The world's first e-commerce website dedicated to Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing - eVTOL and Drones launched

AirMobility Inc has launched the service of  'AeroMall'  the world's first e-commerce website dedicated to Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing - eVTOL and Drone.

The global eVTOL/Drone aircraft market is expected to reach $30 billion by 2030, and global eVTOL/Drone manufacturers are facing hard competition. The 400 eVTOL/Drone manufacturers worldwide have a strong interest in Japanese parts, which have a proven track record in automotive and aerospace industries, while Japanese parts suppliers are seeking opportunity to enter into this huge market. However, access to Japanese parts suppliers is limited for overseas eVTOL/Drone manufacturers and it is not always easy for Japanese parts manufacturers to contact overseas eVTOL/Drone manufacturers. As such, expectations for a matching service to bring the two together have been growing.

Through the 'AeroMall' overseas eVTOL/Drone manufacturers can search for parts suppliers that develop and manufacture the parts they need and place orders. 'AeroMall' also allows parts suppliers who receive technical inquiries from eVTOL/Drone manufacturers to develop products with bespoke specifications. In addition, 'AeroMall' provides support for secure trade control, insurance, and other services to ensure smooth, safe and reliable business up to the delivery of goods.

Mr Sascha Hardegger, Chief Commercial Officer, Dufour Aerospace said: "Japanese parts manufacturers enjoy a good reputation in the automotive and aerospace industries and have the potential to make a success of the eVTOL/Drone industries. However, it is difficult for eVTOL/Drone manufacturers outside Japan to find good Japanese suppliers. 'AeroMall' will enable us to easily contact good Japanese suppliers. I believe 'AeroMall' will help us accelerate the growth of the industry."

Air Canada Cargo recently completed its first equine transport........

Air Canada Cargo recently completed its first equine transport, and it wasn’t just any horse. This one was destined for a King.   King Charles III, that is.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police gifted the horse, named Noble, to the King ahead of his coronation ceremony in May. Air Canada Cargo made use of its new Equine shipping expertise with its freighter aircraft to transport the Mare from Canada to her new home in royal style.

Accompanied by an equine attendant, this magnificent animal flew in a specifically designed, state-of-the-art stall used by Air Canada Cargo to provide the best level of animal welfare and groom safety possible.

“We are extremely proud to have been able to send Noble to her new home and life with the Royal Family. Air Canada Cargo takes great pride in the safe and humane transport of animals, and our new equine service provides the highest standard of safety and care for these magnificent animals,” said Matthieu Casey, Managing Director, Commercial, for Air Canada Cargo.

"Horses present a unique challenge when travelling by trailer, but that challenge is even more amplified when moving a horse by plane. Add in the fact this was a gift for His Majesty King Charles III and the pressure really ramps up. I’ve been part of a few horse transports via air and this one went off without a hitch thanks to the great work and assistance of Air Canada Cargo. With this being their inaugural equine transport through their specialized service, the experience was all the more impressive in ensuring Noble’s safe and smooth transport to Europe,” said Riding Master, Sergeant Major Scott Williamson, RCMP Musical Ride.

Overseas Horse Services said: We are very excited to have been a part of the team that coordinated the first equine shipment by Air Canada Cargo. We are also incredibly honoured to have been the shipping agent chosen by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to manage the travel of His Majesty King Charles III's horse on a Canadian carrier. We are looking forward to a bright future in international horse transportation with Air Canada Cargo.

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ANA Holdings and IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan sign comprehensive commercial agreement as part of longstanding strategic alliance

ANA HOLDINGS and IHG Hotels & Resorts have signed a comprehensive agreement. The two companies began a strategic alliance in hotel business operations in 2006, developing Japan's first dual-branded hotel by combining the know-how cultivated by the ANA Group and the global brand of IHG Hotels & Resorts. As part of the alliance, a wide range of services are available for ANA Mileage Club members staying at IHG hotels, including special offers on accommodation and restaurants and welcome drink services based on member status.

As demand for flights and hotels are showing signs of recovery, ANA Group and IHG will strengthen collaboration in various fields with a focus on sales and marketing through a new comprehensive agreement that utilizes the ANA Group's airline network and IHG's hotel network. The new programs launching will help raise awareness of the ANA Group’s airline network and the properties of IHG Hotels & Resorts in and out of Japan among not only the members of the loyalty programs, but also non-members, all while enhancing the value of the customer experience.

Both companies will implement joint campaigns throughout the year, including IHG Hotels & Resorts advertisements on ANA flights and at major domestic airports, and offer benefits and promotions for ANA Mileage Club members on the IHG website and mobile app. In addition, to commemorate the agreement, the companies will launch the "IHG ANA Hotels X ANA WOW! Experience Campaign" where customers and guests can win ANA miles or hotel accommodation vouchers.

IHG and AWC extend long-term strategic partnership with second Kimpton signing

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, is proud to announce Kimpton Pattaya, as an exciting extension of its long-standing partnership with Asset World Corp Public Company Limited or AWC in Thailand.

New-build Kimpton Pattaya grows successful collaboration to 1,250 rooms across six properties and three brands

 

The agreement is another major milestone in the relationship between IHG and AWC – renowned as being the Kingdom’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, with a stellar track record in market-leading tourist destinations. This will be their second collaboration for a Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants property in the country.

The strategic partnership between IHG and AWC already includes five outstanding properties: the highly-anticipated 302-room InterContinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping which will open this year: two hotels in Bangkok’s Chinatown – the 332-room InterContinental Bangkok Chinatown and 63-room Vignette Collection Bangkok Chinatown; the 234-room Vignette Collection Pattaya; and 124-room Kimpton Hua Hin.

Rajit Sukumaran, Managing Director, South East Asia and Korea, IHG said: “Our partnership with AWC goes from strength to strength and, thanks to this latest collaboration for Kimpton Pattaya, together we have now signed 1,250 rooms across six fantastic properties in the past three years, in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Pattaya.

“This will be the fifth Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants property signed in Thailand which shows the confidence owners have in the brand. Together with Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, Kimpton Kitalay Samui and the upcoming Kimpton Khao Yai and Kimpton Hua Hin, the brand already has a strong following amongst affluent and discerning travellers.

“I’m delighted that Kimpton Pattaya is joining Vignette Collection Pattaya – also situated in Aquatique Pattaya – and two open hotels – InterContinental Pattaya and Holiday Inn Pattaya – in the district, establishing IHG as a market leader in Pattaya.”

Marriott International signs agreement with Rua Al Madinah to open eight hotels in Saudi Arabia

Marriott International, Inc. announced it has signed an agreement with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company to open eight hotels in the Holy City of Madinah in Saudi Arabia. Located in close proximity to the Prophet’s Mosque, Al Masjid An Nabawi, the planned properties will be part of the Rua Al Madinah Project which aims to elevate the service and travel experience for visitors of Madinah. The anticipated openings will feature approximately 4,400 rooms across eight of the company’s brands – The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft Hotels, and Courtyard by Marriott.

“There is a strong demand for high-quality hotel accommodation in Madinah and we are delighted to work with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company to support the enhancement and diversification of the city’s hospitality landscape,” said Satya Anand, President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “This multi-deal agreement also strengthens our footprint in Saudi Arabia where we continue to see strong growth momentum in line with the Kingdom’s vision for its tourism sector.”

“The agreement with one of the world’s leading hospitality operators brings the Rua Al Madinah project a step closer to realising its ambitions to further enrich Madinah city’s Hajj and Umrah services" commented Eng. Ahmed Al Juhani, CEO of Rua Al Madinah Holding Company. “This collaboration will culminate in the launch of eight new hotels and nearly 4.400 rooms that will serve both residents as well as visitors from around the world looking to visit Madinah.”

Qantas to offer bigger and better inflight meals....

Qantas passengers are travelling across its regional, domestic and international network are in for a bigger and better inflight and lounge dining experience as the airline rolls out a significant menu enhancement program this month.

The additional multi-million dollar investment introduces new dishes and larger portions across all cabins, using high-quality ingredients from premium Australian producers.

It is the single biggest investment in Qantas inflight and lounge dining in a decade and comes as the airline returns to profit and accelerates its customer investment programs. These include a $100 million expansion of domestic and international lounges, progressive renewal of its aircraft and new routes.

These menu changes follow an overhaul of the domestic Economy menu in October 2022, offering more variety and catering to several dietary requirements, including a vegetarian option for all meals.

airBaltic's top destinations in February from Riga were Tenerife, Munich and London

The Latvian national airline airBaltic has reported that its top destinations from Riga in February were Tenerife, Munich, London, and Brussels. 

Recently the government-funded carrier's focus has been on providing passengers with a wide range of travel options to more popular holiday and leisure destinations which has led to an increase in passenger numbers. In addition, flights to Paris, Berlin, Helsinki, and Amsterdam, operated by airBaltic, also ranked among the most favoured routes from Riga in February.

airBaltic provides flights to more than 70 destinations from Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius and Tampere, offering connections to a wide range of destinations in the airline's route network in Europe, Scandinavia, the CIS and the Middle East. A complete schedule of airBaltic flights and tickets are available on the company's homepage at www.airbaltic.com.

airBaltic operates 40 Airbus A220-300 aircraft - formally known as the Bombardier CSeries CS300, its 40th jet arrived earlier this month after a special ceremony in Montreal and is adorned with a special Latvian flag livery.  airBaltic has received numerous international awards for excellence and innovative services. In 2018 and 2019 airBaltic received the ATW Airline Industry Achievement Award as the Market Leader of the Year. In addition, in 2019 airBaltic received Sector Leadership Award by Airline Business.  airBaltic is a joint stock company that was established in 1995. Its primary shareholder is the Latvian state, which holds 97.96% of the stock, while the rest of the shareholders hold 2.04%.

The airline has added Apple Pay to its range of payment options. With this addition, airBaltic continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing customers with a variety of payment options, ensuring that booking a flight is a seamless process.

Regarding the 40th Airbus A220-300s arrival, Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic: “More than six years ago, airBaltic became the global launch operator of the A220-300 aircraft. Over the years, the aircraft type has grown to be the backbone of our operations, and we continue to be a proud ambassadors of it. These years have shown a great collaboration and friendship between us as the national airline of Latvia and our partners in Canada, therefore we are glad to be here today, celebrating this aircraft and all the work we have done together. It is an incredible pride and honour to have this aircraft be a part of our growing fleet of A220-300s.”

Rob Dewar, Senior Vice President, Customer Satisfaction, Services, and A220 Product Policy at Airbus Canada: "The unveiling of airBaltic's 40th A220-300, which will be proudly flying in the colours of the Latvian flag, is an important moment for us all at Airbus Canada. This aircraft symbolises a long-standing collaboration and continued partnership with airBaltic as we are pursuing our shared journey to bring passengers the most sustainable and comfortable flying experience. The A220 has reached over 1 million flight hours and connected more than 70 million passengers thus far.”

Air Canada signs up to promote the French language over English

Air Canada Registers With the Office québécois de la langue française

Air Canada has announced its voluntary registration with the Office québécois de la langue française pursuant to the Charter of the French language, following several months of discussions with the Office.

As Canada's largest air carrier, Air Canada is proud of its commitment to the French language in Quebec and across its global network. The additional step the airline is taking today reflects its aim to contribute to the protection, promotion and reach of the French language while complying with the Official Languages Act that applies to the carrier.

Cirium launches the first airline routes tool based on satellite-based flight tracking

In an industry first, the Airline Routes tool analyzes an airline’s routes using satellite-based flight tracking data to identify actual flights flown by aircraft type.

Businesses can identify aircraft demand and where airlines are growing or reducing their network to factor development opportunities or risks into decision-making.

Cirium, the aviation analytics leader, has launched the aviation industry’s first Airline Routes tool to identify actual flights flown by aircraft type.

It uses applied analytics to derive routes flown by airlines based on satellite-based flight tracking and fuses this with advanced fleet data.

The new premium Routes tool is part of Ascend Profiles, a visual descriptive analytics tool which enables businesses to quickly view aircraft intelligence by airline or lessor.

Businesses such as aircraft lessors, banks or aircraft manufacturers are empowered to identify the aircraft flown by route for 1,700 airlines and factor development opportunities or risk into their decision making.

By leveraging satellite-based flight tracking data the tool identifies what routes and aircraft airlines actually flew rather than what they planned to fly providing the most accurate flight completion picture.

Kevin Hightower, Cirium VP of Product said: “The Airline Routes tool is the first of its kind to bring together such advanced data – the satellite-based flight tracking and the comprehensive fleet data – meaning businesses can conduct quick yet accurate due diligence on an airline portfolio.

Samarkand International Airport celebrates first anniversary of terminal opening

The Republic of Uzbekistan's Samarkand International Airport has celebrated the first anniversary of its terminal opening. Operated by Air Marakanda in partnership with Uzbekistan Airports, the first public-private partnership in the history of Uzbekistan aviation is now looking ahead to welcoming more airlines and expanding its international route connections.

Equipped with the latest technology and services for customer comfort and security, including e-Gates and self-check-in services, the airport has been recognised by SkyTrax as one of the top ten airports in Central Asia and has joined the Airports Council International (ACI Europe). Samarkand has also recently welcomed Kuwait's Jazeera Airways for the first time, connecting Uzbekistan with Kuwait City and the wider Gulf region, and has now restarted twice weekly flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, by Kazakhstani carrier FlyArystan. Samarkand will also soon welcome first flights from Russia's low-cost Pobeda Airline while other international airlines already flying to the airport include Turkish Airlines, Air Dubai, Azerbaijan Airways, and Wizz Air (Hungary).

easyJet to launch new routes from Belfast City to Manchester and London Luton

easyJet is expanding operations from Northern Ireland by introducing new routes from Belfast City and adding more seats.  easyJet has added 140,000 additional seats on routes from Belfast International and Belfast City to London Gatwick, London Luton, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Manchester

The additional seats provide customers in Northern Ireland with even more choice and direct convenient connections, whether they are flying for pleasure or business. Customers planning their Easter and summer getaways or business trips can now book great value fares from Belfast International starting from just £23.99* to London Luton and Glasgow and £22.99* to Manchester.

Brand new routes from Belfast City to London Luton and Manchester are now on sale

The airline has also announced two new year-round domestic routes from Belfast City to London Luton and Manchester, which will take off for the first time in June. Belfast to Manchester, which was previously served by Flybe, and London Luton will help maintain connectivity between the regions. This means the airline now operates six routes from Belfast City to Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool, and London Gatwick, and now London Luton and Manchester. easyJet has rapidly expanded its offering at the city airport over the last two years since relaunching operations from Belfast City for the first time in over 10 years in 2021 with a route to London Gatwick.

Fights to London Luton and Manchester will take off for the first time on 26 June 2023, with departures on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays throughout the year.

WestJet Cargo receives approval on behalf of Transport Canada certifying its 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters

Approval signals bright future for WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group as dedicated freighters prepare for takeoff with first departure set for April 22, 2023

WestJet Cargo today announced that it has received Transport Canada's approval and official certification of its four 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF). Following certification, WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group will expeditiously implement three freighters into service, as dedicated aircraft that will fulfill the large-scale needs of businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers across North America. The fourth of WestJet Cargo's dedicated freighters is expected to join the accompanying fleet later this year, following the completion of its conversion.

"Today is a long-awaited milestone for WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group, that will now enable us to disrupt the air cargo industry in Canada by providing our customers with more choice, competitive prices and the exemplary customer service synonymous with the WestJet brand, but unique to the air cargo industry," said Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Cargo. "We thank Transport Canada for its dedication to certifying these aircraft, which will serve to better support Canada's national transportation supply chain through increased competition and capacity within Canada's air cargo market."

Seamlessly integrating into WestJet Cargo's existing operations and operated by WestJet's highly skilled 737 pilots, the dedicated freighters will initially focus service within North America, serving Calgary, Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Miami. Leveraging its quick to load and fly narrow body aircraft, the 737-800 equipped with CFM56-7B engines will enable WestJet Cargo to offer greater fuel efficiency, flexibility and frequency for its customers, beginning April 22, 2023.

WestJet Cargo's dedicated freighter routes will further connect to the bellies of WestJet's fleet, serving to accommodate the diverse needs of cargo customers in leveraging the airline's expansive network.

Finnair buys sustainable aviation fuel for use at Helsinki

Europe's leading outsourced airline, Finnair has purchased 750 tonnes of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel to help it try and reduce carbon emissions from flights; a small proportion of each flight ticket is used for sustainable aviation fuel

The airline says it is increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuel as part of its goal to reduce carbon emissions from flying. The sustainable aviation fuel it purchased from Neste will be available for use on flights from the airline's base of Helsinki Airport. 

Finnair aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, and sustainable aviation fuel is one of the most essential tools for reducing air travel emissions in the coming years. Using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%* over the fuel’s life cycle compared to using fossil jet fuel. The fuel volume now purchased is Finnair's largest single batch of sustainable aviation fuel purchased to date. The SAF will be delivered by Neste to Helsinki Airport in early 2023. The 750 tonnes of SAF corresponds to approximately 400 flights between Helsinki and Stockholm using unblended, 100% SAF.  

"Finnair celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and reducing emissions from flying is essential to a sustainable future. In the coming years, sustainable aviation fuel will be one of the most important tools for reducing aviation-related emissions. We also involve our customers in this, and a small part of every flight ticket sold goes to the cost of sustainable aviation fuel," says Eveliina Huurre, Finnair's SVP, Sustainability. "In addition, customers can reduce the emissions of flying by using our carbon offsetting service, which combines SAF purchases and certified offsetting projects."   

Ethiopian Airlines to start direct flight to Karachi

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest network operating carrier in Africa, has finalized preparations to launch direct flights to Karachi, Pakistan as of 01 May 2023. Ethiopian first served Karachi from July 1966 to December 1971, and resumed the service from June 1993 until July 2004.

Commenting on the resumption of services to Karachi, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr Mesfin Tasew said, “We are excited to return to Karachi nearly two decades after we last served the city. As the most populous city in Pakistan, Karachi will be a crucial gateway to Pakistan and the wider South Asia region. As the only flight connecting Pakistan with Africa, the planned service to Karachi will have a significant contribution in strengthening the diplomatic and economic relations between the two regions. It will also offer convenient air connectivity to the growing number of Pakistani investors in Africa as well as tourists.”

Karachi will be the 37th destination of Ethiopian Airlines in Asia. Currently, Ethiopian is serving more than 145 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations.

Ethiopian Airlines is the fastest growing Airline in Africa. In its seventy-six-plus years of operation, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. In addition to its main hub in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, it is also pursuing its multi-hub strategy through a hub in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the Pan African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 145 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and Bombardier Dash 8-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of seven years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate most of these aircraft. Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation group in the world by providing safe, secured, market driven and customer focused Passenger and Cargo Transport and Logistics Services, Aviation Training, Airport Management and Ground Services, MRO and Aerospace Manufacturing and Travel and Tourism Services.

Flight number	Frequency	Departure Airport	Departure Time	Arrival Airport	Arrival Time
ET  0694	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun	ADD	21:45	KHI	05:05
ET  0695	Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat	KHI	05:55	ADD	08:55

Aer Lingus Regional to commence new services to Liverpool and the Northwest of France to Brest, Brittany, from Dublin

Emerald Airlines, the exclusive operator of Aer Lingus Regional services is soon to be commencing a year-round service from Dublin to Liverpool and a Summer service to Brest, Brittany (France).  

Commenting on the announcement, Ciarán Smith, Head of Commercial at Emerald Airlines said: “Today’s announcement comes just in time for those planning their Summer trips away. For customers looking for convenient travel options to and from Liverpool, or a direct, seamless route to the Northwest of France, Brest, we are happy to be providing you with more choice when planning your travels.”  

With more flights and more choice for the travelling public, the airline is progressively bolstering its 2023 schedule, with over 2.5 million seats on sale, across 30 routes and 20 destinations in Ireland, UK, and Channel Islands. 

Claude Arphexad, Director at Brest Airport said: “We are very happy to welcome the Emerald company to Brest airport and very proud to be their first destination in France. Dublin was a highly anticipated destination; we are delighted to be able to offer it to Bretons this summer.”

 

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