Airbus Helicopters’ Racer is off to a flying start..........

Airbus Helicopters Racer demonstrator, developed in the frame of the European Research Clean Sky 2 project, has performed its first flight, in Marignane. The aircraft flew for about 30 minutes, allowing the flight test team to check the overall behaviour of the aircraft.

This important milestone launches the flight campaign which will take two years and will aim to progressively open the aircraft’s flight envelope and demonstrate its high speed capabilities. 

“With its 90 patents, Racer is the perfect example of the level of innovation that can be achieved when European partners come together. This first flight is a proud moment for Airbus Helicopters and for our 40 partners in 13 countries,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “I look forward to watching this demonstrator pioneer high speed capabilities and develop the eco-mode system that will contribute to reducing fuel consumption,” he added. 

Optimised for a cruise speed of more than 400 km/h, the Racer demonstrator aims to achieve the best trade-off between speed, cost-efficiency, and mission performance. The Racer also targets a fuel consumption reduction of around 20%, compared to current generation helicopters of the same class, thanks to aerodynamic optimisation and an innovative eco-mode propulsion system. Developed with Safran Helicopter Engines, the  hybrid-electrical eco-mode system allows one of the two Aneto-1X engines to be paused while in cruise flight, thus contributing to cutting CO2 emissions. The Racer also aims to demonstrate how its particular architecture can contribute to lowering its operational acoustic footprint.

The Racer builds upon the aerodynamic configuration validated by the Airbus Helicopters X3 technology demonstrator which, back in 2013, broke the speed record and pushed the limits for a helicopter by reaching 472 km/h. While the aim of the X3 was to validate the compound architecture, combining fixed wings for energy efficient lift, lateral rotors for energy-efficient propulsion and a main rotor that provides energy-efficient VTOL flight capacity, the Racer aims to take the compound formula closer to an operational configuration and to offer increased capabilities for certain missions for which high speed can be a real advantage.

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Budget airline Norwegian reports loss of NOK 763 million in the first quarter 2024

Norwegian recorded an operating loss (EBIT) of NOK 763 million for the group in the first quarter of 2024. The results were significantly improved compared to first quarter 2023, even though this quarter was impacted by a weaker Norwegian krone. Norwegian’s liquidity position improved to NOK 10.4 billion in a quarter which includes the successful acquisition of Widerøe.

For the first quarter of 2024, the Norwegian Group had an operating loss (EBIT) of NOK 763 million, compared to an operating loss of NOK 916 million in the same quarter last year. Operating profit was negatively impacted by currency revaluation effects resulting in a net loss of NOK 126 million for other losses/(gains) this quarter. Norwegian’s liquidity position improved through the first quarter to NOK 10.4 billion, including cash settlement for the Widerøe acquisition. The Norwegian Group fleet, including Widerøe, comprised a total of 136 aircraft, 87 aircraft for Norwegian and 49 for Widerøe.

“The significant improvement compared to 2023 is a clear sign that our many initiatives, both on revenues and costs, have the desired effect and move us in the right direction. Furthermore, we have increased our capacity for the season ahead with new routes and frequencies and are very much looking forward to welcoming a busy summer flying passengers to attractive destinations all over Europe,” said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian.

WestJet's plans for Alberta's capital city

Canadian carrier, WestJet's CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech, outlined the airline's strategy and commitments for 2024 and beyond in collaboration with key partners at his first annual address to business and community leaders at the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.

"As the capital city of our home province, we are unwaveringly committed to maintaining and growing our title as Edmonton's leading air carrier, as exhibited by our growing network and track record of fueling Edmonton's economic pipeline through inbound tourism and investment attraction," said von Hoensbroech to a sold-out business audience at the Glenora Club. "The Edmonton community is at the heart of our ambitious growth strategy as we strive to further cement the city's well-deserved position on the global stage, making it one of the most connected cities of its size in North America."

In his remarks, von Hoensbroech summarized WestJet's leading investments in Edmonton and provided an update on the airline's progress in bolstering Edmonton's transborder connectivity and expanding its domestic network.

Economic growth through transborder connectivity

WestJet has been working closely with key partners to inject flights that the business community relies upon to further build the local economy and advance the airline's growth plan. Through collaboration and strategic network planning, WestJet has answered the call for an expanded transborder network, with the following achievements:

As Alberta's largest and most important bilateral trade partner, WestJet has fulfilled the critical demand for transborder connectivity providing service to three brand new destinations including Atlanta, San Francisco and Nashville in 2023, alongside nine additional U.S. cities.

Through community engagement and partnership, WestJet has developed a transborder network that provides essential connectivity to the region for business, conventions and major sporting events.

Through travel and trade missions to Minneapolis and Atlanta, WestJet is facilitating connections amongst partners, generating greater two-way tourism opportunities in service of the local economies.

Hilton's first quarter 2024 results

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. has this week reported its first quarter 2024 results. 

Christopher J. Nassetta, President & Chief Executive Officer of Hilton, said, "We are pleased to report a strong first quarter with bottom line results meaningfully exceeding our expectations, further demonstrating the power of our resilient, fee-based business model and strong development story. During the first quarter, system-wide RevPAR increased 2.0 percent as renovations, inclement weather and unfavorable holiday shifts weighed on performance more than anticipated. On the development side, we continued to see great momentum across signings, starts and openings. As a result of our record pipeline and the growth pace we've seen to-date, we expect net unit growth of 6.0 percent to 6.5 percent for the full year, excluding the planned acquisition of the Graduate Hotels brand."

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, system-wide comparable RevPAR increased 2.0 percent compared to the same period in 2023 due to increases in both occupancy and ADR, and management and franchise fee revenues increased 14.4 percent compared to the same period in 2023.

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, diluted EPS was $1.04 and diluted EPS, adjusted for special items, was $1.53 compared to $0.77 and $1.24, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Net income and Adjusted EBITDA were $268 million and $750 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $209 million and $641 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

In the first quarter of 2024, Hilton opened 106 hotels, totaling 16,800 rooms, resulting in 14,200 net room additions. During the quarter, Hilton celebrated a number of significant luxury and lifestyle openings including: the grand opening of the Conrad Orlando in Florida, the debut of LXR Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii and the introduction of the Waldorf Astoria and Canopy by Hilton brands to the Seychelles. Furthermore, Hilton debuted the Curio Collection by Hilton brand in Kenya and Motto by Hilton brand in Peru and entered into partnerships with AutoCamp and Small Luxury Hotels of the World ("SLH"), which will provide new elevated lodging experiences to Hilton guests. Hilton also announced the Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Downtown, which will be the Company's first standalone residential property outside of the United States. Additionally, during the quarter, Hampton by Hilton celebrated the opening of its 3,000th hotel globally, kicking off a year of milestones and achievements for the brand including its 40th anniversary, entry into its 40th country and its expected groundbreaking entry into its fifth continent, Africa, later this year.

Hilton added 29,800 rooms to the development pipeline during the first quarter, and, as of March 31, 2024, Hilton's development pipeline totaled approximately 3,380 hotels representing 472,300 rooms throughout 119 countries and territories, including 31 countries and territories where Hilton had no existing hotels. Additionally, of the rooms in the development pipeline, 229,700 were under construction and 267,900 were located outside of the U.S..

Jean-Michel Jarre is world's first passenger to take off in KleinVision's flying AirCar

Godfather of electronic music and innovator Jean-Michel Jarre becomes world's first passenger to take off in KleinVision's flying AirCar in preparation for Starmus Opening Concert also Featuring Sir Brian May of Queen.

KleinVision's AirCar took to the skies with electronic music pioneer, Jean-Michel Jarre as its first passenger this month, signaling a new era of transportation innovation. AirCar, which received the Certificate of Airworthiness in January 2022, has already logged an impressive 130 flight hours and over 520 takeoffs.

"It is like being in a Jules Verne book, but for real! One second you speak to the driver, and next, you are up there in the air – an amazing experience!" said Jean-Michel Jarre after completing two flights in the AirCar at Piestany International Airport.

The artist's excitement was palpable as he marvelled at the futuristic experience, perfectly reflecting the theme of his upcoming Starmus opening concert, 'The Bridge from the Future', powered by ESET, global digital security leader.

"AirCar addition to Starmus is a fantastic complement to our festival experience," said Garik Israelian, PhD, astrophysicist at the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands and co-founder of Starmus, alongside Sir Brian May. "It mirrors the exhilarating journey we embark on, starting with Jean-Michel and Brian's monumental concert that propels us to new heights, soaring alongside artists and inspiring thinkers like Jane Goodall, and coming back to Earth with the wisdom of astronaut Chris Hadfield once the festival concludes."

Airbus reports First Quarter 2024 results during which it delivered 142 commercial aircraft....

142 commercial aircraft delivered

Revenues € 12.8 billion; EBIT Adjusted € 0.6 billion

EBIT (reported) € 0.6 billion; EPS (reported) € 0.76

Free cash flow before customer financing € -1.8 billion

2024 guidance unchanged

Airbus SE has reported its consolidated financial results for its First Quarter of 2024, ended 31 March 2024.

“We delivered first quarter 2024 results against the backdrop of an operating environment that shows no sign of improvement. Geopolitical and supply chain tensions continue. In that context, we delivered 142 commercial aircraft,” said Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury. “We started 2024 with a solid order intake across our businesses. The strong momentum on widebody aircraft underpins our decision to increase the production rate for the A350 to 12 aircraft a month in 2028. Our ramp up plans are continuing, supported by the investments in our production system while relying on our core pillars of safety, quality, integrity, compliance and security.”

Gross commercial aircraft orders totalled 170 (Q1 2023: 156 aircraft) with the same number of net orders due to no cancellations (Q1 2023 net orders: 142 aircraft). The order backlog amounted to 8,626 commercial aircraft at the end of March 2024. Airbus Helicopters registered 63 net orders (Q1 2023: 39 units), mainly in the light and medium segments. Airbus Defence and Space’s order intake by value was € 2.0 billion (Q1 2023: € 2.5 billion).

Consolidated revenues increased 9 percent year-on-year to € 12.8 billion (Q1 2023: € 11.8 billion). A total of 142 commercial aircraft were delivered (Q1 2023: 127 aircraft), comprising 12 A220s, 116 A320 Family, 7 A330s and 7 A350s. Revenues generated by Airbus’ commercial aircraft activities increased 13 percent, mainly reflecting the higher number of deliveries. Airbus Helicopters’ deliveries totalled 50 units (Q1 2023: 71 units) while its revenues decreased 9 percent, reflecting the lower volume of deliveries, partially offset by services. Revenues at Airbus Defence and Space increased 4 percent mainly driven by the Air Power business, partly offset by a less favourable phasing in Space Systems. One A400M military airlifter was delivered in the quarter.

Robinson Helicopter Company acquires Ascent AeroSystems

Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), a global leader in civilian rotorcraft, has acquired Ascent AeroSystems, now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Robinson Helicopter Company. This acquisition reinforces Robinson’s dedication to scaling innovation, accelerating new rotorcraft developments, and supporting diverse missions worldwide. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both companies, Robinson reinforces its leadership in the future of vertical flight systems and utility missions.

Ascent AeroSystems Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) to be Assembled at Robinson Helicopter’s Vertically Integrated Manufacturing Facility in Torrance.

Ascent AeroSystems, recognized for its efficient and compact coaxial helicopter drones designed for industrial, public safety, and defense applications, brings a wealth of technological synergies that align with Robinson's strategic vision for growth and expansion into new markets. Through the acquisition, Ascent can now grow and scale by building its UAVs at Robinson’s cost-effective, vertically integrated manufacturing facility in Torrance, CA.

Ascent AeroSystems' expertise in autonomous electric flight technology and modular design philosophy will enhance Robinson's offerings. The integration of emerging technologies and a diverse ecosystem of payloads, power sources, and launch methods will further enhance the company's mission-focused offerings, including crewed-uncrewed teaming and interoperability across product families.

"This strategic acquisition is in line with our vision to broaden our offerings and meet increasing global demand for enhanced mission capabilities in law enforcement, public safety, firefighting, utility, and defense,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. “Ascent's advanced technologies and versatile designs complement our ability to be the preeminent choice in global rotorcraft."

PLAY has expanded its fleet to include 10 aircraft from the Airbus as load factor increases..

PLAY airlines offers affordable travel options between North America and Europe. Since its inaugural flight in 2021, PLAY has expanded its fleet to include 10 aircraft from the Airbus A320 family and with an average aircraft age of just over 2 years, PLAY is a real value-for-money option. 

Strategically based in Iceland, PLAY leverages its location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean to efficiently connect passengers travelling between North America and Europe, enabling the airline to maintain low operational costs and pass on savings to customers. 

Passengers flying with PLAY can add a complimentary stopover in Iceland for up to 10 days, allowing them to explore the country's natural wonders and vibrant capital, Reykjavik, without additional charges. 

For those looking to extend their layover into a multi-day stopover, PLAY offers this option at no extra cost, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in Iceland's unique landscapes, breathtaking northern lights and world-famous culture before continuing their journey across the Atlantic. 

PLAY serves key destinations in North America, including Baltimore, Boston, New York, and Washington DC in the United States, as well as Toronto in Canada. In Iceland, visitors can experience breathtaking sights such as waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, and diverse wildlife within easy reach of the comfort of Reykjavik. 

Since its inception, PLAY has operated a fleet of 10 Airbus A320/321neo aircraft, boasting an average age of just over 2 years, ensuring passengers enjoy a comfortable, safe, and reliable journey. With an impressive 83% on-time performance in 2023, PLAY has established itself as a dependable choice for travellers. 

Recognized for excellence, PLAY's cabin crew was voted the best by USA Today readers and the airline itself was named the best low-cost airline in Northern Europe, reflecting its commitment to providing exceptional service and value to passengers. 

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Latest Results 

• PLAY airlines revenues increased by 66% between years, from USD 33 million in Q1 in 2023 to USD 54 million in Q1 2024 despite capacity increase of 63%
• PLAY’s cash position was USD 17.1 million at the end of Q1. PLAY has since received USD 32 million following a share capital increase and will go into the summer season with a healthy cash position. Uplisting to Nasdaq Iceland Main Market is in process as planned.
• PLAY carried 349 thousand passengers in Q1 2024, which is a 64% increase from Q1 2023. 
• The load factor increased at the same time, from 78.4% in Q1 2023 to 81.8% in Q1 2024.
• Q1 was operationally successful with an on-time performance of 87.8%, which is a considerably better performance than with the airline’s main competitor.
• Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) in Q1 were negative USD 20.4 million. EBIT was negatively impacted by inaccurate news coverage of seismic activities in the Reykjanes Peninsula.
• Total revenue per available seat kilometer (TRASK) was 4.2 US cents, same as during Q1 2023.
• Cost per available seat kilometer (CASK) was 5.9 US cents in Q1 2024, which is 8% less than in Q1 2023 mainly due to favorable trends in ETS prices impacting fuel expenses positively. 
• CASK ex-fuel is down 4.2% YoY and was 4.3 US cents.
• Yield was USD 151 driven by strong ancillary revenue per passenger of USD 50.

Einar Örn Ólafsson, CEO, said:  "The Q1 2024 results were in line with our expectations. The results were heavily impacted by a drop in demand following the inaccurate global news coverage on seismic activity in the Reykjanes Peninsula in Q4 2023. We had reported that this would negatively affect our outcome and now the results are in. 
Despite this, we saw positive signs in our operations and sales. Demand started picking up drastically in January 2024 and we had record sales days in Q1 which have resulted in a healthy forward booking status. Our total revenues increased 66% between years, from USD 33 million in Q1 2023 to USD 54 million in Q1 2024. This is a true sign of how our airline is becoming more known and gaining market share. 
The motto at PLAY airlines is to keep costs low so we can continue to offer competitive airfares. In Q1 we saw our CASK decreasing 8% compared to Q1 2023 and the CASK ex-fuel also trended in the right direction for us. Our team remains focused on keeping our business lean.
Operationally Q1 can be very challenging in Iceland due to weather conditions. Still, we saw an exceptional on-time performance of 87.8%, which is above our target of 85% on-time performance for the full year. This is something to be proud of and I am grateful for the tremendous job my colleagues at PLAY have done to deliver these results. 
In Q1, PLAY received subscription commitments from existing shareholders and other investors which amounted to USD 32 million. PLAY is therefore in a strong financial position to achieve its goals. 
The truly vital summer season is ahead of us, and I am looking forward to working with my colleagues at PLAY to deliver exceptional service to our passengers. "







PLAY airlines carried 349 thousand passengers in Q1 2024, compared to 212 thousand in Q1 2023, which is a 64% increase between years. This increase is notable because PLAY´s load factor increased significantly between years, from 78.4% in Q1 2023 to 81.8% in Q1 2024. 
Of all the passengers flying with PLAY in Q1 2024, 27% were traveling from Iceland, 36% were going to Iceland and 37% were connecting passengers (VIA). 
Q1 was operationally successful. PLAY had an 87.8% on-time performance in the quarter, which is beyond the airline’s full-year target of 85%. 
PLAY launched ticket sales to five new destinations in its route network in Q1. PLAY will be starting scheduled flights to Madeira, Marrakech, Vilnius and Split in 2024 and will do a six-week schedule to Cardiff in the fall. Additionally, PLAY will operate one flight to the winter wonderland of Rovaniemi in Finland in December. 

New jet service for Canadian North

Starting June 2nd, as part of its ongoing commitment to service Canada's North, the regional carrier, Canadian North will be offering a twice-weekly jet service Montreal-Kuujjuaq-Iqaluit. The airline will be using its Boeing 737-700 which is joining the company as part of its national fleet renewal strategy. The new jet offers a higher level of comfort and convenience with spacious seats, larger overhead bins, and in-seat power USB outlets.

The airline will also be offering complimentary food and beverage service on the route to help passengers enjoy the best of Canadian North’s hospitality when travelling between Montreal and Iqaluit in less than 4 hours!

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Hawaiian Holdings Reports 2024 First Quarter Financial Results

Hawaiian Airlines, has reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2024, this week which shows the firm has generated federal and state net operating losses (NOLs) of approximately $451 million and $969 million. 

It was a period during which the company's stockholders had voted in favour of a merger with / take-over by  Alaska Air Group.  The Company and Alaska entered into a timing agreement with the Department of Justice ("DOJ") in which they agreed not to consummate the merger before 90 days following the date on which both parties have certified substantial compliance with the DOJ's second request for additional information

"Mahalo to our team for remaining focused on delivering strong operational performance and unparalleled guest experience," said Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram . "2024 is off to a positive start as we work to start realizing the return on significant investments we've made in our business, including rolling out high-speed Starlink WIFI and taking delivery of our first Boeing 787."

Key events during the period include:

Began Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner revenue service on April 15, 2024

Announced new flying from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Honolulu (HNL) and Sacramento (SMF) to Lihu`e (LIH) and Kona (KOA)

Announced increased summer flights between HNL and Austin (AUS), Boston (BOS), Las Vegas (LAS) and Pago Pago (PPG)

Hawaiian will also add a fourth daily flight between HNL and Los Angeles (LAX) from May 24 through September 2

Hawaiian received its second A330-300 freighter from Amazon which will operate between New York's JFK and San Bernardino (SBD)

Starlink inflight connectivity is now available free of charge on board all 18 A321neo aircraft

Expanded Premium Airport Service product in its Honolulu hub, offering seamless curb-to-aircraft experience with access to new airport private suite, Apt. 1929

Signed a multi-year distribution agreement with Sabre that will provide Sabre-connected agencies with long-term access to the carrier's HA Connect™ NDC and traditional EDIFACT content through the Sabre travel marketplace.

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60% of the globes population is on social media........

Image by biljast/Pixabay

ID Crypt Global, the digital identity security specialist, has warned about the huge danger posed by spreading fake news via social media platforms, as 60% of the global population now use platforms such as X, Instagram and Facebook. 

Our world is more connected than it has ever been. Thanks to social media, we are able to almost immediately bear witness to, and engage with, major global events from around the world in ways that were never possible before.

But a rise in fake news and doctored imagery means we cannot always trust what we see online. 

A previous academic research article analysed the social media aftermath of Hurricane Sandy which caused more than 200 fatalities and widespread damage in the Caribbean and Mid-Atlantic coast of America in October 2012.

The study found that 1.7% of all images related to Hurricane Sandy that were uploaded to Twitter (now known as X) in the two weeks following the event were fake, due to having been doctored or not truly portraying events as they actually happened. 

It also is thought there are 3.2 billion images alone uploaded to social media on a daily basis

Imagine if, during the next major global event, be it an election or a conflict between nations, 1.7% of images posted or shared across all social media platforms were fake. 

But it’s not just global events when social media users are exposed to fake news. Previous research by ID Crypt Global found that disinformation actors are spreading an estimated 1.5 bn fake news posts per day across social media platforms. 

In January 2024, the number of people using social media surpassed 5 billion* for the first time after an annual increase of 5.6%. This means roughly 60% of the global population are now using social media.

First Quarter 2024 results for JetBlue shows loss of $716 million

JetBlue has released details of its first-quarter results in 2024, showing a net loss of $145 million, based on revenues of $2.2 billion.  

"Thanks to our incredible crewmembers and our reinvigorated focus on improving reliability, our operation performed above plan in the first quarter, resulting in revenue and costs coming in better than expectations," said Joanna Geraghty, JetBlue’s chief executive officer. "As we look to the full year, significant elevated capacity in our Latin region, which represents a large portion of JetBlue’s network, will likely continue to pressure revenue and we expect a setback in our expectations for the full year. We have full confidence that continuing to take action on our refocused standalone strategy is the right path forward to ultimately return to profitability again."

"We've begun rolling out the initial components of our refocused plan. In the first quarter, we announced a number of significant network changes, which are designed to free up unprofitable flying and reallocate it to proven leisure markets where JetBlue has historically won" said Marty St. George, JetBlue’s president. "Demand remained healthy in peak periods, and in particular, we saw encouraging performance from our domestic and transatlantic flying, as well as continued outsized demand for our premium seating options."

First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Net loss for the first quarter of 2024 under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") of $716 million or $2.11 loss per share. Excluding special items, adjusted net loss for the first quarter of 2024 of $145 million(1) or $0.43 loss per share.

First quarter of 2024 capacity decreased by 2.7% year-over-year.

Operating revenue of $2.2 billion for the first quarter of 2024, down 5.1% year-over-year.

Operating expense for the first quarter of 2024 increased by 14.0% year-over-year to $2.9 billion.

Operating expense per available seat mile ("CASM") for the first quarter of 2024 increased 17.1% year-over-year.

Operating expense, excluding special items for the first quarter of 2024 decreased 3.7%(1) year-over-year to $2.4 billion.

Operating expense per available seat mile, excluding fuel, other non-airline operating expenses, and special items ("CASM ex-Fuel")(1) for the first quarter of 2024 increased 7.1%(1) year-over-year.

Average fuel price in the first quarter of 2024 of $2.97 per gallon.

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First Quarter 2024 Key Highlights

Saudia launches new innovative digital platform......

The national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia has launched its innovative digital platform, the Travel Companion (TC), powered by advanced artificial intelligence. This move is part of a two-year plan to revolutionise the travel industry by embracing digital innovations. In collaboration with global professional services firm Accenture, Saudia's Travel Companion is set to change how travellers interact with the airline and redefine the standards of digital travel.

The Travel Companion offers personalised and tailored solutions to meet individual preferences and needs, providing search results from trusted and authenticated sources and utilises image-supported responses. The platform is intended to be a comprehensive, one-stop solution that allows users to book concierge services such as hotels, transportation, restaurants, activities, and attractions, eliminating the need to switch between multiple platforms. Additionally, it establishes seamless connections with transportation platforms and various train companies, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted journey. 

In the next stages, Saudia will introduce additional features, such as voice command and digital payment solutions. Through an always-on Travel Companion accessible via a telecom e-SIM card enabled by Saudia, users can enjoy global access without relying on other internet providers. Furthermore, users can purchase data packages for additional applications, ensuring continuous access to the platform's services.

Barbados and British Airways celebrate 70th anniversary with the Barbadian rum, Mount Gay Rum Distilleries

For the first time ever, passengers on board British Airways flights to Barbados are being served Mount Gay Rum for ‘a taste of Barbados at 37,000 feet’

                   As Barbados celebrates 70 years of British Airways flights to the island, the UK flag carrier’s customers have been enjoying rum on board from Mount Gay the world’s oldest-running rum distillery. 

For the first time ever, British Airways’ customers flying between the UK and Barbados throughout April are being treated to the rich flavours of Mount Gay, XO in First and Club World (business class) and Mount Gay, Eclipse in World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and World Traveller (economy).

Mount Gay Rum, the oldest, most storied rum in the world, has been produced in Barbados with passion and unparalleled craftsmanship since 1703, thus earning it the title “the rum that invented rum”. Expertly crafted from the rich sugar cane and pristine, coral-filtered water native to the island, Mount Gay Rum is a spirit with a rich history and true character.

In addition to the onboard festivities, Barbados will host a prestigious evening reception at Ilaro Court, the official residence of the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, S.C., M.P. | Prime Minister of Barbados on Wednesday 24th April. This exclusive event will welcome distinguished guests including, Hon Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Barbados and Colm Lacy, Chief Commercial Officer for British Airways. 

Successful Airdrop Tests for Oshkosh FMTV A2 LVAD

The U.S. Army Operational Test Command’s Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate (ABNSOTD) recently conducted the final airdrop test of the Oshkosh® Defense FMTV A2 Cargo 6x6 Low-Velocity Airdrop (LVAD). The airdrops, which took place at Fort Liberty in North Carolina, mark a key milestone for the FMTV A2 LVAD program. The tests validated the design and capabilities of the Cargo 6x6 LVAD to ensure its suitability for the stringent demands of airdrop and follow-on operations.

Developed to address the challenges of an aging medium LVAD fleet, the three Oshkosh Defense FMTV A2 LVAD variants, the Cargo 6x6, Cargo 4x4, and Dump Truck 6x6, are each engineered to fulfill a critical need for the Airborne community.