Airbus and Neste join forces on SAF development to decarbonise aerospace

Airbus and Neste join forces on SAF development to decarbonise aerospace

Airbus and Neste join forces on SAF development to decarbonise aerospace

Airbus and Neste, a world-leading producer of renewable fuels, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly advance the production and uptake of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Both parties share a vision that SAF is a key solution to helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions of air travel. This collaboration aims to accelerate the aviation sector’s transition to SAF.

Neste and Airbus recognize that one of the biggest challenges in accelerating SAF use is the ramp-up of SAF production. This collaboration is laying the foundation for both Airbus and Neste to drive SAF development across the global aviation industry. It will allow the partners to explore business opportunities together and jointly promote the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel. The focus will be on the technical development of SAF, fuel approval and testing of current and future production technologies, and investigating how "100% SAF" use can be enabled.

“SAF is one of aerospace’s most promising decarbonisation solutions that can be used in both in-service aircraft fleets and those of tomorrow. We are honoured to be partnering with Neste to drive forward the development and uptake of SAF, to stimulate the creation of a commercially viable market for renewable aviation fuels,” says Julie Kitcher, EVP Communications and Corporate Affairs, Airbus. “All Airbus aircraft are already certified for flying with up to 50% SAF and this partnership will be instrumental to reaching certification for up to 100% SAF before the end of the decade.”

“Neste is at the forefront of accelerating the aviation sector’s journey to a more sustainable future. That journey requires cooperation across the industry’s value chain. This collaboration with Airbus connects a pioneer in the aerospace industry with a leader in renewable fuels. The combined knowledge and expertise of the companies will help advance the use and availability of SAF as a means of transitioning aviation towards more sustainable energy sources and reducing the climate impact of aviation,” said Thorsten Lange, Executive Vice President, Renewable Aviation at Neste.

This is the second collaboration between Airbus and the energy provider Neste after the ‘Emission and Climate Impact of Alternative Fuels’ (ECLIF3) exploration on SAF with German research centre DLR. With this MoU, Airbus and Neste will be further working on the technical aspects of the challenge to reach the 100% SAF certification.

The whole ecosystem is playing an essential role to ensure the increased uptake of SAF. Besides working on the technical aspects, Neste and Airbus will therefore investigate concrete SAF projects and business opportunities across the world with airlines and other stakeholders.

Air Canada named as best airline in North America by Global Traveler

Air Canada has been named the Best Airline in North America for the fourth consecutive year by the readers of Global Traveler. The airline also won for Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness for the third consecutive year in the 19th edition of the GT Tested Reader Survey of the magazine's readership of frequent business and luxury travellers.

"We are thrilled to be recognized again by our loyal customers with the highly respected honours of Global Traveler's Best Airline in North America and Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness. These awards directly reflect the efforts of everyone across our airline, and of the culture we have built at Air Canada fostering teamwork, and taking care of our customers with care and class. I also want to thank our employees for their passion and dedication to serving our customers, who have entrusted us with their travel plans. They are all incredible ambassadors for Air Canada around the world," said Lucie Guillemette, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada.

"Air Canada has once again shown themselves to be a leader, winning Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness for the third consecutive year and Best Airline in North America for the fourth consecutive year. As we continue to see travel increase, cabin cleanliness will be a requirement for the most savvy of passengers. This, coupled with Air Canada's win for the fourth consecutive year as Best in North America, makes for a perfect win-win for the flying public," said Francis X Gallagher, publisher & CEO, FXExpress Publications, Inc.

Global Traveler magazine conducted a survey of its readers from December 14, 2021 to September 30, 2022 with open-ended questions for the best in many categories of business & leisure luxury travel.  This survey was conducted in the magazine, as an insert to subscriber copies, as a direct mail questionnaire, online and emailed during the period in question. Only those questionnaires where more than 50% of the questions were completed were counted. Those under 50% were discarded. Employees of the magazine or individuals associated with the travel industry were not accepted. 

IAG Cargo transports nearly 3,000 donated cricket items to Pakistan following flooding crisis

 

IAG Cargo transports 1.2 tonnes of cricket equipment to Islamabad as a donation on behalf of The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)

Cricket bats, balls, helmets and clothing will be flown from London-Heathrow to Islamabad on 29th November

Pakistan faces an unprecedented challenge in education in particular, more than 26,000 schools have been damaged or destroyed, disrupting the education of an estimated 3.5 million children.

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has worked with the FCDO, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Lord’s Taverners, Football for Peace and the Sarwar Foundation to transport nearly 3,000 pieces of cricket equipment into Islamabad.

The business has donated capacity to transport items such as cricket bats and balls, gloves, pads, helmets, other protective equipment, and cricket clothing (trousers, shirts, jumpers and hats). This follows the recent flooding crisis the country is experiencing, where Pakistan is rebuilding not only its infrastructure but also human development.

The equipment forms five pallets under the belly-hold of British Airways’ Boeing 787 and will be shipped on 29th November 2022. 

More than 26,000 schools have been damaged or destroyed as a result of flooding, disrupting the education of an estimated 3.5 million children. This cricket equipment will be delivered to schools affected by the flooding to assist the return to a sense of normality and children’s’ development.

This donation is in addition to IAG Cargo’s movement of 34 tonnes of emergency aid to Islamabad in October, which included medical equipment, non-perishable food, clothing and tents.

John Cheetham, Chief Commercial Officer at IAG Cargo commented: “We are glad to support donation efforts in response to the humanitarian flooding crisis in Pakistan. As a cargo industry we have a role to play in delivering a range of essential goods every day and at IAG Cargo we are proud to use our global network and capacity to help children affected by the floods and bring some normality back to their lives.”

IAG Cargo has previously supported other humanitarian efforts, including 125 tonnes of aid to Ukraine this year, two shipments of medical aid to India in 2021 during a peak in COVID-19 cases in the country, and 20 tonnes of aid to Haiti following the 2021 earthquake, when the business worked with the UK government to transport shelter kits and solar powered lanterns for up to 1,300 families.

The Lord’s Taverners, a UK charity that uses cricket to positively impact the lives of young people facing the challenges of inequality, have donated a total of 2,733 cricket related items which are being shipped (for free by IAG Cargo via British Airways) to Pakistan ahead of the Test Matches. This kit includes: 70 cricket bats, 132 balls, 98 pairs of cricket pads, 71 pairs of cricket gloves, 32 helmets, other protective equipment including wicket keeping pads and gloves and cricket clothing (trousers, shirts, jumpers, hats). On arrival these items will be transported to four flood affected schools in Baluchistan and six schools in Sindh by the Sarwar Foundation and Football for Peace (both of which are UK registered NGOs).

London City Airport announces Andrew Hodges as new Chief Commercial Officer

London City Airport announces Andrew Hodges as new Chief Commercial Officer

Norse Atlantic Airways, Chief Commercial Officer to join London City Airport

London City Airport has announced that, following an extensive search and selection process, Andrew Hodges will be appointed as its new Chief Commercial Officer. Andy has over 25 years’ experience in the airline sector, including most recently, at the UK and Europe’s newest transatlantic airline, Norse Atlantic, where he was responsible for group commercial strategy & performance, including network & airport development, route performance, product strategy, customer service and sales, marketing & distribution.

Andy also spent 12 years at the UK’s second-largest airline, easyJet, working in a range of commercial roles, including as Head of Network & Scheduling, helping the Luton-based carrier achieve a 40% cumulative capacity growth between 2014 and 2018, as well as leading on the airline’s strategy for attracting more corporate and business travel.

Andy is set to join London City in February 2023, replacing Richard Hill who recently joined the aircraft leasing company, Abelo, as its Chief Financial Officer. 

Andy is joining at an exciting time for the airport as it proceeds with a £12 million revamp of its departure lounge, upgrade of security and as many of its airlines look to grow rotations on core routes, as well as connect to new destinations across Europe.

The Chief Commercial Officer is part of LCY’s five strong Leadership team, reporting directly to the airport’s Chief Executive, Robert Sinclair.

easyJet expands its base and network at Manchester Airport

easyJet will add a 21st aircraft to its Manchester base and launch a new beach route to Murcia in South East Spain for this summer

 

Flights will launch on 2nd May 2023 and will operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays, 

easyJet has revealed its plans for expansion at Manchester today, announcing that an additional Airbus A320 family aircraft will be based at the airport from May. The airline will also launch a new summer route between Manchester and Murcia in South-East Spain.

The 186-seat A320neo aircraft will be based in Manchester from May and operate throughout the summer season. It becomes the 21st Airbus family easyJet aircraft based at the airport, which now includes a total of six A320neo aircraft.

Compared to the current generation of aircraft, the NEO brings significant improvements in terms of environmental and operational efficiencies: up to 15% less fuel consumption and therefore less CO2 emissions, and 50% less noise during take-off and landing. easyJet is the largest single-brand operator of NEOs in Europe. 

The addition of the new aircraft will also create around 40 local job opportunities at the airport and is a clear symbol of the airline’s commitment to the airport. Across the last year easyJet has added 16 new routes and now offers customers a total of 77 routes to choose from. 

The new route between Manchester and Murcia in Spain is scheduled to launch on 2 May 2023, with twice weekly departures on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering customers in Manchester even more choice when it comes to choosing a beach holiday destination. Seats go on sale at easyJet.com and via the mobile app from 7th December.

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said:  “I am delighted to be announcing our plans for expansion at Manchester airport today. The addition of another aircraft will help us to deliver growth in Manchester and offer customers an even wider range of destinations, like our new summer route to Murcia in Spain, which will provide our customers in the North West with a direct connection to a region which offers a variety of rich culture and beautiful beaches in abundance, all with low fares and great customer service.

We know that holidays are important to people, not only does travelling connect friends and family but it offers a wealth of benefits, from promoting wellbeing to experiencing new cultures. The results of our survey revealed today just go to show what a priority it is for people, with so many determined to protect their holidays. With our low fares and unrivalled European network, easyJet is ideally placed to offer a fantastic value and great quality holiday that people don’t have to compromise on. It is fantastic to see that so many consumers plan to travel next year already, and we look forward to welcoming them onboard.”

Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said:  “We are pleased to see easyJet expanding its base here, having significantly increased the number of destinations it flies to from Manchester over the past year.  It is also exciting to see the introduction of a Murcia service, which I am sure will be hugely popular with passengers this summer.”

For over 15 years easyJet has had a base at Manchester and since then has flown over 25 million passengers to and from the airport. Today, easyJet is the second largest airline in Manchester and operates 77 routes in the UK, Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

 

Aviation Capital Group announces delivery of one A320neo to FlyArystan

Aviation Capital Group has announced the delivery of one new Airbus A320neo aircraft on long-term lease to FlyArystan. This aircraft, featuring Pratt & Whitney PW1127G-JM engines, is the second A320neo that ACG has delivered to FlyArystan as part of a multi-aircraft transaction with the airline.

Airbus pays 15,856,044 euros fine.....

The President of the Tribunal Judiciaire of Paris has approved the Convention Judiciaire d'Intérêt Public (CJIP) signed on 17 November 2022 between Airbus SE and the French Parquet National Financier (PNF). This CJIP covers past matters relating to the use of intermediaries in sales campaigns prior to 2012, in particular related to Libya and Kazakhstan. These could not be dealt with simultaneously with the 2020 CJIP for procedural reasons.

According to the CJIP approved on 30 November, Airbus will have to pay a fine of 15,856,044 Euros. There is no monitorship obligation associated with this new CJIP.

This CJIP will have no adverse impact on the 2020 settlements reached with the French, UK and US authorities in the context of their compliance investigations into Airbus.

The Company has taken significant steps since 2016 to reform itself by implementing a benchmark compliance system underpinned by an unwavering commitment to integrity and continuous improvement.

Bombardier defense starts special modification package as part of PEGASUS Project

Bombardier Defense celebrated the arrival of a Global 6000 aircraft in Wichita, Kansas as part of the next phase of the company’s contract to support Lufthansa Technik’s participation in the HENSOLDT-led PEGASUS program of the German armed forces. Bombardier Defense will utilize its expertise to perform major structural modifications to accommodate the "Kalætron Integral" signal intelligence (SIGINT) system developed by HENSOLDT, which collects and analyzes military signals from radar and radio systems. The integration of this system will subsequently be performed at Lufthansa Technik’s special mission aircraft competence centre in Hamburg, Germany. Bombardier has previously delivered three Global 6000 jets to Lufthansa Technik since the aircraft was selected for the program in 2020.

Structural modifications represent first major European customer work package since Wichita appointed main hub for Bombardier Defense earlier in 2022

Work to be performed on Global 6000 jet lays important foundation for PEGASUS’ upcoming systems integration work package at Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg

This milestone marks the first major work package for a European customer performed at Bombardier Defense’s U.S. Headquarters in Wichita, Kansas since the company unveiled the site’s new mission in April 2022. Bombardier Defense will now be transitioning to the aircraft modification phase after its engineering team developed precise and mission-specific designed solutions. Bombardier Defense will then perform testing and required certification of the modified aircraft. As part of this program, Lufthansa Technik will perform and support systems integration for Hensoldt, in addition to engineering and modification work contracted to Bombardier Defense.

“This most recent milestone is a testament to the quality of Bombardier jets for both VIP transport and special mission applications,” said Steve Patrick, Vice President, Bombardier Defense. “Bombardier Defense’s full suite of mission-specific design, manufacturing, and certification capabilities, combined with Lufthansa Technik’s expertise will ensure Hensoldt receives a reliable, high-performing platform, perfectly tailored to their mission requirements and payload.”

“The start of the structural modification phase indeed marks a major milestone, as it is an important prerequisite for the work packages of our special mission aircraft experts in Hamburg,” said Michael von Puttkamer, Vice President Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik. “We thank HENSOLDT and Bombardier for the good cooperation and progress and we are already looking forward to building on the high-quality work of the colleagues in Wichita in the upcoming systems integration phase.”

“With the immense progress made in the design work over the last 12 months, we are proud to see the PEGASUS project entering the next stage,” added Jürgen Halder, Vice President Air SIGINT at HENSOLDT. “Together with our partners Bombardier Defense and Lufthansa Technik, we are determined to maintain the swift pace established to answer the pressing need of our customer for strategic surveillance capabilities.”

Global aircraft are ideal for critical special missions. Modern-day intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems are lighter and more compact, no longer requiring commercial aircraft proportions. Missionized versions of Global aircraft are in service with elite military clientele, having completed thousands of missions over the last decade and demonstrating excellent dispatch reliability. Global aircraft are especially attractive for military use because of their ability to operate at high altitudes as well as their speed, agility, endurance, and low operating costs compared to other aircraft in their class.

American Airlines and British Airways are getting ready to welcome customers to the newly renovated Terminal 8 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.

American Airlines and British Airways are ready to welcome customers to the newly renovated Terminal 8 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. Starting on Dec. 1, 2022, customers will benefit from an enhanced travel experience with seamless travel connections as the two airlines co-locate operations as part of a $400 million investment. This marks the completion of the first phase of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s redevelopment of the airport.

To celebrate British Airways’ move from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8; New York Governor Kathy Hochul, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, American Airlines and British Airways today announced the opening of a newly expanded Terminal 8, marking completion of the first phase of the historic JFK Vision Plan that is transforming the international airport into a world-class global hub. 

Governor Hochul said: “The completion of Terminal 8 is the latest milestone in our historic efforts to build a whole new JFK worthy of New York,”

“I congratulate American Airlines, British Airways and the Port Authority for the first of what will be many milestones to come. We will continue our close partnerships as we transform JFK into a magnificent global gateway that will help to keep New York at the centre of the world stage.”

American Airlines CEO, Robert Isom said, “We are thrilled to welcome our long-standing joint business partner, British Airways, as it joins American and other oneworld partners at Terminal 8. As part of our investment to transform JFK into a leading global airport, we are excited to offer customers expanded terminal space, new check-in areas and elegant lounges.”

British Airways Chairman and CEO, Sean Doyle said, “We announced our joint investment early in 2019 so it is an honour to reach this significant milestone with our business partner, American Airlines. From December 1, our customers and colleagues will be able to enjoy all the benefits that Terminal 8 has to offer.”

Port Authority Executive Director, Rick Cotton said, “This inspiring expansion of Terminal 8, fostering superb hourly services between JFK and London, is an example of what’s to come at JFK, where our vision for a world-class, 21st-century airport is now unfolding from one end of the airport to the other. Thanks to the investment made by American Airlines and British Airways, Terminal 8 – with five new wide-body gates – offers an improved passenger experience and expanded capacity for transatlantic travel to and from JFK. This investment by our private partners at Terminal 8 is a vote of confidence in the future of the airport and of the JFK region.”

€7.1 Million net profit in Q3 of 2022 for airBaltic

€17.1 Million net profit in Q3 of 2022 for airBaltic

The Latvian national airline airBaltic has released its latest headline results, which, according to the unaudited consolidated numbers for the first nine months of 2022, airBaltic group has already achieved EUR 362.5 million in revenue, which is by 172% more than in 2021. At the same time, the pre-exceptional net income for the third quarter of 2022 has grown to EUR 17.1 million.

Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic: “The aviation industry is recovering from the effects of the pandemic, and that is reflected also in our financial results. With exceeding EUR 362.5 million revenue and 2.4 million passengers already in the first nine months of this year, airBaltic is on the way back to profitability.”

“The war in Ukraine with all its consequences has changed our market conditions significantly, facing supply chain issues, growing fuel prices, rescheduling the airline’s operations, and more. But we remain consistent and our core goal remains the same – airBaltic will continue expanding its market share, by further improving connectivity between the Baltics and the rest of the world,” Martin Gauss added.

During the first nine months of 2022, airBaltic has carried 2.4 million passengers or by 133% more than during the same period last year. The number of performed flights has increased by 88% - to 27 713 flights.

position	Jan-Sep 2022	Jan-Sep 2021	Change %
Revenue	EUR 362.5 million	EUR 133.3 million	1.72
Net loss**	EUR (35.6) million	EUR (72.1) million	-0.506
Passengers	2.4 million	1.0 million	1.33
Flights	27713	14719	0.88

** Supplemental commercial support included and adjusted for the period; the foreign currency exchange loss related to re-evaluation of USD denominated liabilities is excluded.

Celebrating industry success at the Royal Aeronautical Society........the 2022 honours, medals and awards.

The Royal Aeronautical Society has announced the 2022 winners of the global aerospace community’s most prestigious and long-standing awards honouring achievement and innovation.

The awards celebration, held in London on Monday 28 November 2022, saw leaders in aviation, aerospace and space recognised for their significant contributions to industry and education in areas of leadership, high-speed propulsion systems, fluid dynamics and aerodynamics among others..

Peter Round FRAeS, President of the Royal Aeronautical Society said: “The RAeS Awards offers an opportunity to recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions from senior executives and future leaders within engineering, defence, flight operations, training, space, research and education annually. The achievements of this year’s award winners showcase the ongoing innovation and commitment to excellence that exists across the breadth of our global aerospace, aviation and space industries and we congratulate them on their accomplishments and success.”

Full list of 2022 honours, medals and awards 

Honorary Fellowships mark the world’s highest distinction for aerospace achievement, awarded only for the most outstanding contributions to the aerospace profession.

Honorary Fellowship and Geoffrey Pardoe Space Award

Mr Colin Paynter, Former Managing Director of Airbus Defence & Space. Mr Paynter is awarded for his leadership of the UK’s space industry, maintaining it as a powerful force in Europe and in support of the UK’s space priorities which he has been hugely influential in setting during the turbulent period of the last two decades.

Honorary Fellows

Professor Jonathan Cooper FRAeS, Airbus Royal Academy of Engineering Sir George White Professor of Aerospace Engineering, University of Bristol. Professor Cooper is awarded Honorary Fellowship for more than 3 decades of remarkable contributions and service to education in the UK and over 50 projects, many in conjunction with aerospace manufacturers across the world.

Mr Tewolde Gebremariam, former Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, now at Delta Airlines as Senior Strategic Advisor. Mr Gebremariam is awarded Honorary Fellowship for his devotion in the development of aviation and the growth of the most profitable airline in Africa.

Professor Darrell Pepper FRAeS, Professor of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Professor Pepper is awarded Honorary Fellowship for his internationally recognised work in the areas of high-speed propulsion systems, fluid dynamics and aerodynamics.

Honorary Companions are awarded for rendering distinctive and notably meritorious service to the aerospace profession.

Mr Michael Turner, President of Guild of Aviation Artists, awarded for his achievements as a celebrated aviation artist depicting the advancement of science and engineering to create aviation art.

Gold Medal

Mr Alan Newby MSc FREng FIMechE FRAeS, Director Aerospace Technology and Future Programmes and Technology – Rolls-Royce plc, is awarded the Society’s Gold Medal for his major contribution to the family of Rolls-Royce Trent engines for the Boeing 787, Airbus A350 and A330 NEO aircraft and to the definition of the company’s product and technology strategy.

Silver Medal

Professor Clyde Warsop is awarded the Society’s Silver Medal for initiating the project that provided the first flight demonstration of Circulation Control for manoeuvre control of an aircraft in flight (DEMON) and for continuing to collaborate, advance and innovate flow control technologies.

Bronze Medal and Flight Simulation Medal

Mr Antony Hunt FRAeS is awarded both the Society’s Bronze Medal and the Flight Simulation Medal for radically changing the way the Original Equipment Manufacturer’s (OEM) simulator data is delivered to Training Device Manufacturers (TDM) and customers by providing a single performance and systems model across all training devices.

Bronze Medal

Dr Peter J Downer, UK Ministry of Defence, is awarded the Society’s Bronze Medal for leading the airspace integration of the RAF’s next generation Remotely Piloted Air System, PROTECTOR, achieving a number of world firsts.

Team Medals are awarded for significant contributions to the advancement of aerospace art, science and engineering.

Gold Medal

Ingenuity - NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter team is awarded the Society’s Gold Medal for the advancement of aerodynamics and aerial robots for planetary science through the design, development, and fabrication of the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Technology Demonstrator.

Silver Medal

FlyZero, for its world leading research project on zero-carbon emissions in large commercial aircraft.

Project ACCEL, The Electro-Flight team in partnership with Rolls-Royce under the project title ACCEL Spirit of Innovation, created the powerplant and airframe for an attempt at breaking the world speed record for electric powered aircraft.

Project Telstar, for their innovative introduction of Aireon space-based ADS-B technology, safely enabling real-time surveillance and safely reducing minimum separation standards to increase access to the most fuel efficient trajectories, making flight operations within the world's busiest oceanic airspace safer, more predictable, more fuel efficient and more environmentally sustainable for all.

Flight Operations Specialist Group Award

Number 99 Squadron Flight Operations, a small team of five responsible for organising the emergent evacuation of over 10,000 persons by UK C-17 force from Afghanistan.

Society Specialist Awards are conferred on individuals or teams in well-established professional disciplines. These awards recognise advances, innovation, excellence and long service that has made a significant impact.

Roger Green Human Factors Medal

Dr Anne Isaac, Director of Haumaru UK Ltd. and Chair of the RAeS Human Factors ATC Sub-group

Flight Operations Medal

Air Commodore Dai Whittingham FRAeS, CEO of UK Flight Safety Committee, a longstanding and active member of RAeS Flight Operation Specialist Group.

RP Alston Medal

Mr Andrew Roberts CEng MRAeS, Test Director for ACCEL Ground and Flight Test

Aeronautical Heritage Specialist Group Award

Mr Tony Buttler MA AMRAeS, distinguished metallurgist and aviation historian

Space Specialist Group Award

Dr Rachana Bhatawdekar, postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Directorate of Science at the European Space Agency’s European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESA ESTEC)

Women and Aviation Aerospace Committee Specialist Group Award

Professor Lucy Rogers, FREng, FIET, independent innovation consultant and Visiting Professor of Engineering: Creativity and Communications at Brunel University, London

Young Persons’ Awards recognise individual achievement and promise.

Young Person’s Achievement Award

Dr Duc H. Nguyen AMRAeS FHEA, Research & Teaching Associate of the University of Bristol, for furthering aerospace science.

Young Person’s Achievement Commendation

Mr Adam Conner MEng AMRAeS, Junior Engineer of Atkins, a key figure in the Atkins Future of Flight market, covering the Sustainable Aviation and Advanced Air Mobility industries.

Miss Lucy Crabb, Human Factors Engineer, BAE Systems – AIR.

Mr Travis Ludlow, on 13 July 2021 Travis became the youngest pilot to circumnavigate the world at the age of 18.

Miss Zara Rutherford, the youngest female pilot to circumnavigate the world at the age of 19.

Alan Marsh Award

Mr Thomas Magowan, Senior Structural Dynamics Analyst of Leonardo Helicopters.

Herbert le Sueur Award

Mr Albert Ilunga, Design and Certification Engineer of 2Excel Aviation Ltd.

N E Rowe Medal — 22 to 30 Age Group

Mr Barnaby Pine Meng, for his paper titled “A Cool Journey to net Zero – A Review of Superconductor Application in Decarbonising Aviation”

N E Rowe Medal — Under 22 Age Group

Miss Amelia Weaver, for her paper title “The Foundations to My Future – My Outstanding Apprenticeship”.

Other Award

Sir Ralph Robins Medal

Ms Sacha Wright MSc MRAeS, Head of Design Organisation of 2Excel Aviation Ltd.

2021 Written Paper Prizes are awarded annually for the best papers published in The Aeronautical Journal by the Society during the previous calendar year.

Silver Award

A. Filippone, B. Parkes and N. Bojdo for their paper titled: ‘Prediction of aircraft engine emissions using ADS-B flight data’

Bronze Award

J. Huete, D. Nalianda and P. Pilidis for their paper titled “Propulsion system integration for a first-generation hydrogen civil airliner?”

J.D. Hoyos and J.P. Alvarado and J.H. Jiménez for their paper titled “Propeller aerodynamic optimisation to minimise energy consumption for electric fixed-wing aircraft”

Young Person’s

J Hoole, et al for their paper titled ‘Landing Gear Ground Manoeuvre Statistics from Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Transponder Data’.

Journal of Aeronautical History Written Paper Prize is awarded annually to the paper published in the Journal of Aeronautical History during the preceding calendar year that is most likely to engage and excite the widest possible community of professional and other interest and thus to exemplify the best in terms of communicating aerospace history in order to inspire future developments.

S C Liddle for his paper titled ‘Pearcey, Newby, and the Vulcan’

easyJet to expand its Belfast International Airport base

easyJet, Northern Ireland’s largest airline has revealed its plans for expansion at Belfast International Airport today, announcing that an additional Airbus A320 family aircraft will be based in Belfast this summer. The airline has also announced it will launch a new summer route between Belfast and the popular Greek island of Rhodes.

easyJet will add an eighth aircraft to its Belfast base and launch a new route to Greek island of Rhodes

The aircraft’s arrival will create around 40 local job opportunities at the airport

The Airbus A320neo aircraft brings significant improvements in environmental and operational efficiencies compared to the previous generation of aircraft

Flights and easyJet holidays packages to Rhodes will launch on 3 June 2023 operating twice weekly throughout the summer and seats are on sale from 7th December 2022

The 186-seat A320neo aircraft will be based in Belfast throughout the summer season, and it joins three 156-seat Airbus A319, two 186-seat A320 and two 186-seat A320neo aircraft already serving the airline’s customers in Belfast. Compared to the current generation of aircraft, the Airbus NEO brings significant environmental benefits and operational efficiencies compared to the previous generation of aircraft, resulting in at least 15% less CO2 emissions and 50% less noise during take-off and landing. easyJet is one of the largest single-brand operators of NEOs in Europe.

The addition of the new aircraft will also create around 40 job opportunities at the airport.

The new route between Belfast and Rhodes is scheduled to launch on 3 June 2023, with twice weekly departures on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering customers in Northern Ireland even more choice when it comes to picking a beach holiday destination with easyJet and easyJet holidays. Seats go on sale at easyJet.com and via the mobile app from 7th December.

For holidaymakers looking for the complete package, easyJet holidays operates to over 100 hotels in Rhodes. All beach holidays include 23kg of luggage per person, flights, hotels and transfers, and are covered by the easyJet holidays Protection Promise. The package provide has recently launched its Summer 2024 season which allows customers to plan and book their holidays in advance, all the way until 31 October 2024.

The airline has also revealed the results of a survey of 2000 UK consumers this week, which has shown that almost two-thirds (64%) are planning on flying abroad in 2023. Holidays topped the list of most important things people planned to spend on in 2023, with two-thirds (66%) saying this was the most important.

Vienna, Munich and Tenerife are the top winter destinations for airBaltic

airBaltic Top Winter Destinations – Vienna, Munich and Tenerife

The most popular destinations of the Latvian national airline airBaltic for the upcoming winter season are Vienna, Munich and Tenerife. At the same time, London, Paris, Copenhagen and Amsterdam remain among the most popular year-round routes of the company. Reservations during the period of the winter solstice and New Year celebrations have already reached more than 60%, compared to the year before. 

Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic: “Currently, we are living in a favourable situation, where the presence of the pandemic no more limits the possibilities to travel, and a growing number of passengers are already planning their trips up to two months in advance and more.”

“At this time of the year, of course, we can record a much higher demand for skiing trips, as well as, warm and sunny leisure destinations, and airBaltic can offer both,” Gauss added.

airBaltic provides flights to more than 70 destinations from Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius and Tampere, offering connections from Riga to a wide range of destinations in the airline's route network in Europe, Scandinavia, the CIS and the Middle East. Also, this year airBaltic launched direct flights between Riga and sunny Gran Canaria and exotic Marrakech, both available twice a week.

JetBlue Donates 2 Million TrueBlue Points to Charitable Organizations

JetBlue today continues to commemorate November as JetBlue For Good® Month, celebrating all the ways the airline and its crewmembers give back to communities across its network. On Giving Tuesday, and throughout JetBlue For Good Month, the airline is continuing its longstanding tradition of service by donating 2 million TrueBlue points to its partnering charitable organizations. JetBlue invites customers to join in the good through its TrueBlue Points Donation Platform, where TrueBlue loyalty members can donate points to a variety of charities and causes, including the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), World Central Kitchen (WCK) and many others.

In addition to donating points, JetBlue’s crewmembers have been donating their time through volunteer projects across the airline’s network including fundraising initiatives, airport-partnered family assistance events, and care efforts for communities affected by and recovering from natural disasters.

“While JetBlue For Good Month marks a place in time to focus on giving back, it also recognizes how our crewmembers go above and beyond year-round to champion the causes they’re most passionate about in the communities where they live, work and serve,” said Icema Gibbs, vice president CSR and DEI, JetBlue. “Whether it’s through in-person community outreach programs, in-kind donations, direct disaster relief efforts, or simply volunteering our time—service for our communities will always be rooted in our DNA and we are proud to continue our commitment of giving back and responding to needs across our network.”

JetBlue is proud to support 25 charitable organizations year-round through the airline’s TrueBlue Points Donation platform. All points donated go directly to the selected charity, and each charity may use the points for travel for their organization. These organizations align with JetBlue’s mission to inspire humanity and includes the following longstanding partners, as well as many others.

Successful hydrogen engine test completed by Rolls-Royce and easyJet

Rolls-Royce and easyJet 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.