Two Ryanair pilots killed in car crash on the way to airport

Two Ryanair pilots, Matt Greenhalgh, 28, and Jamie Fernandes, 24, were travelling to Liverpool John Lennon Airport in a taxi on Thursday morning when they were involved in a crash with two lorries and have died, local police confirmed. The crash occurred on the westbound carriageway of the M62 between junctions seven and eight, near the town of St Helens at 05:31.

The driver of the taxi suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital, while one of the lorry drivers has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving, Cheshire Police said.

Mr Greenhalgh was a captain and Mr Fernandes was a senior first officer with the budget carrier Ryanair and died at the scene. It is understood that the families of both men are being supported by specialist officers from the police. 

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Sukhoi Superjet 100 jet crashes into forest

A Sukhoi Superjet 100 jet has crashed in a forest near the town of Kolomna, Russian State media has reported today.

According to the latest reports, the jet wasn't carrying passengers at the time of the incident but all three crew members had perished in the crash. It would appear that the plane was operating a test flight following a recent repair when it came down in a wooded area.   The aircraft belonged to Gazpromavia, the energy provider's own airline which had entered service in 2014.

 

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The Sukhoi Superjet 100, is a regional jet with a capacity of between 87 and 98 passengers, it was designed and manufactured by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft.  Development began in 2000, and the SSJ100 made its maiden flight on May 19, 2008. The first commercial flight occurred on April 21, 2011, with Armavia. The twin-jet has a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 46–49 tons and is used by a small number of airlines including Aeroflot. 

The SSJ100 is powered by two PowerJet SaM146 turbofans, jointly developed by French Safran and Russian NPO Saturn. These engines provide 77–79 kN (17,000–18,000 lb f) of thrust.

As of November 2021, the fleet had logged over 2 million flight hours. However, before this latest crash, the SSJ100 has suffered three hull loss accidents resulting in 86 fatalities.

In 2022, Sukhoi announced a 'Russified' version, replacing Western components with domestic alternatives which had been put on a sanction list following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.  The company confirmed at the time, that the Aviadvigatel PD-8 engine would replace the existing ones.  It is unclear at this stage what engines today's crashed aircraft was powered by. 

Gazpromavia was established in 1995 and is based in Moscow. it operates passenger and cargo services, along with domestic and international charter flights. The carrier's home base is Ostafyevo Airport, where the majority of its fleet is based. The Company operates more than 30 fixed-winged aircraft of the following types: Boeing 737–700, Sukhoi Superjet 100, Dassault Falcon 900EX EASy, Dassault Falcon 900B, Yakovlev-42D, Yakovlev-40, Tupolev-154M, Antonov-74, Ilyushin-76TD and more than 100 helicopters: Mi-2, Mi-171A, Mi-8 and Kamov-26.

American Airlines and Tulsa Tech partner to develop aviation maintenance talent pipeline

                    Students in Tulsa Tech’s aviation maintenance technology program now have more than 3,000 new industry mentors thanks to a new partnership announced this week with American Airlines. Students now have direct access to the airline’s Tulsa-based aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) through ongoing engagement opportunities at the carrier’s maintenance base and on campus. Additionally, top-performing students will secure guaranteed interviews for open positions with the carrier.

While the partnership is new, it’s not the first time American and Tulsa Tech have worked together to inspire future AMTs. In 2011, American donated a McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft to the school, and the iconic aircraft continues to be used today to provide hands-on training opportunities. American’s Tulsa-based AMTs have also mentored award-winning Tulsa Tech student teams in the annual Aerospace Maintenance Council Competition.

Record breaking air traffic growth between Jane and June 2024 in Saudi Arabia.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced outstanding progress in the Kingdom’s air traffic performance between January and June 2024, with a significant growth in passenger numbers, flights, air cargo, and connectivity. 

Saudi Arabia’s passenger numbers grew 17 percent in the first half of 2024 with a record 62 million passengers, and flights up 12 percent on January-June 2023 to 446,000.

The Kingdom also recorded a huge 41 percent increase in air cargo volumes between January and June, with 606,000 tons carried.

As a result of the measures being implemented through the Saudi Aviation Strategy, the Kingdom saw the number of passengers rises 17 percent to a record 62 million and flights increase 12 percent to 446,000, well above pre-pandemic levels. Low-cost carriers led this growth, recording 38 percent growth on international routes and 22 percent growth on domestic routes. 

Air cargo also achieved historic growth during the first half of the year, rising 41 percent to 606,000 tons. In addition, Saudi Arabia’s air connectivity expanded to reach 163 destinations, a 23% increase on 2023.  

GACA President H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej said:   “The Kingdom’s continued growth in air traffic performance is a testament to the strategic vision reflected in the Saudi Aviation Strategy, positioning the Kingdom to lead in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is now more connected to the world than ever before, delivering record numbers of passengers, flights, air cargo and connectivity during the first half of 2024.”

Saudi Arabia is creating unprecedented opportunities for global aviation and the private sector. The Aseer region is a shining example of aviation’s role in enabling tourism and economic growth across the Kingdom, with more than 100 companies bidding to participate in the Abha Airport Public-Private Partnership project to expand capacity from 1.5 million to 13 million passengers.” 

The figures were announced at the 13th Saudi Aviation Strategy Steering Committee meeting, held in the Aseer Province near Abha. The Committee reviewed progress in the Saudi Aviation Strategy’s implementation, including the progress of the Abha Airport Public-Private Partnership and aviation performance in the region.

The Steering Committee also reviewed the sector’s achievements during the second quarter, including the 2024 Future Aviation Forum, the world’s first air taxi license granted by GACA during Hajj in Mecca, the first operational permit granted to clean buildings using drones, and the Kingdom’s unanimous election to the Presidency of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization.  

The meeting also saw a new economic license granted to the Ground Service Company for Travel and Tourism Services which will commence travel agency operations in the Kingdom.

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The Saudi Aviation Strategy is transforming the entire Saudi aviation ecosystem to become the number one aviation sector in the Middle East by 2030, enabled by Vision 2030 and in line with the Kingdom’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
The Strategy is unlocking US$100 billion in private and government investment across the Kingdom’s airports, airlines and aviation support services. The Strategy will extend Saudi Arabia’s connectivity from 99 to more than 250 destinations across 29 airports, triple annual passenger traffic to 330 million, establish two global long-haul connecting hubs, and increase air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons. 
The Saudi Aviation Strategy is led by the Kingdom’s aviation regulator, the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA). GACA’s regulatory mission is to develop the air transport industry in accordance with the latest international standards, strengthen the position of the Kingdom as a globally influential player in civil aviation, and enforce the relevant rules, regulations and procedures to ensure air transport safety and security.

The Norwegian Group with increased capacity and passenger growth in the second quarter

The Norwegian Group delivered an operating profit (EBIT) of NOK 593 million in the second quarter of 2024. The quarter was characterised by strong capacity and passenger growth, but also slightly lower demand impacting ticket prices. In the quarter, the company performed well operationally, with improved cost level and strong cash flow.

For the second quarter of 2024, the Norwegian Group had an operating profit (EBIT) of NOK 593 million, corresponding to an operating margin of 6.3 percent. Profit before tax (EBT) amounted to NOK 477 million for the quarter. The liquidity position improved to NOK 11.5 billion at the end of the quarter, up 1.1 billion from the previous quarter. The Norwegian fleet comprised 86 aircraft at quarter-end, of which 22 aircraft were the latest technology 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The Widerøe fleet comprised 49 aircraft.

“We have delivered good operations in the second quarter amidst a hectic ramp-up into the summer season, and I am glad that Norwegian in May once again was named Europe’s most punctual airline. Both Norwegian and Widerøe are delivering strong passenger growth. With an increasing number of routes, frequencies and destinations, we look forward to welcoming passengers on board,” said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian.

In the second quarter, the Norwegian Group had 7.3 million passengers, of which 6.3 million were passengers of Norwegian and 1.0 million of Widerøe. Compared to the same period last year, the number of passengers increased by 680,000 and 122,000 for Norwegian and Widerøe respectively. For Norwegian, production (ASK) increased by 19 percent to 10.3 billion seat kilometres, while for Widerøe the production increased by 2 percent. The quarterly load factor for Norwegian was 82.4 percent, down two percentage points from the same period last year. For Widerøe, the quarterly load factor was 70.2 per cent, an improvement of more than five percentage points from last year. The second quarter of 2024 marked the first quarter in which Widerøe is operating under the new public service obligation (PSO) tender contracts that came into effect on 1 April.

Phoenix Aviation Capital and AIP Capital form agreement to buy 10 CFM LEAP-1B engines

Phoenix Aviation Capital, a full-service aircraft lessor, and AIP Capital, a global aviation asset management and investment firm, today announced an agreement to acquire a portfolio of ten LEAP-1B engines from CFM International*.

The agreement demonstrates the strong relationship between the parties and CFM and will support the lessor's growth and mission of meeting the fleet and financing needs of its global airline customers. The state-of-the-art LEAP-1B engines are scheduled to be delivered between Q3 and Q4 2024.

Phoenix is managed exclusively by AIP and benefits from AIP's extensive experience in aviation and leadership. Mathew Adamo, Managing Partner at AIP, who serves on Phoenix's Board commented, "This order reflects a milestone in both AIP Capital's and Phoenix's growth strategy. We are excited to further expand our relationship with CFM and recognize the reliability, fuel efficiency, and performance of the LEAP engine family."

"We are proud to deepen our relationship with Phoenix Aviation Capital," said Gaël Méheust, president and CEO of CFM International. "This agreement bolsters our shared mission to reduce aviation's environmental impact and to lower operational costs for airlines through advanced technology and exceptional service and support."

The agreement bolsters Phoenix's portfolio which is comprised of new generation aircraft on long-term leases to a diversified customer base of airlines across the globe. Additionally, Phoenix has an orderbook of 30 737 MAX 8 aircraft with Boeing.

*CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.

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AIP Capital is a full-service aviation asset manager focused on opportunities in the aviation sector. AIP Capital believes its unique capital structure, relationships, and hands-on approach enable the firm to provide creative and bespoke solutions for airlines and other counterparties across market cycles.
Phoenix Aviation Capital is a full-service aircraft lessor focused on financing modern, in-demand aircraft and is dedicated to meeting the financing needs of its airline customers across the globe. 

Air Canada proudly sponsors The Ninety-Nines International Conference and Career Expo 2024 in Vancouver

Last week, Air Canada proudly sponsored The Ninety-Nines International Conference and Career Expo that took place in Vancouver, BC. The organization, founded in 1929 and whose first president was Amelia Earhart and currently counts close to 8,000 female pilots and student pilots, offers mentorship as well as scholarships to its members.  

“We welcome women from all over the world, whether you are a certified or licensed pilot or student pilot even. We have members from New Zealand, India, and obviously Canada and the United States. We offer mentorship and scholarships to our members,” said Captain Janet Patton, International Director of The Ninety-Nines. “We have commercial pilots, helicopter pilots, all sorts! What we all have in common is our passion for aviation and so meetings like these are a good opportunity to get together and share our experiences, challenges and passion,” continued Captain Patton, who is also a licensed hot air balloon commercial pilot.  

“Thanks to our Air Canada sponsorship, we are able to hold this event in beautiful Vancouver and gain visibility to our organization,” said Cindy Pang, Governor of the West Canada section of The Ninety-Nines, licensed pilot and Air Canada concierge at Vancouver International Airport. “We count many Air Canada pilots and employees in our group, therefore having the company’s support means a lot to us.”  

WestJet and AMFA agreement ratified

WestJet continues operational recovery and guest support efforts

The first collective bargaining agreement between WestJet and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the certified union representing WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and other Technical Operations employees was ratified.

"Reaching this milestone is good news for our organization and our guests, solidifying a five-year agreement that provides stability to our business and reflects the instrumental value and contributions of our Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and other Technical Operations employees," said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer. "While we are grateful to have achieved resolution with a clear path forward together as a unified team, we recognize that the unprecedented impact of the disruption over July long weekend is still concerning for our guests, the communities we serve and our people."

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DB Schenker signs record-breaking commitment to Cathay’s Corporate SAF Programme

Cathay continues to make progress in growing its sustainable aviation fuel programme with the forwarding giant giving it a significant boost to reduce emissions for its cargo shipments

DB Schenker is the latest member of the air-cargo community to join Cathay’s Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Programme. With its commitment to reduce its carbon emissions through the programme, DB Schenker has become the biggest contributor to the scheme to date.

The Corporate SAF Programme was established in 2022 to help tackle climate change. It enables members to purchase SAF for uplift on Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo flights, from Hong Kong and other ports on the network. By joining and committing to buy 878 tonnes of SAF (the equivalent of 290,000 US gallons), DB Schenker has further demonstrated its commitment to reducing the climate impact of its air cargo activities, which dates back to 2020 when it started to use SAF for a proportion of its transport volumes.

SAF is a crucial tool for the aviation industry to reduce emissions as it works towards its target of carbon neutrality by 2050. Cathay Pacific has committed to 10% of its fuel needs being derived from SAF by 2030. The project runs alongside Cathay Cargo’s Fly Greener programme, which offers high-quality carbon offsetting through Gold Standard certified community and environmental projects.

The Cathay Group also recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Singapore Airlines to collaborate on a variety of initiatives to promote the development and take-up of SAF in the Asia Pacific region, and to highlight SAF’s central role in the decarbonisation of aviation. Ahead of that, Cathay Cargo has secured orders for new next-generation Airbus A350F freighters, which offer greater fuel economy.

Cathay Director Cargo Tom Owen said: “We are delighted to welcome DB Schenker as the newest member of the Cathay Corporate SAF Programme – and the biggest contributor to date. It is great to have this level of support from such an important player in the air cargo industry to work with us in decarbonising aviation. By replacing conventional jet fuel with sustainable aviation fuel, DB Schenker’s commitment is the equivalent of saving more than 2,600 tonnes in CO2 emissions. This powerfully conveys the message that there is real and growing demand for SAF and this partnership is testament to the collaborative ethos of Greener Together, as we move one step closer to the goal of a more sustainable air cargo industry.”

First ECHO Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham opens in South Carolina

Construction workers hitting the road for month-long projects, travelling nurses visiting a new city for extended periods and digital nomads taking advantage of today’s work-from-anywhere policies will now have a new home-away-from-home with ECHO Suites Extended StaySM by Wyndham, which celebrated the grand opening of its first location, ECHO Suites Spartanburg in South Carolina.

The opening marks a major milestone for the brand, which has grown its development pipeline to nearly 270 hotels and over 33,000 rooms across the U.S. and Canada. Timed amidst an influx of infrastructure projects expected across the country over the next decade, additional ECHO Suites are slated to open in Texas and Virginia this year.

Philip Cox, ECHO Suites Spartanburg Owner said “Spartanburg, like many other cities around the country, is booming with projects that require long-term, comfortable and affordable stays. ECHO Suites is the answer with a well-designed prototype created with the operator in mind. Plus, when you add in the collaboration with the world’s largest hotel franchisor, it’s a perfect match.”

 An Efficient Build for Today’s Everyday Traveler

The arrival of ECHO Suites coincides with historic infrastructure investments in the U.S., including $1.2 trillion in approved funding as part of the 2021 Infrastructure and Jobs Act, the largest in our nation’s history. This is coupled with $280 billion as part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, driving construction of new chip manufacturing plants across the U.S.

Together, these projects are creating a tailwind for Wyndham and the everyday business traveler, particularly construction and other trade workers, many of whom are in need of long-term accommodations as they travel to job sites across the country. The work is expected to bring a $3.3 billion opportunity in additional room revenue to Wyndham franchisees over the multi-year period of spend.

The purpose-built, all new-construction, 124-room ECHO Suites prototype requires under two acres of land and has a highly competitive cost per key. Coming in at approximately 50,000 square-feet, the prototype is designed to offer 79% of revenue generating square footage. Rooms consist of single- and two-queen studio suites with kitchens as well as efficiently-designed public spaces—a lobby, fitness center and 24/7 guest laundry—that are designed to help limit labor needs.

Continued Investment in Extended-Stay Hotels

Passenger numbers up 7% year on year at MAG airports

MAG is well-placed for a strong summer holiday season, as it celebrated surging passenger volumes and high levels of customer satisfaction last month.

In June, 6.3m passengers travelled through a MAG airport, which was 7% higher than the same month in 2023.

Rolling 12-month traffic figures show that the Group - which owns Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports - has served 62.6m passengers in the year to June 2024.

Manchester and London Stansted Airports continue to have record breaking months. Manchester Airport served serving 3m passengers in June - up 6.7% year-on- year. London Stansted welcomed 2.8m passengers across the month, a figure which was up 8.3% on June 2023.

East Midlands Airport served more than half a million passengers across June, up 3.1% year-on-year.

Operational performance across the Group remains strong, with 100% of passengers at East Midlands Airport passing through security in 15 minutes or less, with the figure standing at 97% at both Manchester and London Stansted Airports.

Passenger satisfaction levels also demonstrate the positive experiences travellers are having at MAG airports. In the first six months of the year, nine out of 10 passengers rated their experience as ‘Excellent’, ‘Very Good’, or ‘Good’.

Last week, MAG published its annual results, with the Group announcing it has served 61.3m passengers in the year ended 31 March 2024, alongside record revenues of £1.2bn. MAG is now embarking on an investment programme of £2bn over the next five years across the Group – including the completion of the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme in 2025.

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UK's Royal Air Force participates in major Pacific exercise

Royal Air Force personnel and aircraft have deployed to Hawaii for the largest military training exercise in the region.

Two Poseidon MRA1 (P-8A) maritime patrol aircraft have arrived at Hickam Air Force Base to join over 25,000 personnel from 28 other nations participating in Rim of the Pacific 24 (RIMPAC).

The aircraft departed RAF Lossiemouth in early July at the start of a 7,000 nautical mile journey to Honolulu via a refuelling stop at Goose Bay, Canada, and overnight stay near Seattle. On arrival they were greeted by Indian Navy Captain A K Singh, Deputy Commander of Combined Task Force 172 for the exercise.

The biennial exercise and will see members of CXX and 201 Squadrons fly and train alongside other maritime patrol squadrons, fighter aircraft, 40 surface ships and three submarines. Engineering and operations support personnel will also operate alongside multinational colleagues, with others embedded within the exercise headquarters.

Group Captain Pete Thorbjornsen, Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, 11 Group RAF said:  “We work closely with allied and partner nations in the Indo-Asia Pacific to improve Inter-operability, enhance security and provide disaster relief in humanitarian crises. RIMPAC will help strengthen and reinforce these relationships and demonstrates our commitment to a free and open region.”

Aircastle reports first quarter 2024 results

Aircastle Limited, the firm that leases and sells commercial jet aircraft to airlines throughout the world has released its latest figures. The company reported total revenues of $205 million and net income of $16 million during the first quarter of 2024.  As of May 31, 2024, Aircastle owned and managed on behalf of its joint ventures 259 aircraft leased to 77 airline customers located in 44 countries.

Mike Inglese, Aircastle's Chief Executive Officer, commented, "The increasing demand for air travel has enabled global traffic to meet, and in some regions, exceed 2019 levels.  While IATA is predicting world passengers to increase 3.8% annually over the next 20 years, aircraft and engine manufacturers are not providing the output that meets even baseline needs of airlines.  As a result, we're seeing strong long-term demand for all narrow-body passenger aircraft types and extended viability of current technology aircraft."

Mr. Inglese concluded, "We recently announced that our shareholders, Marubeni Corporation and Mizuho Leasing, have completed their $500 million equity commitment. During the first quarter, our IG status was further bolstered by an Outlook revision to Positive from S&P. With positive tailwinds, we're pleased to be putting our equity to work and growing our fleet with the most sought-after narrow-body passenger aircraft."

Highlights for the Three Months Ended May 31, 2024

Total revenues of $205 million and net income of $16 million

Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $186 million

Lease rental revenue and direct financing and sales-type lease revenue increased 14% compared to first quarter 2023

Acquired 9 aircraft for $223 million; net book value of flight equipment is $7.3 billion, up 7% compared to first quarter 2023

Fleet utilization at 99%

Liquidity

Ratings Outlook revised to Positive by S&P

Received $300 million equity from shareholders in June 2024, completing a $500 million total commitment

Total liquidity as of July 5, 2024 of $2.6 billion includes $2.0 billion of undrawn facilities, $0.5 billion of projected adjusted operating cash flows and sales through July 5, 2025, and $0.1 billion of unrestricted cash

212 unencumbered aircraft and other flight equipment with a net book value of $6.0 billion

Metrea announces acquisition of the entire French Air & Space Force KC-135 Tanker Fleet

This week, Metrea announced that it has completed the acquisition of the French Air and Space Forces (FASF) KC-135 aerial refuelling fleet. In an agreement signed on 17 May 2024, Metrea has agreed to acquire all fourteen of the FASF KC-135 tankers, including both the KC-/C-135FR and KC-/C-135RG variants. The FASF is divesting this fleet as they transition to A330-based tankers.

"With this acquisition, Metrea is putting even more 'skin in the game' to ensure that we have the necessary fleet capacity to provide our partners with the commercial aerial refuelling support they require for training, exercises, and force movement," said Jon "Ty" Thomas, Head of Metrea's Air & Space Group. "As the only provider of KC-135 commercial refuelling, we ensure that US, allied, and partners forces can train as they are very likely to operate in a contingency — refuelling behind KC-135 tankers which remain far and away the most prevalent AAR tanker in service today and for the foreseeable future."

The acquisition includes an initial tranche of 11 KC-/C-135FR, which were transferred to Metrea on 26 June 2024, and a second tranche of 3 KC-135RG, which will be transferred at a future date to be determined. The additional aircraft join Metrea's current fleet of 4 KC-135Rs, previously purchased from the Singapore government. With this acquisition, Metrea now has the world's largest commercial aerial refuelling fleet and presents a tanker fleet larger than all but four sovereign countries.

Textron Aviation delivers the first Cessna SkyCourier Combi

Textron Aviation this week announced the delivery of the first Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine utility turboprop equipped with a Combi interior conversion option. The aircraft was delivered to Everts Air, an Alaskan-based Part 135 operator serving passenger, cargo and charter needs throughout Alaska. Everts also operates Part 121, providing cargo and on-demand charter throughout North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean Islands.

“The Cessna SkyCourier’s new Combi option demonstrates the aircraft’s ability to meet the versatile mission profiles of our customers around the world,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Sales and Flight Operations. “We are grateful that longtime Cessna customers like Everts Air recognize the value in our products as business tools and their capability in serving customers.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted certification for the SkyCourier Combi interior configuration in May 2024. The recently certified option adds more flexibility to the 19-seat passenger variant of the aircraft by allowing operators to modify the interior to accommodate passengers and cargo at the same time. In addition to the existing gravel kit and full freighter conversion options, the Combi conversion expands the aircraft’s utility for diverse global markets and a wide variety of missions, catering to customers such as government bodies, law enforcement, armed forces, businesses and charitable groups.

The aircraft will join the Everts Air Alaska 135 fleet, which also includes a Cessna SkyCourier freighter variant and six Cessna Caravans.

“I look at the Cessna SkyCourier as a next generation aircraft for Bush Alaska,” said Robert W. Everts, owner of Everts Air. “The SkyCourier Combi will allow us to be flexible and serve the unique needs of citizens in remote communities. Along with offering the reliability of a Cessna, the aircraft is highly adaptable and the ultimate solution for air freight and passenger support in Alaska.”