Universal Studios Hollywood introduces Universal Fan Fest nights

An all-original, immersive and interactive after-hours experience, tapping into fan favourite genres: sci-fi, fantasy, gaming and anime

In Spring 2025, Universal Studios Hollywood will introduce guests to Universal Fan Fest Nights, an all-new interactive and immersive separately ticketed event that brings the most compelling worlds of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming and Anime to life from the creators of its highly acclaimed Halloween Horror Nights event.

Featuring a slate of all-new, thrilling and unique fan-favourite experiences, the inaugural Universal Fan Fest Nights 2025 at Universal Studios Hollywood will debut these exciting properties with more to be announced soon.

• Star Trek: This experience is inspired by the Star Trek universe, one of television’s most enduring franchises, which is known for its groundbreaking storytelling that addresses social, political and cultural issues as well as entertaining millions of fans. Star Trek’s optimistic view of the future and reflection on what it means to be human has inspired generations of dreamers and doers.
• Back to the Future: This exciting experience is inspired by the blockbuster 1985 Back to the Future movie. The groundbreaking adventure sparked one of the most successful trilogies in film history, won an Academy award and launched a franchise that would go on to generate almost $1 billion globally.
• DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: 2024 has been a banner year for DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (D&D). On the heels of the acclaimed film, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, and the smash hit video game Baldur’s Gate 3, D&D is celebrating 50 years of the WORLD’S GREATEST ROLEPLAYING GAME. More than 64 million D&D fans love rolling dice, slaying monsters and envisioning themselves as the amazing heroes they all are inside.

FLYONE is launching direct flights to Manchester!

FLYONE is adding a new flight route: Chisinau-Manchester-Chisinau. Starting from December 20, 2024, and will operate every Friday.  The new route will open up Moldova, with its beautiful traditions, renowned wines, and welcoming people, to passengers from the north of the UK. 

FLYONE General Director, Mircea Maleca, stated: “The launch of this route is our response to numerous requests. We analyze travellers' preferences and try to come up with solutions so that the diaspora, businesspeople, and those who want to visit something new can easily fly to these cities: Chisinau and Manchester.”

FLYONE  was launched in 2016 and has successfully become the largest airline in Moldova. In 2022, the company became a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

In December 2022, FLYONE Airlines SRL received the air operator certificate from the Romanian Civil Aeronautical Authority (AACR) and the license issued by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. During the same year, it managed to transport over 1 million passengers and launch 6 new destinations.

In 2023, it renewed its IOSA certification, the highest safety standard in operational management. Also, in 2023, for the first time for an airline from Moldova, FLYONE reached a record number of 2 million passengers, launched 14 new routes, and expanded its fleet with three more aircraft.

Currently, the company operates flights to 60 destinations.

35 regular and charter flights from Chisinau to: Prague, Dubai, Venice, Bologna, Rome, Milan, Valencia, Berlin, Tbilisi, Madrid, Munich, Larnaca, Frankfurt, Tel Aviv, London, Parma, Verona, Dublin, Lisbon, Paris, Istanbul, Yerevan, Brussels, Dusseldorf, Nice, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Tirana, Bodrum, Dalaman, Antalya, Heraklion, Sharm El-Sheikh, Tivat, and Hurghada.

visit.chisinau.md

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SAS reaches agreement with Norwegian cabin crew unions

SAS and the Norwegian cabin unions, NKF and SNK, have this morning reached an agreement on new collective bargaining agreements.

SAS and the Norwegian cabin unions have now concluded mediation and come to an agreement. During the four-day strike a limited number of flights were affected primarily in Norway. By tomorrow SAS expects the traffic program to be back to its normal operations.

jetil Håbjørg, Chief Airline Services in SAS said:  "I am very pleased to report that we now have come to an agreement. Finally, we can resume normal operations and fly our customers to their desired destinations and continue our important work going forward.

We sincerely apologize to our customers that have been impacted by this strike. Today’s agreement means that we now can put our full focus on finalizing the restructuring of SAS and set the course to build and grow a profitable airline that can offer world-class travel experience and network to our customers."

SAS is expecting operations to be restored throughout the day. Passengers are kindly asked to check the latest information at sas.no.

Bournemouth Airport has seen a 25% growth in passenger numbers and surpassed 2019 pre-pandemic levels for the first time.

Bournemouth Airport has seen a 25% growth in passenger numbers and surpassed 2019 pre-pandemic levels for the first time.

Latest figures show that in the 12 months to the end of March 2024 the airport welcomed 967,000 passengers, putting it on course to hit one million later this year.

That growth is set to continue with jet2 having announced 16 destinations for 2025, having chosen Bournemouth as its 12th UK base airport. And tour operator TUI added a second aircraft and 60,000 seats this summer.

Ryanair meanwhile recently celebrated carrying over 10 million passengers through Bournemouth Airport, growing from its first single route to Dublin in 1996 to a 20-route operation today connecting nine countries across Europe.

And the airport’s international cargo operation continues to grow, cementing Bournemouth as an established gateway for airfreight into the UK.

The airport employs some 288 people and plays a key role in supporting the region’s wider aviation ecosystem, with pilot training, military operations and the maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft.

Joby demonstrates autonomous flight in U.S. Air Force ‘Agile Flag’ exercise

Joby Aviation has demonstrated autonomous logistics aircraft operations in an evolving mission environment, in partnership with the U.S. Air Force during the ‘Agile Flag 24-3’ exercise.

During the exercise, Joby’s team, which includes the autonomy division of Xwing acquired by Joby in June of this year, operated a fully autonomous Cessna 208B Grand Caravan for more than 3,900 miles of flight between military bases and public airports across California and Nevada.

The aircraft autonomously transported essential components to restore the operational readiness of various Air Force assets, flying between 9 locations in a dynamic operational environment. The aircraft, while monitored by a safety pilot, completed a fully autonomous taxi, take-off, and landing at each location during the exercise without requiring on-the-ground infrastructure, including numerous sites that had not been previously visited by the aircraft.

Joby also showcased its ability to remotely supervise the aircraft using a laptop and a satellite communications terminal, both of which are transportable in a single backpack.

Reliable Robotics performs automated cargo deliveries for U.S. Air Force

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems, recently completed a series of automated missions across airfields in California and Nevada for the Department of the Air Force. In conjunction with Air Combat Command, Reliable demonstrated aircraft automation capabilities as part of the Agile Flag 24-3 exercise transporting cargo between military bases and airports, some hundreds of miles apart, on demand over the course of a week. The exercise was designed to be representative of the Indo-Pacific region, demanding agility, readiness and multi-domain operations.

“The Air Force has a unique opportunity to redefine efficiency through autonomous operations, which can enable persistent manoeuvre in contested environments and simultaneous cargo delivery instead of our current sequential system. Autonomy in small platforms reduces risk and opens up the ability to land in more places including damaged runways or unimproved surfaces,” said Colonel Max Bremer, Mobility COE Senior Advisor, Chief of Special Programs Division, Air Mobility Command. “Military exercises like Agile Flag provide a venue for us to more closely evaluate how technologies like autonomous systems operate in real missions.”

Automated flights of a Cessna 208B Caravan included autotaxi, autotakeoff, en-route navigation and autolanding. All flights were managed by Reliable’s remote pilot while an onboard pilot monitored. Reliable deployed a mobile control station onsite at Mojave Air and Space Port, which served as a base of operations for the military exercise. The rapid deployment of Reliable’s mobile control station enabled onsite demonstrations of the remote piloting side of the operation for Air Force and NASA personnel.

Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand new codeshare deal agreed

Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand’s trans-Tasman cooperation to start again as new codeshare agreement has been authorized by regulators in both Australia and New Zealand.

Under the agreement, Virgin Australia customers will be able to directly book Air New Zealand flights into Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, complementing Virgin Australia’s Queenstown services. Velocity members will also be able to earn and redeem Velocity Points, and eligible members and guests will have access to lounges when flying across the Tasman.

Virgin Australia Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Alistair Hartley said the long-awaited partnership would give Virgin Australia’s customers access to a comprehensive network between Australia and New Zealand.

“Australians share our love of New Zealand and its national carrier and we can’t wait to reignite this partnership before the end of the year,” he said.

Exeter Airport returns to profit as passenger numbers grow

Exeter Airport has returned to profit for the first time since the pandemic on the back of continued passenger growth, with numbers up 8% year-on-year.

In the 12 months to the end of March 2024 the airport recorded a profit of just over £1m, representing a £2m turnaround on the year before. Passenger numbers stood at 435,000, up 8% on the previous year’s 402,000.

Further growth is expected following the launch of a new Ryanair service to Palma in Majorca in May this year.

Meanwhile TUI, the airport’s biggest operator, has already confirmed that it will base a second aircraft at Exeter Airport next summer. This will provide an extra 80,000 seats including a new route to Ibiza and more flights to a range of popular sunshine destinations including the Canaries, Greek Islands and Turkey.

The figures contributed to a 15% increase in passenger numbers for parent company Regional & City Airports (RCA), which saw more than 1.75m passengers use its airports during the year.

The group also owns Bournemouth and Norwich Airports and holds a management contract for Solent Airport.

Japan Airlines "JAL Fantastic Journey Express" to begin domestic flights in late october

Japan Airlines has confirmed that its President and Group CEO Mitsuko Tottori and Oriental Land Co. President and COO Kenji Yoshida will launch the “JAL Fantastic Journey Express” special liveried Boeing 767-300ER, which will begin domestic flights in Japan for a limited period starting in late October. 

The aircraft’s design is inspired by the new Fantasy Springs-themed port that opened at Tokyo DisneySea Park on June 6, 2024, at Tokyo Disney Resort.  Japan Airlines is an official sponsor which marks the sixth collaboration since JAL first teamed up with Tokyo DisneySea when it opened in 2001.

Fantasy Springs is the only themed port of its kind in the world, featuring three areas inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios films Frozen, Tangled and Peter Pan, as well as the latest Disney-themed hotel, Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel.

The aircraft design evokes magical springs that lead to a world of Disney fantasy, featuring Anna, Elsa, Rapunzel and Peter Pan against backdrops inspired by locations from Fantasy Springs, such as Arendelle Castle, Rapunzel’ s Tower and Captain Hook’s ship, the Jolly Roger.

Inflight Experience

Passengers will enjoy special designs on headrest covers and paper cups, immersing themselves in the world of Fantasy Springs as they travel aboard the "JAL Fantastic Journey Express" aircraft.

Additionally, the “JAL Happy Dream Campaign 2024"* is currently underway, offering participants a chance to win prizes, including invitations to JAL’s exclusive party events at Tokyo DisneySea.

Guests are invited to take this opportunity to travel to various destinations across Japan on JAL Group flights.

Rescued chimp finds new home via East Midlands Airport

East Midlands Airport (EMA) played a vital part in bringing a chimpanzee rescued from poachers to its long-term home in Dorset’s acclaimed Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre.

Chocolat the female chimp was flown to EMA by DHL Express from Nairobi via Bahrain in a custom-built crate and supported by a team of specialist keepers, aircraft engineers, cargo handlers, security personnel and pilots. Throughout the trip Chocolat snacked on fresh fruit, nuts and sweet potato. From the airport, she was transported by road to her new home at Monkey World.

Chocolat’s family was hunted and killed when she was an infant, as part of the illegal bushmeat trade in the Republic of Congo. She had injuries from shotgun pellets that have left her with a paralysed hand and foot. She was rescued and cared for in Kenya for twenty years before finding her new home at Monkey World, which provides specialist care for chimpanzees that have been smuggled from the wild or suffered abuse or neglect.

To accommodate her needs, her new enclosure has been treated to upgrades such as lower platforms, new nesting areas and cargo nets, all designed to make Chocolat’s new home as accessible as possible. The 65-acre sanctuary is home to over 230 primates of 25 different species, with Chocolat joining 52 other chimpanzees.

Contaminated breathing air on passenger aircraft............

Airline crews and passengers have been complaining of health effects from exposure to contaminated air on aircraft (Aerotoxic Syndrome) for over 4 decades. The first documented case of aircrew impairment from exposure to contaminated air dates back to the early 1950s on military aircraft.

 

The breathing air supply on commercial jet aircraft, known as ‘bleed air’, is known to become contaminated with engine oil, engine oil decomposition products and/or hydraulic fluids.

 

Over the last 20 years, there have been over 50 recommendations and findings made by 12 air accident departments globally, directly related to contaminated air exposures on passenger jet aircraft. The British Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), has twice called for contaminated air warning systems to be installed on all large passenger transport aircraft. However, these critical safety recommendations, endorsed by the Global Cabin Air Quality Executive (GCAQE) (gcaqe.org), have been ignored by aircraft manufacturers and aviation regulators such as the FAA, EASA and the UK CAA.

 

Dr Susan Michaelis, a qualified air accident investigator and Head of Research for the GCAQE commented:

 

“Aviation is the safest form of travel but it’s totally unacceptable that the industry continues to ignore vital safety recommendations and ignore the evidence that crew impairment is happening. Many chemicals known to contaminate the breathing air supply are odourless and colourless and yet aircraft are flying with no form of contaminated air warning system. The introduction of contaminated air warning sensors and air cleaning technologies would enhance flight safety and the flying experience for thousands of crews and millions of passengers who fly every day.”

 

The GCAQE has previously called on aviation regulators to mandate the installation and operation of effective ‘bleed air’ air cleaning technologies on all passenger aircraft but aircraft manufacturers and aviation regulators have failed to take such steps.

 

The industry-supported '2024 Aircraft Cabin Air Conference' due to take place on 17 and 18 September 2024, at Imperial College London, will include presentations that will take our knowledge of the issue to a new level.

 

Presentations and discussions will cover:

 

China's commercial aircraft fleet to more than double by 2043 for growth and modernization

Boeing estimates air travel in mainland China will grow 5.2% annually!

U.S. plane maker Boeing says China will more than double its commercial aeroplane fleet by 2043 as its aviation industry expands and modernizes to meet the growing demand for passenger and cargo air travel.

In the Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) Boeing contends:

Air travel in China is forecast to become the world's largest traffic flow, driving growth in the single-aisle fleet, which accounts for more than three-quarters of deliveries.

China will have the world's largest widebody fleet, with demand for 1,575 new widebody airplanes.

China's freighter fleet – including dedicated and converted models – will nearly triple with demand stimulated by its booming e-commerce sector.

 Chinese carriers will need aviation services worth $780 billion to support the growing fleet, including digital solutions, maintenance and modifications.

Its airline industry will need to hire and train nearly 430,000 new personnel to support new pilots, maintenance technicians and cabin crew.

"China's commercial aviation market for passengers and cargo continues to expand, driven by economic growth and airlines building their in-country networks," said Darren Hulst, Boeing vice president of Commercial Marketing. "As this forecast shows, China's airlines will see strong demand, requiring further growth of their modern fuel-efficient fleets."

China's commercial fleet will grow 4.1% annually, from 4,345 to 9,740 aeroplanes by 2043, and its annual passenger traffic growth of 5.9% will exceed the global average of 4.7%, according to the CMO. Passenger volumes will receive a boost as airlines grow their networks by connecting major hubs to smaller cities.

New deliveries (2024-2043)
Regional	365
Single Aisle	6,720
Widebody	1,575
Freighter	170
Total	8,830

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Ollie Air launches Asia-Pacific charter operations

New luxury charter company Ollie Air has launched charter operations across Asia-Pacific.

Currently based in Hong Kong, Ollie Air’s Bombardier Global XRS has already completed its first set of charter flights and is now available for flights from Hong Kong as well as from other parts of the region.

Registered in San Marino as T7-OLLIE, the Global XRS can fly for up to 12.5 hours, making it possible to connect city pairs including Hong Kong to London, Seoul to Los Angeles and Jakarta to Rome without the need to stop en route.

Before being delivered the aircraft underwent a full transformation to bring it up to Ollie Air’s exacting standards. The expertly crafted cabin was designed to exude luxury and features a theme of warm neutral colors that flow effortlessly and logically throughout the cabin. The aircraft features as forward fully appointed gally along with flight attendant rest area, and a main cabin that is split into three distinct zones, which can seat up to 13 passengers during day, whilst at night can be configured with two beds in the main cabin and a further two beds in the aft area.

JetBlue adds flights and introduces Mint Service to Bozeman

JetBlue will add its premium Mint service each weekend to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) during the height of the Montana ski season. Starting in February, JetBlue, the only airline offering nonstop service from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Bozeman, will offer Mint service on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from both Boston and New York, providing customers with an unparalleled flying experience to one of the most sought-after destinations in the Rocky Mountains. Tickets are now available for sale at jetblue.com.

With the introduction of Friday, Saturday and Sunday Mint service, JetBlue will not only elevate the travel experience for customers, but also increase the frequency of flights to the destination. Until now, JetBlue has operated late-winter seasonal service to Bozeman from New York and Boston on alternating days with its core service, which will continue during the week. The addition of Mint on these routes reflects JetBlue’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers by offering superior travel options with an elevated in-flight experience and reinforces the airline’s position as a leader in premium leisure travel in the Northeast.

Japan Airlines and Liverpool Football Club celebrate the grand opening of the Japan Airlines Lounge at Anfield Stadium

Japan Airlines (JAL) and Liverpool Football Club (LFC) are pleased to announce the grand opening of the Japan Airlines Lounge at Anfield Stadium, marking a key milestone in their new multi-year partnership announced in June 2024. The Japan Airlines Lounge, accessible through purchased hospitality packages, offers a vibrant space with a three-course menu and exceptional matchday service.

Officially opening hours ahead of LFC's first home match on August 25, the new lounge design offers a fresh and unique experience that blends Japanese hospitality with the excitement of English football. Reflecting the serenity and luxury of JAL's service, the lounge design was inspired by elements of Japanese nature and architecture, seen in the use of timbers, soft lighting, and clean lines with modern contemporary furnishings throughout. 

The Japan Airlines Lounge, occupying the former 1892 hospitality space, will be open during Liverpool FC home matches.