Blackshape’s Gabriél BK160-200 Secures FAA Certification

Blackshape, known for its fusion of Italian aesthetics and cutting-edge technology, announces the Gabriél BK160-200’s esteemed FAA certification. This achievement emphasizes Blackshape's steadfast commitment to safety and innovative advancement. Moreover, it paves the path for the commencement of commercial deliveries, with the first batch of Gabriél BK160-200 aircraft set to be delivered to customers by the end of Q4 2024.

“We are proud to finally announce the achievement of this milestone, which certifies the value of the product and the entire company, now formally allowing Blackshape to enter the American aeronautical market both in the Certified category with the Gabriél and in the Experimental category with the same Gabriél as well as the Prime,” says Niccolò Chierroni, CEO of Blackshape. “Our development roadmap in the US is a priority, and we already have partners in the territory that enable us to be present at upcoming Airshows and to operate with a first-class commercial and maintenance network. The best is yet to come...”

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Passenger numbers up in June for PLAY as Chief People Officer resigns

PLAY Airlines carried 173,109 passengers in June 2024, marking a 7.5% increase from June 2023, when the airline carried 160,979 passengers. The load factor in June 2024 was 86.0%, slightly down from 87.2% in June 2023. Available seat kilometres (ASK) increased by 8.8%, while revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) increased by 7.3% between June 2023 and June 2024. 

Several factors contributed to a lower load factor this year, mainly the increased capacity of transatlantic flights from competing carriers. Despite this increase in competition, improvements are seen in key European markets. 

In June 2024, 31.9% of PLAY’s passengers were flying from Iceland, 24.3% were flying to Iceland, and 43.8% were connecting passengers (VIA).  

The share of passengers flying from Iceland increased from 29.8% in June 2023 to 31.9% in June 2024, reflecting PLAY's ongoing growth in its local Icelandic market.  

PLAY’s on-time performance reached 91.4% in June 2024, surpassing its annual target of 85% and improving significantly from 81.2% in June 2023. 

3rd Anniversary and Best Low-Cost Airline in Northern Europe Second Year in a Row 

PLAY celebrated its 3rd anniversary on June 24, having launched its first commercial flight from Iceland to London on June 24, 2021. Over the past three years, PLAY has expanded rapidly, growing from three aircraft in 2021 to ten aircraft and around 500 employees in 2024. The airline operated around seven destinations in 2021, which has now expanded to over 40 destinations in 2024. 

For the second consecutive year, PLAY airlines has been recognized as the top low-cost airline in Northern Europe by the prestigious World Airline Awards, based on customer satisfaction surveys conducted by the British company Skytrax since 1999. Additionally, PLAY has been listed among the top 100 airlines in the world for the second year in a row, moving up four places from 91 in 2023 to 87 in 2024. In 2022, PLAY was ranked number 167 on the same list. PLAY also ranked 3rd among the world's most improved airlines at the same event. 

Einar Örn Ólafsson, PLAY’s CEO said:  "We are pleased to see growth in our passenger numbers, although we had hoped for a higher load factor. This result reflects the increased competition in transatlantic flights and a reduction in tourists to Iceland is a direct result of a surge in marketing efforts from neighbouring countries above what we are experiencing out of Iceland. We firmly believe that a concerted effort from the tourism industry and substantial support from the authorities is needed to boost demand for flights to Iceland, as stated in our previous traffic report. With the right message and a powerful push, we can attract more visitors to experience Iceland's amazing natural wonders."

AerCap Holdings N.V. Announces Pricing of $750 Million Aggregate Principal Amount of Fixed-Rate Reset Junior Subordinated Notes

AerCap Ireland Capital Designated Activity Company and AerCap Global Aviation Trust, each a wholly-owned subsidiary of AerCap Holdings N.V., priced an offering of $750 million aggregate principal amount of the Issuers' Fixed-Rate Reset Junior Subordinated Notes due 2055 (the "Notes"). The Notes will be issued with an initial interest rate of 6.950% per annum, to be reset on March 10, 2030 and every five years thereafter based on the then-prevailing five-year U.S. Treasury rate plus a spread of 2.720%. The Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured junior subordinated basis by the Company and certain other subsidiaries of the Company.

Sentient Jet Enters Into Multi-Year Agreement With NBC’s American Century Championship as Official Private Aviation Partner

                 Sentient Jet, a leading private aviation company and inventor of the jet card category announced a multi-year agreement with NBC Sports as the official private jet partner of the American Century Championship, the annual celebrity golf tournament at Lake Tahoe, July 10-14, 2024. As part of its collaboration, Sentient Jet will provide tournament players and exclusive participants from around the country with premium, customized access to private jet travel to and from Lake Tahoe. The announcement comes as part of a series of major initiatives Sentient Jet has announced this year to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Throughout Tournament Week, Sentient Jet will also host an array of events, including an intimate players-only Q&A with Andrew Collins, Co-CEO of Flexjet, Sentient Jet’s parent company and a Third Green celebrity refreshment area during the three competitive rounds at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. As a supporter of the American Century Championship, Sentient Jet’s longtime Brand Ambassador Bobby Flay will fly privately with Sentient Jet to take part in the annual event. Flay has hosted several Card Owner events such as Q&A discussions on his business, career, travel and more, since he became a Sentient Jet Brand Ambassador in 2016. This will be Bobby’s third appearance competing in the tournament – he previously played in 2002 and 2019.

United applies to boost services between San Francisco and Washington National Airport

The proposed new daily nonstop flight from San Francisco and Washington National will provide more options and flexibility for travellers.

 As well as easy connections to more than 30 destinations in United's network

United Airlines has filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for a new daily roundtrip flight between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

If approved, the new route will give customers more nonstop options between DCA and SFO and provide connections from SFO to about two dozen domestic markets within the Western U.S. – as well as seven international destinations. At least nine of these destinations are without United connection options to DCA via San Francisco today. Furthermore, United's proposed route seeks to avoid the busiest travel times at DCA, which is already one of the most congested airports in the country.

"With our hub in San Francisco, United is well positioned to serve the strong customer demand for air travel between Washington National and the Bay Area," said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances at United Airlines. "If awarded by the DOT, this new service will give customers a unique morning departure from Washington National and a unique afternoon departure from San Francisco, as well as more connectivity for both domestic and international travellers via SFO."

United's proposed flight would avoid the most congested travel times at DCA and provide additional scheduling options to customers by offering for the first time a morning departure from DCA to SFO and an afternoon departure from SFO to DCA. United plans to use the Boeing MAX 8 aircraft, with 150 economy cabin seats and 166 total seats.

American Airlines submits application to U.S. Department of Transportation to serve San Antonio International Airport from Washington Reagan National

American Airlines has formally submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to operate daily, nonstop service between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA). The 2024 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill was signed into law in May, awarding five new roundtrip flights serving DCA.

The city of San Antonio is the fastest-growing city in the United States and is home to one of the largest concentrations of military bases in the country. It is the largest city in Texas lacking nonstop service to DCA and the largest city in the U.S. with a majority Hispanic population without nonstop service to DCA, which is the most convenient airport for travellers visiting Washington, D.C.

American’s proposed service between SAT and DCA will complement the carrier’s more than 25 daily departures from SAT to seven cities across the U.S. In addition to offering convenient nonstop connectivity between San Antonio and the nation’s capital, American will offer one-stop connections via DCA to destinations in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Canada.

“American is proud to submit an application to provide the only nonstop service between San Antonio and Washington, D.C.,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning. “This new service will expand American’s industry-leading domestic network connecting customers to the places they want to visit most.”

“Adding a nonstop route to Reagan National Airport is part of our efforts to expand air operations for the San Antonio region,” said Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports for the San Antonio Airport System. “We’re grateful to American Airlines for their shared vision to improve connectivity and for helping us elevate our service options with a route that will be especially beneficial to our business and military communities. This is yet another step in our commitment to modernize our airport and improve the traveler experience.”

“We have a historic opportunity to increase San Antonio’s access to the nation’s capital, which is particularly important for the members of our military community who rely on air connectivity for operational needs,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “Nonstop access to the nation's capital will strengthen our economic ties with leaders in Washington, D.C. and enable greater collaboration with the Pentagon, other federal agencies and leading research institutions. We are grateful to American Airlines for partnering with us to establish this nonstop route that will greatly enhance our city's prosperity.”

For the only nonstop between SAT and DCA, American will use special flight numbers to commemorate the city’s rich history and significant military contributions. Flight 1718 recognizes the year San Antonio was founded and Flight 1947 celebrates the year the U.S. Air Force was established. American’s proposed operation is as follows:

Flight	Departure Airport	Departure Time	Arrival Airport	Arrival Time	Aircraft Type
1718	SAT	6:35 a.m.	DCA	10:59 a.m.	Airbus A321
1947	DCA	7:45 p.m.	SAT	10:20 p.m.	Airbus A321

American is prepared to support appropriate schedule adjustments that allow for the safe and efficient integration of its SAT-DCA service into operations at DCA and the broader Washington, D.C. metropolitan area airspace.

AerCap had a busy second quarter 2024

AerCap Holdings had a busy second quarter of 2024, which saw the global leasing and aircraft management firm sign 162 lease agreements, including 6 widebody aircraft, 88 narrowbody aircraft, 47 engines and 21 helicopters.  Completed 47 purchases for 25 aircraft (including 2 Airbus A220 Family aircraft, 15 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, 3 Airbus A330neos, 2 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, 1 Boeing 787-9 and 2 Embraer E195-E2s for AerCap's owned aircraft portfolio), 20 engines and 2 helicopters. 

Completed 37 sale transactions for 29 aircraft (including 4 Airbus A320 Family aircraft, 9 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, 1 Airbus A330, 7 Boeing 737NGs, 2 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, 1 Boeing 777-300ER and 4 Embraer E190s from AerCap's owned aircraft portfolio and 1 aircraft from AerCap's managed aircraft portfolio), 7 engines (including 2 engines from AerCap's owned engine portfolio and 5 engines from AerCap's managed engine portfolio) and 1 helicopter. 

Repurchased approximately 3.9 million shares, at an average price of $88.66 per share, for a total of approximately $345 million.  Paid first quarterly cash dividend on ordinary shares of $0.25 per share.  Signed financing transactions for approximately $3.6 billion.

AerCap is the global leader in aviation leasing with one of the most attractive order books in the industry. AerCap serves approximately 300 customers around the world with comprehensive fleet solutions. AerCap is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (AER) and is based in Dublin with offices in Shannon, Miami, Singapore, Memphis, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Dubai, Seattle, Toulouse and other locations around the world.

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Passenger traffic at Samarkand airport hits another historic high

Samarkand International Airport has continued its sustained growth at the beginning of 2024, with a record number of 647,085 passengers passing through the airport in the first six months of the year. 

47% growth in passenger numbers in the first six months of 2024

21 consecutive monthly increases in passengers, since October 2022

This was 47% more than the number recorded in 2023, with an additional 207,421 passengers using the new airport facility that acts as a gateway to Uzbekistan’s ancient and fast growing city in the heart of the famous Silk Road. 

Samarkand airport management company Air Marakanda has driven a doubling of passenger numbers in each of the past two years, with more than one million passengers using the new, state-of-the-art airport terminal for a first time in 2023. The total of 1,010,938 passengers beat the 2022 record, of 517,521, by 104.9% and this growth shows no sign of slowing. In fact, the number of passengers using the airport has increased over 21 consecutive months, since October 2022. 

Bakhtiyor Fazilov, the main shareholder of Air Marakanda, said: "The company’s main goal is to make Samarkand and Uzbekistan even more attractive to tourists by meeting international standards for air transportation services. The strong growth in passenger traffic demonstrates our success in achieving this goal. Air Marakanda will continue providing excellent service for all passengers, in order to make Samarkand International Airport the preferred choice for all travellers seeking to visit the ancient, and eternally young, city of Samarkand.” 

Air Marakanda CEO Ulugbek Shamsikulov said: “We continue to attract more airlines and increased frequency from existing carriers to meet the demand from international passengers wanting to visit our historic city. The opening of our new terminal at the beginning of 2022, together with other major investments in our city, including the Silk Road Samarkand tourist centre and other 21st century infrastructure, will continue to attract a growing number of tourists and business travellers. Samarkand International Airport is playing a pivotal part in the growth and success of Samarkand.” 

Turkish Airlines to lease ten new Airbus A321neo aircraft.......

AerCap has just confirmed it has reached an agreement with Turkish Airlines for the lease of ten new Airbus A321neo aircraft.

"We are very pleased to support Turkish Airlines with the lease of these ten new A321neo aircraft, helping them to continue to grow their extensive route network while modernizing their narrowbody fleet for greater operational efficiency," said Aengus Kelly, the Chief Executive Officer of AerCap. "We wish Prof. Ahmet Bolat, Mr. Levent Konukcu and the entire Turkish Airlines' management team every success and we look forward to building on our long-term partnership as these aircraft deliver, and beyond."

Commenting on the agreement, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat, stated, "We are happy to further enhance our fleet with ten new Airbus A321neo aircraft through our partnership with AerCap. This addition aligns with our strategy to continue offering our passengers a modern and efficient travel experience, while supporting our ongoing expansion plans for new routes and increasing the frequency of existing ones. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with AerCap."

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BOC Aviation's latest operational results......

BOC Aviation Limited has enjoyed a busy quarter as its latest release testifies. The aircraft operating leasing company has a fleet of 680 aircraft owned, managed and on order. Its owned and managed fleet was leased to 93 airlines in 47 countries and regions worldwide as at 30 June 2024.

Its key operational transactions for the quarter ended 30 June 2024 included an order book of 219 aircraft, a total fleet of 680 aircraft owned, managed and on order.  The average aircraft age of 4.9 years and an average remaining lease term of 7.9 years for the 429 owned aircraft fleet, both weighted by net book value.  

 During the quarter, BOC Aviation executed a total of 59 transactions including:

Commitments to purchase four aircraft 

Delivery of 13 aircraft

Sale of 11 owned aircraft

24 lease commitments

Owned aircraft utilisation was 99% for the second quarter

Raised US$500 million of five-year bonds at the tightest spread in the Company’s history.

 

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WestJet Cargo launches Campus'Air

Affordable shipping solutions for Canadian students and university staff

WestJet Cargo has launched its new Campus'Air service, designed to provide students and university staff with cost-effective shipping solutions for their personal effects. This initiative broadens WestJet Cargo's portfolio of services by specifically catering to the unique needs of the academic community, further enhancing its comprehensive shipping solutions.

Campus'Air is part of WestJet Cargo's ongoing commitment to investing in the community and paving a brighter future for Canada. Under the Campus'Air program, students and employees of select Canadian universities will receive a 50 per cent discount on published freight rates applicable to domestic shipments of personal effects. This significant discount ensures that the service remains accessible and economical, helping students and faculty staff manage their shipping needs with ease. 

ICEYE and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine sign a Memorandum of Cooperation

         ICEYE, the global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations for Earth Observation, and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to further strengthen their cooperation in remote sensing of the Earth in the interest of Ukraine's national security and defence.

 

The Memorandum of Cooperation builds on ICEYE’s unwavering support for the Government of Ukraine since 2022. In the Memorandum, ICEYE continues to constantly ensure that the imagery captured pertinent to Ukraine’s territory is used in the interests of ensuring the security and defence of Ukraine in conditions of armed aggression and not shared in any circumstance with hostile countries or entities.

 

The Memorandum also outlines ICEYE’s and Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense partnering to strengthen Ukraine’s space defence capabilities even further and provide SAR expertise to support defence activities. The Memorandum focuses on advancing remote sensing technology, improving data use for security, and supporting Ukraine’s integration into the global space economy.

 

A dozen of the best Lakes and Mountains holiday hotspots you can reach directly from Manchester Airport

If you’re heading abroad on holiday this summer, chances are you’ll be visiting somewhere known for sun, sea and sand. The likes of Majorca and Tenerife, famous for their golden beaches, are consistently in the top five most-visited destinations among more than 200 served by Manchester Airport’s global network.

For those of a more active persuasion, though, a trip to a scenic national park holds more appeal than a week or fortnight by the sea, and many hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers leaving Manchester this summer will be indulging their adventurous side. Places like the Alps are a hive of activity during the ski season, but offer a quiet and breathtakingly beautiful retreat in the summer. And many lakeside resorts offer all the amenities of a coastal tourist hotspot, but without the daily battle for a sun lounger.

Here, we round up some of the best Lakes and Mountains holiday hotspots you can reach directly from the North’s global hub.

Mercantour National Park

Fly to Nice with easyJet and Jet2.com

Almost a million visitors converge on Mercantour National Park in south-east France every year. Tourists can enjoy traversing over 370 miles of footpaths which criss-cross the mountain ranges, or take to their bicycles and explore on two wheels. They’ll be rewarded with breathtaking scenery such as the stunning Lac d’Allos, a crystal-clear glacial lake over 7,000ft above sea level, and the National Park’s famous ‘perched villages’, built onto steep mountainsides which bloom with an abundance of wildflowers.  Mercantour National Park is located just north of Nice on the French Riviera, with direct flights from Manchester year-round with easyJet and Jet2.com.

Tyrol

Fly to Munich with easyJet or Lufthansa

Few places encapsulate Alpine culture and scenery quite like Tyrol, in western Austria. Famous for yodelling cowherders in lederhosen, medieval castles and The Sound of Music, Tyrol is proud of its unique culture and heritage but also offers plenty to do for adventure enthusiasts. Some of Europe’s best white water rafting and rock climbing hotspots can be found here, and Tiefenbach Gorge is a picturesque hiking spot, with ancient forests and impressive waterfalls.

Foodies should try a Marend, the region’s answer to a ploughman’s lunch with local cheeses, breads and charcuterie, typically enjoyed with a serving of schnapps, beer or wine.

The German city of Munich is served directly from Manchester by easyJet or Lufthansa, and is around an hour away by car from the border with Austria – and the Tyrol region.

Lake Iseo

Fly to Milan-Bergamo with Ryanair

The Italian Lakes are world-famous, but if you’re looking for a quiet and relaxed break away from the crowds then dodge Como and Garda and head to Lake Iseo. It’s one of the smaller lakes in the region but that means its attractions are closer together and the scenery is just as incredible.

On Monte Isola, an island in the middle of the lake, no cars are permitted and the villages have barely changed in centuries. It’s a great spot to stroll and explore at a leisurely pace – but if you’re looking for a challenge, take on the hike to the Santuario della Madonna della Ceriola, a medieval chapel with sweeping views over the area. Agritourism is popular here, with local farms offering family-run accommodation.

Lake Iseo is only 20 miles from Milan-Bergamo airport, which is served directly from Manchester by Ryanair.

Room Mate Hotels Expands its Presence with Acquisition of Staying Valencia

Room Mate Hospitality & Leisure, a leading lifestyle hotel brand and lease management company headquartered in Madrid has announced the acquisition of Staying Valencia, a portfolio of boutique hotels and aparthotels in Valencia. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in Room Mate Hotels’ expansion strategy, bolstered by the support of TPG Angelo Gordon, a diversified credit and real estate investing platform within TPG, and Westmont Hospitality, which together acquired Room Mate Hotels in 2022.

Staying Valencia operates a portfolio of 10 boutique properties in Valencia, including award-winning Helen Berger, and is renowned for its strong reputation, exceptional customer service, and commitment to providing guests with authentic, local experiences. This acquisition not only expands Room Mate Hotels’ presence across Spain, but also strengthens its foothold within Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city and a thriving destination in the European hospitality market. Room Mate Hotels plans to integrate and rebrand these properties into its family of prime-located lifestyle hotels.

Since the acquisition of Room Mate Hotels in 2022 by TPG Angelo Gordon and Westmont, Room Mate Hotels has significantly strengthened its financial position and revamped its portfolio through a program of capital expenditures into several hotels. The company is now well-positioned to continue its international expansion through further strategic acquisitions, new leases, and hotel management agreements.

Royal Navy ship sails to support Caribbean hurricane relief effort

HMS Trent will deploy to the Cayman Islands to offer support following damage caused by Hurricane Beryl.

Royal Navy warship HMS Trent will deploy to the Cayman Islands to offer UK support following the devastation brought this week by Hurricane Beryl.

HMS Trent, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, is scheduled to arrive in the Cayman Islands this weekend, where her crew will be ready to offer assistance with equipment and support to help communities affected by flooding and storm damage.

The hurricane, which has previously been rated Category 5, could bring winds of more than 155mph and has already caused a large amount of destruction in the region this week. 

HMS Trent is crewed by more than 50 sailors and departed from Puerto Rico yesterday, carrying bottled water, basic emergency supplies, and equipment.

The ship has a Crisis Response Troop embarked, comprising members of 24 Commando Royal Engineers and their equipment, and further augmented with personnel to support planning, information operations, meteorological forecasting, and image capture.