United Airlines expands international flying schedule this summer.

United Airlines will fly to 114 different international cities this summer and has expanded its flying by 25% versus last year to meet the sharp increase in demand for travel outside of the U.S. The airline is already the largest carrier across both the Atlantic and Pacific and this summer's schedule includes nearly 25 new routes. According to United booking data, international bookings are already 15% higher than the same period in 2022*.

Highlights of the 2023 summer schedule include:

New service to Malaga, Dubai, and Stockholm

Additional flights to Rome, Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, Shannon, Edinburgh, and Naples

Almost two dozen daily flights to London-Heathrow

Service to unique places like Amman, the Azores, Palma de Mallorca and Tenerife

Expanded service to Australia, serving Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane

10 daily transpacific flights to Tokyo-Haneda, Tokyo-Narita and Osaka

Twice-daily flights to Seoul, South Korea from San Francisco

Service to Hong Kong from San Francisco

Tickets are on sale now on the airline's mobile app and on United.com.

"United will give travellers more options than ever before this summer – especially if they want to fly internationally," said Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of global network planning and alliances. "With unprecedented demand for travel overseas, we'll have more service to popular cities while also adding new and unique destinations for customers to explore."

New York/Newark – Dubai, UAE

On March 25, United launched daily service between New York/Newark and Dubai, UAE, operated on a Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. The flight is part of a historic commercial agreement between the airline and Emirates that will enhance each airline's network and give their customers easier access to hundreds of destinations within the United States and around the world. MileagePlus members travelling on United's New York/Newark-Dubai flight can earn and redeem award miles on connecting flights to nearly 75 destinations in the Emirates and flydubai networks. United is the only U.S. airline to offer non-stop flights to Dubai from the U.S. and flies to more destinations in the Middle East and India than any other U.S. airline.

New York/Newark – Malaga, Spain

United is adding a fifth Spanish destination to its global network with new direct flights between New York/Newark and Malaga. Starting May 31, travellers will be able to explore Spain's Mediterranean coast with three flights per week to Malaga on a Boeing 757-200. United flies to more destinations in Spain than any other U.S. airline and this summer will offer direct flights to three Spanish cities that no other U.S. airline serves: Malaga, Tenerife and Palma de Mallorca.

New York/Newark – Stockholm, Sweden

After almost two years, IAG Cargo restarts flights to China

           IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG) announces it will restart services between London-Heathrow and Beijing and Shanghai after almost two years, as China reopens its borders to tourists.

The Beijing service will be operated by a British Airways B777-200, while the Shanghai service will be operated by a British Airways B787-9.

From 23rd April, IAG Cargo customers will be able to export and import vital goods on a daily rotation between London-Heathrow and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. In addition, services between London-Heathrow and Beijing Daxing Airport will resume on June 3rd, with four flights each week. 

During the early pandemic period, IAG Cargo offered customers cargo-only services and charters between the UK and China to support the delivery of essential cargo needed for the fight against covid-19. The business helped governments and private customers transport more than 11,000 tonnes of vital PPE and medical supplies from China.  

From January 2020 and summer of 2021, IAG Cargo operated 700 charters and 160 cargo-only flights to China, with the last cargo-only service between London Heathrow and Shanghai in June 2021, and last cargo-only service to Beijing in July 2021. 

Camilo Garcia Cervera, IAG Cargo Chief Sales and Marketing Officer said: “Europe - China is one of the world’s most important trade lanes, and a vital part of our network; we’re so pleased to be reopening the route after a long pause. With high-tech items, e-commerce, clothing and automotive driving both imports and exports, we can help customers to stay better connected with their trading partners across the world. Customers using our services also benefit from our wider network, that continues to grow and spans across six continents.”

Eligible customers seeking to use IAG Cargo’s services also benefit from IAG Cargo’s loyalty programmes; FORWARD.REWARDS and FORWARD.PLATINUM. Customers also have the option of utilising IAG Cargo’s extensive network, offering easy and convenient access to hundreds of destinations worldwide.

Airbus Helicopters and China’s GDAT sign for 50 H160 helicopters

During French President Macron’s visit to China, Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with GDAT, one of China’s most prominent helicopter lessors and operators, for 50 H160 helicopters. This contract is the largest single order for the H160 on the civil and parapublic market since the helicopter was unveiled in 2015. The aircraft will be used notably for the energy sector, including offshore transportation for oil and gas platforms, wind farms and harbour piloting, as well as emergency medical services and other municipal public service missions. The companies also signed a strategic cooperation agreement related to topics such as support and services capabilities, amongst others, in order to ensure the long term success of the H160 in China.

“We are honoured GDAT has decided to bolster their all-Airbus fleet of 26 helicopters with the addition of 50 H160 helicopters. The H160 has been designed at the outset as a multi-mission helicopter and is, therefore, well suited to the multiple segments that lessors provide for,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

“This contract is a great example of the importance of economic and trade cooperation between France and China. The innovative H160 is the perfect addition to our fleet and will enable us to continue our success story on the Chinese market that began with our 21 H225 helicopters. We see a lot of potential for the H160 in China, in particular for the energy sector” said Peter Jiang, Chairman of GDAT.

easyJet to support UNICEF’s Ukraine appeal this Easter.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to severely affect millions of children and families more than one year on, easyJet is relaunching an onboard appeal this Easter as part of its Change for Good partnership with UNICEF. 

The money raised will help UNICEF continue to provide critical supplies including clean water and sanitation, healthcare, education, mental health and psychosocial support and emergency cash assistance. UNICEF has also provided access to safe water, hygiene services and learning services to millions of children in conflict-affected areas and neighbouring countries.

Customers flying over the Easter break can help easyJet raise vital funds that will contribute towards UNICEF’s support to children and families affected by the war in Ukraine

easyJet customers have already raised over £800,000 towards providing clean water and sanitation supplies, healthcare, schooling and learning, mental health and psychosocial support and emergency cash assistance

easyJet’s cabin crew are collecting donations onboard all flights now until 16th April 2023 included

easyJet customers have already raised over £800,000 for UNICEF’s response including a record-breaking £616,000 in a single month for this appeal.

Around 3.7 million easyJet customers flying across 35 countries over the collection period, including the Easter holidays, will now be able to donate onboard in any currency, helping UNICEF meet the urgent and ongoing needs of children and families affected by this conflict.

easyJet cabin crew are now running the collection onboard all flights until 16th April 2023 included.

Michael Brown, Director of Cabin Services at easyJet said:  “UNICEF’s humanitarian response in Ukraine, with teams working around the clock to deliver urgent support, is providing a vital lifeline to children and families who have been affected as the war continues. As a pan-European airline operating thousands of flights across Europe, with the support of our customers we can together help make a real difference to children and their families in Ukraine by supporting UNICEF’s appeal.

“We would like to thank all of our customers in advance for any donations they can make and those who have donated so far for their kindness and generosity, as well as our fantastic crew who make this all possible.”

Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive at The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) said: “The war is having a devastating impact on the security, health, and development of children. UNICEF and easyJet are working together to ensure that our emergency response teams can continue to reach children and families affected by the war in Ukraine to get urgent and critical support. By supporting UNICEF’s appeal, easyJet is helping to provide access to emergency supplies.  I would like to thank easyJet employees and customers for their generous support towards our work for children.”

easyJet and UNICEF partnered to launch their Change for Good partnership in 2012. Since then, easyJet’s customers and crew have raised over £16m in onboard donations, helping to protect millions of children around the world from disease and keep them safe during emergencies, including over £400,000 for children and their families affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria which has provided vital funds for UNICEF’s work in the region to protect the safety, health and welfare of children.

-

Latest results from aircraft leasing firm Avolon

The leasing giant Avolon has released details of first quarter performance, showing the firm completed 31 lease deals and delivered 9 new aircraft.  Andy Cronin, CEO of Avolon, commented:  “The year has started with positive momentum as airline passenger growth continues and the impact of reopening in China feeds into increasing travel in the region. The shortage of both narrow and widebody aircraft is a dominant theme and is supportive of growing levels of leasing and trading activity.

Our ambition is to continue to be a leader in our sector on ESG issues. We made further progress towards our key 2025 target for 75% of our fleet to be new technology fuel-efficient aircraft. We have also supported research into ways to scale up production levels of sustainable aviation fuel and received an industry leading rating for our ESG performance.”

Executed 31 lease transactions comprising new aircraft leases, follow-on leases and lease extensions;

Delivered 9 new aircraft and transitioned 9 aircraft to a total of 13 customers;

Sold 2 aircraft and agreed letters of intent for the sale of a further 13 aircraft;

Executed a $810 million term financing facility maturing in 2030, with a syndicate of 10 banks;

Owned and managed fleet of 578 aircraft at quarter end, with total orders and commitments for 252 fuel-efficient, new technology aircraft;

Added 3 new customers during the quarter, for a total of 147 airline customers operating in 65 countries;

SWISS to trial passenger count using artificial intelligence

SWISS is to trial the use of artificial intelligence to conduct its passenger count during boarding on selected flights between April and June. The new approach should both enhance security and ease the workload of its cabin personnel. SWISS will be putting a top emphasis on data security and data protection in the new procedure, and will ensure its full compliance with Europe’s and Switzerland’s strict data protection laws throughout the trial process.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) plans a three-month trial together with an external partner of using artificial intelligence (AI) to conduct its passenger count during the flight boarding process. The digitalization of the passenger count procedure is intended to enhance security and simultaneously ease the workload of the airline’s cabin personnel. To these ends, on selected SWISS flights from Zurich between April and June, a camera will be temporarily installed in the cabin for the boarding process, to record passengers as they embark and determine their total numbers.

The recordings will be used solely to train the AI application in the boarding process. It must be able, for instance, to distinguish whether a passenger is carrying an infant in their arms, and must also function faultlessly even in challenging lighting conditions. Results will be constantly analyzed throughout the trial phase to steadily improve the AI’s reliability. In view of the new approach’s trial nature, the cabin crew will also conduct a parallel passenger count using the established manual procedure on the flights concerned.

Data security and data protection assured

SWISS attaches the highest importance to data security and data protection. All the recordings made will be processed in full compliance with the strict European (GDPR) and Swiss (FADP) data protection provisions, and will then be deleted. The data recorded will be used solely for passenger count purposes. No persons will be identified from them. In addition, only visual images will be recorded, and only in the aircraft door area. No further recordings (such as audio) will be performed.

Passengers on the flights concerned will be informed of the trial before they embark. After the trial is concluded, SWISS will analyze the results and then decide on the further course of action as well as on a possible introduction.

American Airlines AMTs guide students for upcoming Aerospace Maintenance Competition

At American Airlines Hangar 2 on the north side of Chicago O’Hare International Airport, a team of aspiring aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) from the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) Chicago campus have been hard at work practicing for the 2023 Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC). Under mentorship from two seasoned American Airlines AMTs, the team has been preparing to go head-to-head with other student teams from across the country in more than 25 events. American is sponsoring the AIM team as part of its ongoing partnership with the school to train the next generation of aviation maintenance professionals.

This year’s AMC, held in Atlanta April 18-20, is in conjunction with Aviation Week’s MRO Americas and brings together teams from schools, airlines, military, general aviation, repair and maintenance organizations and space to compete against each other in real-life maintenance scenarios. In addition to the AIM student team, American is sponsoring six teams of aviation maintenance professionals from around the system along with two additional student teams.

Airbus and China aviation industry sign next phase in partnership - allocating 160 aircraft to Chinese airlines

Airbus and China aviation industry sign next phase in partnership

General Terms Agreement to allocate 160 aircraft to Chinese airlines

Expanding capacity at Tianjin A320 Final Assembly Line to contribute to global rate 75

Upscaling the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels

During a French state visit to China, Airbus signed away various rights in a new cooperation agreement with its China Aviation industry partners.

Witnessed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron, Airbus CEO, Guillaume Faury signed with the Tianjin Free Trade Zone Investment Company Ltd., and Aviation Industry Corporation of China Ltd., an agreement to expand A320 Family final assembly capacity with a second line at its Tianjin site. The agreement will contribute to Airbus’ overall rate objective of 75 aircraft per month in 2026 throughout its global production network.

Currently, Airbus has four A320 Family final assembly sites worldwide: Hamburg (Germany), Toulouse (France), Mobile (USA) and Tianjin (China). The Tianjin Final Assembly Line (FAL Asia) started operation in 2008 and has assembled over 600 A320 Family aircraft to date. In March 2023 the first A321neo aircraft was delivered from the line, marking a new era of enhanced A320 Family production versatility.

In addition, Airbus also signed General Terms of Agreement (GTA) with the China Aviation Supplies Holding Company (CAS) covering the purchase of 160 Airbus commercial aircraft. The GTA comprises earlier announcements for 150 A320 Family aircraft and for 10 A350-900 widebody aircraft orders, reflecting the strong demand in all market segments by Chinese carriers.

Saab's latest spy plane completes first flight...

The first flight of the fourth GlobalEye is an important milestone in Saab’s Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) programme and highlights that Saab can rapidly and reliably deliver GlobalEye.

The aircraft took to the skies from Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden on April 03, 2023, and performed several tests related to the aircraft’s capabilities.

“We are very satisfied with this successful first flight of another GlobalEye. This confirms that we have the infrastructure, the capabilities and the expertise necessary to support our customers with the most advanced AEW&C solution in a time frame that is unmatched in the market,” says Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab´s business area Surveillance.

GlobalEye is the most modern multi-domain Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) solution with an array of active and passive sensors that provide long-range detection and identification of objects in air, at sea and over land.

By providing real-time information to units in air forces, armies and navies, GlobalEye enables enhanced situational awareness of the surrounding areas and early detection of threats. It can also be used for non-military tasks such as leading and coordinating rescue missions during natural disasters or larger accidents at sea or on land.

Saab has the largest AEW&C customer base in the world, having delivered solutions over the last 30 years across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Asia for multiple mission roles.

/

Air surveillance:

• Powerful new Erieye ER (Extended Range) radar to expand the detection distance for small and future targets

• Detection and tracking range significantly increased

• Designed to work in severe clutter and jamming conditions

• Adaptive AESA radar – energy is focused on areas or targets of interest

Maritime surveillance:

• Detects sea targets out to the elevated horizon

• Detects small boats like jet-skis at long distances

• The unique combination of Erieye ER and maritime surveillance radar allows for detection of objects down to the size of a periscope

• AIS, EOS and ISAR for identifying objects

Ground surveillance:

• Detects moving objects through long-range wide area GMTI

• Radar images, weather-independent, with a dedicated radar

Mission capability:

• Ultra-long-range business jet, ideally suited for special missions applications, 

>11 h endurance

• Excellent airfield performance, 6500 ft, allows the use of smaller airports

• Full self-protection suite

• Ideal working conditions for all crew members

 .

New-look Non-Schengen lounge at Zurich Airport opens for SWISS

SWISS is reopening its Non-Schengen Lounge in Zurich Airport’s Terminal D.

Extending over 650 square metres, the fully refurbished lounge offers travellers a comfortable retreat with appealing views of the airport’s apron activity and the Alps beyond. The lounge is available to all Business Class and First Class travellers along with Senators and HON Circle members of SWISS and the Lufthansa Group, and Business Class travellers on further Star Alliance airlines.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is further expanding its range of lounge facilities at Zurich Airport with the opening of the newly-refurbished SWISS Non-Schengen Lounge in the D Gates area. The lounge is located within the airport’s transfer zone, and offers its visitors a wide range of attractions over its 650 square metres. With spectacular views of the airport apron and the distant Alps, travellers can enjoy a broad selection of food and drinks in superior yet comfortable surroundings as they wait for their departing flight.

The existing lounge concept expanded

“I am delighted that we can again offer our travellers in Zurich Airport’s non-Schengen zone a lounge experience with outstanding service quality that fully meets all our premium aspirations and caters to the diverse needs of our customers,” says SWISS Head of Brand Experience Julia Hillenbrand. “With its colours and its materials, our restyled lounge gives our guests a new and enhanced sense of comfort and well-being.”

The new lounge’s concept blends design facets of the existing SWISS lounges with new accents and top-quality materials. Bright wood features combine with discreet Swiss slate elements and soft claret tones to welcome the visitor and provide a warm ambience that invites the traveller to stay, rest and enjoy. The combination of natural elements and muted colours is also in harmony with the ‘SWISS Senses’ design.

Exeter Airport and RNIB lead the way on ‘benchmark’ sight loss awareness sessions

Staff at Exeter Airport have joined forces with RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) to undertake specialist awareness sessions, aimed at better assisting passengers with sight loss and reduced mobility.

Around 20 members of the passenger assistance team (pictured below) were involved in a series of two-hour practical sessions with the charity, where they wore glasses simulating common eye conditions and used white canes to complete a typical passenger journey through the airport.

The awareness sessions took place in the terminal building, check-in area, security channel, departure lounge, and outside on the ‘apron’ leading to the aircraft to provide airport personnel with improved knowledge and understanding of travellers’ needs.

RNIB worked with passenger services to devise the exercises to provide learning opportunities for staff at the airport.

Richard Shuker, South West Community Connections Manager for RNIB, said: “With nearly a quarter of a million people affected by sight loss in the South West, the importance of improving and enhancing the training for staff working in customer-facing roles is vital. We want people who are blind or partially sighted or have reduced mobility to have a dignified and seamless experience when travelling through the airport.”

Azerbaijan Airlines orders 12 A320neo Family aircraft

The Azerbaijan flag carrier, Azerbaijan Airlines, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 12 A320neo Family aircraft including A320neo and A321neo. The contract was signed at a ceremony held in Baku.

These latest generation A320neo Family aircraft are part of the company’s fleet renewal strategy to operate the most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft, and increase operational efficiency and competitiveness while offering passengers excellent comfort throughout its fleet. The engine choice will be announced by the airline at a later stage.

“We are pleased to continue mutually beneficial cooperation with Airbus on the modernization program of our fleet and intend to strengthen the bilateral partnership. The signed contract will provide our passengers with the most modern and comfortable single-aisle aircraft," First Vice-President of AZAL CJSC Samir Rzayev said.

This order marks an important milestone in the fruitful relationship between Airbus and Azerbaijan Airlines,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International. “The A320neo Family continues to be a top choice for airlines looking for fuel-efficient and cost-effective fleet solutions. This order is a testament to the trust our customers have in the performance and reliability of our aircraft. We are confident that this choice will further boost the sustainable growth of Azerbaijan Airlines.”

Currently, Azerbaijan Airlines operates a fleet of 15 Airbus aircraft (4 A319ceo, 6 A320ceo, 2 A340s and since the beginning of the year, 3 new generation A320neo). The airline plans. to deploy efficient A320neo Family aircraft to further develop its domestic and international route network.

The A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 20 percent fuel burn and CO2 emission saving. With some 8,700 orders from 135 customers, the A320neo Family is the world’s most popular aircraft.   

flyExclusive Commemorates Upcoming Arrival of New CJ3+ Fleet

flyExclusive, a leading provider of premium private jet charter experiences, today announced that it will offer on a limited basis, flight charge credits up to $100,000 for new fractional share owners with the CJ3+ fleet. The announcement celebrates the upcoming arrival of its first group of new CJ3+ aircraft, further expanding flyExclusive’s position as one of the largest operators of Cessna Citation aircraft.

Limited to the first 50 owners, flyExclusive will provide up to $100,000 in flight credits for new fractional share owners

flyExclusive’s innovative fractional program provides owners maximum utility and savings without the burdensome restrictions of traditional fractional offerings:

Competitive Acquisition Cost: Starting at 50 hours, fractional owners can purchase a CJ3+ share for $750,000, one of the lowest entry points in the market for a high-performance light jet.

No Monthly Management Fee: flyExclusive fractional share owners only pay for their time on the aircraft, mitigating unnecessary fees and embedded premiums.

Unique Daily and Hourly Rates: Similar to its award-winning Jet Club, flyExclusive fractional shares provide daily access (365 days per year with no blackouts) and competitive hourly rates that are beneficial on both short- and longer-stage lengths.

No Fuel Surcharges: With the unique hourly rate structure, flyExclusive fractional owners have transparent pricing without fuel surcharges added.

Access to the entire fleet: flyExclusive fractional owners have access to the balance of the light, mid and super-mid fleets without complicated interchange programs.

“We are excited to receive the newest additions to the flyExclusive fleet in a few months,” said Tommy Sowers, President, flyExclusive. “We wanted to celebrate that occasion with a special thank you to our new fractional owners with this commemorative flight charge credit. Our customer success has been and will continue to be founded on building lasting relationships.”

Reliable Airlines appoints Tom Klassen as President

Reliable Airlines, a cargo airline based in Albuquerque has announced the addition of Tom Klassen as President and Director of Operations to support the growth of operations and future integration of safety-enhancing systems developed by its parent company, Reliable Robotics. 

The airline team has established a safety management system and operational procedures and has a proven record of safety, 100% flight completion and 99.9% dispatch reliability, earning the airline more routes in New Mexico.

Formerly known as AirDialog, Reliable Airlines aligns the cargo operation brand more closely with Reliable Robotics. The team at Reliable Airlines will have the unparalleled opportunity to lead the industry with the integration of automation that will improve aviation safety. Reliable Robotics is designing an automation system that will enable auto-taxi, auto-takeoff, and auto-landing and has sophisticated fault detection to identify and respond to unanticipated anomalies faster.

Aviation Capital Group becomes a Gold Level sponsor of Airlink

Aviation Capital Group has confirmed its $50,000 sponsorship at the “Gold Level” to Airlink. Airlink is a rapid-response nonprofit organization that coordinates with airlines and non-governmental organizations (“NGOs”) to provide free airlift and logistical services to a network of over 150 humanitarian relief nonprofit organizations. Those NGOs support communities in the aftermath of natural and man-made disasters worldwide, such as the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the Türkiye-Syria border on February 6, 2023.

“ACG’s core values are grounded in social responsibility, and we are extremely proud to support Airlink as a Gold Level sponsor,” said Mahoko Hara, Executive Chair of ACG.  “Airlink continues to demonstrate its effectiveness in bringing together unique capabilities of the global aviation community to NGO partners to rapidly provide critical relief to communities in desperate need.”

“We’re very proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Airlink in support of its work and for this opportunity to partner with them in supporting vulnerable communities globally,” said Gordon Grant, Vice President and Head of ESG at ACG.

“We are deeply grateful to Aviation Capital Group and their team for their generous support of Airlink and our critical mission,” said Steve Smith, Airlink President and CEO. “Whenever Airlink seeks assistance from the aviation industry to support humanitarian operations, the response is always positive, I feel very proud to be a part of such a dynamic and compassionate sector.”