Textron Aviation expands services including Cessna Citation 560XL series landing gear repair process

Textron Aviation has announced the expansion of its service offerings to include a new standard repair process for Cessna Citation 560XL series aircraft main landing gear (MLG). The new solution, developed in collaboration with the company’s affiliate, Able Aerospace Services, allows for significant MLG repairs without a full replacement – providing an additional timely and cost-effective part option for customers.

Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker customers receive factory-direct support, maintenance and modifications by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, through its global network of service and parts centres, mobile service units and 24/7 1CALL AOG (aircraft-on-ground) support.

“Our priority is delivering the best aviation experience for our customers, and having the option to repair main landing gear gives customers additional flexibility when servicing their aircraft,” said Brian Rohloff, senior vice president, of Customer Support. “This investment in a new solution for Citation 560XL aircraft supports reducing operating costs and minimizing aircraft downtime so that we can keep our customers moving.”

Textron Aviation initially announced MLG repair capabilities on the Cessna Citation CJ series aircraft in 2020. In addition to offering greater efficiency for customers, the new service supports Textron Aviation’s efforts to reduce and reuse by allowing customers to repair parts and utilize exchanges and rentals. The company continuously seeks to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of maintenance services across the entire Beechcraft and Cessna fleet.

Textron Aviation, through its Beechcraft and Cessna brands, is renowned for its unrivalled global service network dedicated to complete life-cycle support. In addition to its expansive company-owned footprint, Textron Aviation’s jet and turboprop customers have access to a global network of more than 300 authorized service facilities. Textron Aviation also offers a mobile support program featuring more than 40 mobile service units, three dedicated support aircraft, and on-site service technicians and support. 

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Howard Ungerleider elected to the board of directors of American Airlines

American Airlines Group announced the election of Howard Ungerleider, 55, to its board of directors. Ungerleider will serve on the board’s Audit Committee and Compensation Committee.

“We are very pleased to welcome Howard to American’s board of directors,” said American’s Chairman Greg Smith. “Howard is an accomplished executive who has held key commercial, financial and operational roles over three decades at Dow. His financial expertise and global business and leadership experience will make him a valuable member of our board.”

“Howard is a fantastic addition to the American Airlines board,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “His business acumen and extensive experience leading a complex, multinational organization will be important assets to American and our board.”

Ungerleider is currently an operating advisor to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. Previously, he served as president and CFO of Dow Inc., where he was a member of Dow’s senior executive committee, which set the strategic direction, established corporate policy, and managed governance and enterprise-level decisions for the business. He retired from Dow in January 2024 after more than 30 years with the company.

Porter Airlines to add Ottawa and Montréal services to Las Vegas

The Canadian regional carrier, Porter Airlines has confirmed it will be offering two new winter seasonal routes connecting Eastern Canada to the vibrant city of sin and neon, which is Las Vegas, this winter.  

Starting 1st November, Porter will operate nonstop service between Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) four times weekly. Las Vegas-Montréal-Trudeau (YUL) service begins on Nov. 2, with flights operating three times weekly.

Porter will be the only carrier operating the Ottawa-Las Vegas route.

This new service complements Porter’s existing twice-daily Las Vegas flights between Toronto-Pearson Airport.

Travelling with Porter means enjoying an elevated economy experience that no other North American airline offers. Passengers will appreciate the genuine Porter hospitality, premium snacks and complimentary beer and wine served in glassware. For those looking for an all-inclusive experience, PorterReserve fares offer fresh, healthy meals, pre-mixed cocktails, dedicated airport check-in, early boarding, enhanced legroom, two checked bags, and the ability to change flights without a fee.

Connections are available through Porter and its partner network. This includes Alaska Airlines flights for travel across the Western U.S. via LAS, while Porter’s extensive Eastern Canada network provides multiple options through YOW and YUL. Transatlantic itineraries are also available with Air Transat via YUL.

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Howmet Aerospace's second quarter 2024 results

Howmet Aerospace Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries.  Its primary business focus is on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and airframe structural components necessary for mission-critical performance has released its latest results for the second quarter of 2024. 

Howmet scored revenue of $1.88 billion, up 14% from the same period in 2023, which was driven by commercial aerospace, up 27%.  Net income of $266 million versus $193 million in the second quarter 2023.  The firm generated $397 million of cash from operations; $123 million of cash used for financing activities; and $54 million of cash used for investing activities.

Howmet Aerospace Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Plant said, “In the second quarter 2024, the Howmet Aerospace team drove another very strong set of results, again exceeding the high end of guidance on all fronts. Revenue grew a healthy 14% year over year, with commercial aerospace revenue up 27%, continuing a strong trend. For the second consecutive quarter, Howmet achieved record quarterly results in revenue, adjusted EBITDA*, adjusted EBITDA margin* and adjusted earnings per share*. Adjusted EBITDA margin* of 25.7% was up approximately 340 basis points year over year, and adjusted earnings per share* grew 52%.”

Mr. Plant continued, “The outlook for commercial aerospace continues to be robust, with strong travel demand and an aging aircraft fleet, leading to an extremely high backlog at the aircraft OEMs. The issue faced by Howmet Aerospace continues to be the aircraft manufacturers’ ability to build and deliver aircraft on a consistent basis. We continue to take these factors into account in our guidance. Despite these challenges, we are again raising full year 2024 guidance above the second quarter 2024 beat, reflecting strong continued performance at Howmet Aerospace.”

“Howmet Aerospace generated very healthy free cash flow of $342 million in the second quarter 2024 and $437 million in the first half 2024, which enabled the Company to redeem the remaining $205 million of our notes due in October 2024 and $23 million of our notes due in May 2025, and repurchase $210 million of common stock year to date. We are pleased that the Board of Directors approved a 60% increase in the common stock dividend to $0.08 per share for the third quarter 2024. Moreover, the Board of Directors approved the establishment of a 2025 dividend policy on common stock of 15% plus or minus 5% of net income excluding special items. Finally, the Board of Directors authorized an increase in the share repurchase program by $2 billion to $2.487 billion, reflecting the Company’s strong free cash flow outlook.”

Textron Aviation and Gama Aviation (UK) sign deal for 3 Beechcraft King Air 360C for air ambulance service in Scotland

Textron Aviation confirmed an agreement with Gama Aviation (UK) Limited for the purchase of three cargo door-equipped Beechcraft King Air 360C aircraft expected to be delivered in 2025. The deal was signed at the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA), modernizes Gama Aviation’s fleet and supports the mission of the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS).

“By providing a wide range of essential healthcare services to regional, rural and remote communities, the mission scope of the Scottish Air Ambulance requires 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week operational availability,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales, Textron Aviation. “Continuing to be the supplier of choice for emergency services in Scotland is a testament to the King Air’s performance when each second matters.”

The SAS equips mainland Scotland and its islands with a national air ambulance service. The only wholly publicly-funded air ambulance service in the United Kingdom, the SAS delivers an invaluable resource to the public of Scotland.

Gama Aviation has been a provider of air ambulance services to the SAS for more than 30 years with the King Air as the mainstay of the company’s fixed wing fleet. Together, the SAS provides the clinical staffing, while the aircraft, flight crew (pilots) and engineering support are provided by Gama Aviation on a managed service basis.

“Our team worked closely with the experts at Textron Aviation to spec the Beechcraft King Air 360Cs for our recently awarded contract in Scotland,” said Marwan Khalek, Group CEO, Gama Aviation. “Strategically the KA360C hits the mark, providing good, direct operating costs and flight performance with a highly scalable mission platform we will modify at Gama Aviation. The completed aircraft, on entry into service, will represent a substantial step-up in the provision of pre- and intra-hospital care for the people of Scotland.”

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ATSG delivers two Boeing 767s to Georgian Airways

Air Transport Services Group, announced that its leasing subsidiary Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM) recently delivered two Boeing 767-300 aircraft to Georgian Airways LLC of Tbilisi, Georgia under multi-year leases.

One of the two Boeing 767-300s is a passenger aircraft delivered in June, while the other is a newly converted freighter delivered in July.

"We are pleased to deepen our partnership with ATSG with these two aircraft," said David Gaiashvili, general director of Georgian Airways. "Founded over three decades ago, Georgian Airways has established itself as a trusted leader in the aviation industry with a steadfast commitment to safety and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We are looking forward to growing with ATSG following its great experience and expertise in the industry."

Georgian Airways offers scheduled, charter and regular flights across Europe, the Baltic region, the Caucasus, the Black Sea Region, the Middle East, and eastern and southern Asia.

"These leases reflect the growing demand for global air capacity and reinforce our Lease+Plus strategy, providing comprehensive, reliable, and flexible leasing solutions for our global customers," said Mike Berger, chief executive officer of ATSG. "We are excited to grow capacity with our existing customers, as it validates the value ATSG brings to the leasing market. Medium widebody freighters like the Boeing 767 and Airbus A330 are ideal for cargo airlines based in Eastern Europe and Western Asia. The geographic location of Tbilisi is an excellent mid-point for goods flowing out of China and ultimately destined for Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East."

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WestJet and Air North announce interline agreement

New agreement to make air travel more seamless and affordable for Northern Canadians, providing unmatched connectivity through WestJet's network

Interline will unlock greater opportunity for travel to the Yukon and beyond with Air North, creating new tourism and economic connections within Northern Canada

WestJet and Air North, announced a new interline agreement directly connecting both carrier's networks. Starting July 31, guests can book a single ticket with a connected itinerary between WestJet's global network and the Yukon and Northwest Territories with single point check-in and through-checked bags for connecting itineraries.

"Understanding the criticality of air access for remote communities, and through our shared passion for affordable and accessible air travel, WestJet and Air North are joining forces to deliver the only full large carrier interline agreement to Northern Canada," said Jared Mikoch-Gerke, WestJet Director, Alliances and Airport Affairs. "This interline agreement will redefine air travel to the Yukon and the Northwest Territories from WestJet's expansive network, igniting important new tourism and business travel opportunities. It will also unlock more seamless access for education, medical and cargo services to reach remote communities." 

"Safe, affordable, and seamless air travel is a necessity rather than a luxury for northerners. This interline agreement will provide enhanced access to and from the rest of the world for Yukoners and for visitors to the Yukon and are confident that, by doing so, it will provide significant benefits for Yukoners, for visitors to the Yukon and for Air North and WestJet," said Joe Sparling, CEO, Air North, Yukon's Airline.

IBS Software and Singapore Airlines Co-Develop Shipment Record Solution

 Singapore Airlines, a world-leading global carrier, is collaborating with IBS Software to co-develop a shipment record solution. This will make substantial strides in digitally transforming air cargo operations and advancing towards IATA's ONE Record standards through the digitisation of shipment records and usage of technology.

The two companies, in conjunction with Cargo Community Network (CCN), have successfully completed the first phase of this plan that involves the creation and sharing of shipment records across airlines, cargo community system providers and ground handling agents on the ONE Record platform. CCN's open data collaboration platform, CUBEforall, enhances data exchange and transparency, while seamlessly integrating legacy systems with ONE Record standards. This milestone was presented during the IATA ONE Record roadshow in Singapore on July 23, 2024.

Shipment records are one of the most frequently used documents in air cargo, forming the basis for all key processes in sales, planning and execution for organisations. Today, a single shipment results in multiple copies of shipment records across individual stakeholders, and the process of handling physical paper-based documents can be inefficient. Tapping on this new technology can help enhance overall operational efficiencies.  

The digitisation of shipment records through ONE Record will enable Singapore Airlines to maintain a single source of truth, allowing the data to be utilised beyond the physical life cycle of shipments. This streamlined data exchange will facilitate transparency and visibility across reporting, revenue accounting and future planning for all stakeholders. From airline to shipper, IBS Software will increase the accessibility of shipment data for all partners in the air cargo supply chain.

Digital shipment records are fundamental for the future of digital cargo, providing a solution to address incompatible legacy systems, data duplication, and reduced data integrity. The successful implementation of the shipment record based on ONE Record lays the foundation for Singapore Airlines to implement more innovative use cases, to help enhance efficiencies.

Ashok Rajan, Head of Cargo and Logistics Solutions at IBS Software, added, "Partnering with Singapore Airlines, a globally recognised leader in aviation innovation, to drive the digital future of air cargo is a significant objective for IBS Software. In today's cargo industry, data accessibility and transparency are paramount. Data and digitalisation are key enablers for the development of solutions that allow cargo carriers to grow and meet their customers' evolving needs. We are proud to have the support of an industry pioneer like Singapore Airlines in enhancing accessibility and excellence in the digitalisation of air cargo."

Marvin Tan, Senior Vice President Cargo at Singapore Airlines, said, "At Singapore Airlines, we continuously invest and innovate in all aspects of the business. By co-developing a digital shipment record solution with IBS Software, we remain committed to meeting IATA's ONE Record's goal for enhanced data visibility for all our stakeholders. This collaboration positions both organisations at the forefront of cargo digitalisation, as we unlock new efficiencies and business opportunities and respond to the evolving needs of the industry."

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June air cargo demand surges 14.1%, boosting strong first half performance

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for June 2024 global air cargo markets showing continuing strong annual growth in demand. This contributed to an exceptional first half-year performance for air cargo, with volumes exceeding 2023, 2022, and even the record-breaking 2021 levels.

•    Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), rose by 14.1% compared to June 2023 levels (15.6% for international operations). This is the seventh consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth. 

•    Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), increased by 8.8% compared to June 2023 (10.8% for international operations). 

•    Total half-year (H1) demand increased by 13.4% compared to H1 2023, by 4.3% compared to H1 2022, and by 0.02% compared to H1 2021.

"Air cargo demand surged in June. Strong growth across all regions and major trade lanes combined for a record-breaking first-half performance in terms of CTKs. Maritime shipping constraints and a booming e-commerce sector are among the strongest growth drivers. Meanwhile, the sector has remained largely impervious to ongoing political and economic challenges, and the US customs crackdown on e-commerce deliveries from China. Air cargo looks to be on solid ground to continue its strong performance into the second half of 2024," said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Several factors in the operating environment should be noted:

•    In June the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for global manufacturing output indicated expansion (52.3) while the new export orders PMI registered a small contraction, falling below the critical 50-point benchmark to 49.3.

•    Global cross-border trade expanded 0.1% month-on-month in May while industrial production stayed level compared to the previous month. 

•    Inflation was a mixed picture in June. In the EU and Japan, inflation rates stayed roughly constant compared to the previous month at 2.6% and 2.8% respectively, while dropping in the US to 3.0%. In contrast, China’s inflation rate remained near zero (0.3%) reflecting weak domestic demand amid high unemployment, slow income growth, and a crisis in the real estate sector, a trend that has persisted since 2023.

Saudia Ranks First Worldwide in On-time Departure and Arrival Performance

Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has topped the list of global airlines for on-time performance, according to a report by the independent aviation tracking site Cirium for June 2024. The report indicates that Saudia achieved an on-time arrival rate of 88.22% and an on-time departure rate of 88.73%, operating 16,133 flights across its network of over 100 destinations on four continents. This achievement is particularly notable given that June is a peak travel month due to the Hajj and summer travel seasons.

His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, highlighted, “This accomplishment is a realization of our strategic goals to enhance operational efficiency and quality through continuous improvements in flight scheduling and the implementation of the best digital solutions and systems for operations management. Maintaining a high level of on-time performance requires significant effort, as it involves overcoming numerous operational challenges in the aviation industry, such as weather conditions, high temperatures, technical issues, and other airport-related factors. I express my gratitude to all Saudia employees for their diligent work in maintaining the national flag carrier's operational excellence.”

Saudia has consistently been among the top ten global airlines for on-time performance since last year, demonstrating its commitment to providing the highest standards of quality and air safety. Its operations are managed through the largest Integrated Operation Control Center (IOCC) of its kind in the Middle East, which operates within a comprehensive system involving all sectors and group companies. Additionally, the center utilizes the latest technologies for aircraft communications, ensuring smooth operations by monitoring all procedures related to aircraft takeoff and landing in real time at all domestic and international stations.

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JetBlue Announces Second Quarter 2024 Results

Exceeded second quarter guidance targets

Introducing JetForward, the evolution of JetBlue's strategy to restore profitability

Targeting $800M - $900M of incremental EBIT (1) in 2027

JetBlue Airways has reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2024.

"We closed the first half of 2024 with meaningful year-over-year improvements in our operation and exceeded our second quarter guidance through strong execution, early evidence the changes we are implementing as part of our refocused strategy are yielding positive benefits," said Joanna Geraghty, JetBlue's chief executive officer. "Today, and as the year progresses, we are excited to share more details about JetForward, our strategic framework to return JetBlue to sustained profitability, and the four priority moves aimed at driving significant value over the coming years.

"These include boosting reliability and doubling down on our commitment to caring service to improve satisfaction and drive cost savings; reinvesting in building the best leisure network on the East Coast, where we are positioned to win; enhancing our existing product offerings and loyalty perks to better deliver the elevated and differentiated experiences our customers want; and keeping our costs low so that we can continue to offer customers exceptional value in the sky as we build a secure financial future for JetBlue."

"In the second quarter, we continued to implement our JetForward strategy with the announcement of more significant network changes. We are actively reinvesting in our core geographies in New York, New England, Florida and Puerto Rico, while exiting routes and BlueCities that don't meet our financial hurdle rate. As we progress through the second half of the year, we'll be announcing additional initiatives designed to further enhance our customer value proposition, close the gap in our product offering to our peers and drive significant financial benefit," said Marty St. George, JetBlue's president.

Air Samarkand operates first flights to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Air Samarkand has successfully operated an inaugural passenger flight from Samarkand to Jeddah, marking a new milestone in the airline's operations by supporting religious pilgrims.

 

The carrier’s Airbus A321neo aircraft departed from Samarkand today, Tuesday 30 July, at 0:05am and arrived in Jeddah at 03:10am local time, carrying 188 passengers to a city renowned for being a gathering point for pilgrims travelling to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Some 119 passengers joined the return leg from Jeddah to Samarkand.

A further flight departing Samarkand at 15:00pm and arriving in Jeddah at 18:20pm local time took place and from here on,  the airline will operate two return flights to Jeddah every Tuesday.

Air Samarkand’s CEO, Zafar Butaev, commented: "We are proud to offer our passengers new opportunities for travel and spiritual growth, with new flights that strengthen the ties between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia. There is growing interest worldwide in Islamic cultural tourism, so we are meeting that need with these new services, which will build on the unique historical legacy and ties between our two countries.”

Mr Mazen Johar, CEO of Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO) and Mr Majid Khan, CEO of the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, said: “We are delighted to see Air Samarkand’s entry into our coastal city of Jeddah from Samarkand. New flights will further help to grow connectivity to our largest airport of KSA and grow inbound tourism from the Uzbek market to Saudi Arabia.”

Mr. Hazim Alhazmi President - Europe and America Markets for the Saudi Tourism Authority said: “With its central geographical location in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is a highly underserved market for Saudi Arabia. We welcome Air Samarkand’s entry to Jeddah and look forward to promoting Saudi Arabia’s untouched wonders to tourists from Uzbekistan.”

The inaugural flights to the King Abdulaziz International Airport represent a significant step in strengthening aviation links between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia. The opening of this new route is a noteworthy event for Uzbek Muslims, providing as it does, a convenient way to visit the most revered holy sites in the Islamic world.

Australia's REX goes into administration

No doubt Qantas present and especially former senior management will be cheering and rubbing their collective hands with glee following the news from Australia that REX has gone into administration.

 

Regional Express Holdings Limited and a number of its subsidiaries in the Rex Group have entered voluntary administration. These are detailed on the Rex Group’s website.

 

Samuel Freeman, Justin Walsh and Adam Nikitins of Ernst & Young Australia (EY Australia) have been appointed Joint and Several Voluntary Administrators by the Rex Group’s respective Boards of Directors.

 

Regional Saab 340 flights are currently unaffected by the administration and will continue to operate.

 

Domestic 737 services are grounded with Virgin Australia offering impacted Rex passengers free of charge rebooking.

 

To find out more information about how these changes affect you, please watch this video or head to the Rex website – www.rex.com.au.

Rex routes are affected, which can be rebooked with Virgin Australia?

Melbourne (MEL) – Adelaide (ADL) 

Melbourne (MEL) – Canberra (CBR) 

Melbourne (MEL) – Brisbane (BNE) 

Melbourne (MEL) – Coolangatta, Gold Coast (OOL) 

Melbourne (MEL) – Hobart (HBA) 

Melbourne (MEL) – Sydney (SYD) 

Melbourne (MEL) – Perth (PER) 

Sydney (SYD) – Brisbane (BNE) 

Sydney (SYD) – Coolangatta, Gold Coast (OOL) 

Sydney (SYD – Adelaide (ADL) 

Brisbane (BNE) – Adelaide (ADL) 

Adelaide (ADL) – Perth (PER) 

Brisbane (BNE) – Cairns (CNS) 

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Virgin Australia released the following statement at a difficult time for the Australian aviation industry. "Our team is now moving quickly to support Rex’s customers and people. 

First of 6 new Airbus A220 jets arrives for Croatia Airlines

The leasing giant Air Lease Corporation has confirmed the delivery of one new Airbus A220-300 aircraft to Croatia Airlines. This is the first A220 to join the Croatian carrier’s fleet and the first of six new A220 aircraft confirmed to be delivered to the airline from ALC’s order book with Airbus.

“Air Lease Corporation is honoured to have been selected by Croatia Airlines as the first Lessor to introduce the A220 to the airline and support Croatia’s major fleet modernization program,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “This milestone first of six new A220 deliveries is a wonderful achievement that commences the fleet transformation at Croatia Airlines.”

“We are thrilled to congratulate our colleagues at Croatia Airlines on this first A220 aircraft delivery,” said David Beker, Executive Vice President of Air Lease Corporation. “Croatia Airlines’ fleet modernization program is expected to deliver not only a new and improved standard of passenger comfort and experience but also significant financial and environmental benefits due to lower fuel consumption, reduced noise and lower emissions with the most modern, technologically advanced aircraft available.”

Fake news keyword seeing thousands of searches a month

What is a deepfake, why is it gaining so much attention, and how many people are actually searching for deepfake content online? New research from digital identity security specialists, ID Crypt Global, answers all of these questions and more with an analysis that includes new information on the concerning trend of free-to-use fake news generators.

 

ID Crypt has analysed how many monthly Google searches UK internet users are carrying out with keyword terms related to deepfakes and fake news*, providing new insight into what sort of public interest there is in misinformation.

 

What is a deepfake?

A deepfake is a video or image in which a person’s face, body, or general likeness has been digitally altered and manipulated to make them appear to be doing or saying something that they never said or did.

 

While there have been a number of well-executed creative endeavours that have made good use of deepfake technology, such as Kendrick Lamar’s video for his song The Heart Part 5, the sad truth is that the technology is more often than not used maliciously or in effort to spread false information.

 

Interest in deepfakes is growing rapidly. In the UK, the average number of Google searches with keywords that include ‘deepfake(s)’ is estimated to be 11,100 per month.

 

This number gets even larger when you include data on ‘deepfake porn’ keywords which themselves account for an average of 4,950 monthly searches.

 

The numbers grow even more when you account for other x-rated keywords including ‘deepfakes porn’, which is searched for an average of 1,472 per month, ‘deepfakes xxx’ (800), and  ‘porn deepfakes’ (791).

 

Whatsmore, there appears to be a desire among some people to create their own deepfake content, as proven by 650 monthly searches for keywords surrounding ‘deepfake maker’.