easyJet releases results for the twelve months ending 30 September 2022

easyJet plc

Results for the twelve months ending 30 September 2022

 

easyJet achieves record bounce back delivering best ever as the carrier focuses on network allocation, improved revenue capability and financial strength.

Commenting on the results, Johan Lundgren, easyJet Chief Executive said: "easyJet has achieved a record bounce back this summer with a performance which underlines that our transformation is delivering. The summer saw easyJet achieve its highest ever earnings for a single quarter with headline EBITDAR of £674 million, ancillaries up by 59% on FY19 and easyJet holidays well on its way to its £100m target.

"easyJet does well in tough times. Legacy carriers will struggle in this high-cost environment. Consumers will protect their holidays but look for value and across its primary airport network, easyJet will be the beneficiary as customers vote with their wallets.

"Over the next year, we are targeting customer growth and are well placed to drive returns and margins while maintaining a rigorous focus on cost. With one of the strongest balance sheets in European aviation, we are ready to take opportunities as they present themselves.

"We have a clear strategy to drive returns for our shareholders and have significant confidence in our plan today and that it will deliver going forward."

-      Achieved record headline EBITDAR in Q4 of £674 million (Q4 2021: £82 million profit)

-      FY22 headline loss before tax of £178 million (Reported loss before tax of £208 million)

-      Operational performance in Q4 better than Q4 2019, with fewer on the day cancellations  

-      Financial strength - £0.7bn net debt with £3.6bn in cash and money market deposits

-      Business transformation delivering:

o  holding more slots than ever where returns are highest

o  delivering on destination base strategy - 21 aircraft now based in destination

o  enhanced ancillaries delivered 59% yield uplift vs FY19

o  easyJet holidays delivers £38 million profit before tax 

-      Q123 RPS growth expected to be >20% YoY

 

Overview

easyJet, alongside the whole industry, has faced multiple headwinds throughout the 2022 financial year from Omicron, the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and operational challenges as demand returned at scale following the widespread removal of travel restrictions across Europe. Despite this, easyJet has delivered a significantly improved performance with headline EBIT profit of £3 million (2021: £1,036 million loss) which includes incremental disruption costs of £78 million compared to FY19. The headline loss before tax in the year was £178 million (2021: £1,136 million) which includes a £64 million loss from balance sheet revaluations. 

The business transformation is delivering with easyJet achieving a record headline EBITDAR of £674 million in Q4 2022 with load factors returning to 92% and seat capacity to 26 million. Ancillary products and easyJet holidays are fully embedded and delivering incremental returns to the business.

easyJet is continuing to allocate aircraft to the markets where demand is strongest enabled by slot growth at primary airports. Over the past 12 months we have seen growth at Gatwick, Porto, Lisbon and the Greek islands. Each of these airports has delivered returns above the network average in FY22.

For winter, which is typically a loss-making period, easyJet is investing in building additional resilience. This investment allows for summer 23 preparations to start earlier in response to the tight labour market, where we have already begun our seasonal recruitment campaign. Alongside this, we now have a dedicated team in place to process employment reference checks as efficiently as possible. easyJet, like all airlines, is seeing cost pressures including fuel, strengthened US dollar and wage inflation.

Peak holiday weeks this winter, such as October half term and Christmas week in the UK, are back to normal levels of volume. Through these key periods, ticket yields are showing strength on the prior year, with the Christmas period's ticket yield currently up c. 18%. Visibility over bookings in the second half remains low, however Easter booked ticket yields are strong and booked load factors for Easter are ahead of the prior year.

easyJet goes into the 2023 financial year with one of the strongest balance sheets in European aviation. This financial strength, combined with our leading low-cost proposition at primary airports provides a key differentiator for customers, making it easy for customers to switch towards value. easyJet's historic performance in a challenging economic environment where the consumer was squeezed has been strong, as evidenced in 2008/09 during the global financial crisis when easyJet delivered increased margins¹ as well as capacity growth.

Financial Summary

-      Headline loss before tax of £178 million (2021: £1,136 million loss) 

o  Total revenue increased by 296% to £5,769 million (2021: £1,458 million) predominantly due to the increase in capacity flown and ancillary products continuing to deliver incremental revenue.

o  Group headline costs increased by 129% to £5,947 million (2021: £2,594 million), primarily due to the increase in flown capacity. 

-      Reported loss before tax of £208 million (2021: £1,036 million loss).

o  Non-headline loss of £30 million (2021: £100 million gain). Non-headline items consist primarily of losses from the sale and leaseback of aircraft and the return of slots in the year at Berlin Brandenburg airport following the right-sizing of our operations from 18 to 11 aircraft.

	2022	2021	Change favourable/(adverse)
Capacity2 (millions of seats)	81.5	28.2		189%
Passengers3 (millions)	69.7	20.4		242%
Load factor4 (%)	85.5	72.5		13ppts
Average sector length (km)	1,193	1,184		1%
Total revenue (£ million)	5,769	1,458		296%
Headline EBITDAR (£ million)	569	(551)		203%
Headline EBIT (£ million)	3	(1,036)		100%
Headline loss before tax (£ million)	(178)	(1,136)		84%
Reported loss before tax (£ million)	(208)	(1,036)		80%
Airline revenue per seat (£)	66.23	50.54		31%
Airline revenue per seat at constant currency5 (£)	67.33	50.54		33%
Airline EBITDAR cost ex fuel per seat (£)	44.09	56.62		22%
Airline EBITDAR cost ex fuel per seat at constant currency5 (£)	44.38	56.62		22%
Airline headline loss before tax per seat (£)	(2.65)	(39.87)		93%
Holidays contribution (£m)	38	(12)		417%
Headline EBITDAR Margin (%)	9.9	(37.8)		48ppts
Headline ROCE (%)	0.1	(25.5)		26ppts

Outlook

-      Based on current trading, easyJet expects the following over the 2023 financial year:

-      Q1 RPS growth expected to be up >20% YoY

-      Q1 load factor growth c.+10 ppts YoY

-      Earlier summer 23 ramp up for resilience

-      H1 fuel price up >50% YoY

-      Market wide inflationary pressure

-      H2 early bookings look positive with Easter ticket yields showing strength YoY

-      Capacity

o  H1 c.38m seats, c.25% increase YoY

o  H2 c.56m seats, c.9% increase YoY

o  Q4 capacity around pre-pandemic levels

-      easyJet holidays targeting >30% customer growth YoY

 

Fuel & FX Hedging:

Jet Fuel	H1'23	H2'23	H1'24		USD	H1'23	H2'23	H1'24
Hedged position	74%	51%	25%		Hedged position	77%	54%	27%
Average hedged rate ($/MT)	814	903	922		Average hedged rate (USD/GBP)	1.29	1.24	1.19
Current spot ($/MT) at 28.11.22	c.1,000				Current spot (USD/GBP) at 28.11.22	c.1.21

 

Carbon obligation 100% covered for CY22 at €17/MT and 77% covered for CY23 at €31/MT

USD Lease payments hedged for the next three years at 1.33

Capex hedged for the next 12 months in EUR & USD

 

Jet2 to expand at London Stansted Airport

Jet2 has confirmed this week that it will continue to expand at London Stansted Airport for Summer 23, with an extra aircraft coming into operation at the base after the company secured additional slots to support its ongoing growth. 

The addition of a 15th based aircraft enables Jet2 and Jet2holidays, the UK’s leading tour operator to the Mediterranean, to add flights and holidays to a huge number of sun-soaked destinations across the Balearics, Croatia, Greece and Turkey, giving customers and independent travel agents even more choice and flexibility.  

This expansion means that Jet2 and Jet2holidays will now operate over 225 weekly flights to 42 destinations from London Stansted Airport in Summer 23. 

With over 2.1 million seats now on sale from London Stansted Airport in Summer 23, this represents a capacity increase of more than 10% compared to Summer 22. As a result of today’s announcement, Jet2.com will increase the size of its fleet at London Stansted Airport next summer to 15 based aircraft, rising to 16 based aircraft for the peak summer holiday period. 

As a result of today’s expansion, Jet2 and Jet2holidays will increase capacity to 11 destinations, meaning customers and independent travel agents can be as flexible as they like when it comes to choosing the length of the holiday. The additional flights will operate to: 

Balearic Islands – Ibiza, Majorca 

Croatia – Dubrovnik and Split. 

Greece – Corfu, Crete (Chania), Crete (Heraklion), Kos, Kefalonia, and Rhodes. 

Turkey – Dalaman. 

As well as operating its biggest ever summer programme from London Stansted Airport in 2023, next summer will also see Jet2 and Jet2holidays operate to two brand new city break destinations from the base - Rome and Athens. 

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 and Jet2holidays said: “This expansion is the latest demonstration of our continued commitment to investing in our London Stansted operations. Earlier this year we celebrated five years since the launch of flights and holidays from London Stansted, and since day one the reaction from customers and independent travel agents has been incredible. We are all set for our biggest ever Summer from London Stansted Airport, and the addition of a 15th based aircraft enables us to take even more customers away on our award-winning package holidays and flights, whilst giving them more choice than ever before.” 

Key Summer Sun facts for 2023 from London Stansted Airport include: 

42 sun and city destinations on sale (peak number of flights per week in brackets). 

Includes BRAND-NEW city break destinations – Rome and Athens  

Antalya (11), Bodrum (4), Dalaman (13), Izmir (2), Tenerife (14), Lanzarote (8), Fuerteventura (5), Gran Canaria (5), Reus (3), Alicante (7), Malaga (6), Girona (2), Palma (Majorca) (20), Ibiza (10), Menorca (8), Faro (Algarve) (11), Madeira (2), Crete (Heraklion) (10), Crete (Chania) (3), Corfu (8), Kefalonia (6), Skiathos (4), Santorini (3), Kos (7), Kalamata (1), Preveza (2), Lesvos (1), Rhodes (9), Halkidiki (2), Zante (5), Larnaca (5), Paphos (6), Rome (4), Naples (2), Sicily (1), Sardinia (1), Verona (1), Dubrovnik (5), Split (4), Malta (2), Jersey (1), Athens (2).  

Over 225 departing weekly flights during peak periods. 

A 15th based aircraft coming into operation for Summer 23. 

East Midlands Airport spreads Christmas cheer to local communities

East Midlands Airport (EMA) purchased 186 tickets to the pantomime Sleeping Beauty in Loughborough Town Hall.

The tickets were given to children and their families from Rendell Primary School, Cobden Primary School and Limehurst Academy in Loughborough for the matinee performance on Saturday 26 November.

Making their experience even more special, goody bags full of treats and surprises were given to audience members by airport staff supported by local MP Jane Hunt.

Jane said, “I was delighted to hear about East Midlands Airport’s generous Christmas initiative. This is a fantastic way to bring some Christmas magic to local school children and I am sure that the goody bags will go down a treat!”

The airport has also contributed donations to 250 Christmas hampers for people aged 75 and over in Kegworth. The hampers have been arranged by local group, One Kegworth, and include homemade Christmas cake, mince pies, chocolate oranges, fruit, a wide range of other food items and a Kegworth calendar.

East Midlands Airport’s support has been made possible thanks to its Community Sponsorship Fund. This 'small grants fund' supports local charities and community groups which, without financial backing, might otherwise not be able to take place. This year alone, 23 different groups have benefitted from more than £14,000 of funding.

Colleen Hempson, East Midlands Airport’s Community Engagement Manager, said: “Christmas is a joyful time of the year, but for many people the festive season can be really tough. Thanks to our Community Sponsorship Fund, we’re able to step in and help and, by doing so, bring a little festive cheer to those who need it most.”

Atlas Air welcomes the first of four new Boeing 777-200 freighters which it will operate for MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company

Atlas Air, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. has welcomed a Boeing 777-200 Freighter, which it will operate on behalf of its customer MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA, as part of a previously announced long-term ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance) agreement.

The 777-200 Freighter will complement MSC’s world-class container shipping solutions and expand service to key trade lanes for various industries, including those which traditionally have significant air cargo transportation needs. This aircraft is the first of four new Boeing 777 Freighters that Atlas will operate for MSC.

With an established history of twin-engine efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and lower maintenance and operating costs, MSC enters the air cargo industry with the longest-range twin-engine freighter in the world, capable of flying 4,880 nautical miles (9,038 kilometres). The 777-200F also meets quota count standards for maximum accessibility to noise‑sensitive airports around the globe.

“We are looking forward to this partnership with MSC, the world’s largest shipping company, as they enter into air cargo,” said John Dietrich, President and Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. “We are pleased that all four of our newly acquired 777-200Fs are placed on a long-term basis with MSC, providing them with dedicated capacity to support their growth and expansion.” 

“We are delighted to see the first of our MSC-branded aircraft take to the skies and we are looking forward to start serving the market with our new Air Cargo solution,” said Jannie Davel, Senior Vice President Air Cargo at MSC.

“We are delighted to see the first of our MSC-branded aircraft take to the skies and we are looking forward to start serving the market with our new Air Cargo solution,” said Jannie Davel, Senior Vice President Air Cargo at MSC. “We believe that MSC Air Cargo is developing from a solid foundation thanks to the reliable ongoing support of our operating partner Atlas.”

Airbus Defence and Space produces 2,000th target drone

For more than 20 years, Air Defenders around the world have been training with Airbus Defence and Space target drones - ensuring that their countries' air defences work when it counts. Airbus' Target Systems & Services has now produced its 2,000th drone in Friedrichshafen.  

The unmanned aerial system with the serial number 2,000, a Do-DT45, will be used in a military exercise at the training ground of Airbus partner Andøya Space Defence in Norway. There, it will be launched by an Airbus team via ramp, accelerate to up to 440 knots (814 km/h) and climb to 25,000 feet (7,620 metres) depending on the requirements.

In the air, the Do-DT45 can then simulate a range of threats such as: fighter jets, drones or cruise missiles, which customers can engage in with live fire. The operation does not pose any risk: Andøya Space Defence's training site is a restricted area; the remains of the target drone are disposed of properly.  

"The current volatile world situation shows that a functioning air defence is more important than ever," said Frank Härtel, Head of Target Systems & Services at Airbus Defence and Space in Friedrichshafen. "In this respect, we make our contribution to a safer world out of deepest conviction: With our aerial target drones and services, Air Defenders can prepare themselves in case of threats and save lives."

Airbus Defence and Space Target Systems & Services - The Portfolio 

In addition to the Do-DT45, the Target Systems & Services solution portfolio also includes the Do-DT55 (simulates anti-radar missiles), HT05 (simulates combat helicopters) and Do-DT25 (simulates fighter jets, drones and cruise missiles).  Customers are armed forces from all over the world who use the flight target display as a full service. The Target Systems & Services team brings material and personnel to the site, sets up launchers and ground control stations and gets the drones ready for take-off. The flights are planned and carried out according to the customer's requests. 

Do-DT drones are not only used as target drones. Equipped with sensors and data links, they can also be used to test the interaction of unmanned and manned aircraft for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS)or technologies for autonomous air-to-air refuelling. 

Momentus Signs Contract with Australian Research Centre to Place Satellite in Orbit

Momentus Inc., a U.S. commercial space company that offers transportation and other in-space infrastructure services, has signed a contract with the CUAVA Training Centre at the University of Sydney to deploy the CUAVA-2 CubeSat in low-Earth orbit in October 2023.

CUAVA is the Australian Research Council Training Centre for CubeSats, Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles, and their Applications. CUAVA is a partnership centred at the University of Sydney that aims to fundamentally change the capabilities and applications of CubeSats to create major commercial value with wide applications.

“Momentus is proud to partner with CUAVA, a leading Australian research centre,” said Momentus Chief Executive Officer John Rood. “Innovation and pushing the boundaries of technology is what we love to do at Momentus. We look forward to supporting CUAVA’s mission to use leading-edge capabilities in space to improve life on Earth.”

CUAVA-2

First of four Boeing 777F jets arrive for Atlas Air to fly for MSC

Atlas Air, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. has welcomed a Boeing 777-200 Freighter, which it will operate on behalf of its customer MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA, as part of a previously announced long-term ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance) agreement.

The 777-200 Freighter will complement MSC’s world-class container shipping solutions and expand service to key trade lanes for various industries, including those which traditionally have significant air cargo transportation needs. This aircraft is the first of four new Boeing 777 Freighters that Atlas will operate for MSC.

With an established history of twin-engine efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and lower maintenance and operating costs, MSC enters the air cargo industry with the longest-range twin-engine freighter in the world, capable of flying 4,880 nautical miles (9,038 kilometres). The 777-200F also meets quota count standards for maximum accessibility to noise‑sensitive airports around the globe.

“We are looking forward to this partnership with MSC, the world’s largest shipping company, as they enter into air cargo,” said John Dietrich, President and Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. “We are pleased that all four of our newly acquired 777-200Fs are placed on a long-term basis with MSC, providing them with dedicated capacity to support their growth and expansion.” 

“We are delighted to see the first of our MSC-branded aircraft take to the skies and we are looking forward to start serving the market with our new Air Cargo solution,” said Jannie Davel, Senior Vice President Air Cargo at MSC.

“We are delighted to see the first of our MSC-branded aircraft take to the skies and we are looking forward to start serving the market with our new Air Cargo solution,” said Jannie Davel, Senior Vice President Air Cargo at MSC. “We believe that MSC Air Cargo is developing from a solid foundation thanks to the reliable ongoing support of our operating partner Atlas.”

The Earthshot Prize Awards this Friday in Boston.

BOSTON 2022
FRIDAY DECEMBER 2ND

In 1962, the Moonshit' was a challenge set by President John F. Kennedy to reach the seemingly impossible goal of landing a man on the moon within ten years.  Inspired by this stunning achievement, Prince William established The Earthshot Prize to uncover and scale the innovative solutions that will repair our planet within the next ten years.

They are partnering with the John F. Kennedy Foundation to bring The Earthshot Prize to Boston, the birthplace of President Kennedy himself, to celebrate not only the 2022 Winners and Finalists but also the city’s own ongoing transformation towards sustainability.

Broadcaster and podcaster Clara Amfo is returning for a second year to co-host the Awards alongside actor, director and producer Daniel Dae Kim.

Clara Amfo said: “What an honour to return for a second time to host The Earthshot Prize awards, this time from America! I was so inspired by last year’s Winners, and I’m looking forward to celebrating and sharing the incredible work of the 2022 Finalists with the world.”

Daniel Dae Kim said: “I’m honoured to be co-hosting this year’s Earthshot Prize. The ground-breaking, innovative work of the 2022 Finalists leaves me inspired and hopeful that we can solve the significant challenges facing us today. Whether it’s taking care of our planet or healing our communities, each of us can and must step up to do our part. Thank you to this year’s Finalists for leading the way.”

The five Earthshot Prize Winners will be announced by a stellar cast including The Princess of Wales, Rami Malek, Catherine O'Hara and Shailene Woodley.

Rami Malek said: “The fifteen Finalists of this year’s Earthshot Prize are deeply inspiring. They are dedicating their lives to building solutions that will repair our planet, and I can’t wait to present an award to one of the incredible Winners for 2022.”

The Awards will feature unforgettable performances from Annie Lennox, Billie Eilish, Chloe and Halle Bailey and Ellie Goulding.

Annie Lennox said: “The urgent need to protect and restore our Earth’s damaged environmental systems is essential for future survival. The objective of The Earthshot Prize is powerful in terms of building a ‘Waste-Free World’ and ‘Reviving Our Oceans.’ I’m therefore honoured to lend my voice in support of this ambitious mission.”

Ellie Goulding said: “I am a big supporter of the Prince of Wales’ passion for the environment and share in The Earthshot Prize’s mission to protect and restore our planet. I am particularly excited for viewers around the world to learn about the innovative solutions presented by this year’s cohort of Finalists.”

Renowned historian Sir David Attenborough will also feature, as will The Prince of Wales who will deliver remarks at the end of the ceremony.

The ceremony will air on Sunday, December 4 at 5:30pm GMT on BBC and will begin streaming from The Earthshot Prize YouTube channel later that evening. In the U.S., it will begin streaming at 2:00pm EST on Monday, December 5 on PBS.org and the PBS App and at 8:00pm EST on the PBS YouTube channel.

Across Africa, the ceremony will premiere on Multichoice channels on Monday, December 5 at 17:00 WAT. PBS will also broadcast the event on Wednesday, December 14 at 8:00pm EST (check local listings). (All times subject to change).

The Earthshot Prize: Urgent Optimism & Action to Repair the Planet

The most heartwarming festive landmarks in Hong Kong - ideal for your insta/social media photos....

The winters may be gentle in Hong Kong, but the festive spirit here shines bright in the region. Heartstring-tugging, romance-inviting Christmas décor is just part and parcel of the whole holiday experience — and here are five dazzlingly Instagrammable spots that you and your beloved friends and family should not miss in the coming weeks:

Hong Kong WinterFest – The Tallest Outdoor Christmas Tree in Town

This holiday season, an over-20-metre, gloriously lit Christmas tree sits centre stage at the romantic Christmas town in West Kowloon Cultural District harbourfront — the heartland of Hong Kong WinterFest — brought to you by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Featuring music and special twinkling lighting effects, the city’s tallest outdoor Christmas tree, paired with gorgeous panoramic views of the world-famous Victoria Harbour, will be tempting your smartphone camera. Don’t forget to visit Christmas Wonderland during the Christmas period, where Christmas-themed lodges await you to embark on a fantastic Christmas journey.

Date: 25 November 2022 – 1 January 2023

Venue: Harbourside Lawn West, West Kowloon Cultural District

Harbour City – A Shimmering Fantasy Fairyland

One of the largest shopping malls in town has turned into a “Unicorn Merry-Go-Round Paradise” this year, leading visitors to the land of fairytales. Walking through the Ocean Terminal Forecourt, visitors will be surrounded by a myriad of sparkling Christmas trees, both earth-bound and sky-high. Also not to be missed: the Unicorn Merry-Go-Round Palace, featuring hundreds of glamourous star-like lights hanging from the ceiling: the best photo spots for your Instagram post!

Date: 17 November 2022 – 2 January 2023

Venue: 3-27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Lee Tung Avenue – Asia’s Largest Disco Ball Decoration

It’s all about the glitz and glam this festive season at Lee Tung Avenue. Asia’s biggest disco ball — at 7 metres tall, and covered in over 2000 mirror pieces — hovers over the Avenue’s tree-lined walkway, while golden hits from the 70s and 80s blast through the air.

On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, LTA will Let It Snow — by featuring snow “effects” when the skies turn dark. Put on your sparkliest disco outfit on Christmas Day to join the Christmas Night Fever, complete with dance performances and live DJ entertainment.

Date: 18 November 2022 – 2 January 2023

Venue: 200 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai

LANDMARK – Oversized Gingerbread Bakery Adventure

With the activation of the charitably scrumptious Mrs Claus Bakery at LANDMARK’s lofty, high-ceilinged atrium, the spirit of giving is at an all-time high at the shopping complex this merry season. While a giant gingerbread house, floating aircraft and hot-air balloon, together with cutesy animal friends marking the Bakery premises, there is no shortage of picture-perfect moments on site. Save some film roll for Mrs Claus and her trusty sidekick, Gingerbread Man!

Date: 24 November 2022 – 2 January 2023

Venue: 15 Queen's Road Central, Central

Airbus Summit to take place on 30 November and 1 December 2022

The 2022 edition of the Airbus Summit will take place over two days on 30 November and 1 December. Building on the momentum of the 2021 Summit, this year's event will seek to showcase the tangible progress and achievements made by the aerospace sector as it gathers pace towards a more sustainable future.

Expert guests from the world of business, science, automotive and energy industries as well as the aviation sector will join Airbus speakers to explore promising innovations, disruptive technologies and cross-sector initiatives that are accelerating the pathway towards net-zero aviation.

Sessions will include discussions on the next steps in space technologies, hybrid energies, innovative new vertical flight features, cross-industry partnerships, sustainable aviation fuels, as well as the latest on Airbus’ ZEROe hydrogen-powered aircraft. The 2022 Summit will also tackle the need for robust European defence and security – and discuss why this is a prerequisite to achieve our sustainability targets. 

Online audiences will be able to ask questions live to the speakers using Youtube’s dedicated Q&A function. Both links will remain available for playback after the event.

Starting from 09:00 CET (Paris time) on 30 November, the event will be webcast live on Youtube at this link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OGdJlzOAP0

On 1 December, the webcast will also begin at 09:00 CET (Paris time) and will be streamed at this link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AH9E02842c

Rolls-Royce and easyJet set aviation world first successful hydrogen engine test run

Rolls-Royce and easyJet today confirmed they have set a new aviation milestone with the world’s first run of a modern aero engine on hydrogen.

The ground test was conducted on an early concept demonstrator using green hydrogen created by wind and tidal power. It marks a major step towards proving that hydrogen could be a zero-carbon aviation fuel of the future and is a key proof point in the decarbonisation strategies of both Rolls-Royce and easyJet.

Both companies have set out to prove that hydrogen can safely and efficiently deliver power for civil aero engines and are already planning a second set of tests, with a longer-term ambition to carry out flight tests.

The test took place at an outdoor test facility at MoD Boscombe Down, UK using a converted Rolls-Royce AE 2100-A regional aircraft engine. Green hydrogen for the tests was supplied by EMEC (European Marine Energy Centre), generated using renewable energy at their hydrogen production and tidal test facility on Eday in the Orkney Islands, UK.

Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer, Rolls-Royce, said: “The success of this hydrogen test is an exciting milestone. We only announced our partnership with easyJet in July and we are already off to an incredible start with this landmark achievement. We are pushing the boundaries to discover the zero carbon possibilities of hydrogen, which could help reshape the future of flight.”

Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, said: “This is a real success for our partnership team. We are committed to continuing to support this ground-breaking research because hydrogen offers great possibilities for a range of aircraft, including easyJet-sized aircraft. That will be a huge step forward in meeting the challenge of net zero by 2050.”

Following analysis of this early concept ground test, the partnership plans a series of further rig tests leading up to a full-scale ground test of a Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 jet engine.

The partnership is inspired by the global, UN-backed Race to Zero campaign that both companies have signed up to, committing to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

617 Squadron jets and personnel aboard HMS Elizabeth visit Oslo

Royal Air Force F-35B Lightning jets and personnel from RAF Marham that are currently embarked on HMS Queen Elizabeth have visited the Norwegian capital of Oslo, as part of Operation Achillean.

HMS Queen Elizabeth is leading the UK’s Carrier Strike Group which has arrived in Oslo. Whilst alongside, the ship will host several defence engagement activities in Norway, which is an important strategic ally both bilaterally and within NATO for the UK.

Operation Achillean is a proof of concept deployment to demonstrate NATO's 5th generation maritime strike capability, comprising of F-35 jets supported by Merlin, and Wildcat helicopters.  All elements of Operation Achillean complement NATO and Joint Expeditionary Force activity, as the UK underscores its commitment to safeguarding European security.

In addition to the personnel from 617 Squadron, other RAF personnel have been embarked. Flight Lieutenant Pollard is currently serving as the Carrier Strike Group Air Battle Manager, "This was my first time in a truly tri-service environment, so it has been a period of new experiences and learning.

As an Air Battle Manager, it is my responsibility to coordinate activity in the airspace around the Task Group, including flying Royal Marines ashore, naval gunfire from our frigates and destroyers, and F-35B sorties from HMS Queen Elizabeth. To do all this safely and effectively takes a lot of teamwork, and the Royal Navy personnel on board have certainly made me feel a part of that very close-knit team.

For me, the first time I looked out from the aft island and saw the Task Group assembled around HMS Queen Elizabeth, with F-35s taking off from the deck and Merlins patrolling ahead of us, that was the moment I realised I was part of something special."

The HMS Queen Elizabeth, Carrier Strike Group, is being commanded by Commodore Angus Essenhigh OBE Royal Navy and his staff who are embarked aboard the aircraft carrier.

The deployment builds on vital UK Defence activity in the High North, deepening co-operation between, British and Norwegian air assets especially centred on RAF and Norwegian P-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and F-35 fighters.

Lithuanian airports' aviation results for October 2022

Lithuanian airports' aviation results for October 2022

Aviation growth continues to rapidly catch up with the pre-pandemic (2019) results, with nearly 90% of passenger traffic and 80% of flight traffic restored this October. Last month, 548 000 passengers travelled through Lithuanian airports, 4 713 flights were handled, and cargo volumes grew. Kaunas Airport continues to demonstrate an exceptional rate of recovery and has outperformed some of the indicators for the same month in 2019.

According to the Route Development Manager of Lithuanian Airports, Tomas Zitikis, the growth in the number of passengers has been influenced by the rapid increase in charter flights.

“From September to October, charter passenger traffic grew by 15%. This year's charter traffic is 4% higher than in the same period a year ago. One of the main factors behind the growth in October is the school holidays and the possibility of travelling for longer holidays,” said T. Zitikis.

He also mentioned that Kaunas Airport's recovery momentum continues to stand out. For the seventh month in a row, the airport has outperformed its 2019 numbers.

“In October, passenger traffic at Kaunas Airport grew by 6.8% compared to the same period in 2019. We managed to restore 98% of flight traffic and cargo traffic grew 1.5 times.” - T. Zitikis commented.

Freight transport shows the fastest growth

As T. Zitikis points out, all airports are experiencing growth in both flight and passenger traffic. However, the fastest recovery is seen among cargo traffic.

“Freight transport, like travelling, is seasonal. However, it is important to understand that passenger traffic peaks in Lithuanian airports in the summer, while cargo traffic peaks in the winter. In October this year, we handled 28% more cargo than in the same period in 2019. This is due to high demand for e-commerce. Typically, it drops slightly in the summer period, but demand picks up in the run-up to the major holidays. Seasonality is also reflected in this year's aviation figures.” - stated T. Zitikis.

Lithuanian airports handled almost 2 000 tonnes of cargo last month: almost 1 500 tonnes at Vilnius Airport, just over 400 tonnes at Kaunas Airport and 118 tonnes at Palanga Airport. In comparison, in the same period of 2019, slightly more than 1,500 tonnes of cargo were transported through Lithuanian airports: almost 1 300 tonnes at Vilnius Airport, 262 tonnes at Kaunas Airport and 0.1 tonnes at Palanga. Last year, the total volume of cargo transported was 1.7 thousand tonnes. The total cargo transported through Vilnius Airport was 1.3 thousand tonnes, 453 tonnes in Kaunas and 0.02 tonnes in Palanga airport.

Recovery at Lithuanian Airports

According to T. Zitikis, looking at the pace of the aviation recovery, growth continues to increase at all air gateways. In addition, the number of destinations offered has almost surpassed the pre-pandemic level: since the beginning of the year, Lithuanian airports have already offered 85 destinations, compared to 82 destinations in the same period last year and 89 in 2019.

In October, Vilnius Airport managed to restore 84% of its pre-pandemic passenger traffic. Last month, 406 000 passengers travelled through this gateway. In comparison, 485 000 passengers travelled through Vilnius Airport in the same period in 2019 and 287 000 last year. In October, almost 3.5 thousand flights were handled, compared to almost 4.5 thousand in the same period in 2019 and 3.1 thousand last year.

Kaunas Airport outperforms the pre-pandemic results: in October, slightly more than 115 thousand passengers travelled through Kaunas Airport gates and 924 flights were handled. In the same period in 2019, 108 000 passengers and 944 flights were handled, while in October 2021, more than 76 000 passengers and 846 flights were handled.

Palanga Airport is not far behind. Last month, Palanga Airport welcomed more than 26 000 passengers and handled 322 flights. In comparison, in 2019, almost 29 000 passengers travelled through the airport and 477 flights were serviced, compared to 3 800 passengers and 95 flights in the same period last year, however, it is important to note that at that time, reconstruction works on the runway were underway at the seaside airport.