Northern Ireland’s largest airline has revealed its plans for expansion at Belfast International Airport.......

easyJet, Northern Ireland’s largest airline has revealed its plans for expansion at Belfast International Airport with an additional Airbus A320 family aircraft based at the airport next 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.

Aviation Capital Group has announced the delivery of one new Airbus A320neo aircraft on long-term lease 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 unveils its DisruptiveLab to test new decarbonisation-focused technologies

Airbus unveils its DisruptiveLab to test new decarbonisation-focused technologies

Airbus used the occasion of its annual Summit to unveil its DisruptiveLab, a new flying laboratory designed to test technologies destined to improve aircraft performance and to reduce helicopters’ CO2 emissions.

The DisruptiveLab will evaluate a new aerodynamic architecture intended to reduce fuel consumption, as well as pursuing the implementation of hybridisation with a fully parallel hybrid propulsion system that enables the battery to be recharged in-flight. The new demonstrator will take to the skies before the end of 2022 in order to begin flight testing and maturing these new technologies.

“The DisruptiveLab goes another step further in Airbus Helicopters' ambitious strategy to reduce the environmental impact of its helicopters and to lead the way towards a sustainable aerospace industry," said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The innovative architecture and the fully parallel hybrid propulsion system could only really be tested on a brand new demonstrator in order to verify the combined impact in CO2 reduction which could be as much as 50 percent, ” he added.

The new architecture of the DisruptiveLab features an aerodynamic aluminium and composite fuselage, specifically designed to reduce drag and thus reduce fuel consumption. The blades are integrated into the rotor in a way that allows for a more compact rotor head which reduces drag and therefore improves energy efficiency while lowering the perceived noise level. Its lighter rear fuselage incorporates a streamlined Fenestron tail rotor that also contributes to improved performance.

The DisruptiveLab demonstrator is part of the French Council for Civil Aviation Research Conseil (CORAC)’s roadmap and has been partly financed by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) in the frame of the French Stimulus plan, which is part of the European Plan, Next Generation EU, and the France 2030 plan.

Airbus Helicopters’ strategy relies on demonstrators to test and mature new technology in an agile manner. The Company started work on its first demonstrator, the FlightLab, in 2020. The FlightLab uses an existing H130 platform and is mainly dedicated to researching and developing technologies related to enhanced autonomy and safety technobricks. On the other hand, the DisruptiveLab will focus on improving aircraft performance and reducing environmental footprint.

NetJets becomes fleet launch customer for Bombardier’s Global 8000 jet

New firm order for four Global 8000 aircraft valued at $312 million dollars based on 2022 list prices

NetJets will operate a fleet of 24 Global 8000 aircraft, which includes the new firm order for four Global 8000 jets; eight conversions of Bombardier aircraft previously ordered; and aircraft already on order or in service.

Bombardier confirmed that NetJets, its long-time valued customer and a world leader in private aviation, will become the fleet launch customer for the Global 8000 aircraft. Adding to its already massive global fleet of more than 850 aircraft (and still growing), NetJets has placed a new firm order for four Global 8000 aircraft, valued at $312 million dollars and converted eight existing orders for Bombardier products. This transaction adds to Global 7500 aircraft already on order and in service. NetJets will build a 24-strong fleet of the performance leading Global 8000 aircraft, as they will also be working with Bombardier to upgrade the entire in-service Global 7500 fleet to Global 8000 jets when they begin taking delivery of its new flagship aircraft. NetJets could subsequently grow its fleet—the world’s largest, most diverse fleet in private aircraft—through a series of options that could be exercised progressively over the coming years.

Introduced earlier this year at EBACE in Geneva, Bombardier’s flagship for a new era features an industry-leading range of 8,000 nautical miles and an unbeaten top speed of Mach 0.94. This ultimate all-in-one business aircraft will offer NetJets Owners a unique blend of outstanding performance, the smoothest ride, and an exceptional passenger experience focused on uncompromising safety and service standards that only NetJets can provide.

“The new Global 8000 aircraft is the ultimate solution for NetJets’ discerning Owners, offering a truly seamless private aviation experience,” said Eric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. “NetJets’ experience and expertise make them the ideal partner to unlock the full potential of this revolutionary Mach 0.94 business jet in a large fleet context. Our valued relationship continues to grow stronger, and we are proud to share this historic milestone together.”

“The new Global 8000 will help us to continue offering our Owners, specifically our international travelers, the pinnacle in unforgettably personalized experiences aboard the finest ultra-long-range aircraft available,” said Patrick Gallagher, NetJets’ President of Sales, Marketing, and Service. “With inventory sold out through 2023 in the U.S., we are continuing to invest in further expansion for prospective Owners in North America and across the globe. In fact, by the end of 2023, we are proud to share that our worldwide fleet will be approximately 30% larger than it was in the beginning of 2022.”

The discerning Global 8000 business jet features the most generous cabin size in the industry, with the lowest cabin altitude in its class of 2,900 feet when flying at 41,000 ft. It is also equipped with Bombardier Pũr Air and advanced HEPA filter technology for the fastest fresh air replacement.

The Global 8000 aircraft delivers when it comes to in-flight experience. The cabin incorporates the revolutionary features introduced on the Global 7500 aircraft that dramatically improve passenger comfort. The aircraft also features the innovative Nuage seat, with the first-ever zero gravity position in a business jet, allowing NetJets Owners to arrive at their destinations revitalized and refreshed.

An exemplary commitment to detail is assured on the new Global 8000 aircraft, including an available Principal Suite with a full-size bed. Revolutionary cabin entertainment control and connectivity, the intuitive nice Touch CMS and OLED touch dial, Bombardier’s l’Opéra directional audio sound system and available 4K monitor, also ensure passengers will receive an unrivalled cabin experience.

Performance-wise, the new Global 8000 aircraft can efficiently transport NetJets Owners to a wide variety of destinations both faster and farther than ever before. With its exceptional class-leading range and short-field performance, even more exclusive city pairs are now achievable, including Dubai-Houston, Singapore-Los Angeles, London-Perth, and many others.

Bombardier expands London Biggin Hill service centre

Largest business jet maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in the UK

The spacious new hangar features 22 service bays, capable of accommodating up to 14 Global 7500 aircraft at the same time 

Bombardier has expanded its London Biggin Hill Service Centre, the latest addition to the company’s extensive and growing worldwide customer service network. Located at the bustling London Biggin Hill Airport, the newly enhanced London Biggin Hill Service Centre has grown to nearly 250,000 square feet (approximately 23,225 square metres), adding a suite of new maintenance and modification capabilities and full-service interior finishing capacity for its family of Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft.

With its new, sought-after service capabilities and additional hangar space, Bombardier’s gleaming service centre – the largest business jet MRO facility in the UK – is the perfect oasis for customers of the OEM’s growing fleet of business jets. Bombardier’s London Biggin Hill Service Centre is the largest tenant at the London Biggin Hill Airport, providing customers with complete heavy maintenance capabilities, wheel and battery shops, a component paint shop and much more. The new hangar has transformed from eight to 22 service bays, increasing on-site capacity to accommodate a wide array of aircraft, including up to 14 Global 7500 aircraft at one time – as well as Bombardier’s newly launched Global 8000 business jet when it enters into service in 2025.

“With the expansion of the London Biggin Hill Service Centre, we are taking another step in showcasing our unwavering commitment to our European customers with industry-leading services on a global scale – OEM expertise that customers demand and expect from Bombardier,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Services and Support, and Corporate Strategy. “The European market is a very important one for Bombardier and this expansion perfectly underscores our ongoing commitment to the region, allowing us to be closer to our customers and offering them even more world-class services and support.”

Originally inaugurated in 2017, the London Biggin Hill Service Centre, provides a shining example of how Bombardier is enhancing the accessibility of its OEM expertise for customers worldwide and redefining its position as a leader in aftermarket services. This expansion will bring the facility’s workforce to more than 250 employees, with the expectation to grow this number given increasing demand for support.

United Airlines names Maria Deacon senior vice president of technical operations

United Airlines hires Maria Deacon as Senior Vice President of Technical Operations

United Airlines today named Maria Deacon senior vice president of technical operations, overseeing the carrier's maintenance operations, ground service equipment and facilities maintenance, supply chain, technical services, and planning and strategy. Deacon will also shape the continued growth and investment in United's Calibrate apprenticeship program, helping the airline expand and diversify its next generation of maintenance employees.

Most recently, Deacon served as GE Aerospace's general manager of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). In her new role at the airline, Deacon will report to United's Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer Greg Hart.

"Our ambitious United Next growth strategy provides a remarkable opportunity to leverage Maria's unique skillset," said Hart. "In her nearly 25 years at GE, she established an impressive record of supply chain and operational successes, and her approach to team culture has driven exceptionally high levels of accountability and execution that drove operational excellence."

At the helm of GE Aerospace's extended MRO network, Deacon was responsible for delivering revenue across a mix of more than two dozen global GE and partner sites worldwide. As general manager of CFM Services at GE, she managed the financial aspects of the largest in-service fleet in commercial aviation and the joint venture relationship for all CFM and LEAP engine services. In her role as general manager of supply chain at GE, Deacon led the ramp up of critical helicopter, fighter jet engines and spare parts for U.S. military operations among other key responsibilities.

Deacon holds a CPA from the University of Cardiff in Wales, U.K. and is a certified investment management accountant.

Travel between the U.S. Mainland and Rarotonga made easy with a Honolulu connection from Hawaiian Airlines......

Hawaiian Airlines will connect the Hawaiian Islands with the Cook Islands starting in May 2023 with a weekly flight between Honolulu (HNL) and Rarotonga (RAR). The service, which launches May 20, in time for the U.S. summer travel season, will provide travellers from Hawaiian’s 15 U.S. Mainland gateway cities convenient one-stop connections to the Cook Islands.

“We are delighted to grow our South Pacific network by offering our guests access to the Cook Islands, an archipelago that shares Hawai‘i’s Polynesian roots and natural beauty,” said Peter Ingram, Hawaiian Airlines president and CEO. “This service greatly expands travel opportunities between the Cook Islands and the United States, thanks to our well-timed connections and robust network, including service between Hawai‘i and eight California cities.”

               Want to know more about Cook Islands? 

“As a 93-year-old destination airline committed to sustainability, Hawaiian Airlines is a perfect partner for the Cook Islands,” said Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown. “We welcome this timely announcement from Hawaiian Airlines, as we look to rebuild our tourism industry and strengthen access to our northern hemisphere markets. Inbound tourism is a key economic driver for our nation, and to reach our potential we need access from the larger international markets. Hawaiian’s Honolulu-Rarotonga service connects us to Los Angeles, the Pacific Northwest, and many other large U.S. Mainland cities.”

Ticket sales for the Honolulu-Rarotonga service will begin Dec. 7 on HawaiianAirlines.com and other third-party distribution channels. Flight HA495 will depart Honolulu at 4 p.m. on Saturdays and arrive in Rarotonga at 10:25 p.m. the same day. The return flight, HA496, will depart Rarotonga at 11:35 p.m. on Sundays with a 5:50 a.m. Monday arrival in Honolulu.

Guests will enjoy Hawaiian’s award-winning onboard hospitality in the comfort of its Airbus A321neo, the most fuel-efficient and quietest aircraft of its kind. It features 16 luxurious leather recliners in the Premium Cabin, 45 Extra Comfort Premium Economy seats, and 128 Economy seats. Textiles and other materials throughout the cabin pay homage to traditional Hawaiian crafts including bark cloth (kapa) and fishing nets. Other details range from sand-inspired wall panels to Hawaiian language signage and LED mood lighting evoking Hawaii's soothing sunrises and sunsets. Guests will enjoy access to wireless streaming entertainment, USB outlets, and large overhead stowage space.

Services to Cook Islands - International

Direct flights are available from Auckland with Air New Zealand and Jetstar, and from Tahiti with Air Rarotonga.​

Non-stop flights from Honolulu, Hawaii will commence with Hawaiian Airlines from the 20 May 2023, and Non-stop flights from Sydney, Australia will commence with Jetstar Airways from 29 June 2023. ​

Passengers must meet all immigration entry requirements for approved travel. There is no departure tax payable at the airport as this is included in your international tickets.

Air New Zealand

Jetstar Airways - New Zealand

Jetstar Airways - Australia

Hawaiian Airlines

Air Rarotonga

Domestic

Domestic flights to the outer islands are operated by Air Rarotonga.

Air Rarotonga

Airbus reveals hydrogen-powered zero-emission engine

Airbus reveals hydrogen-powered zero-emission engine

Airbus has revealed that it is developing a hydrogen-powered fuel cell engine. The propulsion system is being considered as one of the potential solutions to equip its zero-emission aircraft that will enter service by 2035.

Airbus will start ground and flight testing this fuel cell engine architecture onboard its ZEROe demonstrator aircraft towards the middle of the decade. The A380 MSN1 flight test aircraft for new hydrogen technologies is currently being modified to carry liquid hydrogen tanks and their associated distribution systems.

“Fuel cells are a potential solution to help us achieve our zero-emission ambition and we are focused on developing and testing this technology to understand if it is feasible and viable  for a 2035 entry-into-service of a zero-emission aircraft,” said Glenn Llewellyn, VP Zero-Emission Aircraft, Airbus. “At scale, and if the technology targets were achieved, fuel cell engines may be able to power a one hundred passenger aircraft with a range of approximately 1,000 nautical miles. By continuing to invest in this technology we are giving ourselves additional options that will inform our decisions on the architecture of our future ZEROe aircraft, the development of which we intend to launch in the 2027-2028 timeframe.”

Airbus identified hydrogen as one of the most promising alternatives to power a zero-emission aircraft, because it emits no carbon dioxide when generated from renewable energy, with water being its most significant by-products.

There are two ways hydrogen can be used as a power source for aircraft propulsion. First via hydrogen combustion in a gas turbine, second, by using fuel cells to convert hydrogen into electricity in order to power a propeller engine. A hydrogen gas turbine can also be coupled with fuel cells instead of batteries in a hybrid-electric architecture.

Hydrogen fuel cells, especially when stacked together, increase their power output allowing scalability. In addition, an engine powered by hydrogen fuel cells produces zero NOx emissions or contrails thereby offering additional decarbonisation benefits.

Airbus has been exploring the possibilities of fuel cell propulsion systems for aviation for some time. In October 2020, Airbus created Aerostack, a joint venture with ElringKlinger, a company with over 20 years of experience as both a fuel cell systems and component supplier. In December 2020, Airbus presented its pod-concept which included six removable fuel cell propeller propulsion systems.

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).