Royal HaskoningDHV to prepare master plans for future development of Lithuanian Airports

Lithuanian Airports has carried out an international public procurement procedure for the preparation of master plans and feasibility studies. The study, which will outline development options for the coming decades, will be prepared by Royal HaskoningDHV from the Netherlands. The contract is worth EUR 824 thousand (excluding VAT).  

 

“Among many other important insights for our entire airport network, the expert study will analyze development and modernization alternatives for today's Vilnius Airport arrivals terminal. The recommendations made by the consultants will help to decide on future actions related to the heritage sites. This is particularly important in the new context: we have a contractor for the new departure’s terminal, we are in the process of preparatory work, and the new facility, once operational, also implies the need for conversion of the other existing terminals. Therefore, when planning further development, we will have the opportunity to look at various scenarios on how to efficiently convert the existing infrastructure,” said Arnas Dūmanas, Head of the Operations and Infrastructure Department of Lithuanian Airports. 

 

According to him, this study will analyze not only the development opportunities and alternatives of Vilnius Airport, but also of other Lithuanian Airports, such as Kaunas and Palanga, as well as focusing on the specific strengths of the individual airports, flight expansion, and increasing the capacity of the passenger and cargo terminals. 

“Long-term development is our strategic goal, and we have consistently pursued it, even during the pandemic. Now we have a lot of work ahead of us to work with consultants to find the optimal long-term development solutions, helping experts to understand our specificities, which are present in every airport,” added A. Dūmanas 

After signing the contract with the winning company, a long-term network development study is planned to be prepared by the end of 2023, which will include, among other components, an analysis of accessibility (ground connections to airports and their modernization), infrastructure (modernization of existing passenger and freight terminals), and the environmental situation. The document will also provide a financial forecast for the long-term development period, an overview of the impact of airports on the national economy, and plans for the use of the land plots owned by Lithuanian Airports. 

Royal HaskoningDHV, winner of the procurement, advises airports around the world on long-term development, sustainable aviation and other aviation issues.

Airbus and ArianeGroup to pioneer liquid hydrogen technology

Airbus and ArianeGroup to pioneer liquid hydrogen technology

Airbus and ArianeGroup, a joint venture equally owned by Airbus and Safran, and a world leader in space propulsion technologies, will work together to build the first liquid hydrogen refuelling facility for ZEROe aircraft at Toulouse, Blagnac airport. The station will be operational in 2025.

ArianeGroup will design, produce and support the operations of the liquid hydrogen fuelling system necessary for Airbus' ZEROe demonstrator as it embarks on its ground and flight test campaign - due to start in the middle of this decade.

“Airbus’ choice of us as partner is a vote of confidence, recognizing half a century of expertise in liquid hydrogen for Ariane rocket propulsion,” said André-Hubert Roussel, CEO of ArianeGroup. “We are proud to be working with Airbus on these first steps towards liquid hydrogen-powered aircraft. Aviation and space are two pioneering industries. Uniting our expertise is our responsibility to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. ArianeGroup, with its unique skills and know-how in the storage, testing, and use of liquid hydrogen, enables new industrial sectors in Europe to accelerate their energy transition.”

"Many of the technologies required for a zero-emission aircraft are already available in other industries, and liquid hydrogen handling is no exception," said Sabine Klauke, Chief Technical Officer, Airbus. "Preparing for the entry into service of a zero-emission aircraft in 2035 means that we need to mature all of the required technologies in parallel. By partnering with ArianeGroup, we will leverage well known hydrogen expertise and other relevant space technologies in the pursuit of this goal."

ArianeGroup is the prime contractor of Ariane launch vehicles, which have been propelled by liquid hydrogen for more than 40 years.

Making a difference for children all over the world......UNICEF and American Airlines

UNICEF works every day to advocate, generate awareness and raise funds for the most pressing issues facing children worldwide. American Airlines flight attendants volunteer as Change for Good Champions to support the cause.

For more than 15 years, BOS-based Flight Attendant Frank Eschmann has passionately worked to amplify the voices and needs of children from around the world through the airline’s partnership with UNICEF. Every time Frank works an international trip, he ends the flight with an announcement about how customers can support UNICEF’s cause. He then carries a donation bag throughout the cabin to collect funds in any amount, and in any currency, for children in need.

“I always ask my colleagues who are interested in joining the program, ‘Would you walk 500 feet to save the life of a child?’ because that is about how many feet we walk when collecting coins on a Boeing 777. For those of us who have committed to being a Champion for Children, we won’t stop until every child is respected, protected, educated and healthy.”

In 2009, Frank was chosen to attend a UNICEF field visit to Honduras. There, he witnessed the invaluable impact the program has on children and families. After touring schools and health care clinics around Tegucigalpa, Frank committed to advocating for the program moving forward. “I got to see firsthand how these inflight donations were providing safe water, protection, education and medicine for families in need. To this day, it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life,” he said.

American has supported UNICEF’s Change for Good campaign for the last 28 years, raising more than $18 million to support programs that improve children’s basic needs in communities throughout the world. American has about 5,000 Champions across its global network who are devoted to making a difference.

For ORD Flight Service Manager Silvia Salvi every penny counts when you’re collecting funds for children. In her leadership role, Silvia ensures her team has all the resources they need to be successful Champions.

“Our goal is to change the lives of children,” she said. “Whether we’re helping build schools or other things that we often take for granted, I love seeing how this program makes a difference in the lives of children all over the world. Every penny and every peso can have a positive impact on the lives of kids, and that’s what we are all about here.”

Silvia witnessed a decline in donations due to COVID-19, but even through the hardships brought on by the pandemic, she was proud to see her team continuing to collect life-saving donations from generous customers. “COVID affected this program because we weren’t flying as much internationally. However, even when we were collecting less, it was good to see that the smaller amounts still mattered. Now, since more people are able to travel again, we have to find a bigger safe to store all of the donations our team is gathering.”

Customers and team members can learn more about the Change for Good program and donate online.

Air Cargo demand shrinking says IATA

Air Cargo Demand in October

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for October 2022 global air cargo markets showing that headwinds continue to affect air cargo demand.  Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs*), fell 13.6% compared to October 2021 (-13.5% for international operations).    Capacity was 0.6% below October 2021. This was the first year-on-year contraction since April 2022, however, month-on-month capacity increased by 2.4% in preparation for the year-end peak season. International cargo capacity grew 2.4% compared to October 2021.   Several factors in the operating environment should be noted: ​​​​​​ New export orders, a leading indicator of cargo demand, are shrinking in all markets except China and South Korea, which registered slightly higher new export orders in October.     Latest global goods trade figures showed a 5.6% expansion in September, a positive sign for the global economy. This is expected to primarily benefit maritime cargo, with a slight boost to air cargo as well.   The US dollar has seen a sharp appreciation, with the broad real effective exchange rate in September 2022 reaching the highest level since 1986. A strong dollar affects air cargo. As many costs are denominated in dollars, the currency’s appreciation adds another layer of cost on top of high inflation and high jet fuel prices.   The Consumer Price Index increased slightly in G7 countries in October and remains at a decades’ high level of 7.8%. Inflation in producer (input) prices reduced by 0.5 percentage points to 13.3% in September.    “Air cargo continues to demonstrate resilience as headwinds persist. Cargo demand in October -- while tracking below the exceptional performance of October 2021-- saw a 3.5% increase in demand compared to September. This indicates that the year-end will still bring a traditional peak-season boost despite economic uncertainties. But as 2022 closes out it appears that the current economic uncertainties will follow into the New Year and need continued close monitoring,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

October 2022 (% year-on-year) World share1 CTK ACTK CLF (%-pt)2 CLF (level)3 Total Market 100.0% -13.6% -0.6% -7.4% 48.7% Africa 1.9% -8.3% -7.4% -0.4% 43.7% Asia Pacific 32.6% -14.7% -2.8% -7.8% 56.1% Europe 22.8% -18.8% -5.2% -9.3% 55.8% Latin America 2.2% -1.4% 19.2% -8.1% 38.4% Middle East 13.4% -15.0% 1.0% -9.0% 48.0% North America 27.2% -8.6% 2.4% -4.8% 40.1%

1 % of industry CTKs in 2021  2 Change in load factor   3 Load factor level

United Airlines invests in battery-maker Natron Energy

United Airlines Invests in Battery-Maker Natron Energy 

Natron Energy's high-performance sodium-ion batteries outperform lithium-ion counterparts in power density, recharging speed, and safety

United becomes the first major airline to invest in a battery manufacturer, based on publicly announced investments

Earlier this week United Airlines announced a strategic equity investment in Natron Energy, a battery manufacturer whose sodium-ion batteries have the potential to help United electrify its airport ground equipment like pushback tractors and operations at the gate. United has made substantial investments in companies developing technology to reduce aircraft emissions, but Natron is the first that has the potential to reduce the greenhouse gas footprint from United's ground operations.

"United Airlines Ventures was created to identify companies spearheading the next generation of innovative and emissions-reducing technology," said Michael Leskinen, President of United Airline Ventures. "Out of the gate, we primarily focused on technology designed to help reduce carbon emissions from our airplanes. Natron's cutting-edge sodium-ion batteries presented an ideal opportunity to both potentially expand our sustainability investment portfolio to our ground operations, and to help make our airport operations more resilient. United is looking forward to future opportunities to work with our airport partners on sustainable technology initiatives."

United has more than 12,000 pieces of motorized ground equipment across its operations, of which about one third are currently electric. Natron's batteries could potentially be deployed in support of a number of uses, including:

Charging electric ground equipment

Charging anticipated future electric aircraft such as electric air taxis

Allowing airport operations to manage electricity demand

Greatly improving resiliency related to inclement weather

"Natron's sodium-ion batteries will help the aviation industry achieve its decarbonization and EV goals," said Colin Wessells, CEO of Natron Energy. "Our batteries provide the high power over short distances that ground service equipment needs, and unlike lithium-ion, Natron's batteries are completely nonflammable and can be safely deployed into ground service operations."

The sodium-ion batteries contain several features that distinguish them from existing battery technology. In addition to better output and cycle life than their lithium counterparts, testing performed by an independent testing service has shown these batteries to be nonflammable, a critical safeguard for the high usage and power that would be required for certain operations. The minerals used in sodium-ion batteries are abundant worldwide and are easily sourced, unlike lithium which is in short supply with demand expected to triple by 2025.

Natron plans to use the funds to accelerate production at its manufacturing facility in Holland, Michigan, where it will scale operations to begin mass production of UL-listed sodium-ion batteries in 2023. 

Launched in 2021, UAV is a first-of-its-kind sustainability-focused ventures fund that targets startups, upcoming technologies, and concepts that will complement United's goal of net zero emissions by 2050 – without relying on traditional carbon offsets such as planting trees. UAV's portfolio now includes SAF producers and other technologies including carbon utilization, hydrogen-electric engines, electric regional aircraft, and urban air mobility.

Natron Energy manufactures sodium-ion battery products based on a unique Prussian blue electrode chemistry for a wide variety of industrial power applications ranging from critical backup power systems to EV fast charging and behind-the-meter applications. Natron's mission is to transform industrial and grid energy storage markets by providing customers with lower-cost, longer-lasting, more efficient, safer batteries. Natron's products are UL 1973 listed, offer higher power density, faster recharge, and significantly longer cycle life than incumbent technologies. Natron builds its batteries using commodity materials on existing cell manufacturing lines in Michigan, USA. Learn more about Natron and its sodium-ion technology at Natron.energy.

Airbus teams up to advance green hydrogen availability at airports

Airbus teams up to advance green hydrogen availability at airports

Airbus has signed a partnership agreement with HyPort, a joint venture between ENGIE Solutions and the Regional Agency for Energy and Climate in Occitanie (AREC), a leader in the development of green hydrogen in France, to support the development of one of the world’s first low carbon hydrogen production and distribution stations at an airport.

Construction of the hydrogen station at Toulouse-Blagnac airport was completed earlier this year and the production, storage and distribution systems are currently undergoing final testing. The station which is slated to enter-into service in early 2023 will have a capacity to produce around 400 kg of hydrogen per day, providing the possibility to power some 50 ground transportation vehicles.

Airbus is working with HyPort to put in place a deployment plan for the expansion of these hydrogen fuelled ground operations, adapting production and distribution means, as well as infrastructure capacity, to cope with the expected increase in hydrogen demand in the coming years. The partnership will also enable a blueprint to be prepared outlining requirements and providing guidance on safety of operations, regulatory compliance, social acceptance as well as the financial investment necessary for the widespread use of hydrogen at airports.

“Our involvement with HyPort demonstrates the tangible progress Airbus is making on its journey to secure the future energy ecosystems of tomorrow,” said Karine Guenan, VP ZEROe Ecosystem, Airbus. “Using hydrogen to decarbonise all airport-associated ground transport in the 2020 to 2030 timeframe will pave the way for hydrogen availability for zero-emission aircraft by 2035.”

In 2020, Airbus launched “Hydrogen Hub at Airports'' to help airports identify infrastructure requirements for future hydrogen aircraft, as well as low-carbon airport operations, across the entire value chain. Over the past two years, Airbus has signed partnerships with a variety of airport authorities, airlines and energy providers in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America.

Air Serbia forms strategic alliance with DIDWW, the global telecoms operator

Air Serbia, the national airline of the Republic of Serbia providing scheduled, seasonal and charter flights to over 70 destinations, has formed a strategic alliance with DIDWW, a global telecoms operator offering premium quality VoIP and SMS communication services for businesses. The Serbian airline is using DIDWW two-way SIP trunking for its corporate communications, along with the Avaya Aura® Communication Manager.

Things to see and do in Serbia can be found here. 

This partnership with DIDWW allows Air Serbia to expand its local and international communications by using the powerful DIDWW SIP trunking service. This solution offers virtually unlimited call capacity, flexible VoIP trunk configuration options, and truly local premium quality calling. The two-way SIP trunking service enables the airline to access the PSTN in more than 80 countries, providing the company with an extended global reach and a high standard of reliability and availability, as well as access to local routes with guaranteed CLI (Calling Line Identification).

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.