Joby Completes Third Stage of FAA Certification Process

Joby has now completed three of five stages of type certification process

First eVTOL company to reach this milestone towards commercialization

Joby Aviation, a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, today announced it has become the first developer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to complete the third of five stages of the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) type certification process.

During the third stage of the process, Joby submitted certification plans that cover all of the aircraft’s structural, mechanical, and electrical systems, as well as the Company’s intended certification approach to cybersecurity, human factors, and noise.

These certification plans, which detail the tests and analyses that Joby will use to certify every aspect of its aircraft for commercial use, have now all been reviewed and accepted by the FAA, laying the groundwork for Joby to submit test plans and begin for-credit testing across every area of the Company’s aircraft program.

JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby, commented: “Joby continues to lead the industry towards bringing electric air taxis to the commercial market. Our certification and engineering teams are best-in-class and, working closely with the FAA, continue to support U.S. leadership in this new area of aviation.”

Joby is now fully focused on the fourth stage of the certification process, where the Company will complete tests and analysis for FAA credit covering every component and system on the Joby aircraft – as well as the entire aircraft itself.

Reliable Robotics selected as a Collier Trophy finalist

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems, announced that it was shortlisted as one of four contenders for the 2023 Robert J. Collier Trophy. The prestigious industry award has been presented annually by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) for over a century to the most innovative programs, companies and individuals that demonstrate “the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency and safety of air or space vehicles” during the prior year.

Wisk and the City of Sugar Land, Texas, partner to bring autonomous air taxis to the greater Houston area

Wisk Aero, a leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company, and the City of Sugar Land, Texas, have entered into a partnership to bring autonomous Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to the Greater Houston region.

Under this new partnership, Wisk and Sugar Land will identify and assess a location at the Sugar Land Regional Airport for the development of vertiport infrastructure that would allow for Wisk’s autonomous air taxi operations. This initial partnership will lay the foundation and act as a gateway for the establishment of a larger network across the Greater Houston region.

Wisk CEO, Brian Yutko, said:  “The Greater Houston area is experiencing some of the highest population growth in the country, which calls for new and efficient ways to move across the region. Sugar Land’s strategic location within the Greater Houston region, and its forward-thinking city leadership, make it an ideal partner for us and one that is uniquely positioned as an early leader in the launch of air taxi services. We look forward to working with Sugar Land, local ecosystem stakeholders, and the FAA on both ground and air infrastructure, as we bring autonomous air taxi services to the Greater Houston region."

Sugar Land City Manager, Michael W. Goodrum, said:  “Sugar Land is committed to blazing new trails, and I believe our relentless approach has caught the attention of the private sector as we’ve sought innovative solutions to mobility in our community through efforts like Advanced Air Mobility. We are excited to partner with Wisk Aero on a new concept that just might change the way we travel -- not only in our city but across the world. Sugar Land is a great place to start in the Houston region, because we want to be a city where innovation is second nature, where creativity is encouraged and where change is embraced. We couldn’t ask for a better partner than Wisk Aero to join us on this journey.”

Texas State Representative, David Cook, said:  “I am thrilled to see a leading AAM Company like Wisk commit to the future of Advanced Air Mobility here in Texas. These public-private partnerships are exactly what we hoped would result from the passage of our legislation during the 88th Legislative Session and solidifies Texas as a leader in this new technology space.”

Wisk and Sugar Land will engage in a number of activities to advance the overarching goal of the partnership.

Canadian budget carrier Lynx Air to end operations this weekend.

The Canadian budget airline Lynx Air has confirmed it will be halting all operations from 12:01 a.m. MT on Monday, February 26th.  

The airline said the decision to cease operations was a very difficult decision one to make and its management team had worked tirelessly to find a solution to keep going but had encountered several challenges along the way.  "The decision was made quickly to wind down operations while leaving enough time to get our crews and as many of our passengers as possible home." the carrier said. 

Lynx Air had put a lot of work and effort into the growth and expansion over the past two years, in a crowded Canadian commercial aviation industry.  However, the compounding financial pressures associated with inflation, fuel costs, exchange rates, cost of capital, regulatory costs along with the highly competitive marketplace have ultimately proven too be too much for the fledgling airline to conquer.  

Lynx Air advised that it would try to ensure to bring as many of its passengers back home as possible up to its last flights over the weekend. The airline is notifying passengers via email if their flight has been cancelled.  

The airline stated:  "We hope in our absence that our vision to Inspire More Canadians to Fly leaves its mark on our passengers. Offering low fares to inspire Canadians to fly more and to spend more enjoying time with loved ones in beloved destinations was a great privilege. Thank you for supporting us in our journey. - We are thankful for the loyalty of our passengers who value our ultra-low-cost carrier model. We know this is a shock to many and our goal is to make the wind-down of our operations as seamless as possible. It has been a privilege to serve you."

Air Canada said today it will cap fares and add more than 6,000 seats in select markets operated by Lynx Air in response to the airline's announcement that it is suspending operations beginning February 26, 2024. The measures are to provide Lynx Air customers affected by the carrier's shutdown affordable options in the Economy cabin on Air Canada flights for travel within Canada, to the US and to Cancun in Mexico so they can return home or make alternative travel arrangements for planned winter trips.

Canada's other big carrier, WestJet said it was aware that Lynx Air has initiated CCAA proceedings and the resulting news that Lynx intends to cease operations at 12:01 a.m. MT on Monday, February 26, 2024.

It made the following statement,  "We recognize the immediate impact this information has on passengers and employees of Lynx, and we are committed to assisting where we can through a number of actions:

New Bookings: 25% discount, by using discount code WESTJET, on all economy cabin fares on non-stop WestJet routes prviously served by Lynx, for travel between February 22, 2024 and October 26, 2024, booking to be made up until February 29, 2024.

Canadian repatriation for transborder and sun: Fares are capped at $250 plus taxes and fees on all northbound economy cabin fares, on non-stop WestJet routes previously served by Lynx, for travel up until February 29, 2024, booking to be made before February 29, 2024.

All domestic fares on non-stop WestJet routes previously served by Lynx, for travel up until February 29, 2024, will not exceed $500 plus taxes and fees.

All bookings should be made online through westjet.com. WestJet has managed pricing to ensure fares reflect a reduction from what would typically be charged. 

We are communicating closely with government officials and supporting agencies that are also working to address the needs of those impacted."

The Canadian Transport Agency advised Lynx Air passengers the following:

Passengers who are stranded or who have purchased a ticket for future travel with Lynx Air should contact their travel agent or transportation provider as soon as possible to see if it is possible to make alternative arrangements. If not, they may need to secure their own alternative travel arrangements.

Passengers who paid for their tickets by credit card should contact their credit card company to see what they are eligible for.

If travel insurance was purchased, passengers should contact the insurance company to see if their coverage includes such circumstances.

If passengers purchased their travel arrangements from a travel agent that is registered in Ontario, Quebec or British Columbia, they may be eligible for a refund from the provincial government authorities responsible for travel. 

Final home stretch for H55's battery pack certification

H55, a pioneering leader in electric aviation, is pleased to announce EASA's acceptance of its battery pack Compliance Check List (CCL). This important milestone now allows the company to finalize the completion of its test program which will satisfy all certification requirements for propulsion battery packs for CS 23 fixed-wing applications by the end of this year.

H55, headquartered in Switzerland, stands at the forefront of electric propulsion, battery storage, and energy management solutions. The company is dedicated to bringing the aviation industry to Net Zero by providing state-of-the-art electric propulsion technologies with a strong emphasis on safety, performance, and sustainability.

This agreement with EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) is the last key milestone in the certification of H55's battery technology and marks a definitive moment in H55's mission to enable the clean aviation revolution. It is a critical step towards formal certification of H55's Electric Propulsion System (EPS) and an important recognition by the certification authorities on the reliability and capabilities of the company's propulsion solutions.

Key Highlights of the Agreement:

Full alignment on the Energy Storage System (battery packs and energy management) Compliance Check List (CCL)

H55 is now able to complete the certification test program for its Energy Storage System

The testing program encompasses rigorous evaluations proving the safety and performance aspects of the technology

The CCL test program opens the door to the final regulatory approval phase

Expressing his satisfaction with the achievement, André Borschberg, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of H55, emphasizes "The pivotal role that certification plays in our company's strategic vision. This advancement brings H55 closer to the ultimate goal of certification. With clear rules of compliance in place, we can now complete our testing. This significant milestone will accelerate the commercialization of H55's battery packs for electric propulsion solutions."

Amber Aviation gets ready for fractional aircraft ownership programme launch in 2024

With The Success of AmberNet, Amber Aviation Completes Series C Funding and Prepares for Fractional Aircraft Ownership Programme Launch in 2024

 

Asia’s premier bespoke business aviation company Amber Aviation announces that it has successfully completed its Series C funding round and will launch Asia’s first true fractional aircraft ownership programme by the end of the third quarter of 2024.

As a leader in customized business aviation services, Amber Aviation has once again garnered strong support from its existing shareholders during this Series C financing round, reaffirming the market and investor confidence in Amber Aviation and its innovative business model.

Launched in April 2022 as a sub-brand of Amber Aviation, AmberNet includes China’s first fractional lease programme in which clients enjoy the same status as if they owned the whole aircraft themselves, but without the high costs associated with aircraft ownership. This pioneering programme resonated across Asia, with many clients choosing to join the programme from across the region, especially from AmberNet’s core China market, as well as from many of the growth economies in Southeast Asia.

As a testament to its success, Flight Master, Asia's premier flight statistics provider, noted that one of AmberNet's Gulfstream G450s was the busiest private jet in 2023, having flown more than 1,100 hours. With an average of 900 flight hours per aircraft, AmberNet truly achieved the utilization rate expected of business jets.

Emirates A380 lands in Austria

                     The Emirates A380 has returned to  Vienna again after a break of nearly four years and carrying more than 400 passengers to the Austrian capital. Emirates has become the only air carrier to operate the double-decker at Vienna International Airport, a significant milestone in the history of the partnership between the two entities.

The iconic aircraft landed on Austrian soil for the first time back in 2014 to mark the 10th anniversary of Emirates’ operations in Austria, followed by a scheduled A380 service in 2016 between Dubai and Vienna.

"We are delighted to bring our A380 back on the Vienna-Dubai route and offer our passengers the incomparable experience on board the popular aircraft. The A380 is Emirates' flagship aircraft and a fan-favourite among passengers around the world. The return of the double-decker marks a milestone for Emirates’ operations in Austria and demonstrates the significance of our market in Emirates’ global route network," says Elisabeth Zauner, Country Manager Emirates Austria, on the resumption of the scheduled Emirates A380 operations to Vienna.

Julian Jäger, Joint CEO of Vienna Airport, is also enthusiastic about the return of the Emirates A380: "I am delighted that the Emirates A380 is back in regular service to Vienna. The world's largest passenger aircraft is a highlight for all travellers and a great enrichment for Vienna Airport. The associated increase in capacity is a further sign of the strengthening of connections to the Near and Middle East and is good for tourism to and from Austria."

RAF Poseidon aircraft conducts training in Iceland

A Poseidon P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft based at RAF Lossiemouth has conducted training with the United States Navy and the Icelandic Coast Guard flying from Keflavik Iceland.

The Poseidon from 120 Squadron, a part of the RAF Poseidon Force, conducted training as part of Exercise Icelandic Falcon.  Also taking part was a second P8 flown by the US Navy’s Patrol Squadron 9 (VP-9), the “Golden Eagles”. This squadron is based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington on the US west coast.  

The RAF objective of the exercise was to continue the development of overseas training by the Poseidon Force as they approach Full Operating Capability. The deployment was also part of the Force’s Agile Combat Employment Capability development. This was demonstrated by the aircraft deploying with 13 aircrew to conduct the sorties and eight ground engineers to maintain and prepare the aircraft.

Another element of the exercise was to conduct cooperative Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) training with the US Navy who were flying a second Poseidon. The Poseidon sorties were controlled from the Icelandic Coast Guard-operated Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) at Keflavik. This CRC is integrated into the wider NATO Air defence system.

“Ex Icelandic Falcon is a high-value training event providing the CXX Squadron crew the opportunity to work closely with our Allies in the North Atlantic theatre.  

Squadron Leader ‘Barbs’ Barber, RAF Detachment Commander said: "We were excellently hosted by the Icelandic Coast Guard and worked closely with the US Navy to conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare training missions to improve our interoperability and ability to operate in cold climates.  The RAF Poseidon engineering team did a great job in ensuring the jet performed as expected throughout the detachment and the air and ground crews gained a huge amount of experience from this deployment."

Rocket Lab to launch NRO mission from Wallops, Virginia

The mission will be Rocket Lab’s first NRO launch from Wallops, Virginia, following four previous successful launches for the agency from New Zealand 

Rocket Lab USA, a global leader in launch services and space systems, announced it will launch a dedicated mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) from Launch Complex 2 in Wallops, Virginia, during a launch window that opens March 20th, 2024.   

The NROL-123 mission, called ‘Live and Let Fly’, will be Rocket Lab’s first launch for the NRO from the United States after previously launching four NRO missions from Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula. It will be Rocket Lab’s 4thmission from Launch Complex 2, a dedicated pad for the Electron rocket located at Virginia Spaceport Authority's Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within the NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.  

American Airlines to start new route between New York and Tokyo

Travelling to Japan will get easier this summer with new service from American Airlines between New York (JFK) and Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport (HND). Last week, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) formally approved American’s application to become the only U.S. carrier operating nonstop service between JFK and HND.

“American looks forward to launching flights between JFK and HND this summer,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning. “This new service will complement flights offered by our joint business partner, Japan Airlines, giving more ways for our customers to travel between the U.S. and Japan.”

American and Japan Airlines offer a comprehensive network between the U.S. and Japan

Launching June 28, American’s service will complement existing flights with joint business partner Japan Airlines. This summer, customers travelling between JFK and HND will have up to three daily flights to choose from operating at convenient times throughout the day.

American’s new daily flight will offer roundtrip connections to more than 30 cities across Japan and East Asia operated by Japan Airlines, including major cities such as Osaka, Sapporo and Fukuoka.

The new JFK–HND service will be American’s fourth daily nonstop flight to HND, joining existing daily service from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and two daily flights from Los Angeles (LAX).

Vietjet to order 20 A330neo widebodies

Vietjet Air has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the purchase of 20 A330-900 widebodies. 

When finalised, this will be Vietjet’s first-ever widebody order. The aircraft will be operated on the carrier’s growing long range network, as well as on high capacity regional services. They will replace the carrier’s current fleet of leased A330-300s, as well as providing for network expansion. 

Vietjet Chief Executive Officer Dinh Viet Phuong said, "The new A330neo aircraft is a strategic addition to comprehensively modernise Vietjet's fleet, enhancing operational capabilities to support our global flight network expansion plan. Its fuel-efficient new-generation design aligns with our sustainable development strategy and ESG goals, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. With the introduction of the A330neo, passengers can look forward to longer-range, well-equipped flights with excellent services at more competitive fares."

Stephen Curry launches UNDERRATED Golf European Tour

Stephen Curry, four-time NBA Champion and two-time MVP announced his UNDERRATED Golf program in partnership with United Airlines will expand the golf tour to Europe for the 2024 season. Two years ago, Curry launched UNDERRATED Golf, and today, the brand is expanding its presence internationally, building the second tour, UNDERRATED Golf Europe. The schedule for the inaugural UNDERRATED Golf European Golf Tour will kick-off at Walton Heath Golf Course outside of London, May 29-31.

UNDERRATED Golf Europe will Become Second Tour, in Addition to U.S. Tour This Summer
 

For the First-Time Ever and with the Support of United Airlines as UNDERRATED Golf European Tour Presenting Sponsor,

The UNDERRATED Golf Tour Season 3 will Kick-Off at Walton Heath Golf Course, May 29-31

 

Henni Koyack, Ladies European Tour Professional Golfer to Join UNDERRATED Golf as Ambassador

 

Over the past two seasons, UNDERRATED Golf has hosted 10 tournaments throughout the US. In that time, UNDERRATED Golf in partnership with its brand partners who understand the vision, help junior athlete golfers gain access to great courses and create a special and inclusive environment. The tour is expanding to Europe to provide access and opportunities to junior golfers and give them the chance to be front and center with top-tier college recruiters. Like the U.S., the current golf system for student athletes throughout Europe is exclusive and exclusionary, and UNDERRATED Golf will provide a viable pathway forward for everyone.

 

Vietjet selects RTX's Pratt & Whitney to power 19 additional A321neo aircraft

GTF engines selected for follow-on A321neo order

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX  business, and new-age airline Vietjet announced that the airline has exercised options for an additional 19 firm GTF-powered A321neo aircraft. Pratt & Whitney will also provide Vietjet with engine maintenance through an EngineWise® Comprehensive service agreement. A signing ceremony took place at the Singapore Airshow with representatives from both companies.

Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney (left) and Dinh Viet Phuong, CEO, Vietjet (right) signing an agreement for RTX’s Pratt & Whitney to provide GTF engines for 19 additional A321neo aircraft for Vietjet.

Vietjet is a rapidly growing airline with an expansive fleet and flight network. Vietjet Chief Executive Officer Dinh Viet Phuong, said. "We continue to select and trust our partner, Pratt & Whitney, as they have long been a world leader in the aviation industry with a solid technology foundation. We are confident about the GTF-powered aircraft that provide fuel efficiency and reduce the environmental impact. Vietjet continues to have trust and faith in the ongoing support provided by Pratt & Whitney."

Vietjet received its first A321neo aircraft in 2018 and currently operates a fleet of 24 GTF-powered A321neo aircraft. Combined with the airline's previous orders, Vietjet has committed to up to 87 aircraft of this type.

"Nearly a decade ago, Vietjet first selected the GTF engine, and we value the airline's continued trust in Pratt & Whitney to power its expanding fleet," said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. "GTF engines provide Vietjet with some of the lowest fuel consumption and emissions in the region."

Vietjet is actively expanding its flight network to serve passengers throughout Vietnam, Australia, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and many more intercontinental destinations. The airline aims to provide the best flying experience at the most competitive cost for passengers through strategic partnerships with leading aviation and technology partners in the industry worldwide.

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Aviation Capital Group Publishes ESG Report for 2023

Aviation Capital Group LLC  announced this week the publication of its annual Environmental, Social and Governance Report, for the year ended December 31, 2023.

“This year, we moved up publication of the Report to accompany the release of our annual financial statements, underscoring how our commitments to sustainability, social responsibility, and sound governance are inexorably linked to our financial performance,” said Thomas Baker, CEO and President of ACG. “The Report details several initiatives and programs we have established and highlights some of the strategic partnerships and investments we made during 2023.”

In 2023, ACG carried out its first sustainability materiality assessment, which is detailed in the Report. The insights and perspectives gained from this assessment will shape the trajectory of ACG’s ESG strategy and help frame ACG’s action plan for serving each of its key stakeholders.

“This Report embodies our unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance excellence, reflecting our pledge to create enduring value for all stakeholders,” said Gordon Grant, Vice President and Head of ESG at ACG. “It marks a milestone in our journey toward sustainability, demonstrating the concrete steps we are taking as we prepare to implement our ESG action plan."

The ESG Report can be found on our website at www.aviationcapital.com/investors/

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Rocket Lab schedules launch date for 45th Electron Mission........

Rocket Lab USA,  a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced the launch window for its 45th Electron launch, a dedicated mission for Synspective, a Japanese Earth-imaging satellite constellation operator.

The “Owl Night Long” mission is scheduled to launch during a 14-day window that opens on March 10th NZDT (March 9th UTC). The mission will lift off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand and will deploy a StriX-3 satellite to orbit, continuing a multi-launch agreement to deliver Synspective’s StriX-series satellites to low Earth orbit.

Rocket Lab has been the exclusive launch provider for Synspective to date and the “Owl Night Long” mission will be Rocket Lab’s fourth launch for the constellation operator following launches in 2020 and 2022:

The Owls’ Night Begins: Launched December 2020

The Owl’s Night Continues: Launched February 2022

The Owl Spreads its Wings: Launched September 2022

Synspective is a satellite data solutions provider with its own constellation of SAR satellites. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is an active system that transmits microwave pulses toward the Earth's surface and receives the reflected signals to create an image of the target area. Unlike other imaging technologies, SAR can penetrate clouds and other atmospheric conditions, enabling it to collect data day or night with frequent revisit rates.