Japan Airlines introduces Disney+ Originals to inflight entertainment - A 1st for Japanese airlines

Japan Airlines is the first Japanese airline to introduce a selection of Disney+ Originals in its inflight entertainment on both international and domestic flights.

Disney+ offers beloved content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. With the addition of Disney+ Originals, JAL's inflight entertainment now features an even wider variety of movies, dramas, and series, including exclusive original content, ensuring a magical journey in the sky.

The service commenced on July 1, 2024, for international flights and was introduced on domestic services on August 1, 2024. 

JAL provides entertainment services on all its aircraft, allowing passengers to enjoy movies, anime, and TV programs on personal monitors, or on their own smartphones and tablets, even on aircraft without built-in monitors, ensuring a comfortable journey for all. The latest Airbus A350-1000 features 4K monitors and Bluetooth connectivity in all classes, and the world's first in-seat speakers in First and Business Class, offering an even more immersive inflight entertainment experience. Additionally, JAL plans to offer free inflight Wi-Fi on international flights to enhance the internet connectivity environment.

Through continuously evolving inflight entertainment, JAL aims to create the best possible journey tailored to each customer's needs.

Junko SAKIHARA, Deputy Senior Vice President of Customer Experience Dept said: "We are delighted to be the first airline in Japan to offer a wide range of Disney+ Originals on both domestic and international flights. We are very pleased to provide a comfortable journey to many of our customers. JAL aims to offer services that allow each customer to choose according to their preferences, through a variety of inflight entertainment and stable inflight Wi-Fi. During this summer vacation, please create unforgettable memories with your family and friends by enjoying the wonderful works of Disney+ Originals on JAL flights."

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For more details on Japan Airlines inflight entertainment, click here.

Emirates FA Cup Title Partnership Extended Until 2028

The Football Association in the UK has extended its long-term global partnership of the FA Cup with Emirates for a further four years – and the world’s most iconic domestic cup competition will continue to be called the Emirates FA Cup until 2028.

The new four-year partnership extension between Emirates and the FA Cup will begin at the start of the 2024/25 season, and further increases Emirates’ commitment to The FA’s flagship competition which first began in 2015 and has resulted in many years of successful collaboration.

Each season, over 700 clubs and 10,000 players across ten levels of the English football pyramid compete in the historic competition, which culminates in the Final at Wembley Stadium. Across the 2023/24 season, over 96 million viewers tuned in to watch the Emirates FA Cup, with over eight million watching the Final between Manchester City and Manchester United. The global appeal of the competition also continues to go from strength to strength, with matches broadcast in over 200 countries worldwide.

The new agreement between The FA and Emirates includes creating exciting opportunities for fans around the world to engage with the Emirates FA Cup over the coming seasons, including an annual international Emirates FA Cup Trophy Tour. During the partnership, thousands of fans have had the chance to see the competition’s famous trophy in person, with tours to Ghana, Kenya, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and the United States, which were all supported by Emirates.

Poseidon achieves success on Indo-Pacific Exercise

The RAF has concluded its participation in Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024 (RIMPAC) in Hawaii, the world's largest international maritime exercise.

For the exercise a pair of Poseidon MRA.1 maritime patrol aircraft were flown 10,000 miles to Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam to participate in an exercise of a scale and complexity unavailable anywhere else in the world.

Air Commodore Paton, ISTAR Force Commander said: “RIMPAC is huge. The Poseidon Force is still in growth, still learning, and to be able to come out here and operate with a whole plethora of capabilities, both surface and sub-surface, is a serious level of complexity for the crews to be able to operate successfully.”

With 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, and over 25,000 personnel, RIMPAC provided a unique training opportunity and has helped build and reinforce the International partnerships critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.

Wing Commander Henderson said  “It’s great to see us out here again with our first global deployment. We’ve operated locally in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, but this is truly another level for Poseidon and a whole team effort.

To be able to deploy to Hawaii and sustain operations at home at the same time shows just how far Poseidon as a force has come, and it’s absolutely amazing to have this opportunity.”

Officer Commanding Air Wing Support, RAF Lossiemouth, and UK Detachment Commander for the exercise

The planning for the exercise took 12 months and represents the latest milestone for RAF maritime patrol representing as it did the largest detachment the Poseidon Force has achieved to date, for the longest amount of time, and at the greatest distance.

Singapore Airlines reports net profit of $452 million

Group revenue increased by $239 million (+5.3%) year-on-year to $4,718 million in the three months ending 30 June 2024. Passenger flown revenue rose by $152 million (+4.1%) to $3,828 million, supported by a 13.8% increase in passengers carried, despite a 4.6% decline in yields. Passenger traffic rose 9.7% year-on-year against a 12.2% growth in capacity, resulting in a 2.0 percentage point drop in the Group passenger load factor (PLF) to 86.9%.

 

Cargo flown revenue was marginally lower than a year before, declining $1 million (-0.2%) to $541 million. Overall air cargo demand remained buoyant, supported by strong e-commerce flows and increased demand for air freight driven by the Red Sea crisis and port congestion. This helped to raise cargo load factor to 57.7% (+5.9 percentage points) and mitigate the impact from lower cargo yields (-19.1%) due to increased belly hold cargo capacity. 

Group expenditure rose by $523 million (+14.0%) to $4,248 million, with fuel and non-fuel expenditure increasing by $317 million (+30.1%) and $206 million (+7.7%) respectively. Net fuel cost increased to $1,370 million, mainly due to higher volumes uplifted (+$147 million), an 8.1% increase in fuel prices (+$105 million), and a lower fuel hedging gain (+$52 million). The 7.7% rise in non-fuel expenditure was less than the 11.6% increase in overall passenger and cargo capacity.

As a result, the Group’s operating profit for the quarter declined by $285 million (-37.7%) from the previous year to $470 million. In addition to the weaker operating performance, a reduction in net interest income (-$22 million), lower surplus on disposal of aircraft, spares, and spare engines (-$8 million), and lower share of profits of associated companies (-$6 million) contributed to the decline in the Group net profit to $452 million (-$282 million or -38.4%). This 

decline was partially mitigated by a lower tax expense (+$41 million). 

Balance Sheet

Emirates to operate second A380 Service to Bali to serve seasonal demand

      Emirates has announced that it will operate a second daily A380 service between Dubai and Bali, starting 1 September and until 26 October, to meet the surge in travel demand to the island during the upcoming peak season. 

From 1 September to 26 October 2024, Emirates’ flight EK398/399 between Dubai (DXB) and Bali (DPS) will be upgraded to an Airbus A380, replacing the current Boeing 777 service. 

The upgraded service will build upon the success of Emirates' first-ever A380 service to Indonesia, launched on 1 June 2023, while also driving more inbound traffic to Bali during one of the busiest times of the year and seamlessly connecting travelers from Indonesia to Dubai and beyond through Emirates’ extensive global network. 

Emirates continues to reinforce its long-standing commitment to providing world-class travel experiences and supporting Indonesia’s growing travel and tourism sector. By serving Bali with double A380 flights, the airline will offer more than 2,600 additional weekly seats to and from the island to help accommodate the growing demand during the peak travel season. With this additional service, more passengers to and from Indonesia can enjoy the iconic double-decker's best-in-class products and services, including its spacious cabins, the exclusive Onboard Lounge, and ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system offering over 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment.

Emirates launched a non-stop daily service from Dubai to Bali in 2015, adding to its scheduled flights to Jakarta which began in 1992. Emirates flies to more than 144 destinations across six continents and currently offers double daily flights to Jakarta and Bali.

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Emirates reveals five most popular travel destinations among Koreans....

 As the summer vacation season hits its peak, Emirates, the largest international airline in the world, has unveiled the top five summer travel destinations that have been gaining popularity among Korean travellers - Zurich, Barcelona, Rome, Venice, and Prague. With its extensive global network and world-class products and services, Emirates continues to be the airline of choice for thousands of Korean passengers seeking to explore new and exciting destinations, having carried over 35,000 passengers last summer season alone between Incheon and Dubai, as well as beyond.

1.       Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is known for its unique mixture of metropolitan charm with the vibrant beauty of nature. Visitors can soak up the sunshine while exploring the scenic Old Town, take a refreshing Lake Zurich cruise, or indulge in shopping along the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets. For those seeking summer adventures, the city provides easy access to thrilling alpine activities like Mt. Titlis and Jungfraujoch, providing a perfect escape from the heat.  

Emirates operates double daily flights between Dubai and Zurich, using a mix of A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft.

2.       Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona bursts with energy and charm during the summer. While in the city, people can enjoy the lively Barceloneta Beach with its surf-friendly waves and beachfront restaurants. Visitors can also dive into the city’s buzzing nightlife at Chiringuitos, which is always full of live music and festive atmosphere. Don’t forget to explore Central Barcelona at Plaça de Catalunya, a historic square connecting the Gothic Quarter with the modern Eixample.

Emirates operates double daily flights between Dubai and Barcelona, using a mix of A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft.

3.       Rome, Italy

In summer, Rome comes alive with warm, sunny days perfect for exploring its iconic landmarks and vibrant piazzas. Early risers can enjoy cooler temperatures while visiting the Colosseum and Roman Forum before the crowds arrive or leisurely stroll along the Tiber River to escape the heat. For a refreshing break, visitors can take a dip in a nearby beach or cool off with gelato at one of the city’s charming cafes.

Emirates operates double daily A380 flights between Dubai and Rome, and offers travellers train connections to/ from Rome Roma Termini Rail Station (XRJ) in partnership with Trenitalia.

GoJet looking for staff.

GoJet Airlines, a premier U.S. regional airline operating as United Express. that flies the Bombardier CRJ-550 jet. The planes have a first-class cabin with a state-of-the-art refreshment centre, an economy plus section and a main coach cabin along with 4 monuments designed for roller bags to provide ample room for each customer. GoJet is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri and has crew bases in St. Louis, Chicago, Washington Dulles, and Newark. The carrier is currently looking for more staff. 

Maintenance - GoJet Airlines

More vacancies including cabin crew, pilots and first officers.

Rocket Lab successfully completes latest launch for Synspective

Rocket Lab USA, Inc., a global leader in launch services and space systems, confirmed it had successfully launched its 51st Electron rocket and deployed a single satellite to low Earth orbit for Synspective, a Japanese Earth-imaging company.

The mission, named “Owl For One, One For Owl” in a nod to Synspective’s StriX satellites named after the genus for owls, lifted off at 04:39 a.m., August 3rd NZT (16:39 UTC, August 2nd) from Launch Complex 1, Rocket Lab’s private orbital launch site on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula. The mission deployed the fifth of Synspective’s StriX SAR-imaging satellites to low Earth orbit. In addition to the launch service, Rocket Lab provided a custom Electron fairing to encapsulate the StriX satellite and also performed an advanced mid-mission manoeuvre with Electron’s Kick Stage to shield the satellite from the sun and reduce radiation exposure on its way to orbit.

Rocket Lab has been the sole launch provider for Synspective’s constellation to date. This mission was the fifth launch of a total of 16 launches booked on Electron for Synspective and the second launch for the Japanese company this year, after the “Owl Night Long” mission launched in March 2024. Most recently, Synspective booked ten dedicated Electron launches as part of a new multi-launch agreement announced in June 2024, with the launches in that new deal set to take place across 2025-2027.

Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck says: “It’s wonderful to have launched our second mission for Synspective in five months as we continue our longstanding launch partnership. Electron is the ideal rocket for providing flexible, tailored, and direct access to orbit for constellation builders like Synspective, and I’m proud of the team for delivering this latest mission success."

The launch window for Rocket Lab’s next Electron mission will be announced in the coming days.

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Julia Wetter-Studinka named new Head of Regional Sales Switzerland for SWISS

Julia Wetter-Studinka has been appointed as SWISS’s new Head of Regional Sales Switzerland. She will take up her duties on 1 September 2024. Wetter-Studinka, who presently serves as SWISS’s Head of Corporate & TMC Key Account Management, succeeds Marco Willa, who has assumed a new function as Head of Onboard Experience for the Lufthansa Group.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has appointed Julia Wetter-Studinka as its new Head of Regional Sales Switzerland. In this capacity Wetter-Studinka will drive and promote the commercial sales activities of all the Lufthansa Group’s passenger airlines in Switzerland, with due and full regard to competitor developments and market trends. She will report directly to Johannes Walter, Vice President Area Management Home Markets Lufthansa Group, and to SWISS Chief Commercial Officer Heike Birlenbach. Wetter-Studinka succeeds Marco Willa, who assumed new responsibilities at the beginning of August as Head of Onboard Experience for the Lufthansa Group.

Seaplane operator Tailwind Air halts scheduled operations

Seaplane operator Tailwind Air which flew flights between New York and Boston has halted services due to a lack of passenger numbers.  

According to The Boston Globe, the airline's CEO Alan Ram had been working with possible partners to revive the flights to Boston Harbour during the summer, yet nothing had been achieved thus far. “If we can find the right partner, we’ll keep doing it.”

The airline mainly flew Cessna Caravans with room for eight passengers per flight, however, loads were on average half that and one person less than the five passengers the carrier needed to break even. Tailwind flew almost 3,000 passengers last year, compared with 2,700 in 2022.   

The airline will continue with charter operations for the time being. 

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U.S. Air Force brother and U.S. Army sister deliver medical transport in joint mission

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Sarah Krieger, Tripler Army Medical Center nurse, was coordinating an air medical transport operation for a patient when she realized her brother, U.S. Air Force Capt. Zackary Krieger, 21st Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilot, would be piloting the C-17 coming to transport them, reports Story by Airman 1st Class Robert Nichols.

Zackary was flying a routine training mission when he received a tasking for medical transport, the operation resulting in a surprise family reunion with his younger sister, Sarah.

Sarah’s patient needed transportation first to Travis AFB, then to a medical facility in Tampa, Florida. After more than a month of waiting, she joked with the patient, U.S. Navy Lt. Anthony Cristofari, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard nuclear power limited duty officer, from time-to-time that she would “just call her brother”, an Air Force pilot stationed at Travis, to fly him there.

Zackary and Sarah grew up in Buffalo, New York. From an entirely Army family, Zackary chose a different path and joined the Air Force.

"They told me if I want quality of life, join the Air Force,” said Zackary.

Zackary commissioned in 2019 and went to undergraduate pilot training to be trained as a C-17 pilot. His sister chose to carry on the family tradition and joined the Army as a nurse.

Cathay plans to bolster its ASEAN network to seize growth opportunities with regional markets Enhancing connectivity with ASEAN partners to grow the Hong Kong international aviation hub

Joining a high-level delegation led by Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government John Lee Ka-chiu, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam concluded a six-day visit to three ASEAN countries — Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam — underscoring the region’s significance to Cathay’s expanding network and future growth, as well as to Hong Kong’s economic development.

Throughout the eye-opening visit, Lam toured a variety of local enterprises and major infrastructure projects in these countries, gaining valuable insights into their latest developments while seeking out new avenues to foster synergy and strengthen ties in trade, commerce, technology and tourism between Hong Kong and the vibrant ASEAN region.

Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “As Hong Kong’s home carrier, Cathay is committed to furthering the growth of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub and enhancing connectivity between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland to the rest of the world. Our visit to the three ASEAN countries attests to the immense potential we see in these dynamic regional markets.

“The completion of Hong Kong International Airport’s Three-Runway System will unlock great opportunities for us to grow for the future. We will continue to strengthen our existing routes, and deepen our network and collaboration across ASEAN to seize these growth opportunities.”

Support Helicopter Force takes part in Exercise Hades Warrior at RAF Leeming

Rotary Assets from across the Joint Aviation Command (JAC) including Apache, Chinook, Wildcat, and Merlin, have come together at RAF Leeming to take part in the very first Exercise Hades Warrior under Aviation Task Force (Support Helicopter) Headquarters (ATF(SH)). 

Bringing together aircraft, personnel and many Force Elements, from across the JAC, Exercise Hades Warrior saw aircraft from all over the country, including Apache from 7 Army Air Corps, Chinook from 27 Squadron RAF Odiham, Merlin from the Commando Helicopter Force, and Wildcat from 847 Naval Air Squadron, all under the leadership of the ATF(SH) and evaluation of 22 Squadron, RAF Benson. Key life support was provided by 3 Mobile Catering Squadron (3MCS), who provided over 7000 delicious hot and cold meals of the highest quality.

The Exercise saw over 200 Pilots, Aircrew, and ground support staff, deployed to the Northern HAS Site of RAF Leeming over a two-week period. Running daily flying sorties across the north of England and into Scotland, the exercise provided first-in-class training for Aircrew and a golden opportunity to showcase JAC, and enablers, as a vital element of the UK’s readiness and capability on Joint Operations and the Joint Service nature of bringing all Force Elements under a single Command.

Wing Commander Green, OC 22 Squadron said:  “Exercise Hades Warrior promised a fantastic opportunity to enhance JAC capability and readiness by refreshing, honing, and enhancing high-end warfighting skills, and for 22 Squadron to develop the next generation of tri-service rotary tactics instructors in a collaborative training environment.  Enabled by the hard work of many across enabling units, in JAC and at RAF Leeming, the Ex very much delivered on that promise."

AirAsia X, ikhlas.com expands Saudi network with Kuala Lumpur - Madinah route

       Ikhlas Com Travel & Umrah Sdn Bhd (ikhlas.com) celebrates a significant milestone for the budget-friendly umrah travel sector with the inaugural AirAsia X (AAX) flight from Kuala Lumpur to Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

The inaugural flight D7 786 departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2) at 3:25PM on 4 August 2024 and landed at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (Madinah Airport) at 7:20PM (local time) carrying 243 passengers or over 85% load factor.

AirAsia X CEO, Benyamin Ismail said: “Today marks another important milestone for AirAsia X as we proudly launch our inaugural flight to Madinah. This service is not just another addition to our expanding network; it is a vital link that connects our guests to one of the holiest cities in Islam. We are also pleased to once again join hands with ikhlas.com which offers affordable Umrah packages, making the pilgrimage experience accessible to everyone. This partnership embodies our dedication to enriching our guests' travel experiences, ensuring they can perform their religious duties with ease and comfort. We look forward to bringing together pilgrims from across the region to Madinah with our twice weekly flights starting today.”

Double celebration: AirAsia welcomes maiden flights from Guwahati and Kozhikode to Kuala Lumpur

 AirAsia continues to fly high in its growing connectivity between  India and Malaysia, celebrating two inaugural flights to Kuala Lumpur today.

Flight AK60 from Guwahati landed in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2) at 6.35AM today, followed by flight AK32 from Kozhikode at 7.00AM, both with a healthy passenger load. Guests on board were given a warm reception by Mr Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia and Mr. Rajesh H Maniyil, First Secretary, High Commission of India in Malaysia as well as a host of Allstars who handed out exclusive goodie bags to the delighted travellers. 

AirAsia flies direct to Guwahati and Kozhikode from Kuala Lumpur three times a week, in addition to several other destinations throughout India including Chennai, Jaipur, Kochi, New Delhi and Ahmedabad.

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