Eurofighter to secure 26,000 jobs in Spain until 2060

Eurofighter to secure 26,000 jobs in Spain until 2060

To contribute nearly €1.7 billion to Spanish GDP and to create almost 700 jobs in Spain per year.

Main beneficiaries in the Community of Madrid, Basque Country, Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia

The Eurofighter programme will cumulatively secure 26,000 jobs in Spain until 2060, according to a recent study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) on the economic impact of the ‘Halcon’ and ‘Quadriga’ contracts for the country.

The study, which was funded by Airbus, together with the technical support of ITP Aero, and performed independently by PWC over a period of six months until March 2023, estimates that, during its life cycle, the manufacturing phase (2020-2030) and maintenance phase (2023-2060) of the Halcon and Quadriga programmes  will create on average 657 jobs - direct, indirect and induced - per year, reaching a total of 26,000 positions by 2060. This equates to a total annual employment impact of 2.7% direct jobs in the Spanish aerospace sector.

Both Eurofighter Tranche 4 contracts are expected to contribute nearly €1.7 billion to Spanish GDP, with the manufacturing and maintenance of Halcon generating approximately €1.5 billion and the production of Quadriga making up the remaining €200 million.

The employment and economic contribution during both phases will generate a total tax collection of €430 million, from which €151 million will be direct contribution. Furthermore, for every euro collected directly, €2.8 of total tax revenue will be generated in the Spanish economy.

Signed in June 2022, the Halcon contract consists of the acquisition of 20 latest-generation Eurofighter jets to replace the ageing F-18 fleet operated by the Spanish Air Force on the Canary Islands. 

SAS files monthly operating reports with U.S. court and announces certain financial information for the Group

As part of its voluntary chapter 11 process in the U.S. SAS is required to release monthly reports containing certain financial information for the period of November 1, 2022, to February 28, 2023.

In connection with these Court filings, SAS announces the following information.  

Financial Information, SAS Group million SEK (million USD)1)

November 1, 2022 – February 28, 2023

Revenue 10,372 (998)

Net income for the period -3,601 (-347)

As of February 28, 2023

Total assets 55,472 (5,339)

Total liabilities 58,858 (5,665)

Cash and cash equivalents 5,311 (511)

1) Amounts in SEK have been recalculated to USD based on the Swedish Riksbank’s SEK/USD exchange rate of 10.3904 as of February 28, 2023.

Delta Cargo unveils largest cooler facility at New York-JFK

From pharmaceuticals to flowers, perishable goods flying in and out of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport will now receive even higher-touch handling with the unveiling of Delta Cargo’s newest cooler.  

The new, state-of-the-art facility is the largest of its kind at JFK and offers an upgraded experience for customers with cargo that requires specialized handling for temperature-sensitive goods being shipped around the globe.  

“This is just one of the significant investments Delta is making to innovate and expand our service offerings to our Cargo customers,” said Rob Walpole, Vice President – Delta Cargo. “By expanding our cold chain footprint and leveraging our extensive partner and route network at JFK, we are offering an unparalleled set of options for our customers looking to move temperature-sensitive shipments through the Northeast corridor.” 

The JFK cooler will serve as the premier cold chain facility for pharmaceutical and healthcare products, while also enabling perishable cargo shipping of produce and fresh goods. The cooler boasts expert temperature monitoring, enhanced control and oversight, and specially trained and certified staff to ensure precise handling and integrity of the cold chain.   

A marquee investment for Delta Cargo, the cooler was strategically built into the JFK infrastructure to streamline time in transit. Customers will also benefit from the hub’s unparalleled global access and connectivity. Delta is JFK’s largest global carrier, operating up to 34 flights to 26 cities across Europe, Africa and the Middle East*— including the top 10 pharma markets — as well as service to key Latin American and Caribbean markets. 

Marriott International Celebrates 1,000 Hotels in Asia Pacific

Marriott International,  announced the milestone opening of its 1,000th hotel in Asia Pacific, signaling its continued confidence in the long-term growth potential of the region. The company entered the region nearly 50 years ago and has steadily increased its Asia Pacific footprint.

The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne is the company’s 1000th property in Asia Pacific and marks the brand’s entry into the Australian city, showcasing a contemporary aesthetic, renowned service, and panoramic views above the city skyline.

The company anticipates adding 100 hotels – roughly two hotels per week – in Asia Pacific in 2023, expanding its footprint in key Asia Pacific markets including Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, China, and India.

“The opening of Marriott International’s 1000th hotel in Asia Pacific is a true milestone, underscoring our confidence in the overall travel outlook, our ability to take hospitality to new heights with our associates and owners, and the power of Marriott Bonvoy in 2023 and beyond,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Marriott International. “We’re particularly thrilled to be expanding our footprint in new and emerging markets.”

“Being able to celebrate the opening of Marriott’s 1000th hotel in Asia Pacific is a testament to our vision for growth in the years to come in the region,” commented Yibing Mao, President, Greater China, Marriott International. “Greater China represents over half of the portfolio in terms of rooms in Asia Pacific and remains a strategic and vibrant market with tremendous growth potential. Together with the other markets in the region, the opportunities are exciting, and we look forward to building on this noteworthy milestone.”

KLM adds extra flights from Norwich to Amsterdam

KLM is launching extra flights from Norwich Airport to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport from Monday (27th March), putting over 270 worldwide destinations within even easier reach, and just in time for the Easter holidays.

The airline will be operating up to four return flights a day between Norwich and Amsterdam for the first time since the pandemic as demand for air travel continues to recover.

And with a flight time of just 55 minutes, it means Schiphol Airport’s global network of international onward connections or a city break in Amsterdam is less than an hour away.

Richard Pace, Managing Director of Norwich Airport, said: “It’s great to see KLM’s Amsterdam route from Norwich getting back to full strength with four flights a day on weekdays and up to three a day at weekends.

More flights taking off from Bournemouth Airport this summer.....

Bournemouth Airport continues to ramp up for the busy summer season with flights starting to five destinations in the next week, and just in time for the Easter holidays.

This Sunday 26th March Ryanair starts flights to Budapest and Majorca, plus a brand new service to Edinburgh. And on Friday (31st March) it will begin flights to Girona.

In total Europe’s biggest airline has 18 destinations from Bournemouth this year, following a decision to base a second aircraft at the airport for 2023 which will enable 120 flights per week, up 30% on last year.

Meanwhile Bournemouth Airport’s other major operator, TUI, will also start flights to Majorca from next Saturday (1st April). It has 14 scheduled services this year which means Bournemouth has 35 destinations on offer for 2023/4.

Bournemouth Airport managing director Steve Gill said: “This is always an exciting time for us because it’s when we start to see the number of flights increasing as we gear up for the main start of the season in May.

“We’re delighted to see Ryanair’s brand new service to Edinburgh which is among three new destinations from them for 2023, including Venice year-round and Carcassonne. And with TUI also flying to Majorca there’s even more choice for local passengers.”

To celebrate Ryanair’s new routes the airport is currently running a competition to win pairs of return tickets to Carcassonne, Edinburgh and Venice. The closing date is 31st March.

The airport has been recruiting for the busy season and has published a series of behind-the-scenes videos of airport staff explaining what they love about their jobs. For the latest available vacancies see here.

And view the entire flight schedule from Bournemouth Airport, click here. A total of 35 destinations are available including:

Cyprus: Paphos 

Croatia: Zadar

France: Bergerac, Carcassonne 

Greece: Corfu, Crete, Kefalonia, Rhodes, Zante 

Hungary: Budapest

Ireland: Dublin 

Italy: Venice 

Lapland: Enontekiö, Ivalo, Pajala 

Malta

Poland: Krakow, Wroclaw

Portugal: Faro 

Scotland: Edinburgh

Spain: Alicante, Girona, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Majorca, Malaga, Menorca, Murcia, Tenerife 

Switzerland: Geneva 

Turkey: Antalya, Dalaman 

Special Departures: Barbados (fly/cruise), Fjords (fly/cruise)

IHG Hotels & Resorts opens first voco hotels property in Mexico

voco continues to extend its presence in the Americas region with the opening of voco Guadalajara Neruda in the heart of Mexico’s second-largest city.

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies with more than 6,000 destinations and 18 brands, celebrates the launch of the voco brand in Latin America at the voco Guadalajara Neruda – the first hotel for the emerging brand in Mexico.

Launched in 2018, voco hotels maintains the local character and history of an independent hotel while also delivering the quality and reassurance of a respected global brand. The premium brand’s name, voco, comes from Latin, meaning ‘to call together,’ and embodies the brand’s thoughtful, unstuffy, and charming feel.

Owned by Grupo Hotelero Luna Azul and operated under Monby Hotels, the new 104-room voco Guadalajara Neruda is centrally located on Pablo Neruda Avenue, within Guadalajara’s financial district and just a short drive to the Golf Country Club, the Colomos woods, Downton Zapopan, Andador Neruda, fashion malls and shops like Midtown Jalisco or Plaza Andares. The hotel’s modern and trendy design brings a cosmopolitan vibe by incorporating elements of Mexican décor that capture the true essence of Jalisco through its colour palettes, textiles, and use of adobe, clay, and ceramics.

Summer schedule takes off today at Exeter Airport....

Exeter Airport celebrates the take-off of its sunshine summer schedule today with the start of flights to Paphos in Cyprus, and just in time for the Easter holidays.

TUI’s weekly Saturday service is among 26 destinations in nine countries on offer from Exeter Airport in 2023/4 as it gears up for a busy summer ahead.

TUI has 12 destinations from Exeter this year with summer flights to Greece, Spain and Turkey, in addition to its year-round flights to Lanzarote.

Ryanair meanwhile will be launching a brand new service to Faro on the Portuguese Algarve in June, complementing its year-round flights from Exeter to Alicante and Malaga in Spain.

Aer Lingus has flights to Belfast and Dublin, including seamless transfers to New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington and Toronto with passengers enjoying the benefit of pre-clearing US immigration in Dublin. It means you can have breakfast in Exeter and be in New York for dinner. The airport is current running a competition to win pairs of tickets to Belfast and Dublin. The closing date is 31st March.

Exeter Airport managing director Stephen Wiltshire said: “TUI’s flights to Paphos raise the curtain on our summer sunshine schedule and over the next few months we’ll see the start of all our summer routes, offering passengers great choice and convenience from their local airport.”

Exeter Airport is currently recruiting for a range of jobs including passenger services agents, security officers, cleaners and sales assistants. The airport has recently produced a series of video profiles of some of the different roles on offer, featuring airport staff talking about why they love their jobs.

Here is the full list of destinations available from Exeter Airport:

Cyprus: Paphos

France: Chambéry

Greece: Corfu, Crete, Rhodes, Zante

Lapland: Enontekiö, Pajala

Spain: Alicante, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Majorca, Malaga, Menorca, Tenerife

Portugal: Faro

Turkey: Antalya, Dalaman

UK & Ireland: Belfast, Dublin (with seamless connections to the USA and Canada), Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guernsey, Isles of Scilly, Jersey, Newcastle

Special Departures: Arctic Circle

Aviation Capital Group announces delivery of an Airbus A320neo to Spirit Airlines

Aviation Capital Group ACG has confirmed the delivery of one new Airbus A320neo aircraft on long-term lease to Spirit Airlines. Powered by the ultra-efficient Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, this is the first of four aircraft scheduled to deliver to the airline from ACG’s order book with Airbus. This is ACG’s first aircraft delivery from Airbus’ facility in Mobile, Alabama.

“We are thrilled to be delivering our first new Airbus A320neo aircraft to Spirit Airlines, which also marks ACG’s first aircraft delivery from Mobile, Alabama,” said Alan Mangels, Vice President of Marketing for ACG.  “We are also proud to partner with Spirit Airlines in working towards a cleaner and more sustainable future by investing in fuel-efficient, new technology aircraft that produce lower emissions, use less fuel and create less environmental noise.”

Aviation Capital Group was founded in 1989 and is one of the world’s premier full-service aircraft asset managers with approximately 470 owned, managed and committed aircraft as of December 31, 2022, which are leased to approximately 95 airlines in approximately 45 countries. ACG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation.

Joby selects Michael Huerta to its Board of Directors

Joby Aviation, a company developing all-electric aircraft for commercial passenger service, today announced the appointment of Michael Huerta, former Administrator of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to the Company’s Board of Directors.

Huerta also serves on the Board of Directors for Delta Air Lines, which announced a multi-year, multi-market commercial and operational partnership with Joby in October 2022. As part of the agreement between the two companies, Delta made an up-front equity investment in Joby of $60 million, with a total investment of up to $200 million possible based on the achievement of mutually agreed progress milestones.

Huerta’s appointment to the Board of Directors follows the appointment of Dan Elwell, former Acting Administrator of the FAA, to the Company’s Advisory Board in 2021. The FAA plays a critical role in bringing eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft) to market, and the appointment comes as Joby continues to make substantial progress in certifying its aircraft with the FAA for commercial passenger use in 2025. Joby is the first eVTOL company to complete the first two of five stages in the FAA’s type certification process, as well as receive airworthiness approval from the U.S. Air Force.

“Michael is joining our team at a pivotal time for Joby and the broader eVTOL industry, and his dual seat on Joby and Delta’s Boards will be invaluable as we prepare for commercial operations,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby. “He has been a strong proponent of electric aircraft and future aviation technologies, and we’re grateful for the passion and depth of experience he brings to our team.”

Huerta completed a five-year term as FAA Administrator in 2018, during which the agency earned an unprecedented safety record. He previously served as Acting FAA Administrator from 2011 to 2013 and Deputy FAA Administrator from 2010 to 2011. Huerta is currently a consultant serving the aviation and transportation industries, and also serves on the Board of Directors of Verra Mobility Corp.

Commenting on Huerta’s appointment, Delta CEO Ed Bastian added, “Joby and Delta are pioneering a groundbreaking new way to travel. Michael’s aviation experience is a tremendous benefit to both companies as we work to deeply integrate our two services to make booking travel easier, the end-to-end journey more seamless, and to deliver customers maximum time savings.”

“The United States is on the verge of a new era of aviation, with electric aircraft like Joby’s transforming how we travel,” said Huerta. “I’ve been impressed by Joby’s leadership in the sector and look forward to supporting the team as it works toward making fast and clean everyday flight a reality.”

Joby has continued to build its Board of Directors with unrivaled industry expertise. In addition to Huerta, the Company’s Board members include Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and a Partner at Greylock; Aicha Evans, CEO of Zoox; Dr. James Kuffner, CEO and Representative Director of Woven Planet Holdings, and a Member of the Board of Directors and Operating Officer of Toyota; Dipender Saluja, Managing Director of Capricorn Investment Group; Halimah DeLaine Prado, General Counsel of Google; and Laura Wright, former CFO of Southwest Airlines Co. The board is chaired by Paul Sciarra, co-founder of Pinterest.

Multi-billion-dollar investment in future of travel at Auckland Airport

Replacement of 57-year-old domestic terminal confirmed

Single biggest redevelopment since the airport opened in 1966

Domestic and international travel to be housed under one roof

Resilient and built to meet climate change goals and to create a more sustainable airport

2,000 additional jobs created at the height of construction

Auckland Airport is underway with its biggest redevelopment since the airport opened in 1966 with a brand-new domestic terminal to be fully integrated into the international terminal.

“This is a major investment for Auckland Airport, one which we have been working towards for many years,” said Patrick Strange, Auckland Airport’s Chair.

“The domestic terminal is almost 60 years old and needs replacing. It’s nearing capacity and it’s no longer fit for purpose and hasn’t been for some time. If it wasn’t for the pandemic, we would already be well underway with its replacement.”

Auckland Airport has been consulting with its major airline customers since May 2011 on a replacement for the ageing domestic terminal and plans to build an integrated terminal. Over that time 21 concept designs have been developed by Auckland Airport and discussed with major airlines as part of the consultation process.

“We have worked with major airlines for over a decade on this. We’ve considered all feedback, including potential alternative locations and even further delays to infrastructure development. All of this has been carefully thought through and we have made changes where appropriate, but now we need to get on with it,” Mr Strange said.

“Every dollar we spend on this infrastructure will serve travellers, airlines and New Zealand well into the future.

“It will ensure New Zealand’s main gateway is resilient and sustainable, supporting airline ambitions for a low-carbon future and strengthening our infrastructure in the face of increasingly severe weather events due to climate change.”

American Airlines donates $1.1 Million to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Over the past 38 years, American has raised more than $45 million for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through the annual Celebrity Ski event.

 This year, the airline made a $25,000 donation in honor of Chief Customer Officer Alison Taylor and her commitment to the organization ahead of her upcoming retirement.

 CF Foundation awarded American’s former executive Elise Eberwein with its prestigious Jena Award for her service to the foundation and its mission.

American Airlines and its partners raised more than $1.1 million to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation this month at the Celebrity Ski event in Beaver Creek, Colorado. To date, American has raised more than $45 million for CF Foundation through the annual event.

“For nearly four decades, we’ve gathered on the ski slopes with a group of generous team members, sponsors and supporters of the foundation to rally for the fight against cystic fibrosis,” said American Airlines Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Ron DeFeo. “While the event is filled with skiing and fun, the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is incredibly important, and we are proud to do our part in combating this serious disease.”

More than 400 people attended the event this year, including celebrities from the sports and entertainment industries. Attendees skied alongside Olympic athletes and enjoyed performances by John Oates and Warner Music recording artist Teddy Swims.

Arts in Hong Kong: A Vibrant Citywide Celebration of Creativity

The eyes of the art world are on Hong Kong this week as colour, creativity and vibrancy descend upon the city. Headlined by Art Basel Hong Kong and Art Central, the internationally renowned celebration of arts and culture features a suite of world-class events, exhibits and experiences taking place throughout the city, showcasing Hong Kong’s thriving creative landscape while reinforcing its position on the world stage cultural hub.

Art Basel Hong Kong (running through March 25) is hosting the biggest edition of the international art fair since 2019 featuring 177 exhibitors from 32 countries and territories. Taking place concurrently will be Art Central (running through March 25), Hong Kong’s homegrown art fair that has established itself as one of the region’s most significant platforms for emerging artists. These two world-class art fairs have firmly established Hong Kong as one of the world’s foremost hubs for international arts and cultural exchange.

Hong Kong Tourism Board is also teaming up with Art Central in launching an “Arts in Hong Kong Café” to invite visitors to walk into the contemporary art gallery-like café and see the collaborative works of local and overseas artists.

Show-stopping installations, must-see exhibitions across the city

As Hong Kong’s stock on the global arts stage continues to grow, a host of opportunities for artistic encounters can also be discovered around town.

Street Art in the Spotlight

Street art will be in the spotlight during this dynamic art week, with prominent showcases examining the movement from its beginnings to the present.

Throughout the year, Hong Kong plays host to a vibrant and diverse range of arts and cultural events that showcase the city's creative energy and talent. These events will set the stage for even more cultural celebrations this spring, such as the upcoming Le French May.

The Empire State Building to light up in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’

Tonight, Friday, 24th March, the Empire State Building (ESB) will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s legendary album “The Dark Side of the Moon” with a special anniversary version of the famous original album artwork to spin in its mast.

“‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ is as authentic, global, and iconic an album as the Empire State Building is a building, so it is only logical to celebrate it atop ESB’s world-famous tower,” said Anthony E. Malkin, chairman, president, and CEO at Empire State Realty Trust. “On March 24 she will celebrate this milestone anniversary alongside the multitude of Pink Floyd fans throughout the world.”

Released in 1973, “The Dark Side of the Moon” is one of the best-selling albums of all time with more than 45 million copies sold worldwide. The album is praised for its innovative production techniques and creative use of instruments and has influenced countless artists throughout its 50-year history.

United Airlines and Archer have selected O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Vertiport Chicago.............

United Airlines and Archer have selected O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Vertiport Chicago as the next point to point route in which the two companies will utilize Archer’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft as part of their urban air mobility (UAM) network buildout

Chicago has a long-standing reputation as a major transportation center and leader in mobility innovation and, with ORD being United’s largest operations hub, it provides an ideal location for United and Archer to ramp their UAM operations

This announcement is an important step forward as United and Archer work with partners, like the City of Chicago, Chicago Department of Aviation, World Business Chicago, the State of Illinois, ComEd, and Vertiport Chicago to ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place around the Chicago Metropolitan Area to support the safe integrating of eVTOL aircraft operations into the City’s transportation ecosystem in 2025.

Archer Aviation and United Airlines today announced plans to launch the first air taxi route in Chicago, between O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Vertiport Chicago. Vertiport Chicago, North America’s largest vertical aircraft takeoff and landing facility, is located in the Illinois Medical District near the Chicago Loop. This site was selected as the takeoff and landing site for this airport to city centre route because of its unparalleled convenience, access and service. From there, passengers will be able to travel to and from ORD via Archer’s Midnight aircraft in approximately 10 minutes. A similar trip by car can take upwards of an hour or more during rush hour traffic.

United and Archer’s goal for its UAM network is to provide residents and visitors in the Chicago Metropolitan Area with a safe, sustainable, low-noise, and cost-competitive alternative to ground transportation beginning in 2025. Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States, a centre for business, innovation and investment, and home to United’s headquarters. This makes it a unique city for Archer and United to build out. The early launch routes will focus in on airport to city centre transportation services, which are referred to as “trunk” routes. Once the trunk routes have been established, the next step will be to build out “branch” routes to connect to surrounding communities.

"Both Archer and United are committed to decarbonizing air travel and leveraging innovative technologies to deliver on the promise of the electrification of the aviation industry,” said Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines Ventures. “Once operational, we’re excited to offer our customers a more sustainable, convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation during their commutes to the airport.”

"Technological innovation thrives here in Chicago, and this venture between Archer and United is yet another example of this strength," said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. "This exciting new technology will further decarbonize our means of transportation, taking us another step forward in our fight against climate change. I'm pleased that Chicago residents will be among the first in the nation to experience this innovative, convenient form of travel."