Bombardier gets new credit rating from S&P

Bombardier has announced that S&P Global Ratings has upgraded the company’s credit rating from B- to B, citing solid execution, successful deleveraging efforts, backlog stability and effective management of supply chain risks as contributing factors as part of a release issued on May 1, 2023. S&P Global Ratings’ outlook for Bombardier remains stable.  

“This upgrade comes on the heels of a solid first quarter and reflects the company’s positive trajectory toward its objectives. This enhanced rating is a testament to Bombardier’s solid plan and financial discipline, as well as to the commitment of its talented teams,” said Bart Demosky, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “We remain focused on delivering a robust and predictable financial performance, all while providing an incredible experience to our valued customers.”  

As part of its recently published quarterly results for Q1 2023, Bombardier reported positive net income as well as higher year-over-year revenues and profit margins. During the first three months of 2023, Bombardier also continued its strong progress on debt reduction with a repayment of approximately $400 million from cash on balance sheet and ended the first three months of 2023 with a stable, diversified $14.8 billion dollar backlog. Also, during the first quarter, Moody’s Investors Service upgraded Bombardier’s corporate family and Senior unsecured notes rating to B2.  

“Allow me to reiterate that I am very pleased with how we have started 2023,” added Demosky. “We have built Bombardier to perform well with a solid company structure, and we continue to show great progress toward our raised 2025 objectives.” 

AeroVironment awarded $10 Million contract by NASA/JPL to co-design and develop two helicopters for Mars Sample return mission

AeroVironment, Inc. has been awarded a $10 million contract by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to co-design and co-develop conceptual designs and engineering development units of Mars Sample Recovery Helicopter flight systems. Future efforts could include detailed design, build, and test of qualification and flight hardware. The helicopters build upon the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter design heritage and feature upgraded robotics to supplement aerial mobility.

AeroVironment engineers from the MacCready Works team previously worked with NASA JPL to co-design and develop the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, which has completed 52 successful flights to date on Mars and survived 781 sols on the surface, far outperforming its design objectives.

“Accomplishing the impossible has been AeroVironment’s mission for more than 50 years and we are excited to be working with the NASA JPL team again to conquer the next challenge,” said Scott Newbern, AeroVironment’s vice president and chief technology officer. “Ingenuity’s flights on Mars are a giant leap for robotic technology. Now we’re advancing this science further by helping to build helicopters that not only will continue flight on Mars, but also will include apparatus to collect samples to bring back to Earth for this historic mission.”

The two planned Sample Recovery Helicopters would be a secondary method of sample retrieval for the NASA/ESA Mars Sample Return Campaign. NASA’s Perseverance rover, which has already been collecting a diverse set of scientifically selected samples for potential safe return to Earth, is currently planned as the primary method of delivering samples to the Sample Retrieval Lander.

Air Canada and Bell today announced a multi-year partnership that will make it even easier to stay connected.......

Air Canada and Bell today announced a multi-year partnership that will make it even easier to stay connected — both on the ground and in the skies. The partnership delivers on Air Canada and Bell's longstanding commitments to elevating the customer experience, while focusing on added benefits for newcomers and visitors to Canada, preparing them to connect to Canada's best network as soon as they land.

Bell to be Air Canada's premier sponsor of in-flight Wi-Fi services

Aeroplan members will benefit from free in-flight messaging

Bell and Air Canada to introduce additional benefits designed for newcomers and visitors to Canada

Starting May 15, Air Canada and Bell will offer free messaging for all Aeroplan members worldwide on all Wi-Fi equipped aircraft across Air Canada's fleet, including Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express flights. This offering will enable customers to send and receive text-based messages via onboard Wi-Fi using popular messaging apps including Apple's iMessage, Meta's WhatsApp and Messenger, Rakuten's Viber, and Messages by Google.  Also, this benefit will be available to strategic partner airline loyalty members, including customers of United MileagePlus, Lufthansa Group Miles & More and Emirates Skywards when their account numbers are associated with an Air Canada booking.

Additionally, with this new partnership, newcomers and visitors to Canada will gain easy and immediate ways to stay connected as they arrive in Canada. With complimentary mobile SIM cards on select inbound international flights, newcomers and visitors can activate in flight, allowing them to walk off the plane and be connected.

Airbus Perlan Mission II back in air to set world altitude record

Airbus Perlan Mission II, the world’s first initiative to pilot an engineless aircraft to the edge of space, has successfully completed a flight test campaign in the U.S., clearing the way for an attempt later this year to set a new aviation world altitude record for manned, level flight.

Airbus Perlan Mission II is an initiative to fly an engineless glider to the edge of space, higher than any other winged aircraft has operated in manned, level flight, to open up a world of discoveries related to high-altitude flight, weather and climate change. 

“Over the past decade, we have been on a thrilling adventure to inspire, educate and explore in the stratosphere, and Airbus has been a great partner on that journey as together we’ve attempted — and achieved — the seemingly impossible,” said Ed Warnock, CEO of The Perlan Project.

The pressurized Perlan 2 glider, which set the subsonic world altitude record at over 76,000 feet in 2018, set sail yesterday from the U.S. for the long journey to El Calafate, Argentina. Above the Patagonian Andes where atmospheric conditions are optimal, expert pilots and engineers from the nonprofit The Perlan Project will attempt to soar the experimental glider to its service ceiling of 90,000 feet.

“If a glider, which is a truly zero-emission aircraft, can become the highest-flying aircraft of all time, it sends a powerful message that decarbonization of aviation is no impediment to achievement, and can even be an enabler,” said C. Jeffrey Knittel, Airbus Americas Chairman and CEO.

As a research platform that emits no exhaust, Perlan 2 is ideally suited to the high-altitude atmospheric research the team will conduct to inform more accurate climate-change models. The aircraft will soar to altitudes where the air density is similar to the atmosphere on Mars, providing unique opportunities for aerodynamic studies related to turbulence, extreme weather and future space exploration.

The aircraft will also carry aloft experiments designed by school students through The Perlan Project’s STEM partnership with Teachers in Space.

Airbus began its title sponsorship of The Perlan Project in 2014, facilitating the completion of Perlan 2’s construction. The glider, described by Warnock as “a space capsule with wings,” is equipped with sophisticated life support systems and instrumentation to ensure pilot safety.

The aircraft is able to soar without an engine to its record altitudes thanks to very rare air currents known as “stratospheric mountain waves,” which form when mountain winds are strengthened by the polar vortex.

The Airbus Perlan Mission II team, made up of some of the aviation industry’s most celebrated test pilots and world-renowned climate scientists, will conduct its 2023 flying campaign from late July through mid-September, when stratospheric mountain waves are most likely to occur in the Southern Hemisphere. After setting multiple successive records in prior years, the team took a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dominican Republic's Arajet launches 42 connections in 9 countries

Dominican Republic's low-cost airline Arajet confirmed that it has 42 round-trip connections, two days a week to and from 9 countries in its route network, turning the Dominican Republic into the low-cost hub of the Caribbean.

"What we promised is already a reality: Arajet offers connections and brings 9 of the 11 countries in our network closer through low fares so that more people can fly for the first time, reconnect with friends and family, or visit our region," assured Víctor Pacheco, CEO and founder of Arajet. "Today an Arajet passenger who is in Mexico City can book a dinner in Medellín and have lunch in the colonial zone of Santo Domingo, generating business and tourism opportunities in our country and contributing to its development.”

Arajet customers can buy from the 300,000 new seats incorporated into the airline's offer until March 30, 2024, and with 42 new connections already operating normally in the network, plan the vacation of their dreams for a fraction of what they imagined: "We offer the lowest rate, so that our passengers can customize their flights and pay only for what they need," Pacheco added.

Arajet connects through two weekly frequencies on Tuesdays and Saturdays Mexico City (NLU), Cancun (CUN), Guatemala City (GUA) and San Salvador (SAL) with Aruba (AUA), Curaçao (CUR), St. Marteen (SXM), Kingston (KIN) and Cartagena (CRT), opening new possibilities for development and exchange between the continent and the Caribbean.

Mr Pacheco added that the airline will soon open new routes to South America, including Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Uruguay. “We are about to open new destinations to bring closer together tourists from the south of the continent to the Caribbean,” he said.

Mr Pacheco´s remarks closed with a presentation of Arajet´s Pilot for a Day social impact program, which has already benefited more than 350 Dominican children and young people from vulnerable communities and seeks to motivate them to become passionate about the world of aviation and develop technical and professional careers as flight attendants, pilots, engineers, and technicians. 

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WestJet starts service between Calgary and Tokyo

Canadian airline Westjet has launched flights between Calgary International Airport and Tokyo's Narita International Airport, which will operate three times a week on the airline's Dreamliner aircraft.

"We are thrilled to see our new service to Tokyo, Japan take flight as we welcome our newest destination to our 787 intercontinental hub at YYC," said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. "Not only does this new route increase opportunities for business, leisure and cargo customers to expand their horizons in Asia, it also provides an exceptional opportunity to welcome transpacific leisure and business travellers direct to Calgary and Alberta."

"We are delighted about WestJet's new flight between Calgary and Tokyo," said Rob Palmer, Vice President, Commercial, Strategy and Chief Financial Officer for The Calgary Airport Authority. "YYC Calgary International Airport is proud to be the first impression of Alberta's western hospitality for many travellers coming to explore the region from Asia. As WestJet's sole connecting global hub, the airline has been a key part of YYC's success. We look forward to continuing to support our partners' growth, and welcoming travellers from around the world."

"For decades, Japanese travellers have had a special relationship with Alberta. The Calgary-Tokyo flight represents an important opportunity to rebuild that bridge," said David Goldstein, Chief Executive Officer, Travel Alberta. "This new flight will deliver approximately $1.1B in potential tourism income and 24,000 passenger seats. We look forward to welcoming back this important international market to our beautiful province."

European Space and Telecoms Players sign partnership agreement to bid for IRIS2 constellation

A group of European space and telecommunications players have come together to form a partnership to respond to the European Commission’s call for tender related to the future European satellite constellation IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite). IRIS² aims to bring a new secure and resilient connectivity infrastructure to European governments, businesses and citizens.

The open consortium will be governed by Airbus Defence and Space, Eutelsat, Hispasat, SES and Thales Alenia Space. The consortium will also rely on the core team of the following companies: Deutsche Telekom, OHB, Orange, Hisdesat, Telespazio, and Thales. Together, they will aim to create a state-of-the-art satellite constellation based on a multi-orbit architecture that would be interoperable with the terrestrial ecosystem.

This partnership will set up an integrated best-in-class European space and telecoms team across these companies to leverage the expertise and capabilities in the field of secure satellite communications solutions. The consortium will encourage start-ups, mid-Caps and SMEs to join the partnership, resulting in a more innovative and competitive European space sector where new business models will emerge.

Artemis Aerospace discusses what to eat at 30,000 feet

Mention airline food and most people will readily recount their experiences. This may include the ubiquitous packet of pretzels, but for a first-class menu, how do chefs plan, prepare and produce gourmet food for sky-high consumption? 

Here, Artemis Aerospace explores the in-flight catering industry and the science behind delivering delicious meals on board.

The multi-million-pound industry of in-flight catering is a topic which arouses heated discussion among frequent flyers. There is even a website dedicated entirely to airline meals and the ratings people have given them, with photos of each dish.

However, creating a gastronomic treat for first-class passengers isn't just a question of premium ingredients and catering expertise. According to research for Lufthansa by the Fraunhofer Institute, salt is perceived to be between 20 and 30% less intense and sugar 15 to 20% less intense at high altitude, and overall almost 70% of your sense of taste is lost. This is due to a combination of factors including the decibel level from the engine noise, and less than 12% humidity, which rivals a desert atmosphere.

As if this weren't enough, low cabin pressure also decreases blood oxygen levels, which means that your olfactory receptors, which play a critical role in perceiving odours, become less sensitive. Around 85% of what we think of as 'taste' is actually due to our sense of smell. So when people accuse airline food of being bland, this may not be an entirely fair assumption!

Interestingly, spicy, bitter, sour and umami flavours are barely affected, garlic being one example, and some foods, like lemongrass and curry, are actually enhanced by airborne eating. It's a well-documented fact that people will often crave tomato juice while flying, even if it's not something they usually drink, because at altitude it tastes sweeter and more fruity.

Teams of executive chefs are employed by airlines to experiment with flavours and come up with dishes which are modified to allow for these changes in taste. Natural herbs and spices predominate rather than trying to increase salt levels, as too much sodium contributes to dehydration while in the air. Ingredients with bold flavours, such as mushrooms, hard cheeses, soy, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and citrus fruits are popular choices, while more subtle flavour enhancers are largely ineffectual.

Once these concessions have been factored into a recipe, individual meals are prepared in state-of-the-art facilities close to the airport. Most airlines don't have full kitchens for health and safety reasons, so an onboard chef is a rarity on commercial flights. A great deal of preparation goes into forecasting upcoming food trends, such as the increasing popularity of plant-based foods or a particular type of world cuisine, and into the accommodation of special dietary requirements. Menus are also rotated to try to avoid people getting the same meal on a return flight.

Hawaiian Airlines 2023 corporate Kuleana report highlights path to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050

Hawaiian Airlines has published its 2023 Corporate Kuleana (Responsibility) report describing the carrier’s progress on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities. In the past year, Hawaiʻi’s hometown airline has advanced its sustainability goals to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, reduce single-use plastics from cabin service and offer more locally sourced food onboard.

Hawaiian’s decarbonization roadmap includes interim targets to lower GHG emissions and focuses heavily on replacing petroleum jet fuel with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Hawaiian is purchasing 50 million gallons of SAF from biofuel company Gevo, Inc., starting in 2029. Among its near-term commitments, the airline is seeking to decrease life-cycle jet fuel emissions per revenue ton mile by 45% by 2035 and replace 10% of conventional jet fuel with SAF by 2030.

“These targets, particularly those within the next decade, are a rallying cry for our organization to act urgently to address our carbon emissions,” Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram said in the Corporate Kuleana Report’s welcome note. “We must also continue to partner with fuel producers and the airline industry, as well as states and the federal government to help accelerate SAF production and distribution at commercially viable prices.”

Hawaiian, which is working to phase out single-use plastics from in-flight service by 2029, carried 7% less single-use plastic per transpacific flight last year compared to 2021. It also increased locally produced food and beverage items served on flights departing from Hawaiʻi to 32% of its budget – up from 29% in 2021 and closer to its 2025 40% spending target.

Boeing is expanding its ecoDemonstrator flight-test programme

U.S. plane maker Boeing is expanding its ecoDemonstrator flight-test programme to further accelerate innovation for sustainability and safety. 

The company recently announced its 2023 plan to assess 19 technologies on the Boeing 777 ecoDemonstrator, while also adding "Explorer" aeroplanes that will focus tests on specific technologies.

The first ecoDemonstrator Explorer, a 787-10 Dreamliner, will conduct flight tests in June from Seattle to Tokyo, Singapore and Bangkok to demonstrate how coordinating navigation across global airspace jurisdictions can improve operational efficiency, which can reduce an aeroplane's fuel use and emissions by up to 10%. Utilizing today's onboard capabilities, Boeing and air navigation service providers (ANSPs) in the U.S., Japan, Singapore and Thailand will collectively sequence the airplane's routes to achieve the optimal flight path across multiple regions, factoring in conditions such as weather, air traffic and airspace closures. The airplane will fly on the highest available blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at each location.

"To support our industry's goal for net zero carbon emissions by 2050, Boeing is expanding our ecoDemonstrator programme with Explorer airplanes to test even more sustainability-focused technologies," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We continue to invest in innovation that reduces fuel use, emissions and noise on our products and to partner with governments and industry to make progress on sustainability during each phase of flight."

"The industry will need continued fleet renewal, efficiency gains, renewable energy carriers such as sustainable aviation fuel and advanced technology to meet the civil aviation industry's commitment to achieve net zero carbon emission by 2050," said Boeing Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Raymond. "Our initial Explorer testing in partnership with aviation stakeholders in four countries is a great example of how we can work together to optimize operational efficiency and reduce emissions."

In 2023, Boeing also will use its current flagship ecoDemonstrator airplane, a 777-200ER (Extended Range), to test 19 technologies including:

Sustainable wall panels in the cargo hold that are made of 40% recycled carbon fiber and 60% resin made from a bio-based feedstock

A fiber optic fuel quantity sensor compatible with 100% SAF

An Electronic Flight Bag application featuring Smart Airport Maps, a component of Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro, which reduces operational costs and supports safe taxi operations with the depiction of contextual airport data

For all flight tests, the airplane will fly on the highest available blend of SAF locally

Since its initial flights in 2012, the Boeing ecoDemonstrator programme has accelerated innovation by taking new technologies out of the lab and testing them in an operational environment. Including the 2023 plan, the programme will have tested about 250 technologies to help decarbonize aviation, improve operational efficiency and enhance safety and the passenger experience. Approximately a third of tested technologies have progressed onto Boeing's products and services.

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More information about the 2023 ecoDemonstrator and previous ecoDemonstrator airplanes is available at boeing.com/ecoDemonstrator

Garmin receives Operational Excellence Award from Airbus Helicopters

Garmin has announced it recently received the 2022 Operational Excellence Award from Airbus Helicopters at their annual Supplier Conference in Marignane, France. In addition to recognizing excellence in on-time delivery and quality, the award highlights Garmin's outstanding performance amid a period of global supply chain challenges.

"It is an honour to be recognized by Airbus Helicopters for our commitment to serve them and our mutual customers. This prestigious award represents the strong collaboration between Airbus Helicopters and Garmin and is a testament to the hard work and dedication provided by the entire Garmin team. We are truly grateful to receive this award recognizing the entire organization's commitment to on-time delivery, quality, and customer support." – Carl Wolf, Garmin Vice President of Aviation Sales and Marketing

Airbus delivers first protected-wounded transport container to German Armed Forces

Airbus delivers first protected-wounded transport container to German Armed Forces

Airbus Defence and Space has now handed over the first of 13 protected-wounded transport containers (GVTC) to the German Armed Forces. From now on, their medical personnel will use them to save lives: In the containers, they can safely transport the sick, injured and wounded to hospitals or field hospitals - and even provide medical care while doing so.

"Our protected-wounded transport containers improve the Bundeswehr's rescue chain and ability to recover, transport and treat the wounded in crisis areas," said Harald Mannheim, managing director of Airbus Defence and Space GmbH. "In this respect, the GVTC is further proof of how we and our state-of-the-art technologies help all those who help others."

The first GVTC, delivered on 20 April, will be used as a so-called ‘proof-of-concept’ vehicle. This means that the Bundeswehr will put the container through its paces and train and educate its medical personnel on it, after which, the GVTC will go into series production. The 12-series GVTCs are then scheduled to be handed over to the Bundeswehr from 2024 to 2026.  

Air Canada and Dreams Take Flight give children from across Ontario with a trip-of-a-lifetime

Air Canada and Dreams Take Flight transported a plane load of children from Toronto to Florida to experience the joy of the theme parks today. 

The aircraft was carrying many children who were meant to experience the once-in-a-lifetime trip in 2020 but were unable to due to the global pandemic. Thus with the support of numerous Air Canada employee volunteers, the Air Canada Foundation and the Dreams Take Flight organization, the trip was finally able to take place, making the wishes of 126 kids come true. Eight flights operate annually, providing over 1000 children each year with an unforgettable day at a theme park in Florida or California.

By generously donating their time, pilots, flight attendants, maintenance engineers, and numerous other employees on the ground and behind the scenes offer children facing mental, physical, or social adversity the chance to take a break from their every day to make memories and see new possibilities. 

"After a wait of three years, we are so excited to finally fly to Orlando with our group of children who have been patiently waiting since 2020 for their magical day", said Julie Mailhot, President of Dreams Take Flight Toronto. "Since we had to cancel our flight in April 2020, we kept in touch with each child, including sending them a Christmas card and gift each year, to remind them that we had not forgotten about them."

"It is so heartwarming to see this group of deserving children finally get their special day," said Valerie Durand, Spokesperson for the Air Canada Foundation. "Everyone has worked extremely hard to bring this trip to life, ensuring these kids go home with magical memories to last a lifetime. Children who have been on previous Dreams flights have told us what a difference the experience has made for them, giving them hope for the future. We're very proud to have played a part in supporting Dreams Take Flight Toronto through this long-awaited adventure."

Azerbaijan Airlines is finalizing deal for 8 Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets

Boeing and Azerbaijan Airlines are finalizing a deal for eight Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner jets to help the carrier open up new routes from Azerbaijan and boost capacity for inbound tourism. 

Jahangir Asgarov, president of Azerbaijan Airlines, and Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes signed the deal at the airline's hub in Baku. 

"The successful development of the country's civil aviation has become possible thanks to the continuous support and attention of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. The signing of a contract with Boeing for the purchase of modern wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliners is an important step in modernizing the fleet and increasing the level of AZAL air transportation," said Asgarov.

"The 787 has helped position Azerbaijan Airlines as the leading carrier across Central Asia, with the airplane's flexibility and capability opening Azerbaijan up to increased tourism and economic growth," said Deal. "For more than 20 years we have enjoyed a tremendous partnership with Azerbaijan Airlines and this order for Dreamliners is a testament to the strength of our product family and the relationship between our companies."

The 787-8's range reaches up to 13,530 km in a typical two-class configuration, enabling Azerbaijan Airlines to grow its network across Europe, Asia and beyond. 

Azerbaijan Airlines is one of the largest carriers in Central Asia, serving 40 destinations across 25 countries, with a fleet that includes Boeing 757, 767 and 787 jets.

flydubai's new “Business Suite”......

flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has unveiled its latest premium business class seat, offering passengers added comfort, privacy and an exceptional onboard experience.

The Business Suite, designed exclusively for single-aisle aircraft, is the latest evolution in flydubai’s Business Class offering which will see 10 suites introduced to a number of the carrier’s newest 737 aircraft before the end of 2023. The new seat will offer all passengers in Business Class direct aisle access, which rivals the Business Class experience onboard many wide-body aircraft.

flydubai is the launch customer for this brand-new seat. Close collaboration with Safran Seats, one of the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft seats, and JPA Design, a multinational design company operating in the transportation, interiors, and product design arenas, has resulted in a uniquely flydubai and best-in-class Business Class seating product.

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The Business Suite: the first aircraft featuring the new Business Suite is expected to join the flydubai fleet in November. The new premium Business Class experience will be available on up to six aircraft by the first quarter of 2024 and will be scheduled on select longer flights around the flydubai network. The Business Suite features:

Privacy and added comfort: from a fully-closed suite experience to a more traditional open-plan seat for greater social interaction, passengers will be able to choose their own level of privacy based on their mood.

Discreet and thoughtful stowage solutions: will keep a passenger’s personal items readily accessible while maintaining a clutter-free living space.

Ambient lighting: has been set into the shell of the seat. It’s also been incorporated under the ottoman and inside personal stowage areas, so the entire suite has a relaxing ambience.

Entertainment: Bluetooth allows the use of personal headphones with a 17-inch 4K built-in touchscreen for an immersive viewing experience, with hours of blockbuster movies and popular TV shows to enjoy.

Dining: a selection of delicious meals, snacks and complimentary hot and cold beverages are available to passengers in Business Class. Hot meals from an internationally inspired menu are offered on flights over 90 minutes and lighter cold meals on shorter flights.