Quebec airport screening officers to see 12.5% pay increase over two years

Screening officers at various Quebec airports have ratified new two-year labour contracts that include 12.5% wage increases retroactive to March 2022. For the first time ever, Quebec screening officers, i.e., at the Dorval and Quebec City airports and the 12 regional airports, bargained as a common front.

Syndicat des Métallos/United Steelworkers union spokespersons elatedly reported that “Quebec’s screening officers have the best conditions in Canada. Negotiations were long and arduous, but we’re happy with the results. We’re proud of the fact that we negotiated as a united front and stood together all the way to the end; this helped lift everyone up. And negotiations will resume in less than a year. Before you know it, the process will start up all over again so that we can keep up with inflation,” explained Marc Bourget, President of Local Union 9554, which represents the 987 Montreal airport screening officers.

A night premium has also been introduced at the Montreal airport. The wage enhancements will also apply retroactively to all forms of compensation (including overtime, holidays, vacations and pensions).

During April 2023, the Latvian airline airBaltic carried 330,000 passengers

During April 2023, the Latvian airline airBaltic said it carried exactly 330,000 passengers, up 35% on the same month last year.  The carrier performed 3260 flights, marking a 3% increase from April 2022 and an average of just over 101 people per flight. 

Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic: “The summer season has officially begun and we are already seeing a rise in the number of carried passengers – an increasing number of people are choosing airBaltic as their preferred airline. This is likely due in part to our recent launch of 20 new routes from all four bases, which have generated significant interest. As a result, we anticipate even greater increase in passenger numbers during the summer season.”

airBaltic provides flights to more than 70 destinations from Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius and Tampere, offering connections to a wide range of destinations in the airline's route network in Europe, Scandinavia, the CIS and the Middle East.

The carrier which is majoritively owned by the Latvian Government recently started its new summer programme from Tallinn, which features new leisure destinations such as Split (Croatia), Rhodes (Greece), Dubrovnik (Croatia), and Heraklion (Greece). 

It was earlier this month that airBaltic celebrated its first anniversary of operating a base outside of the Baltic's, in Tampere, Finland. To mark the occasion the carrier introduced two new direct destinations from the city to Milan and Nice. The airline connects Tampere with eight destinations and will continue to base one of its Airbus A220-300 in Tampere for the summer season.

Mega order for 737 MAX jets from Ryanair........up to 300 aircraft

The Irish low-fare airline Ryanair has made its largest Boeing order with up to 300 jets to help it dominate the European travel market.

The deal includes a firm order for 150 737-MAX 10 jets and options for 150 more aircraft. When finalized, and subject to all options being exercised, this deal is valued at over $40bn at current list prices and is the largest order ever placed by an Irish Company for US manufactured goods.

Ryanair has deployed a growing fleet of 737-MAX 8 -200 aeroplanes to accelerate its post-pandemic recovery and meet strong travel demand. The 197-seat 737-MAX 8-200 model has helped the airline reduce fuel use and emissions by over 20% compared to the older 737s they are replacing and reduces the space allotted to customers.  The new order adds the larger 737- MAX 10 variant, which with give the airline 228 seats to fill on each flight.  

The bombastic Ryanair Group CEO Michael  O’Leary said: "Ryanair is pleased to sign this record aircraft order for up to 300 MAX-10s with our aircraft partner Boeing.  These new, fuel-efficient, greener technology aircraft offer 21% more seats, burn 20% less fuel and are 50% quieter than our B737-NGs."

According to the airline, this order will help it create 10,000 new jobs which will be located across all of Europe’s main economies where Ryanair operates and is either the No.1 or No.2 airline.

"The Boeing-Ryanair partnership is one of the most productive in commercial aviation history, enabling both companies to succeed and expand affordable travel to hundreds of millions of people," said Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun. "Nearly a quarter century after our companies signed our first direct aeroplane purchase, this landmark deal will further strengthen our partnership. We are committed to delivering for Ryanair and helping the airline group achieve its goals."

Given the size and scale of the transaction, it will be subject to shareholder approval at the next Annual General Meeting on September 14th. 

Canada Jetlines signs deal with The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Programme........Discounts for students....

Canada Jetlines has signed a contract with the ISIC Programme that will see Canada Jetlines provide discounted airfare rates to University enrolled students globally. This agreement complements many other private user group agreements whose members benefit from private rates with Canada Jetlines.

"Canada Jetlines is very pleased to partner with ISIC and its 4.5 Million student members worldwide. We are looking forward to providing access to reduced-rate travel options for students as they discover the joy and education associated with travel. We have a world-class organization that is reaching out every day to new partners and stakeholders that will benefit from our products and services and we are especially proud to launch this programme,” said Canada Jetlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, Duncan Bureau.

“We are excited to partner with Canada Jetlines to bring value to our ISIC members who love to travel and see the world. This partnership is welcomed as we prepare for a busy year ahead for students,” says Corey Grist, Director of Operations and Services at ISIC Canada.

The International Student Identity Card is the only internationally recognized student ID, making cardholders members of a truly global club. Every year more than 4.5 million students from 130 countries use their ISIC to take advantage of offers on travel, shopping, museums, and more, worldwide.

Is Virgin Orbit's future secured after 30 indications of interest received?

The troubled space launch system, founded by Sir Richard Branson in 2017, Virgin Orbit has confirmed that more than 30 indications of interest have been received under the court-approved bid procedures of its Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection plan. 

The company said these letters of interest came from multiple parties that proposed to continue to operate the business as a going concern and retain current employees in an integrated enterprise.

Company CEO Dan Hart said: “I’m pleased with the number and quality of the indications of interest we’ve received, which we believe reflects the innovative ideas and hard work the team has put into the development of this unique system. I look forward to continuing to work with those who have expressed interest and other parties as we approach the final bid deadline.”  The bid deadline for final binding offers is set for later this month.

Of course, at this stage, it is by no means clear how realistic any of these indications of interest are, how they are to be financed or who they are from, although it is believed that Elon Musk's SpaceX is not one of those interested parties. 

Whilst the early phases of a buy-out continue, there is no guarantee that any winning bidder will continue to operate the Virgin Orbit business as a going concern, retain current employees or indeed result in any return to the company's shareholders. There is a little more hope on the horizon for the company than there was before. Also to that end,  the Virgin Orbit team is going ahead with the final integration of the next rocket toward launch, which is currently planned for later this year.

Virgin Orbit has already delivered commercial, civil, national security, and international satellites into orbit, via its Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne rockets which are carried under the wing of a modified former Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747-400 jet. 

The first launch from a UK base ended in disaster which has led the company to file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in the U.S. where it is based.

Jason Shaw said: "I think there is a future for Virgin Orbit, although,  maybe some fundamental changes might be needed to its delivery system.  I would have liked to have seen a better interaction between Virgin Galactic and Virgin Orbit, I'm sure they could have found a way to fire LauncherOne from one of the Virgin Galactic launch aircraft, had they been more involved and entwined from the start." 

It is understood the UK Government is watching the situation with keen interest,  in 2019 the UK's Space Agency awarded the firm £7.35 million to enable it to operate from Cornwall Airport Newquay.    

A dislodged filter caused Virgin Orbit's failed UK launch it was revealed in April.

New premium long-haul carrier set to start in September..........Himalaya Jet

A new airline could soon be taking to the skies in leased Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to fly to Mumbai, Delhi and Kathmandu from London and Paris.

The plan is for Himalaya Jet, a company set up by the Gurung family, who co-own the Miss World contest, to start flights later this year, possibly in September.  Travel Trade Gazette reports the fledgling airline has an office at London Heathrow's Terminal 2 and another potential destination is Sydney, Australia. 

Gary Noakes at TTG writes that this proposed carrier follows hot on the heels of two other Indian start-up airlines, Flypop which will fly from London Stansted and has already sorted out its first aircraft and Hans Airways, which intends to operate between Birmingham and Amritsar.  

Other possible destinations listed on Himalaya Jet website include New York, Washington DC, Toronto, Zurich, Frankfurt, Madrid, Rome and Vienna. The new carrier aims to connect selected cities in Asia, Europe and North America with point-to-point premium long-haul full-service direct flights.  It claims the services between operational cities will both save time and be an estimated 30% cheaper than other airlines. 

If the plans come to fruition, the airline hopes to have a fleet of around 18 aircraft by the end of its third year, according to aviationa2z and although Himalaya Jet is set to start with Boeing 787 jets, it is also in talks to lease Airbus aircraft, possibly A330 or A350 jets from aircraft leasing companies.  

This could be an exciting time for fresh start-ups to shake the aviation industry, which is already climbing to near pre-pandemic levels of traffic and more people expressing desires to travel more widely than before. 

Although, starting a new airline is never easy, just ask Richard Branson. However, Himalaya Jet is not alone, according to various reports, the company is getting support from the StartupBoeing team from the US manufacturer.  The StartupBoeing team assists entrepreneurs in launching new airlines. From concept through launch, StartupBoeing offers guidance, review, analysis, data, resources, contacts, and referrals to qualified startup airlines.

Condor and BrewDog present vacation beer Ferien Lager

Brewed in Berlin and around the world with Condor: from now on, the ideal vacation companion will be served on board Germany's most popular vacation airline. Together with BrewDog, the experimental beer brand from Berlin, the variety "Ferien Lager" was developed. The pleasantly light lager not only whets the appetite for vacation in terms of taste, but also comes in a can with a yellow-striped Condor look to match. With the new beverage, the vacation airline is expanding its generous in-flight catering offering.

Christian Schmitt, COO of Condor: "We are looking forward to serving our guests, together with BrewDog, "Ferien Lager". Whether en route to a beach vacation or on the way to the next adventure trip, the creation is the ideal companion to get in the mood for time away already on board. Even more, the cans were designed in our sunny Condor stripes."

With an alcohol content of 5.0%, "Holiday Lager" is a light pale that features a balanced combination of Simcoe, Sapphire, Hüll Melon and Cascade hops. This unique blend of hops not only gives the beer a fruity flavor, but also provides an incomparable aroma.

"We are excited about this wonderful partnership: vacation flyer meets pale lager, the result is a "vacation lager" - and a very special one at that. Left naturally cloudy, brewed with real aroma hops and a lot of time. The result is a wonderfully honest pale with an approachable character," explains BrewDog Germany CEO Adrian Klie.

The joint project was implemented with a lot of passion and is the starting signal for the cooperation. "Ferien Lager" is available now on every Condor flight, as well as in the BrewDog online store at www.brewdog.de. Travel with Condor can be booked with tour operators and in travel agencies, and flight tickets are available at www.condor.com and by phone.

SWISS names Airbus A220 after Viamala region

As part of its recent 20th-anniversary celebrations, SWISS is currently naming 20 of its aircraft after Swiss tourist regions. 

Following a competition, the Viamala region in Canton Graubünden has won one of the coveted spots. The naming was conducted in the SWISS hangar at Zurich Airport, with top skier Gino Caviezel performing the honours. The passengers on the first flight of the newly-named aircraft enjoyed a special surprise, too.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is currently naming 20 of its advanced Airbus A220-100 and A220-300 aircraft after Swiss tourist regions as part of its recent 20th anniversary celebrations. To these ends, the company teamed up with Switzerland Tourism last December to launch a contest inviting the country’s various tourist regions to compete for the honour, with three such namings to win. With its creative video entry, the Viamala region in Canton Graubünden was among the lucky winners.

“I am delighted that the multi-faceted Viamala tourist region will now have its name carried on one of our Airbus A220s,” says SWISS Head of Regional Sales Switzerland Marco Willa. “With all its extensive history, this wonderful region is an ideal choice, and a perfect ambassador for all of Switzerland’s natural beauty.”

Airbus A220-100 HB-JBF was formally named ‘Viamala’ at a ceremony in the SWISS hangar at Zurich Airport. The naming was performed by top Swiss skier Gino Caviezel, whose roots are in Viamala, in the presence of Viamala Tourism Director Patric Berg, SWISS Head of Regional Sales Switzerland Marco Willa and further invitees.

The first flight of the newly-named ‘Viamala’ was from Zurich to Dresden. And its passengers were in for a particular surprise: free entry to the breathtaking Viamala Gorge, courtesy of the Viamala region.

Boeing Business Jets announce new president

Boeing has named Joe Benson as president of Boeing Business Jets (BBJ), the company’s industry-leading VIP jet division that brings the best of commercial aviation into the realm of personal air travel. Benson oversees sales, support and operations for Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ portfolio of business jets operated by heads of state, VIP, corporate and charter customers.

“I am honoured to lead BBJ and continue our decades-long history of building the most capable and reliable business jets on the market,” said Benson. “As we look to the horizon, we are well-positioned to meet the strong business aviation demand by providing our customers an unrivalled travel experience and best-in-class economics.”

Benson’s experience and industry relationships ensure strong leadership continuity for customers. Most recently, he served as BBJ’s deputy to the president and business director, leading key sales campaigns and business operations. He succeeds Erika Pearson, who was recently named vice president of Boeing Commercial Airplanes Sales and Marketing in Southeast Asia & Oceania.

Loganair launches London Heathrow Airport - City of Derry Airport service

Saturday 6th May 2023 was a proud and momentous day for the management and staff at City of Derry Airport, and the entire Northwest region, as the first service in history between City of Derry and London Heathrow Airport took to the skies. The new service operated by Loganair, who have a long-standing partnership with the Airport spanning over four decades, is now available three times per day. This not only provides frequent air access to one of the world’s leading transport hubs, but also offers a fast and convenient gateway for international outbound travel and inbound tourism opportunities via the Northwest.

The launch was celebrated at the Airport with special guests; Cllr Sandra Duffy, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Anna Doherty, CEO of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, James Kilgore, Vice President of Causeway Chamber of Commerce, Shane Grant, Board Member at Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce, and Ciaran Doherty, Head of Regions at Tourism NI.

The passengers on the inaugural outbound London Heathrow service received some VIP treatment with the provision of some complimentary refreshments and goodies to get their trip off to a best start, and the first inbound passengers also received a truly memorable ‘Welcome to the Northwest’ with a water cannon salute to celebrate the inaugural arrival from London Heathrow!

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, expressed his delight at the launch: “The take off of Loganair’s new service between City of Derry Airport and London Heathrow Airport is a significant milestone for us. Gaining international hub access is a substantial step in the economic and strategic growth of the region and our vision for the future of the Airport.

“In terms of outbound travel, London Heathrow truly opens a ‘Gateway to the World’, as passengers are now able to book single ticket connections to and from City of Derry Airport via London Heathrow to 119 destinations across 56 countries.

Steve Johnson named vice chair and chief strategy officer of American Airlines

American Airlines confirmed this week that Stephen Johnson has been named Vice Chair and Chief Strategy Officer. In this expanded role, Johnson will lead and help shape American’s strategic efforts and initiatives across the enterprise and have responsibility for American Eagle and American Airlines Cargo.

"This is part of our long-term plan to continue strengthening our senior leadership team,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “Steve has served as an incredible leader and a trusted advisor to our airline over the past three decades, and to me personally throughout my first year as CEO. He will continue to guide our strategy, our focus on the economy and its impact on our business, and our corporate development, working closely with our board and senior leadership team. And I know our Regional and Cargo teams will excel under Steve’s leadership as those businesses continue to evolve and continue to provide outstanding service to customers throughout our global network.”

Following the retirement of Derek Kerr, Johnson will have responsibility for the airline’s cargo and American Eagle regional operations, with a focus on developing new strategies for those businesses. Heather Garboden, American’s Senior Vice President of Regionals and Cargo, will report to Johnson in his new role.

First C295 for India completes its maiden flight

The first C295 for India has successfully completed its maiden flight, marking a significant milestone towards its delivery by the second half of 2023. The tactical aircraft took off from Seville, Spain, on the 5 May at 11.45 local time (GMT+1) and landed at 14.45 after 3 hours of flight. 

“This first flight represents a significant accomplishment for the first Make in India aerospace programme. With the Indian Air Force set to become the largest operator of the C295 in the world, this programme exemplifies our commitment to improve the Indian Air Force (IAF) operational capabilities,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air Systems at Airbus Defence and Space.

India acquired 56 C295 aircraft in September 2021 to replace the (IAF) legacy AVRO fleet. The first 16 aircraft will be assembled in Seville, Spain, and delivered to the customer in ‘fly-away’ condition. The following 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by the Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India as part of an industrial partnership between the two companies. 

easyJet heading to Istanbul from Manchester next month.

easyJet will launch a new route to Istanbul in Turkey from Manchester next month, just in time for summer. This will be the first time the airline will operate to the Istanbul Airport in Turkey’s largest city, which becomes the 156th destination on easyJet’s extensive short-haul network spanning Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Seats are on sale now at easyJet.com and via the mobile app, with fares from £51.99.*
Departing for the first time on 9th June, flights will operate twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, providing a direct connection for customers from the North-West to this unique and iconic city, in addition to existing popular services from Manchester to Antalya and Dalaman.
Istanbul joins other destinations Bodrum, Antalya, Dalaman and Izmir on easyJet’s Turkey network and promises to offer customers something uniquely different.  Straddling two continents, and famously known as the city where East meets West, easyJet’s newest destination boasts a rich history and will offer customers a variety experiences; from the old city which reflects cultural influences of many historic empires, to world-famous landmarks like the Blue Mosque, while bargain hunters can stroll the iconic Grand Bazaar.

Ethiopian Skylight Hotel opens.....

Africa’s largest hotel Gets a Grand Opening

Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest aviation group in Africa, holds a grand opening of the largest hotel on the African continent as it inaugurates the second phase of the Ethiopian  Skylight Hotel. Ethiopian Airlines opened the first phase of Ethiopian Skylight Hotel back in January 2019. With the new extension, the hotel now has a total of 1,024 modern rooms and suites with different room types including fully equipped apartments suitable for long and short-staying guests. 

The hotel also incorporates meeting and event facilities which can accommodate from  small to up to 5000 guests, 19 food and beverage outlets including Ethiopian, Italian,  Arabian and Asian restaurants, coffee houses, bars, recreational facilities and spots for  sips or hand-crafted cocktails with a panoramic view of the airport and the city. 

Regarding the grand opening of Ethiopian Skylight Hotel’s second phase, Ethiopian  Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said “We are truly pleased to be standing here today on the grand opening ceremony of Ethiopian Skylight Hotel’s second phase as we will now have an even greater facility to accommodate guests. Above all we are thrilled with the accomplishment as it takes our contribution to Ethiopia’s tourism sector a step higher. The hotel is suitable to accommodate both business and leisure events and stays. Skylight Hotel has been providing a wide range of luxury experiences to its guests and with the completion of the second phase more five-star facilities and experiences will be available. With Skylight Hotel having more than 1000 rooms  and several other facilities, we can now proudly say that we have the largest hotel in the African  continent”

Located in the diplomatic capital of Africa, Addis Ababa, home to UNECA and AU  headquarters, Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, stands within a prime location at just 5 minutes’ walk from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The hotel is built to be a suitable space for both business and social event gatherings.  

Construction of phase two of the project had been ongoing while the hotel’s services were open and available for guests through the first phase of Ethiopian Skylight facility.  It is also to be recalled that Ethiopian inaugurated a Five-Star In-Terminal Hotel which is set to take passengers' transit experience at Ababa Bole International Airport to a whole new level with 97 modern and luxurious rooms, a restaurant, a meeting space, and other facilities within the airport Departure Terminal 2 back in September 2022 which is managed under Ethiopian Skylight Hotel.  

May marks start of busy summer getaway from Bournemouth Airport

Bournemouth Airport is marking the start of its busy summer schedule of flights this week with the arrival of a second based aircraft from Ryanair and the start of TUI’s full summer schedule.

New twice-weekly flights to Carcassonne in France with Ryanair were officially launched on Monday and travel brand TUI begins flying to six destinations this week (Corfu, Zante, Kefalonia, Menorca, Rhodes, and Crete).

Europe’s biggest airline Ryanair has based a second aircraft at Bournemouth Airport this year and has introduced three new routes – Carcassonne, Edinburgh, and Venice in 2023. It now offers 120 weekly flights to 19 destinations from Bournemouth Airport, which is a 30% increase on 2022.

In March, Ryanair kicked off its new schedule to Edinburgh and restarted its seasonal flights to Budapest, Palma, and Girona, followed by Murcia and Gran Canaria in May and Zadar in June. In December, the airline launched its new service to Venice, flying three times a week.

During the month of May, TUI will officially start its main summer schedule with a total of nine services getting underway. This comes soon after the operator’s recent announcement that it would be increasing capacity by 33% at Bournemouth Airport next year, with a second based aircraft and new flights providing 60,000 extra seats.