U.S. preclearance gets a step closer at Toronto's Billy Bishop

On Friday last week, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport's desire to get U.S. preclearance took a big step forward when officials from the Government of Canada, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security joined with airport leaders for a special event. 

They gathered at the future site of the airport’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility, which has been made possible, at least in part by a $30 million investment by the Government of Canada. 

The Preclearance ability offers enhanced security to the border-crossing process while boosting the economies of both countries through facilitated travel between Canada and the United States.

According to recent figures, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is the 5th-busiest Canadian airport serving the United States, and the planned expansion of Preclearance to the airport will enhance passenger convenience by allowing U.S.-bound travellers to clear U.S. Customs, Immigration, and Agriculture inspection prior to takeoff. That would then mean passengers can bypass the customs and border protection inspections upon arrival in their U.S. destination.  

Preclearance also allows for a shared approach to security, which allows both countries to manage the border in a way that addresses shared security concerns, including managing threats early.

For the past year, DHS and CBP, in coordination with Transport Canada and Public Safety Canada, have been monitoring plans for the preparation of future Preclearance facilities at Billy Bishop Airport. DHS feels confident in the steps being taken and is now incorporating Billy Bishop in staffing and resource allocation planning and decisions.  While the start of operations must depend on the completion of each project milestone, progress is moving in the right direction.

RJ Steenstra, President and CEO, PortsToronto said:  "The ability to clear U.S. Customs on home soil will greatly enhance the passenger experience, and offer tremendous benefit to the City of Toronto and surrounding region as it will open new markets and amplify the benefits associated with the airport’s contribution to facilitating trade and tourism, creating jobs, supporting healthcare and driving innovation."

ATR delivers a new ATR 42-600 to SATENA

European planemaker ATR has delivered a new ATR42-600 aircraft to the Colombian government-owned airline SATENA, set to start its flying operations at the beginning of October.

The new ATR 42-600 equipped with the latest technology will enable SATENA to expand its reach and play a more significant role in the domestic market by connecting underserved towns and villages responsibly. 

Joining a fleet of 10 ATR aircraft, including two ATR 72-600, four ATR 42-600 and four ATR 42-500, the addition of this ATR 42-600 into SATENA’s fleet marks a significant milestone as it is the first directly acquired from ATR by the airline.

With the arrival of this aircraft, existing routes will be strengthened by increasing the number of available seats to destinations such as Guainía, Vaupés, Inírida, Vichada, Mitú, Puerto Carreño, and the Pacific coast, as well as key connections like Bogotá-Quibdó, Cali-Guapi, Medellín-Bahía Solano, and Medellín-Mitú. ATR aircraft have been essential to the airline’s growth, which now operates 142 routes to 52 destinations, of which 83 are social routes, crucial to guaranteeing mobility in remote communities.

Mayor General Oscar Zuluaga, President of SATENA said: "The introduction of the ATR into our fleet 10 years ago has been decisive in fulfilling our mission of fostering development and connectivity throughout Colombia. Thanks to their superior performance, unrivalled versatility and efficiency, ATR aircraft have proven to be the perfect ally in our quest to reach the most remote regions, ensuring reliable operations, optimal fuel efficiency, and the ability to land on short runways. This strategic choice reaffirms our commitment to serving the diverse needs of our communities, for a more connected and prosperous Colombia."

UK's aviation regulator sets out plan to enable routine drone flights beyond line of sight

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published a roadmap for a future in which drones carry out tasks like transporting specialised chemotherapy drugs to hospitals, mail to remote locations and even carrying defibrillators to emergencies.

The plan focuses on two critical milestones: demonstrating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) activities by the end of this year and establishing routine BVLOS operations by 2027.

However, integrating these operations into the UK's airspace presents many complex challenges. The Civil Aviation Authority is working with industry to fully understand these challenges. The new document will evolve with industry ensuring that the sector is a constant part of the journey to enable UK BVLOS operations.

Sophie O’Sullivan, Programme Director for Future of Flight at the Civil Aviation Authority, said:  “Drones have the potential to transform our lives but to make that future possible we need to lay strong foundations for the future. 

Our delivery model shows how we will protect the public while enabling this exciting new technology.

It is vital that we create the right rules and regulations that current and new airspace users are all happy with while maintaining the highest safety standards.”

The UK Civil Aviation Authority’s delivery model is a key part of guaranteeing that BVLOS operations in the UK are run safely. This includes checking safety features in drone technology, comprehensive pilot training, and enabling the sharing of the UK’s airspace safely.

BVLOS operations are crucial for expanding the capabilities of drones and unlocking innovation. The launch of this delivery model marks a major step forward. The regulator and industry are working ever more closely to maximise the economic and social benefits of the use of drones in the UK to bring innovation and growth in the sector.

/

The report can be found here  V1 caa.co.uk

European airlines warned to avoid air space over Lebanon and Israel

The European Commission and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are warning airlines not to fly into the airspace above Israel or Lebanon due to the ongoing conflict in the region.

They advise carriers "not to operate within the airspaces of Lebanon and Israel at all flight levels. The recommendation is valid until October 31, 2024, and can be reviewed earlier and adapted or withdrawn subject to the revised assessment."

In its latest bulletin, the EASA confirmed it would continue to closely monitor the situation, with a view to assess whether there is an increase or decrease in risks for EU aircraft operators as a result of the evolution of the threat.

The UK's FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon and warns citizens if they are currently in Lebanon, to leave, while commercial options remain available. The government has put in some contingency plans in operation, including basing an A330 MRTT aircraft in the region to assist with civilian extraction. 

Lufthansa Group appoints Felipe Bonifatti as Vice President Asia Pacific & Joint Ventures East

With an aviation career that spans more than three decades, Lufthansa Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Felipe Bonifatti as Vice President Asia Pacific & Joint Ventures East. Based in the Lufthansa Group regional headquarters of Singapore, Felipe will lead all commercial activities, including Joint Venture sales, in the Asia Pacific region from November 1, 2024.

Born in Mar del Plata, Argentina, Felipe Bonifatti is a dual national of both Argentina and Spain. A graduate of the German school in Mar del Plata, Felipe holds both a bachelor’s degree as well as a law degree from the National University. Felipe also holds a master’s degree in international relations from the University of Belgrano in Argentina.

Felipe’s career in aviation began in 1992, and he has held various senior positions with Lufthansa Group across Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean. Appointed General Manager Equatorial Guinea & Sao Tome and Principe, Felipe was subsequently promoted to General Manager Colombia, Ecuador & Peru where he was awarded with the prestigious Order of Alexander von Humboldt by the Colombian Parliament.

Turner Prize 2024 opens at Tate Britain

                        Tate Britain unveils an exhibition of work by the four artists shortlisted for the Turner Prize 2024: Pio Abad, Claudette Johnson, Jasleen Kaur and Delaine Le Bas. The exhibition will run from 25 September 2024 to 16 February 2025. The winner will be announced at an award ceremony at Tate Britain on 3 December 2024. This marks the prize’s 40th anniversary, as well as its return to Tate Britain for the first time in six years.

Pio Abad presents a restaging of his nominated exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, which explores cultural loss and colonial histories. Featuring drawings, sculptures and museum artefacts, Abad brings together in-depth research and collaboration to highlight overlooked histories and connections to everyday life, often from the perspective of his Filipino heritage. Newly added works include Kiss the Hand You Cannot Bite 2019, which reimagines an Imelda Marcos bracelet as a three-metre concrete sculpture, are shown alongside works like I am singing a song that can only be borne after losing a country 2023, a drawing that turns the underside of Powhatan’s Mantle - a Native American robe in the Ashmolean’s collection - into an imagined map of colonised lands.

Claudette Johnson presents a series of works from her nominated exhibitions at The Courtauld Gallery, London and Ortuzar Projects, New York, alongside new works. Using pastels, gouache, oil and watercolour, Johnson creates striking figurative portraits of Black women and men, often depicting family and friends. Her works counter the marginalisation of Black people in Western art history, shifting perspectives and investing her portraits with a palpable sense of presence. Friends in Green + Red on Yellow 2023 represents a recent development in her practice of creating double portraits, whilst Pieta 2024 is one of the artist’s first works on wood, made from pastel and oil on bark cloth.

Shadowdock at the Birthplace of Titanic

Belfast’s iconic Thompson Dry Dock, known as the ‘birthplace of Titanic’, came alive with light and sound this September during an immersive production highlighting the city’s maritime heritage. For the first time ever, the slipway hosted the ‘Shadowdock’ event as part of Belfast 2024, a year-long celebration focused on the themes of People, Place & Planet. Hundreds of attendees embarked on an audio-visual journey, exploring the history, and the future, of Belfast in this inaugural cultural activation at the dock.

Constructed between 1903 and 1905, the Thompson Dry Dock in Belfast, Northern Ireland, played a pivotal role in the early 20th-century shipbuilding industry. As part of the expansion of Belfast’s Harland & Wolff Shipyard—one of the world’s foremost shipyards at the time—the dock was designed to accommodate massive transatlantic liners, including the RMS Titanic and her sister ship, the RMS Olympic. Upon completion, it was the largest and most advanced dock of its kind. The Titanic was famously placed in the dry dock for fitting out and final touches before its ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912, earning the dock the title ‘birthplace of the Titanic.’

Though no longer in use for shipbuilding after the 1960s, the dock has endured as a symbol of Belfast's rich industrial heritage. It has since become a key feature of the redeveloped Titanic Quarter, which celebrates the city’s maritime legacy. The nearby Titanic Belfast museum further commemorates the shipyard and the Titanic’s story, and the dock now serves as a popular tourist attraction as part of the Maritime Mile.

The Thompson Dry Dock remains a monument to Belfast's shipbuilding era and the craftsmanship that made Harland & Wolff a global leader in the industry.

Created by designer Henry Sykes and Three’s Theatre Company, the mesmerizing light show was produced by Conal Clapper and Alan Mooney. The show’s enchanting soundscape, composed by award-winning composer Katie Richardson, added to the sensory experience.

“It’s about looking at things from a different perspective and that is why we have two ways to view the show, Above and Below Deck,” said Creative Director Harry Sykes. “You can view from the top of the dock, down at the lights and hear the enchanting soundscape with narration on speakers, or you can dive deeper into the story with headphones by descending 40 feet below sea level into the dock itself, and walking through the lights, creating shadows, in a fully immersive experience.”

Lockheed Martin names Dennis Goege as Vice President and Chief Executive, Europe

Lockheed Martin has appointed Dr. Dennis Goege as vice president and chief executive for Europe, succeeding Jonathan Hoyle CBE who announced his decision to retire earlier this year. Reporting to Ray Piselli, vice president, International Business, the appointment is effective October 1.

Since joining the company from the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in 2020, Goege has provided strategic oversight and leadership for Lockheed Martin’s rapid business growth for products in the air, land, naval and space sectors across central and east Europe and led the development and sustainment of partnerships with industry and academia.

IATA Wings of Change Europe to Offer Agenda for European Competitiveness

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the theme for the 2024 Wings of Change Europe (WOCE) conference will focus on furthering competitive and sustainable European aviation. WOCE will take place on 20-21 November 2024 in Rome, Italy, hosted by ITA Airways.

Europe’s prosperity is inextricably linked to its competitiveness. Europe’s politicians are finally waking up to the erosion of competitiveness after years of over-regulation. With the next European Commission aiming to kick-start a European renaissance, Wings of Change Europe will focus on policy options to strengthen European aviation’s competitiveness. The significance of a strong aviation sector was highlighted in the recent Draghi report which noted how aviation ‘enables the prosperity of other branches of the economy.’ It is that vision which must be strategically developed with regulators and industry working side-by-side,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

ITA Airways is proud to host Wings of Change Europe, and we’re especially delighted to bring people to Rome, our home and hub of our operations. This city has echoes of an ancient world that understood the power of mobility, connectivity and transport. The modern Italy, with Rome at its heart, has reinvigorated that vision and ITA Airways is playing a leading role. We are looking forward to bringing industry and policymakers together for two days of enlightened debate, focused on driving real change for a more competitive and sustainable aviation system" said Antonino Turicchi, Chairman of ITA Airways, who will give a welcome address to open the event.

Speakers and Sessions

Conservationists took to sea and air to check the wellbeing of Thames seals with the help of the RAF

Conservationists took to sea and air to check the wellbeing of Thames seals ahead of global summits for nature. 

The latest seal survey by international conservation charity ZSL reveals that almost 600 harbour and 3,000 grey seals now call the Thames Estuary home – highlighting the importance of the iconic river for these doe-eyed, native species.   

ZSL has monitored the grey and harbour seal populations in the Greater Thames Estuary since 2013. This year’s count, completed by teaming up with military helicopter pilots from RAF Shawbury, revealed how these two important apex species are doing.   

“During the 2024 seal survey, we counted 431 harbour seals and 714 grey seals laying out on sandbanks along the Thames. By combining these with the number of seals estimated to stay in the water during the counts, we can estimate that there are a total of 599 harbour seals and 2,988 grey seals."

Hannah McCormick

Zoological Society of London

Hannah McCormick, who led the survey, said, "These numbers are key to helping us understand how these two species are doing – alongside feeding into our understanding of how seals across the country are faring and giving us a glimpse at the important habitat the estuary provides. A flourishing ecosystem has enough food, shelter and space for all of its inhabitants, and although we still have a way to go in terms of improving the health of this important habitat, as top predators, this seal population show us that there is good habitat available to the species that call the Thames home."

Taking to the air and sea, the team conducted the surveys by both observing the seals from boats along the estuary and joining training flights with RAF Shawbury’s No 1 Flying Training School to cover the Greater Thames Estuary coastline and sandbanks between Suffolk and Kent.   

“Seals are playful but shy creatures, so using a long-range lens to take photos from a distance allows us to maximise our counting accuracy while also minimising any disturbance – helping us build the strongest possible understanding of how these native species are faring in the Thames, and highlighting the importance of protecting this ecosystem.”  

Hannah McCormick

Supported by No 1 Flying Training School and St. Andrew’s Sea Mammal Research Unit, the count was completed over several days in August during the moulting season for the harbour seals. Over the course of these weeks, the seals spend much of their day basking on the estuary’s sandbanks, making it easier for the survey team to spot them.  

"The RAF and MOD are delighted and proud to have been able to contribute to a conservation project of such significant scientific importance. Supporting the ZSL project has provided a unique opportunity for military helicopter aircrew to develop core and niche skills which will further benefit Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force staff and students who train at the world-leading No 1 Flying Training School.”    

Group Captain Andy Baron 

Commandant of No 1 Flying Training School, RAF Shawbury

The information gathered by the survey will feed into St Andrew’s Sea Mammal Research Unit’s database, working to understand the status of seals across the UK.  

The Thames is home to both harbour and grey seals, although harbour seals are the only one of the two to breed in the area. They live alongside a range of other wildlife that call the river home - including the the short-snouted seahorse and the Critically Endangered European eel – many of which ZSL’s conservationists are working to monitor and recover.     

This year’s survey was consistent with results from the last few surveys, with 692 harbour seals and 3134 grey seals being estimated in 2021.

Hannah explained: “We’ve seen UK seals make an incredible recovery from the early 2000s, when high rates of distemper virus led to steep declines in numbers. Results since 2018 suggest there has been a decline in harbour seals, which has also been seen in other harbour seal colonies in the east of England. While the causes of these declines remain unknown, experts are investigating potential factors and by keeping a close eye on these changes; we will continue to build our knowledge of seals in the Thames while contributing to long-term regional and national data on seals.”  

A ZSL-led report previously revealed that although declared ‘biologically dead’ in the 1970s, conservation efforts have led to the Thames once again becoming home to a wide variety of British wildlife including seals, seahorses and Critically Endangered eels, alongside evidence for an increase in the rise of important habitats such as carbon-capturing salt marsh.   

View of the Estuary from above.

Hannah added that it is key that decision-makers in the UK continue to support ongoing work to restore this important marine habitat. She said, “these surveys are just one small part of our work at ZSL to understand the state of wildlife in London’s rivers and out to the Thames Estuary. This is one of the busiest marine environments in the world, and yet it remains extremely important for wildlife."

"From tackling pollution to planting biodiversity-boosting seagrass, we’re working to make these waterways healthy and resilient to future change. It is vital that the health and recovery of our waterways is a key government priority.”  

Hannah McCormick

Members of the public can support ongoing work to understand and protect seals and other mammals living in the Greater Thames Estuary by reporting live sightings to the Thames Marine Mammal Survey, avoiding disturbing seals on land or in the water, and reporting dead sightings to the ZSL-led Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme, which investigates stranded whales, seals, marine turtles and sharks in England and Wales.   

ZSL believes nature can recover, and that conservation is most effective when driven by science. With both COP16 and COP29 on the horizon putting a spotlight on nature, they call for science to guide all global decisions on environment and biodiversity and build a healthier future for wildlife, people and the planet.

Air France launches free ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi on board all its aircraft

Air France is revolutionizing its onboard Wi-Fi service, a major step in its move upmarket. 

From 2025 onwards, the airline will progressively roll out an ultra-high-speed connectivity service for a “ground-like” experience. This new service, completely free of charge in all travel cabins, will be accessible to customers by logging into their Flying Blue* account. 

Over time, this Wi-Fi service will be made available on board all the airline’s aircraft, replacing the current offer.

To launch this new onboard Wi-Fi service, Air France has chosen Starlink, the world leader in connectivity. By leveraging the world’s largest constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit, Starlink offers high-speed, low-latency Internet access across the entire globe, including the most isolated areas**. This makes for a stable, fast, and secure user experience.

During the flight, customers will be able to easily stay in touch with friends and family, follow all the world’s news live, play video games online, and of course stream TV, films, and series.

The service will be accessible from smartphones, digital tablets, and laptops, and each customer will be able to connect several devices simultaneously.

Customers will be able to access this service by logging into their Flying Blue* account, the Air France-KLM Group’s loyalty program. Those who do not yet have a Flying Blue account can create one free of charge on board and in just a few clicks.

As of the summer 2025 season, Air France will gradually equip all its aircraft with this cutting-edge technology, including its regional fleet. During this transitional period, the airline will continue to offer a connectivity service on board aircraft that are not yet equipped, including a free “Message Pass” for Flying Blue members and a paid offer*** that covers other needs.

* La Première customers will continue to connect directly.

** Restrictions may apply when flying over certain countries.

*** Free offer for Flying Blue Ultimate and La Première customers

/

Starlink delivers high-speed, low-latency internet to users all over the world. As the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit, Starlink delivers monitored broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more. Starlink is engineered and operated by SpaceX.

RAF hosts Restorative Action Ceremony for LGBT veterans

.On Thursday, 26 September 2024, the RAF held a poignant LGBT Restorative Action Ceremony at the iconic College Hall Officers' Mess at RAF Cranwell, honouring RAF veterans affected by the ban on LGBT personnel serving in the UK military between 1967 and 2000.

The event was attended by 25 veterans, accompanied by their guests, who gathered to receive official recognition and an apology for the unjust treatment they endured during their service.

Air Vice-Marshal Simon Edwards, alongside The Rt. Hon the Lord Etherton GBE KC PC, led the ceremony, which symbolised the RAF's commitment to making amends for the wrongs of the past. The ceremony was a significant step in the government's ongoing efforts to deliver restorative measures to those affected by the historic ban.

The veterans were presented with their official records of service, a signed apology letter from the Chief of the Air Staff, and new berets and cap badges—symbols of their rightful place within the RAF family. Each veteran was also awarded the Etherton Ribbon, which was designed by LGBT veterans, current serving LGBT personnel, and charity representatives. The ribbon serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and resilience of those who faced discrimination, and it commemorates the strength of those who fought against the unjust policy.

Lord Etherton, who has been a vocal advocate for the rights of LGBT veterans, also addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of acknowledging past mistakes and taking concrete steps to provide redress and support to those affected. His words resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the RAF's commitment to justice and inclusion.

New Delta nonstop route from Salt Lake City to Seoul....

The U.S. mega-carrier Delta will be launching a new direct service linking Salt Lake City International Airport and Seoul-Incheon International Airport, with a provisional start date of 12th June 2025.

Delta says the route, which will be the only Asia region route from Salt Lake City, will be operated by the carrier's advanced and fuel-efficient Airbus A250. These aircraft feature four different levels of comfort. Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabins. 

Delta One customers will enjoy a luxury experience with lie-flat seating, premium bedding, expanded beverage options, and a seasonal chef-curated four-course meal. As part of Delta’s new collaboration with Italian fashion house Missoni, Delta One passengers will receive exclusive amenity kits featuring luxury details that elevate their inflight experience. 

 

For customers in Delta Premium Select, wider seats, deeper recline, and elevated service create a more spacious and relaxing journey. Across all cabins, passengers can enjoy a curated food and beverage experience along with access to over 1,000 hours of entertainment via Delta Studio. 

 

“The launch of Salt Lake City to Seoul service offers customers convenient access to Delta’s growing global network and ensures that virtually all U.S. demand is connected to Seoul via nonstop or one-stop service,” said Joe Esposito, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Network Planning. “As Salt Lake City continues to grow as a vital Delta hub, our strong joint venture with Korean Air allows us to offer unmatched connectivity between the U.S. and Asia, leveraging strong hubs on both sides. This ensures that customers, including those in the interior U.S., have access not just to Seoul but to key destinations across Asia." 

SWISS names Alain Chisari as its new Head of Swiss WorldCargo

SWISS has appointed Alain Chisari as the new head of its Swiss WorldCargo airfreight division. He will take up his new duties on 1 October 2024. Chisari, who is 52, has held various SWISS and Lufthansa Group management positions since he joined SWISS in 2008. He is presently serving as the ITA Implementation Officer for the Lufthansa Group. As the new Head of Swiss WorldCargo he succeeds Lorenzo Stoll, who has decided to pursue a new professional path outside the airline industry.

Swiss International Air Lines has appointed Alain Chisari as its new Head of Swiss WorldCargo. In his new capacity, Chisari will bear overall responsibility for SWISS’s entire airfreight division of some 300 employees worldwide and for developing and implementing the division’s business strategy. Chisari, who is 52, succeeds Lorenzo Stoll, who left Swiss WorldCargo at the end of July. After 11 years with SWISS, Lorenzo Stoll has decided to pursue a new professional path in a different business segment and will be taking over as CEO of a Swiss company that is active in the healthcare sector.

New electronic warfare radar takes to the skies for the first time

.An advanced new radar, which will equip Royal Air Force pilots with the ability to locate, identify, and suppress enemy air defences, has taken to the skies for the first time.

The latest prototype of the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mark 2 has been flown on a UK Typhoon test and evaluation aircraft at BAE Systems’ flight test facility in Lancashire.

The flight is the latest milestone in the ongoing development programme for the UK Typhoon and will strengthen the aircraft’s control of the airspace and provide cutting-edge electronic warfare capabilities making it an even more potent part of the NATO’s frontline fleet.

"Evolution of Typhoon’s air combat capability is paramount to ensure Typhoon continues to deter potential aggressors, defend our nation and defeat our adversaries wherever we need to fly and fight whether for the UK or in our staunch support to the NATO alliance. This first flight of this ECRS Mk2 prototype new radar in the test aircraft is a positive step towards ensuring this."

Air Commodore Nick Lowe
Head Capability Delivery Combat Air and Typhoon Senior Responsible Officer, RAF