Airlines for Europe is calling on the European Commission, the European Parliament and member states to be bold and implement the future of European competitiveness recommendations

Airlines for Europe (A4E) is calling on the European Commission, the European Parliament and member states to be bold and ensure the aviation recommendations in the report on The future of European competitiveness by Mario Draghi are implemented without delay.

There has been much anticipation for the report written by the man credited with saving the euro. It is critical that the EU’s institutions and member states follow through and implement the recommendations rather than let this become yet another report gathering dust in the Berlaymont archives.

Recognising the importance of air transport for driving Europe’s economic prosperity, A4E supports the Draghi recommendations for Europe’s aviation industry to ensure this continues, namely:

Supporting the green transition and stimulating the supply of low carbon fuels

Unlocking investment in decarbonising aviation

Reforming Europe’s inefficient Airspace

Addressing so-called asymmetric decarbonisation and business leakage

 

In particular, the report confirms that air transport is a hard-to-decarbonise sector which has a critical need for low-carbon fuels, recognising that the cost of energy is a significant driver of the competitiveness gap that is emerging between Europe and the rest of the world.

Reacting the release of the report, Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of Airlines for Europe said:    

“The next Commission must be bold and implement policies that will address the aviation issues in the Draghi report: support low carbon fuels, tackle business leakage and complete our single market. The EU excels in producing reports but that alone will not ensure Europe remains a global industrial and economic powerhouse. With this new mandate, Europe now needs to excel in implementing policies that keep us competitive.”

“Many people dubbed Mario Draghi Super Mario for saving the euro. This time he has been asked help save Europe’s industrial future and competitiveness. European policymakers and national governments must embrace the report recommendations and do whatever it takes to level-up Europe’s prosperity for generations to come,” she continued.

. /

The Draghi report looks at the challenges faced by European industry and companies in the Single Market. The findings of the report will contribute to the Commission’s work and for the development of the new Clean Industrial Deal which will be presented in the first 100 days of the new Commission mandate. The report is available here and the detailed analysis and recommendations are available here.

FLYONE announces new flight destinations and opens summer bookings!

FLYONE airline continues to expand its international flight network with new destinations starting in spring 2025. Passengers will be able to travel directly from Chisinau to four new destinations.

The first launch is Bremen, Germany. Flights will begin on April 17, 2025, offering a great opportunity for both business travellers and tourists.

The summer season will kick off with a special destination – Alicante, Spain. On June 7, 2025, passengers will be able to discover the stunning beaches, cuisine, and the joy of relaxing in a city rich in history.

Just 10 days later, on June 17, 2025, FLYONE will connect Moldova with Denmark. Copenhagen will be just one flight away from Chisinau with this new launch, fulfilling passengers’ desire for simpler and faster travel.

Lyon, France, will be added to the flight network starting on June 19, 2025. It is a city that successfully blends tradition with modernity, offering unique experiences for all visitors.

flydubai and SriLankan Airlines announce new interline agreement

The new agreement will provide passengers with more convenient options for travel between the UAE, Sri Lanka and beyond

flydubai, the Dubai-based budget carrier and SriLankan Airlines confirmed the start of their new interline agreement which will offer more travel opportunities between the UAE, Sri Lanka and beyond. 

This interline agreement will offer flydubai passengers access to 16 destinations on SriLankan’s robust network spanning Southern and East Asia, the Middle East and Australia – including Melbourne, Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo.

In addition, the interline will enable passengers travelling with SriLankan Airlines to seamlessly connect via Dubai’s aviation hub to more than 30 destinations that flydubai operates to in Africa, Central Asia, Central and Southeast Europe as well as the Middle East. This includes unique holiday destinations such as Bucharest, Krakow, Mombasa, Naples, Tashkent and Zanzibar.

Commenting on the interline agreement, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “we’re excited about our new interline agreement with SriLankan Airlines that will further strengthen trade and tourism relations between the UAE and Sri Lanka. Since the start of operations to Sri Lanka in 2010, we have seen consistent demand for travel between our two countries over the years. Dubai remains an important thriving aviation hub and through these interline agreements, this will open up new horizons for our passengers, giving them more options to explore the world with ease.”

SriLankan Airlines and flydubai are committed to delivering convenient and reliable travel options for their valued customers. Passengers can expect the signature hospitality and onboard services that both airlines are renowned for when travelling with SriLankan and flydubai.

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