Amsterdam's Schiphol takes a runway out of use......

From Monday 16 September to Tuesday 24 September, regular maintenance work will be taking place at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport on the Oostbaan Runway. 

This runway is usually only used for small, business and private aircraft, or for air ambulance, coast guard or government flights. During the period of maintenance, this traffic will use the Buitenveldertbaan Runway or one of the other runways at the airport. If all goes to plan, Schiphol-Oostbaan will be also be available on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd of September.

Annual maintenance is carried out on all the runways so that they remain in good condition and the Schiphol-Oostbaan runway will be undergoing restorative works on the asphalt and markings. The cabling and electrics will be checked, the rainwater drainage system will be flushed out, the grass around the runway will be cut and the lights will be cleaned or repaired. These works are being carried out in collaboration with construction company Heijmans. 

 

During the maintenance, air traffic will be directed to other runways, such as the Buitenveldertbaan Runway. This means there will be more aircraft flying over the areas beneath these runways’ flight paths during this maintenance period.

From Monday 28 October to Wednesday 6 November, the Polderbaan Runway will not be available for its annual maintenance. Departing traffic will make more use of the Zwanenburgbaan and Buitenveldertbaan runways, landing traffic the Zwanenburgbaan, Buitenveldertbaan and Schiphol-Oostbaan runways.

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KLM Cityhopper flies to Valencia for The Aviation Challenge

A KLM Cityhopper Embraer 195-E2 flew from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Valencia Airport for The Aviation Challenge. The challenge is an initiative by SkyTeam to encourage airlines to conduct operations as efficiently and economically as possible. The participating airlines share the results of the tests so they can use this information to further enhance the sustainability of their overall flight operations.

KLM recognizes its impact on the environment and climate and understands that there are limits to what our planet can handle, necessitating action if we want to continue operating within these boundaries. By testing various innovations during flight operations and onboard, KLM examines their outcomes with the goal of scaling them up and implementing them as standard practices. 

The KLM Cityhopper flight for The Aviation Challenge has landed in Valencia, the city designated as the European Green Capital for 2024 by the European Commission. 

Before and during the flight, KLM tests various initiatives. For instance, the implementation of a new climb procedure, OptiClimb, can save 1% fuel on KLM Cityhopper flights. This procedure advises pilots on the most efficient climb speeds based on weight, weather conditions, aircraft type, and route. This procedure is implemented on all KLM Cityhopper flights next week. Additionally, efforts are made to conduct ground processes at the airport—both at Schiphol and Valencia—using as much electric equipment as possible. 

Virgin Atlantic will launch its latest Clubhouse at Los Angeles International Airport early in 2025

Virgin Atlantic is all set to open a new Clubhouse lounge at Los Angeles International Airport early next year, subject to local authority approvals. The carrier which is 49% owned by U.S. airline Delta says the lounge will be located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal and will pay homage to the City of Angels.

The Clubhouse will feature Virgin Atlantic’s signature touches including an expansive bar and social area with table service dining options, exclusive spaces - including a VIP Booth dubbed ‘The Royal Box’ – and flexible seating areas in which to work, dine and connect. Yes, travellers can stay connected with wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and plenty of power outlets throughout the lounge, including at the bar and in private pods where they can take calls or finish emails in a peaceful setting.

 

Corneel Koster, Chief Customer & Operating Officer, Virgin Atlantic, commented:  "We’re thrilled to bring our award-winning Clubhouse to the vibrant, entertainment capital Los Angeles, where we know business and leisure travellers alike will enjoy our experience before their flight across the pond. 

Our latest Clubhouse will have something special for every customer, from signature dishes to British designer finishes, plus some fun surprises you’d only expect from Virgin Atlantic. And we know our amazing teams will bring the experience to life brilliantly." 

The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse will be open daily for those who are eligible to enter. 

Eligibility criteria.

Customers flying in Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic + one guest travelling with Virgin Atlantic or Delta Air Lines 

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold Card members + one guest travelling internationally with Virgin Atlantic or Delta Air Lines 

Delta One customers on a Delta Air Lines international flight 

SkyTeam Elite Plus members travelling on Virgin Atlantic or Delta + one guest travelling on an international flight operated by a SkyTeam carrier 

Customers connecting domestically must be traveling same day on the same itinerary and ticket 

Discover Upper Class

. Discover Upper Class

Development consent decision extension for London Luton Airport's new terminal

The application decision deadline is extended to 3 January 2025.

The UK's Department for Transport and Louise Haigh MP have extended the deadline for making a decision on further development at London Luton Airport to 3rd January 2025.

Under the 2008 Planning Act, a decision must be made within 3 months of receipt of the examining authority’s report unless authorities extend the deadline by making a statement to Parliament announcing the new deadline. The application was received on 10 May 2024, and the current deadline for a decision was 4 October 2024, after a written ministerial statement dated 24 May 2024. was issued. Now the new government has issued another statement extending it to early next year. 

The reason for the extension is to enable the applicant further time to provide the requested information, and for that information to be considered, including by interested parties, before the final determination of the application.

The proposed development by Luton London Airport was for a new passenger terminal and aircraft stands that would enable it to increase passenger capacity from 18 million to 32 million per year. It would also feature a new station, new open spaces and more parking.  

Consultation – Luton Rising

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London Gatwick offers 250 flights per week to popular ski destinations

London Gatwick is also offering flights to ski destinations in Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland and Bulgaria this winter.

Passengers looking to hit the slopes this winter will have the choice of more than 250 flights to 15 skiing destinations from London Gatwick.

Alongside more than 50 weekly flights to popular French ski destinations Chambery, Lyon and Grenoble - all part of VINCI Airports' network - passengers across London and the South East will also enjoy easy and convenient access to the slopes in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Finland and Bulgaria.
Stephanie Wear, VP Aviation Development, London Gatwick said: “Every winter we welcome more than a million passengers jetting off with their skis and snowboards, so we know how popular these destinations are with our passengers.
“We are delighted to be able to offer such a breadth of choice this winter, with fantastic connectivity to a number of the best ski resorts across Europe.”
Val d’Isere, often rated among Europe’s top ski destinations, is easy to access from each of Chambery, Lyon, Grenoble and Geneva airports, while Chamonix can also be reached in just over an hour by car from Geneva and Chambery.
Villars-sur-Ollon, a 90-minute drive from Geneva, alongside Arabba Marmolada in Italy’s Dolomites – served by Bolzano Airport - and Borovets, an hour from Sofia, have been named among Conde Nast’s top 10 underrated ski resorts in Europe.
Those seeking a magical Christmas skiing experience, meanwhile, can fly to one of Ivalo, Kuusamo, Kittila or Rovaniemi – all situated in Finland’s Lapland region.

Airbus gives companies a boost on their journey to space

Teamwork makes the dream work. Nowhere is this more true than in the space sector. With space missions being highly complex, close collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders is essential to ultimately ensure their success. 

Our Space Accelerator programme is designed to help emerging companies by giving them a boost on their journey to space. They can directly benefit from the extensive space heritage and technical expertise of Airbus, the largest space company in Europe and the UK’s major sovereign space company. The 2024 cohort is now underway and we take this opportunity to introduce some of the participants. What are they up to?

Driving innovation in spacecraft propulsion

Propellants and mobility restraints are a major cost driver in the space sector. Accordingly, this is a key area for innovation. One company tackling this subject is Applied Atomics. It is working on a propulsion system that uses one of the most ubiquitous resources in the universe as a fuel: water.

“Today, either chemical or electric propulsion is used in space,” explains Ashley Johnson, Founder and CEO of Applied Atomics. "Electric propulsion is extremely efficient, using small amounts of fuel, but provides very little thrust. Chemical propulsion, on the other hand, is extremely high thrust but uses a lot of fuel, which makes it expensive.”

Applied Atomics is working to combine both types of propulsion in one system. The unifying element is water: "On the chemical side, we split the water into hydrogen and oxygen to create a powerful rocket burn. On the electrical side, we create a water plasma that is ionised and then ejected very quickly by electromagnetic fields.”

With this two-in-one-approach, Applied Atomics aims to make it easier to get around in space. "Currently, it is often cheaper to travel from Earth to space than to manoeuvre within space itself," Johnson says. Going forward, his company envisions a rapid-response network that provides satellite imagery, telecommunications or weather information on-demand – all based on vehicles that are able to move quickly in space and refuel in orbit using water.

 

Working with Airbus as part of the accelerator programme, Johnson and his team expect to make progress on both a technical and business level: "We want to raise the maturity of our hardware and software, and we also hope to get support in commercialising our products.”

Fighting cancer with drugs made in space

Two million enjoy an effortless getaway from East Midlands Airport this summer

Summer 2024 has seen more than two million passengers use East Midlands Airport (EMA) for their holidays – almost 100,000 more than last year.

Last month alone, 545,000 people passed through the airport, adding to a total of 2,003,823 since the beginning of May. That’s up 97,097 on the same period in 2023, and around half of the total projected for the whole year.

The airport put in place a range of customer improvements ahead of the summer, including new and refurbished bars, a new shop, new toilets, baby changing facilities and multi faith room, extra seating, new trolleys and better wi-fi. This is part of a £120m five-year investment programme underway at the airport.

Some customers arriving at EMA in August have also experienced the new security arrangements which will come fully into effect next summer. One brand new security lane with state-of-the-art scanning equipment has been developed and opened ahead of similar improvements to the whole security hall in time for summer 2025. For the time-being, all customers still need to prepare for security in the usual way, but once all the new equipment is installed and ready next year, new rules will make getting through security at EMA even simpler.

Coastline Resorts announces merger with Beach Vacations in Myrtle Beach

Coastline Resorts, a vacation rental company in Myrtle Beach, has confirmed its merger with Beach Vacations, a provider of vacation accommodation in the region. 

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the hospitality industry, combining the strengths and expertise of both companies to offer an unparalleled vacation experience in Myrtle Beach.

With this merger, Coastline Resorts and Beach Vacations will pool their resources, properties, and services to provide an expanded range of high-quality accommodations, enhanced customer service, and exclusive vacation packages. Guests can look forward to more diverse lodging options, from luxurious oceanfront condos to family-friendly resorts, all conveniently located near the best attractions and golf courses Myrtle Beach has to offer.

Beach Vacations has been a trusted name in Myrtle Beach for years, known for its extensive portfolio of rental properties and dedication to guest satisfaction. The merger will enable both companies to strengthen their market position, offering an unmatched level of service and a broader selection of accommodations to meet the diverse needs of visitors to Myrtle Beach.

The integration process is already underway, with both companies working closely to ensure a seamless transition for all guests and partners. Current and future guests can continue to book their vacations through either Coastline Resorts or Beach Vacations, with the assurance that they will receive the same high standard of service that both brands are known for.

https://coastlineresorts.com/

https://www.beach-vacation.com/

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Royal Navy and RAF shadow Russian ships and intercept Russian aircraft to protect UK national security

HMS Iron Duke and HMS Tyne shadowed four Russian vessels in UK waters and RAF jets intercepted a Russian Bear aircraft approaching the UK area of interest

Royal Navy warships have spent the past week closely shadowing the Russian Navy as four of its vessels sailed through the Channel and the North Sea, helping to protect UK national security.

Alongside this, two RAF Typhoons scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth yesterday (11/09), supported by a Voyager from RAF Brize Norton, to intercept two Russian Bear-F aircraft operating near the UK.

The RAF jets were launched under NATO command and worked closely with our partners to monitor the aircraft as they passed through international airspace. Our Typhoon fighters escorted the aircraft out of the UK’s Flight Information Region and at no time did the Russian aircraft enter UK sovereign airspace.

Typhoons are part of the RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert, which sees aircraft in Scotland and England at high-readiness 24/7, 365 days a year ready to defend and protect UK airspace.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:  "This government is committed to making the UK secure at home and strong abroad. Efforts by the Royal Navy and RAF over the last two weeks demonstrate their selfless commitment to protecting our national security.

I’d like to thank those members of our armed forces who took part in this operation, their professionalism and skill was on full display while working seamlessly with our NATO allies to uphold international standards."

In a six-day operation hand-in-hand with NATO allies, the Portsmouth-based frigate HMS Iron Duke shadowed the Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and its supporting tug Evgeny Churov through the Dover Strait and into the Atlantic.

The carefully-choreographed operation started at the beginning of September when Canadian warship HMCS Shawinigan escorted the diesel-powered submarine and her support vessel as they sailed from the Baltic and headed across the North Sea. The Canadian patrol ship handed over monitoring duties to the Royal Navy as the Russian vessels approached the busy Dover Strait.

From there HMS Iron Duke ensured constant watch on the two vessels, using her many sensors including her Wildcat helicopter, from 815 Naval Air Squadron, in the air. The submarine remained on the surface throughout the operation.

Once the Russian vessels had passed UK waters, HMS Iron Duke handed over shadowing duties to the Marine Nationale off the northwest coast of France, where the frigate FS Auvergne took up the mission.

The ship then returned immediately to the North Sea for a near carbon copy operation – this time with Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoiky and tanker MT Yaz as it approached Dover, picking up shadowing duties from the Belgian Navy, whose patrol vessel BNS Castor had kept watch up to that point.

HMS Iron Duke then handed over monitoring duties to patrol ship HMS Tyne off north western France.

Throughout both journeys past the UK – permitted under international law in accordance with the right of innocent passage– the Russian warships and their support vessels were closely monitored by UK forces to ensure they acted in a safe and non-threatening manner.

Commanding Officer of HMS Iron Duke Commander David Armstrong said:  "These were the fourth and fifth such operations for HMS Iron Duke since we emerged from a period of intense training in July, and I am extremely proud of the professionalism and selfless dedication that my ship’s company consistently display as they perform their duty.

Maritime security operations of this nature are a fundamental capability of the Royal Navy, with the protection of our sovereign waters and critical national infrastructure a key focus."

 

In a six-day operation hand-in-hand with NATO allies, the Portsmouth-based frigate HMS Iron Duke shadowed the Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and its supporting tug Evgeny Churov through the Dover Strait and into the Atlantic.

The carefully-choreographed operation started at the beginning of September when Canadian warship HMCS Shawinigan escorted the diesel-powered submarine and her support vessel as they sailed from the Baltic and headed across the North Sea. The Canadian patrol ship handed over monitoring duties to the Royal Navy as the Russian vessels approached the busy Dover Strait.

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Brussels Airlines to sub-lease four airBaltic A220 jets and expand A330 fleet....

Brussels Airlines expands its fleet and invests in new cabin interior

 

More aircraft, over 250 extra jobs and a +100 million investments in brand-new cabins

Brussels Airlines will significantly grow its long-haul fleet by adding three Airbus A330 aircraft, bringing its widebody fleet to 13 in the coming years. Next to that, Brussels Airlines will invest considerably in a brand-new cabin interior. The national home carrier signed a contract with a wet-lease partner as well, who will seasonally operate four Airbus A220 aircraft on behalf of the carrier as from the summer season 2025. The airline also has growth intentions on its short- and medium-haul fleet.

Brussels Airlines is the Africa expert within the Lufthansa Group, and plans to continue strengthening its position in the continent. Many African countries have growing populations and economies, increasing the demand for air travel. Therefore, three Airbus A330 aircraft will join the Belgian airline’s fleet in the coming years.

The Belgian home carrier will mainly use the extra long-haul capacity to reinforce its Sub-Saharan Africa network. The ambition is to make Brussels a European hub for flights to and from Africa.

“The demand for flights to and from Sub-Saharan Africa is developing at a fast pace and it is crucial for Lufthansa Group to grow its footprint in the region. Brussels Airlines is the perfect airline to do just that as its expertise and presence on the continent is unparalleled. This is unique and makes us confident about the success of this expansion project.”

​- Dieter Vranckx, Chairman of the Board of Directors, SN Airholding

To support the long-haul growth plans, more than 250 new employees will be hired at Brussels Airlines. These will range from pilots to cabin crew, maintenance & engineering colleagues, airport and office staff. Moreover, expanding the fleet will create career opportunities for the current airline employees, for example as captain, senior purser or instructor. Additional jobs will also be created at suppliers’ and partners’ side, e.g. in ground handling.

Significant investment in new cabins

​The airline is planning to gradually introduce a brand-new cabin interior, to further elevate the inflight experience on the long-haul destinations. Details of the new cabin will be revealed at a later stage. These new cabins will be installed for all three classes: business class, premium economy and economy class.

The cabin renewal project is a considerable investment of more than 100 million euros, a clear sign of confidence in the future of Brussels Airlines and a tangible result of the ambition to offer all customers a premium experience.

“Brussels Airlines is further embarking on its profitable growth path and we continue putting Africa at the heart of our long-haul strategy. The multi-million investment in cabin interior allows us to offer our customers an even more premium experience. This is a moment of pride for everyone at Brussels Airlines. I’m also already looking forward to welcoming the new colleagues who will join us to enable our growth. It’s with great pleasure that we will offer more connections to our increasing number of passengers on our growing network.”

​- Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO, Brussels Airlines

Three-year wet-lease agreement signed ​

​The national carrier also signed a three-year wet-lease agreement starting in 2025 with Air Baltic. The partner will seasonally operate four Airbus A220s for Brussels Airlines between end of March and October. With 148 seats, these planes are perfect aircraft for regional routes and routes with lower demand.

​The Belgian airline has growth intentions with its own short- and medium-haul fleet as well. More information on these plans will follow in due time.

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Artemis Aerospace investigates the evolution of the passenger airline seat

A comfortable seat to sink into when you board a plane wasn't always a given for air travel. Artemis Aerospace investigates – take a seat and find out more!

You've made it to the airport, checked your luggage in, browsed the shops and finally got on the plane. You've bagged a window seat, stowed your bag in the overhead locker and perused your fellow passengers, hoping you won't end up with a seat-kicker behind or seat recliner in front . . . what you're probably not thinking about is the design of your seat. However, there's an interesting history behind the evolution of airline seats. Here we delve into it …

Today, the comfort of travellers during their journey is a top priority for airlines competing for business; designers battle it out to provide the most relaxing experience. This is quite a change from the very first seating arrangements for passengers in the 1920s, which were plain wicker chairs – and these weren't even fastened to the floor, so any in-flight turbulence had the potential to cause an untidy heap of wicker and people. The wicker chairs lasted for around ten years and were subsequently fitted to the floor as well as having extra padding and being lined with leather. Leather was a practical option as it was easy to clean back in the day when air travel was a much dustier experience. By the end of the thirties, velour covers were making their way in.

In 1930, the Aluminum Company of America designed an aluminium passenger seat which was light and adaptable. Fast forward to the present day and nearly all airline seats are still manufactured in aluminium. This first seat may have been a state-of-the-art invention, but there was still no means of adjusting it, although foam-filled rubber seats were introduced to prevent discomfort from sitting on a hard metal chair.

Initially, seats were usually arranged in a 2+1, 2+2 or 3+3 formation as aircraft grew in size. As longer flights gradually became possible, the recliner chair was introduced in 1929, thus igniting the age-old issue of whether to recline and possibly annoy the person behind or remain upright. Some airlines introduced seats which converted to beds for an overnight flight, and the move towards the comfort of passengers began to grow in momentum, with improved shock absorbency in the seats and the introduction of head and footrests.

Some of the first seating arrangements involved seats configured around a table, as they are in trains, and when food began to be served on aircraft, it was brought to the traveller on a real tray. One can imagine the mess if the plane hit a rough patch! The tray tables which fold down from the back of the seat weren't introduced until 1973.

BepiColombo’s fourth Mercury flyby: the movie

Watch the closest flyby of a planet ever, as the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo spacecraft sped past Mercury during its latest encounter on 4 September 2024.
This flyby marked BepiColombo’s closest approach to Mercury yet, and for the first time, the spacecraft had a clear view of Mercury’s south pole.
This timelapse is made up of 128 different images captured by all three of BepiColombo’s monitoring cameras, M-CAM 1, 2 and 3. We see the planet move in and out of the fields of view of M-CAM 2 and 3, before M-CAM 1 sees the planet receding into the distance at the end of the video.
The first few images are taken in the days and weeks before the flyby. Mercury first appears in an image taken at 23:50 CEST (21:50 UTC) on 4 September, at a distance of 191 km. Closest approach was at 23:48 CEST at a distance of 165 km.
The sequence ends around 24 hours later, on 5 September 2024, when BepiColombo was about 243 000 km from Mercury.
Video ESA/BepiColombo/MTM  Image processing and video production by Mark McCaughrean

Air Canada and ALPA agree tentative deal to end strike

Air Canada says it has reached a tentative agreement with pilots union Air Line Pilots  Association (ALPA), which the company has agreed to most of the demands from more than 5000 pilots. The agreement will mean an extra $1.9 billion for pilots over the course of the four-year deal.  

The airline said "The new agreement recognizes the contributions and professionalism of Air Canada's pilot group, while providing a framework for the future growth of the airline. Terms of the new agreement will remain confidential pending a ratification vote by the membership, expected to be completed over the next month, and approval by the Air Canada Board of Directors."

If the deal is approved, there will be a massive reduction in the number of new routes the carrier was expected to launch for summer 2025 and winter 25/26.  

First Officer Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada ALPA MEC said: "While it has been an exceptionally long road to this agreement, the consistent engagement and unified determination of our pilots have been the catalyst for achieving this contract.

After several consecutive weeks of intense round-the-clock negotiations, progress was made on several key issues including compensation, retirement, and work rules. This agreement, if ratified by the pilot group, would officially put an end to our outdated and stale decade-old, ten-year framework."

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Safe spalshdown for SpaceX's Dragon capsule.

It was all smiles early on Sunday morning when the SpaceX Polaris Dawn crew splashed down successfully after five days in orbit and what is believed to be the world's first commercial spacewalk.

The Dragon capsule came down in the sea off the coast of Florida at around 03:37 local time, in a well-planned procedure and was streamed live on Youtube and the SpaceX website.

The mission has been considered "a giant leap forward" for the commercial space industry, according to NASA.  

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OX1 Plant achieves 40% higher conversion....... ready to supply first PtL SAF customers

OXCCU’s OX1 plant, the world’s first demonstration of the direct conversion of CO2 and H2 into deoxygenated long-chain hydrocarbons, is now fully operational. Since going live in September, OX1 has consistently produced liquid fuel (OXEFUEL™), and OXCCU is now ready to supply its first customers.  The plant's performance has exceeded expectations, marking a significant milestone in OXCCU's journey to develop the world’s lowest-cost PtL pathway.

OXCCU’s Co-Founder and CEO, Andrew Symes has provided a comment that can be used for any upcoming article narratives:  "Our OX1 plant, the world’s first demonstration of the direct conversion of CO2 and H2 into deoxygenated long-chain hydrocarbons, is now live. CO2 and H2 in, liquid fuel out—this low-cost, single-step method makes achieving SAF targets possible. Since going live in September, OX1 has been consistently producing liquid fuel for more than a week, and we're now ready to supply our first customers. The results have exceeded expectations, with conversion increasing by over 40% and a significantly higher SAF selectivity than anticipated.

In May 2023, we committed to delivering OX1, a 1,000-times scale-up from the lab, and it’s now operating as planned at Oxford Airport, thanks to the incredible efforts of the OXCCU team. We are passionate about developing the world's lowest-cost PtL pathway, and the next step is OX2 in Saltend, Humber, where we will further scale this world-leading Oxford University IP. Our focus is on reducing e-fuel costs and helping the UK meet its SAF targets, with rapid scale-up from demo to commercial scale being fully achievable with this technology.

The SAF mandate, passed into law this week alongside the Refuel EU mandates, sets serious targets for the industry. PtL SAF will play a crucial role in meeting these targets. Greg Smith MP discussed this in parliament this week, referencing OXCCU's contribution to the sector. However, the primary challenge for PtL SAF remains cost, and OXCCU is tackling this directly with our one-step process.

As momentum in the e-fuels industry grows, so do expectations. Infinium's recent $1.1bn funding announcement demonstrates this. At OXCCU, we remain focused on scaling our patented one-step pathway, which is key to reducing the cost of PtL SAF and hitting the SAF mandates."