20 February, 2024

CFO Markus Binkert to leave SWISS after 19 years

SWISS Chief Financial Officer Markus Binkert has decided to leave the company after more than 19 years. He will take on new duties as CEO of the SV Group.


Chief Financial Officer Markus Binkert is to leave Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) after more than 19 years. He will take on new duties as CEO of the SV Group, which is active in various areas of the gastronomy and hotel management fields. Binkert will leave SWISS at the end of May. The search for his successor is under way.

“Our company has a lot to thank Markus Binkert for,” says SWISS CEO Dieter Vranckx. “In the numerous key positions that he has held over the years, Markus has consistently contributed to SWISS’s success – in good times and in tougher ones such as the pandemic years. As a vital member of our Management Board, Markus has been instrumental in helping to ensure that our airline stands on the firm financial foundation that it has today, debt-free and well positioned to meet and master the challenges ahead.”

“Markus has Swissness in his blood, and has ensured time and again that SWISS embodies and reflects Swiss values,” CEO Vranckx continues. “During his time as our Chief Commercial Officer in particular, he dedicated himself to our brands and our product development, putting Swiss quality firmly centre stage and, in doing so, making a huge contribution to our commercial success. I offer Markus my sincere thanks for his exceptional commitment to our company and for his outstanding team spirit; and I wish him all the very best and every further success.”

A tangible impact on the SWISS look


After serving in the strategic consultancy sector, Markus Binkert joined SWISS as Head of Global Key Accounts & Business Sales Switzerland in 2005. He went on to hold further positions in Product, Marketing and Distribution before being appointed to the SWISS Management Board as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) in 2013. In his CCO capacity Binkert had a strong and lasting impact on the entire SWISS look: his signature can still be seen today in the company’s aircraft interiors, its airport lounges and its inflight culinary offerings.

19 February, 2024

RTX's Pratt & Whitney Opens Expansion Site at Eagle Services Asia Facility in Singapore

(SINGAPORE AIRSHOW) Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, has announced the official opening of a 48,000 square-foot expansion of its Singapore-based engine centre, Eagle Services Asia (ESA). The facility will grow its GTF capacity by two-thirds this year.

Pratt & Whitney’s Eagle Services Asia will grow its GTF capacity by two thirds in 2024.

"This expansion demonstrates our commitment to building industrial capacity by continuing to invest in our strategic sites around the world to support our customers," said Shang Meleschi, vice president of Aftermarket Operations – Asia Pacific and Türkiye at Pratt & Whitney. "We are bringing together talent from our engine centre, technologies from the Singapore Technology Accelerator and innovative practices from across Pratt & Whitney to improve MRO performance for our GTF fleet."

The transformative technology insertion applied across both ESA sites integrates robotics, automation and machine learning to increase efficiency, lower stress on machine operators and increase safety for key MRO processes.

These innovations include fully automated high-pressure compressor (HPC) rotor stacking, a Receive-in-Check Cobot that augments the work done by human inspectors and a robotic arm to install and remove HPC bearing sleeves.

ESA, a joint venture between SIA Engineering Company and Pratt & Whitney, is a member of the Pratt & Whitney GTF™ MRO network. Since introducing GTF MRO capability in 2019, the facility has already completed over 500 GTF engine overhauls.

In 2023, Pratt & Whitney announced three GTF MRO facility expansions and six shop activations to support the growing GTF fleet. There are currently 15 active GTF MRO engine centres around the world, with seven locations in the Asia Pacific region including ESA in Singapore, Korean Airlines in Korea, IHI and MHIAEL in Japan, MTU Maintenance Zhuhai and AMECO in China, and China Airlines in Taiwan. By 2025, the company expects to have 19 active GTF MRO shops worldwide.

The GTF MRO network is part of Pratt & Whitney EngineWise® solutions, which provide operators with a full range of aftermarket services resulting in long-term, sustainable value. Visit prattwhitney.com/enginewise for more information.





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Textron Aviation’s Cessna Skycourier chosen by Hinterland Aviation

Powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines, the Cessna SkyCourier has the power and range to cover all of the UK and many places in Europe.
Textron Aviation has confirmed a purchase agreement for the first Cessna SkyCourier passenger variant in Australia to regional airline Hinterland Aviation. The aircraft, expected to deliver in 2026, will add to Hinterland’s expansive fleet of Cessna Grand Caravans to provide a greater payload capacity and increased passenger seating. This fleet expansion will greatly benefit remote communities, as well as the tourism and business sectors in Queensland.  

The Cessna SkyCourier is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company and is a twin-engine, high-wing turboprop offers a combination of performance and lower operating costs for air freight, commuter and special mission operators. It’s available in both freighter and passenger versions. The 19-passenger variant includes crew and passenger doors for smooth boarding, as well as large cabin windows for natural light and views. Both configurations offer single-point pressure refuelling to enable faster turnarounds.

The freighter variant features a large door and a flat floor cabin that is sized to handle up to three LD3 shipping containers with an impressive 6,000 pounds of payload capability.

The aircraft is powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines and features the McCauley Propeller C779, a heavy-duty and reliable 110-inch aluminum four-blade propeller, which is full feathering with reversible pitch, designed to enhance the performance of the aircraft while hauling tremendous loads. The SkyCourier is operated with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and has a maximum cruise speed of more than 200 ktas. The SkyCourier has a 900 nautical-mile maximum range.

“The SkyCourier’s incredible performance makes it a reliable business tool for customers all over the world,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. “With the ability to load, fly, unload and repeat — along with low operating costs and maximum cabin flexibility — the SkyCourier is a game-changer in regional connectivity. This order not only showcases the SkyCourier’s unmatched capabilities globally, but also highlights Textron Aviation’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry.”

The Cessna SkyCourier is meticulously designed to deliver unparalleled performance, unwavering reliability and cost-effective maintenance. With the ability to be operated by a single pilot and a generous payload capacity, the SkyCourier is the ultimate solution for air freight, passenger and special mission needs. The aircraft is highly adaptable and can effortlessly adjust configurations to effectively complete any mission, ensuring a significant return on investment.

“We are thrilled to announce our order of the new Cessna SkyCourier. The aircraft will be a valuable addition to our fleet, allowing us to better serve our clients’ individual needs with room for 19 passengers and access to remote runways,” said Andrew Clair, CEO, Hinterland Aviation. “The SkyCourier will serve as an important tool to help grow our business, and we will be proud to be the first airline customer in Australia to operate this aircraft.”












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How rapid growth in the US aviation industry means opportunities for suppliers

With its global aviation support business flying high, Artemis Aerospace is expanding stateside. Here’s why the company believes it’s the right time to go west.



According to the Airports Council International, the aviation industry is predicted to recover fully from the effects of COVID-19 in 2024, with passenger traffic estimated to reach 9.4 billion passengers. A report produced by IATA earlier in the year states that the demand for air travel is expected to double by 2040, growing at an annual average rate of 3.4%. It’s an impressive show of resilience in an industry which ground to an almost complete halt during the pandemic.

North America has made a strong recovery so far. IATA’s June 2023 report ‘Global Outlook for Air Transport’ says it’s the stand-out region in terms of financial performance; it was the first market to return to profitability in 2022. With the demand for air travel remaining high, it’s expected, by the end of 2023, to improve on this still further with an estimated net profit of US$11.5 billion.

The aviation industry is a generous contributor to the US economy. A new economic study released earlier this year by the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), the Alliance for Aviation Across America (AAAA), and the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) found that aviation in the USA supports over 1.1 million jobs and has an economic impact of over $246 billion every year; there are more than 4,800 public airports, 3,383 fixed-base operators, 4,144 repair stations, over 2,200 charter companies and 643 flight training operations.

RTX's Pratt & Whitney announces full operations of Singapore Technology Accelerator

Pratt & Whitney’s Singapore Technology Accelerator focuses on automation, advanced inspection, connected factory and digital twin to improve MRO performance.
Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business has just announced the significant progress in advancing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) performance spearheaded by the opening of its Singapore Technology Accelerator (STA).


In September 2022, Pratt & Whitney announced the intent to establish the technology accelerator in collaboration with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). STA has since delivered over 30 innovations which will maximize the productivity in MRO processes. STA is also working with more than 20 Singapore companies to develop new, relevant technologies in the global commercial aviation sector.

Applied across four Pratt & Whitney Singapore-based MRO facilities, STA technology projects focus on automation, advanced inspection, connected factory and digital twin, developed to improve MRO shop performance.

"STA is a focal point for the innovative thinking and enterprising spirit of our employees, applied to scale technologies across our MRO facilities faster and better," said Gilbert Sim, director, Aftermarket Global Operations Technology and CORE at Pratt & Whitney. "We will continue working with MRO facilities and centers of excellence in Singapore and throughout the network to deliver more technology insertion projects. Together with our steadfast commitment to investments in MRO capacity, we are expanding our capabilities to support our customers around the world."

Phenix Jet gains prestigious international accreditation

Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong) Reinforces Its Commitment to Safety with Prestigious International Accreditations





Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong), a leading provider of luxury private aviation services in the Asia-Pacific, North America and Europe regions, today announced the renewal of its safety commitments to the industry, evidenced by its continual passing of rigorous safety audits. This steadfast commitment has earned the company the highest recognition in safety ratings, including:

- International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) Stage 3
- ARGUS Platinum
- Wyvern Wingman (SMS Level Stage 4)
- Air Charter Safety Foundation Accreditation
 
Safety is the cornerstone of Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong)'s operational culture, and the company's adherence to the highest safety standards is unparalleled in the region. It is the only Asia-Pacific based operator to hold four validated and top-tier safety ratings, setting a benchmark for the industry.
 
Andrew Svoboda, CEO of Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong), expressed pride in the company's achievements, stating, “We are all very proud of the accomplishments and recognition of the team to achieve the vast array of safety affirmations through external audits that are organic to the culture of our company.” The commendations are a testament to the company's proactive approach to safety and its dedication to providing secure and reliable services to its distinguished clientele.
 
Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong) continues to pioneer the aviation industry's safety protocols through robust digitized data and monitoring to guide its ongoing Safety Objectives. This assures peace of mind for every passenger and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to operational excellence.


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Cessna Grand Caravan EX Amphibian extends reach in Southeast Asia with delivery in Malaysia

Textron Aviation has confirmed the delivery of a new Cessna Grand Caravan EX Amphibian turboprop to Malaysian property developer, Ikhasas Sdn Bhd, via its subsidiary company Oriental Sky Sdn Bhd. The aircraft, to be managed and operated by local charter operator Systematic Aviation Services (SAS), will be used for passenger transport between the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and a new waterfront resort on Perhentian islands, off the northern east coast of Malaysia. This will be the country’s first amphibious aeroplane operation in recent history after it gained the necessary approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia to launch domestic operations in 2024.

Ikhasas group managing director, Ir. Tan Chee Kian, said, “Seaplanes will be the most convenient way to reach the Perhentian Islands. Currently, it takes a time-consuming 6-hour road journey followed by a one-hour ferry ride from the port in Kuala Besut. With our 11-seater aircraft, travellers will benefit from time savings as it will transport passengers from Kuala Lumpur to land directly in the waters near the beachside resort. At the same time, we preserve the islands’ pristine environment and natural forests which would otherwise be felled for airport construction.”

“We are honoured for Grand Caravan EX Amphibian to be selected. The versatility and excellent operating economics make it the perfect partner for Ikhasas to develop sustainable tourism. The comfortable cabin, large windows for sightseeing, and floats allowing it to take off and land anywhere are ideal for their missions,” said Tony Jones, vice president, International Sales (Asia-Pacific). “Malaysia is also an important market to Textron Aviation. Our products lead the installed base and make up over 40% of the country’s general aviation aircraft. Our customers in Malaysia use our products for a variety of operations including VIP transport, tourism, as well as other special missions such as air ambulances, and skydiving.”

Cessna Grand Caravan EX 

Ethiopian GODE UGAAS MIRAAD Airport Terminal Project Receives a Grand Inauguration

Passengers in Somali Regional State of Ethiopia can now travel between  Gode and Jigjiga more Comfortably 

 

Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest airline group in Africa, is pleased to announce the finalization of Gode Ugaas Miraad Airport Terminal building and aircraft parking with taxiway construction Project. The new state-of-the-art airport terminal has been opened for service in a grand inauguration in the presence of H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed Prime  Minister of Ethiopia and H.E Mustafe Mohammed Omer President of the Somali Regional  State. 

The project which took three years for completion has unveiled a new terminal building having a total built-up area of 3,500sq, a new apron having a capacity to handle four De  Havilland Q400 or B737 aircraft at a time, ancillary buildings such as airport rescue and firefighting station, water reservoir, and parking areas among others.  

Regarding the inauguration of the new passenger terminal, Ethiopian Airlines Group  CEO Mr Mesfin Tasew said, “We are truly pleased with the launching of Gode Ugaas Miraad  Airport Terminal building and aircraft parking with taxiway construction project as it will upgrade the airport experience of our passengers travelling to/from the city of Gode. It is also a step forward in the work we do to elevate our domestic airport facilities to a higher level. The inauguration of this new terminal showcases our commitment to enhance our domestic operations alongside our international ones. Gode will neither be the only nor the last airport we will work on constructing and/or renovating. Construction of similar airport terminal is progressing well at Jinka, Kombolcha, Goba/Robe and Bahir Dar airports. It is with great honour and pleasure that  we work on these projects and play our part in our country’s tourism and socio-economic growth.”  

The new state-of-the-art airport terminal is equipped with the latest technology airport facility amenities including a solar system to allow for a smooth and convenient travel via the airport.  

Ethiopian Airlines plays a significant role in regional connectivity with its more than 22  destinations in the country. Ethiopian Airlines operates daily flights to/from Gode. Gode being the third airport in Somali Regional State next to Jigjiga and Kebridahar, passengers can travel between Jigjiga and Gode directly without having to transit via Addis Ababa.  Gode Airport has been among the airports that Ethiopian has taken a project on to enhance the facilities.  

Since the acquisition of the Ethiopian Airports Enterprise by Ethiopian Airlines Group as a Strategic Business Unit (SBU) in 2017, Ethiopian Airlines Group has taken over the administrative role including construction and renovation projects of airports in the country. 




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18 February, 2024

Jobs and apprenticeships

Apprenticeship and job vacancies in the aviation industry.





Direct Entry Pilots “not experienced”

ITA Airways, the Italian national airline born on October 15, 2021, is hhiring.  We need to bring on board qualified, motivated people with the desire to get involved with passion and initiative.

We are looking for:      Direct Entry Pilots “not experienced”

As a high-performing and motivated Direct Entry Pilot, delivering consistent operational excellence in the sky whilst maintaining our high safety standards, you will give our customers an exceptional journey.

Prerequisites

High school Diploma or Bachelor
Good level of physical fitness with a valid Class 1 EASA Medical
Good spoken and written English (Min. lvl B2 CEFR)
English ICAO level 5, Italian level 6.
Valid EASA ATPL Frozen (CPL-IR and MCC)
Eligible to live and work in the E.U.

What we offer:   Permanent contract, CCNL Trasporto Aereo.
Location:  Fiumicino, RM. Linate, MI.


___________________________________________________________________________

AW139 Rotary Co-Pilot (Offshore) Bond Helicopters 


Location: Norwich



Bond Helicopters is a Joint Venture company, co-owned by Peter Bond and the Gama Group, the Bond Helicopters brand is synonymous with Offshore Helicopters in the North Sea for decades, is delighted to be returning to the market. 

Further to the award of a fixed minimum 5+ years offshore contract for multiple aircraft with a major energy company, Bond Helicopters is recruiting UK licenced and rated AW139 Rotary Pilots for our Norwich operation.

Excellent Salary 
Competitive North Sea Roster
Comprehensive benefits package 
Opportunities for professional development and advancement

Essential requirements

Current UK CPL(H) privileges with AW139 Type Rating 
Valid UK Class 1 Medical
Valid UK IFR (H) Multi Engine privileges
UK ATPL (H) theory and MCC certificate
500 total hours
500 hours multi-engine on helicopters (may include up to 10% in an approved flight simulator)
100 hours in command (may include up to 10% in a flight simulator). This may be substituted with approved alternative training criteria in accordance with IOGP OHRP
Proactive approach to service delivery and customer satisfaction
Team player, result driven and customer focused
Physically and mentally fit to undertake demands of the role

Advantageous

50 hours on AW139
SNS offshore experience


___________________________________________________________________________

Apprentices Required at London Gatwick Airport


Applications now open



Joining London Gatwick means growing your career with the world's most efficient single-runway airport - where no two days are the same. You'll get the space and support to grow and develop with us. Together, we can succeed in creating an enjoyable and easy experience for our passengers. 

Applications for this year's Engineering Apprenticeships are now open.

Gatwick engineering team protects, maintains and repairs​ our infrastructure. From the electricity that powers us to the giant plant rooms that heat and cool the airport. 

Apprentice help keep our baggage, airfield, and safety systems in top shape. This four-year programme leads to being a qualified engineering technician. 

Do the words 'complex challenge' and 'race against time' sound exciting? Then this could be the apprenticeship for you. 

You'll need an actual or predicted GCSE Level 4/5 or above in Maths, English and a Science Subject 
Able to commit to a four-year programme 

Apply now
Joining London Gatwick means growing your career with the world's most efficient single-runway airport - where no two days are the same. You'll get the space and support to grow and develop with us. Together, we can succeed in creating an enjoyable and easy experience for our passengers. 

Applications for this year's Engineering Apprenticeships are now open

___________________________________________________________________________


Airport Security Officer at London Gatwick Airport 

Salary including shift pay and allowances up to £36,218 per annum full time



As an Airport Security Officer at London Gatwick, your primary goal is to work as part of a team to keep our customers and colleagues safe and secure. You will play an important role in enhancing the customer experience by providing a warm and welcoming environment.

Airport Security Officers ensure our safety and security by conducting searches, safety checks, and assisting customers and colleagues throughout their airport experience.

This is a great opportunity to start your journey with London Gatwick, many of our people have developed themselves to pursue opportunities in security leadership and other teams across the business.  The shifts for this roster are provided 2 weeks in advance, but it does provide the highest pay!  Other rosters may be available please apply and discuss your preference for hours worked at the interview stage.

What will you do?
Upon successful completion of training and National X-Ray Competency Test exams, you will:

Work collaboratively within a team and various airport departments to deliver an outstanding customer experience.
Verify documents and perform security screening and searching for both customers, colleagues and vehicles entering the security controlled areas.
Utilise colour X-Ray images in both 2D and 3D to screen customer and colleague belongings.
Assist in handling health, safety, or security incidents.
Participate in regular training sessions to maintain screening and searching competencies in accordance with the Department for Transport (DfT) regulations.
What di we need?
We are seeking people with the following qualities:

Ability to provide friendly customer service in a high-pressure environment.
Physical fitness; able to stand, sit, bend, and walk for the durations of a shift.
Fluent in written and spoken English with excellent communication skills.
Ability to multitask in a busy operational environment.
Full colour vision and hearing that meets our standards.
UK residency of three years with the right to work in the UK.
You will be required to undergo pre-employment medical, criminal record, and counter-terrorism checks.
For more details and to apply, please visit. 
___________________________________________________________________________

17 February, 2024

Reflecting on a fantastic year of the Aviation Council

Chief Executive Officer at London Gatwick, Stewart Wingate has shared some reflections on 2023 as the Co-Chair of the Aviation Council. 


Stewart Wingate



Ahead of this month’s meeting of the Aviation Council, I wanted to thank Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom Ministers, officials and fellow industry colleagues for coming together this past year and committing their time and attention to the issues we face as an industry. The Aviation Council was formed last year by Ministers and officials following the publication of Flightpath to the Future, and particular thanks has to go to Baroness Charlotte Vere for her diligence and tenacity in getting the Council airborne. We all look forward to working with Minister Anthony Browne MP in his capacity as Chair of the Aviation Council. 


I was delighted to be asked to be Co-Chair last year to represent our industry. I passionately believe that the UK is an aviation superpower, having spent the last fifteen years as Gatwick’s CEO; seeing the best (record passenger numbers in 2019) and the worst (the Covid-19 pandemic) of the sector during that time. We are nearly back to that trajectory of growth and the decade ahead contains the promise that the UK will be a world-leading aviation sector in all aspects of the term, including sustainability and managing our environmental impacts. 


Looking back at the discussion we had in that inaugural Aviation Council twelve months ago on the priorities for the year ahead – airspace modernisation; skills, recruitment and retention; and slots –I’m pleased to say we have made progress against all of these areas.

Airspace Modernisation – An Industry Working Group was formed to consider the challenges to delivering Airspace Modernisation, including areas such as resourcing and process implementation. As a direct result of this work, we hope to move forward with a new framework for delivery – the Single Design Entity – supported by a dedicated project team with open and transparent governance and engagement. If the SDE is successful, it could be used in other areas of the UK’s airspace to support accelerated delivery. We also saw a refreshed CAP1616, which will lead to a more streamlined and proportional guidance for the approval of airspace change. 


Skills, recruitment and retention – Organisations of all sizes and shapes across the sector worked hard to ensure that the airport operation, airlines and ground handlers were sufficiently trained and resourced for the busy summer season. Council members collaborated closely on improving operational performance and sharing best practise on recruiting and retaining the talent that keeps all of our airports and airlines moving. We also saw a Ground Handlers Association formed, with the immediate focus of the group on security and vetting processes in the wider context of resilience. 

Gatwick fire service spells out special message.....


George Treadwell, a crew manager at London Gatwick's Fire and Rescue Service enlisted the help of his teammates to spell out a special message to a special passenger on an Emirates Airlines A380 jet. 

 

Under the bright lights of the airport's fire station, George and the team held huge letters spelling out a special question, just as the huge double-decked passenger jet taxied by. The meticulously planned surprise was only made possible following a massive collaboration between the fire service, other airport departments and Emirates. 



 
Air101 is happy to learn, Jen said yes.  Congrats to both and best wishes for a long and happy life together. 




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JetBlue lines up two new independent directors...

JetBlue has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Icahn Enterprises L.P., a major shareholder of JetBlue, under which Jesse Lynn, general counsel of Icahn Enterprises, and Steven Miller, portfolio manager of Icahn Capital, will join the airline’s board of directors. Lynn and Miller will serve as non-voting observers to the board through JetBlue’s annual meeting of stockholders this spring, after which time they will join the board as full voting members.

Peter Boneparth, chair of the JetBlue board, said, “We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Icahn Enterprises. Our board and leadership team are focusing our full attention on taking aggressive action to return to profitability and strengthen JetBlue’s foundation for the future. We welcome Jesse and Steven to the board. With their experience on public company boards, often when navigating key inflection points, they will add useful insights as we set JetBlue on a path back to long-term sustainable growth and shareholder value creation.”

India’s fastest-growing airline, Akasa Air announces operations from Doha

Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline announced operations from Doha, the first international destination on its rapidly expanding network. Starting 28 March 2024, Akasa Air will operate four non-stop flights a week, connecting Mumbai with Doha, enhancing air connectivity between Qatar and India. 

Akasa Air was born with a purpose to make air travel inclusive and affordable through its commitment to quality product and service excellence. Since its inception in August 2022, Akasa Air has established a strong presence in 20 cities across India flying a record of over 7.75 million passengers and carrying over 50,000 tonnes of cargo. The launch of operations to Qatar marks the airline’s next phase of growth aimed at taking the warm and efficient Akasa experience to the world at affordable fares.

Doha, the capital city and commercial hub of Qatar, is one of the key economic engines of the Middle East region and is also known for its modern architecture and cultural heritage. There has been a notable surge in air travel demand between Qatar and India over the past few years.

Flight schedule:

Flt.

number

From city
(Airport)

Departure
time

To city
(Airport)

Arrival
time

Operating days

Non-
stop/
Through

 

 

Commences March 28, 2024

 

 

QP70

Mumbai

17:45

Doha

19:40

Wednesday, Thursday,
Saturday and Sunday

Non-Stop

QP71

Doha

20:40

Mumbai

2:45 (+1)

Wednesday, Thursday,
Saturday and Sunday

Non-Stop

*Above timings are in local time for Mumbai and Doha respectively


Commenting on the announcement, Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO, Akasa Air said, “We are delighted to announce our international operations with the launch of our first destination - Doha, to our growing network. The introduction of four flights a week, connecting directly with Mumbai, a key Indian commercial hub, will cater to a diverse set of travellers from the two countries, facilitating tourism, commerce and strengthening bilateral ties.

BOC Aviation has entered into a finance lease transaction involving four Airbus A320NEO aircraft with IndiGo

BOC Aviation has entered into a finance lease transaction involving four Airbus A320NEO aircraft with IndiGo. The aircraft are all powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines. All four aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2024.



“We are pleased to be closing another four finance leases with IndiGo. We continue
to work closely with our long-time customer to support its expansion strategy as it builds a fleet of latest technology fuel-efficient aircraft,” said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, BOC Aviation. “This is our first transaction in the year of the dragon, and it sets the tone for the year as we continue growing our fleet by investing in latest generation aircraft and partnering with high quality customers.”




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Hawaiian Holdings Stockholders approve of takeover by Alaska Air Group




Hawaiian Holdings, the parent of Hawaiian Airlines has confirmed this week that its stockholders have voted to agree to the takeover by the Alaska Air Group.  To save face, the management is calling it a merger and advised that the substantial majority of the holders of Hawaiian’s stock voted in favour of the merger, according to preliminary results from the special meeting held on Friday. Hawaiian will file the final voting results, as tabulated by an independent inspector of elections, on a Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

“Stockholder approval of our transaction with Alaska is an important milestone toward combining our airlines,” said Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram. “Together, we will bring stronger competition to the U.S. airline industry, deliver more value to our guests and the communities that we serve, and provide greater job opportunities for our employees.”

The transaction remains subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals, along with other customary closing conditions. Hawaiian and Alaska continue to expect to complete the transaction within 12 to 18 months of the announcement of the transaction, which occurred on 3rd December 2023.


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