Sierra Space takes artificial intelligence to U.S. Space Systems Command’s Space Domain Awareness TAP Lab Accelerator

Sierra Space, a leading commercial space company and defence tech prime that is Building a Platform in Space to Benefit Life on Earth has been selected to participate in the U.S. Space Systems Command’s Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Tools Applications and Processing (TAP) Lab Apollo Accelerator Cohort 4. 

Sierra Space will be working on AI and Machine Learning capabilities to proactively detect potentially dangerous events that could threaten friendly satellites in orbit.

The accelerator program is dedicated to enhancing space domain awareness and advancing space defence capabilities. It provides a vital platform for collaborating with industry experts, defence agencies and technology partners with the goal of improving the safety and security of space operations.

By joining Cohort 4, Sierra Space will work in parallel with other forward-thinking companies to address the key challenges in space defence. Throughout the program, Sierra Space will develop new Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning capabilities, ensuring that our country remains at the forefront of space domain awareness and defence innovation. Sierra Space shares the SDA’s commitment to safeguarding the future of space operations and exploration.

“At Sierra Space, we are deeply committed to revitalizing the U.S. defence industrial base,” said Sierra Space Chief Executive Officer, Tom Vice. “Our participation in the SDA TAP Lab underlines the work we are doing to develop and deploy Sierra Space Black OS, the next generation, highly scalable and secure software operating system powered by advanced AI.”

Viking gets another new ship.

Viking has just taken delivery of the company’s latest ship for the Nile River, the Viking Hathor. The delivery ceremony occurred when the new ship was presented at the Massara shipyard in Cairo, Egypt. The 82-guest Viking Hathor joins the company’s growing fleet of state-of-the-art ships for the Nile River and will sail Viking’s popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.

"We are proud to welcome the Viking Hathor to our award-winning river fleet,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “With its abundance of cultural treasures and ancient antiquities, Egypt has always been a destination of great interest to curious travellers, including our guests. We believe our ships are by far the most elegant vessels sailing the Nile River, and we look forward to introducing even more explorers to this fantastic destination in the years to come.”

The Viking Hathor & Viking’s Growing Egypt Fleet

Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, the new Viking Hathor is inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships with the elegant Scandinavian design for which Viking is known. An identical sister ship to the Viking Osiris and the Viking Aton, the Viking Hathor features several aspects familiar to Viking guests, such as a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. Additional ships in the Egypt fleet include the Viking Ra and the MS Antares.

Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids Itinerary

During the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, guests begin with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, where they can visit iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis of Sakkara, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, or the Grand Egyptian Museum. Guests then fly to Luxor, where they visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding a Viking river ship for an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River, featuring visits to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings, and excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the temples at Abu Simbel and the High Dam in Aswan, and a visit to a colorful Nubian village, where guests can experience a traditional elementary school. Finally, the journey concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in the ancient city.

CDB Aviation delivers an Airbus A330-300P2F to MNG Airlines

CDB Aviation, announced this week the delivery of one Airbus A330-300 Passenger to Freighter (“P2F”) aircraft to a new customer in Türkiye, MNG Airlines.

The high-in-demand A330 P2F aircraft, which offers more cargo volume and lower cost-per-ton than other available freighter aircraft types with a similar range, will help advance MNG Airlines’ ambitious growth and fleet modernization targets.

“We are delighted to welcome MNG Airlines as our newest customer in the EMEA region, as we continue to grow our fleet of efficient medium-sized freighters that provide airline customers with the needed capacity to modernize their fleets and enhance cargo operations,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer.

Ali Sedat Özkazanç, Chief Executive Officer of MNG Airlines, stated: “As part of an ongoing transformation in the aviation industry, cargo transport is playing an increasingly critical role. We are further enhancing its capacity to adapt to the industry’s dynamic environment by adding new aircraft to our growing fleet. At the same time, while we are modernizing our fleet, we are expanding our regional and international network by improving our service quality with this new aircraft and the other already existing A330 P2Fs in our fleet. This delivery by CDB Aviation to MNG Airlines represents a strengthening of the cooperation between the two companies and an essential step for MNG Airlines' growth strategy. The delivery of the Airbus A330-300 P2F aircraft increases our cargo operations capacity and contributes to our sustainability goals by reducing our carbon footprint with lower fuel consumption and emission levels. Therefore, we believe this collaboration can set an example for other airlines in the industry.”

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Austrian Airlines takes off with sharkskin.......

Starting in December 2024, Austrian Airlines will be the first airline globally to equip their Boeing 777-200ER aircraft with innovative “AeroSHARK” surface technology. 

On a total of four Boeing 777-200ERs the fuselage and engine nacelles will be covered with the “sharkskin” film developed by Lufthansa Technik and the company BASF. The significantly reduced frictional resistance resulting from the film will reduce the CO2 emissions of Austrian Airlines’ long-haul fleet and fuel consumption.

As of winter 2024 four Boeing 777-200ERs will be equipped with innovative Lufthansa Technik film

Less frictional resistance reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions

Austrian Airlines to be the first airline with “sharkskin” on B777-200ERs

Savings of over 8,000 tons of CO2

By applying a total of 830 square meters of Riblet film per aircraft to the surface of the fuselage and engine nacelles, a saving of around one percent of the total fuel consumption per flight can be achieved. Applied to four B777s, the technology can achieve savings of around 2,650 tons of fuel and over 8,300 tons of CO2. This corresponds to around 46 flights from Vienna to New York.

“We take our responsibility seriously and take every possible step to reduce CO2 emissions within our flight operations. At one percent, the sharkskin’s efficiency potential may not sound like much, but in total it will save thousands of tons of CO2 per year on long-haul flights,” says Austrian COO Francesco Sciortino. “Even though our B777s are in their final years of service, we take this investment to get one step closer to our CO2 reduction targets.”

“The fact that we are rolling out the fuel-saving sharkskin technology on another aircraft type with Austrian Airlines is also good news for other Boeing 777-200ER operators,” emphasizes Harald Gloy, COO at Lufthansa Technik. “These are the first of hopefully many more aircraft of this type that will have lower fuel consumption and an improved carbon footprint thanks to AeroSHARK.”

Thai AirAsia X ready to fly direct between Sydney and Bangkok

Thai AirAsia X beckons everyone back to Thailand ahead of the peak end of year travel season with direct Sydney-Bangkok (Don Mueang Airport) flights, now available six  times a week starting from Sydney from 2 December 2024 to Don Mueang Airport (DMK) with an enhanced variety of Fly Thru connecting routes. 

Seats are on sale now starting from just AUD$333* direct to Bangkok - or Fly Thru via Don Mueang Airport to reach many Australian leisure favourite destinations like Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi in Thailand and internationally to Da Nang in Vietnam, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad in India  and many more destinations starting from only AUD$422.43* each way.  

Mr. Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia X, commented: “Thai AirAsia X is  returning to Sydney with a better network, schedule and enhanced connectivity spanning over 50 Aussie favourite destinations in Thailand and beyond to meet strong demand. 

“At the same time,  we are increasing the number of flights between both destinations to fly six times weekly every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday (2 flights), and Saturday. Arriving at Don Mueang Airport (DMK) makes the route even more convenient, placing passengers just 30 minutes from central Bangkok via public transport options such as the sky train (Red Line), airport bus, and taxi cabs. Outbound travellers with connecting services will also save time at the airport by being able to quickly pass from check-in through immigration to their gate at the same airport with no need to change airport terminals like before. 

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 endeavours 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.

Domestic passenger up by 1.7% in July at Melbourne Airport.

Despite the collapse of Rex jet flights in Australia, domestic passenger numbers actually increased slightly at Melbourne Airport, up by 1.7% 

The 1,001,202 international passengers recorded in July is higher than the 995,597 international travellers processed in July 2019, which reflects the increase in airline offerings and capacity in Melbourne. It is also a testament to the expansion programme that is underway at the airport. Overall passenger numbers were up four per cent on the same month in 2023.

July marked the final month of Rex’s capital city jet service, with the company placed into voluntary administration at the end of the month.  In the FY24 financial year, Rex and Bonza carried a total of 1,574,067 passengers between them through Melbourne Airport, which represents 6.5% of all domestic passengers and 4.5% of total passengers for that period.

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the numbers highlight the value of supporting domestic airline competition. “Melbourne Airport was proud to have worked with both Rex and Bonza to increase choice for Australian travellers, and it is disappointing that despite our support, both ended in administration."

Austrian Airlines to Linz with Linz-Frankfurt route from winter 2024/2025

Linz-Frankfurt route returns

Austrian Airlines will return to Linz and operate the Linz-Frankfurt route from winter 2024/2025. The first flight will take off from Linz to Frankfurt on 28 October 2024 and will be operated on ATR 72-600 aircraft with 72 seats by Austrian Airlines’ partner Braathens Regional Airlines. The new route will initially be operated three times and the flight takes 1 hour 40 minutes. 

Overview of flight times

Route	Flight Number	Flight Days	Flight Times
Linz-Frankfurt	OS 261	Mon-Sat	06:00 – 07:40
Frankfurt-Linz	OS 262	Mon-Sat	08:25 – 09:55
Linz-Frankfurt	OS 263	Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun	10:30 – 12:10
Frankfurt-Linz	OS 264	Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun	12:45 – 14:15
Linz-Frankfurt	OS 265	Wed, Thu Sat, Sun	14:20 – 16:00 14:50 – 16:30
Frankfurt-Linz	OS 266	Wed, Thu Sat, Sun	16:35 – 18:05 17:05 – 18:35
Linz-Frankfurt	OS 267	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun	18:40 – 20:20 19:10 – 20:50
Frankfurt-Linz	OS 268	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun	21:30 – 23:00

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Juneyao Airlines to start Shanghai - Melbourne service this December

Juneyao Airlines plans to operate a new service linking Shanghai and Melbourne three times a week from 19th December. For the peak travel period in January and February, the airline plans on making it a daily service and that is a welcome addition to the range of airlines operating to and from Melbourne. 

This new route is the first time Juneyao Airlines has flown to Australia and will operate using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which features 324 seats, including 29 lie-flat business class seats.

The news of Juneyao Airlines’  new service comes as Melbourne Airport marks a significant milestone in the upgrade of its international baggage handling system, with the arrival of more than $50 million worth of baggage conveyor systems.

The half-a-billion-dollar T2 Next project is replacing traditional baggage belts with a new tote-based system, allowing for real-time bag tracking and paving the way for an eventual introduction of anytime check-in.

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the arrival of Juneyao Airlines underscored the need for ongoing investment in the international terminal and new airfield infrastructure. “We are thrilled to welcome Juneyao Airlines to Melbourne and look forward to working with them to make this service a success.

More than two million passengers flew with Cathay Pacific in July - up over 15%

Cathay Pacific recently released its traffic figures for July 2024, which showed that the airline achieved a new milestone by carrying more than two million passengers in a single month for the first time since the pandemic.

Cathay Pacific carried a total of 2,008,225 passengers in July 2024, an increase of 15.1% compared with July 2023. The month’s revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) increased 16.1% year on year. Passenger load factor decreased by 3.8 percentage points to 85.5%, while available seat kilometres (ASKs) increased by 21.2% year on year. In the first seven months of 2024, the number of passengers carried increased by 32.5% to a total of 12,667,826, against a 39% increase in ASKs and a 31.6% increase in RPKs, as compared with the same period for 2023.

The airline carried 126,797 tonnes of cargo in July 2024, an increase of 9.6% compared with July 2023. The month’s cargo revenue tonne kilometres (RFTKs) decreased 0.5% year on year. The cargo load factor decreased by 1.5 percentage points to 58.3%, while available cargo tonne kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 2.1% year on year. In the first seven months of 2024, the tonnage increased by 10.3% to a total of 846,261 tonnes, against a 9.9% increase in AFTKs and a 3.8% increase in RFTKs, as compared with the same period for 2023.

 

Travel

Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “Marking the start of the traditional summer travel peak, July was a milestone month for Cathay Pacific as the airline carried over two million passengers for the first time in a single month since our rebuild, while the 85.5% load factor was the highest of any month so far this year.

“Such robust demand was driven by the increased popularity of long-haul flights to and from Hong Kong in the first half of the month among students and those visiting friends and relatives. This was followed by a surge in demand for travel to popular short-haul destinations in Japan and Southeast Asia in the second half of July. In addition, we saw strong demand for flights to Paris due to the Olympic Games, and we were delighted to carry a significant number of athletes and spectators to attend this momentous sporting occasion.

 

Cargo

“Cargo demand remained strong in July with healthy year-on-year tonnage growth. Across our network, our tonnage was 2% higher than in June and 10% above July last year. Given July is traditionally a softer month for demand, this was encouraging and bodes well for August. In terms of commodity mix, we observed an uptick in perishable goods shipments from Southeast Asia and the South West Pacific into Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, and increased tonnage through our Cathay Expert services using the dedicated freighters for project shipments and outsized cargo. E-commerce shipments continued to be the main driver of volumes from the Greater Bay Area. ​

“We continue to enhance our special solutions, and in July we re-launched Cathay Courier with a focus on digitalisation to add greater transparency and reassurance for our customers when they choose to send their urgent shipments with Cathay Cargo. Customers will now be able to track their shipments online. Along with this newly added feature, Cathay Courier provides our customers with speed, guaranteed capacity and dedicated handling for their time-sensitive, high-value shipments.

 

Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Rugby Sevens confirmed for 28-30 March 2025

Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) is delighted to announce that the 2025 Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens will take place from March 28 – 30, 2025.

The dates were confirmed by World Rugby as the HSBC SVNS 2025 takes shape, with Dubai, Cape Town, Perth and Vancouver also named as host cities.

HKCR Chairman Chris Brooke welcomed the news and urged fans in Hong Kong and from around the world to mark their calendars to ensure they won’t miss out on the 2025 Sevens action in Hong Kong. He commented:

“The iconic Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is a fan-favourite on the HSBC SVNS Series. Thanks to World Rugby for yet again confirming Hong Kong as an integral part of the SVNS success story.”

HKCR CEO James Farndon recognized how the announcement supports international fans by providing good lead time to plan their trips and book flights and accommodation. He said:

“About 30% of our ticket holders in 2024 travelled from overseas. It would be great to build on the undoubted international attraction of the HK7s as a ‘bucket list’ event and to showcase our great city to people from all over the world.”

Airside place to pray has opened at East Midlands Airport.......

A new multi-faith room has been opened in East Midlands Airport’s departure lounge, providing a space for customers and staff for prayer and quiet reflection.

It is the first such facility in the ‘airside’ part of the airport terminal beyond security checks – joining an existing prayer room located in the ‘landside’ check-in hall.

The new multi-faith room opens as the chaplaincy team based at EMA marks its 25th anniversary of providing support for staff and passengers of all faiths or none. Located upstairs in the departure lounge, it adds to other improvements in this part of the airport, including a refurbished Castle Rock Bar and Kitchen and new toilet and baby changing facilities.

Like the existing room in the check-in hall, the new room can be divided, enabling two groups to use it at the same time if necessary, as well as containing wash facilities for those who use water in their religious practices.  A variety of helpful religious material is also available.

The airport chaplains will oversee both facilities ensuring that they are cared for and used appropriately. The chaplaincy team is on hand to provide support, friendly advice, practical help, a listening ear and prayers for customers and staff. They take part in special events such as marking religious festivals and Remembrance Day, as well as supporting charities at home and abroad.

You'll need a visa waiver to get into Europe from next year

Did you know that UK citizens will need a visa waiver to get into Europe from the first part of next year? 

Starting in the first half of 2025, people from over 60 visa-exempt countries will be required to have purchased a travel authorisation or visa waiver to enter 30 European countries for a short stay of 90 days or less. 

The ETIAS travel authorisation will be an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries. Without it, you will not be allowed entry and most airlines, bus/coach operators and ferry companies will deny you from even boarding. If you go on a cruise which has European stops,  you'll need to get an ETIAS in advance, even if you don't plan on getting off the ship. The ETIAS is linked to a traveller’s passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, if that date is within the three years. If you lose your passport,  you'll need to get a new ETIAS after you get your new passport and yes, pay the application fee again!  

Your ETIAS travel authorisation allows you to enter the EU as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period - which is the most UK passport holders can stay. UK nationals who wish to stay longer must either hold a visa, or a residence permit, unless they were permitted to stay under the EU-UK withdrawal agreement.

However, to be clear, having an ETIAS, does not automatically guarantee entry, you'll still be asked to see your passport and other documents when you arrive and you'll need to clear all other restrictions to get in.  

You will need to either fill out an application form on the website or complete it on the app and pay a fee of €7. You will need to have your travel document and a payment card at hand as you'll need to supply some personal information. Your passport will need to have at least three months of validity from the date you are scheduled to come home and not be older than 10 years. 

For more information https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en

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European countries requiring ETIASAustriaBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCyprusCzech RepublicDenmarkEstoniaFaroe IslandsFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceGreenlandHungaryIcelandItalyLatviaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaSlovakiaSloveniaSpainSwedenSwitzerland
Who needs an ETIAS travel authorisation?

Hyatt to acquire Standard International including its brands, The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation this week announced the planned acquisition of the brands and most of the affiliates of pioneering lifestyle company Standard International, the parent company of The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels brands. This move enhances Hyatt’s position as the leader in the industry’s premier lifestyle space, building on both its organic growth and a series of acquisitions that quintupled the number of lifestyle rooms in Hyatt’s global portfolio between 2017 and 2023. The transaction is anticipated to close later this year, subject to customary closing conditions.

With this transaction, Hyatt will form a new dedicated lifestyle group that will be headquartered in New York City. Led by Standard International's Executive Chairman Amar Lalvani, the lifestyle group will leverage Hyatt's best-in-class operational and loyalty infrastructure while assuming distinct leadership across key functions including experience creation, design, marketing, programming, public relations, restaurants, nightlife and entertainment. The new lifestyle group will be made up of the talented Standard International team as well as Hyatt colleagues – more details about the lifestyle group will be shared following the closing of the transaction.

Germany's Discover Airlines to offer new destinations and more connections from Frankfurt and Munich next summer

Brand new in the flight schedule: Ålesund and Bodø in Norway and Reykjavík in Iceland

5 destinations and up to 12 weekly flights: "Nordics" offer greater than ever

Significantly more connections to Greece and Bulgaria

Discover Airlines will launch new connections from Frankfurt and Munich throughout Europe next summer and increase popular routes, including to Greece and Bulgaria. Brand new in the offer, not only at Discover Airlines but in the entire Lufthansa Group, Ålesund and Bodø in Norway. Discover Airlines is the only airline that flies to these destinations from Germany.

Off to the north: offer more varied than ever

With a total of five destinations in Northern Europe, Discover Airlines' "Nordics" offering will be larger than ever next summer. For the first time, the airline will fly twice a week (Wednesdays, Saturdays) from Frankfurt to Ålesund in around two and a half hours between the beginning of May and the end of October. The city is located on the Norwegian coast, right at the entrance to the famous Geirangerfjord.

Also new, Discover Airlines will take off twice a week (Mondays, and Thursdays) from Munich to Bodø between the beginning of June and the end of October. In about three hours flight time, travelers reach the Norwegian city, which, just like Evenes, is an ideal starting point for a tour to the Lofoten archipelago. The Frankfurt – Evenes connection is planned for summer 2025 with up to three weekly flights (Mondays, Thursdays, Sundays).

Kittilä in Finland will continue beyond the winter as a year-round connection from Frankfurt. With up to two weekly flights (Mondays, Fridays), travelers reach their remote destination in Finnish Lapland after just under three and a half hours of flight. Discover Airlines is the first international airline to offer direct flights there in the summer.

With Keflavik, the international airport near Reykjavík, the airline is also adding its first destination in Iceland to its flight schedule. The connection from Munich was previously flown by Lufthansa and will be offered by Discover Airlines next year. From April to the end of October, up to three weekly flights are planned between Munich and Iceland's capital.

Plenty of sunshine – from Frankfurt and Munich