Norwegian carried 1.2 million passengers during February.

Norwegian delivers strong traffic figures in February 

Norwegian had 1.2 million passengers and a load factor of 84 percent in February. The airline experienced high demand for winter holiday travels and is currently preparing to welcome both corporate and leisure passengers as it ramps up capacity when moving from the winter to summer schedule.

In February, Norwegian had 1.2 million passengers, an increase of 83 percent from this month last year. The load factor was 84 percent. Many Nordic travellers took advantage of the winter holidays, flying with Norwegian to warmer places in the Mediterranean and popular winter destinations in the Alps. In addition, a high number of travellers used the winter break to book their Easter travels, long weekends in May and summer holiday flights with Norwegian.

“We are satisfied with the traffic figures this past month, and we are particularly pleased with a load factor of 84 percent. This demonstrates Norwegian’s ability to offer an attractive product to passengers throughout the year, even during the seasonally slower winter months. High load factors also increase our fuel efficiency, an important parameter from a sustainability perspective,” said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian.

Norwegian had 1,173,408 passengers in February, up 83 percent from February 2022. The capacity (ASK) was 1,826 million seat kilometres, while actual passenger traffic (RPK) was 1,530 million seat kilometres. In February, Norwegian operated an average of 64 aircraft and 99.4 percent of the scheduled flights were completed. Punctuality, the number of flights departing within 15 minutes of scheduled time, was at 85.4 percent in February.

As Americans look to get a break from the cold, American Airlines provides customers more ways to make new memories in sun-filled destinations for Spring Break

As Americans look to get a break from the cold, American Airlines provides customers more ways to make new memories in sun-filled destinations.

With more than 600 daily departures to top spring break destinations in Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean, American offers more nonstop flights than any other major carrier. Whether customers wish to enjoy Miami’s vibrant night life, the beaches of Mexico or new destinations in the Caribbean, American is ready for takeoff.

A new Airbus A320neo to ITA Airways

Total of 5 Airbus A320-200neos to be delivered to ITA Airways in 2023

 

Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company, has delivered 3 new Airbus A320-200neos to ITA Airways. 

A further 2 aircraft will be delivered later in the year, supporting ITA Airway’s target for its portfolio to comprise 80% new-generation fuel-efficient aircraft by 2026. 

The newly delivered aircraft are the first A320neos in ITA Airway’s fleet. Carrying the company’s striking new blue livery, these aircraft will support its short and medium-haul services in the 2023 summer season. 

Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Avolon commented: “We are delighted to support ITA Airways with the delivery of the first A320neos in their fleet. One of our core commitments is to help customers make the transition to fuel-efficient new technology aircraft, and this deal demonstrates how a lessor like Avolon can help airlines achieve their sustainability ambitions.” 

Francesco Presicce, Officer, Chief Technology Officer ITA Airways: “The A320neo combines technology and efficiency to deliver 20% less fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous generation aircraft. It is further enriching ITA Airways modern and environment-friendly fleet, which will feature 80% new generation aircraft by 2026. We are very pleased to be working with Avolon and taking delivery of these new aircraft to serve on our domestic and international network as we look forward to a busy summer 2023.”

Just 12% of SMEs are implementing Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance - ESG practices

The latest market analysis by digital identity specialists, ID Crypt Global, reveals that only one-fifth of the UK’s SMEs are aware of what Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) is and that a colossal majority of them have no interest in engaging with ESG practices in the future despite its proven benefits.

Previous research from ID Crypt has already shown that, among the world’s biggest businesses, those who are prioritising ESG are enjoying 6.3% stronger profit growth than those who are not. 

It’s somewhat surprising, therefore, that ID Crypt’s new research shows that an overwhelming majority of the UK’s small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are doing nothing whatsoever to engage with ESG. 

ID Crypt Global - SMEs and ESG 

A survey of 1,124 UK SME business owners reveals that just 19% are aware of what ESG is, while only 12% are actually implementing ESG practices. 

Those that are implementing ESG practices are primarily doing so to reduce their environmental impact, to ensure their societal impact is positive, as well as ensuring they are compliant with all current and future regulation changes. 

Norwegian to fly emergency aid to Ethiopia in support of UNICEF

Today, Norwegian’s most important flight of the year is bound for drought-hit Ethiopia. The flight marks the return of Norwegian and UNICEF’s “Fill a Plane” initiative which is now back for the sixth time. This year, Norwegian’s plane is loaded with emergency aid for drought-stricken children that are affected by the region’s worst hunger crisis in 40 years.

For the sixth time, Norwegian in collaboration with UNICEF Norway are sending a plane with emergency aid to one of the world’s major crisis zones. This year’s mission will bring relief to children affected by famine and drought in Ethiopia. This morning, Norwegian's newest 737 MAX 8 aircraft was loaded with 10 tonnes of emergency aid from UNICEF's warehouse in Copenhagen – the world’s largest humanitarian warehouse.

“Finally, together with UNICEF, we can once again fill a plane with emergency aid. I am very happy that we can contribute to getting even more direct emergency aid to children in Ethiopia and, through this, contribute to putting the spotlight on one of the world's biggest crises,” said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian.

Internal engagement is central driver for collaboration

Norwegian is providing the aircraft, crew and key employees to UNICEF for this mission.

“Thanks to the fantastic efforts of Norwegian's employees, we can now send a fully loaded plane with medical equipment and other emergency aid to the Horn of Africa. It means a lot to have employees who are such active supporters,” said Camilla Viken, Secretary General of UNICEF Norway.

The collaboration between Norwegian and UNICEF Norway stretches back more than 15 years.

“The partnership with UNICEF is a great source of pride internally at Norwegian. Most importantly, we see that our contributions are having meaningful and immediate results. Through fundraising campaigns by employees, humanitarian campaigns and donations from customers we have contributed to giving children all over the world better living conditions,” said Karlsen.

About the crisis in Ethiopia

RAF to fly joint missions with German Air Force as UK prepares to lead NATO air policing in Estonia

The joint missions are the first of their kind, with the aim of full NATO integrated air policing missions in future.

Royal Air Force and German Air Force Typhoon jets will be flying joint air policing missions in Estonia for the first time, as the UK prepares to lead NATO’s mission in Estonia.

These integrated missions will be the first of their kind, with the eventual aim of carrying out full joint and integrated NATO Air Policing missions in the future.

Around 300 RAF personnel from the 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) will soon be in Estonia, as the RAF prepares to take the lead on the long-established NATO air policing mission from the German Air Force for four months, starting from April.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

"Our RAF personnel in Estonia are undertaking a vital role, ensuring the security of Europe’s skies and bolstering NATO’s presence in eastern Europe.

Joint operations of this kind, demonstrate the strength and unity of the NATO Alliance and our shared resolve to maintain peace and security across the region."

The EAW will be carrying out the long-established NATO Air Policing mission from Estonia. IX (Bomber) Squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth are operating the RAF Typhoons that have deployed from Scotland.

Wing Commander Scott Maccoll, Commanding Officer of 140 EAW said:

"Today marks a great ‘first’ for our two Air Forces. We have been working together for some time and the level of cooperation has now reached a new level. It continues to be an absolute pleasure to work with our German allies on all aspects of our mission - from maintenance and operation of the jets to planning and logistic activities.

I would also like to thank our Estonian hosts; they are vital to what we have achieved here. What better way to demonstrate the strength and unity of the NATO Alliance, than through successful, shared operations such as this?"

To operate successfully side by side, personnel from the two air forces have trained together to understand each other’s processes including maintenance and operating procedures. Both air forces fly the Eurofighter Typhoon, but there are national differences this is the first time a joint detachment will fully integrate all aspects of operations. Jets will now fly together on live NATO controlled intercepts.

The air policing mission is part of the UK’s wider NATO commitment in Estonia, alongside the presence of around a thousand British soldiers as part of NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence.

No El Al pilots want to fly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife to Rome.......

According to Israel's Channel 12 and Walla! news agency the nations leading commercial airline hasn't been able to find a pilot to volunteer to fly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife on an official visit to Rome.

There are a number of protests taking place in Israel against the coalition government of Netanyahu following a  raft of judicial reforms which would halt the courts from overturning any amendments made by the government, ending judicial independence and giving more power to the government for future judge selection.  

Channel 12 and Walla have reported that a deadline of 14:00 local time yesterday for volunteers to fly the Prime minister passed without a single pilot wanting to do the job.  Many others have refused to fly a requested Boeing 777 because of the reforms.

According to local media,  it is not just commercial pilots that are refusing to take to the skies over the reforms.  Haaretz and  Arab media operation Almayadeen have reported that the vast majority of the 40-strong 69th Squadron reservists have said they will not attend training taking place this week.  

Emirates and Philippine Airlines announce interline partnership

                                  Emirates and Philippine Airlines (PAL) have signed an interline agreement to boost connectivity for passengers of both air carriers to new points on each other’s networks via Manila and Dubai, using a single ticket and one baggage policy.

Now in effect, the reciprocal interline partnership provides Emirates’ passengers access to 19 Philippine domestic destinations operated by Philippine Airlines, including Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Cotabato, Davao, Iloilo, Kalibo and more, as well as two Asian regional points via Manila. Philippine Airlines’ passengers also benefit from access to Emirates’ global network and seamlessly connect to 21 cities operated by Emirates beyond Dubai to European destinations such as London, Rome, Frankfurt, Barcelona, Paris and Kuwait, as well as to Jeddah and other points in the Middle East, Africa and India. 

Travel itineraries can be booked on emirates.com, philippineairlines.com, the Emirates and PAL mobile apps, or via both online and offline travel agents.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer commented: “The Philippines is one of our strongest consumer markets and we’re pleased to sign a new interline agreement with the country’s flag carrier. The partnership with Philippine Airlines will help open new links for trade and tourism that will drive more inbound traffic into the market, and expand Emirates’ footprint in East Asia. We look forward to serving our partner airline’s customers with additional travel choices to Emirates destinations across the Middle East, Europe as well as the Americas, and to expanding our cooperation with plans to include additional points via Cebu in the coming months.”

RAF Lossiemouth Poseidons arrive in Sicily for NATO Exercise DYNAMIC MANTA

Royal Air Force Poseidon jets from RAF Lossiemouth have arrived in Sicily to participate in a major NATO training exercise.

Operating from Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily, Exercise DYNAMIC MANTA will see CXX Squadron join aircraft and personnel from 9 allied nations for two weeks of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare training. 

Held yearly, the maritime exercise provides participants with a complex and challenging warfare environment to enhance their interoperability and proficiency in maritime patrol operations.

Squadron Leader Birchall, Detachment Commander CXX Squadron said:  "The high-end training and complex exercise environment offered by Dynamic Manta combined with the opportunity to share best practise with so many other partners and allies is invaluable. Our presence here also demonstrates the UK’s commitment to maritime security and deepening cooperation with our NATO allies.

Eurofighter Typhoon programme progresses

Defence Ministers from participating nations meet in Italy to discuss the pan-Europe Eurofighter Typhoon programme.

From the UK, the Minister for Defence Procurement, Alex Chalk KC, joined the cohort in Milan to discuss on-going cooperation on the programme – a joint venture between UK, Germany, Spain and Italy, under the governance of NATO.

They discussed existing Eurofighter export campaigns and ongoing investment in the aircraft to further increase its military capability in the coming years.

As previously announced, Typhoon fighter jets are to be fitted with the world’s most advanced radar – as part of a £2.35 billion investment and the programme continues to support more than 20,000 jobs throughout the UK.

Showcasing the successes of defence collaboration between allied nations, the Eurofighter Typhoon continues to be a highly capable, combat-proven, air defence and ground attack aircraft with a range of world-beating capabilities.

Minister for Defence Procurement, Alex Chalk KC, said:  "The Eurofighter Typhoon continues to be a world-beating aircraft and that is thanks to the strong and enduring relationship we have with our partners on the programme.

I am reassured by their commitment and look forward to further strengthening those ties in Combat Air Capability."

RAF Chinook conducts airborne gunnery training in Lincolnshire

RAF Chinook conducts airborne gunnery training in Lincolnshire

A Royal Air Force Chinook from RAF Odiham has been conducting live firing training at a range in Lincolnshire.

A Royal Air Force Chinook from RAF Odiham has been conducting live firing training at a range in Lincolnshire.

During the exercise, the Chinook fired twin M134 Miniguns and single M60D General Purpose Machine guns at a mix of purpose-built targets.

The firing is done by the onboard Weapons System Operators, who are required to conduct this training regularly to ensure they maintain their skills and safety qualifications. Firing from a moving helicopter is particularly difficult and the accuracy of the firing was assessed as part of the training. The training includes responses to various threat scenarios, such as self-defence when the aircraft is taking-off and landing.

After completing the daylight firing serials, the aircraft landed at RAF Coningsby to refuel and replenish the ammunition. It then completed the same training at night, with the crew using night vision goggles.

Blue Islands - Freedom to fly 18 & 19 March

Blue Islands, the leading airline of the Channel Islands, has released more details of its first Freedom to fly course to help passengers who are scared of flying shed their fears with ease.

The next date for the course will be 18 and 19 of this month and will be held at Gurnsey Airport, with two further courses in Jersey on 29 & 30 April and 6 & 7 May.

Blue Islands’ two-day Freedom to Fly courses have had great success combining technical insights from our senior Captains, with behavioural change coaching by specialist Mo Bury and culminate in an experience flight around the islands. 

Rob Veron, CEO Blue Islands said, “Freedom to Fly is totally free, and something we’re proud to offer our island community. Travel is essential when living on an island and we want to play our part in making a difference to the lives of our attendees through the opportunities that travel brings. A fear of flying is surprisingly common, and can have a real impact on those who are affected, whether it’s connecting with friends and family, or required for work travel, it’s an essential part of island life.”

Rob added, “We developed our Freedom to Fly course back in 2017 and have continually developed it since; fine-tuning our proven formula to deliver the best possible environment to help participants successfully overcome their fears and enjoy air travel in greater comfort.  Also, to embrace those where new aversions have perhaps developed during the two-year hiatus of the pandemic.”

Airbus wins contract from Angola for Earth observation satellite Angeo-1

Supporting Angola’s strategic space ambitions with the most advanced satellite in its class in the region

As part of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit yesterday, Airbus Defence and Space has announced an agreement for Angeo-1, the first very high-performance Angolan Earth observation satellite, to be manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space in France, which strengthens the collaboration between the two countries.

Jean-Marc Nasr, Head of Space Systems at Airbus said: “Space supports life on Earth. This is why I was honoured to join Presidents João Lourenço and Emmanuel Macron to support Angola’s far-sighted space ambitions. As Angola’s strategic partner for space, Airbus will deliver a latest-generation Earth observation satellite to support social and economic development including a range of strategic activities such as urban planning and management of precious mineral resources.”

Angola has already developed various operational applications using satellite imagery from Airbus Defence and Space, such as land use mapping, agriculture monitoring and maritime surveillance and also operates its own telecommunications satellite (Angosat-2).

Luxair to grow single-aisle fleet with Boeing 737 MAX planes

Luxair has decided to use Boeing 737- MAX jets to expand its single-aisle fleet, the company is to acquire four of the jets, identical to the Ethiopian Airlines and Lion Air planes that crashed killing all onboard in 2019 and 2018.

Luxair will initially lease two 737- MAX 8s that are due for delivery for the summer, ensuring the airline provides its customers with increased capacity and connectivity to more destinations for the busy summer travel season. It has additionally placed a direct order for two 737- MAX 8s.

"Today is a good day for Luxair, our staff and our esteemed clients. Luxair took a large step into the direction of securing its role as the quality airline of Luxembourg and the Greater Region," said Gilles Feith, Luxair CEO. "I want to thank our Board of Directors for this act of trust, our staff members who helped us in the last years, all our valued customers and Cargolux. Today marks just the beginning of the journey of securing the long-term future of Luxair. Much more is yet to come."

IATA challenges the legality of mandatory flight reductions at Schiphol Airport

Photo by Aron Marinelli on Unsplash

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and airlines are mounting a legal challenge to the Dutch government’s sudden decision to reduce Schiphol airport’s capacity. 

Schiphol Airport is already restricted to 500,000 flights annually. The government’s decree would renege on that agreement, reducing Schiphol connectivity to 460,000 flights from November 2023.

IATA and the global airline community believe that this political decision by the Dutch government contravenes EU Regulation 598/2014 on noise-related operating restrictions at EU airports. It also disregards the Chicago Convention, a binding international agreement to which the Netherlands is a signatory. Annex 16 of the Convention contains provisions for The Balanced Approach to Aircraft Noise Management which states are obligated to follow when taking measures to managing the noise impacts of aviation.

Key requirements of EU Regulation 598/2014 and the Balanced Approach are: 

Consultation with affected parties

The use of flight reductions only as a last resort

Balancing the needs and concerns of local residents, the environment and the local economy for aviation’s economic and social benefits.

 The decision to cut capacity at Schiphol fails to meet these requirements because:

No meaningful consultation was undertaken with industry

Flight reductions are being imposed as a first resort, rather than as a last resort

The need to restore the economic damage to the aviation industry of the Netherlands is not being addressed. Pre-pandemic, aviation supported some 330,000 jobs and $30 billion of economic activity in the Netherlands.

“The Netherlands is handicapping its economy by destroying connectivity. And it is doing it in contravention of EU law and its international obligations. The job-destroying hostile approach to aviation that the Dutch government has chosen is a totally disproportionate response to managing noise. The government has even refused to engage in meaningful consultations and made flight reductions the goal, rather than working with industry to meet noise and emissions reduction goals while restoring employment and revitalizing the post-pandemic economy. The dangerous precedent that this illegal approach creates left no choice but to challenge them in court,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

The airline industry continually deploys quieter aircraft, reducing noise levels by 50% in the last decade. The investment in new fleet also plays a significant role in meeting the aviation industry’s commitment to reduce its CO2 emissions to net zero by 2050, as set out in a Resolution at the IATA AGM in 2021. The industry’s robust plan for reducing CO2 includes the uptake of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, of which airlines operating in and to the Netherlands have been among the leading users.