Second IATA World sustainability symposium to take place in Miami

The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) second World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) will focus on actions needed to achieve the airline industry’s commitment to net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. The event will take place in Miami, USA on 24-25 September 2024, hosted by American Airlines.

“Sustainability is an existential challenge for humanity as it is for our airline industry. Achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 is a big and complex task. But working together with the broader aviation industry, and with the support of governments, we will get there. WSS is a unique opportunity to bring all stakeholders together to learn, align and take the critical actions needed to galvanize our determination and accelerate progress,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Key elements to help achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 being addressed at the WSS include:

•    Decarbonization: Focusing on aviation's transition to net-zero CO2 emissions, including how to develop, scale, and deliver the solutions necessary to decarbonize aviation over the 25 years to 2050. Discussions will address how to build the markets for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), carbon removals, and other nascent technologies, and the challenges involved in financing such projects.

•    Innovation and Technology: Exploring new aircraft technologies and operational innovations with a focus on the practical aspects of implementing new technologies rapidly to advance the industry’s net-zero CO2 emissions goal.

KLM takes delivery of its first Airbus A321neo aircraft

KLM has taken delivery of its first A321neo as part of its fleet modernisation with the latest generation, fuel-efficient aircraft. With the aircraft, KLM joins the community of successful A321neo operators.

By selecting the A321neo, KLM brings on board the latest technology to lower decibels and to reduce the noise footprint during take-off, approach and landing. Together with its advanced fuel efficiency, the A321neo will play a key role in KLM’s environmental ambition.

The newly delivered A321neo for KLM seats 227 passengers in a two-class layout. The cabin features Airbus’ Airspace cabin with XL bins. The larger bins provide 60% more luggage capacity for a more relaxed boarding experience for passengers and cabin crew. In addition, USB-C ports are available for passengers at every seat, and the latest lighting system enhances the overall passenger experience.

The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. Equipped with sharklets and powered by new generation CFM International LEAP-1A engines, the A321neo brings a 50% noise footprint reduction and at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky. To date, more than 6,400 A321neo aircraft have been ordered by more than 90 customers across the globe.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A321neo aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

Photo caption: The first A321neo for KLM was handed over at Airbus’ Hamburg manufacturing site by Wouter van Wersch, Airbus Executive Vice President of International, to Marjan Rintel, President & CEO of KLM.

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Air France KLM Points

ASG Strengthens Position with two Key Senior Hires

Asian Sky Group (ASG), Asia-Pacific’s premier aircraft transactions, charter and market intelligence company, announces that Justin Yeung has been named Business Development & Sales Director with a primary focus on aircraft transactions, and Paul Tsang has been named as Sales Director and will focus on both aircraft charters and sales.

Yeung brings with him more than 15 years’ experience in the Aviation and Aerospace industry between the UK and Asia, most recently at Hong Kong-based Metrojet where he was the company’s Director of Aircraft Management and Charter overseeing the Business Development, Client Relations, and Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Organization (CAMO) teams. He also served as Board Director to Funian Aviation in Shenzhen, China. During his time with Metrojet he led the negotiations for the construction and operation of the renowned 25,000sqm MRO and parking hangar facility in Clark International Airport.

“Asian Sky Group has a great reputation within the industry, especially with its trusted market intelligence reports and unique industry events such as the Asian Sky Forum. I’m very excited to work with the team to further contribute to ASG’s success in aircraft sales and its other key business units.” said Yeung.

AirAsia enters second half of the year with wider expansion in China

 AirAsia is entering the second half of the year on a strong note with the expansion of two new routes in China: Penang-Shenzhen and Kota Kinabalu-Shantou. 

With the addition of these two new routes, AirAsia will operate a total of 33 routes to/from China, further solidifying its position as the largest foreign low-cost carrier in the region. AirAsia Malaysia (flight code AK) will operate four flights weekly from Penang to Shenzhen starting 28 October 2024 whereas flights from Kota Kinabalu to Shantou will commence on 16 November 2024 with three flights weekly. 

In celebration of the route launches, AirAsia is offering promotional fares for flights between Penang and Shenzhen from RM329 all-in* one way as well as flights from Kota Kinabalu to Shantou with fares starting from RM299 all-in* one way. 

All flights are available for booking on the AirAsia MOVE app (formerly airasia Superapp) and airasia.com from now until 8 September 2024. Fly from Penang to Shenzhen between 28 October 2024 to 29 March 2025 and  from Kota Kinabalu to Shantou between 16 November 2024 to 29 March 2025 - to enjoy the fares at special low fares promotional rates. 

Hyatt Place Rouen opens

Hyatt Hotels Corporation confirmed the opening of Hyatt Place Rouen, expanding the Hyatt Place brand’s global footprint in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. Combining style, innovation and 24/7 convenience, the new hotel features a modern design, casual atmosphere, and practical amenities, such as three meeting rooms, a restaurant with French regional cuisine, an onsite spa with a heated pool and treatment rooms, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.

Hyatt Place Rouen is conveniently situated in the heart of Rouen, a pleasant stroll from iconic sites such as the Musee des Beaux-Arts de Rouen and the Gothic Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, and located within a former teacher training college dating back to 1886. Just a two-hour drive away from Paris, with unparalleled access to the charming countryside and historical sites of Normandy, Hyatt Place Rouen is an ideal choice for both work and relaxation, situated in the third most visited region in France.

The hotel offers panoramic views overlooking the city’s skyline of “a hundred spires”, and this outlook is reflected in the interior design with a steel blue palette evoking the Seine River and stormy Norman skies. This complements the muted yellow tones, in a nod to the region’s renowned Calvados spirits and the warmth of the local culture. Stripes feature throughout the property, as a reference to the half-timbering characteristic of the old town area. Within the “Jardins des Oeuvres”, three striking sculptures add to the hotel’s charm and character. Seamlessly blending contemporary style and comfort, Hyatt Place creates an easy-to-navigate experience for today’s modern traveller.

Commenting on the opening, Michel Morauw, Managing Director Hyatt EAME North said, “Hyatt Place Rouen captures the essence of Rouen’s rich history while providing the modern traveller with a comfortable, convenient and memorable stay, whether visiting for a short business break, or a leisurely getaway to explore the region’s culture and history. Hyatt Place Rouen marries classical charm with contemporary sophistication, and further expands the brand’s presence in one of our key markets, offering guests and World of Hyatt members exceptional experiences in sought-after destinations.”

Norwich Airport sees continued growth in passenger numbers

Norwich Airport has continued its recovery from the covid pandemic with passenger numbers increasing in the last financial year.

In the 12 months to the end of March 2024 the airport welcomed 353,000 passengers, up 2% on the previous year, cementing its role as a popular regional airport for leisure travel.

The airport, which employs 224 people, is also the gateway to the southern North Sea for the offshore energy industry 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.

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.

As well as Norwich, the group owns Bournemouth and Exeter Airports and holds a management contract for Solent Airport.

The Norwich figures do not reflect the start of Ryanair’s first ever flights from the airport in April as this was outside of year-end. Ryanair has added 60,000 seats this summer with new routes to Malta, Alicante and Faro, putting the airport on track to surpass pre-covid passenger numbers of half a million.

Ryanair has already confirmed that it will continue the Alicante route through the winter.

Cathay Pacific works with Acer and Dimerco to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions

Cathay Pacific, in collaboration with Acer and Dimerco Express Group, has launched an innovative partnership to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation industry through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). As one of the first companies in Asia to initiate a corporate SAF program, Cathay Pacific launched the initiative in 2022, cementing its leadership in the global aviation industry.

Cathay Director Cargo Tom Owen said: “We are delighted to welcome Acer to our Corporate SAF Programme through its partnership with Dimerco Express, which joined our Programme last year. We believe that partnerships such as this along the supply chain are essential if we are to achieve our own and the aviation industry’s stretching targets to decarbonise operations. We are ready to support all of our forwarder and shipper customers in achieving their own sustainability goals through the use of SAF, which is one of the most effective ways to contribute to the aviation industry’s transition to a greener future through the reduction of net emissions.”

Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a biofuel made from renewable resources such as plants or animal materials and can reduce aviation's greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF is expected to provide 65% of the reduction in emissions needed for the aviation industry to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Brussels Airlines launches design contest and public vote

New Belgian Icon to be more Belgian than ever

A new Belgian Icon is set to join the Brussels Airlines fleet soon. The Belgian national airline has launched a contest where the Belgian Public can submit designs that represent the best of Belgium. In early October, everyone will be able to vote to decide how the next Belgian Icon will look. The Belgian Icons remain some of the most photographed aeroplanes in the world and are an important way for Brussels Airlines to bring its Belgitude to the world.

Brussels Airlines has launched a campaign to find its newest Belgian Icon. This time around, it will be more Belgian than ever: not only will the aircraft connect Belgium to the world, but the aeroplane livery will also be designed by Belgians and chosen by the airline’s public in Belgium.

Everyone who lives in Belgium or holds Belgian nationality can enter the contest, as long as the participant is over the age of 16. Like with all other Belgian Icons, the plane should represent Belgium in an original and artistic way.

Michel Moriaux, Head of Marketing, Brussels Airlines said:  “The design has to be something Belgium is known for, and Belgians are proud of, without entering too much into clichés. The next Belgian Icon will not feature beer, fries, or waffles, for example, but we love to showcase our culture, nature or history. As with all our previous Belgian Icons, the design must have a ‘wow factor’ and inspire people to visit Belgium.” 

People have until September 27 to submit their designs; an internal jury will make a preselection afterwards. At the beginning of October, everyone will be able to vote for their favourite design

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Brussels Airlines first Belgian Icon, Rackham, was introduced in 2015 and pays tribute to Tintin, the world-famous Belgian comic.

Hyatt announces plans for Park Hyatt Sapporo

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Heiwa Real Estate Co. Ltd., for a new Park Hyatt hotel in Sapporo. Scheduled to open in 2029, the hotel will be situated in the economic and cultural centre of the Hokkaido Prefecture in northern Japan. It will be the fourth Park Hyatt branded hotel in the country and will complement the award-winning Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, a luxury mountain retreat located in Hokkaido’s leading ski resort.

The hotel will be conveniently located in a mixed-used tower under development at the intersection of the famed Odori Park and bustling Sapporo Ekimae-dori, the city’s main commercial and business thoroughfare. Spanning the 27th through 35th floors, it offers magnificent views of the park and city. The building will be designed by celebrated architect Kengo Kuma, who is renowned for his innovative ability to blend architecture and the natural world. Park Hyatt Sapporo will offer 157 luxurious rooms and suites, world-class culinary and wellness experiences, an indoor swimming pool and inspiring spaces for meetings and events.

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Hokkaido’s year-round attractions now account for the most inbound overnight stays and tourism spending of any regional area in Japan, separate from the nation’s three major metropolitan areas [source: Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism]. Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido is known for rugged wildernesses, superb powder snow, sumptuous seafood, intriguing indigenous culture and more. The city is easily accessible by 90-minute flights from Tokyo, and eventually by high-speed rail when the Bullet Train extends to Sapporo in the early 2030s. As Japan’s fifth-largest city, Sapporo itself has become a favored destination. Tanuki Koji shopping street and the Susukino entertainment district bustle with tourists year-round, while Sapporo’s iconic winter landscape has been named one of Japan's top sights to behold.

People at the Tanukikoji Shopping Street

“Park Hyatt Sapporo is our second collaboration with Heiwa Real Estate, after Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo, which is set to open in 2025,” said David Udell, group president, Asia Pacific, Hyatt. “We sincerely appreciate their confidence in Hyatt, and we are honoured to join with them in elevating the luxury offerings in this dynamic city. We are excited to be part of the ongoing transformation of Sapporo, as more discerning business and leisure travelers, including World of Hyatt members, head north to discover Hokkaido.”
“With a superb location in central Sapporo, Park Hyatt Sapporo will become a luxury home-away-from-home for those looking to experience Sapporo's rich selection of attractions,” said Kiyoyuki Tsuchimoto, representative executive officer, president and chief executive officer of Heiwa Real Estate. “This development project is the starting point of our new growth strategy, as we contribute to Sapporo's evolving stature as one of Japan’s leading cities. We are confident that our collaboration with Hyatt will be another highly successful one.”
Park Hyatt Sapporo will join Hyatt’s growing Japan portfolio of 21 hotels encompassing nine brands, including Andaz, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Caption by Hyatt, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. Hyatt is steadily increasing its brand presence in Hokkaido with Park Hyatt Hanazono which opened in early 2020, as well as the vibrant Hyatt Centric brand, which is set to debut in Sapporo in 2026. -

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.