FAPA and Wheels Up to Host Pilot Hiring Event in Atlanta

As airline hiring continues to soar, driven by the increasing demand for travel and other factors, there has never been a better time for qualified pilots to begin the next chapter of their professional journey. Pilot career consulting company Future & Active Pilot Advisors (FAPA) is partnering with one of the largest private aviation companies in the world, Wheels Up, to host the Wheels Up Pilot Hiring Event on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, from 8 am-5 pm at the Atlanta Airport Marriott (4711 Best Road Atlanta, GA, 30337).

The Wheels Up Pilot Hiring Event follows the New York-City based company’s recent announcement of their new Member Operations Center (MOC) to open next year in Chamblee, GA and its recent partnership with Delta Air Line’s Propel Pilot Career Path Program. As part of its effort to support continued growth and expand its reach, Wheels Up is actively recruiting captain-qualified and type-rated pilots for the King Air 350i and other aircraft.

“Wheels Up, the only private aviation company on the NYSE, will hold an exclusive pilot recruiting and hiring event near the Atlanta Airport this Wednesday, November 16. Individuals with pilot-in-command experience in various aircraft are invited to register for this free event,” says Tim Genc, chief advisor and executive editor of FAPA.

Along with several scheduled presentations (8-9 am, 10-11 am, and 1-2 pm) that allow attendees to hear from and meet with the Wheels Up Talent Acquisition Team, there will be interviews for qualified candidates throughout the day. Prospective pilot candidates should have the following preferred qualifications: They should be ATP-eligible, with Wheels Up paying for the ATP-CTP Course for selected candidates, and have 2,000 hours total time with 1000 hours turbine time.

“Wheels Up has one of the most active and competitive recruiting programs in our industry. A team of dedicated aviation professionals is engaged with partners like FAPA to recruit the elite pilots our members rely on every day. Wheels Up is committed to hiring pilots who embody our company’s commitment to safety and professionalism,” says Todd Wesoloskie, senior manager of talent acquisition of Wheels Up.

Wheels Up is the leading provider of on-demand private aviation in the U.S. and one of the largest private aviation companies in the world. Wheels Up offers a complete global aviation solution with a large, modern and diverse fleet, backed by an uncompromising commitment to safety and service. Customers can access membership programs, charter and aircraft management services—as well as unique commercial travel benefits through a strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines Inc. The Wheels Up Services brands also offer freight, safety & security solutions and managed services to individuals, industry, government and civil organizations.

Delta, & Aero Design Labs testing novel tech to further decrease aircraft emissions

Photo Delta

​Delta is taking another step toward its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 as it tests novel drag-reduction technology by Aero Design Labs on its 737-800 and 737-900 fleets. By reducing drag, aircraft are more aerodynamic and use less fuel while in flight.

The companies' memorandum of understanding includes testing and FAA certification of the technology for Delta's 737-800 aircraft starting in the first quarter of 2023, followed by the B737-900 fleet in the second half of the same year. Delta will have the option to purchase Aero Design Lab ADRS kits upon certification to outfit most of its more than 200 aircraft in the two fleets.  

"This is part of Delta's overall approach to taking short-, medium-, and long-term actions to reach our goal of net zero by 2050," said Pam Fletcher, Delta's Chief Sustainability Officer. "Our partnership with Aero Design Labs is a great example of how Delta continues to invest in new ways to modify our operations to make an immediate impact on our carbon footprint today, while we work on longer-term solutions to decarbonize our industry."

Chris Jones, Chief Commercial Officer Aero Design Labs added, "Delta Air Lines has a proven history of leading the industry in innovation and we are proud to formalize our agreement and partner in the process to achieve FAA certification. This is a partnership formed by Delta and Aero Design Labs to contribute to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) net zero 2050 carbon reduction targets."

Delta's world-class operations and unique technical capabilities mean that in 2022 alone, Delta expects to have reduced fuel consumption by over 10 million gallons through operational and fleet modifications, such as optimizing flight speeds, improved landing procedures, the installation of enhanced winglets and lightweight landing gear tires.

Mahendra Nair, Senior Vice President - TechOps Operations & Supply Chain Management added, "Delta is excited to expand our partnership with ADL to test and certify both the 737-900ER and 737-800NG drag reduction kits, continuing our investment in fuel efficiency and sustainability improvements."

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Delta awarded for work toward fuel efficiency, alternative fuels

Photo Delta

Delta has been recognized for its sustainability efforts with two industry awards citing the airline's push for a more fuel-efficient fleet and work to develop alternative fuel sources as driving forces. 

Delta recently received both the Green Partner in Travel Award from the American Society of Travel Advisors as well as the North American Environmental Sustainability Airline/Airline Group of the Year award from the Centre of Aviation. 

The Green Partner in Travel Award focuses on the three pillars of sustainability – economic, environmental and social – and is voted on by the entirety of the ASTA board, which is made up of leaders from the travel industry around the U.S.   

The North American Environmental Sustainability Airline/Airline Group of the Year award was presented to Delta Nov. 3 at CAPA's annual Environmental Sustainability Awards for Excellence in Singapore. This award is determined through data-driven assessment of the sustainability performance of the world's airlines.  

"Decarbonizing the airline industry will take all of us doing more than our part by taking measurable short-, medium-, and long-term actions, partnering to share knowledge and making sustainability a key consideration across every business decision," said Pam Fletcher, Delta's Chief Sustainability Officer. "Data-backed innovation and goals are at the center of our approach to leading the way on behalf of our employees, customers and communities." 

Both organizations cited Delta's initiatives to make its fleet 25% more fuel efficient while moving toward alternative fuel sources as one of many driving forces behind the awards.  

Traffic at MAG airports at its highest level since the pandemic began

The UK’s largest group of airports has seen the strongest month of recovery since the pandemic began, figures for October reveal.

Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which owns and operates Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports, served just more than five million passengers in October - 93% of passengers served in the same month in 2019.

The figure is up 7% on last month, with passenger demand stimulated by the October half-term school holidays.

Both London Stansted and Manchester Airports served around 2.3 million passengers, equating to 94% and 93% of pre-pandemic traffic.

London Stansted  Photo MAG

East Midlands Airport’s recovery also continued, serving more than 350,000 passengers across the month – equivalent to 84% of traffic seen in 2019, which was up 16% month on month.

The Group’s 12-month rolling passenger total was more than 46.7 million which is an increase of 336% on 2021.

As passenger numbers continue to increase close to pre-covid levels, so too have the number of colleagues employed by MAG across its three airports. Since January thousands of new colleagues have started roles across the business. That has meant that, as recovery has continued, service levels have also improved significantly. For example across October, 99% of passengers at London Stansted and East Midlands Airports cleared security in 15 mins or less, with the figure standing at 87% for Manchester Airport.

MAG is now back in its normal recruitment cycle, currently advertising roles in preparation for increased demand in summer 2023.

This will ensure that passengers have the best possible airport experience next year and beyond.

Passengers:

Manchester Airport  Photo MAG

	Manchester	London Stansted	East Midlands	MAG
Rolling 12-month total to October 22	21,904,243	21,720,313	3,077,403	46,701,959
12-month total % change year on year	+373.9%	+301.0%	+359.5%	336.1%
Rolling 12- month total October 21	4,621,601	5,411,333	669,827	10,702,761
October 22 total	2,317,823	2,348,327	353,445	5,019,595
October 22 % change year on year	+92.3%	+75.3%	+65.7%	+82.0%
October 22 % change on October 2019	-7.3%	-5.6%	-16.3%	-7.2%

 

Archer Aviation picks site next to Covington Municipal Airport, Georgia for its manufacturing facility

Archer Aviation, a leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, announced this week, plans to locate its manufacturing facility in Covington, Georgia at a site adjacent to the Covington Municipal Airport.

Archer plans to initially build out a 350,000-square-foot facility on a 96-acre site capable of producing up to 650 aircraft per year. The planned eVTOL aircraft manufacturing facility is expected to create over 1,000 jobs over the long term. Construction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2024 with initial production expected to begin in the second half of 2024. The facility will be capable of being expanded by an additional 550,000 square feet, which is estimated to support production of up to 2,300 aircraft per year.

The selection of the site for its manufacturing facility represents a key next step as Archer works towards its goal of being first in the industry to bring up a high-capacity eVTOL production facility.

Archer plans to initially build out a 350,000 square-foot facility, capable of producing up to 650 aircraft per year.

Construction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2024, with initial production expected to begin later that year.

The facility will be capable of being expanded by an additional 550,000 square feet, which is estimated to support production of up to 2,300 aircraft per year.

Archer intends to invest $118M over the next 10 years and will receive an incentive package totaling 33% of its capital investment commitment, which includes land conveyance, tax incentives and Georgia REBA grant.

Archer has entered into an LOI with Synovus Bank, the largest bank headquartered in Georgia, with the intent of obtaining financing to support the project.

In selecting the location for its first manufacturing facility, Archer completed a comprehensive survey of potential sites across the United States. Key considerations included the availability of talent in the local labor market, utility availability, ability to conduct seamless flight test operations, construction costs, and logistics. Archer will receive an incentive package, which includes land conveyance, tax incentives and Georgia REBA grant. As Archer looks to build its local community-focused relationships in Georgia, it anticipates that financing for the project will be provided by Synovus, the largest bank headquartered in the state.

Emerging trends that are innovating the travel experience

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island  Photo Hilton

Nearly a quarter (23%) of Brits say they will be making mostly road trips next year, while wellness (46%) and connecting to local cultures (50%) are the most important aspects of travel as they look to 2023

67% are also looking to technology to make travelling in 2023 seamless, with one in five (21%) wanting to use technology within their hotel stay, such as digital room keys and mobile check-in services

Research also reveals that there is likely to be a travel surge – as 59% of the nation are looking to travel more next year compared to 2022 

The new research comes as Hilton releases its 2023 Trends Report, a global study unpacking how traveller needs and interests are changing – with key themes uncovered as prioritising wellbeing, learning about local cultures, and using technology to create seamless stays

                       If 2022 was the year of the changed traveller, 2023 is set to be the year of the evolved traveller, as Hilton releases its latest global Trends Report: The 2023 Traveler: Emerging Trends that are Innovating the Travel Experience, A Report from Hilton, today. 

New research from Hilton shows that Brits are looking to immerse themselves in local culture, prioritise personal wellness, take to the road, and become more tech-focused as they travel next year.

2023 is set to be the year of invigorated travel – with travel at top of mind for over half of Brits (59%) who are set to travel more in the next year compared to 2022.

Staycations Are Here To Stay

The pandemic prompted the re-emergence of staycations and is no surprise that this trend will continue, with one-fifth (23%) looking to explore the best of Britain through road trips in 2023.  

With so much to explore, from the Cornish coast to the Scottish Highlands, holidaymakers will be spoilt for choice as they look forward to next year. 

Culture Vulture

Keeping it local is even a trend for those looking to venture further afield, with nearly a third of Brits (29%) stating that immersing themselves in the local culture is a top priority when on holiday. 

Nearly a quarter (23%) even states that being able to support the local community and culture is what they will consider the most when it comes to travelling in 2023. 

Holiday Self-Care

Hilton Playa del Carmen  Photo Hilton

A focus on health and wellness is often high on new year’s resolutions lists, and this is a top trend for travel, too – as over half of Brits (54%) see travel as a key part of their wellness routine – with a third of Brits looking for travel experiences that allow them to escape the stress of everyday life (32%).

The importance of wellness even plays into the type of accommodation they pick, with Brits selecting holidays based on addressing mental (31%) and physical (32%) wellness, having healthy options to eat and drink (40%), access to fitness activities or facilities (44%) and unique spa treatments (19%).

With this trend in mind, travel experts at Hilton are predicting to see an increase in holidays to more remote and secluded locations such as Legacy Hotel Cascais, Curio Collection by Hilton, which is nearby Portugal’s capital Lisbon; Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang in central Vietnam; and Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort, on Tunisia’s central coast.

Smart Tech for Smooth Travel

Hilton anticipates tech will become an integral part of travel – with 67% of Brits caring most about ease and technology where travel is concerned, and one in five (21%) wanting technology to be used throughout a hotel stay to ensure a seamless stay.

For a frictionless travel experience, Hilton’s Digital Key allows travellers to bypass the front desk and go straight to their rooms. Additionally, enhanced booking options like Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton allows families and friends to reserve adjoining rooms when booking online.

Rise of Bleisure Trips

The nation is set to see a rise in ‘Bleisure’ trips – where Brits will blend work and travel needs to maximise on time and experiences. 

Work environments are being seen in a new light – the traditional office is becoming a thing of the past, as one in 10 plan to work remotely while travelling in 2023 (10%).  

“In 2022, motivated travellers sought out new experiences around the world and reconnected with the people and places they love,” said Chris Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton. "The 2023 Trends Report showcases travellers’ evolving preferences and how eager and optimistic they are about their future adventures. Our Hilton team members are ready to welcome them and create a great stay experience at our more than 7,000 properties worldwide.”

Stories.Hilton.com/2023Trends

Methodology 

Consumer research conducted by Material with 1,002 UK adults. The survey took place between August 23 - 30, 2022, on behalf of Hilton. 

Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to determine the emerging trends detailed in this report. Hilton conducted stakeholder interviews across the organization to gain perspectives on what travel looks like today and determine what is top of mind going into 2023. Business Divisions included: Business Travel/Events, Food & Beverage, Wellness, Sustainability, Design, Digital Innovation, Workplace Culture. In addition, Hilton commissioned an online omnibus survey with Material, fielded in August 2022 among general population consumers 18+ years of age in several markets with questions targeting behaviour related to travel. Specifically, the survey was fielded to: n=1,002 in Australia, n=1,002 in China, n=1,002 in Germany, n=1,002 in Japan, n=1,002 in Mexico, n=1,002 in the U.K. and n=1,018 in the U.S. Additionally, a Hilton Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 1,000 U.S. Adult Travelers, between August 23rd and August 30th, 2022, using an email invitation and an online survey. This data has been weighted to ensure an accurate representation of U.S. travellers. “Travelers” are defined as those who took a trip in the past 24 months that required an overnight stay.

Delta named No. 1 in Business Travel News Survey for 12th consecutive year

Corporate travel professionals have rated Delta No. 1 in the annual Business Travel News Airline Survey for the 12th year in a row, citing the airline’s response to evolving customer needs as well as their unwavering commitment to consistently communicate with their travellers and business partners.

"We’ll never stop investing in our people, service, network, fleet and infrastructure to deliver the seamless travel experiences we know our customers expect and deserve,” said Steve Sear, E.V.P. – Global Sales and Distribution. “We're humbled to be recognized once more with this esteemed honour. It goes without saying, but this recognition would not be possible without the loyalty and support of our incredible corporate customers and partners, and of course, our world-class Delta team.”

Business Travel News is the leading global source of business travel information and intelligence, reaching more than 44,000 corporate customers who are responsible for setting travel policy, managing, and buying business travel/meetings for their companies.

The annual survey asks corporate travel professionals to rank airlines on a variety of attributes, including customer service and the overall Sales relationship, distribution, network and products and services. Delta led in nearly every category, increasing its overall score comparative to 2019.

Among the valued actions Delta undertook in 2022:  

Launching Delta Business, a robust set of business travel tools, products and services under one, all-encompassing travel solution.

Accelerating hiring across the operation, bringing on more than 15,000 people since the beginning of 2021, including a record number of Reservations and Care specialists, pilots, flight attendants, aircraft maintenance technicians and more.

Returning operational reliability to a 99%+ completion factor* through meaningful and significant steps, such as right-sizing the airline’s schedule, adding buffer time in crew scheduling, increasing boarding time and focusing on hiring and training Delta’s workforce.

Building back our global network in a strategic and measured way with a focus on corporate needs, while simultaneously adding service to brand-new destinations like Cape Town, Geneva and Stuttgart.

Implementing innovative technology along the customer journey, revealing the world’s first-ever PARALLEL REALITY™ experience at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and continuing to roll out digital identity technology at U.S. hubs.

Unveiling two brand-new terminals at New York’s LaGuardia and LAX - multi-year infrastructure projects that represent the airline’s decade-long, $12 billion investment to transform the travel experience on the ground and in the air.

The airline also opened or expanded six Delta Sky Clubs this year, including opening the first Sky Club at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport – the only club there operated by a U.S. airline.

Bringing on new fleet such as the A321neo, the experience-rich, fuel-efficient narrowbody jet that reinforces the company's position as an industry leader in environmental sustainability.

Continuing to bring small, diverse food and beverage brands onboard, as well as plant-based food options and mindful entertainment to travel well.

Ensuring corporate customers remained well-informed, providing frequent and transparent communication as well as swift problem resolution.

“Our sales mission of ‘Listen. Act. Listen’ has always been central to our business model, and it was essential that we continued to emulate it day in and out as the industry rebuilt this year,” said Bob Somers, S.V.P. – Global Sales. “No matter the challenges, Delta people will keep striving to support the business travel needs of our customers and earn their loyalty, to be better for them today, tomorrow, and beyond. And to the Delta teams across the globe, we can’t thank you enough for delivering the Delta Difference every single day.”

Delta is proud to be America's most-awarded airline, consistently recognized for excellence in everything from passenger experience to customer service, operational performance to workplace culture. This year, Delta has received top honors from Forbes, Fortune, Wall Street Journal and Conde Nast Traveler, to name a few.

*Based on Delta mainline completion factor for September, October and November to date.

WestJet and Japan Airlines codeshare deal on flights to Tokyo from Vancouver.

WestJet codeshare on flights to Tokyo, Japan now available through enhanced cooperation with Japan Airlines

Guests now able to purchase travel from select destinations across WestJet's domestic network to Tokyo via Vancouver

WestJet has announced an enhancement to its codeshare agreement with Japan Airlines, enabling the airline's "WS" code on Japan Airlines (JAL) operated flights between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo, Japan.

With the addition of Tokyo as a destination available for sale to guests on WestJet.com and through the airline's call centre and travel trade partners, WestJet guests can now seamlessly book travel to Tokyo via Vancouver from across the airline's domestic network.

"As transpacific air travel increases between Canada and Japan, this is an ideal time to launch this new step in our cooperation with Japan Airlines," said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. "Both our countries have substantial inbound and outbound tourism markets and this enhancement will bring more convenient options to travellers on both sides of the Pacific." 

This new development expands the long-standing codeshare agreement between WestJet and Japan airlines which has been in place since 2011.

Ross Leggett, Deputy Senior Vice President of Route Marketing, International Relations and Alliances of Japan Airlines said, "Japan Airlines is excited to strengthen our codeshare partnership with WestJet, by offering passengers more opportunities to travel between Japan and Canada. WestJet has been an outstanding partner, and we are committed to offering travellers seamless connectivity."

The codeshare will offer optimized connecting times between WestJet and Japan Airlines flights, through check in and baggage checked to final destination at the first point of departure, and the ability to earn and redeem WestJet Dollars for members of WestJet Rewards.

AirAsia adds flights to and from Hong Kong starting this December

Low-fare carrier AirAsia has confirmed it will increase flights to and from Hong Kong starting this December, with a special promotion to support the surge in travel demand ahead of the upcoming festive seasons. 

Flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok (Don Mueang) will be increased to four times weekly starting from 15 December, while Hong Kong - Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong - Manila will be flying three-times weekly. 

All additional seats are now available for booking on airasia Super App with a special promo fare exclusively for travellers to and from Hong Kong to enjoy a long-awaited getaway or reunion with loved ones for the upcoming holiday season.

Guests can now fly to popular destinations in Southeast Asia with all-in one-way fare from as low as HKD672, or connect via AirAsia’s vast network throughout Asia to their favourite holiday destinations such as Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Singapore, Bali and many more. The special promotion starts from today until 27 November 2022, with a travel period from 1 January until 30 April 2023. 

American Airlines partners with Stand Up To Cancer to help save lives

Last week, American Airlines hosted representatives from Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) for a rally where team members learned more about the six-year collaboration. This year’s fundraising campaign raised more than $2.5 million and team members learned how that contributed directly to SU2C’s mission to fund lifesaving cancer research.

Team members heard directly from SU2C co-founder Rusty Robertson, scientist Dr. Heather McArthur, and Eric Stonestreet, celebrity ambassador and two-time Emmy award-winning actor, best known for his portrayal of Cam on the hit comedy series Modern Family, who shared his personal connection to the organization.

On a recent episode of Tell Me Why — the American Airlines vodcast series for team members that shares the “why” behind the decisions we make — Rusty Robertson, award-winning marketer and Co-founder of Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), and Eric Stonestreet, two-time Emmy Award-winning actor, best known for his portrayal of Cam on the hit comedy series “Modern Family,” join Ron DeFeo, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, to talk about what makes American’s partnership with SU2C so unique, how funding supports scientists in the mission to make every cancer patient a long-term survivor and how their personal stories make them passionate about this cause.

Through its annual fundraising campaign with Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), American Airlines raises nearly $2.5 million for innovative and life-saving cancer research.

This donation is the largest single contribution the airline has made to SU2C since joining forces in 2016. Over its six-year collaboration, American has raised a total of $13.5 million to benefit SU2C and its mission to make every cancer patient a long-term survivor.

“The unfortunate truth is that cancer has touched so many of us and our loved ones, and we’re all humbled to see the impact we can make together when uniting toward a common goal,” said American Airlines Chief Communications Officer Ron DeFeo. “Thanks to the generosity of our customers and team members, our contribution to Stand Up will fund research that has the potential to change the fight against cancer — and that gives us hope for the future.”

You can also download Tell Me Why as a podcast from Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify.

X-37B completes 6th mission with new endurance record.....

The Boeing-built X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) landed at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 5:22 a.m. ET, November 12, 2022. (Photo Boeing / U.S. Space Force)

The Boeing-built X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) set a new endurance record after spending 908 days in orbit before landing at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 5:22 a.m. ET, November 12, 2022. This surpasses its previous record of 780 days on-orbit.

With the successful completion of its sixth mission, the reusable spaceplane has now flown over 1.3 billion miles and spent a total of 3,774 days in space where it conducts experiments for government and industry partners with the ability to return them to Earth for evaluation.

For the first time, the vehicle carried a service module to augment the number of payloads it can haul. The module separated from the OTV prior to de-orbiting ensuring a safe and successful landing. 

“This mission highlights the Space Force's focus on collaboration in space exploration and expanding low-cost access to space for our partners, within and outside of the Department of the Air Force (DAF),” said Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations.

The sixth mission was launched atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in May 2020. Hosted experiments included a solar energy experiment designed by the Naval Research Lab, as well as a satellite designed and built by cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory. The satellite, dubbed FalconSat-8, was successfully deployed in October 2021 and remains on orbit today.  

20th Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopter delivered to the Royal Netherlands Air Force

The CH-47F Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter containing a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system. Photo Fred Trolio/Boeing

U.S. planemaker Boeing has delivered the 20th CH-47F Chinook helicopter to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), concluding the country’s latest fleet update.

“Our continuing partnership with the Royal Netherlands Air Force exemplifies the value of a modern and versatile Chinook fleet,” said Ken Eland, vice president and H-47 program manager. “These state-of-the-art aircraft will significantly improve their defense and humanitarian assistance capabilities.”

The Netherlands is one of eight NATO countries to operate the Chinook and has fielded the aircraft continuously since receiving its first CH-47D models in 1995. In 2016, the RNLAF purchased14 new CH-47F Chinooks through the U.S. Department of Defense’s Foreign Military Sales program. In 2017, the RNLAF signed an agreement to upgrade their remaining six D-model Chinook helicopters to the latest F-model configuration, ensuring commonality of systems for their entire 20-aircraft fleet.

“This is a milestone for us. We have newer radios and newer equipment which help our pilots operate better in different environments than we do already,” said LTC Wil van Rijn, senior system integrator of the Chinook, Dutch Ministry of Defence.

The CH-47F Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter containing a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system compatible with Common Avionics Architecture System. Its advanced cargo-handling capabilities further complement the aircraft's mission performance and handling characteristics.

Russian airline traffic down in October as Aeroflot puts Egypt back on the schedule

Russian Aviation Insider is reporting that October traffic is down some 25% collectively across Russian airlines, who together carried 8.25 million passengers.  The website also highlights that the average load factor was also down, decreasing by 2% to 81.7. 

Leading Russian airline Aeroflot has recently announced the reinstatement of flights from Russia to Egypt,   the state-controlled firm resumed regular flights to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh on 1st October. The flights to the popular leisure destinations on the Red Sea are operated from Sheremetyevo Terminal C and are flown by Airbus A330 aircraft.  Aeroflot has two configurations on its A330 aircraft which accommodate either 36 or 28 people in business class and 265 or 268 in economy respectively.  

Aeroflot has confirmed it has also resumed daily services to Cairo with effect from 12th November, daily flights will be operated to the Egyptian capital. 

Moscow (SVO-C) — Cairo	SU0400	08:55	14:15	Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Sat,Sun
Cairo — Moscow (SVO-C)	SU0401	15:15	22:25	Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Sat,Sun

Moscow (SVO-C) — Cairo	SU0400	08:50	14:15	Fri
Cairo — Moscow (SVO-C)	SU0401	15:15	22:20	Fri

The flights are being flown by Boeing 737-800 jets featuring 20 seats in business class and 138 in economy class...

 Aeroflot has completed the transition to the domestic Leonardo air ticket booking system. The service developed by the Sirena-Travel company in partnership with Rostec State Corporation has replaced the foreign software which will help build protection against possible incidents and failures caused by sanctions.  

Qantas has joined forces with five large companies in Australia to show the demand that exists for a local sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry.

The Australian airline Qantas has joined forces with five large companies in Australia to show the demand that exists for a local sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry in Australia by preferencing it as a way to reduce their carbon emissions.

The national carrier has launched the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition (SAF Coalition) program, with Australia Post, Boston Consulting Group, KPMG Australia, Macquarie Group and Woodside Energy signing on as foundation members.

Members will pay a premium to reduce around 900 tonnes of their air carbon emissions each year by contributing to the incremental cost of SAF rather than using traditional carbon offsets. By doing so, they send a clear message that there is significant demand for SAF, the key driver towards the decarbonisation of the aviation industry.

The Coalition will initially contribute to the incremental cost of up to 10 million litres of SAF sourced by Qantas at London’s Heathrow Airport, which represents around 15 per cent of the fuel Qantas ordinarily consumes on flights out of London, and from 2025 to a further 20 million litres each year sourced out of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Qantas is currently in negotiations with a number of offshore suppliers to source additional supplies of SAF, which is in high demand globally and which the national carrier would prefer to source domestically.

Together with Airbus, Qantas committed in June to invest up to US$200 million to get a local SAF industry off the ground, including equity funding for new feedstock and refining projects.

The foundation members will also receive enhanced reporting on the emissions from their flying activity and employees will get fast-tracked access to Qantas Frequent Flyer’s Green Tier program.

Qantas will continue discussions with a number of other companies looking to join the Coalition.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the strong demand for SAF from corporate Australia is a key step towards the development of a local biofuels industry.

“Air travel is a crucial part of doing business for many companies.  Companies need to travel to meet customers, suppliers and partners, but they also want to reduce their impact on the environment. SAF is a great way to do that,” Mr Joyce said.

“The demand for SAF has never been higher but supply is lagging well behind, particularly without a local industry in Australia, and that’s keeping prices several times more expensive than traditional jet kerosene.

“The more leading corporates that join our program/coalition the more feasible a local industry becomes and the more cost-effective the fuel becomes.”

SAF is produced from certified bio feedstock, including used cooking oil, energy crops, forestry residues, animal tallow and other waste products. It is blended with normal jet fuel and produces up to 80 per cent less emissions on a life cycle basis when compared with traditional jet kerosene.

The Qantas Group has committed to using 10 per cent SAF in its overall fuel mix by 2030 and approximately 60 per cent by 2050.

The SAF Coalition will extend Qantas’ existing corporate offsetting program, Future Planet, which enables companies to offset emissions through certified, high-quality projects in Australia and overseas.

The Qantas Group’s commitment to sustainability:

Qantas was the second airline in the world to commit to net zero emissions by 2050



The Qantas Group Climate Action Plan released in March 2022, commits the airline group to an interim target of 25 per cent emissions reduction by 2030

As part of its fleet replacement program announced in May, the Qantas Group confirmed purchase rights for up to 134 A321XLR and A220 aircraft, which will reduce emissions by at least 15 per cent if running on traditional fossil fuels

Jetstar’s first A321LR, which arrived in August, burned 25 per cent less fuel (the equivalent of two tonnes) on its first commercial flight from Melbourne to Cairns than the older aircraft it replaces

The Qantas Group’s landmark Project Sunrise program, which will use A350s to travel non-stop initially between Sydney and London and Sydney and New York, will be carbon neutral from day one

Qantas’ Fly Carbon Neutral program is one of the largest airline offsetting program in the world, with a focus on high integrity projects in Australia and overseas. Around 10 per cent of passengers “tick the box” to offset flights. Offsetting is a key tool in Qantas’ decarbonisation efforts, particularly while alternative aircraft propulsion technology (eg electric) is still many years away