An advanced X-Ray screening solution redefining mobility, imaging, and precision detection - SDX 6040

Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and security screening technologies, and a business of Smiths Group plc, today announces the launch of the SDX 6040 Enhanced Image Quality (EIQ), a cutting-edge screening solution designed to meet the dynamic demands of modern security environments.

The SDX 6040 offers the best image quality on the market, ensuring unparalleled clarity when detecting threats. Unlike fixed screening equipment, the SDX 6040 is highly mobile, allowing it to be moved and powered up easily. It is an ideal solution for critical infrastructure, urban security and both public and private sector environments where high levels of safety and operational efficiency are paramount.

The SDX 6040 is lightweight with a narrow 80cm footprint, allowing for rapid relocation to any site. The touch screen provides an easier and faster way for users to interact with the system for greater accessibility. The SDX 6040 can also be used with other Smiths Detection and partner technologies, including people screening and the trace detection of narcotics or explosives, making it a comprehensive and adaptable solution for security needs.

Enhanced Detection with Greater Versatility

Black Eyed Peas new Las Vegas residency at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

Black Eyed Peas: 3008 The Las Vegas Experience, An Exclusive Residency

Lands on the Las Vegas Strip Saturday, February 15, 2025

                               General on-sale begins Saturday, September 14

Multiple GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum global supergroup Black Eyed Peas announce their arrival to the iconic Las Vegas Strip with Black Eyed Peas: 3008 The Las Vegas Residency at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, opening Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025.

“Our first residency in Las Vegas gives Black Eyed Peas the opportunity to do what we do best, to dream up something brand new and creative that pushes the boundaries of the live show experience. We draw inspiration from Disney rides, Las Vegas shows, concerts, AI and technology. We will reinvent how we perform, creating an interactive show, a journey to 3008 that is both a concert and play. I can’t wait for the world to see what we cook up in Las Vegas.” – will.i.am, Black Eyed Peas.

Tickets go on sale starting Saturday, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. PT at ticketmaster.com/BlackEyedPeasVegas.

Caesars Rewards members, Caesars Entertainment’s loyalty program, and Live Nation and Ticketmaster customers will have access to a presale running Friday, Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. PT to 10 p.m. PT. Citi Entertainment®

All performances are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. The 15 dates going on sale are:

February 2025: 15, 16, 19, 21, 22

March 2025: 21, 22, 26, 28, 29

May 2025: 24, 25, 28, 30, 31

Black Eyed Peas

For nearly three decades, Black Eyed Peas have shaped the rhythm of culture with their genre-blurring sound that blends hip-hop, pop, electro, and world beats. Formed in Los Angeles in 1995, the trio—will.i.am, Apl.de.Ap, and Taboo—have continuously redefined themselves while leaving an indelible mark on the global music scene.

With six GRAMMY® Awards, 35 million albums, and 120 million singles sold worldwide, the Peas have crafted seminal releases like Elephunk (2003) and The E.N.D. (2009) that catapulted them into one of the biggest acts of their time. Hit singles including "Where Is The Love?", "I Gotta Feeling," and "Boom Boom Pow" defined a generation and positioned them as the second best-selling group of all time for downloaded tracks.

Save £50 on Balkan Holidays.....

Balkan Holidays Summer 2025 Sale......

Save £50 per booking with Balkan Holidays Summer 2025 Sale for package holidays to Bulgaria, Northern Cyprus, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia.

 

(not including flight or accommodation-only bookings)

Terms & Conditions: 

The discount is £50 per booking off our summer 2025 package holidays to Bulgaria, Northern Cyprus, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia (not including flight or accommodation bookings) booked between 5 and 30 September using the special. This offer can be withdrawn at any time without notice. This offer can be combined with free child places, our loyalty discount, our online discount and early booking or flight discounts but not any other offer or promotion. All prices are correct as of 11am Wednesday 4 September 2024 and are subject to change and availability.

Avolon to buy Castlelake Aviation

Avolon, a leading global aviation finance and leasing company has agreed to buy Castlelake Aviation Limited, an entity managed by Castlelake L.P., the global alternative investment manager.
CA Ltd’s total assets as of 31 March 2024 were US$5.0 billion, which included a portfolio of 105 aircraft on lease, commitments for 13 new-technology aircraft, 2 engines on lease, and 9 loans. The portfolio is 68% narrowbody aircraft, 70% new technology aircraft, has a weighted average aircraft age of 4.7 years, and a weighted average remaining lease term of 8.4 years.
The transaction will accelerate Avolon’s earnings growth, building its fleet at attractive yields. It is supported by Avolon’s strong balance sheet position, with US$8.2 billion of available liquidity at 30 June 2024. Pro forma for the transaction Avolon’s balance sheet metrics remain within its target investment grade ranges, with net debt to equity of 2.8x and next 12 months sources to uses of 1.5x.
Andy Cronin, Avolon CEO, commented:  “This transaction accelerates our growth plans adding a portfolio of assets that will further strengthen our cashflow and earnings profile. Our balance sheet strength, high levels of liquidity, and established capital markets access have enabled us to acquire these assets. They are complementary to our existing portfolio and will increase our fleet at attractive yields, supporting our positive ratings trajectory.”

Boeing's US factory workers walk out....

Boeing's U.S. West Coast factory workers walked off the job early on Friday after overwhelmingly rejecting a contract deal, halting production of the planemaker's strongest-selling jet as it wrestles with severe output delays and heavy debt, reports Joe Brock and David Shepardson.

The first strike since 2008 comes as the planemaker is under heavy scrutiny from U.S. regulators and customers after a door panel blew off a 737 MAX jet mid-air in January.

The mounting crises hit Boeing's stock and sparked a leadership upheaval. The shares fell 2.8% in U.S. pre-market trading on Friday, paring some earlier losses. The stock has lost nearly 38% so far this year, losing $58 billion in market value. Shares in Spirit Aerosystems, the supplier Boeing is buying, fell 1%. 

New CEO Kelly Ortberg was brought in just weeks ago to restore faith in the planemaker and proposed a deal including a pay rise of 25% over four years, far lower than the 40% workers had demanded.

Roughly 30,000 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) members who produce Boeing's top-selling 737 MAX and other jets in the Seattle and Portland areas voted on their first full contract in 16 years, with 94.6% rejecting it and 96% favouring a strike in a two-part ballot.

"This is about respect, this is about addressing the past, and this is about fighting for our future," said Jon Holden, who headed the negotiations for Boeing's largest union, before announcing the vote result on Thursday evening. The union was going to get back to the table as quickly as it can, Holden told reporters, without saying how long he thought the strike would last or when talks would resume.

Boeing said in a statement that it was ready to get back to the negotiating table, a sign that it was ready to sweeten the deal.  "The message was clear that the tentative agreement we reached with IAM leadership was not acceptable to the members. We remain committed to resetting our relationship with our employees and the union, and we are ready to get back to the table to reach a new agreement," the planemaker said in a statement.

United signs deal with Musk's SpaceX Starlink to provide connectivity in the sky - for free

The U.S. mega-carrier United has signed a special deal with Elon Musk's SpaceX to bring Starlink's fast, reliable, monitored Wi-Fi service to the airline's mainline and regional aircraft fleet, for free.

That means that United customers will soon enjoy the same high-speed, low-latency internet service in the air that they enjoy on the ground. The new, gate-to-gate connectivity will unlock game-changing experiences in the sky at a scale that no other major U.S. airline provides like access to live TV and streaming services, social media, shopping, gaming and more, on seatback screens and personal devices simultaneously.

United expects to have Starlink on all United aircraft – more than 1,000 planes – over the next several years. Testing begins in early 2025 with the first passenger flights expected later that year.

Starlink service on United aircraft will be free.

Leveraging advanced satellites with its deep experience in both spacecraft and on-orbit operations, Starlink is engineered by SpaceX and delivers internet access around the world, including over oceans, polar regions and other remote locations previously unreachable by traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals. United is the largest airline across both the Atlantic and Pacific and will be the first carrier in the world to commit to offering Starlink service at this scale.

"Everything you can do on the ground, you'll soon be able to do onboard a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "This connectivity opens the door for an even better inflight entertainment experience, in every seatback – more content, that's more personalized. United's culture of innovation is, once again, delivering big for our customers."

"We're excited to team up with United Airlines to transform the inflight experience," said Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer at SpaceX. "With Starlink onboard your United flight, you'll have access to the world's most advanced high-speed internet from gate to gate, and all the miles in between."

Happy birthday to Airbus Beluga....

.Happy 30th Birthday, 

From the Super Guppy to the BelugaST and BelugaXL, these super transporters have been essential to Airbus' operations and beyond. From flying aircraft components between 11 European production sites to offering outsized cargo services to customers worldwide and most recently, visiting London Heathrow with parts for a British Airways Airbus jet.

British Airways set for a record-breaking summer of flights to North America next year

 

British Airways will operate a record number of flights from London to the US, Canada and Mexico in Summer 2025, offering more than 400 direct flights per week during its peak weeks, including 26 US cities.

When arriving in the US, customers can connect onto more than 100 US destinations with British Airways’ partner airlines.

The UK flag carrier operates more flights across the pond than any other European carrier, and is the only European airline to offer a luxury First class cabin across the Atlantic from London. Its increased summer schedule includes the following additions from London Heathrow.

Miami, Florida (MIA): An additional seven flights per week, bringing the total to 14 flights per week and becoming a twice-daily service year-round. The airline will also be opening a brand-new lounge in Miami in 2025, featuring its new lounge design concept

Austin, Texas (AUS): An extra six flights per week, bringing the total to 13 services per week

Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS): An extra three flights per week during peak months of the season, bringing the weekly total to 10

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PIT): The popular route will increase from six to seven flights per week, becoming a daily service for the first time since the route was introduced

Washington DC (IAD): An increase of seven flights per week, bringing the total to 21 flights per week

Vancouver, Canada (YVR): An increase of up to seven flights per week from London Heathrow, bringing the total to up to 14 flights per week during peak summer. Coupled with the airline’s daily flight from London Gatwick, customers can choose from three flights per day from June to September

Customers are already searching for these destinations for 2025, with hot-ticket events including Rod Stewart’s The Encore Shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas from March to June, and the Miami Grand Prix in May.

Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: "The US remains a priority market for us, and we know these network changes will be welcomed by both our business and leisure customers, providing more options than ever before to travel between the UK and the USA.”

International passenger numbers triple at City of Derry

One year on from the launch of international single-ticket fares from City of Derry Airport, as part of the take-off of the Loganair London Heathrow service offering the new hub connectivity, new passenger figures have unveiled that the number travelling through the ‘Gateway of the Northwest’ to connect to international destinations has tripled from Summer 2023 to Summer 2024. These figures indicate a new wave of global travellers using the Airport, with the top connecting destinations outlined as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, and the top connecting airlines shown as British Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways.

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, commented: “It’s wonderful to see travellers across the Northwest enjoying the benefits of flying local to an array of bucket-list destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, Africa, Asia and Australasia.

“Passengers can drop their baggage at City of Derry, breeze through London Heathrow, and collect their baggage at their final destination. There is also increased baggage allowance as the international airline’s baggage permissions apply throughout the journey.

“In terms of planning international travel, passengers can simply book single-ticket fares via the international airline website, or via a local travel agent. Full information on all destinations and the airline carriers available to book for each destination is shown on the City of Derry Airport website: www.cityofderryairport.com/destinations/international-connections.”

Special discount on car parking at Birmingham Airport...................Jet2 to serve nine Italian destinations from the airport next year.......

Birmingham Airport is celebrating the opening of a new car park, Car Park 3 - Priority Parking by giving away 10% of all car parks at Birmingham Airport Parking.

Birmingham Airport celebrate Car Park 3 - Priority Parking opening with 10% of all car parks

The offer is valid for Car Park 1, Car Park 2/3, Car Park 4, Car Park 5, Car Park 7,

Birmingham Airport Valet & Premium Pre-Booked & Car Park 3 - Priority Parking.

The offer is valid for bookings from today until Wednesday 18th September 2024 inclusive

The offer is valid for entry until Monday 31st March 2025 inclusive

Minimum 3 day stay

Offer cannot be used in conjunction with a fixed-rate product or any already discounted product.

This offer applies to new bookings only and cannot be applied retrospectively to existing booking

Limited offer and subject to availability. Only one entry and one exit are permitted

Both car park and Pre-book NCP terms and conditions apply

New Icelandair Airbus fresh from the paintshop

A lot of work goes into the arrival of a new fleet member – especially when it’s the first Airbus to join the fleet of Icelandair!

TF-IAA rolled out of the Airbus paint shop in Hamburg earlier this week and proudly wears the sparkling new Icelandair livery. Next up for the aircraft will be installing the engines and seats. The carrier will officially take delivery of the plane in November and expects to welcome a total of four new Airbus jets to the fleet by summer 2025.

Heart Aerospace shows off first full-scale demonstrator for 30-seat hybrid-electric aircraft

Heart Aerospace, the Swedish hybrid-electric aeroplane maker, unveiled its first full-scale demonstrator aeroplane, marking a major milestone in the development of its regional hybrid-electric aircraft, the ES-30.

Built almost entirely in-house at Heart's Gothenburg facilities, the demonstrator reflects the company's strategy to simultaneously develop both the design and production processes.

"Our industry is approaching a 30-year innovation cycle, and we have less than 25 years to decarbonize aviation. We need to develop new methods to get net zero aerospace technologies to market faster," says Anders Forslund, co-founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace. "It is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of our team that we're able to roll out a 30-seat aircraft demonstrator with a brand-new propulsion system, largely inhouse, in less than two years. "

With a commanding 32-meter wingspan, the demonstrator, named Heart Experimental 1 (Heart X1), will serve as a platform for rigorous testing and development of Heart's ES-30 aircraft.

Initially, the HX-1 will be used for ground-based testing, focusing on charging operations, taxiing, and turnaround procedures. It is scheduled to undertake a fully electric first flight in the second quarter of 2025. In preparation for this flight, Heart will over the coming months, test critical systems by running hardware tests both on and off the aircraft.

ZeroAvia Completes $150m Series C Financing

Scottish National Investment Bank joins financing round alongside American Airlines, IAG and ITOCHU Corporation 

Financing accelerates progress towards certification of first powertrain and supports sale of in-house components to other electrified aviation innovators 

This week ZeroAvia announced that it has extended its Series C financing to a total of $150m, with a £20m investment from Scottish National Investment Bank coming alongside recent investments from American Airlines, International Airlines Group and ITOCHU Corporation.  

The round was co-led by Airbus, Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital and NEOM Investment Fund (NIF), with UK Infrastructure Bank joining as a cornerstone-level investor, and with strong support from existing shareholders including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Horizons Ventures, Ecosystem Integrity Fund, Summa Equity, Alaska Airlines, Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund and AP Ventures.  

This is the Bank’s first investment in hydrogen-based technology and the sustainable aviation sector and will bolster the burgeoning aerospace supply chain in Scotland as ZeroAvia looks to create a manufacturing facility in the country. 

ZeroAvia has already extensively flight-tested a prototype of its first ZA600-engine aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft at its UK base, and the application for certification is underway with the CAA. The company has also performed advanced ground tests in the US and UK for the key building block technologies for the ZA2000 system, including cryogenic tanks for LH2 and proprietary high-temperature PEM fuel cell and electric propulsion systems. ZA2000 will support up to 80-seat regional turboprop aircraft such as the ATR72 and the Dash 8 400. The company is also selling its component technology, including electric motors and fuel cell power generation systems, to other electric aviation innovators.  

Val Miftakhov, Founder and CEO, ZeroAvia said: “We have closed an exceptionally strong financing round to help us deliver the clean future of flight for the entirety of aviation. As a purpose-driven impact investor, the Bank is an ideal partner for ZeroAvia. Scotland’s ambitious net zero targets, its strategic focus on hydrogen and its strong existing aerospace skills base make it an attractive place for ZeroAvia’s UK production operations as we scale into a major aerospace manufacturer.” 

Robin Tayal, Investment Director at the Bank said: “Decarbonising aviation is one of the key environmental challenges we face, and it is fundamental to the net zero transition. We are pleased to address it by investing in ZeroAvia, enabling critical research and manufacturing. We are particularly encouraged by the potential of its technology to provide sustainable connectivity in the Highlands and Islands.” 

 

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40 years of Isles of Scilly Skybus........

Get ready for a look behind the scenes of what happens every day at Land’s End Airport in a new corporate film from the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group. From Air Traffic Control to loading the freighter planes with Royal Mail post, you'll see the variety of what the Skybus team gets up to.

"It's been great to meet more of the team behind the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group and their services. Our filming days have taken us across different departments, capturing the diverse skills and daily operations that keep these crucial connections running smoothly." said Rich Stephens, Director & Co-Founder of creative video production company PixelRain, which is making the film 

Skybus has been servicing the islands for the last 40 years, helping to transport both air freight and passengers to the islands as a faster alternative to the ferry service.

For four decades, Skybus has been more than just a flight service - it's been a lifeline connecting the Isles of Scilly with the mainland. From the inaugural flight in 1984, the company has flown over stunning coastlines and provided vital links for residents, visitors and businesses alike. 

 

The airline started up with just a single 8-seater Britten-Norman Islander aircraft, since then it has grown into a service with a fleet of seven planes operating an air freight service and scheduled passenger flights year-round. Since then, Skybus has carried more than two million passengers and thousands of tonnes of freight, to the islands. 

 

Stuart Reid, Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, said: “Over the past four decades Skybus has become an integral part of island life, and one we are exceptionally proud of. It’s no exaggeration to say that it is a lifeline to the islands. Skybus has outlasted more than 50 other UK airlines which have come and gone over the same period, which is no mean feat. We are very grateful to the whole Skybus team for their dedication and hard work over the past 40 years, and of course to the thousands of passengers who fly with us each year.” 

These days, the airline carries more than 70,000 passengers each year between Land’s End, Newquay and Exeter airports and the Isles of Scilly. Skybus has been flying from Newquay and Exeter for more than 30 years and is Newquay’s longest-serving airline. The flying time to St. Mary's Airport in Isle of Scilly from Land’s End Airport is 20 minutes, from Newquay  Airport it is 30 minutes and from Exeter Airport the journey takes an hour. The carrier operates Land’s End Airport all year round, while Exeter and Newquay are seasonal operations between March and October and  April to October respectively.

Skybus also transports approximately one tonne of freight per day including urgent time-critical medical supplies and employs over 40 skilled local people consisting of pilots, aircraft engineers, operational and ground handling staff.  

The Skybus fleet consists of 4 De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft and 2 Britten-Norman BN-2 Islanders.

DHC-6 Twin Otter

Crew 2

Capacity 17 passengers 

Length 51 ft 9 in (15.77 m) 

Wingspan 65 ft 

Height 19 ft 6 in 

Empty weight Between 7,800 lb (3545 kg) and 8,200 lb (3727 kg) 

Cruise speed 145 knots (166 mph) 

Range 644 nautical miles (741 mi)

Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander

Crew 1 or 2

Capacity 8 passengers 

Length 35 ft 8 in (10.86 m) 

Wingspan 49 ft (14.94 m) 

Height 13 ft 9 in (4.18 m)

Empty weight 4200lb (1909Kg) 

Cruise speed 125 knots (143 mph) 

Range 507 nautical miles (583 mi)

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Philippine Airlines partners with cargo . one to supercharge its first ever digital sales

 Philippine Airlines (PAL), the national carrier airline of the Philippines, announced today that it will soon debut its capacity in the digital booking market, following a new partnership with cargo . one. cargo . one enables the airline to target thousands of freight forwarders in relevant markets, digitally around the clock, bolstering its brand presence, reducing its cost of sale, and gaining market-responsive digital pricing. Freight forwarders are sure to benefit from Philippine Airlines’ renewed cargo service offers for the Philippines and across the region.

Respected as the very first commercial airline in Asia, Philippine Airlines extends its renowned attentive customer service levels to its air cargo services. The carrier is expanding its widebody fleet to facilitate an ambitious cargo growth strategy. Philippine Airlines offers freight forwarders a unique combination of 37 international destinations throughout South and East Asia, North America, Australia and the Middle East, and 32 destinations in the Philippines as well as favourable regional connectivity. 

cargo.one soon brings Philippine Airlines directly to thousands of forwarders globally. Leading global logistics providers rely upon cargo . one to quote and book shipments faster and more efficiently 24/7. Philippine Airlines gains cargo . one’s customer-centric and seamless digital booking experience, guaranteed to every customer.