Airbus selected by MDA Space to deliver over 200 Sparkwing solar arrays

Airbus has been selected by MDA Space Ltd. to supply solar arrays for MDA AURORA, the software-defined satellite product line enabling constellations to extend communication networks to every corner of the world.

Airbus will supply more than 200 Sparkwing solar arrays that will be built on a designated line at Airbus' high-capacity production facility in Leiden, the Netherlands. The solar array is the largest Sparkwing to date, consisting of two wings with five panels each and providing a photovoltaic area of well over 30 sqm. 

The MDA AURORA supply chain will help support product deliveries for anchor customer Telesat’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation Lightspeed, an innovative, advanced global network that will bring enterprise-class connectivity to customers worldwide.

“We are delighted to be selected as the supplier of solar arrays to partner with MDA Space for Telesat Lightspeed. Our industrialised Sparkwing solar array product not only meets the demands of this ground-breaking constellation project, but is also tailored to ensure optimal performance in space. The Sparkwing solar arrays are designed for series production, ideally suited for constellations, and we will accordingly contribute to a project enabling space connectivity,” said Rob Postma, Managing Director of Airbus in the Netherlands.

Hydrogen is a promising option for the future of aviation......

Hydrogen is a promising option for the future of aviation - a new report from market intelligence firm IDTechEx finds that the hydrogen aeroplane market will be worth US$28.4 billion in 2045. However, there is still a long way to go before hydrogen commercial flights take off. Along with aircraft development, infrastructure investment will need to be made at airports to handle liquid hydrogen. As such, it will take some key airports investing in the hydrogen infrastructure to kick-start the hydrogen-air travel market.

In 2023, aeroplanes from Los Angeles (LAX) to Las Vegas (LAS) transported nearly 3.5 million passengers, making it one of the busiest routes in the US. Additionally, it is only 380km, making it easy to complete with hydrogen power. These airports are some of the key hubs in the US, along with Atlanta, Denver, Dallas Fort Worth, and Chicago O'Hare. Adding just a few more of the most popular airports in the US to this list and creating a network of 21 airports would cover nearly 25% of the US's domestic air travel demand.

New York (JFK) to London (LHR) is one of the busiest routes in the world, with approximately 3.8 million passengers flying this route in 2023. At 5,500km it is perhaps outside the realms of possibility for hydrogen power. However, LHR would be one of the starting points for creating a hydrogen-powered network in Europe, along with other important hubs like Schiphol and Frankfurt.

Hydrogen-powered flight will not be easy. There are still many technical challenges around certification, hydrogen fuel cells, longevity, making motors powerful enough for aeroplanes, hydrogen storage, and more. However, getting the right airports to invest in LH2 refuelling technologies will be key in getting the upcoming industry off the ground.

 

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IDTechEx's new report, "Sustainable Future Aviation 2025-2045: Trends, Technologies, Forecasts," provides a detailed analysis of hydrogen and electric flight technologies. Its forecasts show how the industry will grow in the number of planes sold, revenue from sales in US$, battery demand for electric planes in GWh, and motor demand for planes in GW. Find out more at www.IDTechEx.com/SustAviation.

JetBlue and Cape Air enhance codeshare deal

JetBlue announced this week that members of its TrueBlue loyalty program can now earn and redeem TrueBlue points on select Cape Air-operated flights when booking travel on jetblue.com or through the JetBlue mobile app.

JetBlue’s customer loyalty benefits with Cape Air further expands a partnership that was first formed in 2007 – the very first airline codeshare agreement for JetBlue. Cape Air, one of the largest commuter airlines in the U.S., currently serves 32 cities in the U.S. and the Caribbean and offers more than 250 daily flights. Over the years, the partnership between the two airlines has grown to deliver seamless connections between New York, Boston, and San Juan, Puerto Rico to destinations across the Northeast and the Caribbean all on one reservation.

“As our first airline partner, we couldn’t be more excited to expand our partnership with Cape Air to offer our customers the ability to earn and redeem through our TrueBlue loyalty program,” said Chris Buckner, JetBlue’s vice president of loyalty and partnerships. “Whether traveling to one of our beloved focus cities like Boston, New York or San Juan, or connecting to world-class beach destinations in the Caribbean, we continue to provide customers with more ways to be rewarded for their loyalty and make the most of their travel experience.”

“For 17 years we have grown our partnership with a shared vision to connect and delight customers in the communities we serve,” said Lisa Shivdasani, Cape Air’s senior vice president of airline partnerships and commercial. “With our expanded partnership, we are excited to offer even more value to those who live, work, and play in some of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the world.”

StandardAero provides CFM LEAP-1B engine services to Corendon Airlines

StandardAero has signed a non-exclusive agreement Corendon Airlines to provide CFM International LEAP-1B engine services in support of the carrier’s fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.  

StandardAero has already inducted Corendon’s first LEAP-1B engine, for a Continued Time Engine Maintenance (CTEM) shop visit.  In addition to the LEAP-powered MAX fleet, Corendon also operates Boeing 737-800 jets powered by CFM56-7B engines.  This new agreement extends StandardAero’s existing relationship with Corendon on the CFM56-7B.

Will Pitcher, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customers for StandardAero’s Airlines & Fleets division, said:  “StandardAero is proud to have been entrusted by Corendon Airlines to provide LEAP-1B MRO services, adding Türkiye to our growing list of LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B customer nations.  We value the confidence shown by Corendon in our San Antonio-based LEAP team, and look forward to meeting the service expectations of Corendon and its passengers for many years to come.”

Emirates supporting young golf hopefuls' journeys to the U.S. for higher education

Emirates is supporting the flight journeys for Syed Daniah and Syed Abiha, two remarkable young golf prodigies from Karachi, as they head to the United States to pursue their higher education at Blinn College-Brenham Campus in Brenham, Texas.

Through supporting flights from Karachi to Houston, Emirates continues its commitment of positively impacting the communities it serves by providing opportunities for talented youth from diverse backgrounds to fulfil their potential and pursue their academic and athletic dreams. By facilitating the journey of Daniah and Abiha to continue their education while competing at the highest levels of collegiate golf, Emirates is also reinforcing its dedication to nurturing the pipeline of sporting talent as a new generation of players emerge.

Mohammed Alhashmi, Emirates’ Vice President for Pakistan said “These sisters have already made a significant mark on the World Amateur Golf Ranking list and these remarkable achievements have earned them full scholarships. They were awarded for their exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. As key members of the Pakistan National Team, they have represented their country in prestigious tournaments worldwide, earning acclaim in countries such as Scotland, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Dubai, and Thailand and we are proud to be an enabler in their pursuit of education abroad.”

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Syed Abiha, currently playing with a handicap of 2 and a driving distance of over 240 yards, has achieved a best score of 70 (2 under) while her sister, Syed Daniah, with a handicap of 1 and a similar driving distance, boasts a best score of 69 (3 under). Both sisters are recognized not only for their impressive golfing skills but also for their leadership and sportsmanship, qualities that have propelled them to the forefront of the sport both nationally and internationally.

Emirates is the award-winning global airline operating the world’s largest fleet of wide-body Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft and serving 140 cities on six continents through its efficient hub in Dubai. The airline has earned customer recognition for its industry-leading services on the ground and in the sky, delivered by a passionate workforce representing over 160 nations. Emirates supports local communities worldwide and brings people together through its vast portfolio of international sports and cultural sponsorships. Emirates currently operates 53 flights per week from the Pakistan to Dubai.

Demand over next 20 years for 1,170 new aircraft highlights Africa's potential......

Africa's commercial fleet to more than double driven by single-aisle jet demand by 2043

As Africa’s young and growing population seeks new opportunities to travel, the region’s commercial aeroplane fleet is projected to more than double by 2043, according to Boeing’s 2024 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO). Deliveries of more than 800 new single-aisle jets will account for most of this growth, as predicted by the company’s long-term demand forecast for commercial aeroplanes and services.

According to the CMO, passenger air traffic in Africa will increase 6.4% annually ─ more than tripling the region’s air traffic by 2043. This growth rate ranks Africa as the third highest among the ten regions tracked by Boeing.

“As demand for air travel rises, African airlines will need more single-aisle aeroplanes to efficiently serve many routes in the continent’s largest aviation markets, including Europe, the Middle East and within Africa," said Shahab Matin, Boeing managing director of Commercial Marketing for Middle East and Africa. “This growth will build on Boeing’s nearly eight decades of partnership with African carriers, as more than 60 airlines currently operate around 500 Boeing aeroplanes.”

AirAsia unveils “Thank You for Being Punctual” commercial.......

AirAsia Thailand is taking its promise and commitment to on-time performance to another level with its new advertising campaign specially targeted for the year-end peak holiday season entitled “Thank You for Being Punctual”.

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 The video commercial that comes in 15- and 48-second versions was produced by Choojai Ka Kalayanamitr Co., Ltd., with direction by Thanonchai Sornsriwichai and will begin airing on national television and all of the airline’s online and social media channels from 16 September 2024. 

Mr. Santisuk Klongchaiya, CEO of AirAsia Thailand said: “This special advertisement was produced as a message of our appreciation to everyone who is always punctual and making it a lifestyle habit. While most media content punctuality ironically highlights tardiness, those who strive to be on time are rarely given any credits. AirAsia is looking to present a new perspective on timeliness focusing on those who are habitually punctual, and giving them the honour and appreciation that they deserve. The campaign is also a reinforcement of AirAsia’s dedication to operating on time and to the expectations of its guests while keeping to high safety standards according to stringent International aviation guidelines at all times. 

“Punctuality is an acknowledged key strength of Thai AirAsia. Our operational on-time performance has been recognised by trustworthy institutes and we were named the Most On-Time Airline in Thailand in both 2022 and 2023 by Cirium and OAG. These marks of pride are no easy feat and resulted from the dedication and hard work of our Allstar colleagues. But the biggest honour definitely goes to our dear guests who have been giving all their cooperation and support towards our on-time endeavour. This commercial represents our sincere thanks to all involved,” Mr. Santisuk said.

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The East Midlands Airport team giving local youngsters and adults their wings

East Midlands Airport (EMA) provides employment for around 800 people and supports 7,000 more jobs on the site – so it makes sense to give local people the right skills to join the workforce.

That’s why EMA set up the first UK airport ‘Aerozone’ education facility in 2010, with more than 31,000 youngsters passing through its doors since then. It has also established the EMA Academy, which since last December has been providing training and skills programmes in partnership with Nottingham College.

The Aerozone is for children aged four to 18, mostly at schools and colleges in a 15-mile radius around the airport, while the Academy offers free upskilling programmes and employability support to local unemployed adults. It is run by a small team, with Joanna Wood in charge of the Aerozone and Louisa Marsden, in a job share with Amy Smith, looking after the Academy.

The Aerozone and Academy moved to a new building on the airport site earlier this year. The Aerozone provides interactive role playing activities using real life props, equipment and uniforms for young people to get a feel for what different roles at the airport involve. This includes security, airfield operations, engineers and air traffic control, as well as pilots and cabin crew. New touch-screen equipment allows young people to explore how the aviation industry can decarbonise in the coming years. Attendees also hear from volunteer speakers from the airport and get terminal tours.  School visits can be tailored around various relevant curriculum topics such as the environment, history of flying and transport.

The team has recently played a part in producing the Little Book of Travel Tales, a new free booklet produced by EMA’s parent company Manchester Airports Group to be handed out to young travellers at EMA and its sister airports Manchester and Stansted. It’s proved very popular at EMA this summer and includes short stories, poems and drawings submitted by local pupils via the Aerozone.

Some students from Derby College’s travel and tourism course and Nottingham College’s aviation studies course are given work experience opportunities. The team is also taking in primary school children at the Aerozone for the Department for Transport Reach for the Skies aviation recruitment campaign and supporting the Fantasy Wings programme with work experience and regional conferences to encourage engagement and applications from young people in under-represented groups.

The Academy provides an industry-recognised ‘Introduction to the Aviation Industry’ accredited qualification through a free two-week course which runs once a month. It is offered to unemployed or low-income adult learners providing pre-employment and upskilling training including support with job applications and interviews.

Setting 18 world speed records, Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong)

Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong) reaches a remarkable milestone by setting 18 world speed records ⁽¹⁾, within the past nine months on its Bombardier Global 7500 fleet. This achievement is a testament to its commitment to efficient business aviation travel and showcases the extraordinary capabilities of the Global 7500.

Impressive Record-Breaking Achievements

In just nine months, operating under normal payloads for the Bombardier Global 7500, Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong) has reduced the flight time between several major business destinations:

• March 4: San Francisco to Phoenix - 1 hr 22 mins 
• March 6: Phoenix to Paris - 8 hrs 33 mins 
• April 2: Los Angeles to Tokyo - 10 hrs 28 mins 
• April 4: Tokyo to Los Angeles - 8 hrs 10 mins 
• April 9: San Jose to Tokyo - 10 hrs 20 mins 
• April 13: San Jose to Seattle - 1 hr 26 mins 
• April 19: New York to London - 5 hrs 45 mins 
• April 23: London to New York - 6 hrs 47 mins 
• April 30: San Francisco to Tokyo - 9 hrs 53 mins 
• May 2: Tokyo to Bali - 6 hrs 58 mins 
• May 6: Bali to Tokyo - 6 hrs 32 mins 
• June 5: Tokyo to Honolulu - 6 hrs 33 mins 
• June 15: Qingdao to San Jose - 10 hrs 15 mins 
• June 17: Honolulu to Tokyo - 7 hrs 20 mins 
• June 21: Tokyo to Geneva - 14 hrs 11 mins 
• July 24: Tokyo to Rome - 14 hrs 1 min 
• July 29: Paris to Delhi - 8 hrs 56 mins 
• July 29: Delhi to Tokyo - 7 hrs 8 mins 

A Commitment to Excellence

These world records not only showcase the Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong) team’s operational excellence but also the extraordinary performance capabilities of the Bombardier Global 7500. The high demand for quick and efficient business jet travel between these preferred destinations reflects on the safe, secure and reliable service provided by Phenix Jet on its fleet of Bombardier Global 7500s. 

Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong) has been recognized as the Best Charter Operator and the Operator with the Largest Charter Fleet in Asia by the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) and Asian Sky Group respectively, further reinforcing its reputation in the industry.

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Andrew Svoboda, the CEO of Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong), expressed, “We are incredibly proud to have set these 18 world speed records, demonstrating the unmatched capabilities of our dedicated operations team and the exceptional Bombardier Global 7500.”

Emmanuel Bornand, Vice President, Aircraft Sales, International, added: “Bombardier congratulates the Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong) team on its most recent record-breaking performances on the incredible Global 7500 aircraft. As its recent speed records can attest, the Global 7500 continues to reveal its incredible technological advancements that raise the standard for the industry."

Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong) stands out as the premier choice for charter flights and business jet management, consistently demonstrating a commitment to unparalleled service and exceptional travel experiences.

⁽¹⁾Speeds and distances referenced per FAI guidelines. Some records pending review by FAI, the World Air Sports Federation.  

LLA cements Cranfield University partnership

London Luton Airport (LLA) and Cranfield University have strengthened their long-standing association with a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). 

The signing of the MoU coincides with the 60th anniversary of Air Transport teaching and research at Cranfield University celebrations that took place at the Cranfield University campus in Bedfordshire on Friday 13th September.

The partnership will provide a framework for environmental, operational and educational collaboration, joint project activities and combined research opportunities. 

Under the terms of the partnership, LLA and Cranfield will work together to identify opportunities in three key areas -

•    Net Zero collaboration – identifying opportunities for environmental innovation and efficiency in support of LLA’s journey to Net Zero, exploring new ground in areas such as energy efficiency, future fuel and power sources, smart local energy solutions and collaboration on net zero strategies and policies

•    Operational Innovation – collaborating on operations and the passenger experience including digitalisation and emerging aviation technology

•    Education - collaboration on a range of education and skills development initiatives. LLA will also work alongside Cranfield’s National Flying Laboratory Centre (NFLC), a facility virtually unique in the European academic sector and used to support teaching, research and consultancy. 

Alberto Martin, Chief Executive Officer at London Luton Airport commented: “This agreement is an exciting development that cements London Luton Airport’s long-standing partnership with our neighbours at Cranfield University. The MoU provides the platform to combine operational experience and expertise with world class academic research and thinking, applied to a live airport environment, and underlines our shared commitment in the three hugely important areas of sustainable aviation, operational innovation and the development of future skills.”

Professor Dame Karen Holford, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Cranfield University said: "We are delighted to formalise our partnership with London Luton Airport and continue to build our connections. The collaboration gives us the opportunity to further address the industry's skills gap and provide individuals with promising career prospects, and it builds on our crucial research into decarbonising aviation.”

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Lando Norris takes on Silverstone Circuit in a life-size LEGO Technic McLaren P1

The LEGO Group and McLaren Automotive have embarked on the toughest LEGO Technic challenge to date, recreating a one-of-a-kind, fully drivable McLaren P1™ made from LEGO Technic elements. And if that wasn’t enough, McLaren F1™ driver, Lando Norris has been enlisted for the ultimate challenge, to complete a lap of the iconic British racetrack, Silverstone, in the 1:1 scale LEGO Technic McLaren P1.

This life-size replica of the McLaren P1™ is made from 342,817 LEGO Technic elements, weighing approximately 1220kg, with some truly remarkable displays of engineering. The car has fully functional steering, making it the first LEGO big build ever capable of steering and taking on tricky racetrack corners. The build features an electric motor consisting of LEGO Technic Function batteries and an electric car battery, allowing it to travel further than any other LEGO model before it.

The big build process came to life with 23 specialists from design, engineering and building from the LEGO group and McLaren Automotive, with 8,344 hours of development and construction and requiring 393 different types of LEGO Technic elements.

Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach awarded two Michelin keys

                                  Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, a boutique resort setting where oceanfront pools and the Island’s best beach beckon to discover the true art of vacationing, has been awarded two Michelin keys by the Michelin Guide, an accolade that recognizes hotels worldwide for offering the most singular and authentic travel experiences. The award celebrates excellence in design, architecture, service, and character, as well as a meaningful contribution to the local community. As one of only six two key hotels in Florida, this distinction embodies the uniquely crafted, personalized stays that guests of Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach have come to cherish.

Mazen Saleh, General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, expresses his pride in the achievement: "We are honoured to receive this prestigious two Michelin key accolade, a reflection of the local charm that shines here with very special thanks to our gracious, dedicated and passionate team. At Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, it’s like having your very own beach house on a beautiful island where every moment of your getaway is attended to with kindness and care. This award celebrates the exceptional hospitality and warmth that makes a stay here stay with you.”

At Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, guests can step into a world of relaxed beachfront sophistication and step out effortlessly to enjoy all that Palm Beach has to offer at their own pace. The Michelin Guide’s point of view: “Pleasures don’t get much simpler than the ones on offer at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach - this upscale beach town and this ultra-palatable luxury hotel are a match made in heaven. The rooms and suites are contemporary in style, but gently so - this is a long way, figuratively and literally, from Miami Beach. The beach club, the pools, and the Spa are all as tranquil as can be, and the restaurants don’t disappoint - Florie’s, the flagship, is a partnership with the multiple Michelin-starred Mauro Colagreco, who adapts his Italian and Argentine influences to the climate and produce of South Florida.”

Ryanair will 'nick' slots at Dublin Airport promises O'Leary

The aggressive bullying boss of Ryanair, Michael O'Leary has promised the carrier will 'nick' the slots of other airlines at Dublin Airport, if they move flights to Cork. 

“The one problem for the airlines is, you switch a slot out of Dublin, somebody else will come and nick the slot," O'Leary said during a press conference last weekend. "In fact, we'll come and nick anybody else's slot, we’ll take the slot that moves to Cork, we’ll fill it and they won't get it back!".

The outspoken remarks, as reported by Cork Beo, were in response to the news that the Dublin Airport Authority is trying to get airlines to move flights from Dublin to Cork and other Irish airports, to keep Dublin under a 32 million passenger cap per year. 

The authority has applied to the local Fingal County Council to raise the cap, which has been considered 'antiquated' by many politicians and airline officials, up from 32m to 40m and more.  Thus far, the the council hasn't agreed to raise the limit, nor introduce an interim measure to cover the next year or so. By the end of this year, Dublin will break the cap, and consequentially, break the law. 

O'Leary has threatened the Irish government that if the cap is not removed or significantly increased, Ryanair will raise fares to more than €1000 from Dublin this Christmas. 

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The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore announces the reintroduction of its membership programme,

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The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore announces the reintroduction of its membership programme, promising an elevated wellness experience for its members. Recognized as the only Forbes-awarded spa in Maryland, The Spa offers a tranquil retreat for those seeking harmony of mind and body.

In addition to the special membership, The Spa is unveiling its enhanced Vitality Pools. The updated pools now feature invigorating colour therapy lights and luxurious jets integrated into seating benches. This refreshed hydrotherapy oasis combines hot and cold therapy to boost immunity and improve circulation, complementing the spa’s existing heat treatments.

Accessible to annual members, hotel guests, and spa patrons, The Spa includes full-service Relaxation Rooms equipped with brand-new, state-of-the-art Vitality Pools, Experience Showers, Saunas, and Steam Rooms. Membership benefits include:

Sean Menke added to JetBlue’s Board of Directors

JetBlue Airways announced the appointment of Sean Menke to the company’s board of directors. The independent director appointment is effective immediately, following unanimous approval by the company’s board of directors.

On September 12, 2024, the Board appointed Mr. Sean Menke to the Board. Mr. Menke was most recently executive chair at Sabre Corp., a position he held from early 2022 until April 2024. Mr. Menke joined Sabre in 2015 and was promoted in late 2016 to serve as president and CEO and then CEO of Sabre Corp. until April 2023. Before joining Sabre, Mr. Menke spent more than 20 years in the airline industry. He served as chief executive officer at Frontier Airlines and Pinnacle Airlines and held senior-level commercial and operating roles, most notably with Air Canada and Hawaiian Airlines.

"We’re excited to welcome Sean to JetBlue’s board of directors,” said Peter Boneparth, chairman of the board. “His diverse industry experience will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the JetBlue business for our crewmembers, customers and owners.”