31 January, 2023
OAG rates Delta as North America’s most on-time airline
UK Government announces return to business as usual for aviation this summer
Airport take-off slots to return to pre-pandemic levels.
Airport slots usage ratio for summer 2023 will return to 80:20, meaning airlines will need to use their take-off slots 80% of the time in order to keep them
Return to 2019 rules will still retain some flexibility, including a justified non-use provision to prevent so-called ‘ghost flights’
Air travel is recovering following the pandemic, with government continuing to support a return to business as usual
From 26 March 2023, airlines will once again need to use their slots 80% of the time in order to keep them – the ratio in place before passenger numbers dropped as a result of the pandemic. It’s a vote of confidence in the aviation industry as demand for international travel returns – with passenger numbers at UK airports reaching 85% of equivalent 2019 levels by October 2022.
The government remains focused on reducing disruption and ensuring a positive passenger experience for those taking a well-earned break this summer. As part of that, airlines will be able to hand back up to 5% of their slots before the start of the season, to help plan realistic schedules and avoid last-minute cancellations.
The Transport Secretary will announce the new measures during his keynote speech at the Airport Operators’ Association’s (AOA) annual conference today, where he is expected to say:
"Today, I can confirm that slots rules will return to normal this summer. But we’re maintaining the safety net introduced during covid…and airlines can hand back 5% of slots to help minimise last minute cancellations.
Now we’re able to start a new, more optimistic, conversation about the future. About an industry no longer constrained by outdated practices, but modernising its infrastructure and operations. No longer the poster child for environmental decline, but committed to a future of sustainable flight. And no longer at risk of becoming a diversity desert, but attracting talent from all backgrounds.
These are just some of the areas where aviation has a golden opportunity to move from recovery to renewal. And I look forward to working with all of you to make that happen."
Airlines will also continue to benefit from increased flexibility over when they are justified not to use their slots, for example, where either end of a route is affected by COVID-19 restrictions. This will reduce the risk of environmentally damaging so-called “ghost flights” – empty planes flying just to make the slots usage ratio.
A bit like parking spaces for planes, slots are used to manage capacity at the busiest airports. A slot gives permission for an airline to use the full range of airport infrastructure (runway, terminal and gates, for instance) necessary to operate an air service at an airport on a specific date and time.
To retain their slots for the next equivalent season, airlines must use their slots a certain number of times – but during the pandemic the usage ratio was reduced to provide relief to airlines as they saw a drop in demand as result of COVID-19 restrictions. Without these alleviations, there would have been a rise in ‘ghost flights’.
The decision follows a period of consultation with the sector on how the government can best support its recovery while ensuring slots get used where demand allows.
The European Defence Fund plans to allocate €8 billion until 2027.
Airbus launches European Defence Fund R&D projects
AerCap celebrates the delivery of its 50th 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter
Bessie Coleman Barbie inspires youth to look to the skies
Diversity in aviation is important, and its key to hiring the next generation of future aviators. Read more stories about our diverse workforce at aa.com/beinspired.
Welcome to 'World Class'
The construction of a new departure terminal at Vilnius Airport has started: a project of strategic importance for Lithuanian aviation
The construction of a new departure terminal at Vilnius Airport has started: a project of strategic importance for Lithuanian aviation
For all the latest information about the new Vilnius Airport terminal, please visit www.vilnius-airport.lt/naujas-
Boeing donates more than £430,000 to UK charitable organisations for 2023
Boeing donates more than £430,000 to UK charitable organisations for 2023
- £430,000 in grants have been donated to 13 national and regional UK charities
- Uplift in funds to assist charitable partners dealing with the cost of living crisis and mental health
- Sustained focus on STEM-related programmes to inspire the next generation of aerospace leaders
“Anchored by our presence at key sites across the UK, Boeing is committed to innovating and investing in efforts that build, enhance and contribute to the communities where we are proud to live and work”, said Maria Laine, President for the UK, Ireland & the Nordic region. “We continue to offer our support during this particularly difficult time and thank our charity partners for the important service they continue to deliver up and down the country, all year round.”
The charitable grants package includes funding for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and skills development programmes designed to help students from all backgrounds achieve their full potential, and aimed at building a robust talent pipeline for the aerospace sector in the UK. Other priority areas include supporting homelessness and mental health, along with assisting military families of serving personnel, and veterans who are transitioning back to civilian life.
All Boeing charity partners have seen increased demand for their support with the cost of living crisis compounding existing challenges that continue to be felt following the Covid-19 pandemic, and have adapted their services in response.
LunaGroup Charter sees increase in bookings and revenue...
Chaotic summer activity
Inspiring the next generation of women in cargo: IAG Cargo announces its role as a sponsor at the everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards 2023
IAG Cargo is a proud sponsor at the 2023 everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards
IAG Cargo will sponsor The Infrastructure Award, awarded to two women demonstrating outstanding achievements within infrastructure
The awards are open to nominations until
6 February 2023
everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards – ADVANCING WOMEN IN BUSINESS (everywomanforum.com)
Get ready to send the very last Boeing 747 into service.....
Boeing will present a live webcast of the ceremony marking the delivery of the final 747 to Atlas Air later today, January 31st at 16:00 eastern time, 13:00 pacific time, and 21:00 gmt.
747-8F cross section.
Yearly update on the progress the CAA is making in its modernisation strategy.
Yearly update on the progress the CAA is making in its modernisation strategy.
Delta and LATAM Group to launch new route connecting Bogota and Orlando
As part of the Delta-LATAM Joint Venture, LATAM Airlines Colombia will expand its international operation by launching new daily service between Bogota and Orlando on July 1.
New route offers more destinations that passengers can access between Colombia and the U.S.
LATAM Airlines Colombia will launch new non-stop service between Colombia’s capital Bogota and Orlando, Florida, on July 1, 2023. The new route is the latest addition after the approval of Delta and LATAM’s joint venture agreement in September 2022 and will offer customers new access between Colombia’s largest city and the popular Florida destination.
LATAM Airlines Colombia will launch new non-stop service between Colombia’s capital Bogota and Orlando, Florida, on July 1, 2023. The new route is the latest addition after the approval of Delta and LATAM’s joint venture agreement in September 2022 and will offer customers new access between Colombia’s largest city and the popular Florida destination. From Orlando, Delta offers 67 flights to 18 destinations, including Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Seattle and New York. From Bogota, LATAM Colombia offers 166 daily flights to 17 destinations, allowing easy connections to cities like Medellin, Cali and Cartagena.
Boeing Awarded U.S. Air Force Contract for 15 KC-46A Tankers
138 KC-46A aerial refuelers are on order globally
Multi-mission Pegasus provides advanced capabilities for the joint force and allies
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30 January, 2023
More flights from Southwest for football fans..
On Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, Southwest will offer the following service:
- From Philadelphia to Phoenix: 2 nonstop flights and 10 different itineraries.
- From Kansas City to Phoenix: 2 additional nonstop flights, for a total of up to 6 nonstop options.
On Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, Southwest will offer the following service:
- From Philadelphia to Phoenix: 2 nonstop flights and 10 different itineraries.
- From Kansas City to Phoenix: 3 additional nonstop flights, for a total of up to 7 nonstop options.
On Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, Southwest will offer the following nonstop service:
- From Philadelphia to Phoenix: 1 nonstop flights and 10 different itineraries.
Southwest also published additional flights to help fans travel back home after the championship trophy is awarded.
On Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, Southwest will offer the following service:
- From Phoenix to Philadelphia: 2 nonstop flights and 10 different itineraries.
- From Phoenixto Kansas City: 2 additional nonstop flights, for a total of up to 6 nonstop options.
On Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, Southwest will offer the following service:
- FromPhoenixtoKansas City: 2 additional nonstop flights, for a total of up to 6 nonstop options.
- FromPhoenixtoPhiladelphia: 1 nonstop flight and 10 different itineraries.