New fun activity kits for kids on Air France long-haul flights.

In all cabins on long-haul flights, Air France cabin crew will give children a new fun activity amenity kit to help keep them amused and occupied.  With nearly 2 million children travelling on its flights every year, Air France is dedicated to the well-being of families travelling with children, that's why its introducing new products for younger passengers. 

Turning the trip into a world of make-believe

In all cabins on Air France long-haul flights, children now receive a new fun activity kit from the cabin crew to keep them amused with imaginative role-play games during their trip and for use at home. Inside, they will find a little dog-shaped figurine with a suitcase, a plane in the airline’s colours, a runway jigsaw puzzle, an activity book and coloured pencils. The kit unfolds to reveal a fun French bakery decor and the figurine wears a sailor top, two emblematic nods to France.

This new kit is distributed to all young travellers during the in-flight meal service. The “kids” menu is exclusively made up of organic products on flights departing from Paris and is automatically offered to kids aged 2 to 6. Beyond the age of 6, the child’s parents can reserve the kid’s menu at no charge up to 24 hours before departure. As part of an eco-friendly approach, this kit is free of plastic. Each item is made of FSC wood (obtained from sustainably managed forests) or recycled paper and cardboard.

IATA inks cooperation agreement with the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia agreed to deepen and formalize cooperation with the aim of strengthening the economic and social benefits of aviation in Somalia.

Under an agreement signed by Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President, Africa and the Middle East, and H.E. Fardowsa Osman Egal, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Federal Republic of Somalia, a new framework was established that will also see an expansion of IATA’s activities in the country.

"Aviation is a significant contributor to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), so the potential for a strengthened air transport sector to contribute to Somalia’s development is enormous. This agreement aims to realize that potential for social and economic development by focusing on global standards and best practices. H.E. Minister Fardowsa Osman Egal has a strong vision for a successful aviation sector to contribute to a more prosperous Somalia. And we are determined to support that by turning the words of our agreement into real actions,” said Alawadhi. 

The agreement provides the framework to support IATA’s mission for aviation in Africa: the creation of a safe, efficient, sustainable, and economical air transport sector that generates growth, creates jobs, and facilitates international trade and tourism as well as playing an essential role in supporting the UN SDGs through generating connectivity between nations. 

“Aviation is essential to the success of Somalia's development plans.  The Government of Somalia is committed to developing its air transport sector to help promote long-term social and economic growth in the country. And we will ensure that global best practices are at the core of development. This agreement will pave the way for closer cooperation on the priorities for aviation in the country,” said Egal. 

Qantas shows off new pride livery......

Sashaying to a runway near you is the new Pride is in the Air livery adorning an Airbus A330-200 of Qantas, the Australian flag carrier. The aircraft,  registration VH-EBL will be deployed across both domestic and international flights to help the airline celebrate Pride.

Qantas is a long-time partner of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and this year it’s going to be bigger and better than ever before as part of Sydney WorldPride 2023.

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Loganair job oppotunities....

UK Regional airline Loganair is looking for a number of staff in Scotland, at various locations including Sumburgh, Inverness, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Kirkwall. 

From cabin crew to customer service agent roles, there are many opportunities,  for more info visit Loganair's careers pages. 

Some of the jobs on offer.....

Ramp Agents & Customer Service Agents - Sumburgh Airport

Licensed Aircraft Engineers – Inverness and Edinburgh Airport

Storekeeper, Stores Department - Aberdeen Airport

Operations Control Centre (OCC) Assistant - Glasgow Head Office

Customer Service Agent - Kirkwall Airport (F/T)

Senior Purchasing Specialist – Glasgow Head Office

Aviation Auditor – Glasgow Head Office

Technical Services Engineer (Technical Representative) – Worldwide

airBaltic has opennings for technician apprentices

The Latvian airline airBaltic is currently looking for a number of people to take up various positions at the growing airline. The company is also looking for people to take up its Technician Apprentice jobs.

For more info,  take a behind-the-scenes look with airBaltic's Technician Apprentice Edgars, who gives you a glimpse into the daily operations on the airBaltic apron! They asked him a few questions to better understand the hands-on training and how it feels to work alongside experienced professionals as an apprentice.

What you will need to succeed

Higher or started technical aviation education and/or examination of EASA Part-66 basic requirements in A, B1 or B2 category (at least 5 modules);

Good knowledge of English and Latvian language;

Possibility to work night shifts (practice gathering at actual shifts);

Average grade of 7/10;

Preciseness and fast learning personality with high sense of responsibility;

Permit to work in EU.

Technician Apprentice (airbaltic.com)

The airline has a number of other positions.   All open vacancies
Including pilots, cabin crew, mechanics, first officers, storekeepers,  training coordinators, flight dispatchers and others. 

Leasing giant Avolon delivered five Boeing 737 MAX jets to Akasa Air

Avolon’s first lease deal with India’s newest airline

 

Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company, has confirmed it has completed the delivery of 5 new Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft to Akasa Air, India’s newest airline.  Delivery of the aircraft commenced in December 2022 and was completed in January 2023. This sale and leaseback transaction is Avolon’s first deal with Akasa.

Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer at Avolon commented: “We are excited to support new entrants to the market, so it is a pleasure to have completed this transaction to lease 5 new narrowbody aircraft to Akasa. We congratulate Akasa on their successful launch and look forward to building on our strong relationship with them.”

Bhavin Joshi, Co-Founder and Sr. Vice President - Leasing & Procurement at Akasa Air commented: “Since our launch last August we have rapidly added capacity, new routes and welcomed one million passengers to our unique offering. We are delighted to join hands with Avolon and will continue to invest in new technology aircraft that can offer superior reliability and carbon efficiency.”

Akasa Air hopes to have a fleet of 72 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft powered by the highly fuel-efficient CFM LEAP-1B engine, over a period of five years.  The 737 MAX family provides low seat-mile costs for a single-aisle aeroplane as well as high dispatch reliability. Every aircraft will feature the Boeing Sky Interior, highlighted by modern sculpted sidewalls, window reveals and LED lighting that enhances the cabin experience.

IAG Cargo takes second place in 2022-23 Equality Index

The cargo division of the International Airlines Group, IAG Cargo has taken the second spot in The Equity Index 2022/23 which is produced by Lead 5050, a cross-industry accreditation body, that ranked firms using official data on average salaries, bonuses, and pay at every level. 

The well-respected IAG Cargo was only beaten by the pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) after data showed the business had a very small median and mean overall pay gap, with pay more evenly spread throughout all levels of the organisation.

Caroline Andrews, Chief People Officer at IAG Cargo said: "At IAG Cargo, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that appreciates the value of diversity and delivers on a great place to work for everyone. As a traditionally male-dominated industry, we are challenging this stereotype and working hard to inspire future female talent, and we are proud to receive recognition for this in the Equity Index 2022/23."

Leanne Linacre, chief executive officer of Lead5050, said: "Whilst the UK is a world leader in ensuring employers provide transparent data on gender-related pay, after years of progress, the gender pay gap for full-time workers has increased.

At the same time, the number of job vacancies rose to a record level last year whilst the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite adversely affecting women who are having to reduce their hours of work because of the cost of childcare.

"Closing the gender pay gap would strengthen the economy as higher wages would encourage more women to either enter the labour market or extend their working hours."

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Recently IAG Cargo confirmed it was taking up the role of sponsor at the 2023 everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards that are scheduled for 28th June 2023.  The company will sponsor the much-acclaimed Infrastructure Award, celebrating the outstanding achievements of two women in infrastructure.  

Launched in 2008, the everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards aims to inspire more women to progress in careers within a traditionally male-dominated industry. With women only accounting for 20% of the 1.7 million people working in transport and logistics, the awards seek to create role models that will inspire future female talent who may not see the industry as an option to them.

Air101: IAG Cargo transports the world’s largest dinosaur to the UK.....

Air101: IAG Cargo customers raise over 20,000 euros for the Bhagat Foundation in India

Air101: IAG Cargo transports nearly 3,000 donated cricket items to Pakistan following flooding crisis

Etihad Airways boosts frequency to Frankfurt

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is showing it means business by increasing services to Frankfurt, Germany.

From 1 May, the airline will add an extra four services a week to its current daily frequency, bringing the total number of flights to Frankfurt up to 11 weekly. The additional flights will be operated by one of Etihad’s ultra-modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, designed with customer comfort in mind, boasting 28 seats in Business and 262 in Economy. 

The jump in flights underlines Etihad’s commitment to the important German market and comes days after it announced the start of flights to Düsseldorf from 1 October. 

Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “We are pleased to offer our guests more flights to Frankfurt, one of Europe’s most important airports. 

“The increase in frequency also means greater connectivity to our growing network and the opportunity to welcome more visitors to Abu Dhabi where they can enjoy our world-renowned hospitality, culture, leisure activities and cuisine.” 

Although famed for its financial activities, Frankfurt has a rich cultural history too and the old town with its half-timbered houses, the cathedral, the museum embankment and the Goethe House are popular with the thousands of tourists the city welcomes each year. 

Customers flying to or from Frankfurt with Etihad can use the airline’s Rail & Fly service to travel by train from any station on the Deutsche Bahn or SNCF network.

 

Emirates ‘puts the love on top’ this Valentine’s Day

   

                                                             Love is a many-splendored thing at Emirates this February 14, as passengers are set to enjoy sweet treats onboard, a range of love-themed decadent desserts in the lounges, exquisite rosé champagne, tempting gift-giving offers, and an array of romantic movies and music.

This February, love is in the air on ice as Emirates passengers can immerse themselves in feel-good movies, such as 2022 romantic comedy ‘Ticket to Paradise’, starring Hollywood heartthrobs Julia Roberts and George Clooney. There is a selection of more than 70 romantic comedies and dramas available including new releases ‘Meet Cute’ starring Kaley Cuoco and Pete Davidson and ‘Ask Me to Dance’, as well as all-time classics ‘When Harry Met Sally’, ‘Bridget Jones Diary’ and ‘The Notebook’. Amidst a huge library of TV series, passengers can choose from bingeable box sets including modern mini-series like 'The Pursuit of Love' (2021), or period romance dramas like 'Emma' and 'Sense and Sensibility'.

Seductive soundtracks are already curated onboard ice with the ‘Love Is in The Air’ playlist and ‘Romantic Moments;’ a handpicked selection of classic love songs featuring Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Ed Sheeran, Diana Ross, Roberta Flack and many more. Before a flight, passengers can even browse and pre-select their movies, TV shows or music playlists on the Emirates app, which can be synced to ice from the moment of boarding.

On Valentine’s Day, onboard passengers in all classes will be treated to luscious brownies or red velvet cupcakes adorned with red and pink hearts, in their own Emirates mini giftbox, while red mood lighting lights up the aircraft. From the 13-15 February, Emirates Lounges worldwide will raise the romance with a beautiful array of themed treats, from chocolate hearts to Valentine’s mud cake, and chocolate covered strawberries.

Icelandair carried 209,981 in January.

In January 2023, Icelandair carried nearly 210 thousand passengers, compared to just over 113,400 last year. Capacity in January was 93% of January 2020 levels, the last normal operating January before the pandemic, and 79% of 2019 levels.

Passengers on international flights were 191 thousand, compared to 102 thousand in January 2022, an increase of 88%. Passengers to Iceland were 75 thousand and from Iceland 47 thousand. Via passengers were around 69 thousand. On-time performance on international flights was 75%. On time performance and passenger numbers were affected by weather related disruptions in January. The load factor on international flights improved significantly from 59.5% in January 2022 to 74.6% in January this year.

Passengers on domestic flights were 18,500, compared to around 12 thousand in January 2022. On time performance was 84%. Load factor on domestic flights was 72.4%. Weather in Iceland caused disruption in the domestic network in January, affecting on time performance and passenger numbers.

Sold block hours in charter flights decreased by 3%. Freight measured in Freight Ton Kilometers increased by 31% compared to January last year. The increase in cargo is due to increased capacity with the introduction of a Boeing 767 widebody into the cargo fleet.

Route Network	Jan 23	Jan 22	CHG (%)
Number of Passengers	209,981	113,403	85%
Load Factor	74.6%	59.6%	15.0 ppt
Available Seat KM (ASK´000,000)	797.5	534.1	49%
Revenue Passenger KM (RPK´000,000)	594.7	318.3	87%
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS	Jan 23	Jan 22	CHG (%)
To market (passengers)	74,691	45,322	65%
From market (passengers)	47,493	24,751	92%
Via market (passengers)	69,277	31,608	119%
Number of Passengers	191,461	101,681	88%
Load Factor	74.6%	59.5%	15.1 ppt
Available Seat KM (ASK´000,000)	790.1	529.5	49%
Revenue Passenger KM (RPK´000,000)	589.3	314.9	87%
Stage length (KM)	3,000	3,082	-3%
On-Time-Performance (Arrivals)	75.0%	73.0%	2.0 ppt
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS	Jan 23	Jan 22	CHG (%)
Number of Passengers	18,520	11,722	58%
Load Factor	72.4%	72.9%	-0.5 ppt
Available Seat KM (ASK´000,000)	7.4	4.7	60%
On-Time-Performance (Arrivals)	84%	65%	19.0 ppt
Cargo & Leasing	Jan 23	Jan 22	CHG (%)
Sold Block Hours - Leasing	1,051	1,083	-3%
Freight Tonne KM (FTK´000)	13,834	10,600	31%
CO2 EMISSIONS	Jan 23	Jan 22	CHG (%)
Total CO2 emissions tonnes	57,850	41,470	39%
CO2 emissions per OTK	0.83	1.07	-23%

Flights from the UK to USA, Canada & Iceland | Icelandair

Return to business as usual for aviation

Mark Harper, United Kingdom Secretary of State for Transport, reflects on plans to modernise, decarbonise and build talent in the aviation sector delivered at the Airport Operators Association conference on 31st January. 

Introduction

It’s a pleasure to be here, delivering my first aviation speech since becoming Transport Secretary.

You could be forgiven over the last year for thinking you perhaps have heard ministers using that line before. It’s been frustrating, I know, for an industry eager to get on with the business of growth…especially after the devastating impact of of the Covid pandemic over the last few years.

So let me start by thanking all of you, not just for the hard work airports continued to do amidst last year’s political and economic turbulence, and that’s turbulence which I’m very pleased that this government – led by this Prime Minister – has ended, but also for the collaboration I’ve seen in the face of ongoing strike action at our borders. And I know you’ve heard earlier from Phil Douglas, the Director General of Border Force. And my department and Border Force have been working very closely with airports to make sure we have resourcing available and we minimise the disruption to the travelling public from that industrial action.

I would also like to acknowledge the recent unfortunate news about the collapse of Flybe and our thoughts are obviously with those affected. We’re working in the department with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to help the passengers affected to access alternative travel arrangements, and pointing staff to the support available from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

But I was also very pleased by the sector’s quick response not only with Ryanair, British Airways and EasyJet, stepping in with special fares for those passengers disrupted, but also the industry’s announcements around fast tracking recruitment processes, for the staff who sadly lost their jobs. All are actually welcome signs of a growing resilience within the sector and you’re focused on ensuring that you can retain and attract the skills and talent necessary for this industry to continue growing.

It’s been 6 years since I was last in government. When I was last in government, aviation’s challenge wasn’t about whether it would grow….it was about by how much….and about whether the industry could keep pace with the rising demand. Pre-pandemic, we had the largest aviation sector in Europe with air transport and aerospace worth £22 billion to our national economy, providing nearly a quarter of a million jobs. Passenger numbers at UK airports had grown by over a third since 2009 and the eve of the pandemic saw the highest number ever.

Recovery

That conversation, however, quickly changed. And the last few years have been the toughest in this industry’s 100-year history. Where UK airports saw a 99% drop in passenger numbers at the height of the pandemic and globally, the sector faced a fall in passenger revenue of over £250 billion in 2021.

Some of you may know that as a backbencher I watched that unfold. I led a group of MPs who wanted a balanced approach to COVID-19 restrictions. Outside of government, I felt one of the jobs of MPs was to hold the government to account, and ask tough questions about policy to make sure we made the right decisions. We did obviously have a duty to protect public health, but we also had a duty to business and workers. And the Prime Minister, while he was Chancellor, obviously put in a significant package of support for the economy.

MCR acquires the Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon

MCR — the 4th-largest hotel owner-operator in the U.S. — has acquired the Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon, a 14-story hotel with 508 rooms in Miami, Florida. With a prime waterfront setting within the Blue Lagoon business park, the hotel is located just south of Miami International Airport (MIA). This is the company’s second hotel in the Miami airport submarket following the acquisition of the Hyatt Place Miami Airport East in December of 2022 and its tenth hotel in Florida.

MIA is the busiest airport for international passengers and international freight in the U.S. and provides a hub for over 90 air carriers. International traffic continues to ramp back up following the pandemic and overall passenger volume through MIA was up over 10% in 2022 compared to 2019 based on the latest data available. And with a $5 billion capital improvement and expansion plan underway, it’s only going to get busier.

Tourism remains the top industry in “the 305,” but it is also home to the largest concentration of international banks in the U.S., as well as many major Fortune 500 companies. With its prime location near the airport, the Blue Lagoon business park has over four million square feet of office space and serves as the headquarters for nationally recognized names including Burger King and Lennar, as well serving as the Latin American headquarters for Sony, Airbus, Novartis, Hasbro, Estée Lauder and Olympus.

Passenger demand recovery continued in december 2022 & for the full year

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the recovery in air travel continued in December 2022 and for the full year.

Total traffic in 2022 (measured in revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) rose 64.4% compared to 2021. Globally, full-year 2022 traffic was at 68.5% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels. December 2022 total traffic rose 39.7% compared to December 2021 and reached 76.9% of the December 2019 level.

International traffic in 2022 climbed 152.7% versus 2021 and reached 62.2% of 2019 levels. December 2022 international traffic climbed 80.2% over December 2021, reaching 75.1% of the level in December 2019.

Domestic traffic for 2022 rose 10.9% compared to the prior year. 2022 domestic traffic was at 79.6% of the full-year 2019 level. December 2022 domestic traffic was up 2.6% over the year earlier period and was at 79.9% of December 2019 traffic.

“The industry left 2022 in far stronger shape than it entered, as most governments lifted COVID-19 travel restrictions during the year and people took advantage of the restoration of their freedom to travel. This momentum is expected to continue in the New Year, despite some governments’ over-reactions to China’s re-opening,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

ATSG offers an outlook for fleet transitions in 2023 and beyond

Air Transport Services Group, Inc. has provided outlook guidance for changes in its operating fleet of cargo aircraft. The guidance is in anticipation of meetings that ATSG executives will hold with investors on February 7, 2023, at the Stifel Transportation and Logistics Conference in Amelia Island, Florida.

At the conference, ATSG will maintain guidance provided on November 3, 2022, for full-year 2022 Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes and Depreciation. Fourth quarter and full year 2022 results will be announced in late February 2023.

Regarding its outlook for cargo aircraft leases and subsidiary airline operations in 2023 and beyond, ATSG expects to:

Through its Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM) subsidiary, complete the passenger-to-freighter conversion and deliver fourteen Boeing 767-300 freighter aircraft in 2023 and sixteen in 2024, most of which will be leased to customers based outside the United States.

Complete the passenger-to-freighter conversion and deliver at least six Airbus A321-200 cargo aircraft to fulfill lease orders from customers based in Europe and Asia. A similar number of Airbus A321-200 cargo conversions and deliveries are anticipated in 2024. Deliveries and dry leases, however, are pending regulatory review by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). ATSG anticipates EASA approvals for the A321-200 design it developed via a joint venture before mid-year 2023.

Begin the passenger-to-freighter conversion of what it expects to become a leased fleet of thirty Airbus A330-300s, equal to the number for conversion slots it holds. CAM expects to begin leasing A330 freighters in 2024 and continuing into 2028. It has already received customer commitments to lease more than two thirds of those A330 freighters, which are medium widebody aircraft that perform regional missions, but with greater payload and range than Boeing 767-300 freighters.

 

Continue to lease into 2024 four of twelve Boeing 767-200 freighters currently leased to Amazon and operated by ATSG’s cargo airlines. Leases for the other eight are due to expire between May and September 2023. CAM expects to retire at least three of the eight due to airframe cycle limitations and utilize the engines removed to support other 767-200 lease customers. CAM expects to re-lease and/or sell the remaining five 767-200 freighters which Amazon may not extend.

Operate 767 freighters dedicated to principal customers DHL and Amazon for reduced schedules and fewer block hours per aircraft across the United States in the first half of 2023 versus 2022. Both companies are adjusting their ground and air distribution and fulfillment networks in the United States to conform to reduced U.S. economic growth and consumer spending levels in the first half of 2023. ATSG’s passenger aircraft operations are likely to face similar effects.

Rich Corrado, president and CEO of ATSG, said, “Despite the macroeconomic headwinds, we expect moderate Adjusted EBITDA growth for ATSG in 2023, reflecting the resilience of our business model. Demand to lease the newly converted freighter types we offer remains as strong as ever. The entry into new Airbus platforms along with the significant increase in leasing deliveries will increase our capital expenditures above 2022 levels. But clearly, 2023 will be a transition year for us, due to both a changing mix of leased freighters in service, and changes in flight schedules from customers of our U.S. airlines. I look forward to sharing our outlook for 2023 in more detail when we report our fourth-quarter 2022 earnings results in late February.”

Current Fleet | ATSG 

Images ATSG

Air Astana restarts flights to Beijing.....

Beijing. Ancient or Modern, Take Your Pick.

Air Astana will resume regular flights to Beijing from Almaty and Astana on Airbus A321 LR.

From 18th March, flights from Astana to Beijing will resume with a frequency of 2 flights per week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with a further increase in frequency in the summer. The flights will be carried out on A321LR airliners.

Besides, from 2nd March, the airline will increase the frequency of flights from Almaty to Beijing to 4 times a week and plans to increase the frequency to daily flights in the summer season. Airbus A321LR and Airbus A321neo aircraft will be used on the air line between Almaty and Beijing.

Adel Dauletbek, Vice President for Marketing and Sales of Air Astana: "With the beginning of summer navigation, the airline is gradually increasing its cargo capacity in China to meet the growing demand in the country with the largest economy and population. Our passengers have the opportunity to travel on comfortable Airbus A321 LR and A321neo aircraft. We are confident that these flights will be in demand by passengers who are heading to China for business, tourism and other purposes."

Please note that Air Astana's new product Economy Sleeper - similar to the sky couch -  a row of three reserved economy class seats, is available on flights between Beijing and Almaty.  Economy Sleeper passengers will enjoy more personal space and privacy in the dedicated and partitioned section in the front of the economy class cabin. With a guaranteed row of three economy class seats for each guest, you will be able to relax with new heights of comfort, all for just a little bit more than a full economy class fare. And when the time comes to sleep, the row of seats is transformed with a mattress layer and a luxurious duvet and pillow set, ensuring a sound night’s sleep. Guests will enjoy either KCTV, Air Astana’s personal inflight entertainment iPad, or integrated personal in-flight entertainment programme featuring the latest movies and an extensive back catalogue of music and games.

Other benefits of Economy Sleeper include:

• Access to a Business Class lounge
• 2PC*23 kg of check-in baggage
• Priority check-in, boarding, and disembarkation
• Pre-assigned seating
• Nomad Club accrual of 125% flight points from ticketed point mileage
• Business Class amenity kit
• Fully changeable and refundable ticket