New Centurion Lounge opens at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

American Express has opened a new Centurion Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The new lounge is nearly triple the size of the original Centurion Lounge at SEA and now located in the newly created mezzanine level of the Central Terminal post-security. 

It features spectacular views of the airfield and iconic Olympic mountains, ample room for guests to relax or work before their flight, and a locally-inspired menu from Seattle-based Communion Restaurant and Bar Executive Chef Kristi Brown. Plus, the new location includes “Blue Roast by American Express,” a coffee bar serving speciality coffee, espresso drinks, and cold brew from local Seattle roaster Caffè Umbria, and a one-of-a-kind mural of the Seattle skyline made from coffee beans by celebrated artist Harold Caudio.

“The new Centurion Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport delivers exactly what Card Members want while travelling – more space to relax and recharge and fantastic food and drink,” said Pablo Rivero, Vice President & General Manager, Global Lounge Experiences. “Inspired by the vibrant Seattle dining and coffee scene, this lounge showcases the best of what Seattle has to offer, including a custom menu from the talented Chef Kristi Brown and our first full-service coffee bar with locally-roasted beans Seattle is known for.”

A Taste of “Seattle Soul”

Chef Kristi Brown, James Beard Award semifinalist and owner and chef of Seattle-based Communion Restaurant and Bar, will bring her signature “Seattle Soul” cuisine to the lounge. Her cuisine uses fresh local ingredients honouring traditional soul food and flavours from communities represented in the Pacific Northwest, including Southeast Asia and East and West Africa. The menu at the Centurion Lounge at SEA will feature dishes like Trinidadian Spiced Pork Belly, Blackened Chicken Cobb Salad, and "Peach Cobbla” French Toast, her twist on the traditional breakfast treat.

Joby Aviation begins final assembly of its first company-conforming eVTOL aircraft

Joby Aviation, Inc. confirmed this week it has begun the final assembly of what is believed to be the world’s first company-conforming electric, vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The aircraft, which is the first to be produced at Joby’s pilot manufacturing facility in Marina, California, has been manufactured in accordance with a released design and built according to a complete implementation of a quality management system, qualifying it as a company-conforming aircraft - an important step on the path to achieving the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification required to begin commercial passenger operations.

“Beginning final assembly of our first company-conforming aircraft is a critical achievement for Joby and a landmark for the wider eVTOL industry,” said Didier Papadopoulos, Head of Aircraft OEM at Joby.

“It unlocks the path ahead and allows us to exercise our quality management system in preparation for type certification and a subsequent production certification,” he added. “There is an incredible amount of work that goes into getting to this point and I’m very grateful for the energy and commitment of the team behind this achievement.”

Royal Air Force Air Cadets and Royal Aeronautical Society sign co-operation agreement

The Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) and the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) are pleased to announce the signing of a Co-operation Agreement between the two organisations to formalise their historic relationship.

As part of the Agreement, cadet graduates of the RAFAC Qualified Aerospace Instructors Course (QAIC) and other Scholarships will receive free Affiliate membership of the RAeS, and all Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers (CFAV) will be able to join the RAeS with no application fee.

Each year, two QAIC graduates will be given places on the RAeS Young Persons Committee, allowing for a flow of knowledge and ideas between the two organisations at the next generation level allowing for more opportunities to collaborate and work together on areas such as sustainability, talent attraction and retention as well as the future shape of the Society in the decades ahead.

All members of the Society, including Affiliates, gain access to careers advice together with support for a variety of training through the Aeroversity platform. The Society also helps with education choices, apprenticeships and degree programmes.

Air passengers call for more retail opportunities and slicker online checko

Air passengers call for more retail opportunities and slicker online checkout

 

83% of consumers are planning to fly to a leisure destination in the next six months

93% would buy services like excursions and car rental from their airline  if they could

56% would be more likely to spend on extras if the online buying experience improved to be more like retail, fashion and groceries

 

                 New survey data from travel tech company IBS Software, reveals a massive 93% of UK and US consumers would book more services with airlines given the chance - representing a huge opportunity for airlines. 

The study, which looked into UK and US airline passengers' expectations of airlines, shows that following a challenging period of travel uncertainty, passenger confidence is recovering with 83% of respondents planning to purchase tickets in the next six months. However, the research also points to airlines’ failings to maximise this opportunity with over a third (36%) of those asked stating that booking a flight online is more time consuming and complicated than other online retail experiences. 

As many as 56% of recent flyers would buy additional services from an airline if the booking and checkout online shopping experience was closer to that of fashion retailers and online food shops. One in ten even said they would book all elements of a holiday with their airline if they could. 

Finnair Group issues financial statements for January – 31 December 2022

Finnair has released the following statements regarding its performance for the last quater and the whole year of 2022.

During October - December revenue increased by 66.2% to 687.3 million euros (413.5).  Comparable operating result was 17.9 million euros (-65.2). The operating result was 38.0 million euros (-60.2), exceptionally high fuel price had an adverse cost impact of c. 94 million euros** year-on-year.

Cash funds were 1,524.4 million euros (1 265.7) and the equity ratio was 9.9 per cent (11.8).

Net cash flow from operating activities was 29.9 million euros (124.6), and net cash flow from investing activities was -54.3 million euros (-66.8).***

The number of passengers increased by 60.9% to 2.5 million and the carrier managed to get a passenger load factor was 72.3%.

January – December 2022

Aviation and Türkiye-Syria Earthquake Relief Efforts

                              The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressed its deep condolences to the people of Türkiye and Syria who have been affected by the devastating earthquake in the region. IATA highlighted the important contributions from the aviation industry to the relief effort both with the immediate search-and-rescue efforts and for long-term humanitarian aid.

“This tragedy has deeply moved us and the world. On behalf of IATA member airlines, we express our deep sorrow to the people of Türkiye and Syria. Our thoughts are with all those who are impacted by this horrific event. We salute the heroic efforts of the rescue workers who have saved many people and continue to search for and look after survivors. Aviation is playing a major role in supporting these efforts and in delivering the humanitarian aid that will be critical in sustaining people through the recovery,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

In addition to the tremendous endeavours being undertaken by our members in the affected regions—namely Corendon Airlines, Freebird Airlines, MNG Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, SunExpress, SyrianAir and Turkish Airlines—airlines globally are making individual efforts to transport equipment, aid, and specialist personnel to the affected areas. Some of the airlines involved include:

• Aegean Airlines
• Azerbaijan Airlines
• El Al
• Emirates
• Euroatlantic Airways
• FedEx
• FlyBaghdad
• KamAir

East Midlands Airport anticipates a strong summer ahead

                             It is the first opportunity in 2023 that many families have had to get escape the UK winter, whether in search of sunnier weather in southern Europe or snow-capped mountain resorts.

Popular destinations include the Canary Islands where daytime temperatures at this time of year are in the high teens, while the winter sports market to Austria, France Switzerland and Bulgaria is catered for with flights to Salzburg, Chambery, Geneva and Sofia (Bulgaria).

Passengers using the airport this half-term will start to see changes to the layout of the food and drink outlets in the departure lounge. During the quieter weeks since Christmas, work began on refreshing Burger King while Pork and Pickle, Starbucks and Frankie and Benny’s are also undergoing a facelift ahead of the busier season which starts at Easter. This means extra seating for passengers as well as a more pleasant environment in which to relax before flights.

February half-term also provides a good opportunity for new recruits to experience a mini peak in passenger numbers. Following the airport’s recruitment drive, some new starters are already in post across the airport’s security, car parking and assisted travel teams. Recruitment is still ongoing ahead of the peak summer season, but good progress has been made to date. However, jobs are still available and anyone interested in finding out more should visit the careers pages on EMA’s website.

Airport bosses are optimistic that 2023 will be the year in which passenger numbers grow back to closer what they were pre-pandemic. Figures released this week show that EMA welcomed 3,267,290 passengers throughout the last 12 months (January 2022 – January 2023). This marked the airport’s first year of restriction-free operation since pre-Covid. But as the airlines that operate out of EMA respond to the increased demand by putting on more flights and increase the number of seats on sale, passenger numbers are expected to grow strongly this year.

Steve Griffiths, EMA’s Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted to welcome passengers to the airport this half-term, many of whom will be heading off somewhere exciting for a much-needed break. Although not yet our peak summer season, the next couple of weeks are a good indicator of passenger demand later in the year and it’s a good test of our readiness for what will be a fantastic summer for us and for our customers. We’re working flat out to ensure the experience for everyone who uses EMA is the best it can be this year.”

Big order for Airbus from Air India

 The Tata Group-owned Air India has announced its commitment to order 250 Airbus aircraft to boost its domestic and international operations. The commitment includes 140 A320neo and 70 A321neo single-aisle aircraft as well as 34 A350-1000 and six A350-900 wide-body jets that will mark a new era for the country as the all-new, long-range aircraft celebrates its debut in the Indian market.

The order aims to both modernise and expand the airline’s fleet with the objective of creating a larger and premium full-service carrier that will cater to the growing travel demand in the region. Deliveries are set to commence with the first A350-900 arriving by late-2023.

“Airbus has been a longstanding partner of Air India, and these new aircraft will play an important part in delivering Vihaan.AI, Air India’s comprehensive transformation and growth strategy,” said Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD, Air India. “A core element of this transformation is the significant expansion of our network, both domestically and internationally, coupled with the elevation of our on-ground and onboard product to world-class standards. This order marks the start of a new chapter for both Airbus and Air India.”

“This is a historic moment for Airbus and for Air India. India is on the verge of an international air travel revolution and we are honoured that our partnership with the Tatas and our aircraft solutions will write that new chapter for the country’s air-connectivity,” says Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International. “The A350’s unique capability will unlock the pent-up potential of India’s long-haul market, its technology, long reach and second to none comfort will enable new routes and passenger experience with better economics and enhanced sustainability. Alongside the A350s, the A320 Family fleets will be the efficient, versatile asset to continue democratising and decarbonising air travel in the country – from domestic, regional, up to international levels.”

Christian Scherer adds: “We salute Air India for its visionary strategy, picking the two reference aircraft types in each of their categories. We are thrilled and humbled to see these aircraft become the cornerstones of Air India’s renaissance. This fleet will propel the airline globally where it deserves to be - with the best.

Over the next decade, India will grow to have the largest population in the world, its economy will expand the fastest among the G20 nations, and a burgeoning middle class will spend more on air travel. As a result, passenger traffic in India will grow fast, including on the long-range markets in the U.S., Europe and Asia-Pacific that the A350 is well positioned to serve.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient wide-body aircraft in the 300-410 seater category. The A350’s clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. Its new generation engines and use of lightweight materials bring a 25 per cent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, compared to previous generation competitor aircraft.

The aircraft offers a 3-class configuration cabin that is the quietest of any twin-aisle and offers passengers and crew the most modern in-flight products for the most comfortable long-range flying experience.

The A321neo is the longest-fuselage member of Airbus’ best-selling, single-aisle A320 Family, comfortably seating 180 to 220 passengers in a typical two-class layout, and as many as 244 in a higher-density arrangement. The A320neo has already set the standards as the world’s most comfortable short-to-medium-haul aircraft that typically accommodates from 140 to 170 passengers, with a maximum capacity of up to 180 travellers. Its environmental performance allows for at least 20 per cent less fuel burn and CO2 emissions as well as 50 per cent noise reduction, compared to previous generation aircraft.

AerCap operartes A321 to Turkey with humanitarian aid onboard.

Aircraft leasing firm AerCap has transported approximately 13 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Turkey, following the devastating earthquake, the firm confirmed on Tuesday. 

The freight, which was flown from Rotterdam to Antalya in Türkiye on board an Airbus A321 aircraft, includes clothing, baby food and power generators, and will be distributed by several humanitarian aid organizations who are on the ground providing assistance in the region.

Aengus Kelly, the CEO of AerCap said: "AerCap is proud to play its part in transporting emergency humanitarian aid to support the global response effort following the earthquake. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Türkiye and Syria at this very difficult time and all those impacted by this tragedy," 

Norse Atlantic Airways operated a total 229 flights in January with 74% of operated flights arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time.

Norse continues to make good progress on its business plan to have its UK airline, Norse Atlantic UK, become a significant part of its operations, with the launch of ticket sales to two new destinations expected this week. The company is ramping up towards the summer 2023 season including having over half of its operational fleet based at London Gatwick. Forward bookings have been good, helped by a successful marketing campaign towards the end of December and through January.

During January, Norse Atlantic Airways recorded an aggregate load factor for the month of 52 per cent, including charter operations. Norse Atlantic Airways operated a total 229 flights. 74 per cent of operated flights arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time. The company operated 98 per cent of scheduled flights, four cancellations occurred due to general strike action by the Ver.di union at Berlin airport involving airport staff in ground services and aviation security, the strikes were not connected to the airline or its employees. Norse Atlantic carried 35,150 passengers in January.

Building on the growing reputation of Norse Atlantic Airways as a dependable and reliable charter and ACMI operator, Norse completed 15 charter flights during the month of January.

During the month Norse Atlantic Airways announced the launch of ticket sales between Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and New York JFK. The new route will become the fifth European destination served by Norse from JFK, the daily service will begin operations on 19th June 2023.

National Airlines and Brother's Brother Foundation partner in delivering humanitarian aid for Ukraine

U.S.-based Brother's Brother Foundation (BBF) partners with National Airlines to ship humanitarian aid to different regions in Ukraine via Poland. The 17 tons of aid, which includes sleeping bags, quilts, clothing, generators, and other additional items were distributed among military hospitals and rehabilitation centres for injured soldiers in Kyiv, Lviv, and Vinnytsia areas.

"We are deeply grateful for the leading initiative by Brother's Brother Foundation in organizing the much-needed support in the region. National has been actively partnering with several organizations and governments to deliver timely humanitarian aid and relief to the crisis hit regions over the last three decades," remarked Christopher Alf, Chairman, National Air Cargo Holdings Inc.

 In a well-orchestrated mission, teams from both organizations coordinated airlift of the aid and relief items from the U.S. to Poland on National Airlines B747-400F aircraft. Later, the National Air Cargo global teams took the needed initiative for the final mile coordinating customs requirements and shipment transportation to different crisis hit Ukrainian cities via specially designated trucks.

American Airlines named 2023 Eco-Airline of the Year

Air Transport World (ATW), the leading media brand serving the information needs of the global airline and commercial air transport communities, announced today American Airlines was named the 2023 Eco-Airline of the Year.

The award marks the latest recognition of American’s progress toward its ambitious sustainability goals.

“American is actively incorporating sustainability at every level of our business, from the fuel we buy to the food we serve our customers,” American CEO Robert Isom said. “And our all-the-above approach is just getting started. As Eco-Airline of the Year, we will continue to lead the industry as an innovator in this space and affirm our unyielding commitment to build an American Airlines that will thrive forever.”

With the airline’s most extensive fleet renewal effort in industry history and substantial investments in fuel of the future, ATW highly regarded American’s work to run a more fuel-efficient operation with more fuel-efficient aircraft powered increasingly by low-carbon fuel and new technology.

Fuel-efficiency is maximized by a new application called smart gating, which optimizes gate assignments at congested airports. Smart gating is currently in use at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Miami International Airport and saves an estimated 1.4 million gallons of fuel and 13,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.

Westjet to launch routes to Seattle and Minneapolis from Edmonton

WestJet announces largest network expansion from Edmonton in airline's history with launch of new U.S. routes and enhanced domestic connectivity

New transborder routes connecting Edmonton with Minneapolis and Seattle along with increased access across Canada underpins continued expansion of Alberta's global aviation network

This week, WestJet has revealed significantly increased transborder connectivity from Edmonton International Airport, with new non-stop service to Minneapolis, Minnesota and Seattle, Washington as part of its 2023 summer schedule. In addition, WestJet's summer schedule from Edmonton will revitalize the city's domestic connectivity from coast-to-coast with the airline unveiling new routes from Edmonton to London, Moncton, Charlottetown and the resumption of nonstop flights to Ottawa, Montreal, Nanaimo and Penticton.

WestJet's renewed commitment to the city of Edmonton will see the airline's service increase by almost 50 per cent this summer when compared to 2022. Additionally, today's announcement underpins WestJet's strategic ambitions to grow its presence across Western Canada and further strengthen Canada's east-to-west connectivity.

"Since our first day of operation in February 1996 to reaffirming our commitment to the city and region almost exactly 27 years later, Edmonton is an integral part of WestJet's beginnings and our future," said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer. "As WestJet continues to own our position as the undisputed home-team carrier of Western Canada, I am grateful to be celebrating our renewed focus on Edmonton alongside our valued partners as we take strides to energize the city's two-way tourism opportunities and bolster its accessibility for business and leisure travellers."

Norway's air navigation service provider activates Aireon data for Bodo Oceanic Airspace.....

Avinor ANS, the air navigation service provider (ANSP) of Norway, this month, began using Aireon's market-leading, space-based automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data to support air traffic operations across the entire Bodø Oceanic Flight Information Region (OFIR).

In April 2022, Avinor ANS started using Aireon ADS-B data for the Bodø OFIR in oceanic environments, below FL 100, with the primary intention of serving the robust helicopter operations and search and rescue missions in the Barents Sea. Since then, Avinor ANS reported the Aireon space-based ADS-B helped improve safety and drive operational efficiencies in the region, including the ability to reduce separation for helicopters. In addition, Avinor concluded that space-based ADS-B performed as well as their ground-based systems over terrestrial airspace.

"We were extremely pleased with the reliability and operational performance of the data in the lower-level airspace," said Tormod Rangnes, Director En-Route Services, Avinor ANS. "Expanded use of the Aireon data will allow Avinor ANS to achieve new levels of safety and operational efficiencies in 2023 and beyond."

Norse Atlantic Airways to start routes to Florida's hot sports of Fort Lauderdale and Orlando in May.

The long-haul budget-type airline, Norse Atlantic Airways has put two Florida sunshine destinations on sale today from London Gatwick to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. 

The flights to Orlando will begin on 25th May 2023 and to Fort Lauderdale on 26th May 2023 and are in addition to the current daily London to New York service that the fledgling carrier started in August last year.

Norse will operate flights to Orlando four times a week in May and June and then make it a daily service in the height of the summer peak season with fares starting from £409 return including taxes. Flights to Fort Lauderdale will operate three times a week in May and June and four times a week for the rest of the summer season with fares starting from £410 return including taxes. 

Bjorn Tore Larsen, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways said: “We are very pleased to announce two new routes from London Gatwick to the popular holiday destination of Florida. In addition to our current daily New York flights we will also be releasing for sale further destinations between London and the US by the end of February. As a result, our UK based airline, Norse Atlantic UK, will serve more destinations to the US from London Gatwick than any other carrier this summer.

We look forward to a busy summer ahead as we bring value fares and a fantastic service to passengers looking to travel across the Atlantic.”