Philippines shines as host of World Travel Awards 2024

Tourism royalty from across Asia and Oceania convened in Manila, Philippines to recognise the travel brands pushing the boundaries of excellence and innovation. The World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony, hosted at City of Dreams Manila, World Travel Awards Official Hotel Partner, proved a fitting showcase for the fascinating city destination.

The red-carpet reception marked the fourth leg of WTA’s Grand Tour 2024, a global search for the finest travel and tourism organisations, covering six continents.

Winners at the VIP reception included Vietnam, which took the title for ‘Asia’s Leading Destination’. The beautiful Ha Giang province was named ‘Asia’s Leading Regional Cultural Destination’, and Ho Chi Minh City collected ‘Asia’s Leading Business Travel Destination’. Hong Kong Tourism Board took to the podium as ‘Asia’s Leading Tourist Board’. Cebu, Philippines was voted ‘Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination’. Bali claimed the title for ‘Asia’s Most Romantic Destination’.

New Zealand confirmed its reputation as the land with it all to secure ‘Oceania’s Leading Destination’. Sydney won ‘Oceania’s Leading City Destination’. Fiji Tourism lifted the trophy for ‘Oceania’s Leading Tourist Board’. The fusion of ancient storytelling with a technological twist helped Wintjiri Wiru – Ayers Rock Resort, Uluṟu to win the title for ‘Oceania’s Leading Tourist Attraction’.

In the hospitality sector, W Osaka was voted ‘Asia’s Leading Hotel’, with Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort taking ‘Asia’s Leading Resort’. InterContinental Grand Stanford emerged victorious as ‘Hong Kong’s Leading Hotel’. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts claimed ‘Asia’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brand’.

The Ascott Limited enjoyed a double celebration, winning ‘Asia’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand’ and Ascott Makati, Philippines voted ‘Asia’s Leading Serviced Apartments’. Vietravel claimed ‘Asia’s Leading Tour Operator’ and Discovery Primea, Philippines took ‘Asia’s Leading Business Hotel’.

In the hotly-contested newcomer categories, Japan’s The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka claimed ‘Asia’s Leading New Hotel’, Nha Trang Marriott Resort & Spa, Hon Tre Island, Vietnam collected ‘Asia’s Leading New Resort’, whilst W Sydney reigned supreme as ‘Oceania’s Leading New Hotel’.

A tragic end to the first week of school for Ukraine’s children...........

More than two years of destruction and displacement, violence, separation from family members and friends, as well as disrupted schooling, health care and social services, have led to a mental health crisis and a learning crisis among Ukraine’s children. 

Despite their resilience, for many children inside and outside Ukraine the war has wiped out two years of schooling, playtime with friends, and moments spent with loved ones, robbing them of their education and happiness, wreaking havoc on their mental state. 

 

John Marks, UNICEF Representative a.i. in Ukraine tells us how this past week has been difficult for children the the war ravaged country.

“This week marked the start of a new school year for children across Ukraine. Seven-year-old Emilia was one of them. Tragically she didn’t make it back for the third day.  

“Emilia was killed in the early hours of 4 September, along with her older sisters, 18-year-old Dariia and 21-year-old Yaryna, and their mother, Yevhenia, when an attack in Lviv devastated their apartment block. The family were among the many reported casualties, which included other children.

“The three sisters were all just starting out in life. After finishing school, Yaryna found a job with the organization, Lviv - European Youth Capital 2025, a UNICEF partner, which conducts activities to empower young people through life skills training. Our colleagues told us about her inspiring and dedicated work to tackle the pressing issues affecting her young people, including the impact of living through war.

“This tragic story reflects the reality for children and young people across Ukraine today as attacks continue to hit populated areas.

“During the first week of the new academic year, educational facilities in areas including Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Kyiv, Lviv and Sumy were reportedly damaged in attacks. Evacuations across areas closer to the frontline are also ongoing with education once again disrupted as children flee their homes.

“On 9 September, the world marks the fourth ‘International Day to Protect Education from Attack’ and the third since the escalation of the war in Ukraine. We use this moment to once again call for educational facilities to be protected from attack, for parties to refrain from the military use of educational facilities and for the right to education to be respected, upheld and enjoyed by children across Ukraine. Schools must be safe and provide nurturing learning environments for every child to develop and thrive.

“UNICEF continues to work with the Ukrainian government and partners across the country to help keep children learning, to support their mental health, and to maintain some semblance of childhood.

“This work includes the rehabilitation of shelters in schools and kindergartens, providing learning supplies and equipment, conducting remedial education classes, and equipping teachers with skills to provide mental health and psychosocial support to their students.

“Transit centres and mobile teams of psychologists and social workers are also supporting children and families who are being evacuated from frontline areas to help children to better cope and to resume their learning in their new locations.

“Children in Ukraine have suffered enough; they must be protected from attacks. Like Emilia, they all just want to go to school, to learn, have fun and be children again.”

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Delta recruiting roadshows for future cabin crew

Delta’s talent team and flight attendants will visit Connecticut, Florida, Minnesota, New Jersey and Washington throughout the coming weeks to answer aspiring flight attendants’ questions about the role, the application process and work schedules, along with benefits like travel opportunities, the lifestyle of a Delta flight attendant and more.  

Delta is accepting flight attendant applications for its upcoming 2025 hiring classes, with openings for English-speaking and bilingual roles.

“As we wrap up our busy summer schedule, our sights are now set on 2025,” said Rachel McCarthy, VP – IFS ATL Operations, CX, Hiring and Learning. “We’re seeking candidates who exemplify Delta’s values and have what it takes to provide our customers with the welcoming, elevated, and caring service that sets Delta apart.”

If you have a passion for people, adventure and creating memorable moments, this is the opportunity for you. Note that candidates who previously applied but were not selected to advance must wait three months from the time of receiving a previous disqualification email and for a new job number to be posted to reapply.

Each information session is hosted for two consecutive days in each city where candidates will learn more about what it’s like to be a Delta flight attendant. Interested candidates can sign up and choose the day and time that works best with their schedule. 

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A Career Filled with Adventure

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Flight Attendant Careers 

GREATER ORLANDO AREA 

• Sept. 10 at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• Sept. 11 at 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

GREATER NEW JERSEY/NEW YORK AREA 

• Sept. 10 at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. 
• Sept. 11 at 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.  

GREATER NEW HAVEN AREA 

• Sept. 12 at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.  
• Sept. 13 at 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

GREATER MINNEAPOLIS AREA 

• Sept. 12 at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.  
• Sept. 13 at 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Boeing's troubled Starliner returns to earth

Boeing's troubled Starliner spacecraft has completed its journey from The International Space Station, weeks later than planned and without its key payload -  the crew!

The empty spacecraft, which developed many faults on and just after liftoff and during the flight to the ISS, completed the journey in autonomous mode,  unmanned because it was considered too dangerous for the two crewmembers to use.  

NASA said the Starliner craft's return took place over six hours. After it re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere, controlled parachutes were deployed to slow its descent at the White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico on Saturday. Some believe NASA brought the stricken craft back earlier than its contingency plans after the craft was reported to be making strange noises. 

The two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams that originally went up on Starliner for what was planned to be an 8-day star on the ISS, remained in space, and after not due to come back now till February next year.  NASA say they are in good spirits and in regular contact with their families. But,  such a long deployment of 8 months rather than 8 days is bound to have some psychological impact on them and their loved ones. 

Steve Stich, NASA’s commercial crew programme manager, said: "We are excited to have Starliner home safely. This was an important test flight for NASA in setting us up for future missions on the Starliner system, There was a lot of valuable learning that will enable our long-term success. I want to commend the entire team for their hard work and dedication over the past three months."

Ken Bowersox, Associate Administrator, Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington commented:  “I am extremely proud of the work our collective team put into this entire flight test, and we are pleased to see Starliner’s safe return. Even though it was necessary to return the spacecraft uncrewed, NASA and Boeing learned an incredible amount about Starliner in the most extreme environment possible. NASA looks forward to our continued work with the Boeing team to proceed toward certification of Starliner for crew rotation missions to the space station."

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Iraq Ministry of Defence orders 12 Airbus H225M helicopters

Airbus Helicopters has been awarded a contract for 12 H225M multi-role helicopters by the Republic of Iraq. The contract was signed in Baghdad by the Minister of Defence of Iraq Mr Thabet al-Abbassi in the presence of the French Ambassador Patrick Durel. These helicopters will be operated by the Iraqi Army Aviation command replacing older Mi-17s for a wider range of missions: counter-terrorisim, special operations, tactical troop transport, attack, ground fire support, MEDEVAC and combat search and rescue. Deliveries will start in 2025. Iraq already operates a fleet of Airbus helicopters from the H125, H135 and H145 families. 

“We are very pleased to welcome a new member in the H225M family,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H225M is a combat-proven platform used around the world by many operators, including the French Air Force, for combat search and rescue missions. It has proven its worth and saved many lives since entering into service,” he added. “The H225M is unmatched in terms of range, payload and also mission systems. It has been designed to operate challenging missions in the most demanding environments. We are looking forward to seeing the H225M contribute to Iraq’s safety and sovereignty.”
The H225M has proven its reliability and durability in combat conditions and crisis areas. Benefiting from Airbus’ continuous improvement policy, the H225M is now equipped with new avionics, an enhanced main gear box, airborne communication systems and can be equipped with the HForce weapon system. The maximum take off weight has been increased by 160 kg to reach 11,160 kg. 
There are more than 350 H225s and H225Ms in service across the world, totaling more than 880,000 flight hours. Military customers include France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary. 

WestJet to get three more Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets

The WestJet Group confirmed it would acquire three additional used Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, from SMBC Aviation Capital,  in addition to the six second-hand Boeing 737 MAX 8 earlier this summer.

"With our longstanding partner SMBC, we are thrilled to be adding three more Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to our growing fleet as we execute upon our mission of providing affordable air travel options to our guests," said Mike Scott, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer.

The acquisition of nine leased Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in the last six months allows the airline to bolster its plan for fleet growth, while managing delays for direct-from-factory aircraft. Leveraging these additional aircraft and subsequent capacity expansion, the WestJet Group will continue enhancing critical air access for its guests across its growing network.

UK's CAA reminds drone users of new airspace notification system

UK Civil Aviation Authority reminds drone users about its new airspace notification system for making notifications of flight and drone activities.

Nearly one thousand remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) activities, such as drone swarm displays, have either been notified to airspace users, received permission or provided with exemption requests by the UK Civil Aviation Authority following the roll out of new technology.
The aerospace regulator’s system for airspace notifications - the Airspace Co-ordination Obstacle Management Service (or ACOMS for short) - has been designed to provide simpler, faster and more accurate processing.
Since being rolled-out to drone users in June this year, the regulator has processed more than 900 remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) activities on ACOMS from 351 different sponsors.
The system increases the capacity of active requests, helping support the growing number of drone users at a time when demand for access to UK airspace is increasing.

Central Japan Railway Company selects AWS for Yamanashi Maglev

One of Japan's leading railways to use AWS generative AI, machine learning, and IoT technologies to improve track maintenance and deliver high-quality passenger experiences on the world’s fastest trains.

Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS)  announced that the Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central), which provides high-speed railway services to more than 170 million passengers through Tokaido Shinkansen annually, is using AWS technologies to enhance operations for its Yamanashi Maglev Line. By building critical IT infrastructure workloads on AWS and using AWS's Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning (ML), and generative artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, JR Central will advance its data-driven operations, drive operational efficiencies, and reduce maintenance costs.

JR Central is preparing to launch the next generation Super Conducting Maglev (SC Maglev), an ultra-high-speed train that travels at twice the speed of bullet trains by floating and propelling above the tracks using magnetic forces. This new high-speed train service, which is in trial operation in the Yamanashi Maglev Line and expected to travel at speeds of up to 500 km per hour, will cut train travel times in half. For example, Chuo Shinkansen, a new line that is currently under construction, uses the SC Maglev system to take passengers from Tokyo to Nagoya in 40 minutes (versus 86 minutes) and Tokyo to Osaka in 67 minutes (versus 134 minutes). The Chuo Shinkansen will serve as a backup route to the Tokaido Shinkansen in case of emergencies, such as major earthquakes, creating a dual high-speed rail artery.

AWS’s ML and IoT capabilities allow the Yamanashi Maglev Line to use railway infrastructure monitoring data, generated by power lines and electronic track inspection vehicles, to detect signs of impending failure and take corrective action. These insights allow JR Central to predict outages and equipment failure, optimizing the deployment of railroad maintenance workers. For example, the company built an ML model with Amazon SageMaker that identifies power transmission equipment abnormalities. The rail operator visualizes the data with Amazon QuickSight, a cloud-based business intelligence service, to identify machine irregularities, enabling preemptive maintenance to prevent outages and service disruptions. In the future, the Yamanashi Maglev Line plans to use Amazon Bedrock, the easiest way to build and scale generative AI applications with foundation models, to provide employees with recommended actions to take based on equipment manuals and maintenance records.

“By accelerating various innovations using AWS in the Yamanashi Maglev Line, we will realize the future vision of high-speed railway operations,” said Motoaki Terai, senior corporate executive officer, director general of the Maglev System Development Division of the Chuo Shinkansen Promotion Division, Central Japan Railway Company. “At JR Central, we're committed to delivering new transportation solutions for our passengers using innovative technology. Our next-generation SC Maglev train line will not only revolutionize travel between Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, but it will also set new global standards for efficiency and safety through data-driven operations.”

To drive cloud proficiency across its organization, JR Central’s Maglev System Development Division works with AWS to provide hands-on employee cloud skills training. In 2023, the AWS Professional Services ML Talent Development Support Program trained the division’s mechanical engineers to build and optimize an ML model that identifies power transmission equipment abnormalities.

“Japan’s world-leading transportation sector is leveraging the cloud to make high-speed rail safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable for passengers,” said Jaime Vallés, vice president and general manager, Asia Pacific and Japan at AWS. “Built on AWS, JR Central has the resiliency and innovation needed to offer one of the world’s fastest and most advanced train services operation, using the power of generative AI, machine learning, and data to drive unmatched efficiency. Our partnership is just getting started, and we look forward to pushing the bounds of what’s possible in train travel.”

The Yamanashi Maglev Line was completed in March 1997 and began conducting tests in April of the same year. Its main features are as follows: 26.6 miles in length, a maximum 40% gradient, minimum curve radius of 8000m.  SCMaglev rides on wheels up to 93 mph and then almost imperceptibly starts floating about 4 inches above the track for a super smooth and comfortable ride that becomes even more stable at 311 mph.

Principles of the Superconducting Maglev system

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The European Union Aviation Safety Agency orders inspection of Rolls Royce Trent XWB-97 engines on Airbus A350-1000 jets

Following a serious engine issue on a Cathay Pacific 5-year-old Airbus A350-1000 on 1st September, The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has mandated inspections on all Airbus A350-1000 that are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. This is, according to EASA a precautionary measure and focuses on a flexible fuel hose connections inside the engines to check for damage. The inspections need to take place over the next 3-30 days, depending on the individual engine history. In total, 86 A350-1000 aircraft are in service worldwide, Cathay Pacific has already checked all of its affected aircraft and found the same issue on a small number of other aircraft.

“This action is a precautionary measure, based on the information received from the initial investigation of the recent Cathay Pacific serious incident and on the airline’s findings in its own subsequent inspections,” said EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet. “We will continue to follow closely all information that will be made available through the ongoing safety investigation.”

Cathay Pacific was operating a flight from Hong Kong to Zurich with an Airbus A350-1000 on 1st September when it experienced an in-flight engine fire shortly after take-off. The fire was promptly detected and extinguished, and the aircraft returned safely to Hong Kong after dumping fuel. The aircraft was powered by Trent XWB-97 engines.

This event was classified as a serious incident, and an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex-13 investigation was opened by the Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) of Hong Kong.

EASA is the State of Design airworthiness authority for the A350 aircraft and for the Trent XWB engines. The current measures are mandated for Trent XWB-97 engines. Trent XWB-84 engines, installed on the A350-900, are similar but differ in design and service history. On the basis of the available information, an extension of the measures to these engines is not warranted at this stage.

EASA Safety Publications Tool (europa.eu)

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Airbus delivers 47 aircraft in August....

In August, European planemaker made 47 commercial aircraft deliveries to 31 customers, taking the yearly total planes delivered to 447 to 75 customers.   The company also confirmed it had taken orders for 46 aircraft during the month. 

Among the airlines getting new aircraft were: Air France, Breeze, IndiGo, Frontier Airlines, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Jet2, Cathay Pacific, KLM, Korean Air, Starlux and China Eastern Airlines. 

The airlines ordering planes during August included Airbaltic with 10 A220 jets, Cathay Pacific with 30 A330-900 models, plus 3 A320neo and 3 A350-900s which are currently attributed to private customers.    

On 27th August 2024 the Dutch national carrier KLM took delivery of its first A321neo as part of their fleet modernisation with the latest generation, fuel-efficient aircraft. With the aircraft, KLM joins the community of successful A321neo operators.

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

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

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Boeing offers CH-47 Chinook for Poland’s heavy transport helicopter needs

                             Boeing is offering the CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter to Poland. The announcement was made at the annual MSPO International Defence Industry Exhibition where Boeing is highlighting advanced defence systems, capabilities and services.

“The Chinook has been a key part of the European defence and humanitarian relief missions for more than five decades and would enhance Poland’s cooperation with allied forces, and support the country’s defence needs,” said Tim Flood, senior director, International Business Development for Europe and Americas. “In addition, the Chinook would deliver additional benefits to Poland through job creation, economic growth and greater autonomy for the Polish defence industry.”

The CH-47F Block II is the newest iteration of the Chinook, providing increased lift and range. Chinook Block II is a modernized and ready now solution that provides increased operational flexibility, improved performance, and enhanced survivability. It builds upon the proven capabilities of the CH-47 Chinook, offering an upgraded platform that meets the capability that militaries need today and serves as a strong foundation for affordable future upgrades.  

Removal of Swedish ticket tax is good news for consumers and aviation decarbonisation

The Swedish government’s decision to abolish its airline ticket tax from June 2025 is a win for both consumers and the decarbonisation of aviation. A4E welcomes this move, acknowledging the Swedish government’s recognition that the tax undermined the competitiveness and connectivity of Swedish aviation. The tax did little to advance decarbonisation; it was a blunt instrument that ignored factors like aircraft fuel efficiency, passenger numbers, and load factor, offering no incentives to improve environmental performance. The revenues from the tax were also not reinvested in the decarbonisation of aviation. Instead, it increased costs for consumers and weakened the competitiveness of Swedish aviation.

Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of A4E, said, “Too often, governments impose additional taxes on aviation that do little to advance decarbonisation, fragment the European single aviation market, and weaken Europe’s aviation competitiveness. The Swedish government deserves praise for recognising this and taking a step that will boost Swedish aviation and enhance Sweden’s competitiveness. Only by ensuring we have a strong and competitive airline industry in Europe can we accelerate the sector’s transition to a more sustainable future.”

JetBlue launches flights between Boston and Presque Isle

JetBlue has launched a daily service between Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Presque Isle International Airport (PQI). The new service from Presque Isle will operate daily, giving travellers in Northern Maine and New Brunswick added convenience when travelling to Boston and beyond.

“We are happy to bring the long-desired Boston flights back to Presque Isle and the surrounding communities,” said Dave Jehn, vice president of network planning and airline partnerships at JetBlue. “This new service exemplifies our commitment to providing customers throughout New England with high quality service to the places they most want to go. We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Transportation for selecting JetBlue for this Essential Air Service route.”

“Maine’s regional airports play a critical role in connecting Maine people, local businesses and communities to the same services and destinations as those in higher population areas,” said Senator Angus King. “Serving as the gateway to Northern Maine, Presque Isle is home to a vibrant culture and a bustling industry. Essential Air Services flights out of and into Presque Isle International Airport will give the Maine people living and working there access to worldwide destinations for travel they need or choose.”

Presque Isle, Maine - Visit Maine - Visit Maine

Norwich Airport rated one of the top three airports in the UK

Norwich Airport has been rated one of the top three 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.
Norwich Airport had a customer score of 78%, ranking it third in the UK overall. Norwich’s sister airport Exeter Airport was ranked fourth with 77%, 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. 

Airbus built Sentinel-2C satellite successfully launched

         The third Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite has been successfully launched on a Vega rocket from Kourou, French Guiana. The Airbus-built Sentinel-2C satellite will enter service in low Earth orbit at 780 km following initial testing and commissioning. Then, it will replace Sentinel-2A, which will retire and operate in tandem with Sentinel-2B.

Marc Steckling, Head of Earth Observation, Science and Exploration at Airbus, said: “This launch gives the world another important sensor to monitor our changing planet and provides crucial continuity since the first Sentinel-2 satellite launch in 2015. Equipped with a high-resolution multispectral imager the satellite will collect vital imagery for a myriad of applications from agriculture to water quality monitoring.”

The Sentinel-2-mission is based on a constellation of two identical satellites, flying in the same orbit but 180° apart for optimal coverage and revisit time. The satellites orbit the Earth every 100 minutes covering all Earth’s land surfaces, large islands, inland and coastal waters every five days.

Offering "colour vision" for the Copernicus programme, Sentinel-2C – like its precursor satellites Sentinel-2A and -2B – will deliver optical images from the visible to short-wave infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The 1.1 ton satellite will enable continuation of imaging in 13 spectral bands with a resolution (per pixel) of 10, 20 or 60 metres and a uniquely large swath width of 290 km.