A Royal Navy patrol helicopter is the eyes in the sky over the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean.

Photo Royal Navy

A Royal Navy patrol helicopter is the eyes in the sky over the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean.

The Wildcat from Yeovilton-based 815 Naval Air Squadron has left her mothership, RFA Argus, to work on maritime security patrols alongside the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Service (RTCIPS).

203 Flight, which has already had a jam-packed deployment in the region since arriving in April, has gone ashore for a few weeks for scheduled maintenance ahead of potential hurricane season missions, but also to complement the local police’s operations.

Photo Royal Navy

The Wildcat is equipped with cutting-edge sensors and radars, making it a world-class aircraft for reconnaissance and patrol sorties.

Aircraft Lighting Market Worth $1,987 Million by 2030

                                       According to the new research report "Aircraft Lighting Market published by MarketsandMarkets, the Aircraft Lighting Market is estimated to be USD 826 million in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 1,987 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2020 to 2030. 

The increasing demand for better flight experience and comfort, as well as the rise in air passenger traffic, are leading to the rise in aircraft orders across the globe. These factors are anticipated to drive the growth of the aircraft lighting market during the forecast period.

Global Airport Information Systems Market (2020 to 2025) - Growth, Trends, and Forecasts

Airport Information Systems Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2020 - 2025)

The airport information systems market is anticipated to register a CAGR of over 3% during the forecast period.

Airport information systems enhance the operational efficiency of the airports, while dramatically reducing the operational costs of the airports. Information systems facilitate the hassle-free movement of passengers by giving real-time information regarding the luggage systems, airline and terminal operations, and aircraft movements, thereby, avoiding general confusion.

The growth in passenger travel has stimulated an increase in both aircraft movements and airport terminal expansion activities. This has necessitated more efficient airport information systems for effectively managing both the airside and the terminal side operations of the airport.

AirAsia Philippines ramps up in-flight offerings for guest convenience and safety

AirAsia Philippines ramps up in-flight offerings

Additional measures, related to the sale of in-flight meals and products, are being taken to ensure guests have a safe and convenient journey under AirAsia’s new norm of flying.

While AirAsia’s award-winning Santan meals will still be served onboard, guests will need to pre-book their hot meals online. In-flight purchasing of meals will be temporarily put on hold to lessen physical interactions in transit while cabin crew handling food wear extra protective gear for added safety.

ACI and IATA Call for Governments to Bear Costs of Public Health Measures

ACI and IATA Call for Governments to Bear Costs of Public Health Measures

                                   Airports Council International (ACI) World and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have today urged that costs related to public health measures aimed at mitigating the spread of communicable diseases should be borne by governments.

The COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on the industry and broader economy has halted aviation at global level, leading to multi-billion losses in revenue and traffic. 

As the industry begins to restart and plan for a long-term, sustained recovery, the health and safety of passengers and staff remains the foremost priority for airports and airlines. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), through the Council Aviation Recovery Task Force (CART), has resolved to partner with its Member States, international and regional organizations, and industry to address the challenges and to provide global guidance for a safe, secure and sustainable restart and recovery of the aviation sector. ICAO’s TakeOff guidance outlines a number of new measures for safeguarding public health, which are already being introduced by airports and airlines around the world.

Alaska Airlines puts up 61 aircraft as security for nearly $1.2 billion in private funding

Owned aircraft will be used as collateral; McGee Air Services attains PSP relief

The Seattle based Alaska Airlines, formally known as McGee Airways has secured nearly $1.2 billion in private loans to help it cope with the effects of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.  As part of an Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate (EETC) offering, Alaska will use 61 of its owned aircraft as collateral to back the debt: 26 Boeing 737-800s, 16 Boeing 737-900ERs and 19 Embraer 175s.

The aircraft will remain encumbered until the debt is repaid: Series A ($966 million) will be repaid by Aug. 15, 2027, and Series B ($208 million) will be repaid by Aug. 15, 2025.

El Al Israel Airlines shares details of its first quarter of 2020

El Al Israel Airlines Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2020

The global pandemic of coronavirus COVID-19 has had a dramatic on airlines around the world,  the Israeli airline El Al is no exception.  The carrier that is still trying to negotiate a full rescue bailout deal with the government has released select details of its results for the first quarter of the year.  The airline says the results were significantly affected by the crisis, especially towards the end of the quarter when they sent the majority of staff home and grounded all bar a few aircraft. The mass grounding of its own jets and those of other airlines around the world partly resulted in a rapid drop of fuel prices - good news you might have thought for an airline - but not when the planes are routed to the tarmac and not when many months previously you hedged your future fuel requirements at rates that were so much higher.   El Al says its revenues decreased by about 25% around US$321 million, compared to 2019 levels.  The company recorded a net loss of approx. US$140 million, better than some had expected, especially when compared to a loss of US$55 million in the first quarter of last year The crisis has led to a dramatic reduction in demand for passenger flights and an unprecedented number of flight cancellations, and therefore, El Al cancelled many flights already in February 2020, and finally announced a complete halt of passenger flights as of mid-March 2020, due to Government guidance addressing these circumstances and the fear of contraction of the virus. Since the outbreak of the coronavirus crisis, the struggling airline has taken a series of streamlining measures and steps designed to improve its cash flow:

Justin Trudeau disappointed by Air Canada

Canada PM disappointed by Air Canada move to suspend domestic flights

Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister has expressed his deep disappointment with Air Canada and the national carriers decision to suspend a large number of domestic flights.

Air Canada confirmed on Tuesday it close 8 airport stations and suspend indefinitely 30 routes with more scheduled to be announced next month in the wake of the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis. Many of these routes are between smaller regional cities that lack other viable connecting services.

“We are obviously disappointed by the decision by Air Canada to cut services to some regions. We know Air Canada profits from the most profitable routes in the country but we expect them to serve ... people who live in more distant regions,” Justin Trudeau told a busy news conference on Friday. Adding  “We hope they can gradually resume these services ... as the economy starts to recover,”

Finnair announces re-opening of Helsinki Schengen lounge, onboard service changes and launch of passenger “ Clean Kit ” as part of ongoing ramp-up measures

Finnair announces re-opening of Helsinki Schengen lounge, onboard service changes and launch of passenger “ Clean Kit ” as part of ongoing ramp-up measures!

During the spring, Finnair has made numerous changes to its services at the airport to support the health of customers and employees at the airport and onboard. As air traffic gradually recovers, Finnair will increase its service by opening the Finnair Lounge in the Schengen area and expanding the in-flight catering service. 

“Travelling can feel different than before, with changes in services and new types of procedures in place, such as the mandatory use of a mask on our flights. However, we are delighted to be able to bring back familiar elements of our valued customer service while still taking good care of the hygiene and safety of our customers and staff,” says Karim Al-Soufi, Vice President of Customer Experience at Finnair. 

Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis Opens

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis, a154-room upscale lifestyle hotel with 22 suites that is centrally located in the heart of Minneapolis, MN. 

The hotel features contemporary design, upscale guestroom and hotel amenities such as Drybar Buttercup salon-quality blow-dryers in each room, a state-of-the-art 7,000-square-foot fitness centre with an indoor running track, a lobby bar and restaurant featuring American cuisine and private event facilities that can host up to 200 guests. Located in the city centre of Minneapolis with direct access to an 11-mile, temperature-controlled skyway system and just thirteen miles from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis connects travellers to popular attractions like the US Bank Stadium, First Avenue, Target Center and Target Field.

VistaJet extends onboard medical and safety support for Its global customers

Working with leading partners Philips and MedAire

to further safeguard all passengers

VistaJet has worked with partners RDT, a Philips company, and MedAire to be the first charter operator to embed Tempus IC2 monitors within their entire Global fleet — granting access to leading medical support anytime, anywhere. Tempus IC2 is a vital signs monitor with integrated telemedicine, designed for use in remote medical emergencies by non-medical experts.

The first charter operator to embed the revolutionary Tempus IC2 device within its entire Global fleet;Crew can measure and securely transmit vital clinical data in real-time to ground-based medical experts 24/7, anytime, anywhere;The innovative medical monitor, integrated with MedAire’s medical team, is the next best thing to having a doctor by your side.

Outlook on the Worldwide Air Freight Market to 2025

Outlook on the Worldwide Air Freight Market to 2025

While land and ship cargo transportation remain as favourable options, goods transport by air is considered as the quickest and the unhindered mode of transportation. According to the airline association, IATA, cargo volumes grew by 4.1% to 63.7 million metric ton, in 2018. However, the industry forecast suggests that the number may decrease by 3.7%, to 65.9 million metric ton, in 2019.

In terms of freight-ton-kilometre (FTK), air freight recorded growth in March 2019 after three months of year-on-year declines. However, the cargo sector is expected to benefit from lower costs, in 2019. The overall cargo revenues are expected to reach USD 116.1 billion in 2019, up from USD 109.8 billion in 2018.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has sent two of its interns, Wouter and Pim on a mission - taking a look at the amazing parking-puzzle the airline has faced at its home base.

Jetstar returns to the skies in New Zealand

After three months Jetstar returns to the skies in New Zealand, with strong demand for the airline’s low-fares services.

The resumption of services will see Jetstar initially flying 75 return flights per week to five destinations in New Zealand; Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown, returning to approximately 60 per cent of its normal domestic schedule.

Jetstar will have a range of Fly Well measures to ensure a safe environment at airports and onboard aircraft, giving customers extra peace of mind. This includes contactless check-in, enhanced cleaning, and masks and sanitising wipes available to customers.

The Air France group plans shed 7,580 jobs

The Air France Group to reduce workforce 

On Friday Air France and HOP! confirmed to unions the airline group is planning a major reduction of staff numbers as it seeks to reorganise itself in the wake of the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis. 

Air France predicts it will need to reduce staffing levels by 6,560 jobs by the end of 2022 out of a current total of 41,000. 

For HOP! the resizing and restructuring of the company will see 1,020 jobs to go over the next three years, out of the current 2,420. 

For three months, Air France's activity and revenue fell by 95%, and at the height of the crisis, the airline was losing 15 million euros per day. The airline predicts it will be a long time before any reaches a meaningful stage and doesn't expect pre-COVID 2019 levels of demand until 2024.  

Despite the French State propping up the airline with guaranteed loans of  7 billion euros, the airline group cannot continue as it is and says it has no other option than to axe jobs. 

Air France and HOP! are working together with the unions to implement plans that give priority to voluntary departures, early retirement arrangements and professional and geographical mobility. Solidarity within the Air France Group will also be implemented with proposals for internal job offers to all employees whose position will no longer exist and who do not wish to be included in the departure plan.

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