China Eastern Airlines rolls out facilitation measures to improve "China Travel" experiences

Recently, China Eastern Airlines launched its Eastern E-Services travel facilitation series at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, aiming to better facilitate international passengers, baggage services and routes in the Yangtze River delta.

The newly launched services include E-boarding pass, E-transfer, Eastern 24H-transfer service, E-heart service, Efficient declaration, Easy pass, and E-arrival card. They not only offer a seamless, paperless experience from ticket booking and check-in to baggage drop and customs declaration but also make trips more efficient and comfortable for travellers.

Passengers arriving in China on China Eastern Airlines flights via Shanghai Pudong International Airport can easily obtain their electronic boarding passes through the China Eastern Airlines app and enjoy a range of convenient services, including online customs declaration and in-flight entry card submission.

Notably, China Eastern Airlines offers an online transit information submission service for foreign visitors eligible for the 24-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit, which significantly reduces the time needed to complete entry procedures and makes "China travel" smoother.

Aviation Capital Group announces delivery of a Boeing 737- MAX 9 to United Airlines

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

.

RAF and USAF test ability to disperse and operate across the UK

RAF and United States Air Force aircraft based in the UK have practised dispersing their aircraft and personnel to other UK locations at short notice and continuing to operate without their usual ground support.

F-35s in a line on the runway.

Exercise Agile Shield tested the ability of UK and US flying units and support teams to conduct Agile Combat Employment – to leave their main operating base at very short notice and operate from a new location with minimal delay and a reduced footprint of support.

Serviceperson on the phone, in black and white, with other servicepeople working behind him.

USAF F35A fighter jets based with 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath deployed to RAF Marham to hone both Air Forces’ ability to conduct Agile Combat Employment collaboratively.

Tails of F-35s in a line.

A RAF P-8A Poseidon relocated from RAF Lossiemouth in North Scotland to Newquay Airport, while Typhoons left RAF Coningsby and Lossiemouth for RAF Cranwell and Leuchars Airfield. Meanwhile, an A400M Atlas transported a Combat Team from the British Army’s 34 Field Squadron – experts in repairing runways – to Prestwick Airport, as well as delivering vital equipment to the Poseidon stationed in Cornwall.

RAF Atlas taking off.

Equally significant were the RAF’s Command and Control elements, known as C2, who moved locations to set up temporary Operations Centres. The C2 contribution was vital to maintaining communications and overall control of the many units involved.

.

Britten-Norman announces Unleaded Fuel Modification for piston engine Islanders

Britten-Norman is taking the next step on its journey towards sustainable aviation with the introduction of the Unleaded Fuel Modification for its BN2B-26 piston engine (Lycoming O-540-E4C5) Islander aircraft.

The three Lycoming-approved unleaded fuel specifications being included in this modification are ASTM D7547 (UL 91 & UL 94), DEF-STAN 91-090 (UL 91), and HJELMCO (91/96 UL).

In addition to reducing their environmental impact, operators of Islander aircraft who switch to unleaded fuels can potentially enjoy several benefits. These include cost savings on refuelling, reduced maintenance expenses, access to a wider range of fuel options, extended servicing intervals, and enhanced safety through the use of unleaded fuels.

The decision by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to phase out leaded AVGAS has further underlined the importance of transitioning to unleaded fuels.

 

The certification of these new fuel types for the Britten-Norman Islander through the introduction of the Unleaded Fuel Modification opens the door to further possibilities for novel and environmentally friendly fuel types in the future.

Mark Shipp, Technical Director and Head of Design at Britten-Norman, commented,  “Britten-Norman is committed to delivering a sustainable future for aviation through our Green Futures initiative. This development is an important milestone for the hundreds of Islander operators who will be able to reduce their emissions through the introduction of unleaded fuels.”

.

2D Metamaterial breakthrough for satellite applications in 6G networks

A new cheap, easily manufactured device could lead to improved satellite communication, high-speed data transmission, and remote sensing, scientists say.

A team of engineers led by researchers from the University of Glasgow have developed a ultrathin 2D surface which harnesses the unique properties of metamaterials to manipulate and convert radio waves across the frequencies most commonly used by satellites.

Metamaterials are structures which have been carefully engineered to imbue them with properties that don’t exist in naturally-occurring materials. 

The team’s metamaterial, unveiled today in a new paper published in the journal Communications Engineering, could allow future generations of 6G satellites to carry more data, improve their remote sensing ability, and benefit from improved signal quality.

Current communication antennas are designed to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves oriented either vertically or horizontally – a property called linear polarisation. 

Misalignment between transmitting and receiving antennas can lead to signal degradation, reducing their efficiency. They are also susceptible to atmospheric effects like rain fading and ionospheric interference, which can distort signals.

The team’s breakthrough 2D metamaterial converts the linearly-polarised electromagnetic waves into circular polarisation, which could improve the quality of communication between satellites and ground stations. Satellite communication with circular polarisation offers enhanced reliability and performance, minimising signal degradation from polarisation mismatch and multipath interference.

Circular polarisation is highly resistant to atmospheric effects like rain fading and ionospheric disturbances, ensuring stable connections. It is especially beneficial in mobile applications, as it eliminates the need for precise antenna alignment. 

GACA participates in ICAO Symposium for Advanced Air Mobility in Canada

 The General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia (GACA), led by His Excellency President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, is pleased to announce its participation in the first International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Advanced Air Mobility Symposium, held in Montreal, Canada, from September 9 – 12, 2024.

The Symposium will see GACA showcasing the Kingdom’s Saudi Aviation Strategy and the latest achievements in the sector, next to exploring collaborative opportunities with global aviation leaders. GACA’s presence underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing the aviation sector and embracing innovative technologies, in addition to the development of solid regulatory reforms that enable the progress of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). 

GACA will also highlight major developments in safe and innovative transportation to achieve a more sustainable future, in line with the Kingdom’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.

Airbus commences limited share buyback to support future employee share ownership plan activities and equity-based compensation

Airbus SE  is commencing a share buyback programme, for the purpose of supporting future employee share ownership plan activities and equity-based compensation plans. The programme will be executed in the open market over a period ending 31 March 2025 for up to a maximum number of 4,254,000 shares (with the maximum monetary amount being that required to acquire the targeted number of shares at prices fixed in compliance with the Delegated Regulation, and will be effected in one or more tranches).

Airbus has mandated an investment firm to manage the execution of the first tranche of the programme, which will comprise an amount up to a maximum of 2,127,000 shares, beginning on 9 September 2024 and ending no later than 31 October 2024. The investment firm will make its trading decisions concerning the timing of purchases independently of Airbus.

Teledyne FLIR delivering airborne surveillance systems to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force worth up to $21 Million

Teledyne FLIR Defense, has announced that it is delivering its Star SAFIRE® 380-HLD multi-spectral imaging systems to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) as part of an agreement worth up to $20.8 million.

JMSDF will integrate the imaging systems into the SH-60L helicopter, a licensed Japan-based production version of the Sikorsky SH-60 aircraft. The SH-60L is designed for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions, but also can be used for search and rescue operations and various other maritime missions.

The program calls for Teledyne FLIR Defense to deliver ten Star SAFIRE 380-HLD systems over the next three years. The company already has delivered two systems to JMSDF for test and evaluation purposes, plus one spare unit.

Musk claims first Mars flight to take off in two years.....

Elon Musk wearing his CEO of SpaceX hat has said the company will be launching uncrewed Starships to Mars in two years when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens. The first mission will be to see if they can land a craft on Mars, then if that mission is a success, the first crewed operation will take place in four years. 

However, you don't need to wait that long for the next SpaceX launch,  the firm is hoping to launch of Polaris Dawn to low-Earth orbit. tomorrow, Tuesday, 10th September at 03:38 U.S. Eastern time.

The event will take place from launch complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, bit if the weather conditions are not favourable, there are two additional launch opportunities within the four-hour window at 05:23 and 07:09 If needed. There will also be another chance, on 11th September at the same time. 

The Dragon spacecraft supporting this mission previously flew Crew-1 to and from the International Space Station, and Inspiration4, the first all-civilian mission to orbit. This will be the fourth flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-8 and two Starlink missions. Following stage separation, Falcon 9’s first stage will land on the 'Just Read the Instructions' droneship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

SpaceX says the multi-day mission to orbit, Dragon and the crew will endeavour to reach the highest Earth orbit ever flown since the Apollo program and participate in the first-ever extravehicular activity (EVA) by commercial astronauts wearing SpaceX-developed EVA suits. They will also conduct 36 research studies and experiments from 31 partner institutions designed to advance both human health on Earth and during long-duration spaceflight, and test Starlink laser-based communications in space.

.

American Airlines invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work

American Airlines today announced nearly 500 new aviation maintenance jobs and additional lines of heavy maintenance work at the carrier’s maintenance bases in Charlotte, North Carolina; Pittsburgh; and Tulsa, Oklahoma. The added headcount will allow the airline to perform additional heavy maintenance check work at these locations.

“American is excited to grow our talented Technical Operations workforce with more high-paying, skilled aviation maintenance positions,” said Greg Emerson, American’s Vice President of Base Maintenance and Facilities. “It’s an opportunity to grow our maintenance capacity and capabilities in the near-term and preserve them over the long run by continuing to build our pipeline of future maintenance team members — which is important work American has been doing for some time.”

Today’s hiring announcement is in addition to the more than 300 jobs recently added to American’s Tech Ops — Tulsa maintenance base thanks to a $22 million grant awarded by the State of Oklahoma’s Business Expansion Incentive Program in 2023. The grant is helping American further grow and improve the world’s largest commercial aircraft maintenance base, including American’s engine repair and overhaul facility.

“We’re very grateful to the State of Oklahoma Department of Commerce for this grant,” said Emerson. “As a direct result of this funding in 2023, we’ve already added hundreds of high-paying, skilled new jobs to the Tulsa economy and continue to make enhancements to our world-class maintenance facility.”

Creating new jobs for aviation maintenance professionals

The incremental maintenance positions are now available on the airline’s website today. By location:

• Charlotte: 133 total openings, including 122 AMTs
• Pittsburgh: 44 total openings, including 40 AMTs
• Tulsa: 321 total openings, including 227 AMTs

Candidates interested in joining American’s team can view open opportunities and apply online at jobs.aa.com.

Oman Air and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to offer free Oman Stopovers to passengers travelling through Muscat

As part of their shared commitment to highlight Oman as a preferred tourist destination, Oman Air and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism have joined forces for a special stopover promotion for passengers transiting through Muscat. Available until 30 November 2024, the offer provides a free one-night hotel stay for premium class passengers when booking a stopover in Muscat, while those travelling in Economy Class can enjoy two nights for the price of one. In addition, guests have access to exclusive discounts on tours, car hire, and other services, making it the perfect opportunity to explore Oman’s charming capital and beyond.

Launched just in time for the winter season, visitors can experience Muscat at its very best, with warm weather, stunning landscapes and cultural activities promising an unforgettable retreat. Committed to promoting the natural beauty, rich heritage and friendly, genuine hospitality of its home base, Oman Air remains dedicated to serving as a gateway for tourists to Oman, providing them with seamless connectivity, convenient flight schedules, and award-winning onboard products and services.

Passengers who hold a return ticket to any destination on Oman Air’s network with a transit through Muscat can take advantage of the limited-time offer. Guests can simply fill out the online request form and make their stopover booking by 30 November 2024. It is important to note that the complimentary hotel stay includes the room only and is subject to availability. A maximum of one stopover per return ticket applies. For full terms and conditions, please contact Oman Air Holidays at holidays@omanair.com.

.

Nine million summer travellers passing through Copenhagen Airport

Nine million passengers passed through Copenhagen Airport during the three summer months of June, July and August. That was one million more passengers than last year – or a year-on-year improvement of 13 per cent. Despite fewer flights, Copenhagen Airport saw a marked increase in the number of passengers on the European routes and in the number of transfer passengers travelling via Copenhagen to other destinations around the world.

Summer is the peak season at Copenhagen Airport with our terminals teeming with holiday-bound travellers. A total of 2.95 million passengers travelled through the airport in August, an increase of 360,000 on August 2023. That brings the total number of passengers for the three summer months of June, July and August to nine million.

“Despite a drop in the number of passenger flights to and from Copenhagen Airport, we had an excellent summer that was fully on a par with 2018 and 2019, our busiest summers to date. This is because more airlines now use more modern aircraft that accommodate more passengers and because the airlines are now better at filling the aircraft,” says Peter Krogsgaard, Chief Commercial Officer of Copenhagen Airports A/S.

A total of 22,153 passenger aircraft took off and landed at Copenhagen Airport in August, compared with 23,261 in August 2019. This corresponds to a five per cent reduction in the number of flights in August, while the number of passengers passing through the airport remained the same. The load factor, or the average number of seats filled from Copenhagen, was as much as 81.0 per cent in August compared with 79.0 per cent in 2019.

Summer in Europe

Hilton to expand presence in Frankfurt with Hilton Frankfurt Gravenbruch, set to open in October

Featuring a range of wellness, culinary and meeting options just 15 minutes from the city centre, Hilton Frankfurt Gravenbruch is expected to open in October

Hilton recently announced the signing of the 225-room Hilton Frankfurt Gravenbruch as part of a management agreement. The property will go through a conversion to Hilton’s flagship brand with an opening set for October 2024.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development EMEA, Hilton, said, “With more than 60 properties either trading or under development, Germany continues to be a key strategic market for Hilton, and we’re excited to be further expanding our portfolio in Frankfurt working alongside Allsco Gravenbruch Hotelbetriebsgesellschaft mbH. This signing marks our ninth hotel in this major business and transport hub under four of our market leading brands, demonstrating wide-ranging traveller demand with more than 10 million overnight stays in the city last year alone. With the announcement of this impressive countryside property featuring a variety of facilities for both leisure and business travellers, we’re looking forward to welcoming even more guests to Frankfurt.”

Moris Mashali, managing director, Allsco Gravenbruch Hotelbetriebsgesellschaft mbH, said, “We are delighted to once again be working alongside Hilton to write the next chapter in the history of this unique historic property, and we are excited to bring all our ideas together to make the hotel even better for our guests. This will include making further progress on our environmental commitments and making our hotel even more accessible for guests. Whether staying with us for a conference, wedding, event or leisure break, the hotel offers something for everyone, and the fantastic group of team members ensure that every guest feels at home during their stay.” 

The hotel, which will undergo a renovation across all rooms and public areas over the coming months while the hotel continues to operate, has elements that date back over 400 years. As Early as 1586, a manor house was located on the site where the hotel stands, and over time a hunting lodge was also added, with the hotel becoming a popular destination for Frankfurt’s nobility during the late 19th century. Several updates transformed the property into a stunning hotel that’s hosted many international stars and Heads of State over the years. 

Air New Zealand seasonal service set to return to Seoul

Air New Zealand will restart seasonal flights from Auckland to Seoul from 28th October, the airline's chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty confirmed recently.  The new flights will run three times a week until 29 March 2025 and will be flown by  Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Geraghty said: "Korea continues to be an important market for us so it’s fantastic to return to Seoul from next month.  Seoul continues to be an important route for our cargo services too. In the same period last year, we carried more than 2000 tonnes of cargo between the cities, with fresh produce like avocados, blueberries, and lamb heading to Korea from New Zealand. We’re expecting to see similar volumes of cargo transported between the cities this season"

For a limited period, Air New Zealand has introduced a special offer fare of $699 one way, which is on sale until the end of September or until they are sold out. Travel periods are from 28 October to 25 November 2024 and 13 January to 24 March 2025.

Prime Minister, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, said, "Korea is an important inbound tourism and trade market for Aotearoa. In the year ending June 2024, 70,000 arrivals came from Korea, making it the sixth-largest visitor market. It’s great to see more air travel capacity this summer as it means more opportunities for connection between Korea and Aotearoa"

.

Air Canada set to cut services ahead of strike action

Talks with ALPA nearing impasse over union's excessive wage demands

Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge prepare to gradually suspend flights over three days, potentially starting as early as September 15, 2024

Customers are advised to use airline's goodwill policy to defer imminent travel at no cost

 Air Canada today said that it is finalizing contingency plans to suspend most of its operations. Talks between the company and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), representing more than 5,200 pilots at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, continue, but the parties remain far apart. Unless an agreement is reached, beginning on September 15, 2024, either party may issue a 72-hour strike or lock out notice, which would trigger the carrier's three-day wind down plan.
"Air Canada believes there is still time to reach an agreement with our pilot group, provided ALPA moderates its wage demands which far exceed average Canadian wage increases. However, Canadians have recently seen the chaos abrupt airline shutdowns cause for travellers, which obliges us to do everything we can to protect our customers from an increasingly likely work stoppage. This includes the extremely difficult decision to begin an orderly shutdown of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge once a 72-hour strike or lock out notice is given, possibly as early as this Sunday," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.
"We understand and apologize for the inconvenience this would cause our customers. However, a managed shutdown is the only responsible course available to us. We are publicizing our plans to give the more than 110,000 people who travel with us each day greater certainty and the opportunity to reduce the risk of being stranded by using our goodwill policy to change or defer imminent travel at no cost. We are also alerting the Government of Canada to the potential disruption's impact upon Canadians."
Air Canada Express flights will continue to operate, as third-party carriers Jazz and PAL Airlines provide these services. However, these regional partners only carry about 20 per cent of Air Canada's daily customers, many of whom ultimately connect on Air Canada flights. 
What should customers do and what are the impacts of this strike action?