Delta now accepting flight attendant applications

On the heels of a record-setting year of hiring that brought 4,300 new flight attendants on board since the fall of 2021, Delta will keep the momentum going with the addition of between 4,000 and 6,000 more in 2023. Interested candidates should apply soon — the job won’t stay published for long.

“Our flight attendants have a unique opportunity to make a profound, lasting impact on the 200 million customers we serve every year,” said Jennifer Martin, Managing Director – IFS CX, Learning and Hiring. “We can’t wait to grow our team of highly skilled, safety-focused professionals who bring the Delta spirit to life on every flight.”  

Interested candidates can apply starting today. If you have a passion for people, adventure, and creating memories, this is the opportunity for you! Note that candidates who previously applied but were not selected to advance must wait three months from the time of disqualification to reapply.

Applicants must have a high school degree or GED, the ability to work in the U.S., speak English fluently and be at least 21 years of age by the date of application submission. Prior to their training start date, all new-hire flight attendants must be fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated is two weeks after the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks after one dose of the J&J vaccine.

Delta flights operate daily, overnight year-round; therefore, flight attendants must be flexible and willing to fly both international and domestic routes. With a global network spanning over 300 destinations, Delta is also seeking language of destination applicants who have fluency in English and one of the following languages: Danish, Dutch, French, Italian, Greek, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech, Swedish and Hebrew.

The top priority for every Delta flight attendant is to ensure the safety and comfort of all customers while providing exceptional service. See the 2023 Hiring Process Guide for an overview of the flight attendant role, application steps and answers to some frequently asked questions.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and provides reasonable accommodation in its application and selection process for qualified individuals, including accommodations related to compliance with conditional job offer requirements. Supporting medical or religious documentation will be required where applicable.

Flight Attendant - - 

What You Need to Know:

Since Delta Air Lines' flights operate day and night and all year-round, Flight Attendants must work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours when needed.

Delta's compensation package is competitive and our benefits program includes health and insurance coverage, 401(k) with a company match, a profit-sharing program, and worldwide travel privileges.

Prior to beginning work in the Flight Attendant role, new hires must successfully complete six weeks of training located at our World Headquarters in Atlanta, GA. During this time, participants receive a training wage and some meals, as well as lodging for those who do not live within 2 hours from the training facility.

Once training is complete, Flight Attendants will report to their base to join their 25,000+ colleagues in In-Flight Service. Delta Flight Attendants operate out of 14 bases across the United States including Atlanta, Boston, Cincinnati, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale/Miami, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Orlando, Minneapolis, New York, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the safety and comfort of our passengers while providing exceptional customer service, at an altitude of at least 8,000 feet
• Provide assistance lifting and stowing luggage into overhead bins and soliciting assistance when needed
• Demonstrate the use of safety and emergency equipment and ensure safety requirements are met
• Prepare, serve, and sell beverages (including alcohol) and meals (which may include beef, pork, seafood, peanuts, etc.)
• Answer questions and assist passengers when necessary, particularly those with special needs
• Actively seek to ensure the safety and comfort of customers when an aircraft experiences delays or hits turbulence
• Administer and coordinate emergency procedures or provide emergency care (e.g., performing CPR and basic first aid) when needed
• Respond to and provide clear and accurate directions (verbally or non-verbally) to passengers in the event of an emergency
• Make decisions to address issues keeping in line with Delta policies, procedures, and core values
• Work both independently and as part of a team to accomplish work tasks
• Meet deadlines and manage unexpected changes in a time-sensitive and stressful environment
• Practice safety conscious behaviors in all operational processes and procedures

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED (MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS)

• Eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Be at least 21 years of age at time of application
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English fluently
• Ability to acquire and keep current a passport and travel documents to freely enter and exit places where Delta flies prior to training start 
• Complete a pre-employment Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test, and comprehensive background check, including government-required fingerprint-based criminal history record check
• This is a physically demanding role that requires frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, reaching, and lifting (i.e., pushing/pulling beverage or food carts and lifting and opening emergency aircraft doors)
• Ability to sit in an assigned jump seat with seatbelt and shoulder harness fastened
• Ability to open emergency exits and close aircraft doors weighing up to 60 pounds and use of a food/beverage cart requiring 32lbs of force when pushing or pulling
• Demonstrates that privacy is a priority when handling personal data
• Embraces a diverse set of people, thinking and styles
• Consistently makes safety and security, of self and others, the priority
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours when needed
• Ability to work in a physically demanding role which requires frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, reaching, and lifting (i.e., pushing/pulling beverage or food carts and lifting and opening emergency aircraft doors)
• Ability to retrieve and store items in the overhead bins which can be as high as 74" from the floor
• Willingness to accept assignment to any Flight Attendant base after graduation from training, as dictated by the needs of the operation
• Flexibility to relocate or commute (i.e. standby travel) to and from your assigned base location and able to fly both International and Domestic routes
• Must be willing to change and adapt to meet the demands of the job, including dealing with scheduling changes on short-notice
• Where permitted by applicable law, must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine by date of hire to be considered for U.S.-based job, if not currently employed by Delta Air Lines, Inc.

JetBlue and Fidelis New Energy sign deal for 92 million gallons of Sustainable Aviation Fuel SAF

Grön Fuels GigaSystem to Produce Carbon Negative Sustainable Aviation Fuel Through Diverse Slate of Renewable Feedstocks and the Incorporation of Biomass Energy, Carbon Capture & Storage.

JetBlue Continues to Build Promising SAF Partnerships as It Advances Its Goal to Reach 10% SAF by 2030

JetBlue and Fidelis New Energy, LLC (Fidelis) today announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide JetBlue at least 92 million gallons of blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Fidelis’ Grön Fuels GigaSystem™ at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge in Louisiana. This SAF is expected to be delivered over the five-year term with a targeted start date of 2025.

With this MOU, Fidelis’ negative carbon intensity SAF is helping JetBlue advance toward its goal to reach 10 percent of its total fuel usage as SAF on a blended basis by 2030. JetBlue is the only US carrier to be flying regular domestic flights using both available SAF producers delivering today and continues to support the emerging SAF market with significant commitments as the airline continues to grow its SAF mix. The SAF from the Grön Fuels GigaSystem is innovatively designed to achieve negative lifecycle carbon intensity by integrating carbon capture & sequestration (CCS) and biomass energy with CCS (BECCS).

Designed to be the largest and highest efficiency purpose-built renewable fuels facility in North America, the Grön Fuels GigaSystem will produce an estimated 1 billion gallons per year (65,000 barrels per day) of sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel, and other low carbon products. Grön Fuels further enhances its efficiency and industry-leading carbon intensity by capturing waste process heat to generate power, producing biogas from byproducts and using its highly flexible processing capabilities to produce carbon negative SAF from a wide array of existing and emerging low carbon intensity feedstocks.

“JetBlue is proud of our work to champion a more sustainable aviation industry and fly regularly using SAF today. But with SAF being less than 1% of our total fuel usage, we need significantly more supply to reach our 2040 net zero target,” said Sara Bogdan, director of sustainability and environmental social governance, JetBlue, “With partners like Fidelis and their carbon negative Grön Fuels GigaSystem, we are not only supplying our own growing SAF needs, we’re sending a powerful signal that significant demand for SAF exists. By introducing negative carbon intensity SAF to our network, we are also taking steps towards reaching true carbon neutrality as an airline.”

EU Transport Ministers should seize the opportunity for a strong and sustainable European airline industry

EU Transport Ministers should seize the opportunity for a strong and sustainable European airline industry

 

Ahead of today’s transport ministerial meeting in Brussels, Airlines for Europe (A4E) is calling on transport ministers to turn words into action and focus on policies that can help to maintain a strong and competitive European airline industry.

 

Europe has faced multiple crises this year which has highlighted the need to ensure airlines can operate in a cost-efficient manner within a robust single market for aviation.

 

This week marks an important milestone for European aviation with key negotiations due to take place on ReFuelEU, the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) and on the Single European Sky. These files will have a significant impact on the future of Europe’s aviation industry so it is crucial to get them right.

 

A4E has written to EU transport ministers outlining key recommendations such as a single Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate to go with ambitious but achievable quotas for SAF, as well as pricing mechanisms to close the gap between SAF and fossil fuel. We also continue to urge member states to seize the opportunity of Single European Sky and its potential 10% reduction in emissions.

 

Commenting ahead of the meetings of ministers and other policymakers this week, Managing Director of A4E Thomas Reynaert said, “Aviation is a critical mode of transport for millions of Europeans and we urge policymakers to focus on implementing policies that can help airlines achieve their ambitious target of net zero emissions by 2050 while also maintaining a robust and competitive aviation market in Europe.”

Northrop Grumman’s B-21 Raider was unveiled on Friday.........The B-21 Raider forms the backbone of the future for U.S. air power

Northrop Grumman’s B-21 Raider was unveiled on Friday, 2nd December at the company’s site in Palmdale, California, marking the first time the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft was seen by the public. Delivered to the U.S. Air Force, the B-21 now joins the nation’s strategic triad as a visible and flexible deterrent, supporting national security objectives and assuring the nation’s allies and partners.

When it comes to delivering America’s resolve, the Raider provides the Air Force with long-range, high survivability and mission payload flexibility. The B-21 will penetrate the toughest defences for precision strikes anywhere in the world.

Here are 10 key facts about Northrop Grumman’s B-21 Raider:

1. Sixth Generation.

The B-21 Raider benefits from more than three decades of strike and stealth technology. It is the next evolution of the Air Force strategic bomber fleet. Developed with the next generation of stealth technology, advanced networking capabilities and an open systems architecture, the B-21 is optimized for the high-end threat environment. It will play a critical role in helping the Air Force meet its most complex missions. 

2. Stealth.

Northrop Grumman is continuously advancing technology, employing new manufacturing techniques and materials to ensure the B-21 will defeat the anti-access, area-denial systems it will face. 

3. Backbone of the Fleet.

The B-21 Raider forms the backbone of the future of U.S. air power. The B-21 will deliver a new era of capability and flexibility through the advanced integration of data, sensors and weapons. Capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear payloads, the B-21 will be one of the most effective aircraft in the sky, with the ability to use a broad mix of stand-off and direct attack munitions.

4. A Digital Bomber.

The B-21 is a digital bomber. Northrop Grumman uses agile software development, advanced manufacturing techniques and digital engineering tools to help mitigate production risk on the B-21 program and enable modern sustainment practices. Six B-21 Raiders are in various stages of final assembly and testing at Northrop Grumman’s plant in Palmdale, California.

5. Cloud Technology.

Northrop Grumman and the Air Force successfully demonstrated the migration of B-21 ground systems data to a cloud environment. This demonstration included the development, deployment and test of B-21 data, including the B-21 digital twin, that will support B-21 operations and sustainment. This robust cloud-based digital infrastructure will result in a more maintainable and sustainable aircraft with lower-cost infrastructure.

6. Open Architecture.

To meet the evolving threat environment, the B-21 has been designed from day one for rapid upgradeability. Unlike earlier generation aircraft, the B-21 will not undergo block upgrades. New technology, capabilities and weapons will be seamlessly incorporated through agile software upgrades and built-in hardware flexibility. This will ensure the B-21 Raider can continuously meet the evolving threat head-on for decades to come.

7. A National Team.

Since the contract award in 2015, Northrop Grumman has assembled a nationwide team to design, test and build the world’s most advanced strike aircraft. The B-21 team includes more than 8,000 people from Northrop Grumman, industry partners and the Air Force. The team consists of more than 400 suppliers across 40 states.  

8. Sustainment.

Long-term operations and sustainment affordability has been a B-21 program priority from the start. In partnership with the Air Force, our team has made maintainability an equally important requirement to stealth performance to ensure we’re driving more affordable, predictable operations and sustainment outcomes.

9. Global Reach.

The B-21 Raider is pivotal to supporting our nation’s strategic deterrence strategy. In addition to its advanced long-range precision strike capabilities that will afford Combatant Commanders the ability to hold any target, anywhere in the world at risk, it has also been designed as the lead component of a larger family of systems that will deliver intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic attack and multi-domain networking capabilities. In a dynamic global security environment, the B-21 will provide the flexibility and deterrence critical to the security of the U.S. and our allies.

10. Raider.

The B-21 Raider is named in honour of the Doolittle Raid of World War II when 80 airmen, led by Lt. Col. James “Jimmy” Doolittle, and 16 B-25 Mitchell medium bombers set off on a mission that changed the course of World War II. The actions of these 80 volunteers were instrumental in shifting momentum in the Pacific theatre. This marked the raid as a catalyst to a multitude of future progress in U.S. air superiority from land or sea. The courageous spirit of the Doolittle Raiders is the inspiration behind the name of the B-21 Raider.

Home - Northrop Grumman

The B-21 Raider forms the backbone of the future for U.S. air power, leading a powerful family of systems that deliver a new era of capability and flexibility through advanced integration of data, sensors and weapons. Its sixth-generation capabilities include stealth, information advantage and open architecture.

“The B-21 Raider is a testament to America’s enduring advantages in ingenuity and innovation. And it’s proof of the Department’s long-term commitment to building advanced capabilities that will fortify America’s ability to deter aggression, today and into the future. Now, strengthening and sustaining U.S. deterrence is at the heart of our National Defense Strategy,” said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. “This bomber was built on a foundation of strong, bipartisan support in Congress. And because of that support, we will soon fly this aircraft, test it and then move into production.”

The B-21 is capable of networking across the battlespace to multiple systems, and into all domains. Supported by a digital ecosystem throughout its lifecycle, the B-21 can quickly evolve through rapid technology upgrades that provide new capabilities to outpace future threats.

“With the B-21, the U.S. Air Force will be able to deter or defeat threats anywhere in the world,” said Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. “The B-21 exemplifies how Northrop Grumman is leading the industry in digital transformation and digital engineering, ultimately delivering more value to our customers.”

The B-21 Raider is named in honor of the Doolittle Raids of World War II when 80 men, led by Lt. Col. James “Jimmy” Doolittle, and 16 B-25 Mitchell medium bombers set off on a mission that changed the course of World War II. The designation B-21 recognizes the Raider as the first bomber of the 21st century.  

Northrop Grumman is a technology company, focused on global security and human discovery. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with capabilities they need to connect, advance and protect the U.S. and its allies. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our 90,000 employees define possible every day.

Archer Completes Maker’s First Full Transition Flight

Archer Aviation Inc. announced on Friday that Maker successfully completed its first transition to full wing-borne flight on November 29, 2022. Maker has 12 propellers attached to six booms on a fixed wing. All 12 propellers provide vertical lift during take-off and landing. The forward 6 propellers tilt forward to cruise position to provide propulsion during forward flight, with the wing providing aerodynamic lift like a conventional airplane. During this flight, Maker’s tilt propellers were locked in cruise position for the first time and the aircraft flew at a calibrated airspeed of 91 knots (105 mph).

Full transition occurs when the aircraft “transitions” from lift generated by the propellers at low speeds to lift generated by the wing at higher speeds, and the tilt propellers are locked forward in the cruise position

Maker is one of a small number of full scale eVTOL aircraft in the world to achieve this feat

This is yet another significant building block as Archer continues its push to be the first company to certify an eVTOL aircraft in the US with the FAA

Achieving this full transition milestone is critical to validating the flight physics of Archer’s proprietary 12-tilt-6 propeller configuration that it uses on Maker as well as Midnight, which is the aircraft Archer recently unveiled at its Open House on November 16th and is working to certify with the FAA in late 2024. The success of the Maker flight testing program also demonstrates a number of the key enabling technologies for Midnight, such as the aircraft’s flight control system. The Maker flight test program has generated invaluable data that Archer has leveraged in the development and certification process for Midnight. Archer has made rapid progress on Maker’s flight testing program, completing this transition to fully wing-borne flight in less than 12 months after its first hover flight.

“From day one, Archer’s strategy has always been about finding the most efficient path to commercializing eVTOL aircraft,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and CEO. “The data and experience we’ve gathered from Maker’s rigorous flight testing program has been invaluable to the development and certification path of Midnight, and lends further confidence to our belief that Archer will be the first company to certify an eVTOL aircraft in the US with the FAA.”

“This significant achievement is a testament to the countless hours of design, simulation and wind tunnel testing that our team has conducted behind-the-scenes,” said Dr. Geoff Bower, Archer’s Chief Engineer responsible for overseeing Maker’s flight test campaign. Dr. Bower has over a decade of experience in the eVTOL aircraft industry, during which he has helped design and build four full-scale eVTOL aircraft that have successfully completed flight test campaigns. More technical details from the flight can be found in his recent blog here. “Looking forward to the commercialization of Midnight, we’ll continue to draw upon the incredible findings and lessons learned from Maker’s flight testing program.”

Air Canada starts Vancouver - Bangkok service

• Only Non-Stop Service Between North America and Thailand

• Four-times weekly, seasonal flights from YVR until Mar. 26

Air Canada has started a service from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Bangkok, with the first flight departing yesterday, 2nd December.  

"We are thrilled to launch Air Canada's first non-stop service to Southeast Asia and the only non-stop flights between North America and Thailand. Bangkok is also one of the most visited destinations globally, and we have optimized connections to and from our trans-pacific hub at YVR to give customers convenient travel options to explore this exciting city renowned for its history, cuisine and culture, or to conduct international business trade. This new service from YVR is another step in our ambition to develop this hub into one of the most important trans-pacific gateways in North America. We look forward to welcoming our customers onboard," said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President – Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.

"Improving access between countries is crucial to a successful Canadian aviation sector. These flights will allow more travellers to get to their destinations, and will promote growth and prosperity for both Canadian and Thailand's travel industries," said The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport - Government of Canada.

"We are thrilled that Air Canada continues to grow its transpacific hub at YVR with the introduction of their new route to Bangkok — the only direct service from North America to Thailand," said Tamara Vrooman, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "This new service will provide passengers with incredible tourism options and a broad range of business opportunities in the region. And here in British Columbia this new route will generate $2.8 million in tourism spend and $1.5 million in GDP."

To mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, British Airways partners with the Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF).

To mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3rd December 2022), British Airways has announced that it is working with Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF). By working with QEF, which supports children and adults with physical and learning disabilities or acquired brain injuries to increase their independence, the airline is showing its continued commitment to improve its customer experience for people with additional assistance requirements. 

QEF offers a range of expert services, including supporting people to fly so that people with disabilities are more informed and confident about the choices available to them. The charity offers a two-stage Tryb4uFly consultation and assessment service, allowing apprehensive travellers the chance to try out real cabin seating donated by British Airways or to try a virtual, immersive experience of what it’s like to travel from their home to their destination. The experience helps identify any equipment or additional assistance to make travel easier for customers with additional requirements.

Based in Surrey, Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF) is a charity working with almost 10,000 disabled children and adults every year with physical or learning disabilities or acquired brain injuries. Expert teams provide a range of services that support people to increase their independence; whether that’s gaining new life skills, rebuilding a life affected by brain injury, supporting people to travel by air or acquiring the skills to drive a specially adapted car, QEF enables disabled people to achieve their potential.

British Airways has also been working with QEF to assess and pre-approve seat support devices recommended by the charity for use on BA flights, and this information can be found on the British Airways website or when customers get in touch with the airline’s dedicated accessibility team.

The airline’s colleagues are also supporting some of QEF’s training sessions for clinicians across the country, both at QEF’s centre in Carshalton, South London and at London Heathrow Airport. The sessions give medical professionals insight into the layout and functionality of British Airways’ aircraft cabins, as well as the customer journey through the airline’s main hub, Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport, to ensure they have the best knowledge to prepare and support people with disabilities ahead of their journey.

Carrie Harris, Director of Sustainability at British Airways, said:  “Almost half a million customers who require additional assistance fly with British Airways each year. We’re committed to doing everything we can to support these customers as part of our BA Better World programme and by working with expert organisations like Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People, we’re taking another positive step to improve our service.”

Michelle Giles, QEF Mobility Services Manager said:  “QEF provides a range of expert services that support disabled people to be as independent as possible. Advance knowledge of equipment and support available at the airport and from airlines can make a journey much more comfortable.

“We’re grateful to British Airways for its support in improving our mock cabin with updated seating, so that everyone, no matter who they are flying with, can have a more realistic cabin experience before they commit to a flight. British Airways has also supported our professional training courses with valued insight and access to Heathrow Airport, which has been really beneficial for all involved. We’re looking forward to working closely with BA in the future to improve the experience of air travel for all disabled passengers.”

Aiming to become the airline of choice for customers with invisible and visible disabilities, British Airways is committed to ensuring a seamless travel experience and has introduced a number of initiatives as it builds towards this.

In a series of firsts, British Airways was the first UK airline to be awarded the renowned Autism Friendly Award by the National Autistic Society, the first to formally recognise the sunflower lanyard scheme (partnering with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower), the first to produce a Visual Guide to Flying to help customers prepare for their flight and the first UK carrier to embed British Sign Language (BSL) in its customer engagement centres by partnering with Sign Live. The airline has empowered all airport colleagues to help customers with additional accessibility requirements through its ‘Beyond Accessibility’ training programme and digital learning resources, providing information about invisible disabilities and practical advice on how to support customers at each stage of their journey*. It also provides a dedicated team of accessibility experts to assist with customer enquiries **.

More information on all of these initiatives can be found here

*The digital learning library has been produced by customer experience and employee experience experts Ethos Farm ltd and Open Doors Organization and the training videos help raise awareness amongst our colleagues on several disability types, such as deaf or hard of hearing, blind or visual impairments or non-visible disabilities like autism.

**Each member of the customer care team has passed an intensive specialist training course, which included sessions with expert accessibility charities including Open Doors Organization.

Largest business jet maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in the UK is at Biggin Hill after Bombardier expansion....

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.

KinectAir launches corporate accounts as on-demand point-to-point air travel contributes to business efficiency

KinectAir, the operating system of the private aviation and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) markets, has announced the availability of corporate accounts for its growing fleet of aircraft accessible via its Part 135 partnerships. KinectAir has been operating its first regional “node” for six months with each flight being flown profitably. With this success has come demand from businesses operating in the Pacific Northwest to leverage KinectAir’s point-to-point air travel solution to increase their own operating efficiency and receive the benefits of pre-payment for corporate travel. By offering a pre-paid corporate product, KinectAir benefits corporations managing their travel expenses and budgets heading into 2023.

Before launching commercial operations in May 2022, KinectAir offered a preview app to allow people to understand local airport accessibility and price point for on-demand journeys. The app received tens of thousands of organic entries cementing demand and signalling desired route patterns across the US. The sheer volume of search is attributed to changing business and leisure travel needs and a lack of options due to commercial route cancellations. Since launching services in May and developing KinectAir’s live app, the company has generated over 1,000 quotes, and been used to book over 800 flight hours for over 200 flights. To address this clear consumer demand for point-to-point air travel, KinectAir added a second aircraft to its inaugural regional node in June 2022, and a third this November. The business now has two Diamond DA62s and a Pilatus PC12 with a fourth aircraft planned to come on the network imminently.

Airbus and CERN to partner on superconducting technologies for future clean aviation

Two European pioneers at the heart of disruptive technology

Airbus UpNext, a wholly owned subsidiary of Airbus, and CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics, are launching a project to evaluate how superconductivity can contribute to the decarbonisation of future aircraft systems. The Super-Conductor for Aviation with Low Emissions (SCALE) demonstrator aims to promote the adaptation and adoption of superconducting technologies in airborne electrical distribution systems.

“In its research, CERN pushes the limits of science and engineering, and partners with industry to enable innovation, with positive environmental impact,” said Raphael Bello, CERN’s Director of Finance and Human Resources. “Our technologies have the potential to be adapted to the needs of future clean transportation and mobility solutions, as demonstrated by this agreement with Airbus. This partnership is only a first step in our journey with the European leader in aviation, and shows how much we value the excellence of our Member States’ industry.”

“Our role at Airbus UpNext is to explore the full potential of technologies applied for future aircraft and to partner with the world leaders to prepare for this future. Partnering with a leading research institute such as CERN, which brought the world some of the most important findings in fundamental physics, will help push the boundaries of research in clean aerospace as we work to make sustainable aviation a reality”, said Sandra Bour-Schaeffer, CEO Airbus UpNext.  “We are already developing a superconductivity demonstrator called ASCEND (Advanced superconducting and Cryogenic Experimental powertraiN Demonstrator) to study the feasibility of this technology for electric and hybrid aircraft. Combining knowledge obtained from our demonstrator and CERN’s unique capabilities in the field of superconductors makes for a natural partnership.”

The SCALE demonstrator combines CERN’s experience in superconducting technologies with Airbus UpNext’s capabilities in innovative aircraft design and manufacturing. First results are expected at the end of 2023. It is a first step of a long term collaboration that will pave the way to superconducting power distribution for aircraft. The initiative seeks to develop and test in laboratory conditions, an optimised generic superconductor cryogenic (~500kW) powertrain by end 2025. SCALE will be designed, constructed and tested by CERN using Airbus UpNext specifications and CERN technology. The demonstrator consists of a DC link (cable and cryostat) with two current leads. The cooling system is based on gaseous helium.

Air travel continued to recover in October....

Photo by Aleksei Zaitcev on Unsplash

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the recovery in air travel continued in October.  Total traffic in October 2022 (measured in revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) rose 44.6% compared to October 2021. Globally, traffic is now at 74.2% of October 2019 levels. 

 

Domestic traffic for October 2022 slipped 0.8% compared to the year-ago period as stringent COVID-related travel restrictions in China dampened global figures. Total October 2022 domestic traffic was at 77.9% of the October 2019 level. Domestic forward bookings remain at around 70% of pre-pandemic level.

 

International traffic climbed 102.4% versus October 2021. October 2022 international RPKs reached 72.1% of October 2019 levels with all markets recording strong growth, led by Asia-Pacific. Forward bookings for international travel increased to around 75% of pre-pandemic levels, following the re-openings announced by multiple Asian economies.

“Traditionally, by October we are into the slower autumn travel season in the Northern Hemisphere, so it is highly reassuring to see demand and forward bookings continuing to be so strong. It bodes well for the coming winter season and the ongoing recovery,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. 

BOC Aviation names Angela Ng as Chief People Officer

BOC Aviation Limited has confirmed the appointment of Angela Ng as Chief People Officer, with effect today, 1st December 2022.

Angela will oversee all human resource functions of the Company globally and will report to Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

Angela brings with her 30 years of experience in banks, sovereign wealth fund and government-affiliated company, with expertise ranging from policy, recruitment, compensation, global mobility to digital HR. 

“We are delighted to welcome Angela to her new role as we celebrate our 29th anniversary, having built a solid global business over the last 29 years. We look forward to working with Angela to continue deepening our talent pool and growing our Company,” said Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

United Airlines hires Maria Deacon as 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.

Jetstar to head to Rarotonga from 29 June 2023

Travellers to the beautiful Cook Islands will be the winners from this week's announcement from Jetstar that it plans to start a new non-stop service between Sydney and Rarotonga from 29 June 2023.

The new service will provide two weekly return flights on Jetstar’s newest aeroplane. The new generation, longer range Airbus A321neo LR. 

Economic boost - Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, said the news was very important for the small island nation.  He said tourism was the backbone of its economy, contributing 75 percent of GDP.  “The new services from Jetstar will provide a major boost to our tourism sector and the financial impact for local tourism operators and the nation is significant,” he said.  “We are delighted that Jetstar is making this commitment to the Cook Islands.”  Prime Minister Mark Brown said Cook Islanders were always ready and waiting to welcome Australian visitors with open arms and warm smiles. 

Easy destination - Today’s news means that the Cook Islands, with its stunning lagoons, beautiful white sand beaches and warm temperatures, will become an even more popular holiday destination for Australians year-round. Cook Islands already welcomes more than 29,000 visitors from Australia annually, and the additional Jetstar capacity from June 2023 will allow the market to grow further.  

PM Brown said the Cook Islands was the ultimate tropical island destination, renowned for some of the world’s most incredible crystal-clear waters, and Aitutaki lagoon is recognised as one of the most beautiful in the world. The culture, cuisine, activities, and lifestyle of Cook Islanders is a drawcard for Australians, he added, as well as the wide range of accommodation, including full-service resorts, boutique hotels and holiday homes. For visitors wanting to explore further and experience wilderness off grid, there are multiple other islands in the Cook Islands to discover.

A Jetstar first - Jetstar CEO, Stephanie Tully, said “Rarotonga is a stunning tropical island and we’re excited to introduce our great low fares on this new route ahead of next year’s winter school holidays, offering Australians the opportunity to escape the cold and explore one of the most beautiful destinations in the South Pacific,” said Ms Tully.  

“The direct Sydney to Rarotonga will be our second route to the popular island, but the first from Australia and we thank the Cook Islands Government for their ongoing support.” 

The flights will depart Sydney on a Thursday and Sunday at 9.30pm, arriving in Rarotonga at 7.00am the same day. The flight then departs Rarotonga at 9.00am arriving back in Sydney at 12.30pm the following day. Jetstar already flies to Rarotonga from Auckland, New Zealand.

cookislands.travel

European Air Traffic Management Must Cut Emissions and Be Judged by an Independent Referee

European Air Traffic Management Must Cut Emissions and Be Judged by an Independent Referee

Photo Aleksei-Zaitcev on unsplash.

                                     The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airlines for Europe (A4E) urged EU Transport Ministers to agree to recommendations for European air traffic management (ATM) at their meeting on December 5th which will deliver specific environmental improvements and submit its performance to review from an independent regulatory authority.

EU Transport Ministers meet on December 5th to agree their position on ATM for negotiations with the European Parliament. The discussions focus on a 2020 proposal from the European Commission which calls for a fully independent regulator to assess the performance of the various European Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs). Regrettably, European member states have rejected this. The Parliament, in line with the Commission proposal, has pushed for tougher regulation, but airlines fear a last-minute unsatisfactory compromise that will enable states to be judge and jury on the targets for their own ANSPs, how they should be monitored, and what their success will look like.

“Teams at the World Cup expect independent referees. Air Traffic Management should be no different. The 2020 Commission proposals were clear that countries shouldn’t be marking the homework of their own air navigation service providers – they should submit their performance to be judged by an independent body, setting transparent and efficient targets to help cut emissions and delays,” said Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe.

EU member states, fearful of the political consequences of upsetting powerful air traffic controller unions, have continually frustrated progress towards the safety, efficiency and environmental improvements that would be generated by the Single European Sky. But the imperative to find carbon emissions savings has generated new momentum for reform. Airlines support the 2020 Commission proposals which includes a new and welcome opportunity to optimize flight trajectories. 

“At a time when politicians lecture aviation on a regular basis for its climate impact, it is outrageous that they refuse to push for reforms that could deliver up to 10% emissions reductions in European airspace. The upcoming meeting of EU Transport Ministers represents a chance to push for meaningful improvements. Europe’s airlines urge ministers to seize the opportunity and implement the European Commission’s proposals to achieve a good deal for member states, airlines and the environment. We cannot accept compromise for compromise’s sake,” said Thomas Reynaert, Managing Director, Airlines for Europe.