London Gatwick reports strong start to 2024

London Gatwick reports strong start to 2024

The continued collaboration with partners and the hard work of front-line colleagues has supported London Gatwick's continued recovery and delivered a successful start to the year, the airport said when publishing its interim financial results.

2024 interim results include:

• 19.9 million passengers travelled through the airport, an increase of 7.7% compared to the same period in 2023
• Revenue at £488 million, up 15.3% compared to 2023. Includes £239 million in aeronautical income and £249 million from non-aeronautical sources, such as retail and parking
• EBITDA at £268 million, up 13.9% compared to 2023, with net profit for the period at £106 million, up 33.8%

Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive Officer, London Gatwick, said: “With the growing demand for travel, we are experiencing one of our busiest summers yet. Thanks to robust planning and close collaboration with our partners we’ve had a strong start to 2024, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable experience for our passengers.

“I am delighted that we have once again achieved good service levels, as evidenced by meeting 100% of our service measures. At the same time, through our Northern Runway Project, we are demonstrating our commitment to growing sustainably, in line with our Decade of Change sustainability strategy and government policy.

“Our teams have worked incredibly hard to achieve these results. As we continue to grow our network and offer more choice for passengers, we are working towards our vision to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey.”

Strong financial performance as traffic continues to grow 

Peak holiday times are continuing to attract more people to travel, representing a 90% recovery on 2019 levels.

A focus on developing new long-haul routes across the Middle East, Asia and North America is attracting a wider range of passengers and continues to build on the airport’s vision to be the airport for everyone. Recent new services include the June introduction of Singapore Airlines flights from London Gatwick plus new routes by flag carriers to key cities across China and India. 

Sustainable growth

Hong Kong After Dark...... time to dive into some unforgettable nighttime experiences

Global travellers are invited to experience the vibrant nighttime celebrations taking place in Hong Kong this fall. From Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations and the annual Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival to Taste Around Town and citywide Halloween celebrations, Hong Kong boasts an impressive line-up of events for everyone to enjoy this season.

A Tradition that Shines Bright

The iconic Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, which has been designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, this year takes place on 16–18 September. Over 300 performers will work together to carry and manoeuvre a massive 67-metre-long fire-lit dragon through the grid-like streets of the Tai Hang neighbourhood. The dragon, made of pearl straws and covered in around 12,000 incense sticks, requires seamless teamwork to keep it dancing.

On the evening of the Mid-Autumn Festival (17 September), there will be a festival-themed drone show over Victoria Harbour, which promises to create unforgettable memories for locals and visitors alike as it showcases Hong Kong’s vibrant spirit and unique blend of tradition and innovation. Other highlights include lantern carnivals and vibrant celebrations taking place across various neighbourhoods, including at Victoria Park (12–18 September) and Lee Tung Avenue (31 August–15 October).

The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival Returns This October

The annual Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival is making a grand return to Central Harbourfront from 23 to 27 October. This year, the Festival will be extended by one day, becoming a five-day, open-air culinary party. All from near and far are welcome to savour some of the finest tastes from this culinary capital, all backed by breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour. This year’s line-up also features a diverse selection of wines and spirits from various countries and regions all in one place.

Other key highlights include dozens of food stalls serving up epicurean delights, including about 10 award-winning restaurants that will showcase their culinary mastery in a designated gourmet area, an exclusive cocktail lounge in front of Victoria Harbour for the perfect setting to enjoy signature serves expertly designed by renowned mixologists and an exciting programme of spectacular music performances throughout the five-day festival.

The Festival will also provide the perfect launching pad for “Taste Around Town”, a citywide culinary celebration across Hong Kong over the entire month of November, with special menus and offers that leave everyone’s palates wanting more.

For more information about “Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival” and “Taste Around Town”, please visit: www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/what-s-new/events/wine-dine-festival.html

Hong Kong Halloween: A Spooktacular Time Awaits

A reflection of the city’s East-meets-West culture, Halloween is one of the biggest days on the city’s social calendar, with restaurants, shopping malls, major attractions and more all taking part in the celebrations. As well as whimsical and creative Halloween-themed decorations and displays all around town, Lan Kwai Fong, one of the city’s most popular nightlife districts, will be the centre of the action, with the destination’s lineup of over 100 bars and restaurants set to welcome revellers in all manner of costumes into the early hours.

Hong Kong Ocean Park unleashed classic Hong Kong Horror (7 September - 3 November), invites thrill-seekers of all ages to immerse themselves in the scariest urban legends of the 1980s. The new Ocean Park Halloween Fest emerges Six haunted experiences, leading guests to explore each gloomy zone, from old walled city, haunted apartments to ghostly hotels.

Disney Halloween Time (13 September – 31 October) is set to make a grand return to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort this season. Get ready for the evilest laughs and surprises as an array of enchanting Disney-themed Halloween experiences whimsical-themed merchandise and limited-edition delicacies await.

The night continues

Extend your evening by indulging in Hong Kong's vibrant nightlife. Savour delicious late-night local delicacies or embark on a bar-hopping adventure to experience the city’s diverse culinary scene and lively atmosphere. Start planning your trip to Hong Kong today and immerse yourself in the magic of these world-class events.

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For information about the “Mid-Autumn Festival”, please visit www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/explore/culture/mid-autumn-festival.html. For information about “Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance”, please visit www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/explore/culture/tai-hang-s-fire-dragon-dance.html.

SkyDrive and Osaka Metro sign agreement to work towards social implementation of eVTOL after the EXPO 2025

SkyDrive Inc, a leading Japanese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer confirmed it has signed an agreement with Osaka Metro Co. to study the feasibility of using eVTOL in the Osaka area after the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. In addition, Osaka Metro has invested in SkyDrive for continued development.

SkyDrive's mission is "taking the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution," and its vision is to create a future where everyone uses eVTOLs for daily transportation in Japan and across the world. SkyDrive was selected to participate in the Advanced Air Mobility "Smart Mobility Expo" Project in 2025.

Osaka Metro operates eight subway lines and one New Tram, which is an automated, driverless tram. Each day, around 2.4 million passengers use the Osaka Metro rapid transit system. The company is also advancing an urban Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) concept called "e METRO," which integrates various modes of transport, including subways, buses, and taxis, to make Osaka city more convenient. In February 2024, Osaka Metro was selected as an operator of a vertiport outside the Expo site in Osaka.

Two Delta employees killed by exploding tire named.

Two Delta employees were killed whilst working on a Boeing 757 at the carrier's maintenance centre at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta on Tuesday morning.

Named locally as Mirko Marweg, 58, and Luis Aldarondo Jr, 37, were changing a wheel on the aircraft when a tyre exploded, and a third person was injured during the incident.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers issued the following statements: "We will offer our resources to all those impacted by this tragic event. We call on Delta and the relevant authorities to quickly launch a thorough investigation into how this happened".

The airport said its "prayers are with the families affected by the tragic incident".

Mirko Marweg had served in the army for four years and was previously employed by the Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. Luis Aldarondo leaves behind a young family.

The airline said: "The Delta family is heartbroken at the loss of two team members and the injury of another following an incident this morning at the Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance facility.

We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time."

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BBN Airlines Indonesia receives Australian Foreign Air Transport Air Operators Certificate

BBN Airlines Indonesia, an airline based in Indonesia, specializing in ACMI Leasing, Air Charter Flights, and Air Freight Services, is pleased to announce that it has received regulatory approval to operate in Australian airspace through the issuance of a Foreign Air Transport Air Operators Certificate (FATAOC) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Australia. Under the new FATAOC BBN Airlines Indonesia may now begin its commercial operations within Australia, further expanding its capabilities within the Australian and Asian marketplace.

“I am excited to receive our FATAOC from the Australian CASA to further expand our capabilities serving the region,” Martynas Grigas, Chairman at BBN Airlines Indonesia, said. “This FATAOC dramatically increases our capabilities in the Asia-Pacific Region.”

The increased operational portfolio will further empower BBN Airlines Indonesia to offer interconnectivity within the Asia marketplace. The company plans to continue its operations within the region with increasing capabilities.

United goes back to school with $1.25 million contribution to DonorsChoose

As students get ready to start another school year, United will triple the total donations to DonorsChoose aviation projects in Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark/New York, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

United is kicking off the school year with a $1.25 million donation through education nonprofit DonorsChoose, funding aviation and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) classroom projects across the country. United will triple the amount of donations for DonorsChoose aviation projects submitted by teachers in nine markets and match funding for STEM projects at Equity Focus Schools.

For the second year in a row, United's contributions will help bring aviation and select STEM-focused projects to life as they're posted on DonorsChoose over the next few months. If teachers in the selected cities are interested in submitting a project to be considered for funding, and viewing 2023 funded projects, they can visit donorschoose.org/united. Participating cities include Chicago, Denver, Washington, D.C., New York, Houston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, as well as in Phoenix and across Hawaii.

"This program is a testament to United's commitment to diversifying our workforce and removing barriers to STEM and aviation education and careers for underrepresented groups," said Helon Hammond, VP of Global Learning, People and Community Impact for United. "Last year, we were able to help fund 2,592 projects across our hub cities and target markets. We're proud to collaborate with DonorsChoose for the second year in a row and continuing efforts to support the organization as their sole aviation partner."

First Airbus A321neo joins KLM’s fleet

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines this week welcomed its first Airbus A321neo after it touched down at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The arrival of this new aircraft is an important step in the rigorous renewal programme initiated by KLM to support cleaner, quieter, and more efficient flight operations. From mid‑September, the A321neo will begin serving several European destinations.

New engine option

The “neo” stands for new engine option: the aircraft are equipped with new engines that emit less CO2 than their predecessors. Measured per passenger tonne kilometre, the A321neo is around 21% more fuel efficient than the Boeing 737 aircraft it replaces. Additionally, the aircraft reduces noise impact – essentially halving its noise footprint – causing far less disturbance to residents.

More comfort and convenience

Passengers on the A321neo experience more comfort thanks to wider seats, larger tables and more spacious luggage bins. Each seat is equipped with a USB-C port and a holder for a mobile or tablet. The aircraft also offers more convenience for the crew, including a wider aisle and easy-to-open luggage bins. The interior has been designed to enhance the KLM experience, with more recognisable details and mood lighting that adapts to each stage of the journey.

Qatar Airways’ Announces Latest Interline Partnership with Maldivian

Passengers can now book one ticket encompassing both Qatar Airways and Maldivian flights

A plethora of new benefits include increased booking choices, competitive fares, and co-ordinated flight schedules

Qatar Airways is elevating travel experiences to the Maldives through its new interline partnership with Maldivian, the national carrier of the Maldives, providing passengers the option to book both Qatar Airways and Maldivian flights on qatarairways.com.

Travellers planning their holidays at one of the Maldives’ beautiful islands can now incorporate both their Qatar Airways and Maldivian flights in one booking. Once Qatar Airways passengers arrive to Velana International Airport, they will be guided to the domestic terminal for their Maldivian flight.

Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: “We, at Qatar Airways, continue to expand our services to provide our passengers with innovative and inviting travel experiences. With our latest Maldivian interline partnership, we look forward to seeing our passengers enjoy a smooth start to their holidays, as well as benefit from the plethora of new travel benefits. We are proud to offer the option of a seamless process, allowing passengers to book one ticket that includes both their Qatar Airways flight to Male, and the connecting Maldivian flight to their beachside getaway.” 

Maldivian Chief Commercial Officer, Ismail Amrah Umar, said: "We are thrilled to announce our interline partnership with Qatar airways, through which our customers will experience smooth connectivity with international baggage allowance while traveling within our network of 17 destinations across Maldives. By offering more choice and enhanced access to our strong and growing route network, we aim to boost tourism to the Maldives, showcasing our pristine islands to travellers from around the world.”

 

The impact of business aviation on the economy: facts and figures

Business aviation, frequently visualized through the lens of opulence and exclusivity, plays a much more essential role in the global economy than it is often credited for. It is a significant economic contributor, fostering job creation, trade, and investment on a global scale. Let's explore the impressive facts and figures that outline its remarkable economic impact.

On a global scale, business aviation contributes massively to economic productivity. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reported that in 2021, the industry generated over $276 billion in total economic output worldwide. This figure not only includes direct contributions from manufacturers, operators, and support services but also indirect and induced impacts, resulting from supply chain spending and expenditures by industry employees.

Further highlighting the scale of the industry, as of 2021, there were approximately 22,000 business jets in operation worldwide.

Business aviation also supports a significant number of jobs globally. As of the same report, it was responsible for more than 1.7 million jobs, encompassing direct, indirect, and induced employment. These are high-quality, well-paying jobs that span a multitude of roles, from engineers and pilots to service staff and administrative professionals.

11 new routes from Frontier Airlines

U.S. low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines is introducing 11 new routes across 15 airports starting in October and November, connecting consumers with more low-cost travel options throughout the United States. 

“As consumers look ahead to the fall and winter months and make their holiday plans, we are thrilled to once again expand our roster of convenient and affordable travel options,” said Josh Flyr, vice president of network and operations design, at Frontier Airlines. “From warm weather destinations such as Southern California, Texas, and Florida or winter sports meccas Utah and Colorado, to popular metropolitan areas like New York, Atlanta and Washington, D.C., there are now even more exciting destinations to choose from when flying Frontier.”

New service from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):

SERVICE TO:	SERVICE START:	STARTING FREQUENCY:	INTRO FARE:
Austin (AUS)	October 11, 20224	3x/week	$29*
Newark (EWR)	November 4, 2024	Daily	$19*
Washington Dulles (IAD)	November 14, 2024	Daily	$19*

New service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS):

SERVICE TO:	SERVICE START:	STARTING FREQUENCY:	INTRO FARE:
Atlanta (ATL)	October 11, 2024	3x/week	$29*

New service from Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR):

SERVICE TO:	SERVICE START:	STARTING FREQUENCY:	INTRO FARE:
Phoenix (PHX)	November 21, 2024	4x/week	$19*
San Francisco (SFO)	November 21, 2024	Daily	$19*
Denver (DEN)	November 22, 2024	3x/week	$29*

New service from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG):

SERVICE TO:	SERVICE START:	STARTING FREQUENCY:	INTRO FARE:
Sarasota (SRQ)	October 12, 2024	Weekly	$29*

UK expands eVisas to new biometric customers

The UK immigration system is going digital, meaning physical documents will be replaced with an online immigration status.

Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), vignette stickers in passports or ‘wet ink stamps’ are among some of the physical documents that will no longer needed. If you are granted a visa to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months – for example to work or study – you will now need to create a UKVI online account to access your eVisa. The account acts as an online record of your immigration status. For those granted a visa to stay in the UK for less than 6 months, for example as a tourist, you do not need to create a UKVI account.
High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMB OBE said: “We are constantly innovating to make it easier for Pakistanis to travel to the UK. This new use of technology will streamline a key part of the visa process, make it more secure and reduce the dependence on paper documents.”
The process is free, secure, and straightforward. You can find out more, including how to create an account, on our website: gov.uk/eVisa. You must not travel to the UK until you have received your passport and valid UK visa back from the Visa Application Centre (VAC). Updating a physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK.
Upon arrival in the UK you will still be required to collect a BRP. All BRP cards are valid until 31 December 2024, but the expiry of your BRP card does not affect your immigration status. You can use your BRP card to create your UKVI account and access your eVisa. You should continue to carry your BRP until it expires, and take your BRP and your passport when travelling overseas to prove your permission to return to the UK.
For more information, visit Online immigration status (eVisa) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)