Air India to operate Vistara flights from November as merger gets key approval

Following approval from the Indian government, the takeover by Air India of Vistara will go ahead the former will operate the latter's flights from November. According to the deal, the last Vistara-operated flight will take place on 11th November.   

Singapore Airlines owns 49% of Vistara in a joint venture with India's Tata Group confirmed it had received approval for foreign direct investment into an expanded Air India from the Indian government. Once completed it would put to bed a merger deal that has been in the making since November 2022.

From tomorrow 3rd September customers would no longer be able to book flights on Vistara for travel on or after 12 November this year. Instead, people would be directed to Air India's site. 

Singapore Airlines, which is currently the only foreign airline with a direct stake in an Indian carrier, will then hold a 25.1% stake in the combined Air India group in return for a $250 million investment. The deal was agreed in part due to the agreement that the Singaporean airline is due to invest up to 50.2 billion Indian rupees in the group once the merger is completed. 

This is a key moment in the development of Singapore Airlines' overseas investments, it was only at the beginning of July that the group got approval from the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) for a commercial joint venture deal with Garuda Indonesia.

With this approval, the airlines will be able to deepen their strategic partnership on a wider range of commercial activities that will bring greater benefits to both airlines. These potentially include operating joint revenue-sharing flights between the two countries, coordinating flight schedules to offer travellers more options and seamless connectivity between Singapore and Indonesia and beyond, and exploring joint sales and marketing initiatives that provide greater value to both airlines’ customers.

China's top airlines post losses amid slow international travel

China's leading state-owned airlines posted losses in the first half of the year, weighed down by a slower-than-expected rebound in international travel, domestic oversupply, and more intense competition as aviation capacity returns globally, reports Sophie Yu in Beijing and Lisa Barrington in Seoul.

China's top three airlines - Air China, China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines last reported annual net profits in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold.

China Eastern, headquartered in Shanghai, reported a first-half loss of 2.8 billion yuan ($395 million) on Friday, compared with a loss of 6.2 billion in the same six months of last year.

"Ticket prices in the domestic market have decreased year-on-year ... due to intensified competition in the domestic passenger transportation market, lower-than-expected recovery of some international markets, as well as the competition from high-speed rail," it said in a filing.

The country's flagship carrier Air China posted a first-half net loss of 2.78 billion yuan, narrower than a loss of 3.45 billion in the same period last year, it said on Thursday.

China Southern Airlines reported a net loss of 1.23 billion yuan in the first half, narrowing from a 2.9 billion loss a year earlier. The Guangzhou-based airline made a 760 million yuan profit in the first quarter.

Air China said international traffic grew in the first half, with passenger numbers above 80% of 2019's pre-pandemic levels. But it said its traditionally "advantageous" North American routes were recovering slowly.

Low Demand

Flights between China and the United States have been held up by political issues and low demand and are around a fifth of what they were in 2019, flight schedule data from Cirium and China-based aviation data provider VariFlight show.

Skyteam Alliances welcomes SAS finally.

SAS has officially joined the SkyTeam global airline alliance today, marking a major milestone for the airline as it escapes Chapter 11 and tries to operate in a more financially secure position. 

By joining SkyTeam, SAS contributes to the alliance’s strategic focus on operational synergies and sustainability. SAS customers will also benefit from seamless connectivity to over 1,060 destinations in SkyTeam’s extensive global network, notably opening new opportunities in regions such as Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Codeshare agreements are already in place with Air France-KLM with options for codeshares with more SkyTeam members to follow later. 

SkyTeam Chairman, Andres Conesa commented: “We are happy to welcome SAS into the SkyTeam family, a customer-focused airline that shares our vision of delivering a high quality, future-proof travel experience across the globe. Bringing SAS on board as a new member opens exciting new opportunities for customers. As we approach our 25th anniversary year, I am excited for the future of SkyTeam.”

Norse to reduce fleet to 12 Boeing 787-9s

Norse Atlantic, the long-haul budget carrier is set to return three Boeing 787 aircraft to lessors in a move to save money as losses continue to amass in its latest results. 

The company which was founded by CEO and major shareholder Bjørn Tore Larsen in March 2021 has just released its 2024 second-quarter results that demonstrated airfares were lower in the over-saturated long haul trans-Atlantic market which had a negative impact on its revenues and resulting loss.  

From the end of May, Norse increased its fleet of own-operated aircraft from 10 to 12 after taking delivery of two 787-9s from sublease as planned. The airline is now negotiating with lessors or three Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners to return the planes ahead of the lease expiry date to cut costs and operate an all 787-9 fleet,

Norse reported available seat kilometres was up 105%, with the number of flights increasing 89% and passengers were up 99% compared to the second quarter of 2023, while the load factor increased by seven percentage points to 82%.

Another area for development for the carrier to help cut costs was to agree on improved terms with credit card payment providers and agree to distribute its services on GDS systems, which will allow leisure and business travel agents easy access to booking flights for customers. that had effect from August.

Bjorn Tore Larsen said: "We are making an important improvement to our distribution strategy and will join the Global Distribution System (GDS), where we expect to be available in 2024. Once on the GDS, our inventory will be available to be sold by corporate and leisure travel agents globally, significantly increasing the population that will be able to purchase our great value tickets with Norse. We will remain steadfast that the cheapest tickets will always be on our website.

Revenue was up in the ACMI and charter flying area which the company will further exploit during the second half of the year, which it hopes will continue to improve as it talks with other airlines for long term placements. "Norse is currently in negotiations with several airlines regarding multi-year contracts for fleet allocation, some of which would have an impact from the end of 2024 if they materialize." Bjorn Tore Larsen said.

Key figures....

Revenue increased by 65% to USD 164.8 million

406,306 passengers carried in Q2 2024, up 99%

Load factor increased by seven percentage points to 82%

Revenue of USD 380 per passengers during quarter, compared to USD 425 in Q2 2023

Continued revenue growth from ACMI and charter

Number of flights operated during quarter was 1,531, up 89%

Strong operational performance as 99.5% of planned flights were completed during the quarter

Lower unit cost with CASK ex fuel being down 35%

Total cash held at end of quarter was USD 23.7 million

Revising business strategy, aiming to secure long-term charters and significant cost reductions

Improved credit card terms secured post quarter-end

Expect to be available on GDS in 2024

Sukhoi Superjet 100.....

The Sukhoi Superjet 100, also known as the SSJ100, represents a significant chapter in the history of aviation as the first commercial aircraft developed and produced in post-Soviet Russia. The inception of the SSJ100 project dates back to the early 2000s, with the establishment of JSC Sukhoi in May 2000, marking the beginning of a new era for the Russian aviation industry. The development of the SSJ100 was driven by the recognition of a market need for a modern regional jet capable of competing on a global scale, particularly against established Western manufacturers.

The initial phase of the SSJ100's development focused on market analysis, which led to the identification of a niche for an aircraft with a range of 3,000 to 4,500 kilometers, exceeding the typical regional jet's capabilities. This analysis resulted in the conceptualization of three variants: the RRJ60, RRJ75, and RRJ95, with seating capacities tailored to market demands. The design phase was characterized by a collaboration between Sukhoi and international partners, including Boeing, which provided expertise in various aspects of aircraft development, from engineering to certification.

The maiden flight of the SSJ100 on 19 May 2008 marked a milestone for Sukhoi, demonstrating the successful culmination of years of design and development work. The aircraft's entry into commercial service with Armavia on 21 April 2011 signified its readiness to compete in the regional jet market. The SSJ100, with a typical seating capacity of 87 to 98 passengers, was powered by PowerJet SaM146 turbofans, a joint venture between French Safran and Russian NPO Saturn, showcasing the international cooperation that underpinned the project.

However, the journey of the SSJ100 has not been without challenges. The aircraft has faced scrutiny and setbacks, including hull loss accidents and the impact of geopolitical events on its operational viability. The sanctions imposed on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 led to a significant shift in the SSJ100's production and development. The sanctions halted the supply of Western components, prompting a "Russification" process that saw the replacement of these components with domestically produced alternatives, including the Aviadvigatel PD-8 engines.

The rebranding of the parent company Irkut as Yakovlev and the subsequent renaming of the Superjet to SJ-100 in August 2023 reflect the ongoing evolution of the SSJ100 project in response to changing market and political conditions. Despite the uncertainties and the reduction in production numbers reported in 2023, the SSJ100 remains a symbol of Russia's ambition to reclaim a prominent position in the commercial aviation market.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) has a safety record that reflects both its technological advancements and the challenges faced by modern aviation. Since its first commercial flight in 2011, the SSJ100 has been involved in four hull loss accidents resulting in 89 fatalities as of July 2024. These incidents have been scrutinized by aviation experts and regulatory bodies to ensure continuous improvement in aviation safety standards.

The first notable incident occurred on 9 May 2012, when an SSJ100 crashed during a demonstration flight in Indonesia, claiming 45 lives. The investigation concluded that pilot error, compounded by a complex interaction with the terrain warning system, was the primary cause. This tragic event highlighted the importance of comprehensive pilot training and the need for clear communication between flight crews and automated systems.

A Yakutia Airlines SSJ100 slid off the runway at Yakutsk Airport on 10 October 2018 as the main landing gear collapsed. The crew managed to evacuate all 87 passengers without serious injury.

Another significant accident took place on 5 May 2019, when an Aeroflot-operated SSJ100 made an emergency landing at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport, leading to 41 deaths. The aircraft was struck by lightning shortly after takeoff, which caused electrical failures and forced the pilots to return to the airport. The subsequent hard landing where the aircraft bounced a number of times before a fire engulfed the rear of the aircraft, raised questions about aircraft resilience and emergency response protocols.

On 12 July 2024, a Gazpromavia SSJ100 crashed near Kolomna whilst operating a test flight, a flight crew of three were killed in the incident. On August 30, 2024, the Russian Interstate Aviation Committee (MAK) released a preliminary report on the fatal crash which stated the plane took off as expected, however, soon after, the crew received multiple error messages regarding speed and navigation systems. The crew experienced further complications during the climb, including overspeed warnings and issues with the automatic deployment of speed brakes. After the autopilot and autothrottle were disengaged while the aircraft was at 4500 feet approximately but the crew struggled to control the jet manually. Despite efforts to manage speed and climb, the aircraft continued to descend and eventually crashed. 

In response to these events, Sukhoi has taken steps to enhance the SSJ100's safety features and improve pilot training programs. The company has worked closely with aviation authorities to implement recommendations from accident investigations, focusing on areas such as avionics software updates, crew resource management, and emergency procedures.

Moreover, the SSJ100's safety record must be viewed in the context of its operational history. By November 2021, the fleet had logged over 2,000,000 flight hours, demonstrating an 'official' level of reliability in line with other regional jets in its class. The aircraft's performance and safety are said to be continuously monitored through rigorous maintenance protocols and regular oversight by aviation regulatory bodies.

The introduction of the Russified version of the SSJ100, with domestically produced components and the Aviadvigatel PD-8 engines, represents a new chapter in the aircraft's history. This transition aims to ensure the SSJ100's compliance with Russian aviation standards and reduce reliance on foreign parts, potentially impacting its safety record and operational performance.

As the SSJ100 continues to serve airlines and passengers, its safety record will evolve with advancements in technology, industry practices, and regulatory frameworks. The commitment to safety by Sukhoi and the broader aviation community is paramount, as it is the cornerstone upon which the trust and reliability of the SSJ100 are built. The ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures and learn from past incidents are crucial for the future success of the SSJ100 and the safety of all who fly aboard it.

In conclusion, the development of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 is a testament to the complexities of modern aircraft development, characterized by technological innovation and initially international collaboration, and the influence of geopolitical dynamics. yet, the SSJ100's journey from its inception to its current state is one of change and adaptability required to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the Russian aviation industry. Perhaps it will go down in history as a case study concerning the interplay between technology, politics, and market forces and reliability in the realm of commercial aviation.

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ACG leases a Boeing 737- MAX 9 to United Airlines

Aviation Capital Group LLC, a premier global full-service aircraft asset manager, announced the delivery of one Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft to United Airlines. Featuring CFM International LEAP-1B engines, this is the first aircraft scheduled to deliver to the airline as part of a multiple-aircraft sale-leaseback transaction between ACG and United Airlines.

“It is with great enthusiasm that we commemorate the delivery of United Airlines' latest Boeing 737 MAX 9 with Aviation Capital Group. This milestone marks a significant achievement in our successful partnership with United Airlines. Our collaboration continues to strengthen, driven by shared values and a mutual commitment to customer satisfaction. The Boeing 737-9 MAX is a testament to our dedication to advancing a greener, more sustainable future in aviation,” said Carter White, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of ACG. “We eagerly anticipate the future as we continue our journey with United Airlines, setting new industry benchmarks for service excellence and environmental stewardship. With our shared values and commitment to innovation, we are confident that we will achieve even greater milestones in the years to come.”

“We are excited to take delivery of this 737-9 MAX, an important addition to our fleet. Our partnership with the team at Aviation Capital Group has been instrumental in supporting our fleet strategy, particularly as we invest in more fuel-efficient, customer-friendly aircraft,” said Pamela Hendry, Vice President and Treasurer of United Airlines.

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New logo for Aeromexico.....

            As part of its 90th anniversary, Aeromexico is unveiling a new brand image for its planes, which includes an evolution of the iconic Caballero Aguila emblem that dates back to 1959. The design that will adorn the airline fleet reflects the brand´s evolution, projecting warmth, injecting dynamism and modernity, and reflecting contemporary Mexico. 

Initially, the new image was applied to the fuselage of an Embraer-190 aircraft, with registration number XA-IAC, and gradually, it will be incorporated into the more than 150 aircraft that make up the current fleet of Mexico's global airline, which is also the largest and most modern in its nine-decade history. 

Aeromexico introduced “Kukulcán,” earlier this month, a new Boeing 737 MAX-9 that, like Quetzalcóatl, will embody the spirit of contemporary Mexico at every destination it reaches with this c

The design of this aircraft, with registration XA-GQS, was crafted by the artist Edgar Flores "Saner" from the State of Mexico. It features elements of Mexican folklore, including native flowers and animals.

The new version of the Caballero Aguila shows a more human face that conveys closeness and empathy, which are part of Aeromexico's mission to create a stronger connection with its customers, employees, and partners. The redesigned helmet represents the fuselage of an aircraft on the upper part and the emblematic plumage of the original version on the lower part. 

The redesign procedure was carried out at the International Aerospace Coatings (IAC) in Amarillo, Texas. It consisted of removing the previous paint from the fuselage, wings, engines, and surfaces to apply the new design. 

Andres Conesa, CEO of Aeromexico, said: “This year marks a huge milestone for all who are part of the Aeromexico Family as we celebrate 90 years of history. On this special anniversary, I am proud to introduce you to the new image that will adorn our fleet, which reflects the internal transformation we have made to consolidate a world-class product, always keeping our customers at the centre of everything we do. This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on all the achievements we have reached, look forward, and give our best to continue elevating the journey towards the extraordinary.” 

At the end of 1959, the Caballero Aguila became the official emblem of the company when all its aircraft were renamed in honour of the Aztec culture. Since then, the company has evolved constantly, making it one of the most iconic and historic airlines worldwide. 

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/Earlier this month the airline introduced “Kukulcán,” a new Boeing 737 MAX-9 that, like Quetzalcóatl, will embody the spirit of contemporary Mexico at every destination it reaches.

The design of this aircraft, with registration XA-GQS, was crafted by the artist Edgar Flores "Saner" from the State of Mexico. It features elements of Mexican folklore, including native flowers and animals.

Boeing and Nigeria to collaborate in advancing the nations aviation ecosystem

                  Boeing and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the West African country’s aviation sector. Africa continues to be a promising market with its overall air-traffic growth forecasted well above the average global growth rate over the next 20 years.

“We are delighted to enter into this important, ‘working together’ agreement with Boeing which will benefit Nigerian airlines and enable the development of our country’s civil aviation ecosystem,” said Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Festus Keyamo. “As Africa’s largest economy and with the continent’s largest population, Nigeria has a lot to offer in driving the growth of aviation in Africa. The support to be provided through this agreement will help our local operators grow and succeed, which is a priority of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. We are keen to work assiduously with Boeing in the coming months and years to make this a reality.”

As part of a strategic relationship with the ministry and Nigerian airlines, Boeing will provide planning workshops, training, technical support and assessments to airline operators.

GACA Issues Water Aerodrome License to Red Sea Global

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the regenerative tourism destinations, The Red Sea and AMAALA, has secured its second operating license for a water aerodrome from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). 

 

His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, the President of GACA, handed the license for Shebara Resort to RSG’s Group CEO John Pagano at The Red Sea destination. 

The President stated the license award formed part of GACA’s aviation transformation program to boost competition and investment in support of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda. 

Through the Saudi Aviation Strategy GACA is driving unprecedented growth in Saudi aviation, supporting projects such as Red Sea Global with greater aviation infrastructure and connectivity. 

As the Kingdom’s aviation regulator, GACA is ensuring the highest levels of safety and quality across the sector, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in the aviation sector. 

Mr Pagano said the license was one of the final steppingstones toward opening Shebara to the world. 

“Soon, guests will be arriving by seaplane to this iconic resort in anticipation of enjoying a truly peerless escape,” Mr Pagano said. 

“As owners of the Kingdom’s first seaplane airline and its only two water aerodromes up until now, we are firmly establishing ourselves as leaders within tourism and aviation.” 

The Australian domestic airline industry is on the cusp of a remarkable transformation believes Koala Airlines....

While the tangled mess of the collapse of Rex Airlines is sorted out by administrators and the painful memories of Bonza are still jarring, yet another airline is getting ready to take to the skies above Australia. 

The Koala Airlines team has been crafting a fresh approach to aviation, inspired by a passion for service, innovation and customer experience. The carrier's strategy will fundamentally differ from previous entrants in a domestic market which has been long dominated by two major airlines since the Australian government first introduced the Two Airline Policy in 1952.

Under this protectionist policy, only two airlines were allowed to operate flights between state capital cities and between capitals and nominated regional centres. It was not until 1990 that the government relaxed the policy to allow competition in the market.  While many new low-cost carriers have entered the market since 1990 and focused solely on offering cheaper fares, almost entirely leading to unsustainable competition, Koala is taking a more innovative route. The airline's goal is to carve out a unique niche that enhances the industry landscape without disrupting existing standards by creating a lasting impact on the industry.

Koala is currently finalising negotiations to acquire a fleet that will enable our Air Operators Certificate to be upgraded with the new aircraft type - Boeing 737 MAX jets.  This step is crucial in solidifying its operational capabilities and readiness to serve customers with the highest standards.

Having established the foundation, Koala is dedicated to advancing this vision with its core management team that is implementing the strategic plan. The carrier is led by Bill Astling Founding CEO, supported by Phil Le Liu, Director, Sally Spring MBA, Chief Operating Officer, Keith Bolshaw, Kelsie Johnston,  Unni Nair,  Scott Kefford and Anton Meryl Nithianandan.

Saudi Arabia and Maldives forge stronger aviation partnership

Saudi Arabia and the Maldives have taken a significant step towards enhancing aviation safety and security, particularly in the area of water aerodromes and seaplanes, following a high-level visit by His Excellency Captain Mohamed Ameed, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation from the Maldives.

This visit to the Red Sea region was a key moment in Saudi-Maldives relations, underscored by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia and the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority.

The MoU establishes a framework for enhanced cooperation, focusing on the development of safety and security regulations for water aerodromes and seaplanes that align with international best practices.

The event was hosted by His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, along with His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of GACA within the Red Sea project. 

The Red Sea is a giga project being developed by Red Sea Global, which is dedicated to creating world-class sustainable tourism destinations. The project itself is anchored by the cutting-edge Red Sea International Airport. 

The airport is fast becoming a key gateway for luxury tourism, further cementing Saudi Arabia’s status as a global leader in innovation and sustainable development. 

The visit culminated in a shared commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of aviation through innovative regulatory frameworks and strengthened international cooperation.

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British Airways releases the top 25 most sought-after destinations for 2025

                 

                     As the 'End of Summer Sale' launches, British Airways Holidays has identified the most sought-after destinations for 2025 holidays so far and delves into the movers and shakers over the last 12 months.

Photo BA

The never-ending allure of the Big Apple means New York has retained the top spot once again for 2025. Meanwhile, Phuket and Bangkok appear to be riding the wave of excitement surrounding the upcoming third season of an Emmy-winning TV comedy-drama, securing them as potential holiday hotspots for next year. They rank 16th and 20th respectively.

There are also some new additions that have captured the imagination of UK travellers. Nashville is a new entry at number 22, perhaps fuelled by the resurgence of country music, while Corfu follows at 23 after a flurry of new hotel openings. Australia sneaks in at number 25 to round off the list.

Los Angeles has an unparalleled line up of world-class sporting events on the horizon, potentially driving the destination’s recent rise through the ranks, and Grenada seems to have captured the attention of viewers of a recent popular TV show, as it jumps up a staggering five places.

The top five destinations are listed below.

New York: Retains the top spot once again

Orlando: Also a non-mover

Las Vegas: Climbs one spot to take the bronze position

Maldives: Drops down one place to just miss out on a podium finish

Barbados: Another destination which has climbed the list by one place

Holidaymakers looking to secure a chance to experience these wonders of the world, plus many more spectacular destinations, can do so with the British Airways and British Airways Holidays ‘End of Summer Sale’, now live. Customers have until 1 October 2024 to take advantage of these deals, securing their next getaway for either 2024 or 2025. The sale includes a wide selection of flights and holiday packages to some of the world’s most desirable destinations.

Helicopter deliveries may rise in 2025, according to Bloomberg Intelligence

Helicopter deliveries may decline this year on supply-chain issues, yet more orders -- particularly at Airbus and Leonardo -- might portend a better 2025, according to a new report from Bloomberg Intelligence (BI). Increased oil prices could boost demand for higher-margin offshore twin-engine models, with Airbus already seeing gains. Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East may bolster defence demand, especially for European manufacturers, as spending grows.

Twin-engine helicopter demand appears set for an annualized decline through late August of 30%, surpassing total helicopter deliveries (down 22.5%). Medevac, dedicated attack and police helicopters are bearing the brunt.

George Ferguson, BI Senior Industry Analyst – Aerospace/Defence, said: “Supply chains might be partly to blame, though the bigger percentages likely reflect market trends. The attack-helicopter drop is surprising but might be short-lived, as fighting in Ukraine and Russia's greater use of armour, may bolster demand. Poland's commitment to buy 96 Boeing AH-64 Apaches could lead the trend.

“Offshore oil and gas appear set for a sizable gain, we believe, with Airbus taking share. Coast guard needs, along with multi-role military and civil are faring well.”

Backlogs and orders at Airbus and Leonardo have risen, evidence of growing demand and a potential precursor to increased build rates, believes BI. Supply-chain issues are likely slowing builds, helping boost backlogs, though order data from Airbus (233 helicopters in 1H vs. 131 in 1H23) and Leonardo (€3.6 billion in value in 1H vs. €2.8 billion in 1H23) appear to confirm the improved demand. European helicopter makers could see better trends as military helicopter spending rises after years of underinvestment. 

George Ferguson added: “Revenue and margin could rise for Airbus and Leonardo as demand grows for offshore-support helicopters by the oil and gas industry and military models amid the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. The pandemic brought no sales or profit gains to helicopter manufacturers like it did for business jets, given most of the demand then was for fixed-wing aircraft. 

“A major driver of incremental revenue and better margin early in the past decade was due to offshore oil and gas support helicopters, though demand slowed dramatically as oil prices skidded in 2014. Bell and Sikorsky are in a different situation, given the former has a lot of corporate business and its 525 offshore-support model had flight-test challenges. Sikorsky is almost solely a military helicopter provider.”

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easyJet and Virgin Atlantic partner in pilot exchange programme

easyJet and Virgin Atlantic have partnered in a pilot exchange programme that will see a cohort of easyJet pilots join Virgin Atlantic to experience a wide-body flying secondment.

From November 2024, 20 easyJet pilots will swap A320 flying for the right-hand seat as a co-pilot to train on Virgin Atlantic’s Airbus A350 fleet for around three years, returning to easyJet at the end of the placement.

New partnership will see cohort of easyJet pilots join Virgin Atlantic on secondment to train on Airbus A350 wide-body fleet

New programme offers three year long haul flying experience with security of an easyJet role to return to

The partnership will provide easyJet pilots with over 1500 flying hours with the opportunity to experience operations on a state of the art, wide-body Airbus A350 and further their flight deck experience over long-haul routes on the youngest transatlantic fleet, while Virgin Atlantic will benefit from highly-trained experienced short haul easyJet pilots from across Europe joining its team.
Captain Bart Prudon, Director of Flight Operations for easyJet, said:  “At easyJet, we pride ourselves on the calibre of our pilots, our industry-leading training and commitment to career development and so we are delighted to have partnered with Virgin Atlantic to further enhance the opportunities flying with easyJet can offer. Operating a different aircraft type is a fantastic experience for any pilot and this partnership will not only offer global long-haul flying with the added security of returning to easyJet to continue a fantastic career flying modern aircraft across Europe, we know that our highly-skilled pilots will add great value to the Virgin Atlantic team.”
Robbert Strating, VP Flight Operations at Virgin Atlantic, commented:   “Our pilots play a vital role flying our customers, safely and on time. The introduction of our pilot placement programme with easyJet will welcome experienced easyJet pilots directly into the Virgin Atlantic family, giving them the opportunity to fly our state-of-the-art, next generation widebody Airbus aircraft, travelling to some amazing long-haul destinations including Los Angeles, India, and South Africa.
Meanwhile, easyJet’s extensive basing network will allow us to attract pilots from across Europe, reaching new audiences.  With our purpose to inspire everyone to take on the world, we’re pleased to play a pivotal role developing their flying careers and enhancing the skills of the next generation of pilots and supporting UK aviation”. 

Passenger Demand Up 8% in July

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for July 2024 global passenger demand with the following highlights:

•    Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 8.0% compared to July 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 7.4% year-on-year. The July load factor was 86.0% (+0.5ppt compared to July 2023). There was no significant negative demand impact from the CrowdStrike IT outage on 19 July.

•    International demand rose 10.1% compared to July 2023. Capacity was up 10.5% year-on-year and the load factor fell to 85.9% (-0.3ppt compared to July 2023).  

•    Domestic demand rose 4.8% compared to July 2023. Capacity was up 2.8% year-on-year and the load factor was 86.1% (+1.7ppt compared to July 2023). 

“July was another positive month. In fact, passenger demand hit an all-time high for the industry and in all regions except Africa, despite significant disruption caused by the CrowdStrike IT outage,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. 

“The winding down of the peak northern summer season is a reminder of how much people depend on flying. As the mix of travelers shift from leisure to business, aviation’s many roles are evident—reuniting families, enabling exploration, and powering commerce. People need and want to fly. And they are doing that in great numbers. Load factors are at the practicable maximum. But persistent supply chain bottlenecks have made deploying the capacity to meet the need to travel more challenging. As much of the world returns from vacation, there is an urgent call for manufacturers and suppliers to resolve their supply chain issues so that air travel remains accessible and affordable to all those who rely on it,” said Walsh.