PLAY announces changes in management and directors

PLAY has made changes to its executive management and directors, effective by the end of July. These changes are a part of PLAY's ongoing efforts to strengthen and enhance its operations. 

Andri Geir Eyjólfsson, Chief Operations Officer 

Andri Geir Eyjólfsson has been appointed Chief Operations Officer (COO) of PLAY, succeeding Arnar Már Magnússon. Andri has been with PLAY since 2019 as the Technical Director and has served as Deputy COO for the past year. With 18 years of experience in the aviation industry, Andri has held positions such as Deputy Technical Director at WOW air and various other roles at Air Atlanta, Icelandair and WOW. He studied aircraft maintenance mechanics at TEC Aviation in Denmark. 

Sigurður Örn Ágústsson, Chief Development Officer 

Sigurður Örn Ágústsson, currently Chief of Business Development, will assume the role of Chief Development Officer (CDO) at PLAY, replacing Georg Haraldsson. Georg will continue to serve as an advisor for the company over the coming months. Sigurður brings extensive experience in the aviation industry, having served as CEO and Chairman of the Board at Bluebird and as a board member at Avion Express. He holds an MBA degree from the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh. 

Additionally, PLAY has appointed Ramunas Kurkutis as the Director of Information Technology. Based in PLAY's Vilnius, Lithuania office, Ramunas brings over two decades of managerial experience in information technology with international companies. He has extensive expertise in the aviation, energy, and finance sectors. 

New CEO Office and Two New Directors 

Porter Airlines to fly to Palm Springs and San Diego from Toronto-Pearson this December

Porter Airlines is launching non-stop flights to San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) from Toronto-Pearson International Airport (YYZ) this December.  San Diego is a year-round route and will operate from 9th December. Palm Springs is a winter seasonal service, with three flights a week from 12th December. 

Both routes will be operated on Porter's brand-new Embraer E195-E2 jets, with its two-by-two configuration of 132 seats. The aircraft are also equipped with fast and free WiFi for all passengers, offering the freedom to stream, surf the web, and stay in touch from gate to gate.

Priority check-in and boarding, extra legroom seats, premium pre-mixed cocktails, and fresh, healthy meals are also available with the all-inclusive PorterReserve fares or may be purchased à la carte with PorterClassic fares.

San Diego is California’s beach city, boasting idyllic year-round weather, with diverse coastal, urban and inland neighbourhoods. Between outdoor adventures, vibrant nightlife and a thriving arts and culture scene, there is something for everyone.

Palm Springs is a desert oasis, famous for countless examples of mid-century modern architecture. Explore the playground of the rich and famous, tick off bucket list hikes across the California desert, or enjoy one of the region’s famous music festivals.

Signature Aviation to buy Dulles Jet Center

Signature Aviation, the world’s largest private aviation terminal operator, has agreed to purchase Dulles Jet Center, a corporate hangar facility located at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and consisting of 197,000 square feet of state-of-the-art hangar space, Class A office space, and a luxury passenger lounge.

Signature looks forward to continuing DJC’s commitment to providing high-quality, safe, and secure operations. The expanded footprint achieved from consolidating Signature’s existing IAD facilities with DJC will result in an improved experience for the flight departments based at DJC, including expanded aviation services and access to Signature’s worldwide network of FBO and hangar locations. For DJC’s staff, the transaction represents opportunities for advancement within a larger organization.

“We’re excited to welcome Dulles Jet Center into the Signature Aviation family,” said Tony Lefebvre, CEO of Signature Aviation. “This is a great opportunity to bring together two companies that have operated as neighbors over the years and are committed to delivering exceptional hospitality to our guests and residents.”

JetBlue first regular supply of blended sustainable aviation fuel for commercial aviation in New York

                       JetBlue and World Fuel Services announced a new commercial agreement to bring the first regular supply of Blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), provided by Valero Marketing and Supply Company (Valero), a subsidiary of Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE: VLO), to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) as early as the fourth quarter of 2024. Under the terms of the initial 12-month agreement, JetBlue is expected to take delivery of a minimum of 1,000,000 gallons of neat sustainable aviation fuel (approximately 3,300,000 gallons blended) - with an option to purchase up to an additional 4,000,000 gallons (approximately 13,300,000 gallons blended). The blended SAF will be made available via existing infrastructure, including the Colonial Pipeline.

“This newly available SAF in our hometown is a key signal of the growing engagement by major fuel producers and the potential of SAF to meaningfully address aviation’s carbon emissions,” said Sara Bogdan, managing director of sustainability and environmental social governance, JetBlue. “By leveraging Valero’s globally recognized expertise in energy markets and logistics, and by utilizing existing jet fuel distribution infrastructure, this new large-scale supply of SAF is set to be a pivotal moment as the industry grows the use of SAF. Truly maximizing the impact of this opportunity will require engagement across all sectors.”

American Airlines education foundation is fueling dreams with its annual scholarship award

The American Airlines Education Foundation is dedicated to supporting the educational aspirations of dependents of the airline’s team members. This year, the Education Foundation provided nearly $1 million in financial assistance to 336 students as part of its ongoing efforts to invest in future leaders.

The annual scholarship program awards $2,500 to eligible full-time undergraduate students at any accredited college, university or vocational program around the world. Additionally, 103 first-generation college students received an additional $1,000 to support their unique academic journey.

“We believe in the transformative power of education and are proud to support our community. We are honored to play a role in shaping brighter futures through education,” said Brady Byrnes, American’s Senior Vice President of Inflight and Premium Guest Services and President of the Education Foundation. “The Education Foundation reflects our steadfast dedication to our team members and their families.”

De Havilland Canada DHC-515 Firefighter aircraft update....

De Havilland Canada, with its partners at the Canadian Commercial Corporation, have signed contracts with Greece, Croatia and Portugal for 11 aircraft as part of the European Union's consortium of countries that have announced their intention to initially purchase 22 aircraft and become the launch customers for this program.

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DHC-515 Firefighter | Production Update | July 2024 from De Havilland Aircraft of Canada on Vimeo.

AerCap delivers first three Airbus A321neo aircraft to AirAsia as part of fifteen aircraft deal

AerCap Holdings announced the delivery of the first three of fifteen new Airbus A321neo aircraft on long-term lease to AirAsia Group. The remaining 12 units are scheduled to be delivered in 2024 and 2025.
To mark the delivery of the new A321neo aircraft and the strengthening of their operational fleet to 200 aircraft, AirAsia hosted a special ceremony at their corporate headquarters, RedQ in Malaysia. The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Transport Malaysia, Yang Berhormat Datuk Haji Hasbi bin Haji Habibollah, Bo Lingam, CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, Farouk Kamal, Deputy CEO (Corporate) of AirAsia Aviation Group, among other senior representatives from AirAsia Aviation Group and Airbus.

Speaking at the event, Peter Anderson, the Chief Commercial Officer of AerCap, said, "The partnership between AirAsia and AerCap dates back nearly 30 years to the founding of the airline, and it is a great pleasure to celebrate the expansion of AirAsia's fleet as we start to deliver a stream of fifteen new Airbus A321neo aircraft. These A321neo aircraft will complement AirAsia's current fleet and will bring improved cost and operational efficiencies, with more capabilities to support its continued expansion throughout the region, and well into the future. We congratulate Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Tony Fernandes, Bo Lingam, Farouk Kamal, and the entire AirAsia team, and wish them continued success in the years to come."
CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, Bo Lingam said: "This year marks a pivotal year for AirAsia's growth as we resume our Airbus A321neo deliveries, aligning with the strong forecast demand. These new aircraft are game-changers, allowing us to enhance our route network, offer longer-range flights, and improve operational efficiency. We are also proud to be working with AerCap, the largest aviation leasing company in the world known for its extensive portfolio and global reach which underscores the industry confidence in our growth trajectory, while Airbus remains instrumental in our expansion plans over the next five years. These aircraft will be a key enabler for our Fly-thru services that have been integral to our network growth. AirAsia's Fly-Thru guests have grown to 18% this year, and with the new aircraft, this is expected to increase to 25% by 2025. Looking ahead, we anticipate our fleet to exceed 300 aircraft within the next five years, carrying over 100 million guests annually. This expansion marks the beginning of AirAsia's new era as the world's first low-cost network carrier, with the aim to connect Asean with the world and vice versa."



 

SWISS reports solid first-half earnings of CHF 264 million

SWISS achieved an operating result of CHF 264.2 million on total revenues of CHF 2.7 billion for the first six months of 2024 – a solid earnings performance given the challenging market conditions. SWISS’s 2024 first-half operating result is slightly below last year’s record level, for two prime reasons. The market situation is now closer to normality, with the capacity shortages which had still substantially restricted the airline industry’s production in 2023 now significantly eased; and costs have risen, owing in particular to salary increases, higher charges and fees and the increased expense of servicing and maintaining the SWISS aircraft fleet. On top of this, SWISS has also been specifically investing in further enhancing its product and service offer. SWISS transported some 8.5 million passengers in the 2024 first-half period.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) reports a solid operating result (Adjusted EBIT) of CHF 264.2 million for the first six months of 2024. The result represents a decline of some 22 per cent from the record CHF 338.3 million achieved for the same period last year. Total revenues for January to June 2024 amounted to CHF 2.7 billion, a 5.5-per-cent increase on the CHF 2.5 billion of the prior-year period.

“The market trend back to more normal conditions that we saw in the first quarter of this year has continued faster than we originally expected,” says SWISS Chief Financial Officer Dennis Weber. “People’s desire to travel remains high, which we are very pleased about. But a number of airlines have now restored their production capacities to pre-corona volumes, and in some cases even higher. This has tangibly intensified competition; and this in turn has depressed yields below their prior-year levels.”

Alongside this changed market situation, rising costs also reduced SWISS’s earnings for the 2024 first-half period. In addition to the higher expense incurred through expanding its flight operations, the salary and other compensation increases incorporated in various new collective labour agreements, higher charges and fees and high inflation in the maintenance services field were all particularly instrumental in raising costs for the period. SWISS also invested substantially in further enhancing its customer experience, to deliver even more comprehensively on its premium promise.

AirAsia Philippines expands North Asia routes, opens Nagoya, Japan

AirAsia Philippines is further expanding in  Japan  by introducing Nagoya as its 3rd destination. One of the  largest cities in Japan, Nagoya is home to over two  million residents, 57,000 of which are Filipinos. 

To celebrate this milestone, the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline is offering a PHP 888 one-way base fare to Nagoya for bookings made at the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com until 11 August 2024 for travel from its maiden flight on 29 October 2024 to 29 March 2025.

“Japan is one of the strongest regional markets for  AirAsia Philippines. In fact, we’ve already flown 210,000 guests for the first half of 2024. We are confident we will double the 270,000 guests flown in 2023 with our competitive airfares, more services, better flight timings and world-leading service”, AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla shares.

A recent study from Statista revealed that 48.8% of Filipinos choose  Japan as a preferred  holiday destination. AirAsia data shows 65% of travellers who went to Japan in the past six  months were Filipinos in the 30 - 50 year age bracket, most of whom booked their flights for immediate travel within two months.

Cathay Pacific shows off new inflight safety video....

Creative and compelling storytelling delivers all essential safety demonstrations while showcasing the best that the airline’s home city has to offer

Cathay Pacific is delighted to reveal its new inflight safety video that takes customers through important inflight safety procedures set against the dynamic backdrop of Hong Kong.

Told through the electrifying energy and vibrancy of the airline’s home city, the video was developed in close collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) to embody all necessary safety protocols while educating customers in an informative and engaging way.

With its deep roots in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific strives to promote Hong Kong as a favoured destination and gateway to travellers from all over the world. The safety demonstrations in the video are interwoven with the unique charms of Hong Kong, capturing the city’s iconic landmarks, bustling happenings, world-class arts and cultural attractions, natural landscapes and more.

Scenes were shot at various locations across the city to showcase the best of Hong Kong. Customers are transported to a dai pai dong, the quintessential local dining experience, for the “no smoking” announcement, before finding themselves amidst an exhilarating dragon boat race which provides the backdrop for the life jacket demonstration, while Shek O Beach sets the scene for the emergency and pre-takeoff procedures. Other locales include the shopping paradise of Causeway Bay, Xiqu Centre at the West Kowloon Cultural District, the iconic Peak Tram, Yau Ma Tei’s historic Tin Hau Temple and the serene Clearwater Bay Country Park, all of which culminate in a visually immersive experience for customers.

To mark the launch of the video, Cathay Pacific held a preview event at The Sky Lounge, The Upper House on 26 July, hosted by Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau and attended by distinguished guests including Hong Kong Tourism Board Executive Director Dane Cheng and Commissioner for Tourism Vivian Sum.

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Manchester Airports Group awarded EcoVadis Gold Rating for sustainability performance

Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has been awarded the EcoVadis Gold Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rating.   

MAG is the UK’s largest airport group which owns and operates Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports. The Group achieved the highest possible rating on its first time submitting ESG data to the platform. Achieving this rating places MAG in the top 5% of more than  130,000 companies assessed globally against sustainability criteria.

EcoVadis is one of the world’s leading providers of business sustainability ratings and  evaluates companies around the globe based on environmental, social and ethical performance. During the assessment, MAG scored over the industry average in all four categories: Ethics, Sustainable Procurement, Environment and Labour & Human Rights. In addition to this, MAG was also praised for having advanced management systems for environmental, labour & human rights and ethics issues.

Following its gold rating, MAG is working to enhance the sustainability credentials in other areas of its business. In line with one of its key strategic objectives – creating a sustainable future for all - the Group is currently working to transform its approach to supply chain management, to ensure that its procurement processes  are compatible with the sustainable future it is working towards.

In 2023, the Group launched a procurement transformation programme with one clear aim: to digitally assess the sustainability performance of its  supply chain.

United the first airline to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for use at Chicago O'Hare International Airport

This week, U.S. mega-carrier United became the first airline to purchase sustainable aviation fuel1 (SAF) for use at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Governor JB Pritzker joined the airline's leadership at ORD to highlight the role that Illinois' SAF tax credits played in bringing sustainable aviation fuel to one of the largest airports in the U.S.

SAF producer Neste will provide up to 1 million gallons of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™2 to United at ORD in 2024 with the first supply arriving in August.3 

United was the first airline to create a goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emission by 2050, without relying on voluntary carbon offsets, and remains a U.S. industry leader in the purchase and use of SAF. The airline purchased more sustainable fuel than any U.S. airline in 2023 and the agreement with Neste makes O'Hare the fifth airport where United has purchased SAF for operational use – among the most locations of any U.S. airline.

"Since day one as Governor, I've committed to making Illinois a national leader in sustainability and clean energy, which is why I was proud to support a nation-leading SAF tax credit last year," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Illinois's position as a hub of innovation with some of the most connected airports in the country perfectly aligns with the work of companies like United to build a more sustainable future for travel and reach our shared goal of zero emissions."

SAF is an alternative to conventional jet fuel that can reduce GHG emissions by up to 85% on a lifecycle basis – from production to end use - because it is made from renewable materials rather than drilled fossil oil. SAF is among aviation's best, most scalable options to push the industry towards net zero emissions in part because it can be used right now with existing infrastructure - no changes to fuel systems or aircraft engines required.

"This is what happens when innovation, leadership and policy come together," said United President Brett Hart, who was at ORD today with the Governor. "While the market for SAF is still in its infancy, there is a huge opportunity today for airlines and policymakers to work together to support its continued growth – SAF at O'Hare was made possible thanks to Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Legislature passing tax incentives."

United has now purchased SAF for airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, London, and Amsterdam.

"I'm pleased to see United Airlines making this significant move forward by using sustainable aviation fuel daily in flights from O'Hare," U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) said. "One of the most important things we can do to make American aviation more sustainable is increase the supply of SAF. At the federal level, I've been pushing for the increased use of SAF, and I'm going to keep pushing to increase the supply of American-grown, American-made SAF, a true win-win solution that supports domestic farmers and blenders while reducing our nation's carbon footprint."

United SAF Policy Leadership

Can social media networks ever eliminate spam?

New research from digital identity security specialists, ID Crypt Global, reveals that the amount of spam being removed from TikTok has increased by as much as 1,200% in the past year as social media platforms battle to keep disinformation away from their networks.   ID Crypt Global has analysed data from Facebook* and TikTik* regarding the amount and variety of spam content being removed from their platforms, and how this has changed over the past year.   Facebook’s rules state that the platform does not allow spam, which it defines as “content that is designed to be shared in deceptive and annoying ways or attempts to mislead users to drive engagement”.  The platform describes spam as being spread in two ways: automated spam published by bots or scripts, and coordinated spam when a human user uses multiple accounts to spread deceptive content. Both methods are typically used for some sort of financial gain.   The analysis shows that: -   In its battle to reduce the amount of spam on the platform, Facebook removed 436m pieces of spam content in Q1 2024 (January-March). This marks a quarterly decline of -54.8%, and an annual reduction of -72.8%. It is also the lowest number of quarterly spam removals since at least 2017.   This huge reduction in spam removal suggests that there is now less spam on Facebook than ever before, likely due to its popularity declining in favour of other social media platforms.

Loft Dynamics Becomes World's First VR Flight Simulation Training Device to Receive FAA Qualification

As the First and Only VR Training Devices with Dual Regulatory Qualifications from FAA and EASA, Loft Dynamics is Well-Positioned as It Expands Simulation to Airplanes, eVTOLs, and Additional Helicopters

Former FAA Administrators Randy Babbitt and Michael Huerta Join Loft Dynamics' Advisory Board

U.S. Helicopter Pilots Can Now Train and Receive Credit Toward Pilot Ratings on Loft Dynamics' Qualified VR Flight Training Device

 

                      Loft Dynamics, the global leader in virtual reality (VR) flight simulation training devices (FSTDs), today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has qualified its VR simulator — the first FAA-qualified VR FSTD in the United States. This achievement is a landmark in aviation safety and a pivotal step in bringing advanced flight simulation technology to pilots and operators nationwide amid intensifying demand for pilots. It also cements VR's increasingly influential role in the future of U.S. pilot training. Outside the U.S., Loft Dynamics is the first and only VR simulator to achieve qualification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

For the first time, U.S. helicopter pilots can train and receive credit toward pilot ratings on an FAA-approved VR FSTD, provided it is a Loft Dynamics VR FSTD. This qualification allows the simulator to be used not only for training in engine failures, abnormal and emergency procedures, and instrument approaches but also for challenging maneuvers such as sling load operations, pinnacle operations, and more.

The FAA's rigorous qualification process requires FSTDs to be evaluated in accordance with 14 CFR Part 60 and meet extensive operational requirements. The FAA evaluated Loft Dynamics' VR simulator using its Airbus-approved H125 VR FSTD at Marshall University. Qualified as a flight training device, Loft Dynamics' H125 VR simulator features a full-scale virtual replica cockpit, a panoramic 360-degree view, verified flight modeling, and a six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform that accurately simulates flight visuals, movements, and scenarios. These FSTDs are smaller and significantly more cost-effective than traditional simulators. All pilots in the U.S. are required to train regularly in an aircraft or flight simulator, which is why the qualification of Loft Dynamics' simulator is a crucial step toward helping more operators conduct this training and address the growing pilot shortage, and why regulatory agencies are embracing and mandating the use of the company's FSTDs.

Last year, the FAA installed Loft Dynamics simulators at its William J. Hughes Technical Center (WHTC) to advance the safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability goals of its Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). As part of this initiative, the agency uses the simulator to conduct vertical flight safety research, including engaging hundreds of test pilots to fly the simulator.

The FAA's approval of the first VR simulator shifts pilot training paradigms, expanding access to the most immersive, customizable, and scalable training solutions. This is also a pivotal moment for Loft Dynamics, as the company is already developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and airplane simulators, broadening its industry impact and value.

"The FAA's and EASA's unprecedented qualifications of our technology reinforce the safety and fidelity of VR for pilot training," said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. "It provides a tangible path to solving the world's pilot shortage and cultivating the next generation of high-quality pilots. We're not paving this path alone; we're grateful for Airbus Helicopters' conviction in Loft Dynamics, dedication to achieving FAA qualification, and commitment to making our FSTDs available to the masses. We're grateful to the FAA for their support and commitment to improving the trajectory of simulation technology and pilot training. This is an important initial step for modernizing pilot training, and it also signifies a broader industry shift toward leveraging our VR technology to address global challenges." 

Loft Dynamics' recent opening of its North American headquarters in Santa Monica has established a base for its continental expansion, now accelerated by the FAA qualification. The company's growing market trust is evidenced by its customers and partners, including the Los Angeles Police Department, which uses its H125 VR simulator to train its pilots safely and effectively, and Airbus Helicopters, which co-developed the H125 VR simulator and supported its FAA qualification through sponsorship under their Part 142 Certificate.

Riesen continued, "We spent the past year ensuring our technology meets regulatory requirements and thoughtfully scaling our talent, production, and high-touch customer support for this next chapter. We're looking forward to continuously innovating and serving the critical needs of the helicopter industry while also bringing our FAA- and EASA-qualified solution to more aircraft markets. As part of this growth, we're thrilled to welcome two former FAA administrators and aviation veterans, Randy Babbitt and Michael Huerta, to our advisory board to help catalyze our mission."

The new advisors will be instrumental in the company's next phase of growth, especially in developing products that meet the needs of the entire aviation ecosystem: pilots, airlines and commercial operators, manufacturers, and regulators. 

Air Canada Foundation's 12th Annual Golf Tournament Achieves New Fundraising Milestone for Children's Health

The Air Canada Foundation's annual golf tournament is its largest fundraising event

In 2023, the Foundation donated $1.3 million to organizations that help kids spread their wings

Over the past 12 years, the Foundation has raised more than $11 million for the health and well-being of children and youth

The business and aviation community came together in support of the 12th annual Air Canada Foundation Golf Tournament, raising a record-breaking $1.4 million to support the health and well-being of children and youth across Canada.

This year's event welcomed 296 guests and over 100 sponsors, including corporate partners, suppliers, and vendors of Air Canada. With their generous support, the tournament raised an impressive sum of $1.4 million. These funds will be redistributed over the coming year through the Foundation's many programs and partnerships that help kids spread their wings.

In 2023, the Air Canada Foundation donated more than $1.3 million to charitable organizations across Canada, most of which was raised at this very tournament last year. These donations have helped sick children access specialized medical care, ensured the basic needs of children are met and protected, and provided hope to children facing adversity, with an increased focus on charitable partnerships that directly impact children from equity-deserving populations.

"This event is so much more than just a golf tournament. It's a time where we unite with our partners, employees and suppliers to champion a cause we all hold dear - helping children spread their wings," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer at Air Canada. "As stewards of the future, we recognize the vital role of nurturing the next generation. We are proud to know that our Air Canada Foundation is supporting numerous charities across the country to bring hope, protection and well-being to the children across our country."