Brussels Airlines expands summer programme......

Brussels Airlines is expanding its summer 2023 schedule which runs from this weekend until 28th October 2023.

 

As part of the expansion, the carrier has agreed on a wet-lease agreement with CityJet for the new summer season for two CRJ-900 aircraft. 

"This cooperation allows us to grow our fleet in a flexible manner and increase our European offer," said Jan Derycke, Head of Network Strategy & Planning at Brussels Airlines. On top of the cooperation with CityJet, two additional Airbus A320s will join the airline’s fleet. This will see Brussels Airlines' European operations grow by 10% this summer.

The CRJ-900s will seat 88 passengers and will operate daily flights to European destinations, including Bordeaux, Milan, Lyon, Geneva and Vienna.

​Jan Derycke, Head of Network Strategy and Planning, Brussels Airlines said: "In addition, we can add Billund to our network and increase frequency to and from Copenhagen and Berlin. We will also be able to serve regional (business) routes such as Hamburg and Birmingham even more. In total, we will serve nine destinations in cooperation with CityJet. Thanks to this wet-lease agreement, a smooth and broad connection with Brussels Airlines' intercontinental network will be created during the summer season."

The agreement with CityJet, one of Lufthansa Group's trusted wet-lease partners, was signed at the end of January.

"At CityJet, we are looking forward to working with Brussels Airlines in growing its network and delivering excellent service to its passengers throughout this summer season."

​Cathal O’Connell, Chief Commercial Officer, CityJet

Ten percent extra European flights

​All in all, Brussels Airlines' European operations are up by ten per cent this summer season. This is due not only to the cooperation with CityJet, but also to the arrival of two additional Airbus A320s. These aircraft will join the fleet permanently and will be deployed across the entire medium-haul network, with a focus on new leisure destinations such as Djerba and Monastir.

Derycke said: "In total, our fleet now grows to 36 medium-haul and 9 long-haul aircraft. With this fleet and network expansion, Brussels Airlines is achieving its targeted growth three years ahead of schedule."

2070: The future travel report from easyJet

From the airport to the beach - easyJet’s ‘The Future Travel Report’ predicts changes to how we will travel in 50 years' time

Europe’s leading futurists and experts from the worlds of aerospace, innovation and engineering have come together for the first time to create a mind-blowing version of how we will travel in 50 years’ time

easyJet 2070: The Future Travel Report is co-authored by Professor Birgitte Andersen, Professor Graham Braithwaite, Dr Patrick Dixon, Nikhil Sachdeva, futurist Shivvy Jervis and design scientist Dr Melissa Sterry

Biomimetic sensory plane seats, optoelectronic inflight entertainment beamed directly to passenger’s eyes and digital personal holiday concierges will be the norm by 2070

Three quarters (75%) of Brits say that these technological advances would make them more likely to go on holiday in the future, with heartbeat passports, time travelling holiday experiences, and 3D printed hotel buffet food among the expert predictions that Brits would most like to see become reality 

Predictions have been brought to life by renowned science presenter, Dallas Campbell

Foreword

I have spent all my working life in the travel business, from my beginnings as a tour guide in the mid-1980s to the CEO of one of the largest and most innovative airlines in the world. From an insider’s position, I have witnessed how much holidays and travel have changed - particularly when our own airline easyJet famously challenged the status quo for air travel nearly 30 years ago, ending an era of holidaying abroad being a preserve of the rich, and making flying affordable and accessible to all.

Innovation is in our DNA and we’re always challenging ourselves to think big and look at how we can make travel even easier for people all across Europe, both today and for generations

to come.

So, we’ve commissioned a panel of experts – academics, futurologists, and business advisors – to develop ideas and make predictions about how travel might look in fifty years’ time, from choosing and booking your holiday to how the airport and flight experience may be transformed, and also looking at the accommodation people might stay in and the activities they could enjoy from travel in the 2070s. From biometric heartbeat passports, to ‘time-travelling’ holiday experiences in haptic body suits, holidays in 2070 are likely to be very different and therefore very exciting indeed.

One thing is for sure, the future of travel is bright. As the experts who compiled this report will show, the rapid advancement of new technology will be the driver for the next generation of travel over the next half-century. In our early years, easyJet pioneered the use of direct booking via the internet for our customers, launching our first website in 1998, and today, we’re working with industry leaders on hydrogen technology for zero-carbon emission aircraft that will transform the way we fly in the coming years.

Having seen such rapid progress over the last few years and given our history of innovation,  I am incredibly excited for the industry’s potential to revolutionise air travel whether that be making possible a future in which your heartbeat will become your passport, enabling the seats on your flight to adapt to your biology for ultimate comfort or smart hotels allowing us to configure our accommodation and meals to perfectly suit our tastes. My thanks to Professor Birgitte Andersen, Shivvy Jervis, Dr Patrick Dixon, Professor Graham Braithwaite, Dr Melissa Sterry and the team at Roland Berger who contributed to this report, and of course Dallas Campbell for helping to bring these exciting predictions to life. 

Johan Lundgren, CEO easyJet 

More of the report below.....

Lynx Air Expands Services from Hamilton and Kelowna

Canadian low-cost airline Lynx Air will launch two new routes from Hamilton to Vancouver and from Toronto to Kelowna, the firm confirmed this week. 

The airline will offer seasonal summer services between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Kelowna International Airport (YLW) starting April 13, 2023, and between Hamilton’s John C. Munroe International Airport (YHM) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) starting April 16, 2023. Both services will operate as “through flights” via Calgary International Airport (YYC), providing a seamless service with a single boarding pass and the ability to check bags through to the final destination.

Tickets go on sale today, and the fares are truly ultra-affordable, starting from $89* one way between Hamilton and Vancouver and $85* one way between Toronto and Kelowna, including taxes and fees. To celebrate, the airline has launched a limited-time seat sale, offering up to 50 per cent off all base fares on all Hamilton and Kelowna routes. The sale will run from March 23, 2023, ending at 11:59 PM EDT on March 25, 2023, and can be accessed with the promo code: FLYSUMMER. For complete details and to book an ultra-affordable fare, visit FlyLynx.com.

“As Canadians look to book their Summer vacation, we are excited to offer more ultra-affordable links between the communities of Kelowna, Toronto, Hamilton and Vancouver,” said Merren McArthur, CEO of Lynx. “We know the airline industry has had some challenges over the last 12 months and we want to assure Canadians that they can book with confidence on Lynx. I am proud to say that since our launch in April 2022, Lynx has had the lowest cancellation rate in Canada. Whether you are flying to visit loved ones or for a well-earned vacation, Lynx Air will provide a great flying experience at an ultra-affordable price.”

Airbus Final Assembly Line in China delivers its first A321neo

Airbus Final Assembly Line in China delivers its first A321neo

An A321neo aircraft to China’s Juneyao Air

Flight operated with Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Airbus has delivered the first A321neo aircraft assembled at its Final Assembly Line Asia (FAL Tianjin) to China’s Juneyao Air in Tianjin, China. The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF  engines and features 207 comfortable seats, 8 in Business and 199 in Economy class. Its delivery flight is to use a ten percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel blend in support of the green aviation strategy in China.

  

“Since we announced the commissioning of the first A321 aircraft at FAL Tianjin last November, the relevant final assembly activities and tests went on smoothly, showcasing the maturity of FAL Tianjin to quickly adapt to new products,” said George Xu, Airbus Executive Vice President and Airbus China CEO. “The successful delivery of the first A321 aircraft enables Airbus to honour the popularity of the aircraft for the China market and beyond - and the consistent trust and support from our customers. Airbus continues to expand and enhance its comprehensive cooperation with China’s aviation industry, underlining its long-term commitment to China to ensure customer proximity while supporting the global commercial aircraft production ramp-up.”

Airbus has four A320 Family final assembly facilities around the world: Hamburg, Germany; Toulouse, France; Tianjin, China; and Mobile, United States. With the conversion of the Tianjin facility last year, and with the newest facility about to complete its transformation in Toulouse, the global industrial system will be fully A321-capable, creating flexibility and agility to meet Airbus’ ramp up objectives and the rising market success of the A321 model.

Inaugurated in 2008, the FAL in Tianjin was the first Airbus commercial aircraft assembly line outside Europe. In the same year, the first aircraft sections arrived on site. Since its first A320 delivery in 2009, Airbus’ FAL in Tianjin has delivered more than 600 aircraft over its 14 years in operation. The A321neo is the longest-fuselage member of Airbus’ best-selling, single-aisle A320 Family, comfortably seating as many as 244 passengers, with a longest range reaching 4,700nm/8,700km. Featuring the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky, the A320neo Family offers at least  20 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO 2 as well as a 50 percent noise reduction compared to previous generation aircraft, thanks to incorporating the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets. By the end of January 2023, the A320neo Family had received over 8,600 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide.

Photo: Airbus has delivered the first A321neo aircraft assembled at its Final Assembly Line Asia (FAL Tianjin) to China's Juneyao Air.

 

New Paris service opens up the world for East Midlands Airport customers

A new daily flight launching on 14 April between East Midlands Airport (EMA) and Paris Orly will provide seamless onward travel to destinations served by Air France via Paris’s second-largest airport.

From 4 April, passengers can book onward Air France connections to destinations across the Air France network including Africa, South America and the Caribbean starting the first leg of their journey from East Midlands Airport. The new flight will also be ideal for visiting Paris and offers easy direct shuttle bus access to Disneyland Paris which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The timings of the flight means that a day trip to Paris is doable.

The daily services to Paris-Orly will be operated by Eastern Airways, who have also launched the new EMA to Newquay route. The onward travel from Paris Orly is thanks to an agreement between Eastern Airways and Air France, the National flag carrier for France.

Securing a regular service to a major European Hub airport has been a goal for East Midlands Airport as it significantly expands the list of destinations available to customers of EMA.

Paris Orly is the second largest airport in the French capital and was used by more than 29 million passengers last year. It serves as a secondary hub for domestic and overseas territories flights of Air France and as the home base for Transavia France. Flights from the airport operator to destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean and North America.

Steve Griffiths, Managing Director at East-Midlands Airport, added:  “Today’s news is a very significant development for East Midlands Airport (EMA) and the region we serve. This partnership with Eastern Airways and Air France opens up the world to our passengers bringing global destinations such as Africa, the Caribbean and South America within one-stop of EMA. Ongoing connectivity via a major European hub has been a strategic aim of this airport for some time and I’m thrilled that this opportunity has arisen. While the majority of our passengers use EMA to easily reach their favourite European holiday destinations, this latest development now means that EMA is the starting point for travel to destinations much further afield.”

Dorothea von Boxberg is set to become the new CEO of Brussels Airlines.

Subject to the pending resolution by the Board of Directors of SN Airholding, Dorothea von Boxberg, who is currently Chairperson of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Cargo AG, will take over in Belgium as of 15 April, 2023. Next to her role as CEO of Brussels Airlines, she will also take on the function of "Representative of the Executive Board to the European Commission."

​Christina Foerster, Member of the Executive Board of the Lufthansa Group and Chair of the Board of Directors of SN Airholding said: "I am very pleased that Dorothea von Boxberg, an experienced and skilled airline manager from within Lufthansa Group, is assuming the leadership position at Brussels Airlines. With her extensive knowledge and broad understanding of cargo and passenger airlines, she will continue to drive the successful transformation of Brussels Airlines, Belgium's national airline in the coming years."

The long-term successor for Dorothea von Boxberg at Lufthansa Cargo is to be announced as soon as possible.

Dorothea von Boxberg (1974) began her professional career in 1999 at the Boston Consulting Group. In 2007, Dorothea von Boxberg moved to the Lufthansa Group, where she has held various management positions. From 2012, she was responsible for Customer Experience Design at Lufthansa Airline. During this time, she and her team introduced a new generation of Business Class seats. In 2015, Dorothea von Boxberg moved to Lufthansa Cargo AG and headed the Global Sales Management department. In 2018, she was appointed to the Executive Board of Lufthansa Cargo AG. Initially, she was responsible for global sales, network planning, product management and product development, and since 2021 she has led Lufthansa Cargo AG as Chairperson of the Executive Board.

IATA and AWS launch first Datathon to boost diversity in aviation

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) is launching a virtual datathon to stimulate the development of data-based solutions to further the aviation industry’s gender diversity. The datathon builds on the success of IATA’s 25by2025 initiative.

“The launch of the 25by2025 initiative in 2019 prompted the industry to take a closer look at the gender diversity of its workforce and take actions to make sure it is reflective of the societies it serves. The IATA & AWS diversity datathon is intended to further strengthen gender diversity in the industry, which complements the existing IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards,” said Jane Hoskisson, IATA’s Director Talent, Learning, Engagement and Diversity at IATA.

“We are thrilled to be working with IATA on the virtual datathon, and it is brilliant to see the aviation sector working together to strengthen gender diversity within the industry in this way. Initiatives like this are instrumental in fostering diversity and inclusion globally and will help us all amplify underrepresented voices and empower diverse communities,” said Charlene-Elise Anderson, Leader of Intergovernmental Organizations, AWS.

Datathon participants will be asked to address one of two challenges:

How to demonstrate to a CEO the impact of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion using data and/ or new technologies?

How can airlines redress the gender balance on the flight deck and other technical roles through data and/ or new technologies?

Who can participate:

AECOM awarded project management consultancy services contract for Saudi Arabia’s NEOM International Airport

AECOM to provide project management for master planning, design and construction services for the new NEOM International Airport

AECOM the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, announced that it has been awarded a multi-year contract to provide project management consultancy (PMC) services for NEOM International Airport (NIA), in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia.

AECOM’s scope will include project management for master planning, design and construction services, through to testing, commissioning, operational readiness, activation and transition (ORAT).

“We are very pleased to be part of this innovative NEOM project, which is set to transform travel between NEOM and the world,” said Lara Poloni, AECOM’s president. “Our track record delivering large-scale infrastructure projects in the region, as well as our mobilized global aviation resources and project management experts will help ensure the successful delivery of NIA.”

“We are delighted that AECOM will be adding another chapter to its relationship with NEOM,” said Hamed Zaghw, chief executive of AECOM’s Middle East and Africa region. “This contract is a testament to our leadership position in the region and to our continuous commitment to NEOM and the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”

Japan Airlines announces firm order for 21 Boeing 737- MAX - 8 aircraft

Japan Airlines has agreed on a new deal for 21 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft as part of a fleet renewal programme. 

Yuji Akasaka, president of Japan Airlines deliberately tried to obfuscate the public knowledge of the actual aircraft ordered by using the aircraft's technical type of 737-8 in statements and not the more widely known 737 MAX 8 name.  The aircraft ordered are identical to the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines aircraft that crashed killing all onboard due to the flawed aerodynamics and safety software 

Yuji Akasaka said:  "We are delighted to select the Boeing 737-8, a member of the very latest 737 MAX family, to replace our Boeing 737-800s, which make up the largest proportion of the JAL Group's fleet. We look forward to carrying our passengers in the utmost safety and comfort and to moving closer to our 2050 carbon-neutral goals, thanks to a combination of these super-efficient aircraft, operational innovations and new fuel-saving technologies."

New Condor A330neo takes off from Frankfurt for the first time

This week the Condor A330neo with the registration D-ANRE took off for the first time with guests on board. On the way from Frankfurt to the Maldives, guests will enjoy the new Condor product of the fourth new long-haul aircraft. 

The aircraft was transferred from the Airbus site in Toulouse to Frankfurt in the middle of last week. Since then, the final work on the aircraft and the required aeronautical inspections have been carried out. With the transfer of the A330neo to its own AOC, the first passenger flight could take place today.

Condor expects to take delivery of a total of 18 factory-new long-haul aircraft, which will completely replace the current B767 fleet by 2024 as part of the overall long-haul fleet renewal program. This year, Germany's most popular vacation carrier is expecting one new aircraft a month. The 2-liter aircraft boasts state-of-the-art engines from Rolls Royce and special aerodynamics. Thanks to the latest technology, these are particularly efficient and can run on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), resulting in 20 percent lower CO2 emissions with significant fuel savings. Condor thus inextricably links vacation and responsible travel.

All information on the new aircraft can be found at https://condor-a330neo.com/en-gb.

Emirates expands flight training academy’s aircraft fleet

Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) continues to live up to its promise of offering cutting-edge tech and state-of-the-art aircraft to train pilots of the future and help close the industry’s skills gap. The Academy is now bolstering its current fleet with an order for three twin-engine DA42-VI and its corresponding flight simulator from Diamond Aircraft Industries – a leading manufacturer of aircraft in general aviation, based in Austria. The total deal is worth EUR 4 million in list prices.

The AUSTRO jet-fuel-powered DA42-VI aircraft is slated to be the flagship that ushers in multi-engine piston (MEP) training at EFTA.

Capt Abdulla Al Hammadi, Vice President Emirates Flight Training Academy, said: “Our new fleet from Diamond Aircraft is part of our larger strategic intent for our cadet programme. It helps us design a bridging MEP programme for cadets to gain more flying experience while progressing from a single engine to a light jet aircraft. It strengthens our offering and makes it more unique, rounded and robust. Our cadets will benefit hugely as they gain experience on three different types of aircraft, even before they’re licensed. The new fleet also helps us go above and beyond on complying with the new GCAA guidelines. The DA42-VI is reliable, eco-friendly and a practical platform for MEP training. We’re confident we’ve made the right choice.”

“We are thrilled that our DA42-VI is the choice for Emirates’ flight training. This, once again, solidifies the aircraft’s position as the industry-leading multi-engine piston trainer,” said Liqun (Frank) Zhang, CEO Diamond Aircraft Austria. “With Emirates we are adding another premier flight academy to our long list of renowned training operators and are looking forward to support them with the most advanced and eco-friendly aircraft available on the market today.”

Paris flights launched by Eastern Airways in cooperation with Air France

New Paris flights launched by Eastern Airways in cooperation with Air France

Eastern Airways have announced a new cooperation with Air France and the launch of 3 new UK to Paris services to commence in April 2023. Daily services between East Midlands, Cardiff and Southampton airports will take flight to Paris Orly.

The East Midlands and Southampton daily services commence on Friday 14th April, with Cardiff from 21st April, offering a year-round travel to the capital city plus onward Air France connections. This also sees Eastern Airways return to East Midlands as a base carrier adding around 25 crew and engineering roles.

“We are delighted to be entering into this cooperation with Air France and opening up connectivity to Europe’s second biggest city for both business and leisure travellers and restoring direct access year-round to France.” says Roger Hage, Commercial Director of Eastern Airways.

 “These first three new UK-France services from East-Midlands, Southampton and Cardiff will initiate the new Eastern Airways and Air France cooperation, developing into a codeshare partnership in the course of this year. Each ensures a sustainable capacity development whereby not only direct access to Paris is offered, but onward connections to a myriad of destinations allowing business users much improved options but also an exciting and ever popular leisure offer, including Disneyland Paris celebrating its 30th anniversary this year to add to the Parisian charm the City is famous for”

The new Paris Orly service will be available with fares from £69.99 each-way including taxes and charges, operating on a low-emission 72-seat ATR aircraft, the first to be based at East-Midlands Airport for Eastern Airways. This will complement the Newquay-Cornwall service which launches on Friday 31st March and will act as a catalyst to further new services from the East Midlands hub. Air France will sell seats via an interline agreement developing into full codeshare with Eastern Airways by the end of the year.

Travelport launches Smartpoint Cloud.....

Latest launch to provide agents a more efficient way to sell and service travel, personalizing agent workflows and increasing revenue

Boosted sales, more exposure to top products, and increased upsells are just a few of the benefits suppliers can expect from Smartpoint Cloud

Committed to giving customers access to the content they need, Travelport becomes the first GDS to offer a complete solution for American Airlines' NDC content, well ahead of April launch

Travelport, a global technology company that powers travel bookings for hundreds of thousands of travel suppliers worldwide, today announced the launch of Smartpoint Cloud on Travelport+. As the only modern retailing platform built for agencies, Travelport+ will now deliver a more intuitive and efficient way for travel agents to sell and service travel, all while increasing sales of higher-value services for suppliers. Through Smartpoint Cloud, agents will be able to easily search, filter, find and create tailored packages to suit every customer type, including fully customizable hotel and flight search options and NDC offers.

"Travel agents are the true retailers of our industry, and launching Smartpoint Cloud on Travelport+ will help our partners to deliver more value to both their clients and suppliers," said Tom Kershaw, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Travelport. "Like any good tech innovation, these tools are simple to use and tackle key challenges faced by the travel advisor community. Smartpoint Cloud will further personalize agent workflows, help drive more revenue, and most importantly, impress customers."

Delta expands service to the Caribbean, Latin America and Mexico....

U.S. customers seeking a warm getaway during the holidays are in luck: Delta is adding seasonal routes from its Atlanta, New York-JFK, Detroit and Minneapolis hubs to several tropical destinations.

With over 20% more seats vs. the 2022 holiday season, Delta’s holiday 2023 Latin America schedule will be the largest in its history, with expanded service across Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. This growth comes as Delta works toward full restoration of its network after operating at 85% overall capacity in 2022, with a key focus on its U.S. hubs. 

New Yorkers can take advantage of more flights bound for the top three Latin American markets from JFK: San Juan (SJU), Santo Domingo (SDQ), and Santiago (STI)*. With these added routes, Delta will operate over 30 peak-day flights to 19 Latin America destinations from JFK.

American Express reveals 2023 Top Travel Trends

American Express Travel released its 2023 Global Travel Trends Report today, highlighting four global trends inspiring people to travel this year:

The Rise of “Set-Jetting”: Popular movies, TV shows and social media are inspiring people to travel to places they see onscreen, like Italy, Paris, Yellowstone, and London

Delicious Destinations: From top restaurants to local favourites to cooking classes, people are choosing their next destination based on what they’ll eat

A Wellness Wave: Restorative vacations are on the rise as travellers prioritize self-care and mental and physical health

Travelling Off the Beaten Path: Travelers want to discover hidden gems and support the local community when they visit

The report, based on survey data from travellers from the United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India and the United Kingdom, found that more than half (52%) of respondents say they plan to take more trips this year than last year and 50% of respondents are planning to spend more money on travel in 2023 than 2022. 84% of Gen Z and Millennials surveyed would rather take a dream vacation than purchase a new luxury item, and 79% agree that travel is an important budget priority.

“Vacations are precious, and travellers are prioritizing personalized itineraries built around their passions, from planning an entire vacation for a single dinner reservation to getting the perfect video for TikTok,” says Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel. “No matter what the inspiration is, American Express Travel Consultants have the expertise to help every type of traveller plan all types of trips.”

Top insights from American Express Travel’s 2023 Global Travel Trends Report include: