Exeter Airport rated as one of the best airports in the UK by Which?

Exeter Airport has been rated one of the best airports in the UK for customer experience and has received ‘Recommended Provider’ status by consumer champion Which?

The prestigious recognition comes as part of Which?’s annual airport survey of its members, seeking their feedback on a variety of airport experiences.

A customer score is calculated based on a combination of overall satisfaction and likeliness to recommend to others.

Exeter Airport had a customer score of 77%, putting it among the top five airports in the country and fourth overall. Exeter’s sister airport Norwich Airport was ranked third (78%), with London City taking second place (80%) and Liverpool (John Lennon) Airport ranked number one with a score of 81%.

In April this year, Which? surveyed almost 5,000 members about their experiences at UK airports in the previous 12 months. Respondents were invited to rate the airports across 11 categories, including seating, staff, toilets and queues at check in, bag drop, passport control and security.

On the whole, the consumer champion found smaller airports once again performed better than their larger rivals this year – with respondents reporting shorter queues, and a generally less stressful experience. 

American Airlines debuts summer 2025 schedule with new routes to Europe

American will offer customers five new routes to Europe starting in summer 2025.

While autumn is on the horizon, American Airlines is gearing up to bring more travelers to Europe next summer with five new routes. As the airline continues to grow its trans-Atlantic service, American will resume flights to Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI), for the first time since 2019 and add new routes to Athens, Greece (ATH); Madrid (MAD); Milan (MXP) and Rome (FCO).

“We look forward to providing customers more ways to visit their favorite destinations in Europe next summer,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning. “Resuming service to Edinburgh and adding new routes to other popular destinations across the continent will offer customers convenient access from American’s industry-leading domestic network to all that Europe has to offer.”

Tickets will be available for purchase starting 9th September on aa.com and American’s mobile app.

More new ways to explore Europe

From Philadelphia (PHL), customers will be able to connect from more than 80 destinations across the U.S. to 17 trans-Atlantic destinations, including new service to EDI that will give travelers convenient access to visit the towering castles and stunning natural landscapes of Scotland.

American will expand its schedule to Italy next year with new service from Miami (MIA) to FCO and PHL to MXP. American will serve FCO from six U.S. airports in 2025 — more than any other U.S. airline — and provide customers with the most one-stop itineraries from across the U.S. to experience Italy’s rich history and delectable cuisine.

With new service from Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT), to ATH, American will offer four daily flights to Greece in 2025, providing access to Greece from more U.S. airports than any other airline next summer.

For the first time ever, American will connect its Chicago (ORD) hub with MAD. American offers the most service of any U.S. airline to Spain, and customers will be able to expand their travel horizons with connections on American’s partners to onward destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Airbus completes acquisition of infodas, strengthens cybersecurity portfolio

Airbus Defence and Space has finalised the acquisition of infodas, a German company that provides cybersecurity and IT solutions in the public sector including for defence and critical infrastructures, and which is now becoming an Airbus subsidiary. This follows receipt of the required regulatory approvals.

“This acquisition supports Airbus’ strategic ambition to strengthen its cybersecurity portfolio for the benefit of its European and global customers,” said Karen Florschuetz, Executive Vice President of Connected Intelligence at Airbus Defence and Space.

With the exponential growth of cyber threats, along with the increasing digitalisation and connectivity of defence and aerospace products and systems, cybersecurity is an important component of Airbus’ development. Over the last years, the company has continuously developed its cybersecurity capabilities and expertise, ensuring the best possible protection for its products, operations, customers, and ecosystem, including in the perspective of major military programmes such as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). 

Infodas with around 250 employees and annual revenues of about 50 million euros is headquartered in Cologne, it has additional offices in Germany in Berlin, Bonn, Hamburg, Munich and Mainz. The company has been certified by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) as an IT security service provider in the areas of information system auditing, consulting and penetration tests. The infodas Secure Domain Transition (SDoT) Security Gateway product family is approved for classification levels up to secret. The products are also certified in accordance with the Common Criteria (CC) and have other country-specific certificates. 

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Widerøe sees passenger numbers rise in August and signs codeshare deal with Lufthansa

Widerøe continues to fill the planes better than last year. The load factor for August ended at 76.5 percent. Up almost four percentage points from the same month in 2023. The load factor on the short-haul network was similar to last month, with 64%. 

In total, Widerøe flew 340,995 passengers in August. This is more than eight per cent more passengers than the same period last year. Widerøe will reopen the route with daily departures between Tromsø and Leknes from April 2025 and is pleased to be able to present an improved route structure at Andenes and Evenes.

The last month of summer concluded in many months with a great summer for Widerøe. In total, 8.5 percent more passengers flew with the company in August compared to the same month last year. Sales of airline tickets in August have been good and the recently concluded sales campaign ended up as one of the best in the company's history. The firm, now part of the Norwegian Group, sold 32% more tickets in the period ahead compared to the same period in 2023. Sales of airline tickets on tender routes are up by 48% and on commercial routes an increase of 24%.

Malaysia Airlines Group showcases cutting-edge travel innovations at international travel fair

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is honoured to once again be appointed as the Official Airline Partner and Premier Sponsor for Malaysia’s largest international travel fair, MATTA Fair 2024. Taking place from 6 to 8 September 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), this landmark event organised by the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) will showcase MAG’s largest ever participation with an extensive range of travel promotions and unique offerings from airlines to travel and lifestyle products including Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, MASwings, Journify and Enrich.

Passengers can take advantage of discounts of up to 30% on airfares for both Economy and Business Class on all Malaysia Airlines flights, and on all seats on Firefly. This exclusive offer is available from 5 to 16 September 2024 on the airline’s online platforms, for immediate travel until 31 August 2025. In addition, Enrich members can take advantage of priority booking on 4 September 2024, a day before the sale begins and also get a discount offer of 5,000 points off when you fully redeem with Enrich points on Enrich Hotels. For further cash savings, EnrichMoney card holders, and AmBank Enrich Visa Credit Card holders can enjoy an additional 5% discount, 5X EnrichMoney Points, and 2X Bonus Enrich Points, respectively.

What to Expect at the MAG Arena:

Beyond flight promotions, attendees can look forward to unique experiences when visiting the MAG Arena spreading across 11,000 square feet of space:

Signature product display in virtual high definition: Explore our A330neo cabin in Virtual Reality (VR), featuring the innovative Collins Aerospace Elevation Business Class seats and the award-winning Recaro CL3810 Economy seats. Plus, enjoy a surprise Augmented Reality (AR) filter on your phone at our booth and immerse yourself in our first 360° cabin walk-through.

Up-close and personal with sports legends: Come and meet Manchester United Legends exclusively at the MAG Arena! Don’t miss this exclusive chance to connect with your heroes and enjoy fun games at Malaysia Airlines’ Global Sports Partners zone.

Unlock the future of travel: Step into our AI photobooth and instantly appear at your dream destinations powered by Google Gemini’s advanced technology. What’s more, create your perfect itinerary effortlessly with our AI-powered trip planner. Just enter your travel details - destination, companions, duration of stay, budget and receive a personalised itinerary.

The MAG Arena will also include meeting spaces that can accommodate over 100 visitors and industry partners at any point in time. This year, the airline is planning to seal deals and deepen cooperation with a multitude of tourism boards, trade partners, technology providers and other entities within the travel and tourism eco-system, signalling its confidence in the future of the industry.

As the premier sponsor, the MAG Arena promises an unparalleled experience, featuring a multitude of engaging activities, exclusive developments, and the chance to win exciting prizes. Attendees will be among the first to discover exciting new developments from MAG, with a variety of experiences designed to captivate and delight visitors throughout the event.

A highlight of the event would be the much-anticipated Buyers Contest, jointly organised by Malaysia Airlines and MATTA, where a total of 23 return tickets will be awarded, including Business Class tickets to London and Da Nang, and Economy Class tickets to Japan and Vietnam, among other exciting destinations.

The MAG Arena is located on Level 3 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur from 6 – 8 September. Join us at MATTA Fair 2024 for an exceptional experience for an unforgettable journey and exclusive offers!

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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.