Aviation Capital Group expands order for Boeing 737 MAX portfolio by 35 Jets

 Boeing and Aviation Capital Group LLC have inked a deal today for an order of 35 737 MAX jets, including 16 737 MAX 8 and 19 of the larger 737 MAX10 variant. Following an incremental 737 MAX order last year, this new purchase increases ACG's 737 MAX commitment to 82 orders as ACG seeks to profit from growing travel demand. 

"This firm order for additional 737 MAX aircraft enhances the strategic value of ACG's order book, supports a key pillar of our growth strategy and reinforces our commitment to invest in modern and fuel-efficient aircraft technology," said Thomas Baker, Chief Executive Officer and President at ACG. "We look forward to supporting our airline customers throughout the world with these highly versatile and fuel-efficient aircraft."

The 737 MAX 8 can carry up to 210 passengers based on the tightest configuration, while the 737 MAX 10, the largest 737 MAX model is said to accommodate 230 passengers with a range of 3,100 nautical miles.  

"Today's repeat order demonstrates market demand for the 737 MAX family of aeroplanes as ACG's customers seek to operate flexible, fuel-efficient fleets," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "ACG has been a longstanding, valued partner on the 737 MAX program, and we look forward to working together to deliver the latest aeroplane technology to its airline customers."

Aviation Capital Group is one of the world's premier full-service aircraft asset managers with over 480 owned, managed and committed aircraft as of March 31, 2024, leased to roughly 90 airlines in approximately 45 countries. It specializes in commercial aircraft leasing and provides certain aircraft asset management services and aircraft financing solutions for third parties. It was founded in 1989 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation.

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Farnborough Airshow: Boeing adapts presence to prioritize factory safety and quality

Boeing is promising to tailor its presence at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow from solely promoting sales of its products to also focusing on strengthening its safety and quality reputation following dozens of recent safety issues.

From 22-26 June, visitors to Boeing's exhibit will experience immersive and fully interactive product and technology displays spanning Boeing's portfolio, featuring:

Sustainability technologies, including the X-66 Sustainable Flight Demonstrator, Boeing ecoDemonstrator and Cascade data-visualization tool to inform decarbonization strategies

F-15 and other defense product and service experiences

Cabin products and demonstrations of Boeing's joint all-domain command and control and environmental modeling capabilities

Boeing's portfolio of freighter programmes

A full-size 777X interior section 

"We are concentrated on implementing our comprehensive safety and quality plan and meeting our customer commitments. With these priorities in mind, we have reduced our commercial airplanes display and flight demonstrations at the show, and will focus on new technology, sustainability, security and services solutions," says Dr Brendan Nelson AO, president of Boeing Global. "The best way to build trust is through high-quality performance in our factories, one airplane at a time."

Boeing-produced products on display will include:

F-15QA fighter jet with two differently configured aircraft performing aerial demonstrations

Qatar Airways 787-9 Dreamliner on static display

In the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) corral, a U.S. Air Force F-15E, U.S. Army AH-64E Apache, CH-47F Chinook and U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon

Wisk Aero, a wholly-owned Boeing subsidiary, will exhibit its Generation 6 aircraft – the world's first all-electric, autonomous eVTOL air taxi. The four-seat aircraft promises to bring safe everyday flight to all once certified and in service.

easyJet and UNICEF launch summer collection to help get every child in school and access learning

‘Every Child Can Fly’ campaign is now live onboard easyJet flights to support UNICEF’s aim of achieving quality education for all children by 2030.

Over 29 million customers flying with easyJet across more than 190,000 flights over the summer have the opportunity to help raise vital funds through onboard collections

easyJet customers and crew have raised nearly £17 million since the beginning of their partnership.

easyJet and UNICEF have launched their ‘Every Child Can Fly’ summer onboard collection, to support UNICEF’s goal of ensuring that every child can access learning, including in emergencies.

From today, over 29 million customers set to fly with easyJet this summer can donate through cabin crew collections onboard more than 190,000 flights across 33 countries, and help raise vital funds to help change millions of children’s lives.

An estimated 226 million children worldwide are currently unable to access a quality education, due to conflicts and emergencies. Funds raised through the onboard collections will contribute to UNICEF's target of providing access to learning opportunities and digital education for millions of children around the world. 

easyJet customers’ donations could help UNICEF purchase over 2,000 tents to create safe learning spaces or provide more than 20,000 school-in-a-box kits to help at least 830,000 children continue their education during emergencies and conflicts. This includes children like 10-year-old Mohammad Salem from Abyan in Yemen, who says: "Even though the school is without electricity, I go to school because I learn something new every day. They distributed bags, pens, and colouring pencils for us to draw with,” said Mohammad, adding that these utensils will help realise his dream in the future. “Someday, I will be a pilot,” he said.

Michael Brown, Director of Cabin Services, commented:  “We’re incredibly proud to be launching our ‘Every Child Can Fly’ summer collection onboard today, meaning millions of customers flying with us this summer will have the opportunity to help UNICEF continue making a real difference to children and their families around the world by helping ensure every child has access to a quality education. 

This is of course all made possible by our fantastic crew who are passionate and dedicated in raising money for UNICEF and we are incredibly grateful to all of our customers who have already donated for their kindness and generosity.”

Mohini Raichura-Brown, Chief Partnerships Officer at the UK National Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) said:  “This summer, easyJet customers have a unique opportunity to help UNICEF tackle the global learning crisis. With 226 million children worldwide unable to access quality education due to conflicts and emergencies, the need has never been greater. Today, more than ever, children and their futures must be protected. 

Over the past 12 years, easyJet has supported UNICEF to reach millions of children and families with life-saving support and quality learning opportunities. A massive thank you to all easyJet employees and customers for their incredible support.”

Since 2012, easyJet crew and customers have helped raise nearly £17 million for UNICEF, enabling them to reach millions of children and families worldwide as they tackle issues like polio, COVID-19, and access to quality education, especially in emergencies.

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Etihad launching daily flights to Boston and bringing its A350 to Toronto

Arriving just in time for peak winter travel season, the airline is providing travellers with more flexibility and convenience to its luxurious offerings

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has recently announced exciting updates coming to the North American market ahead of the winter travel season.

Beginning 27 October, Etihad will increase its nonstop flight service between Boston and Abu Dhabi from four flights per week to once daily, offering North American corporate and leisure travellers more choice and flexibility when planning trips to the UAE and beyond to the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent.

The decision to increase Boston flights to daily is based on the route’s strong performance and comes just three months after Etihad Airways introduced Boston as its fourth destination in the United States. Boston joined Chicago, New York and Washington D.C., as well as Toronto, Canada, further expanding Etihad’s North American footprint.

“Our Boston service continues to perform strongly, with our flights near capacity since our inaugural flight in Boston this March,” said Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad. “Having already experienced record passenger demand, we’re excited to invest further in the North American market by expanding our flight frequency out of Boston ahead of the peak winter travel season.”

Etihad’s daily flights from Boston Logan International Airport to Abu Dhabi operate with a state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring the airline's acclaimed Business Studios and Economy Smart seats. With 28 seats in Business and 262 seats in Economy, the aircraft is equipped with entertainment systems, in-seat power, and in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity, providing passengers with a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience, complemented by world-class service and hospitality.

The Boston service is timed to offer convenient links to Etihad’s growing network for corporate business travellers and leisure guests connecting to destinations across the UAE, the Gulf region and the airline’s 11 nonstop routes into India.

Etihad's partnership with JetBlue ensures convenient connections to numerous cities throughout North America, unlocking endless possibilities for exploration across the continent.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in Zayed International Airport enables guests to clear US immigration and customs inspections before boarding. With all the checks out of the way before take-off, travellers can simply pick up their bags and go when they land in the US. It is the only CBP facility in the Middle East.

Toronto Welcomes the Airbus A350

Maersk Air Cargo takes delivery of its first of two new Boeing 777F freighters

On Friday 12 July, Maersk Air Cargo, a division of the massive A.P. Moller – Maersk logistics group took delivery of the first of two new Boeing 777F freighter jets. The newly arrived aircraft is the first Boeing 777 owned by a Danish airline. 

The company said that especially Maersk’s air freight customers in China and Europe will benefit from increased capacity and efficiency by the introduction of the two Boeing 777F. Both will be deployed on Maersk’s existing Europe-China route with initially three weekly flights, and later up to six weekly flights. Besides more capacity on direct routes the 777Fs will ensure shorter transit times as well as faster handling times and quality at origin and destination.

Maersk ordered the two 777Fs in November 2021 as part of the modernization of its fleet. The delivery of the second aircraft is scheduled for later in Q3. Maersk Air Cargo’s owned controlled fleet will then comprise of two Boeing 777F and 20 Boeing 767F.

Lars Jordahn, Head of Maersk Air Cargo said "We are delighted to take this important delivery and upgrade our fleet with two of the largest and most reliable freighters available on the market. With this step we are entering the premier league of cargo aviation. The B777F can transport more than double of payload on each flight compared to our 767Fs, and it is the most fuel-efficient aircraft in the world with the GE90 engines."

The Boeing 777F can fly up to 9,200 kilometres (4,970 nautical miles) and carry a maximum payload of 102,000 kilograms. The main deck fits pallets up to 3 metres high, and all cargo decks are temperature-controlled. The Onboard Network System allows connected cargo in the future. Maersk chose GE90 engines for its 777F which are the world's most powerful and reliable commercial jet engines.

Narin Phol, Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer (CPO) for Logistics and Services at Maersk commented:  "From a commercial perspective the two Boeing 777Fs are a giant leap in terms of what we can offer our air freight customers going forward. Besides enabling a much more efficient route structuring our 777Fs will improve the availability of space for our customers as we see a growing demand for integrated supply chain solutions which include air. Due to the disruptive environment in logistics, a rising number of cargo owners are choosing to reduce the number of service providers in their supply chain. Increased visibility across fewer providers enables the cargo owners to react more swiftly and much better informed in case of disruption. Availability of air freight capacity and full asset control are important aspects here. Both increase the levels of resilience, visibility and flexibility which are essential in these disruptive times."

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A.P. Moller - Maersk is an integrated logistics company working to connect and simplify its customers’ supply chains. As a global leader in logistics services, the company operates in more than 130 countries and employs around 100,000 people. Maersk is aiming to reach net zero emissions by 2040 across the entire business with new technologies, new vessels, and green fuels.
Maersk Air Cargo A/S is a global cargo airline with our own fleet of aircraft, specialising in providing highly reliable cargo capacity. The company was previously under the name Star Air A/S, was founded in 1987.  It operates regular scheduled flights from hubs in Cologne and Leipzig in Germany, catering for global customers within the parcel and express delivery segment. Flights are also operated out of Denmark’s second-largest airport in Billund, serving Maersk customers as part of integrated end-to-end supply chain solutions.

Current routes operated by Maersk’s own controlled network

Maersk Air Freight | Maersk


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Passengers top 29 million following busiest ever June at London Stansted

London Stansted passed the rolling 29 million passengers a year milestone for the first time in its history following its busiest ever June on record.

Stansted welcomed 2.8 million passengers in June, an increase of 8.3% on the same month last year, and 153,000 more passengers than the previous busiest ever June in 2019.

During the month Stansted also recorded its first ever 100,000 plus passenger days in the month of June, with more than 100,800 passengers passing through the terminal on 28 June. This was also the third busiest day ever at Stansted.

Operational performance in June remained good with 97% of departing passengers passing through security in 15 minutes or less.

In addition to many people heading off for an early summer holiday, the monthly total was also boosted by thousands of football fans heading to Germany to watch their teams compete at Euro 2024. London Stansted serves 10 German destinations, making all the tournament cities very accessible for England fans plus others based in the UK following their teams.

The airport also played host to Japan's Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako, who arrived on 22 June ahead of their three-day state visit to the UK, with the official welcoming party including London Stansted’s Operations Director, Nick Millar.

The top destinations during the month were Dublin, Istanbul and Palma, with the most popular countries being Spain, Italy and Germany.

Investigation underway into light aircraft crash in Northamptonshire

A man in his 60s has died after a light aircraft he was flying crashed at Spanhoe Airfield, near Laxton, Northamptonshire, at about 12:50 on Saturday, local police confirmed.  

East Midlands Ambulance said it received reports of a medical emergency at about 12:44,  "We sent two paramedics in solo response cars and a crewed ambulance.  The air ambulance, police and fire were also on scene." a spokesperson said. 

The AAIB confirmed a team of inspectors has been sent to begin investigating the accident "An investigation has begun into an accident involving a light aircraft which occurred on 13 July at Spanhoe Airfield, Northamptonshire. A team of inspectors has travelled to the accident site to make enquiries and gather evidence as part of the process of conducting a safety investigation."

Anyone who may have information that could help with the investigation is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101.  "Please quote incident number 242 of 13/07/24 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible."

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Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas unveils Spritz Garden on PRESS Patio

As the sun dips below the horizon, Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas invites guests to take leisure at the newly launched Spritz Garden on PRESS Patio. Nestled within the vibrant ambience of Las Vegas, this enchanting retreat promises an evening of relaxed sophistication and creative mixology.

Whether relishing a classic Aperol Spritz or venturing into the realm of bespoke cocktails, each moment at the Spritz Garden is a celebration of relaxation and personal expression. Here, guests will embrace the tranquil evening ambience of PRESS Patio as an oasis to sip, savour, and unwind in style.

“Drawing inspiration from Mediterranean design, our collaboration with Campari and Fever-Tree transforms PRESS Patio into a sanctuary, creating an ambience where the desert breezes harmonize with the warmth of the setting sun,” shares Konrad Gstrein, Regional VP and General Manager, of Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas.

The Spritz Garden welcomes guests daily from 3:00 pm onwards, creating an exclusive haven that extends throughout the summer season. Featured cocktails include the signature Aperol Spritz, tantalizing the palate with Aperol, prosecco, Fever-Tree Premium Club Soda, and a hint of dehydrated blood orange. For a taste of the Mediterranean, the Mediterranean Spritz combines St-Germain, Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water, and delicate touches of lavender and dehydrated lemon.

Royal Navy's 847 Naval Air Squadron work with Commando Forces for raid, insertion and rescue training

Commandos have been put through their paces with raid, insertion, and rescue techniques in a range of scenarios both at sea and on land. Personnel from Commando Helicopter Force’s 847 Naval Air Squadron worked with Commando Forces from a range of units during a week of intense training across the south coast.

A Wildcat helicopter from 847 NAS and Chinooks from 7 Squadron RAF were used for a 4-aircraft aviation raid near Goodwood and then helicasting off Portland before CHF 847 NAS completed Joint Personnel Recovery serials near Exeter with the Royal Marines and 29 Commando. 

Poor weather precluded getting into the objective area of the aviation raid, however this was used as a training evolution. It tested the formation commander’s captaincy decisions and the skills of the handling pilots as they battled through heavy rain under a low cloud base in falling light.

Next up was helicasting in Portland with UK Commando Forces practising the insertion technique at sea before being recovered by boats. It’s a skill which gets Commandos into the action quickly, dropping them from the back of helicopters into the ocean.

The Royal Marines from M Company, 42 Commando, leapt from the Wildcat and Chinook helicopters into the water below.

Perth - Paris now linked with a direct Qantas flight....

Qantas has launched direct flights between Peth and Paris, marking the return of the Flying Kangaroo operating services to the City of Light for the first time in 20 years.

The new direct route will cut around three hours off the existing fastest travel time between the two cities and is the longest non-stop flight to France from anywhere in the world the airline advises.

Qantas especially moved forward to the service to start just ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris. The route will initially operate four times per week over the busy European summer and Olympic and Paralympics before moving to three services per week from mid-August. The new route is said to add an additional 75,000 seats between Australia and France each year.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the national carrier’s return to Paris followed on from the success of its non-stop services into Europe.  “There is a lot of excitement amongst our customers and crew that Qantas is returning to Paris and that it’s a non-stop flight between Perth and Paris.

In recent years we have seen a significant increase in customers wanting to fly direct on long-haul routes and avoiding stopovers wherever possible. Our direct flights from Perth to London and Rome have some of the highest customer satisfaction on our international network.

With these new flights, our customers can depart Perth in the evening and arrive in Paris in time to enjoy brunch overlooking the Eiffel Tower.”

Western Australian Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Rita Saffioti said direct flights formed a major part of the WA Government’s overarching tourism strategy.  “We’re really excited to have this flight between Perth and Paris take off, as one of 20 international destinations we now have direct links with.  We know that people are more likely to travel to places they’re able to easily access, so this is another big win for tourism in Western Australia.”

 

Perh has connections to and from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane as well as many other major cities, which will be a boost for travellers both inbound and outbound. It also follows a special agreement between the airline, Perth Airport and the city authorities to enhance connectivity to the region. 

The new service will be operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft that have been specially designed for the long-haul direct route. The jets are configured with 236 seats across Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins in a layout that has been designed to maximise comfort for the longer distances.

QF33 Perth-Paris

QF34 Paris-Perth

Flight time: 17 hours 20 minutes

Travel distance: 14,264km

. Book Qantas flights here....

Book Qantas flights here....

Growing demand means Jet2 will bring forward its Bournemouth Airport launch date....

Good news for travellers in the South West of the UK as leading holiday firm Jet2 decided to bring forward the launch of flights from its newest base, Bournemouth Airport.

The airline and holiday company has announced it is moving the start date from 1st April 2025 to 4th February 2025 following an incredible response from customers and independent travel agents in the region. 

Tenerife – three weekly services (Tuesday, Friday and Saturday) operating from 4th February 2025.

Lanzarote – two weekly services (Monday and Thursday) operating from 6th February 2025.

Gran Canaria – weekly Sunday services operating from 9th February 2025.

These services will run all year round.

From April 2025 Jet2's first-ever summer programme from Bournemouth Airport will also commence, featuring 16 key destinations across Europe, including the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Turkey, Greece and the Mediterranean. The firm will operate up to 27 weekly flights from the airport with two aircraft based there.  

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 and Jet2holidays said: “It is very clear just how much customers and independent travel agents are looking forward to enjoying our award-winning flights and holidays from Bournemouth Airport, with the response exceeding all expectations. We know that local holidaymakers cannot wait for Jet2 .  com and Jet2holidays to launch from Bournemouth Airport, so we have shortened how long they have to wait by bringing forward our launch to February 2025. We cannot wait to get started, our plans are progressing brilliantly, and we are counting down the days until we can delight customers with our industry-leading service.”

Steve Gill, Managing Director of Bournemouth Airport, said: “This is fantastic news for passengers – not only are Jet2 and Jet2holidays bringing the launch of their flights and holidays forward by two months, but these flights to the Canaries will operate year-round. That means even more choice for local holidaymakers from Bournemouth Airport.”

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Getting to Bournemouth Airport by CarShortly after the town of Ringwood, exit left on to the A338 dual carriageway and follow the signs for Bournemouth. Five miles along the A338 you will see the B3073 exit for Bournemouth Airport signposted on your left. Take the B3073 and follow signs to the airport
From London/M3 CorridorIf you’re travelling from London or anywhere along the M3 corridor, take the M3 southbound towards Southampton. Where the M3 joins the M27 follow the westbound directions for Bournemouth.
From the Midlands and NorthHead for Oxford and join the A34 dual carriageway. The A34 will take you south as far as Winchester. At Winchester, join the M3 southbound and follow the directions given above.
From the Sussex/Kent coastTake the A27 to the M27. At its western end the M27 becomes the A31 dual carriageway as it crosses the New Forest, and follow the directions given above.
From the South WestThe most direct route from the south-west is to head for Wimborne using the A35. At Wimborne join the A31 where the airport will be clearly signposted.

There is a  More Bus Service 737 operating between Bournemouth Airport and the train station,
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KLM, Air France and SAS sign codeshare and interline agreements

Starting September 1, 2024, KLM and Air France customers will gain access to 33 destinations in Northern Europe beyond SAS’s hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm 

SAS customers will gain access to 33 European destinations beyond KLM and Air France's at Amsterdam Schiphol airport and Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport;

The interline agreement covers the European network of KLM, Air France and SAS;

KLM, Air France and SAS customers will be able to earn and spend Miles/Points through the Flying Blue and EuroBonus loyalty programmes.

KLM, Air France and SAS announced this week that they have signed codeshare and interline agreements applicable to KLM, Air France and SAS. These agreements also cover reciprocal loyalty program benefits. They will enter into force on September 1, 2024, when SAS officially joins the SkyTeam alliance, of which Air France-KLM is a founding member.

The codeshare agreement will cover a wide range of European destinations. KLM and Air France customers will gain access to 33 destinations in Northern Europe beyond SAS’s hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm. SAS customers will gain access to 33 destinations in Europe beyond KLM and Air France's hubs at Amsterdam Schiphol airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle airportt. Additionally, intercontinental destinations will be added to the agreement in the near future.

The interline agreement will cover the European network of KLM, Air France and SAS, providing customers with extended travel options.

Members of Flying Blue and EuroBonus, the respective loyalty programmes of Air France-KLM and SAS, will be able to earn and spend Miles/Points on all flights operating as of September 1, 2024. Eligible EuroBonus members will also be able to enjoy SkyTeam services and benefits including SkyPriority and lounge access.

Command changes at UK Space Command and US Space Force

The Special Relationship between the United Kingdom and United States is built upon the common language, beliefs and cultures of both nations. Over time, it has been enhanced through shared military endeavours, which for the past 75 years have been bolstered further by our enduring partnership within NATO.

One of the latest examples of the special relationship working in practice has seen Air Marshal Paul Godfrey, the inaugural commander of UK Space Command, crossing the Atlantic to take up a new role with the US Space Force.  

In an unprecedented move, Air Marshal Godfrey took up the role of Assistant Chief of Space Operations for Future Concepts and Partnerships on 17th June 2024. He will advise General Chance Saltzman, the Chief of US Space Operations on everything related to achieving space superiority and resilience through international partnerships.

“I am privileged to be appointed as the Assistant Chief of Space Operations for Future Concepts and Partnerships. Space is a team sport, and we cannot hope to maintain Competitive Endurance in the domain without a coalition of like-minded space-faring nations committed to responsible space behaviours. I am incredibly proud to be part of that team.”

“I am grateful to AM Godfrey for the fantastic job he has done, taking UK Space Command from inception to being an integral and capable part of UK and global defence and welcome his successor, Major General Tedman."

Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Rich Knighton

Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Rich Knighton said: “The US is one of our closest partners in the space domain and I congratulate AM Godfrey on his appointment to the US Space Force, which will strengthen the special relationship we have with our US allies. He’s exactly the right person for the job and I look forward to our nations continuing to work together to maintain superiority in the space domain.”

Paris Olympic Games are within easy reach of East Midlands Airport with new daily flights

With just a fortnight to go to the Summer Olympics opening ceremony in Paris, a new route from East Midlands Airport to Charles de Gaulle Airport is the perfect way to get there.

Taking place in venues across Paris from July 26 to August 11, this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games will put the focus on France for sports fans around the world. Brits hoping to attend this year’s Games can do so easily and effortlessly with daily flights in each direction operated seven days a week by Eastern Airways from EMA.

Operating into CDG’s terminal 3 with morning departures and evening returns, the Eastern Airways flights on low-emission 72-seat ATR aircraft include complimentary on-board service with fares starting at £94.99 for a one-way ticket.

Paris CDG offers excellent onward connections into the city centre and access to Olympic events. Trains leave the airport every ten to 20 minutes, taking just over half an hour to reach Gare du Nord, one of the city’s central stations. There are also frequent buses taking around an hour to reach central Paris – the same as taxis or hire cars which can be booked from the airport.

Many Olympic events are taking place in central Paris, including at the iconic Eiffel Tower where beach volleyball matches will be held. Other events include road cycling at the Trocadero, basketball and gymnastics at Arena Bercy, archery at Les Invalides and Roland Garros for tennis and boxing. These venues can be reached by the Metro system or other public transport options, or on foot from the city centre. The opening ceremony is set to break with tradition by being staged outside a stadium in the streets of Paris – with the parade taking place on the River Seine with athletes on boats - meaning many spectators can view the ceremony for free.

American Airlines Airbus evacuated over smoking laptop

An overheating laptop causes a fire on an American Airlines Airbus A321neo at San Francisco Airport on Friday. Local authorities say the aircraft was operating flight AA2045 to Miami that was scheduled to depart San Francisco when around 13:05 staff onboard reported seeing smoke inside the cabin, while passengers were boarding the jet.

Local media have reported that three people where injured during the incident, including one passenger whilst evacuating the aircraft via the emergency inflatable slide. 

American Airlines said:  “During boarding of American Airlines flight 2045 with service from San Francisco (SFO) to Miami (MIA), smoke was reported from inside a customer’s bag. - The bag was quickly removed by our crew members and all customers exited the aircraft. We thank our crew members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for the inconvenience.”

Passengers were taken back to the terminal and the FAA has been notified and will investigate the incident. 

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