Munich Airport receives first delivery of electric passenger buses

Another step towards "Net Zero 2035", the sustainability strategy of Munich Airport, has been taken: MAN Truck & Bus Germany has delivered the first ten electric solo passenger buses to AeroGround Flughafen München GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Munich Airport. A further 27 electric buses of MAN Lion's City E 12 and E 18 models will be put into operation by the end of the year. There is an option to purchase 25 additional buses.

Ten electric buses from MAN were delivered to subsidiary AeroGround

50 percent of the apron vehicle fleet to be emission-free by year’s end

Buses offer innovations in comfort and safety

"We are reducing air pollutants, lowering our energy consumption and avoiding climate damaging CO2 emissions. The changeover is a further step towards sustainable airport operations and a clean future for the aviation industry. The buses also offer passengers a more comfortable journey from the gate to the aircraft," says Jost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport.

Munich Airport is one of the first MAN customers to receive and use the new e-buses from the 2024 model year.

The electric drive is considered to be particularly efficient for apron use with many short distances and low speeds. The 18-meter articulated buses (MAN Lion's City E 18) offer sufficient space for passengers and airline crews as a supplement to the 12-meter solo buses (MAN Lion's City E 12). Both models feature numerous innovations in terms of equipment and safety. For example, a more efficient and sustainable air conditioning system.

Prue Leith set to appear at Newcastle Station with some unexpected flavours

LNER challenges the concept of ‘uninspiring’ train food with an off-board menu a-PRUE-ved by the renowned cook. 

LNER has teamed up with renowned culinary expert Dame Prue Leith to host the LNER Taste Station at Newcastle Central Station on October 4th and 5th 2024. Featuring unusual ‘off-board’ food creations from LNER’s local suppliers, the event aims to dispel the myth that train food is 'uninspiring’.    

From a Popping Jack Roll to BaNacon Sponge, these inventive creations will leave travellers' taste buds tingling and wanting more, proving that there are endless possibilities when it comes to train food and good quality ingredients. People will have the opportunity to taste the creations for themselves, with samples served from 10am until stocks last. 

These a-PRUE-ved dishes will also be tried and tested by the UK’s very own cooking grande, Prue Leith, who is working with LNER to help redefine perceptions of train food and encouraging Brits to try new things – whether that’s exploring the UK or taking their taste buds on a journey of their own through its latest menu. Prue is renowned for being at the forefront of transforming train cuisine, after being recruited to the board of British Rail more than forty years ago.  

One PRUE-ven popular creation will even feature on selected LNER’s services for a limited time, giving customers the chance to taste new flavours whilst exploring new places.   

Dame Prue Leith, campaigner, cookery writer and Bake-off judge, said: “Train food has come a long way since my campaigning days 25 years ago. It’s great to see train companies really pushing themselves to provide fresh, creative and local on-board menus... and I can’t wait to taste these unexpected creations made by LNER’s suppliers!”  

Japan Airlines to give complimentary domestic flights to international passengers (from some countries!)

Japan Airlines is introducing an exclusive offer for international travellers - complimentary domestic flights to any destination within Japan when booking an international flight with the well-respected carrier. 

Key points of the offer

- Complimentary Domestic Flights: Book an international flight with JAL and receive free domestic flights to explore more of Japan.

- Seamless Travel Experience: Plan your journey with ease, staying at your initial destination (e.g., Tokyo) and travelling to another location within Japan without extra charges for most travellers.

Rules for the special offer mean that customers must book a Japan Airlines international flight and also a corresponding domestic flight in the same reservation, separate bookings for domestic flights are not eligible.

A stopover fee applies to U.S., Canada, Mexico, and China travellers whose first destination stay in Japan exceeds 24 hours. No additional charges apply to travellers from other countries for the domestic segments.

Unfortunately, the deal is not available for everyone, the carrier has decided to discriminate against travellers from Europe and limit the free offer to nationals of Australia, Canada, China, Indonesia, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam and the United States of America. 

Schedule for free domestic flight offer:

Explore More of Japan with JAL's Domestic Flights and Services 

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Los Angeles International Airport to get a new Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse early next year

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

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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”.

Book Air Asia flights here 

 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.

Book Air Asia flights here

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.