Passenger numbers can rise at London City Airport

London City Airport has been given the green light to fly more passengers each year after Angela Rayner overruled the local council's objection to expanding flights operating from the airport.

The annual passenger numbers restriction will be lifted from 6.5 million to 9 million passengers and to fly three extra flights in the first half hour of operations during the week.

London City’s proposals to extend its Saturday afternoon operating hours were not accepted. The airport currently closes at 12:30pm on Saturdays and after an extensive consultation process, the airport requested a new closing time of 6:30pm that would have enabled more choice and flexibility for passengers.

London City’s planning application included no increase in the permitted number of annual flights or infrastructure. It also included a UK airport first; a commitment that only cleaner, quieter, next-generation aircraft would be allowed to fly in any extended operating periods.

Alison FitzGerald, CEO of London City Airport, said: “While we welcome the approval to increase our passenger numbers, we are disappointed with the Government’s decision to reject our proposal to fly from 12:30pm to 6:30pm on Saturday afternoons.

As the Government has recognised in its decision, rejecting our request to extend our Saturday afternoon operating hours will slow down airlines bringing cleaner, quieter next-generation aircraft to the airport. Local residents would have had the added benefit of these aircraft operating at the airport throughout the week, not just in the extended operating hours.”

Recovered appeal: London City Airport,  19 August 2024

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Edelweiss getting ready for Airbus A350 arrival.

Efficiency meets comfort: 

The newest member of the Edelweiss fleet is the Airbus A350-900, which is one of the most environmentally friendly long-haul aircraft in the world and produces 25 per cent less CO2 than its predecessor, the Airbus A340-300, thanks to its lower fuel consumption, which is made possible by the use of lightweight materials and the latest generation of engines. Thanks to its long range, the Airbus A350-900 will be able to operate from the carrier's home base of Zurich to all of the current destinations on the airline's route network.  

With the "Airspace" cabin, the cabin architects and acoustic engineers of the Airbus A350-900 have developed an extremely spacious onboard area that offers passengers maximum comfort and relaxation. The cabin is remarkably quiet so sleeping, reading or listening to music on board is even more pleasant than on older-generation aircraft.

Edelweiss says that further plus points are the improved ventilation and lighting: "whether in Economy Class, Economy Max or Business Class - you breathe fresh air everywhere. Thanks to the enlarged panoramic windows, you can enjoy the best views and natural light"

The existing seating in the Airbus A350 will be retained for the time being and completely redesigned in the second half of 2026. This means that 30 seats will be available in Business Class. Economy Max has 63 seats with more seat pitch and Economy Class has 246 seats. The total of 339 seats are upholstered in blue Edelweiss fabric. Economy Class and Economy Max are equipped with a 3-3-3 configuration, Business Class with a 2-2-2 configuration. A striking feature of Business Class is the greater seat pitch, the generous legroom and the exceptional width of the seats, which can be completely reclined for sleeping. Economy and Economy Max have 9-inch screens, while Business Class has 19-inch screens. All seats have a power and USB connection.

The airline is also modernising the appearance of its fleet to coincide with the future introduction of the new Airbus A350. Both the characteristic red aircraft nose and the Edelweiss flower will be retained in the adapted design. White as the main colour will also remain unchanged.

SkyWest named as one of TIME America’s best midsize companies

SkyWest has been named one of America’s Best Midsize Companies by TIME Magazine and Statista. This recognition is the latest in a series of awards that underscore our unwavering focus on providing an exceptional product for our customers and remaining the employer of choice for more than 14,000 aviation professionals.

“We have an incredible team of professionals at SkyWest, and working together we reliably connect nearly 40 million passengers each year,” said Chip Childs, President & CEO of SkyWest. “We’re honoured to be named one of America’s Best Companies by TIME.”

America’s Best Midsize Companies selections were made based on employee satisfaction, positive revenue growth, and sustainable transparency.

Earlier this year SkyWest was named one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and America's Greatest Workplaces for Women by Newsweek. Employees' reviews and feedback have also placed SkyWest on Glassdoor's Best Places to Work and Forbes' America's Best Large Employers lists.

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SkyWest, Inc. is the holding company for SkyWest Airlines and SkyWest Leasing, an aircraft leasing company. SkyWest Airlines has a fleet of approximately 500 aircraft connecting passengers to over 240 destinations throughout North America. SkyWest Airlines operates through partnerships with United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines carrying more than 38 million passengers in 2023.

Boeing invests in Wagner Sustainable Fuels to support the development of a SAF production facility in Brisbane

U.S. plane maker Boeing is investing in Wagner Sustainable Fuels to support the development of its sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) production facility in Brisbane, increasing Australian SAF supply and reducing aviation’s carbon emissions.

Boeing’s investment in the Wagner refinery is part of its strategy to support the development of local SAF supply and expand global access to SAF, which remains the most effective lever to decarbonize aviation by 2050. SAF, which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 84% compared to petroleum jet fuel, currently represents 0.1% of global jet fuel use.

“We’re proud to invest in this project because it will make a real difference in developing a SAF industry in Australia,” said Kimberly Camrass, Boeing’s sustainability lead for Australia and New Zealand. “Accelerating local SAF supply enables Australia’s own climate goals and supports the global commercial aviation industry’s commitment of net zero CO₂ emissions by 2050.”

Volato cuts fleet and introduces cost cutting measures....

Volato Group, a leading private aviation company and the largest HondaJet operator in the United States, has launched a host of cost-cutting measures to enhance operational efficiency and profitability. As part of this programme, the firm is reducing its fleet by five leased aircraft which it hopes will save approximately $1.2 million per quarter in cost savings.  It had tried to renegotiate the leases for those planes, but the rates they were given were not low enough to achieve the required savings.  

Matt Liotta, CEO of Volato said:  “We have always been transparent about the challenges we face, including delayed aircraft deliveries and the need to manage our fleet size prudently. -“Today’s decision is a continuation of our previously announced cost-saving measures and reflects our commitment to making strategic adjustments that position Volato for long-term success.”

Kempegowda International Airport wins Architect magazine award

Terminal 2 at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, India won the Honour Award in the Architect magazine’s 2024 Architecture & Interiors Awards programme in the Government and Civic Building category.

Said Juror Brooke Horan, Associate Vice President and Interior Design Director at HDR, New York, “There’s something sort of joyful and fantastical about it. I think it has an appeal to a lot of different people as you’re passing through—it feels warm and welcoming and comfortable, bringing respite to the potentially stressful situation of travel.”

Envisioned as a “terminal in a garden,” this addition to Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR) radically reimagines the airport experience. The construction of the 255,000-square-meter terminal marks a transformative moment for one of India’s largest and fastest-growing cities, Bengaluru, by creating a meaningful civic gateway that emphasizes its rich culture and natural landscape. The design establishes a new vision for sustainable growth and conveys a sense of place that is unique to Bengaluru.

The Architecture & Interiors Design Awards program honours outstanding and innovative projects in the field of architecture and interior design across 21 categories.

Learn More at Architect Magazine.com

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Edelweiss, Switzerland's leading leisure airline, is adding Seattle in the USA to its route network

Edelweiss, which bills itself as Switzerland's leading leisure airline, is adding a new route to the USA for next summer.  The carrier, sister airline to SWISS and part of the massive Lufthansa Group will be heading from Zurich to Seattle from June 2025.  The route will be operated as a seasonal addition to the timetable and fly twice a week on Monday and Saturday.  

Flights are currently scheduled to be operated by Airbus A340 jets with 27 Business Class seats, 76 in Economy Max and 211 in Economy. However,  there is a possibility in future this will change to the new Airbus A350 type of aircraft the airline is getting for spring 2025. One aircraft is currently in Ireland, being painted in the new slightly modernized Edelweiss livery. 

Seattle: vibrant metropolis surrounded by natural wonders.....

Seattle, the metropolis in the Pacific Northwest, fascinates with a combination of urban flair and impressive nature. Known for the iconic Space Needle, the lively Pike Place Market and its fascinating art and music scene, Seattle offers a variety of experiences. A breathtaking natural landscape opens up around Seattle. Highlights such as the Olympic National Park, the majestic mountains of the Cascade Range and the picturesque shores of Puget Sound make this region a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Seattle is also an ideal starting point for a road trip. Whether travelling along the spectacular west coast all the way to California or into Yellowstone National Park, Seattle is the gateway to a world of adventure and spectacular nature.

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Malaysia Aviation Group cargo division selects Unisys for logistics optimization

Unisys announces that MAB Kargo, the air cargo division of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), selects Unisys and its logistics optimization solution to significantly enhance its operational efficiency, capacity utilization, and service delivery.

Like many in the air cargo industry, MAB Kargo faces challenges with time-consuming planning and loading processes that result in underutilized space on flights, missed revenue opportunities, and even damage to shipments. To meet its customers’ demands globally in today’s environment, MAB Kargo has chosen Unisys Logistics Optimization™.

MAB Kargo CEO Mark Jason Thomas praises the partnership, stating, “Investing in advanced technologies like Unisys Logistics Optimization will allow us to cement our position as an industry leader. The solution’s ability to replan in near-real-time gives us the agility to manage disruptions and maximize our assets.

MAB Kargo chose Unisys Logistics Optimization solution to achieve the following:

Delta and Junior Achievement Europe partner to launch Sustainable Skies Challenge

The Sustainable Skies Challenge aims to formulate innovative sustainable aviation solutions among Europe's brightest young minds. 

This year, Delta held the inaugural Sustainable Skies Challenge, an ambitious project in partnership with Junior Achievement (JA) Europe. The challenge aimed to formulate innovative sustainable aviation solutions among Europe's brightest young minds. The competition, held May 21-22 in Atlanta, received a spotlight at the GEN-E 2024 festival (July 2-4 in Catania, Italy), where thousands of young entrepreneurs showcased their cutting–edge business ideas and competed for the titles of ‘Best Company’ and ‘Best Start-Up of the Year.’  

The GEN-E 2024 festival brought together young entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and educators to celebrate and inspire innovation. The event featured a range of activities, including workshops, panel discussions, career fairs and networking opportunities—all designed to empower youth and encourage sustainable business practices.  

In April, nine teams from across Europe competed in a pitch competition where they researched and presented unique, eco-friendly solutions with positive potential impact in the broader industry. From advanced research in cogeneration, to designing inflight uniforms using fruit fibers, the solutions were a testament to the creativity and commitment of the next generation in tackling climate change. 

Three teams of JA Europe Alumni were selected to participate in the final Sustainable Skies Challenge pitch:  

Team Nocta from Lithuania  

Team Fictionnal Jobs from France 

Team The Sky Isn’t the Limit from the Netherlands 

Two members from each team flew to Delta’s headquarters in Atlanta and presented their ideas to a panel of Delta leaders that included Tad Hutcheson, Managing Director of Community Engagement; Kelly Lauber, General Manager for Global Sustainability and Strategy; Ekrem Dimbiloglu, Managing Director of Inflight Entertainment and Wi-Fi Experience; Gail Grimmett, S.V.P. – Sustainability Performance & Strategic Partnerships. 

The winner, The Sky Isn’t the Limit, presented an innovative idea and business plan to make the airline food supply chain more sustainable.  

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.