Brexit blamed for the end of the UK leg of classic Orient Express train.

Border controls to be introduced by the French following Brexit have been blamed as the sole reason for ending the UK leg of the famous Orient Express train journey.

Currently, passengers wishing to go back in time to the former luxury of the train journey get a British Pullman luxury train from London's Victoria Station to Folkestone.  They then transfer to coaches and cross under the channel and meet up with a train in Calais.

Belmond, which runs the  Venice-Simplon Orient Express say the new biometric passport checks and extra red tape because of Brexit will make the operation impossible.  A spokesperson said "We’re adjusting operations in 2024 ahead of enhanced passport and border controls. We want to avoid any risk of travel disruption for our guests – delays and missing train connections – and provide the highest level of service, as seamless and relaxed as possible."

According to Belmond people travelling to the EU from the UK that don't have EU residency will be required to provide fingerprints as well as facial recognition data when crossing the border, instead of just having passports checked. 

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Own your own Red Arrow's jet.......

The RAF is selling off a BAe HAWK T1A  former Red Arrows jet, XX306 which has recently been used as the gate guardian at the famous aerobatic team's former home at RAF Scampton.

The jet is currently on auction with the price now at £60,000, with the auction set to end in 6 days and 15 hours....

  

XX306 is a truly historic aircraft, it was one of the original Hawk T1 jets delivered to the Red Arrows.  It was also the last RAF aircraft to leave RAF Scampton prior to closure in March 2023. The jet has been dismantled by specialists, using the original manuals and is ready to be reconstructed by the new owners.

The BAe Systems Hawk succeeded the Folland Gnat as the aircraft type flown by the display team after the 1979 season. XX306 was built by British Aerospace at Dunsfold and delivered to the RAF on 23rd May 1980.  

The history of the aircraft shows it spent two months at RAF Valley before flying to RAF Kemble – which was where the Red Arrows’ were previously based and it joined the team early in July 1980.

Its last flight was on 26 September 2012 and officially retired from the aerobatic team on 20 October the same year. The aircraft was selected to be the Gate Guardian for RAF Scampton and arrived there by road on 11th August 2015 after having a cosmetic touch-up. 

Total flying time for XX306 - 7,378 hours and 15 minutes

Total number of landings - 13,007

To bid and for more details, of the BAe Hawk T1A XX306 - Former Red Arrows Team & RAF Scampton Gate Guardian auction please visit here. 

There is no engine fitted to the aircraft and no logs are supplied.

But if you can't quite afford a whole plane, there are other bits up for grabs, such as a cockpit canopy and a tailplane oh and a wing as well, see GPSV site for more details. 

Farnborough Airport has completed the first phase of its 175,000 sq. ft state-of-the-art, sustainably designed hangar facility.

Farnborough Airport has completed the first phase of its 175,000 sq. ft state-of-the-art, sustainably designed hangar facility.

In August 2022, Farnborough Airport embarked on a £55m investment programme to significantly expand its facilities and infrastructure by developing a 300m-long, four-bay hangar facility, increasing its overall hangar space by over 70%. The landmark development was conceived in response to the growing demand for premium hangar space.

Eight months after work began on Domus III, phase one of the construction programme has been completed on time while the airport remains fully operational throughout the development. it will now benefit from increased apron capacity with the opening of new and improved aircraft stands, assisting the airport’s growing operations and allowing maximum flexibility in the day-to-day operations.

The completed groundworks also lay the foundation for the installation of the hangar’s main steel frame, which began at the end of March and is due to be completed in mid-July. The end of April will see the specialist roofing and cladding teams arriving on site to work concurrently alongside the steel teams.

Domus III will be centrally located in a prime position adjacent to the Airport's two main taxiways, complementing the airport's existing award-winning architecture and will have the flexibility to accommodate several large aircraft such as the Global 7500 and the next generation of business jets including the Dassault Falcon 10X and Gulfstream G700.

How to become an air traffic controller.....

24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, the special Air Traffic Controllers at NATS keep around 2.5 million flights and 250 million people flying above our heads in the UK safe. 

The UK, like many countries, has ‘controlled’ and ‘uncontrolled’ airspace. In controlled airspace, pilots take instructions from Air Traffic Controllers on where, when and how to position their aircraft. Most commercial aircraft operate in controlled airspace.

For the first time since before the pandemic, people can apply to join NATS’ student controller scheme, with basic training based at one of their two training facilities in Hampshire and Gloucester. Once passing an online assessment, successful candidates go through around nine months of vigorous initial training, before being posted to an airport tower or control centre to complete their learning and assessments.

Successful controllers come from all walks of life, but NATS is seeking to redress the gender imbalance that exists across the aviation industry, with the ambition that half of its new intake to be made up of women.

Do you want to learn more first-hand what it is like to be an Air traffic Controller?  NATS is having a special event tomorrow at 14:00.    For more details please visit this site. 

For more information and to apply,   visit NATS recruitment site. 

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Bringing Singapore closer to you.......

Singapore Airlines, Singapore Tourism Board and NOMADS Amsterdam have partnered to bring you a unique epicurean collaboration direct in Amsterdam, specially curated by NOMADS.

Singapore Airlines and Singapore Tourism Board brought NOMADS on a true foodie trip in Singapore where they were immersed in the authentic flavours of Singapore. Get ready to taste the flavours NOMADS has brought back from cooking with the locals but with their own unique twist.

Chilli Crab

Families and friends often gather together for large group dinners at a round table to share a meal. Chilli Crab is an established part of Singaporean cuisine, where different restaurants prepare it their own traditional way. Cracking the shell to eat the crab means that it is typically a messy dish to eat, only adding to the fun of ordering it.

Chilli crab is often served together with deep fried steamed bread for you to dip in the delicious sweet and spicy sauce that accompanies it.

Did you know NOMADS uses soft shell crab in their version instead of the traditional mud crab?

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Air Malta to be dissolved by the end of the year.....

Following the European Commission's decision to ban the Maltese Government from injecting €300 million to save Air Malta, the financially draining carrier will be dissolved by the end of the year.

The stark revelation came from the airline's Chairman David Curmi in an interview with The Times of Malta, who also promised that a new five-year business plan for a new aviation venture was close to being finished. “We are nearing the end of long, difficult and complex discussions with the European Commission, which did not want a photocopy of Air Malta,”

According to Curmi, the European Commission preferred an option similar to what happened with Alitalia being dissolved and replaced by ITA, and he believed the transition would be “seamless”.

Apparently, the new venture would not adopt the 'low-cost-carrier' business plan, unlike its rival Malta Air from Ryanair which already operates from the island.

Air Malta has actively tried to cut costs, from limited distribution channels, reducing affiliate earnings, axing nearly 700 staff members and changing contracts, yet losses at the carrier continue to mount.

Earlier last month, the carrier took delivery of its fifth Airbus A320neo, which bears the registration 9H-NEE. The jet replaces the A320ceo 9H-AEQ which will exit the Air Malta fleet.

United Airlines continues to see strong demand for air travel as first quarter cash flow exceeds $3 billion....

Achieved the lowest mainline flight and seat cancellation rates of any U.S. airline despite having the most flights impacted by weather

Seeing strong international demand in Q2; international expansion twice the rate of domestic

U.S. mega-carrier United Airlines has just reported its first-quarter 2023 financial results. The company reported a $256 million pre-tax loss, consistent with expectations provided in March. The company grew total operating revenue by 51.1% compared to first quarter 2022 and total revenue per available seat mile (TRASM) by 22.5%. Cost per available seat mile (CASM) increased 4.0%, while CASM-ex2 came in at down 0.1%, better than guidance due to strong operational reliability that produced available seat miles (ASMs) 23.4% higher than the first quarter of 2022. The company remains confident in the 2023 United Next adjusted diluted earnings per share1 target of $10 to $12.

"I am extremely proud of the United team's performance during the first quarter of 2023. Our industry-leading operational performance contributed to an all-time high operating cash flow in the first quarter and keeps us on track to achieve our cost targets for the full year," said United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby. "We are watching the macroeconomic risks carefully, but demand remains strong, especially internationally, where we are growing at twice the domestic rate. We expect all of these factors will keep us on track to achieve our full-year adjusted diluted EPS1 target."

First-Quarter Financial Results

Net loss of $194 million, adjusted net loss3 of $207 million.

Capacity up 23.4% compared to first-quarter 2022.

Total operating revenue of $11.4 billion, up 51.1% compared to first-quarter 2022.

TRASM up 22.5% compared to the first-quarter 2022.

CASM up 4.0%, and CASM-ex2 down 0.1%, compared to the first-quarter 2022.

Diluted loss per share of $0.59, adjusted diluted loss per share1 of $0.63.

Average fuel price per gallon of $3.33.

Reduced adjusted total debt3 by $4.6 billion in the last 12 months.

Key Highlights

United reached a tentative agreement with the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM) for a new, industry-leading contract for our nearly 30,000 IAM-represented employees. Voting is expected to complete in early May.

Today announced the largest South Pacific network expansion ever to and from the continental U.S., including the first non-stop flight between San Francisco and Christchurch (subject to government approval). With 66 flights between the United States and Australia/New Zealand every week, United will operate nearly 40% more flights from the United States to Australia and New Zealand next northern winter versus last year.

Launched the United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight FundSM, a first-of-its-kind investment vehicle designed to support start-ups focused on decarbonizing air travel by accelerating the research, production and technologies associated with sustainable aviation fuel.

Opened expanded and newly renovated global Inflight Training Center in Houston, Texas – the $32 million expansion project more than doubles the available training space and supports the airline's plan to hire and train a total of 15,000 people in 2023, including 4,000 flight attendants.

Atlas Air Partners with Kuehne+Nagel and SR Technics Group to Form Sustainable Engine Alliance

Atlas Air, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc., announced that it has partnered with Kuehne+Nagel and SR Technics Group to introduce the “Sustainable Engine Alliance”. Representing a wide range of the aerospace industry, the Alliance pledges to set new industry standards for low-carbon aircraft engine supply chains in line with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

The alliance members aim to reduce their collective environmental impact through networks for sustainable engine supply chains and a portfolio of sustainable services. Some of the first joint initiatives carried out by the alliance include the deployment of sustainable fuels, engine stand management solutions and a global digital interface for emission transparency, reduction and avoidance. The initiative is expected to reduce engine supply chain-related scope 3 emissions ahead of the aerospace 2050 sustainability targets.

Erik Goedhart, SVP Global Head of Aerospace at Kuehne+Nagel, comments: “Collaboration is key to industry-wide improvements in aerospace sustainability. With the ‘Sustainable Engine Alliance’, we will set new standards for responsible sourcing and engine transportation, while creating further awareness within the industry to minimize environmental impact of engine supply chains jointly. I am confident that together with Atlas Air and SR Technics we will pave the way for future sustainability efforts in aerospace. And we invite other value chain companies to join us.”

Lynx Air announces services from Vancouver to Montréal

Lynx Air, Canada’s leading low-cost carrier, is expanding its Montréal network, with the introduction of services between Montréal and Vancouver from June 23, 2023.

Lynx will offer six flights per week between Montréal Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The airline recently announced services from Montréal to Calgary and St John’s commencing on June 5, 2023. With the addition of Vancouver services, the airline will be operating over 6,400 seats to and from Montréal.

Customers can book with confidence starting today and the fares are truly ultra-affordable, starting from $69* one-way Montréal to/from Vancouver. To celebrate, the airline has launched a limited-time seat sale, offering up to 50 per cent off all base fares on all Montréal routes. The sale will run from April 18, 2023, ending at 11:59 PM EDT on April 19, 2023, and can be accessed with the promo code: MONTREAL. For complete details and to book an ultra-affordable fare, visit FlyLynx.com.

“Vancouver and Montréal are two of Canada’s most iconic tourism destinations, with their rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. We are thrilled to provide an ultra-affordable option to connect these two beautiful cities”, said Merren McArthur, CEO of Lynx. “Historically Montréal and Quebec have been under-served by low-cost carriers, and Lynx Air aims to change that. We now offer services from three destinations to Montréal, including the recently announced services from Calgary and St John’s. Whether you are travelling to visit friends and family, or to explore one of these vibrant cities, Lynx will ensure a great flying experience at an ultra-affordable price.”

Today’s announcement represents a continuation of Lynx Air’s network ramp-up, as the airline prepares to expand its fleet to 9 brand new Boeing 737 aircraft over the coming months. By Summer 2023, Lynx will serve 16 destinations across North America with over 240 flights per week, which equates to over 45,000 seats.

For travel insurance....

*Available for a limited time; fares are accurate at the time of release and include taxes and fees; fares vary by destination and date.

**Operating as through flights with a single boarding pass and baggage transferred to the final destination. Visit the website for full schedule details.

Delta Sky Club raises the bar with nature-inspired third lounge at MSP Airport

Delta Sky Club customers traveling through Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) can relax and recharge in a stunning new nature-inspired oasis on the upper level of the recently expanded G concourse.  

The airport’s third Club adds more than 21,000 square feet of premium space to Delta’s lounge portfolio, making it by far the largest at Delta’s Minneapolis hub. The MSP-G Club is the second lounge opened this year, and the third successive new location in the Midwest (following Chicago and Kansas City).  

With seating for more than 450, customers visiting MSP-G Club will have ample space whether they’re looking to work, socialize or simply take in the views of the airfield. Eco-conscious guests can feel good about the Club’s environmental impact: the Club is moving to over 90% waste diversion, meaning a large majority of Club waste is diverted from landfills via recycling or composting. 

Inspired by Minnesota’s designation as the “land of 10,000 lakes,” the MSP-G Club’s design concept features a rich colour palette evoking summer sunsets at the lake – earth tones like sage greens paired with warm copper and amber hues. The Club includes a year-round, all-weather Sky Deck® with seating for 110 guests. This first-of-its kind Sky Deck is bookended by two completely open-air elements — one of which features a living plant wall, with seasonal foliage refreshed three times annually—and is suffused with natural light streaming from the overhead skylight. Guests unwinding in this unique space can also enjoy a drink from one of the Club’s premium bars, located on the deck. 

Delta's MSP G-Club includes a year-round, all-weather Sky Deck® with seating for 110 guests.

Guests unwinding in the year-round, all-weather Sky Deck® at Delta's MSP G-Club can enjoy a drink from one of the Club’s premium bars, located on the deck.

European Parliament vote approving SAF allowances in EU ETS

European Parliament vote approving SAF allowances in EU ETS

is important step for aviation decarbonisation

The 20 million ‘SAF allowances’ passed in today’s ETS vote at the European Parliament are an important part in accelerating aviation’s decarbonisation. They will help stimulate and incentivise the rapid deployment of sustainable aviation fuels in Europe. Without them, the phase out of free ETS allowances by 2026, well before truly effective decarbonisation solutions will be available at scale, could negatively impact air transport. This is because the cost of compliance for the ETS will likely increase fivefold by 2025 to over EUR 5-6 billion annually which would impact ticket prices, route availability and ultimately connectivity. 

Therefore, now is the time for the EU to do everything it can to ramp up sustainable fuel production. Countries around the world, such as the USA through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), are willing to throw public funds behind sustainable fuels. This is placing the future competitiveness of European aviation and the European SAF industry at stake. 

Now more than ever, all revenues generated from ETS aviation allowances should:

 Contribute to lowering the price gap between conventional fuels and SAF

Fund R&D and innovation projects for low- and zero-carbon fuels and propulsion technologies;

Fund the scaling up and deployment of SAF

United adds 40% more flights between the U.S. and Australia/New Zealand next northern winter, including new non-stop service to Christchurch, new routes from L.A. to Brisbane and Auckland, and more flights from San Francisco to Brisbane and Sydney

United Airlines has just announced the largest South Pacific network expansion ever to and from the continental U.S., including the first non-stop flight between San Francisco and Christchurch set to commence on December 1. United will be the only carrier to directly connect the U.S. and the South Island of New Zealand. With 66 flights between the US and Australia/New Zealand every week, United will operate nearly 40% more flights from the U.S. to Australia and New Zealand next northern winter versus last year.

The carrier is adding new direct flights from Los Angeles to Brisbane and Auckland and increasing service to the region from its San Francisco hub with daily flights to Brisbane, twice daily flights to Sydney and flying larger aircraft to Melbourne. And thanks to United's relationships with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia, travelers can enjoy easy one-stop connections from these cities to more than 50 destinations in the region.

United already flies to more destinations in Australia and New Zealand than all other U.S. carriers combined, and now will have more flights and serve more destinations in the region from the U.S. than any other carrier in the world. Tickets are now on sale on the airline's mobile app and on United.com – just in time for customers to plan their trips for the region's peak winter season.  

"This past winter, United enhanced our network and became the largest carrier to the South Pacific region. Now, this upcoming winter, we will expand even further," said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances. "Our strong partnerships with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia provide unparalleled connectivity, and with our historic expansion across five destinations in New Zealand and Australia, United is the clear choice for customers' travel to the region."

San Francisco – Christchurch, NZ*

Starting December 1, United will be the only airline to offer direct flights between the U.S. and New Zealand's South Island, with the first direct San Francisco-Christchurch service. United will fly this route three times weekly on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. United's new flight to Christchurch is part of the airline's broader expansion efforts in New Zealand and next winter, the airline will be nearly 70% larger in New Zealand than in 2019.  

Los Angeles – Auckland*

WestJet Group statement regarding ALPA strike authorization vote

WestJet Group statement regarding ALPA strike authorization vote

The WestJet Group issued the following statement regarding the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) announcement of the results of the strike authorization vote to WestJet pilots.

"A strike authorization vote is a common step by unions in context of the overall labour negotiation process and does not mean a strike will occur," said Diederik Pen, WestJet Group Chief Operating Officer. "We remain unwaveringly committed to achieving an agreement that is competitive within Canada's airline industry and ensures we have a long-term sustainable future so that we can continue to operate critical air service for millions of Canadians, while providing jobs for thousands at the WestJet Group."

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Aeroplan set to end as it joins with Parkland's JOURNIE

Multi-year agreement will create more ways for Canadians to earn and redeem Aeroplan points

When partnership launches in Fall, 2023, Aeroplan and JOURNIE™ Rewards members who link their loyalty accounts will have increased earning and redemption opportunities and greater choice in accessing new benefits

All Parkland's Canadian fuel and convenience brands to participate, including Ultramar, Chevron, Pioneer, Fas Gas, and ON the RUN and Marché Express

EV charging rewards also planned for JOURNIE™ Rewards and Aeroplan

Air Canada's Aeroplan, the once popular loyalty programme is set to end as it will join with Parkland Corporation, the company behind popular Canadian fuel and convenience store brands Chevron, Ultramar, Pioneer, Fas Gas, ON the RUN and Marché Express are pleased to announce a new loyalty partnership that will launch in the fall of 2023.

"We are thrilled to come together with the Parkland family of brands to offer Aeroplan members a new way to earn and redeem points in their everyday lives," said Mark Nasr, President of Aeroplan. "Our members have long been asking for a fuel partner, and Parkland's extensive reach across Canada, their best-in-class retail experience, and their investments in low carbon fuels and EV charging infrastructure, make them the perfect fit."

"Our strategic partnership with Aeroplan unites two great Canadian loyalty programs and propels Parkland's loyalty and organic growth strategies," said Parkland Canada President, Ian White.

"Parkland's purpose is to power journeys, and to partner with Canada's premier travel loyalty program and largest airline is a natural extension of our customer proposition. We are excited to work with Aeroplan to accelerate momentum in our JOURNIE™ Rewards program and provide our customers with even greater choice and value."

Together, the Aeroplan and JOURNIE™ Rewards loyalty programs will have a broader platform to build deeper engagement with millions of members across Canada, providing increased earning and redemption opportunities, greater choice in accessing new benefits, and an unmatched loyalty experience.  More details will be available leading up to the launch in fall of 2023.

New private jet carbon offset calculator shows flyers their carbon footprint

In recognition of Earth Day 2023, on April 22, charter and jet card provider Paramount Business Jets has updated its pioneering, open-source Private Jet Carbon Offset Calculator, heralded as the first carbon emissions calculation tool for the business aviation community when introduced on PBJ’s web site in 2019.

The calculator allows users to quickly determine carbon emissions for their flights by simply inputting the departure and destination points and the type of aircraft; the calculator instantly tabulates the flight time and emissions in pounds and metric tonnes of CO2. The page also provides links to several organizations offering accredited offset programs for travellers interested in purchasing offsets to reduce their carbon footprints.

“We feel that this can help the environment, and that’s why we put time and effort into updating it,” said Paramount Business Jets founder and CEO, Richard Zaher. “We’re proud to be involved with the project.”

With the updated version, users can now select the specific category as well as the aircraft model, rather than simply the aircraft model as in the first iteration, for more precise emission calculations. Additionally, the calculator now presents greener aircraft options appropriate for the mission. 

“This tool helps those who are creating carbon emissions be more aware of them, and helps in lessening them by giving the client the ability to make a more informed decision,” said Zaher.