UK Royal Navy and Royal Air Force F-35 crews complete month-long Iceland mission.

UK's Royal Navy and Royal Air Force aviators this week complete a month-long mission safeguarding Icelandic skies alongside RAF comrades.

For the past four weeks F-35B Lightnings have been deployed to the land of ice and fire – the first time they’ve been deployed on the key NATO mission.

The stealth fighters of 617 ‘Dambusters’ Squadron can normally be found either at RAF Marham – or on the deck of HM Ships Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales.

They swapped East Anglia for Naval Air Station Keflavik – next to Iceland’s principal airport, two dozen miles from the capital Reykjavik – for Operation Masterer.

For more than 15 years, NATO aircraft have patrolled Icelandic skies, responding to a request from the host nation which has no air force of its own to perform the mission.

Four F-35Bs have carried out the operation – the first time the UK’s only fifth-generation fighters have been used for Quick Reaction Alert duties.

QRA is the RAF’s response to hostile/unknown/rogue aircraft approaching the UK’s airspace – the modern-day equivalent of ringing the bell in the Battle of Britain and shouting ‘Scramble’.

This is the first time the Lightning Force has been called on to perform ‘Q shouts’ as the scrambles are known in RAF parlance – the mission has typically been carried out by Typhoons.

As a result, says junior engineering officer (‘’JENGO’ or Deputy Air Engineering Officer in his native Jackspeak) Lieutenant Sankey, the squadron has had to revise the way it works to have an F-35B immediately ready for take-off – known as ‘cocked on’.

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Norwegian group had 2.7 million passengers in August

In August, Norwegian had 2,369,469 passengers while Widerøe had 340,955 passengers, totalling 2,710,424 for the group. The positive trend continues with a passenger growth of 10 percent from August last year. Norwegian’s load factor was slightly up in a month that had a capacity increase of 11 percent compared to the same period last year.

“I am pleased that we continued the positive trend from July to August. We had a significant increase in capacity year on year, while at the same time improving both the load factor and the yields from August 2023. I would also like to thank our dedicated colleagues for all the hard work they have been putting in throughout the summer,” said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian.

Norwegian’s capacity (ASK) was 3,899 million seat kilometres, up 11 percent from the same period last year. Actual passenger traffic (RPK) was 3,341 million seat kilometres, an increase of 11 percent from August 2023. Load factor increased by 0.4 percentage points from the same period last year, to 85.7 percent. In August, Norwegian operated with a regularity, meaning share of scheduled flights taking place, of 99.5 percent. The punctuality, meaning share of flights departing within 15 minutes of scheduled time, was 76.5 percent, down 5.9 percentage points from August last year. However, 95.9 percent of all flights arrived within 60 minutes of scheduled arrival time. Norwegian operated an average of 86 aircraft in August.

Spirit facing an uncertain future.

Spirit Airlines the U.S. budget carrier has furloughed more than a hundred pilots as it struggles to cut costs, delay aircraft deliveries and tries to refinance more than $1 billion debt due next year. Nearly 200 pilots were furloughed at the start of the month and management expects about 70 will be taking voluntary furlough before the start of October. 

The airline recently posted losses of over $192 million for the second quarter of this year and isn't likely to break even until 2026. Spirit has had to ground a number of its Airbus aircraft due to an issue with the Pratt & Whitney power plants and despite the compensation received from the engine maker, the carrier's future is looking a lot less certain.

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Innovation, technology & global challenges are key themes of IATA’s World Safety and Operations Conference

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the theme for the 2024 World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) is “Embracing Innovation and Technology for Safe and Efficient Operations.” WSOC will take place from 1-3 October 2024 in Marrakech, Morocco, hosted by Royal Air Maroc. 

This year’s event takes place against a backdrop of growing operational challenges, regional conflicts, cyber security threats, and extreme weather events, among others. 

“Airlines face common challenges with an operating environment that is growing more complex. At the same time, technological advances, including AI, are offering ever greater potential in support of safe and efficient operations. WSOC 2024 is the forum for industry leaders and experts to share knowledge and experience to make the industry even more resilient and robust in the face of emerging challenges,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. 

"Safety is aviation’s highest priority and the cornerstone of every airline’s operation. For Royal Air Maroc, hosting WSOC is an opportunity to contribute to strengthening the industry’s performance while redoubling our own efforts. This is in particularly sharp focus at Royal Air Maroc as we embark on a major expansion to become a 200-aircraft airline by 2037. This growth will bring economic and social benefits across Morocco and Africa and contribute to the region’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA Football World Cup," said Abdelhamid ADDOU, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Royal Air Maroc, who will give a keynote speech at the event and participate in the opening plenary panel. 

Speakers & Sessions

99% of all Brussels Airlines flights operated as scheduled during July and August

99% of the flights operated as scheduled, almost 3 out of 4 flights departed with less than 15 minutes delay so far this year.

Brussels Airlines is looking back to a successful summer. Numerous efforts to ensure reliable operations have worked out well, ranking Brussels Airlines in the top 5 of most punctual major airlines in Europe. The Belgian national airline will keep investing together with its partners to improve reliability even further in the future.

During the summer months, July and August, Brussels Airlines transported more than 1.7 million passengers on almost 12,000 flights. As always, summer is the busiest season in the aviation industry. This year, Brussels Airlines is happy to announce improved regularity and punctuality numbers.

99% of all Brussels Airlines flights operated as scheduled during July and August. Some cancellations occurred, mainly due to external factors like the tensions in the Middle East that led to flight cancellations on the route to Tel Aviv.

72% of all flights departed within 15 minutes from the scheduled departure time so far this year. Amongst all major European airlines, Brussels Airlines is in the top 5 most punctual airlines so far in 2024 according to data from aviation analytics agency Cirium.

Flight delays were mainly caused by weather (e.g. thunderstorms), shortage of Air Traffic Control staff in some European countries and occasionally long lines at border control at Brussels Airport.

Tilman Reinshagen, Chief Operating Officer, Brussels Airlines said: “At Brussels Airlines, we want to be the most reliable airline operating from the most reliable hub. We’ve taken numerous initiatives together with all our partners such as Brussels Airport and the Belgian federal police to improve our regularity and punctuality. I’m happy to see that our efforts paid off. There are still areas of improvement such as the further roll out of the electronic gates for passport control for flights to Sub-Saharan Africa. This will lead to shorter waiting times at border control and thus less flights we have to delay while waiting for some passengers.”

Not only did more flights leave as scheduled and on-time, Brussels Airlines and its partners also improved other parameters. The number of delayed luggage has dropped by 14% compared to last year. Less than 0.8% of all checked bags didn’t get to their destination on-time.

New cargo routes between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Sapporo's New Chitose Airport and Kitakyushu Airport lauched

Yamato, Japan Airlines and Spring Japan began operating dedicated cargo aircraft between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Sapporo's New Chitose Airport and Kitakyushu Airport on Thursday, August 1, 2024. This new development makes Haneda Airport the fifth airport to be served by these freighters, following Narita Airport, New Chitose Airport, Kitakyushu Airport, and Naha Airport, which have been in service since April 11, 2024. 

The new cargo services will include routes between Haneda Airport (Tokyo) and New Chitose Airport (Sapporo, Hokkaido) and Kitakyushu Airport (Kitakyushu, Fukuoka). These freighters are the only scheduled cargo flights in Japan to service Haneda Airport and will operate during the late night hours when existing passenger aircraft are not in operation. This allows for the speedy and highly fresh distribution of products to more distant locations while maintaining daytime production times for products and harvesting and catching times for agricultural and marine products. Like similar existing operations at Narita Airport, this method also does not impede smooth connections for international morning departures for passengers at Haneda Airport.

Harnessing the strengths of these freighters, Yamato Holdings and the two airline companies will help producers and business operators expand their trade areas and aid the revitalization of regional industries through rapid transportation, an advantage of air transport, highly convenient flight schedules including late night hours, and a transportation network that stretches even beyond Japan's borders, in addition to securing stable transportation capacity.

Investigation underway into ditching of a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter in the English Channel yesterday

An investigation is underway into the circumstances that caused a Merlin Mk4 helicopter to ditch in the English Channel yesterday evening around 20:45. 

The Royal Navy said the Merlin Mk4 helicopter involved in this incident was conducting night training flying exercises with HMS Queen Elizabeth off the coast of Dorset. Another Merlin Mk 4 was also flying at the time. 

Three crew members were on board the Merlin Mk4, which ditched, two were rescued from the sea and taken to hospital. According to reports, they were not seriously injured during the forced water landing. A third crew member, whose body was recovered, has not yet been named.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was "deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of a member of the Royal Navy".

Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed an investigation has already started, "Today is a day to mourn the loss of a valued navy personnel and think about his family, friends and colleagues.  For everyone connected with the armed forces, this is news that people dread. - All my thoughts and the thoughts of those in the wider navy I've been with today are with the family, the friends and the close colleagues of the one we've lost today."

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Pegasus Airlines picks Lufthansa Technik to provide base maintenance services in Sofia

Multi-year agreement for more than 60 aircraft checks signed. 

Services will be performed within a dedicated overhaul line at Lufthansa Technik Sofia.

Pegasus Airlines has entrusted Lufthansa Technik with providing comprehensive Base Maintenance Services for its fast-growing Airbus A320 family fleet. The recently signed three-year agreement includes more than 60 checks on A320ceo, A320neo and A321neo aircraft of Türkiye’s second largest airline. All contracted services will be performed within a dedicated overhaul line at Lufthansa Technik Sofia.   

“The newly concluded contract and thus the long-term intensification of our cooperation with Lufthansa Technik gives us flexibility and at the same time guarantees our high quality standards,” said Şerife Akın, Senior Purchasing Director at Pegasus Airlines. “With our dedicated overhaul line at Lufthansa Technik Sofia, we are now optimally positioned for the coming years. It supports our goal to be one of the leading low-cost airlines in the industry, streamlining air travel and offering affordable fares to our valued customers.”

Marcus Motschenbacher, Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Aircraft Maintenance Services at Lufthansa Technik, added: “We are pleased to offer our customers a top-quality service and to make a valuable contribution to ensuring the stability of their flight operations with reliable overhauls. We already have a close and trustful collaboration with Pegasus Airlines, which enables us to respond individually to their needs, and we are honored to expand our successful business relationship.”

Get ready for Seoul's signature event in Gangnam.......The 2024 Gangnam Festival runs between 26th September to 29 September 2024

The 2024 Gangnam Festival, Seoul's signature event in Gangnam, will be held from 26th September to 29 September 2024 at the COEX Square in Gangnam. A special stage at the COEX East Gate will host a different themed music festival daily, with various performances scheduled at Gangnam's tourism hub.

The festival starts on Friday, September 27, at 7:30 PM, with a grand opening featuring spectacular performances and a musical showcase. On the evening of Saturday, September 28, at 7 PM, families can enjoy a lively retro music party and an open-air concert. This performance will be live-streamed on the Gangnam-gu Office YouTube channel.

On the same day, Apgujeong Rodeo will host an array of exciting events, including a unique pet fashion show, collections from renowned Korean and international designers, and a Hanbok fashion show showcasing the beauty of traditional Korean attire on a specially designed runway, adding to the festival's vibrant atmosphere.

Everything K-Culture in Seoul's Gangnam!

What's Your Gangnam Style? Discover It All at the Gangnam Festival

The Motley Hotel Richmond, Melbourne set to open in autumn 2024.

Hilton Hotels have announced the signing of The Motley Hotel Richmond, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marking the brand’s debut in Australia. 

Signed as part of a franchise agreement with Amber Property Group, the 80-room hotel is located in the heart of Richmond’s historic Bridge Road, within walking distance of a variety of restaurants, bars, and the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. 

Rising above the charming Federation Terraces once occupied by the beloved local seamstress and costumier, Ms. Mary Parker, The Motley Hotel boasts a fun and eclectic style. Guests can enjoy modern amenities, including an on-site rooftop bar and restaurant and one meeting space, blending contemporary comfort with a touch of historical charm.

The hotel joins a global portfolio of over 135 Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotels, each with a unique and vibrant personality shaped by elevated design and locally inspired food and beverage, offering guests authentic experiences. 

“This new brand entry will enrich Hilton’s diverse portfolio in Australasia as we bring new brands to new markets across the Asia Pacific. The addition of the Motley Hotel Richmond, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, reflects Hilton’s commitment to accelerate its lifestyle category growth,” said Paul Hutton, area vice president APAC and head of Australasia, Hilton.

JetBlue enters new partnership with UBS Arena & the New York Islanders

Long Term, Multi-Year Deal Names JetBlue the Official Domestic Airline Partner of UBS Arena and the New York Islanders

Celebration Activities Include a Takeover of JetBlue’s Terminal 5 at John F. Kennedy Airport and a ‘Light Up Long Island’ Activation

 

JetBlue announced a new multi-year partnership with UBS Arena and the New York Islanders as the Official Domestic Airline Partner. As New York’s Hometown Airline, JetBlue is proud to align with an award-winning arena and sports team that shares its customer-centric approach to partnerships and enhancements as the airline continues to underscore its commitment to its loyal TrueBlue and TrueBlue Mosaic customers.

“JetBlue is excited to lace up with the New York Islanders and UBS Arena for the ultimate New York power play as the Official Domestic Airline Partner,” said Marty St. George, president of JetBlue. “With new JetBlue service from Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) launching next month, we're excited to become an even bigger part of the Long Island community, home of some of our most loyal customers.”

Through the partnership, JetBlue is giving back to its loyal Long Island customers with exclusive access and benefits to TrueBlue and Mosaic members, including pre-sale access and special offers for select UBS Arena events and New York Islanders games. Mosaic members will also receive access to a designated priority lane at the main entrance of the UBS Arena. To enjoy these benefits, unlock travel perks and earn tiles toward Mosaic status, join the TrueBlue loyalty program at jetblue.com/trueblue.

UBS Arena’s ‘Northwest Terrace’ will become the TrueBlue Terrace by JetBlue, serving as an outdoor ‘front porch’ for TrueBlue members to socialize, relax and sip their favorite alcoholic1 and non-alcoholic beverages. JetBlue will also transform the UBS Arena’s event level to the JetBlue Runway Level, which will feature the JetBlue Mosaic Lounge (formerly the ‘Spotlight Club’) and the Mosaic Suites (formally the ‘Spotlight Suites’).

“JetBlue is one of the most iconic and innovative major U.S. airlines and we are grateful to have them partner with UBS Arena and the NY Islanders for a long time to come.” said Dan Griffis, President Global Partnerships at Oak View Group. “JetBlue’s incredible commitment to unique, high-quality experiences and passion for the communities they serve is congruent to our mission and values. I am confident that Belmont Park will be a better place with them involved.”

To kick off this partnership, activities will take place today across the region including:

New initiative to promote SAF use and decarbonize aviation begins in Japan

Sustainable aviation fuel - SAF is expected to contribute to the decarbonization of aviation by substantially reducing the volume of CO₂ emissions compared with conventional aviation fuel.

To encourage the use of SAF, a project aimed at building a new scheme for trading Scope 3 environmental value*2—the reduction effects of indirect CO₂ emissions resulting from SAF use—is being launched. As the first step, seven companies (listed below) have agreed to conduct a demonstration test of Scope 3 environmental value trading to verify the concept behind the new scheme.

Scope 3 Environmental Value Trading Demonstration Test to be Conducted at Narita Airport -

This represents the world’s first*3 initiative bringing together fuel suppliers, an airline, a forwarder, and an airport operator in an effort to jump-start trading in Scope 3 environmental value. Brisk trading in environmental value via this project’s scheme will make it possible to share the costs associated with SAF throughout the air transport value chain.

After a trial phase of trading, a full-scale demonstration project with a larger number of participating companies will be followed by efforts to achieve the social implementation of the established scheme. The use of this scheme by a large number of companies involved in air transport will generate substantial opportunities to drive the widespread uptake of SAF throughout Japan. 

Extending decarbonization efforts to encompass the entire air transport value chain will secure the sustainable growth of the aviation industry.

◼Information on and Comments from Each Company

ITOCHU Corporation

Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo   President & COO: ISHII Keita

ITOCHU’s management policy commits to the enhancement of corporate brand value, and positions “Enhancing our contribution to and engagement with the SDGs through business activities” as one pillar of this effort. Through this project and increasing the market prevalence of SAF in cooperation with leading partners, ITOCHU aims to make an even greater contribution to the achievement of a circular economy.

ENEOS Corporation

Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo   President: YAMAGUCHI Atsuji

ENEOS is moving forward with the construction of an integrated system covering everything from procurement of the raw materials for SAF to in-house manufacture and sales. Through its participation in this project, ENEOS will promote Scope 3 environmental value and SAF use, thereby contributing to the reduction of GHG emissions throughout the aviation industry value chain.

NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. (NX)

Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo   President & CEO: HORIKIRI Satoshi

Expanding the use of SAF is crucial to the pursuit of decarbonization in the aviation field, and efforts throughout the supply chain are required. Participating in this project as a forwarder, the NX Group aims to contribute to the creation of a sustainable society.

SWISS to offer inflight delights from FAHR restaurant in Canton Aargau

WISS will be offering travellers on its long-haul services from Switzerland culinary delights from Canton Aargau for the next three months. The new First and Business Class meals are the creation of starred chef Manuel Steigmeier, chef de cuisine at the FAHR restaurant in the Aargau village of Künten. And for Premium Economy Class guests, this latest chapter in the ‘SWISS Taste of Switzerland’ inflight culinary programme also brings selected Aargau specialities that include the canton’s famous ‘Rüeblikuchen’ carrot cake. 

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will be serving First and Business Class guests on its long-haul flights from Switzerland culinary creations from Canton Aargau for the next three months. The FAHR restaurant in the Aargau village of Künten is the proud holder of one Michelin star and 17 GaultMillau points. And its kitchen is headed by 29-year-old chef de cuisine Manuel Steigmeier, with his wife Alexandra as the restaurant’s chef de service. Idyllically located between the River Reuss and the picturesque Reusstal recreational area, the FAHR is a byword for contemporary culinary fare that is hallmarked by its purist presentation and its extensive use of local and regional ingredients.

“The concoctions of Manuel Steigmeier blend classic elements with a fresh creative touch – a combination that fits excellently with SWISS,” says SWISS Head of Brand Experience Julia Hillenbrand. “And I’m delighted that we can now take our inflight guests, too, on this exciting culinary journey.”

“It’s a genuine honour for our FAHR culinary team to represent Canton Aargau aloft,” adds Manuel Steigmeier. “Our restaurant guests often see SWISS aircraft flying over from our garden terrace. And knowing that our meal creations will now be served so high above the clouds makes us all truly proud.”

Eight moments helping Hilton reach 8,000 hotels

Market entries worldwide, advancements in Hilton’s lifestyle portfolio and participating Small Luxury Hotels of the World hotels joining the portfolio are all contributing to Hilton’s growth trajectory

Just over two years after opening its 7,000^th hotel, Hilton now has more than 8,000 hotels operating globally. Following a series of additions to its portfolio, including NoMad, Graduate Hotels, Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Autocamp, Hilton is unlocking hundreds of new ways for guests and owners to benefit from the company’s expansive network.

Hilton celebrates 8,000 Hotels, Globally

This has been a significant year for Hilton’s development, marked by strategic partnerships and acquisitions, and continued organic growth from our existing brands,” said Kevin Jacobs, chief financial officer and president, global development, Hilton. “The Hilton network – led by our powerful brands – continues to be an engine of opportunity for guests, owners, team members and communities. We’re excited about the growth opportunities that lie ahead and our ability to spread the light and warmth of hospitality to every corner of the world"

As Hilton celebrates 8,000 hotels globally, these are eight moments so far this year that are helping Hilton accelerate its growth for the future.

Hilton’s Growth So Far in 2024

5% increase in visitor numbers for National Trust...

People are still prepared to spend money on a great day out despite the continued impact of the cost of living crisis, with the National Trust’s Annual Report revealing a 5% increase in visitor numbers to their pay for entry places in 2023/24 compared with the previous year. 

The 12% boost in paying visitors, an increase of 332,000 in numbers, reflects a trend seen across the tourist attraction sector. People are prioritising paying on the day for special days out, yet challenging external conditions contributing to rising inflation, higher costs and a large drop in household discretionary spend mean that they are finding it hard to commit to annual subscriptions or memberships.

Hilary McGrady, Director General of the National Trust, said: “It’s really heartening that people still want to spend time in and support amazing cultural and natural places, whether that’s immersing themselves in art or wandering through our gardens and woodlands. We know the cost-of-living crisis is still biting and we’ll keep doing more to give everyone a great day out. We’ve designed a new Explorer Pass, and are offering free passes where we can, for people who can’t otherwise afford to visit the places in our care.”

As a result of these difficult economic conditions, National Trust memberships were reduced by 89,000 to 2.62 million memberships (5.38 million members) in 2023/24 as more people moved to paying on the day. This was largely due to a decrease in new recruits at a time when fewer households could commit to annual subscriptions. Young families, which have been hardest hit by the cost of living pressures, were the least likely to renew their membership in 2023/24. However there are early signs in the current 2024/25 financial year that these pressures could be easing; as of the end of June 2024, National Trust memberships were up to 2.65 million (5.46 million members).

Bernard Donoghue, Director of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, commented on the Trust’s findings in light of the visitor attraction sector as a whole: [i"The economic consequences of the pandemic coincided with a cost of living crisis; UK consumers have been making tactical decisions about how they spend their leisure pounds and leisure hours, and this caution continues. Our members have been reporting that there has been a rise in the number of visitors, particularly families, who have been opting for single entry tickets, rather than taking out memberships.”[/i]

However, members were also shown to be getting more out of their membership and visiting National Trust places more frequently than during the year prior, attracted by a year-round calendar of programming and events. Spending in shops and cafés was up compared with 2022/23 and the charity’s overall income continued to grow year-on-year.

As well as more people visiting its places the National Trust has also been able to take the collections in its care to wider audiences through an ambitious loans programme, with more than 1.3 million people visiting exhibitions with Trust loans this year.