Delta Air Lines named official airline of the Women’s National Basketball Association.

U.S. mega-carrier Delta Air Lines is becoming the official airline of the WNBA, an agreement that builds on Delta’s existing WNBA charter relationship and is part of the airline’s ongoing focus on women’s athletics. 

Delta will work with the WNBA to produce unique content that showcases the journey of the athletes while highlighting Delta’s commitment to providing an elevated travel experience for the league.

“We’re proud to partner with the WNBA, where every game is a testament to our shared values of teamwork and perseverance,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “We look forward to serving these incredible athletes on their journeys and furthering Delta’s support of women’s athletics.”

"Delta Air Lines shares the league’s commitment to excellence and innovation and is a dedicated partner in the work to uplift and empower women's sports," said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. "As an airline partner of the WNBA, this partnership not only elevates the travel experience for the players, but also underscores Delta and the WNBA's shared dedication to enhancing the growth and visibility of women’s sports. With Delta’s support, we are eager to bring the WNBA to new heights and connect with fans in meaningful ways."

Earlier this season, Delta expanded its WNBA charter program relationship as the league introduced a full charter program for the 2024 season. Under the expanded multi-year agreement, Delta now carries all 12 of the league’s teams throughout the regular season and playoffs. 

As the official airline, Delta will leverage elevated, travel-related storytelling opportunities through WNBA media including broadcast, digital, print and social media. The airline, in turn, will have opportunities to promote the WNBA and its players’ off-the-court travel stories through digital and social media networks. 

The agreement aligns with Delta's continuing commitment to engage with and support women's sports, as the airline increasingly focuses on championing and investing in women’s athletics. Recently, Delta expanded its presence in women’s golf, became the Official Airline of the National Women’s Soccer League and continues to elevate women athletes through its role as the Official Airline of Team USA for Beijing 2022, Paris 2024, Milan Cortina 2026 and LA28.

As the Official Airline of Champions, Delta has flown for 75 championship teams across many sports leagues since 2000, including, most recently, the 2023 WNBA Champions, the Las Vegas Aces. 

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Sirius Aviation AG and Marathon Group join forces to develop zero-emission airports

                          Sirius Aviation AG, an innovator in aviation is pleased to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Marathon Group Australia, a leader in hydrogen and renewable energy. This pioneering alliance aims to revolutionize the industry by developing zero-emission airports and integrating cutting-edge hydrogen technologies, positioning Australia at the forefront of sustainable aviation.

This partnership will enhance hydrogen storage, develop zero-emission airports, establish sustainable infrastructure, and integrate renewable energy initiatives, aligning with Australia's ambitious clean energy goals. Leveraging the revolutionary Sirius Jet, a hydrogen-powered VTOL aircraft developed with Designworks, a BMW Group Company, the collaboration aims to redefine aviation.

"Partnering with Marathon Group is a major leap in transforming aviation with hydrogen technologies," said Alexey Popov, CEO of Sirius Aviation AG. "Our efforts will set new benchmarks in sustainability and significantly reduce carbon emissions."

Key Highlights of Partnership:

Hydrogen Storage and Refueling: Joint development of hydrogen storage and refueling systems, including Mobile Hydrogen Transportable Liquidation and Refueling Units, to meet diverse infrastructure needs.

Zero-Emission Airports: Establishment of zero-emission airports by harnessing combined expertise in innovative technologies and infrastructure, supported by global partners.

The national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia comes top on global On-Time Performance for the second consecutive year

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, continues to top the global list for on-time performance (OTP), achieving this milestone for the second time consecutively, according to a report by the independent aviation tracking site, Cirium, for July 2024.

The report indicates that Saudia has achieved an on-time arrival rate of 88.12% and an on-time departure rate of 88.15%, operating 16,503 flights across its network of over 100 destinations in four continents.

His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “At Saudia Group, achieving a high OTP has been a shared objective, as it directly impacts guest satisfaction. We’ve successfully maintained it during this year’s peak seasons, a testament to the collaborative efforts of the entire Saudia Group and relevant stakeholders in the aviation industry. Sustaining our leadership in this area requires continuous dedication and resilience in overcoming the numerous challenges within the aviation sector globally.”

IAG Cargo supports aid efforts to Grenada following Hurricane Beryl

IAG Cargo has flown over critical aid to support Grenada in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl

Items transported include tents and covers, hygiene supplies, first aid kits, water purifying equipment along with bedding and food supplies

                                  IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group, is working with organisations such as the Grenada Overseas Association Manchester and All Saints Parish Church Bedford, alongside the Grenada High Commission in the UK to transport aid to Grenada following the devasting impact of Hurricane Beryl on Jul 1.

In early August, critical aid was flown on a British Airways 777 to Maurice Bishop International Airport, delivering vital relief in the wake of Beryl's devastation. The shipment, facilitated by IAG Cargo, included first aid kits, water purification systems, bedding, non-perishable food items, and hygiene supplies, addressing urgent needs in housing, agriculture and infrastructure.

"IAG Cargo is committed to swift action during humanitarian crises," stated John Cheetham, Chief Commercial Officer. "Leveraging our global network, we are proud to collaborate with charities to deliver essential aid to Grenada and I’m thankful to our team who have worked to support this effort.” 

American Airlines CR Smith Museum inspires the next generation of aviators

On National Aviation Day, American Airlines honours the incredible achievements of the aviation industry and reflects on the boundless potential it holds for the future. In a field where innovation and exploration are fundamental processes, American is committed to building a diverse pipeline of future aviation professionals.

Empowering the next generation is crucial to the continued progress and advancement of modern flight. American supports several endeavors that offer hands-on instruction and interactive learning for young minds, including the American Airlines CR Smith Museum’s award-winning Aviation STEM Summer Camp.

With a focus on STEM, the week-long summer camp provides a robust, in-depth curriculum and exposure to inspiring industry professionals. This summer, American sponsored 56 students from Clinton P. Russell Elementary School and Girls Inc. of Tarrant County for a fully funded summer camp opportunity. Students were immersed in STEM concepts and aviation with the goal of helping them build confidence and recognize that career opportunities in these industries are within reach. By providing impactful educational programming to children of all backgrounds, American and the CR Smith Museum are broadening the aviation community.

UK's CAA sets up Vertiport Stakeholder Working Group

The Future of Flight Action Plan aims to enable the demonstration of piloted eVTOL flights in the UK in 2026 as a first step to scaled operations and a sustainable industry.

To achieve initial, scaled, and sustainable operations, the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) has determined that a number of Implementing Rules (IR), Approved Means of Compliance (AMC), Guidance Material (GM) and other documents need to be considered to enable safe operations VTOL Capable Aircraft (VCA).

To assist with this, a working group comprised of stakeholders and representatives from industry is being established to support the CAA policy teams and other subject matter experts tasked with developing policy and regulation pertaining to vertiports established at a location other than an existing licensed or certificated aerodrome. The project comprises 4 key elements when developing this new style of aerodrome including vertiport design, obstacle limitation surfaces/ volume, visual aids and rescue and firefighting services (RFFS). Other areas of discussions will include vertiport licencing, Safety Management Systems (SMS) and emergency planning/emergency orders.

As part of this process, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is committed to ensuring that needs and expectations of stakeholders are considered with the development and implementation of bespoke vertiports, maintaining a high standard of safety while continuing to promote efficiency and innovation in aerodrome development and operations for VTOL Capable Aircraft (VCAs).

To do this, we are establishing the Vertiport Stakeholder Working Group (VSWG) to facilitate engagement, discussion, and collaboration between the CAA and industry stakeholders.

The CAA invites stakeholders to register their interest in one (or more) areas:

VCA Manufacturers/OEMs,

Future VCA operators or other AOC holders, professional pilots, or other service providers and professional associations,

Vertiport designers, operators, or other aviation professionals with relevant expertise in aerodrome design, operations, and regulation,

Safety experts or other aviation professionals with relevant expertise in aerodrome operations and regulations (including RFFS),

Any stakeholder with a legitimate interest in vertiport design and operations, who would like to participate in this rulemaking programme.

Etihad Airways carried 1.7 million people in July 2024 and sending the A380 to Mumbai

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has released its preliminary traffic figures for July 2024 which show the airline welcomed more than a million passengers and achieved a robust average load factor of 89% for the month.

Etihad Airways' CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, said: "Our passenger numbers in July surged by 33% compared to the same period last year, underscoring our continuing strong growth.

“Year-to-date, we have served 10.4 million passengers, up 2.8 million on the same period last year, and as of July 2024, our rolling 12-month passenger count now stands at 16.8 million.

“July's load factor of 89% reflects our successful performance during a peak summer period, amidst significant capacity expansion since 2023.

"Our fleet continues to grow, expanding to 93 aircraft from 78 in July 2023, and we now serve 10 more destinations than we did a year ago.”

                                                      July 23             July 24              YTD 23             YTD 24

Passengers	1.2 million	1.7 million	7.6 million	10.4 million
Passenger load factor	88%	89%	86%	86%
Operating fleet size	78	93
Passenger destinations	66	76

 

The airline recently confirmed it would be deploying its iconic Airbus A380 to Mumbai for a special four-month period, marking 20 years since its inaugural flight to the city.

Starting from 1 September until 31 December 2024, the double-decker aircraft will operate three weekly flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Mumbai (BOM), enhancing the travel experience on this popular route.

American Airlines extends pause on flights to Tel Aviv to March 2025

The U.S. mega-carrier American Airlines has extended its halt on flights to Tel Aviv from October 2024, to the end of March next year.

The airline stopped operating to the Israeli city in October 2023 following the start of the conflict that has brought misery death and destruction to thousands. 

A representative for the airline said "American Airlines has suspended operations to and from Tel Aviv through March 29, 2025. To provide additional flexibility, we will extend our travel alert allowing customers whose travel plans are impacted by this adjustment to rebook without a fee or cancel and receive a refund. We will continue to work closely with our partner airlines to assist customers travelling between Israel and European cities with service to the U.S.”

Wyndham opens first Trademark Collection hotel in South Korea

La Vie D’or Hotel and Resort debut expands Wyndham’s market presence across South Korea to over 30 hotels

         Wyndham Hotels & Resorts officially introduced its Trademark Collection brand to South Korea with the opening of La Vie D’or Hotel and Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham. The new hotel elevates the Company’s presence in South Korea to over 30 hotels and joins nearly 20 Trademark hotels across the Asia Pacific.

La Vie D’or Hotel and Resort offers a unique blend of comfort and tranquillity amidst the tourism and transportation hub of Hwaseong-si. Guests can hit the links at the resort’s nine-hole course, indulge in fine dining, visit attractions like the Yungneung and Geolleung Royal Tombs and Yongjusa Temple or take a short drive to Seoul and Suwon. Those travelling for work have easy access to conference space, Wi-Fi and nearby hubs for Samsung Electronics, Hyundai-Kia Motors and more.

“Hotel owners in Asia Pacific continue to see the benefits of the Wyndham Advantage—global brand exposure, innovative technology, a growing loyalty base and more. Introducing Trademark to South Korea helps independent owners maximize their opportunity in the market, while delivering the incredibly unique experiences each Trademark hotel offers guests exploring the country.”

-Joon Aun OOI, President, Asia Pacific, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

A Tranquil Escape Within a Bustling Business Hub

Nestled in the picturesque city of Hwaseong-si, South Korea, just a 30-minute drive from Seoul, La Vie D’or Hotel and Resort offers business and leisure travelers a peaceful sanctuary. Spanning an impressive 330,000 square meters, the resort includes a nine-hole golf course, a fitness center, saunas, swimming pools and dining facilities that serve a diverse array of international cuisines crafted by talented local chefs.

Jeongnam-myeon, the lush area surrounding the resort, provides breathtaking landscapes outside of the nearby bustling city life, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. With 190 elegant rooms and various convention facilities, it is a prime location for corporate events, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and weddings.

Wyndham’s expansion with La Vie D’or Hotel and Resort marks a strategic move to tap into the increasing demand for business and leisure travel in South Korea amidst the government’s focus on furthering the tourism sector in the country. In 2023, the country welcomed approximately 11 million inbound visitors—showing a significant recovery post-pandemic—with the travel and tourism market expected to reach $13.66 billion by 2024.

WyndhamRewards.com 

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UK Space Command successfully launches first military satellite

Cutting-edge new satellite launched by UK Space Command to provide crucial space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

A UK satellite to support military operations successfully launched into space last Friday night. 

Named Tyche, the satellite is UK Space Command’s first satellite which can capture daytime images and videos of the Earth’s surface.  

The satellite will strengthen the UK’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.   

As the conflict in Ukraine has shown, the use of space is crucial to military operations. Tyche is the first satellite to be launched under the Ministry of Defence’s space-based ISR programme, which will deliver a constellation of satellites and supporting ground systems by 2031.  

These satellites will not only support military operations, but also contribute to other government tasks, including natural disaster monitoring, the development of mapping information, environmental monitoring and tracking the impact of climate change around the world.   

Designed and built in the UK through a £22 million contract awarded by Defence Equipment & Support to Surrey Satellites Technology Limited (SSTL), Tyche is the first satellite to be fully owned by the Ministry of Defence.

Hawaii's Mokulele Airlines grounds some aircraft over landing gear issues

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has been informed that Mokulele Airlines grounded a portion of its fleet from 17th August to 20th August 2024, so it can inspect and address the findings found on a routine maintenance check.

Mokulele Airlines operates at the following state airports: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Kahului Airport (OGG), Kapalua Airport (LUP), Hāna Airport (HNM), Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA), Waimea-Kohala Airport (MUF), Molokaʻi Airport (MKK), Kalaupapa Airport (JHM) and Lānaʻi Airport (LNY).

Mokulele will be operating limited flights between OGG, MKK, HNL, and LNY as well as using other airlines to reduce disruption to its passengers.  The carrier said "To briefly explain the cause of the current disruption, during our routine maintenance procedures, we identified potential discrepancies in the documentation of a recent landing gear servicing on one of our aircraft. As a precautionary step to uphold our rigorous safety standards, we've decided to temporarily ground affected aircraft in Hawaii while we conduct thorough inspections"

Effected passengers would be accommodated on other flights, or flights with other airlines, the carrier also advised that if passengers choose not to travel or the airline is unable to successfully re-accommodate them,  Mokulele will be given a credit for the ticket they have, plus a voucher for round trip travel in the future.

 Restoration of normal operations is expected by Wednesday, 21 August 2024. 

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Hyatt Hotels completes the sale of Hyatt Regency Orlando for $1.07 Billion

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has confirmed that an affiliate of Hyatt has completed the sale of the 1,641-room Hyatt Regency Orlando and adjacent 45 acres of land to affiliates of RIDA Development Corporation and an Ares Management Real Estate fund (“Ares”) for approximately $1.07 billion, while retaining a long-term management agreement under the Hyatt Regency brand. In connection with the transaction, Hyatt retained $265 million of non-controlling preferred equity and provided an additional $50 million of seller financing for the adjacent 45-acre parcel.

The sale of Hyatt Regency Orlando is part of Hyatt’s capital allocation strategy to sell owned hotels and reinvest proceeds in asset-light platforms that accelerate growth, and exceeds Hyatt’s expanded $2 billion asset-disposition commitment announced in 2021. Over a three-year period, Hyatt has now realized $2.6 billion of gross proceeds, net of acquisitions, at a 13.3x multiple.

Hyatt Regency Orlando, the fourth largest Hyatt hotel globally by room count, has 1,641 rooms with 315,000 square feet of flexible event space. The hotel – which welcomes more than one million guests and attendees on average per year – is strategically positioned in the market given its prime location near popular Orlando attractions and direct connection to the Orange County Convention Center, the second largest convention facility in the U.S. The city’s strong tourism industry makes Orlando a key market, and RIDA and Ares intend to invest additional capital in a significant renovation plan that will focus on guestrooms and other amenities to further enhance the guest experience. 

Additionally, with significant experience developing large-scale convention properties, RIDA and Ares have entered into a development agreement with Hyatt for a new Grand Hyatt hotel on the 45 acres of land adjacent to Hyatt Regency Orlando. Upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, Hyatt and an affiliate of RIDA and Ares will enter into a long-term management agreement for the hotel. 

ICEYE launches four new satellites into orbit, expanding its own constellation and serving customer missions

The latest successful satellite deployment strengthens the Earth observation capabilities for ICEYE’s customers and includes the first ICEYE satellite mission for Bayanat and Yahsat.

ICEYE, the global leader in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite operations for Earth Observation, persistent monitoring, and natural catastrophe solutions, successfully launched four new SAR satellites on August 16,  2024. The new satellites further expand the world’s largest SAR constellation, owned and operated by ICEYE. The satellites were integrated via Exolaunch and successfully lifted off aboard the Transporter-11 Rideshare mission with Space X from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA. Each spacecraft has established communication, and early routine operations are underway.

The satellites serve both ICEYE’s commercial and dedicated customer missions and were manufactured by ICEYE in Finland and ICEYE US in the United States. The satellites include the first ICEYE satellite launch for Bayanat (a leading provider of AI-powered geospatial solutions)  and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (Yahsat – the UAE’s flagship satellite solutions provider) for their earlier announced Earth Observation Space Program.

“With frequent and steady deployment of new satellites into the ICEYE constellation, we are making progress towards our vision of improving life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation. The powerful and capable satellite constellation ensures fulfilling our commitments to working as a trusted partner with a growing number of governments and commercial industries to deliver timely, accurate, and actionable insights for faster and better decision-making. We are proud to launch the first ICEYE satellite for our customer Bayanat and Yahsat and look forward to continued successful cooperation on their missions”, said Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-Founder of ICEYE.

Hasan Al Hosani, Managing Director of Bayanat, said: “The launch of our first satellite marks a highly anticipated milestone for both our collaborative efforts and for the UAE. This is a triumphant moment for Bayanat and a defining step toward our future as Space42. Inaugurating our Earth Observation capabilities, including the debut of our SAR satellite constellation, will further strengthen our position as a leader in AI-powered geospatial analytics. Our ongoing partnership with ICEYE, building on our shared ambition with Yahsat, continues to prove invaluable, enabling us to leverage space insights for informed decision-making on Earth.”

Second World War codebreaker Alan Turing’s ‘Delilah’ project papers at risk of leaving the UK

A temporary export bar has been placed on Alan Turing’s unpublished Second World War papers relating to his ‘Delilah’ project

The export bar allows time for a UK institution to acquire the papers

An export bar has been placed on Alan Turing’s unpublished Second World War papers relating to the ‘Delilah’ project, which developed a portable encryption system for use in military operations.  

The papers are valued at £397,680 (inclusive of VAT of £16,280 which can be reclaimed by an eligible institution), and are at risk of leaving the UK unless a domestic buyer can be found to acquire them. 

Following Turing’s groundbreaking work on the Enigma machines at Bletchley Park, he began work on the ‘Delilah’ project at Hanslope Park to develop a portable encryption system or voice scrambler to protect military secrets in the field.

The papers consist of two bound notebooks and six separate gatherings of loose sheets. It comprises the notes of Alan Turing (1912-54) and Donald Bayley (1921-2020) relating to the World War Two project ‘Delilah’. 

Unpublished evidence of Alan Turing’s work has rarely survived. Turing himself did not usually keep research notes, working drafts, or correspondence. This collection of papers dating from 1943 to 1945 sheds light on some of Turing’s most inventive, secret, and overlooked work.

Shortly after the Second World War ended in 1945, the Delilah machine was complete and Turing was able to demonstrate the working machine successfully, which showed a recording of one of Winston Churchill’s speeches, using a system which encrypted and decrypted communications from telephone and radio devices.

Alan Turing’s work prefigured our modern digital world and his work at Bletchley Park is seen as being crucial to ending the Second World War early and saving many lives.  His post-war work formed the foundations of computer science as we know it today.  Alan Turing was later awarded an OBE for his work during the Second World War.

Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: "The Delilah project papers offer unique insights into the extraordinary mind of Alan Turing, who is famed for decoding the Enigma machines, being instrumental in ending the Second World War and saving many lives. 

The British mathematician was central to the development of our modern digital world. It is right that a UK buyer has the opportunity to purchase these papers to give people the opportunity to continue to study and appreciate his work as an important part of our national story."

The Minister’s decision follows the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest. The Committee found that the papers met the first and third Waverley criteria for their outstanding connection with our history and national life and their outstanding significance for the study of the history of computing, as well as Alan Turing’s mathematical knowledge of electrical engineering.

RCEWA Chair Andrew Hochhauser KC said: "The United Kingdom owes a debt of gratitude to Alan Turing. His extraordinary work on the Enigma project at Bletchley Park played a major part in winning World War Two and saved so many lives. Turing is closely connected to our modern digital world. He is generally accepted to be the founder of computer science and is also widely considered to be the father of Artificial Intelligence.

The regard in which he is held is illustrated by the fact that in 2019 he was voted by a BBC audience the most iconic person of the twentieth century. He appears on the current £50 note. Explaining the Bank of England’s choice, the then Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, observed, ‘All around us, his legacy continues to hold. Turing is a giant on whose shoulders so many now stand.’"

The decision on the export licence application for the papers will be deferred for a period ending on 15 November 2024 (inclusive). At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 Business Days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the papers at the recommended price of £397,680 (inclusive of VAT of £16,280 which can be reclaimed by an eligible institution). The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for four months.

STARLUX Airlines celebrates launch of Seattle-Taipei route

Taiwan-based luxury carrier STARLUX Airlines’ inaugural flight to Seattle, its third US gateway after Los Angeles and San Francisco, touched down to a water cannon salute at 4:15pm on Saturday 17 August. The launch of nonstop flights from Seattle to Taipei and the expansion of the carrier's transpacific routes reaffirms its dedication to growing its US network. With its arrival at the hub of partner Alaska Airlines, STARLUX enables seamless connectivity from more than 100 cities to Seattle and onward to Taipei and 23 Asian destinations. 

For the new route from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), STARLUX flies its next-generation Airbus A350-900. STARLUX initially offers three flights weekly and is expected to ramp up to daily from the beginning of next year. 

Below is the weekly schedule:

Flight	Route	Weekly Schedule	Departure Time	Arrival Time
JX031	SEA-TPE	Every Monday, Thursday, Saturday	02:10	05:10 +1
JX032	TPE-SEA	Every Wednesday, Friday, Sunday	20:00	16:15
*Note: Flight number and schedule may change without prior notice.