in place at every step of the journey.







Air Center’s H225s help elite pararescue forces reach operational excellence in offshore training

The U.S. Air Force enlisted Air Center Helicopters’ H225s to conduct Special Operations training in elite offshore rescue operations - preparing them for real-life rescue operations in the field.


With its 16 H225s and 4 H125s, Air Center Helicopters is well known in the industry for its wide breadth of operational experience and capabilities - conducting everything from personnel recovery and medical evacuation in hostile military environments to firefighting and even carrying out scientific research on the ice sheets in Antarctica for the U.S. National Science Foundation. Recently, they supported a U.S. Air Force Special Operations Pararescue training unit, capstoning a rigorous skill level upgrade course - preparing them for rescue operations in more challenging offshore conditions.

Premier rescue unit for the U.S. Air Force

As part of the Special Warfare community, Pararescuemen or “PJs” as they’re referred to, are highly skilled tactical and technical rescue specialists with advanced medical capabilities. PJs are relied on in the Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force to retrieve injured airmen in challenging and potentially hostile conditions. With expertly honed skills in parachuting, combat scuba diving, high angle rescue, and emergency medical care, they regularly undergo training to sharpen their abilities - making them a truly formidable rescue team.


H225: the ideal training helicopter

H225 SAR

Troubled SAS gets $700 million in debtor-in-possession financing

The financially troubled SAS has announced it has entered into a debtor-in-possession (“DIP”) financing credit agreement for USD 700 million - around SEK 7.0 billion with funds managed by Apollo Global Management

This is a specialized type of bridge financing used by businesses that are restructuring through a chapter 11 process. This  DIP financing will enable SAS to continue meeting its obligations throughout the chapter 11 process. It is subject to approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York and is structured like a nine-month loan, which can be extended incrementally up to an 18-month term.

“We are pleased to have secured this financing commitment from investment firm Apollo Global Management, which follows an extensive and competitive process”, says Carsten Dilling, Chairman of the Board of SAS. “With this financing, we will have a strong financial position to continue supporting our on-going operations throughout our voluntary restructuring process in the U.S. Apollo Global Management has a long track record of helping build stronger, more competitive businesses and extensive experience in the aviation sector. With their substantial financing commitment, we can now focus entirely on accelerating the implementation our SAS FORWARD plan, and to continue our more than 75-year legacy of being the leading airline in Scandinavia.”

“SAS is one of Europe’s leading airlines and we are pleased to support the business operations as they implement their restructuring plans to emerge a stronger company,” said Apollo Partner Antoine Munfakh. “At Apollo we have a wealth of experience in commercial aviation and fully support the comprehensive SAS FORWARD plan as well as the goals of recapitalizing the Company upon its emergence from the chapter 11 process.”

 
 

 







B-52 Stratofortress Lands In Maine After 29 Years

Photo By Master Sgt. Andrew Sinclair | The Loring Commerce Centre welcomes home an old friend July 11th, 2022, Limestone, Me. It was one of the largest bases of the U.S. Air Force's Strategic Air Command during its existence and was home to the B-52 Stratofortress.
Photo by Master Sgt. Andrew Sinclair

It’s been nearly 29 years since a B-52 Stratofortress has landed in the great state of Maine; the last time being in the Fall of 1993 at Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine.

At the time of its closure, Loring AFB was home to the 42nd Bomb Wing, most notable for the dynamic duo consisting of the B-52 and KC-135 tanker; an imperative pair for homeland defence and providing high strategic value during peacetime and wartime, most notable of which was during the Cold War.

Photo by Master Sgt. Andrew Sinclair

Loring Air Force Base had a huge impact on the local community, striking a sense of patriotism in the heart of Aroostook county; forever embedded in its core, and in the early afternoon of August 11th, 2022, history would once again be made at the former Strategic Air Command Superbase.


Excitement and anticipation were among the many emotions as a crowd of civilians, veterans, and service members stood frantically hunting the County skies looking for the long-awaited Stratofortress to return home after 29 years; a site I can only compare to a feeling we’ve all been privy to as kids searching for Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. And for those of us lucky enough to be on the roof of the former Loring AFB control tower, it certainly seemed as though Santa was expected in Maine’s Northern skies at any moment.

The crowd had a 360-degree view of the airfield, its massive hangars, and what was left of the hundreds of buildings that housed over ten thousand airmen and their families; truly a shell of its former self from 30 years ago.

When the B-52 “BUFF” appeared over the horizon, in flight from Barksdale AFB in Louisiana, the onlookers were amazed and stunned in excitement that they were about to witness its landing; a task the locals and Loring Air Museum leadership have been trying to accomplish for a very long time.
Photo by Master Sgt. Andrew Sinclair

Qantas Freight will increase its domestic fleet with six Airbus A321 aircraft to meet growing demand

Qantas Freight has announced that it will increase its domestic fleet with six Airbus A321 aircraft to meet growing e-commerce demand from its customers.

Since the onset of COVID-19, the national carrier’s freight division has seen a step change in cargo volumes driven partly by a structural shift to online shopping.

The six A321 freighters, which are expected to progressively arrive between early calendar year 2024 and mid-2026, will replace the long-term fleet of five Boeing 737 freighters that are approaching the end of their economic life.

Each A321 freighter can carry 23 tonnes of cargo, nine tonnes more than the older 737s, and are around 30 per cent more fuel efficient per tonne of freight carried.

The aircraft will be sourced on the open market and converted from carrying passengers to cargo, subject to commercial negotiations. Their model designation is A321P2F, which stands for ‘Passenger to Freighter’. This conversion work will include removing seats and the installation of a cargo handling system.

Qantas currently has three A321P2Fs and replacing the remaining 737 freighters with these newer aircraft will simplify Freight’s fleet, bringing extra efficiency in training and maintenance.

Major widebody fleet renewal for Malaysia Airlines sees order for 20 Airbus A330neos

Malaysia Airlines to acquire 20 A330neo for widebody fleet renewal




Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, has selected the A330neo for the carrier’s widebody fleet renewal programme. The initial agreements cover the acquisition of 20 A330-900 aircraft, with 10 to be purchased from Airbus and 10 to be leased from Dublin-based Avolon.

The announcement was made at an event in Kuala Lumpur, attended by MAG CEO Izham Ismail and Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International Christian Scherer, who signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the aircraft to be ordered from Airbus. The agreements with engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce and Avolon were also signed at the ceremony.

Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo will join the carrier’s fleet of six long-range A350-900s and gradually replace its 21 A330ceo aircraft. The carrier will operate the A330neo on its network covering Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East. Malaysia Airlines will configure its A330neo fleet with a premium layout seating 300 passengers in two classes.

Izham Ismail said: “The acquisition of the A330neo is a natural transition from our current A330ceo fleet. The A330neo will not only provide fleet modernisation and enhanced operational efficiency, but will also meet environmental targets through reduced fuel-burn per seat, while keeping passenger safety and comfort at its core. This is a significant milestone as MAG moves towards the successful execution of our Long-Term Business Plan 2.0 to position itself as a leading aviation services Group within the region.”

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