New direct routes from Saudi Arabia to Phuket, Thailand with Saudia

The national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saudia, has confirmed it will start new direct routes to the tropical paradise of Phuket in Thailand from December this year. Phuket becomes the second city in Thailand to join Saudia’s network, following the capital, Bangkok.

Saudia will commence flights to Phuket on 2nd December 2024, offering 12 weekly round trips from Riyadh and Jeddah combined.  This expansion aligns with Saudia’s strategic objective to broaden its international flight network and bring the world to Saudi Arabia, using its young fleet of fuel-efficient and comfortable aircraft.  

The airline says that the new route will cater to the growing demand for leisure travel, with Phuket famed for its rich traditions, from its vibrant markets to its peaceful, sun-soaked beaches. Operational preparations are currently underway at Phuket International Airport to ensure an exceptional service and seamless experience for all Saudia passengers.  

The carrier will deploy its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on the routes which feature spacious cabins, comfortable seating, advanced inflight entertainment systems catering to diverse guest preferences, and other premium onboard services designed to enhance the travel experience.

For passengers in the UK, this new route represents an exciting opportunity to connect via Saudia’s hub in Jeddah or Riyadh and enjoy a smooth, world-class travel experience to Phuket. There is also the possibility of booking a stopover for between 1 and 4 nights in Saudi Arabia, enabling passengers to enjoy a visit the ancient kingdom that offers so much exotic promise.  

Arved Von Zur Muhlen, Chief Commercial Officer at Saudia Group, said:  "We are thrilled to open up this new direct route to Phuket, offering our guests even more choice and flexibility. Opening this new route to Phuket is an iconic destination, known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse attractions. The addition of this new route demonstrates Saudia’s vision to expand our global network and connect our guests to the places they want to visit. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience Saudia’s renowned hospitality, premium inflight services, and convenient connections."

Saudia continues to top the global list for on-time performance (OTP), achieving this milestone for the second time consecutively, according to a report by the independent aviation tracking site, Cirium, for July 2024.

The carrier also has a keen eye on the future and recently singed a massive deal with Lilium to acquire up to 100 eVTOL jets.  These aircraft have unique vertical take-off and landing capabilities which will open up entirely new routes. Imagine travelling up to 175 kilometres at speeds of 250 kilometres per hour, saving valuable time compared to traditional options. 

Cabin pressure issue forces Delta plane to divert as passengers bleed from their ears....

A Delta aircraft operating flight Flight 1203 from Salt Lake City to Portland on Sunday was forced to return to the airport after passengers reported nosebleeds and burst eardrums, believed to be caused by a pressure issue. 

Local media have reported at least 10 passengers needed medical treatment after they were left with blood coming from their noses and ears. One passenger said she felt her ear drum burst, she then grabbed her ear and saw blood. Another passenger reported nosebleeds and ear issues.

The aircraft was tracked on the premier aviation site, flightradar24, that showed it returning to Salt Lake City. 

The carrier confirmed there had been an incident with the Boeing 737-900ER, in a statement it said "We sincerely apologize to our customers for their experience on flight 1203 on Sept. 15. The flight crew followed procedures to return to SLC where our teams on the ground supported our customers with their immediate needs.

Medical personnel met the flight at the gate and identified 10 individuals as needing evaluation or treatment.

Delta offered to cover transportation for these customers to medical facilities.

Delta technicians worked the pressurization issue on the aircraft successfully. It was taken out of service on the morning of Sept. 15 and went back into service on Sept. 16"

The exact cause of the problem has not been disclosed, however, the FAA has launched an investigation into the incident. 

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Condor spreads its wings to Thailand.

The German holiday and leisure carrier Condor has started flights to Thailand, with the first one taking off last weekend. The Condor Airbus A330neo D-ANRO operated flight DE2368 from Frankfurt to Phuket on Saturday at around 15:10 local time. On Sunday, flight DE2362 then brought guests from Frankfurt to Bangkok. In both Phuket and Bangkok, the first Condor passenger flight was warmly welcomed at a reception with representatives from Condor, the airport and the tourism association.

From now on, guests have the opportunity to fly with Germany's most popular vacation airline four times a week to Phuket and five times a week to the capital of Thailand. All flights to Thailand will be operated with the brand-new A330neo. On board the new aircraft, guests can expect maximum customer comfort, a significantly more spacious feeling, first-class in-flight entertainment and connectivity in all classes. The three Airbus A330-900neo aircraft are also equipped with state-of-the-art Trent 7000 engines from Rolls Royce, which can be operated particularly efficiently and with sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) thanks to the latest technology.

In addition to the new destinations in Thailand, Condor is now also flying again to the popular winter long-haul destinations of Cape Town, the Maldives and the Seychelles.

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Eurostar to join SkyTeam alliance........

Eurostar will become SkyTeam’s first non-airline partner, paving the way for more flexible multi-city travel for customers across Europe. 

With Eurostar as the first rail partner, SkyTeam is going full steam ahead in its mission to deliver an integrated intermodal travel experience. The new deal will enable passengers to fly into one SkyTeam hub and out of another, with Eurostar providing the link in between. 

Eurostar’s increased network offers many possibilities to enjoy multi-city journeys between the U.K., France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany that can easily be accommodated by rail.

Customers will be able to fly into SkyTeam’s main hubs in France, the Netherlands and the U.K. and other major European airports across Eurostar’s network and enjoy multi-city travel in a more sustainable way. Currently, around 13% percent of Eurostar passengers flying long-haul into one of SkyTeam’s main European hubs connect to another Eurostar destination by rail. 

Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO, Eurostar said: “Offering travellers the choice to see Europe in the most sustainable and convenient way by rail is a key component of Eurostar’s vision for growth. We are creating a future where travellers can connect between Eurostar trains, domestic railways and long-haul flying, opening up our services to new markets across the globe. Today is a major step forward towards this mission and we look forward to working with SkyTeam to develop the customer proposition so more travellers can experience Eurostar’s unique service.”

The two companies will work together in the coming months to create a more integrated experience for air-to-rail travel, ensuring customers can enjoy the benefits of both transport modes. The partnership is expected to launch in the first half of 2025. 

Eurostar and SkyTeam member, KLM, already have a long-standing relationship. The companies will continue to develop their air-rail product for customers, which has already led to a strategic reduction in flights between Amsterdam and Brussels.

Patrick Roux, CEO, SkyTeam said: “Working with Eurostar as our first non-airline partner underscores SkyTeam’s commitment to delivering a more integrated and responsible travel experience by incorporating intermodal travel. One of the world’s most-loved train operators, with a reputation for customer service, Eurostar is a natural fit for SkyTeam. I look forward to developing our partnership and offering customers greater choice in how they travel across SkyTeam’s global network.”  

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Porter Airlines wins USA Today Best Economy Class

Porter Airlines was selected as the world’s Best Economy Class by the USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards.

These awards highlight the best of the best in a variety of categories such as travel, food and drink, and things to do, with all nominees submitted by a panel of experts. Porter was ranked #1 out of 20 international airlines.

“Porter has redefined air travel since 2006 and we are continuing to elevate the economy experience for everyone across North America as we grow our network. Porter is the airline focused on making economy travel better for everyone, and that includes no middle seat on any flight, free beer and wine served in glassware, a selection of complimentary premium snacks, high-quality fresh meal options, plus free streaming WiFi on the E195-E2 for all passengers,” said Kevin Jackson, president, Porter Airlines. “This award speaks to the commitment from our team members to provide the highest level of service and genuine hospitality.”

Since 2023, the airline has:

Hired more than 2,000 new team members

Taken delivery of 40 new Embraer E195-E2s

Grown it’s total fleet size to 69, including 29 Dash 8-400 aircraft

Dozens of new routes and new destinations across North America

The airline now flies coast to coast and to every province in Canada from its eastern hubs of Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. It is also quickly expanding flights into the U.S., currently serving six destinations in Florida, four in California, as well as Las Vegas and Phoenix. These destinations complement its long-standing presence in Boston, Chicago, New York and Washington.

 

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Porter Pass holders now earn VIPorter AvidTraveller benefits at the time of purchase

Porter Pass holders now instantly earn VIPorter qualifying spend and AvidTraveller benefits on all flights included in their pass at the time of purchase. This is an industry-first benefit in North America. Customers will enjoy VIPorter loyalty benefits instantly in recognition of loyal customers who choose to fly Porter Airlines on a regular basis. 

A Porter Pass offers frequent travellers a simple and cost-effective way to purchase 10 to 100 flight credits at a preset price for use on designated routes or across Porter’s full network within one year. With the purchase of almost any Porter Pass, passengers immediately earn enough qualifying spend to become a VIPorter Avid Traveller. On passes with 20 or more flight credits, the qualifying spend is transferable to other designated VIPorter members. Travellers will receive VIPorter points for each flight at the time of travel.  

This provides more travel benefits, which increase as passengers move through the four Avid Traveller membership levels. Additional perks include faster VIPorter points accumulation, dedicated airport services, complimentary seat assignments, complimentary PorterClassic Stretch seats with more legroom, complimentary checked baggage and travel flexibility. 

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“Other pass programs provide qualifying spend after travel is complete, which usually doesn’t allow passengers to maximize the benefits they’ve already paid for until nearly their last flight,” said Edmond Eldebs, senior vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines. “With Porter Pass, frequent travellers now earn loyalty status instantly and have access to valuable benefits from their first flight. This industry-leading benefit is just another way we are respecting economy travellers and providing the elevated level of service they deserve.”

The Porter Pass program recently expanded to reflect the airline's growing North America network, with new options making it simpler to customize, plan, and enjoy economy air travel. This includes the Eastern Canada Triangle of Toronto (Billy Bishop and Pearson), Ottawa and Montreal, Western Canada <> Triangle, Florida <> Triangle, Western U.S. <> Triangle, Northeast U.S. <> Triangle, Everywhere (Canada) and Everywhere (North America).

Passengers can also now choose to take advantage of Porter’s all-inclusive elevated economy experience with the PorterReserve Porter Pass. Along with PorterClassic inclusions like free beer and wine, no middle seats, plus fast and free WiFi on all Embraer E195-E2 routes, PorterReserve passengers enjoy priority check-in, ticketing flexibility and extra legroom seats. Premium pre-mixed cocktails, and fresh, healthy meals are also standard on longer routes. 

Passengers can purchase 10, 20, 50 or 100 flight credits at once for a fixed price. Packages of 20 or more are transferable among individuals for ultimate flexibility.  

A complete description of cities included with each Porter Pass and pricing is available at www.flyporter.com/book-travel/porter-pass. Learn more about VIPorter Avid Traveller benefits on the website: https://www.flyporter.com/en-ca/about-porter/viporter.

Saudi Arabia leads G20 countries in tourism growth, according to latest UN Tourism Barometer

Saudi Arabia has emerged as the fastest-growing G20 country in the latest UN World Tourism Barometer report, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s rapid ascent as a global tourism destination. The Barometer highlights a 73% increase in international tourist arrivals to Saudi Arabia in the first seven months of 2024, compared to the same period in 2019, reflecting the success of the Kingdom’s ambitious tourism strategy under Vision 2030.

The UN World Tourism Barometer serves as a global benchmark for measuring tourism sector performance, and its latest report underscores Saudi Arabia’s impressive achievements in both visitor numbers and economic impact. Saudi Arabia’s robust visa facilitation program, including the expansion of its e-visa scheme, has attracted millions of international tourists, further enhancing the Kingdom’s connectivity with the world.

Saudi Arabia’s investment in transformative projects, such as, the Red Sea Project, NEOM and Diriyah, has propelled its tourism growth. The UN World Tourism Barometer underscores the success of these giga-projects, which are reshaping the global tourism landscape and cementing Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a destination of choice for travelers seeking world-class experiences. Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s long-term economic diversification plan, has placed tourism at the centre of its strategy, with the Kingdom welcoming 109 million tourists in 2023, setting the stage for achieving its long-term goal of 150 million annual visitors by 2030. Tourism will also represent 10% of the Kingdom’s GDP, with one million new jobs created in the sector, taking the total workforce to 1.6 million.

Air Lease Corporation delivers the first of six new Airbus A220-300 aircraft to TAAG Angola Airlines

Air Lease Corporation has announced the delivery of one new Airbus A220-300 to TAAG Angola Airlines, the national carrier of Angola. This is the first A220 aircraft to deliver on long-term lease to TAAG and is the first of six new A220-300s confirmed to deliver to the airline from ALC’s orderbook with Airbus.

“We are pleased to announce ALC’s first of six new A220-300 aircraft delivered to TAAG Angola Airlines,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “ALC is the first lessor to introduce the A220 to the airline and we look forward to assisting TAAG in commencing its long-term fleet modernization program by adding these new-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft.”

“Adding the A220-300 demonstrates TAAG’s ambition for modernization and growth as the company builds a versatile fleet to address market demand under the airline’s expansion plan (new routes and frequencies increase). From a local content empowerment perspective, the aircraft will have an Angolan crew with multiple teams benefiting from comprehensive training programs,” said Nelson de Oliveira, CEO of TAAG.

Air Canada helps young leaders connect and spread their wings at One Young World

Last week, Air Canada was the proud Official Airline of the One Young World Summit in Montreal which was the result of a collaboration with its Montreal-based community partners and stakeholders. 

Over three days, more than 2,000 young leaders from over 250 organizations across 190 countries exchanged ideas, and Air Canada’s delegates to the summit shared the airline’s mission of inclusivity and diversity.

One Young World’s mission echoes Air Canada’s commitment to work together for a more sustainable future where all voices are heard and to present opportunities and exchange ideas in making a difference. "We’re so excited to welcome our delegates and Counsellors to One Young World in Montreal with Air Canada. It’s been a highly impactful collaboration, with a special focus on bringing Indigenous young leaders to the Summit," said Ella Robertson McKay, Managing Ambassador at One Young World. "This is a true testament to the power of partnership between the private sector and NGOs and we are really grateful to everyone at Air Canada, especially the One Young World Ambassadors, for their generous support."

 

The inspiring panel “Wings of Indigenous Empowerment: Youth Leading Change”, presented by Air Canada, and led by the Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Sustainability, Valérie Durand, highlights the leadership and vision of three Indigenous youth committed to creating positive change in their communities. Discussions like these foster a sense of unity and purpose and empower youth to drive positive change in their communities. The summit’s diverse range of voices and perspectives created a rich environment for innovative solutions. As the official airline of the event, Air Canada proudly flew participants, panellists and guests to the vibrant Montreal hub.

Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to interact with Air Canada’s team of delegates and kiosk representatives to learn about the airline’s environmental sustainability initiatives and ongoing work in building a more responsible future. Air Canada also featured an Indigenous Voices space, a captivating area where Indigenous leaders shared their wisdom. Participants created their own dreamcatcher, a powerful symbol of Indigenous culture while immersing themselves in stories that connect the past with the future. Another staple was the Air Canada pledge wall: visitors were able to write down their commitment to change and proudly display where they are from. Finally, guests were able to test their knowledge at a quiz station for a chance to win exciting prizes.

Air Canada’s delegates, representing the next generation of leaders and who are experts in their fields including AI, Community Impact, Environmental Affairs, Linguistics, Procurement and Revenue Management, proudly flew the flag at One Young World:

Jason (Qianzhe) Wang, Data Scientist, AI

Evan Britton, Climate Data Analyst

Laura Velez, Manager, Strategic Procurement

Marie-Claire Desroches, Manager, Community Impacts and Events 

Mathieu Torchia, Revenue Management, Offer Optimization, Planning and Analysis Manager

Sajad Aliakbari Sani, Research Scientist

Sid Djahlat, Linguistics Specialist

Thomas Goetz, Manager, Climate Change Programs

Olivia Urban, Senior AI Analyst

Abdullah El-Safadi, Manager, Community Partnerships, One Young World Ambassador and member of the Montréal 2024 Local Advisory Committee

Chadd Hodge, AI Analyst

François Xavier Auger, ESG Analyst and One Young World Ambassador

Marie-Ève Giasson, Knowledge Management Analyst

 

Multi-million-pound deal signed between Global Airlines and EFW for A380 heavy maintenance

Good news for Global Airlines, which plans to be the all-new, all-Airbus A380 airline as it confirms it has signed a multi-million Euro deal with global MRO specialist, Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), to perform the base maintenance inspection on the airline's first owned double decked super jumbo.

9H-GLOBL will soon fly to Dresden where it will undergo all necessary maintenance, including mandatory inspections and component replacements, before repositioning within Europe for an interior overhaul, before the planned start of commercial operations during 2025.

James Asquith, CEO and Founder of Global Airlines said:  “Joining forces with EFW is the next significant step in our quest to seeing our first A380 in the sky. 9H-GLOBL’s journey back to the skies has taken yet another significant step forward and I am excited to see our first aircraft fly to Dresden for this work to progress. We have overcome significant hurdles over the past 12 months, and we are now very much advancing our proposition, partnerships, team and operational readiness and our partnership with EFW is the latest giant leap forward. I am looking forward to being in Dresden and seeing the work underway.”

It was only at 15.54 local time on 30th April that the aircraft, led by Commander Carlos Mirpuri and a crew of three, departed from the Mojave Air & Space Port in California, for the 5-hour and 40-minute flight to Montreal Mirabel International Airport. The massive A380 was refuelled before heading across the Atlantic, direct to Prestwick, where it landed on runway 30 at 17:00 local. The flight itself created significant local and online attention and was the most viewed flight of the day on Flight Radar with almost 40,000 viewers at its peak. Global Airlines and EFW are now working closely with Airbus on flight conditions and the tasks that will be required for the major maintenance. This will now be undertaken as part of a comprehensive deal with EFW.

“We are glad to support the renaissance of the A380 with our capabilities and maintenance services,” says Jordi Boto, CEO EFW. “We have supported this special aircraft over the years, and we are excited to re-establish our MRO activities on the A380. We really look forward to supporting our new customer Global Airlines with its first A380 and to seeing more aircraft of this type back in the sky.”

London Gatwick has launched a social media challenge to highlight the airport’s speed and connectivity to the capital.

A new social media challenge has showcased the speed and connectivity of getting from London Gatwick into the heart of the capital. 

Teams filmed themselves travelling to a bar near St Paul’s Cathedral by train from four different London airports, in a race to see who had the quickest journey.  

The teams all set off at the same time and filmed their journeys to document their progress. The video has been posted on London Gatwick’s social media channels.

The stunt revealed the fastest train journey was 47 minutes from London Gatwick, using the direct Thameslink service, which was 22 minutes faster than from any of the other starting locations.  

Passengers can travel from Gatwick to the centre of London in just 30 minutes, with a train leaving every four minutes - as frequent as the London Underground. It is easy to pay with contactless and Oyster options available. With the largest rail catchment of any UK airport, passengers can also travel directly by train from London Gatwick to Brighton, Cambridge, Guildford, Southampton and Reading alongside numerous other destinations.   

In 2023 a refurbished Gatwick Airport train station opened to passengers, improving the experience as they pass through a bigger, better and brighter new concourse. The fully accessible station concourse has doubled in size, has wider platforms, with eight new lifts and five new escalators.  

Italian airline Neos to operate from the New Terminal One at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport

The New Terminal One at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport has unveiled a new partnership with Italian airline Neos, the latest carrier to commit to operating from the all-international terminal, which is set to welcome customers in 2026.

The New Terminal One is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport into a world-class gateway, which will include two new terminals, the modernization and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation center, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network.

With its main hub at Milan Malpensa Airport, Neos connects New York City with nonstop service to two of Italy's best-known destinations: Milan, a global capital of finance, fashion and design; and Palermo on the popular island holiday destination of Sicily. The airline serves more than 50 destinations across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, North America and South America. Neos operates the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to JFK Airport, offering two cabins of service (Premium and Economy). Currently flying to the existing Terminal 1 at JFK Airport, Neos' operations will seamlessly transition to the New Terminal One when it opens its doors in 2026.

"Neos joining our growing list of carriers at The New Terminal One is a significant milestone, offering nonstop flights between New York and Italy," said Jennifer Aument, CEO of The New Terminal One. "With our 2026 opening on the horizon, our commitment to becoming JFK's top choice for global airlines is stronger than ever. We are grateful to Neos for their confidence and look forward to welcoming them to our terminal." 

"We are thrilled to announce our partnership with The New Terminal One at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. This cutting-edge terminal will provide modern infrastructure and exceptional services to our passengers. It represents both an exciting opportunity to strengthen our presence in the North American market and a vital contribution to JFK Airport's transformation into a world-class gateway," said Carlo Stradiotti, CEO of Neos.

Neos is now part of a growing group of international airlines that has committed to operating out of the New Terminal One, joining Air France, KLM, Etihad, LOT Polish Airlines, Korean Air, EVA Air, Air Serbia and SAS. The New Terminal One has also partnered with Air China on a collaboration to elevate the travel experience for Chinese customers visiting New York.

With an ambition to be ranked among the top 5 Skytrax terminals globally, the New Terminal One will offer state-of-the-art technology and a world-class retail and dining experience with a strong sense of place unique to New York. The international-only terminal, at 2.6 million square feet, will be the largest at JFK when complete, occupying the footprint of the current Terminal 1 and the former Terminals 2 and 3.

.airBaltic and Pratt & Whitney fix long-term engine maintenance deal

Airbus A220 operator airBaltic and Pratt & Whitney have confirmed a new long-term EngineWise Comprehensive maintenance services agreement for the airline’s geared turbofan (GTF) engine fleet. This agreement, structured on a power-by-the-hour model, links airBaltic’s maintenance costs to the utilization of the airline’s engines.

Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic: “Pratt & Whitney has been a long-term, trusted partner of airBaltic since we became the global launch operator of the Airbus A220-300 aircraft type back in 2016. The aircraft’s PW1500G GTF engines have delivered a 25% reduction in fuel burn per seat compared to previous generations, resulting in significant cost savings. This agreement will support the growth plans of airBaltic towards a 100 Airbus A220-300 fleet by the year 2030. We are looking forward to many more years of successful cooperation with Pratt & Whitney.”

“We will provide long-term support to airBaltic to optimize fleet performance as they expand their route network,” said Rick Deurloo, President of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. “We appreciate the airline’s continued confidence in the GTF engine and the value it provides with industry-leading fuel efficiency, lower carbon emissions and smaller noise footprint. Together, we share a strong commitment to make air travel more accessible while reducing the environmental impact.”

The 17-year per-engine agreement provides airBaltic with greater transparency and predictability in maintenance planning and associated costs.

IATA further develops CO2 Connect for Cargo with British Airways and Microsoft

                                      The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced collaborations with British Airways and Microsoft to further enhance the accuracy of IATA CO2 Connect for Cargo in calculating carbon emissions. The announcement was made at the IATA World Sustainability Symposium (WSS), currently taking place in Miami.

British Airways will be contributing flight-level fuel burn data of its approximately 700 daily flights to IATA CO2 Connect. “At British Airways, transparency and consistency are essential to our sustainability efforts. By sharing our flight-level fuel burn data with IATA CO2 Connect, we’re enhancing the accuracy of CO2 emissions calculations and ensuring access, to reliable, clear information. It's crucial for the entire industry to align on these standards, and collaboration is key,” said Carrie Harris, Director of Sustainability at British Airways.

Microsoft, building on its relationship with British Airways, will also contribute to the development of IATA CO2 Connect for Cargo by providing technical guidance and by becoming one of the first pilot testers of the service.  

“Industry collaboration is essential for the decarbonization of aviation. Using CO2 Connect for Cargo will help Microsoft work with airlines to reduce emissions, make informed upstream investments with our partners, and purchase SAF and SAF certificates,” said Nico De Golia, Director of Sustainability for Microsoft Cloud Logistics. “This announcement showcases the potential impact when companies work to build a strong data foundation, driving the key actions needed to achieve our shared sustainability goals.”

Will the brain-computer interface market thrive before Neuralink?

The headlines have been full of exciting announcements about new brain-computer interface technologies that can read our minds. This data could be used in place of phone touch screens or computer mice to decode our speech and perhaps even control wheelchairs or drive cars. Much of the media’s attention is drawn to Elon Musk’s Neuralink, the company developing an invasive, wireless ‘brain-chip’. However, the fate of the brain-computer market is far less tied to this specific company than many may appreciate.

 

In this article, Dr Tess Skyrme, Senior Technology Analyst at IDTechEx will outline the competition Neuralink is facing from not only other invasive brain computer interface developers but also from the more established eco-system of non-invasive solution providers. More information on all of the players and technologies covered in this article, alongside twenty-year market forecasts, can be found in IDTechEx’s latest report on the brain computer interface market.

 

Invasive solutions: It’s not all about Neuralink

 

Over the last decade, a range of companies have been founded seeking to develop invasive brain-computer interface solutions. Indeed, comparatively, Neuralink (founded in 2016) has been late to the party – following players such as Blackrock Neurotech (2008), Synchron (2012), Onward Medical (2014), and Paradromics (2015). But this eco-system has been thrust further into the spotlight in more recent years as their funding levels have risen, with almost USD$1.5B now split amongst the leading players. 

 

Funding landscape of invasive BCI players (US$). Source: IDTechEx

 

On the one hand, most players are proposing approaches designed to overcome some key challenges with many existing neural interfaces. This includes increasing implant longevity to omit the need for repeat surgeries and minimizing damage to brain tissue. This runs in parallel with a need for the use of softer and more biocompatible materials. Furthermore, many existing interfaces are produced to stimulate the brain rather than solely measuring neural signals, and as such, optimizing next-generation designs to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio is also critical. Finally, increasing the channel count (or number of electrodes) is also part of the value proposition for many BCI developers.

 

IATA announces matchmaker platform for airlines and SAF suppliers

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will create the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Matchmaker to link airlines and SAF suppliers. The development was announced at the World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) with an expected launch date in the first quarter of 2025.

“Our vision is to create a transparent, efficient, and accessible matchmaking platform that will accelerate the uptake of SAF as the aviation industry progresses towards net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. The platform will do that by reducing the costs and complications that airlines face when looking for SAF suppliers. The SAF market’s maturity and globalization will be enhanced by the transparency that the SAF Matchmaker will enable. Every step in that direction is of great importance, considering that SAF is air transportation’s most significant decarbonization tool,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist. 

Specifically, the SAF Matchmaker will address three critical issues: