GACA hosts global search and rescue event in Riyadh

The International Cospas-Sarsat Programme Council (CSC)’s 71st meeting started in Riyadh today, hosted by the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). It is the first time since the establishment of this council that this meeting is taking place outside the Cospas-Sarsat headquarters in Montreal. CSC is an intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the global satellite search and rescue system, overseeing the policies and operations to timely detect and disseminate distress alerts and support lifesaving conducted by the search and rescue teams worldwide. The COSPAS-SARSAT program is considered in the framework of the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The decision to organize the first CSC meeting outside COSPAS-SARSAT headquarters for the first time in the programme’s 45-year history is an incentive to enhance the search and Rescue capabilities and leadership role, in the region.

Over 45 States and organizations will be in Riyadh for the 10-day conference taking place between 15-24 October 2024, with delegates participating in meetings to discuss the management of the Cospas-Sarsat program, review all operational plans, and approve future activities for this critical safety initiative which began in 1979.

His Excellency the President of GACA, Abdulaziz Al-Duailej will deliver an opening speech during the opening session of the Council on the 21st of October which will highlight the Kingdom’s proud history of investment in the search and rescue capabilities and show the importance of strengthening regional and global partnerships to enhance international search and rescue preparedness. 

The Saudi Arabian Mission Control Centre (SAMCC), which opened in 2000 in Jeddah City, plays a critical role in providing distress alert services across the Kingdom and seven neighbouring States, with 30 search and rescue missions conducted in January 2022 , saving 147 lives.

The Kingdom’s hosting of the Council demonstrates its commitment to member States and partner organizations to continue providing critical support in regional and global aviation and maritime safety activities.

The event includes open and closed sessions of the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme, a treaty-based, intergovernmental cooperative of 45 nations and agencies that utilizes over 60 satellites for search and rescue operations worldwide.

London Gatwick opens applications for 2025 graduate programme

University graduates are invited to apply for London Gatwick's 2025 graduate programme, which will give at least nine individuals the opportunity to launch their careers at one of the UK’s busiest and most dynamic airports. 

Applications to be in by 7 November

The programme will begin in September 2025 and offers roles across departments such as Construction, Commercial, Corporate Affairs, Engineering, IT, and Sales and Operations Planning, along with Development which was newly introduced this year. The construction programme is offered as a three-year contract, with all others spanning two years.  

London Gatwick welcomed 13 graduates last month from a range of undergraduate and master’s degrees, such as Crisis and Disaster Management, Aerospace Engineering, Geography and Computer Science from universities including Sussex, Kent, Portsmouth and Imperial College London.  

Finlay Nichols, Sustainability Graduate, London Gatwick said: “From day one I’ve been involved in exciting projects, such as key technological developments in sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen. The support from my leaders and peers has been incredible and I’ve gained a deep understanding of airport operations. I am excited to continue to build my knowledge and understanding in this evolving sector and support London Gatwick on its journey to net zero.” 

Bronwen Jones, Development Director, London Gatwick said: “We are delighted to welcome talented individuals to our graduate programme each year. Their fresh perspectives and innovative thinking are vital as we continue to grow and shape the future of the airport.  

Loganair named Sustainable Airline of the Year

ERA Award recognises active leadership in sustainability

 

Loganair has been named Sustainable Airline of the Year for 2024 by the European Regional Airline Association (ERA).

The UK’s largest regional airline collected the prestigious accolade on Wednesday 9 October at a formal awards dinner held as part of ERA’s General Assembly.

Loganair was selected as Sustainable Airline of the Year for its concrete steps towards reducing its environmental footprint.

Judges highlighted Loganair’s collaboration with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions to convert its Britten Norman Islander aircraft, which operates inter-island routes in Orkney, to hydrogen cell power. The partnership hopes to achieve the first zero-emissions passenger flights worldwide. 

They also praised Loganair’s first all-electric turnaround of an aircraft at Stornoway Airport, where the airline is in the process of replacing over 100 pieces of ground service equipment (GSE) to reduce emissions further and acknowledged its groundbreaking work with the UK Met Office. 

Loganair’s fleet has been fitted with sensors to gather critical data that will help to increase understanding of and mitigate against the effects of non-CO2 emissions, such as contrails. The project aims to tackle misconceptions about regional aviation’s environmental impact and could also improve the accuracy of weather forecasts.

More recently, Loganair announced a new partnership with Heart Aerospace to develop hybrid-electric aircraft for use across the airline’s extensive Scottish and UK network. 

Luke Farajallah, CEO, Loganair, said:  “Being recognised by ERA for our sustainability initiatives is a significant accolade and testament to the innovative approach we have long prized at Loganair.

Our GreenSkies programme, introduced in 2021 to mitigate the environmental impact of flying, was the first of its kind in the UK and we continue to be a pioneering force for change, exploring new technologies and forming partnerships dedicated to reducing aviation emissions.

We are committed to introducing low and zero emissions flights where we can throughout our network and hope to offer the first such route by the end of the decade.”

 

Montserrat Barriga, Director General, ERA, said: “Loganair has shown exceptional dedication to sustainability, not just through promises, but with concrete actions that are driving real change.

From pioneering electric turnarounds to groundbreaking hydrogen cell projects, Loganair is at the forefront of sustainable aviation. Their innovative partnerships and commitment to reducing environmental impact demonstrate their leadership in shaping a greener future for the industry. We are delighted to honour Loganair for their forward-thinking approach and tangible contributions to sustainability.”

 

ERA is a trade association representing the European aviation industry. Its membership includes more than 50 airlines and 150 associate and affiliate members who jointly cover the entire spectrum of the aviation sector – airlines, airports, manufacturers and suppliers. The annual ERA awards acknowledge the successes and achievements of the regional aviation sector.

Founded in 1962, Loganair is now the largest regional airline in the UK by passenger numbers and fleet size, operating more than 70 routes throughout the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia.

Loganair | Fly To More UK Destinations Than Any Other Airline

Britten-Norman has completed second funding round ready to ramp up production.

Britten-Norman, the maker of the iconic Islander has successfully completed its second funding round, securing significant capital from Northern Ireland-based Beechlands Enterprises. 

Britten-Norman will scale manufacturing operations in the UK up to eight aircraft a year in phase one. Manufacturing will be focussed primarily on the unleaded piston version of the Islander, with around 20% of aircraft being delivered as turboprops.

As part of the company’s focus on manufacturing, it will invest in more advanced manufacturing tools and machinery, enhancing component production capabilities. These upgrades will help reduce lead times, increase output, and improve overall cost and efficiency. 

Loganair to operate festive flights between Belfast City and Isle of Man

Loganair has stepped in to operate selected festive flights between Belfast City and Isle of Man this Christmas, allowing passengers to reconnect with loved ones over the holiday period.

The UK’s largest regional airline will now operate four return services to allow for connectivity between the destinations over the festive break after other airlines withdrew from the route.

Loganair will operate the following services:

- Saturday 21 December and Saturday 26 December - departing Isle of Man at 15:10 and arriving at Belfast City Airport at 15:45, with the return service departing at 16:15 from Belfast City Airport and landing in Isle of Man at 16:45

- Tuesday 31 December and Thursday 2 January - departing Isle of Man at 09:55 and arriving in Belfast City Airport at 10:30, with the return service departing at 11:00 from Belfast City Airport and landing in Isle of Man at 11:30

The connection will be serviced by a 72-seater ATR-72, with fares commencing at just £64.99 one-way inclusive of luggage.

Luke Lovegrove, Chief Commercial Director, said: “It is incredibly important to us that we are able to keep passengers connected, especially over the festive period, and we’re proud that we are able to step in and reinstate a service that is relied on heavily over the holidays.

“We look forward to welcoming passengers on board as we fly them home for Christmas.”

Ellie McGimpsey, Aviation Development Manager at Belfast City Airport, said: “We are excited to see Loganair introduce its service to Isle of Man in time for the festive season, in which we facilitate the homecoming of up to 10,000 passengers a day.

“Whether they’re travelling to the Isle of Man or returning to Belfast to reunite with loved ones, our unrivalled location at the heart of the city means passengers will enjoy a fast and convenient journey.”

Geoff Pugh, Interim Airport Director Isle of Man Airport, said: “It's great to hear Loganair is providing this essential route over the Christmas season, helping to bring families and friends together for the holidays. We encourage people to take advantage of this service."

The Belfast – Isle of Man services are available to book now at loganair.co.uk or via travel agents. All Loganair flights include 15kg luggage allowance as standard, and advance booking is encouraged to benefit from the best value fares.

Frequent Loganair customers can also take advantage of the airline’s loyalty programme - Clan Loganair.

£3 million investment to significantly enhance search and security at Belfast City Airport completed

Work to significantly enhance security checks at Belfast City Airport has been completed following a £3m investment.  

The new security screening technology will enable passengers to keep liquids, gels, and pastes, including toiletries and cosmetics, up to 100ml and large electronic devices in their cabin baggage as they complete security checks at the airport.  

 

Mark Beattie, Chief Operating Officer at Belfast City Airport, said: 

 

“This is a significant change to how passengers will move through security with cabin baggage. 

 

“Passengers will no longer be required to remove electronic devices and liquids, gels and pastes under 100ml, from their cabin baggage, streamlining the process and ensuring our passengers can move through the terminal as quickly and easily as possible.

 

“At Belfast City Airport, we pride ourselves on delivering an exceptional passenger experience and the new security screening technology will further support this commitment. “

Record breaking September at London Stansted.

London Stansted welcomed a record-breaking 2.71 million passengers in September as strong demand for short breaks and late summer sun continued beyond the peak holiday season.

The record monthly total was an increase of 3.4% on the same month last year and surpassed the previous record for September set in 2018 by more than 31,000 passengers.

The most popular sunshine destinations during the month were Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, Malaga, Antalya, and Faro, with Dublin, Istanbul, Edinburgh, Belfast, and Rome the most in-demand short break and city destinations.

The most popular countries across the month were Spain, Italy, and Turkey.

Operational performance during the month remained strong, with 99% of passengers passing safely through security in 15 minutes or less, and with an average queue time of less than 2 minutes during the main departure peaks.

The 12-month total to the end of September stands at 29.35 million passengers, an increase of 7.2% on the previous year.

Jon Fowler, London Stansted’s Chief Operations Officer, said:  “Hot on the heels of London Stansted’s busiest ever peak summer season, we once again welcomed a record-breaking number of passengers in September as our extensive range of around 200 destinations, and reliable and efficient airport operation continued to drive strong demand from people wanting to fly from their local airport.

“The possibilities to travel affordably and flexibly from London Stansted provide people with fantastic choices, whether they are flying away for a late summer holiday or ‘weekenders’ jetting off to explore some of Europe’s most iconic cities on a short break.

“And we also continue to welcome tens of thousands of overseas visitors who really appreciate the excellent value and convenient access we offer that makes Stansted the obvious choice when wishing to visit the great cities of London and Cambridge, and the wider Eastern region, on their holidays.

“I’m delighted that the hard work and dedication of our colleagues, and cooperation with business partners across the airport, has enabled us to deliver a very strong and reliable level of customer service for our record-breaking number of passengers, with an average security queue time of less than two minutes during the busiest departure periods, and 99% of passengers passing safely through security in under 15 minutes.

“We are now preparing for the half-term holidays, when we expect to be really busy once again, so our focus is on maintaining and delivering the simple and efficient experience we know our passengers really value when choosing to travel from London Stansted.”

New Michelin-starred menus on departure from Paris for Air France customers

This autumn, on departure from Paris, Air France will be unveiling exceptional new menus specially created for its customers, available in its airport lounges and onboard its flights. Triple Michelin-starred chef Jérôme Banctel, and Josselin Marie, passionate about responsible cuisine, are the latest chefs to join the prestigious Air France team, alongside Nina Métayer, Glenn Viel, Philippe Rigollot, Frédéric Simonin, Michel Roth and Alain Ducasse and his teams.

To create these menus showcasing French fine dining, the chefs work together with Servair, the world leader in in-flight catering, using fresh, local produce that varies according to the season. In a responsible approach, the meat, poultry, milk products and eggs on each menu are of French origin, and the fish sourced from sustainable fisheries. Vegetarian menus are also systematically available in all airport lounges and on board all the airline’s flights.

Triple Michelin-starred chef Jérôme Banctel in the long-haul Business cabin

On departure from Paris, for the first time, Air France is entrusting chef Jérôme Banctel with the dishes on the menu available in the long-haul Business cabin. Awarded three Michelin stars in 2024, the chef draws inspiration from his native Brittany in creating dishes to be enjoyed all over the world. For Air France, he uses produce evocative of his childhood, enhanced by his own special culinary signature; delicious sauces, without butter or cream. Chicken, buttermilk sauce, buckwheat risotto and parsley oil, and haddock, lightly spiced carrot sauce, carrot variations with orange and ginger feature among his ten dishes to be enjoyed over the next eight months.

“I wanted to offer travellers a glimpse of my cuisine, a blend of gourmet delicacy and unexpected flavours”, stated Jérôme Banctel.

Jérôme Banctel, three-star Michelin chef in the Air France long-haul Business cabin

easyJet’s Fearless Flyer course returns this month

easyJet’s popular Fearless Flyer course returns this month to help nervous flyers take control and overcome their fear.

With one in six people estimated to be a nervous flyer, the course is run by senior easyJet pilots and a phobia expert. Between them, they offer reassurance and winning techniques to help combat concerns around flying to enable even the most ardent aerophobe to overcome their fear.

easyJet’s courses will run from 19 October 2024 to 19 January 2025, taking place at London Gatwick, Bristol, Glasgow, London Luton, Manchester, Birmingham and Belfast, so customers can choose to book their experience flight from seven UK airports over the next three months.

Since 2012 more than 12,000 flying phobics have taken to the skies after successfully completing easyJet’s Fearless Flyer course, with the programme achieving over 95% success rate.  It continues to be one of the best-priced aerophobia courses in the UK, starting from just £89 per person.

easyJet’s Fearless Flyer course is divided into three main parts:

• A virtual ground course, where an easyJet captain explains the unfamiliar sounds and sensations customers feel onboard an aircraft during take-off, landing and during times of turbulence. In addition, Lawrence Leyton, a leading expert in the psychology of fear, teaches a unique set of mind techniques to help manage nerves.
• A pre-flight one-hour ‘Meet the Team’ online Zoom session, where participants will be walked through the airport experience and what to expect. There will also be a Q&A session with the Fearless Flyer Team including an easyJet pilot, Lawrence Leyton and Course Director Mark Wein, who shares his tips and advice on how he overcame his own fear of flying many years ago.
• And lastly, a special one-hour experience flight from the course airport, where customers put their new skills to the test whilst listening to a live commentary of the flight from the Fearless Flyer team.

A limited number of spaces on the courses are available at www.fearlessflyer.easyjet.com  

Captain Maria Pernia-Digings, easyJet Lead Fearless Flyer Pilot Presenter, said:  “We’re delighted to be relaunching our renowned Fearless Flyer course with autumn and winter courses still available to book across the UK. The courses have been running for many years with a success rate of over 95%. As one of the Captains presenting the course, I have seen first-hand how so many nervous flyers conquer their worries and fears about flying, and they are now enjoying traveling to all parts of the world for business, for holidays and visiting relatives. If you have a fear of flying, please come and join us and let us help you to spread your wings and change your life.” 

U.S. Department of Justice requests information from Saab North America, Inc. regarding Brazil’s acquisition of Gripen fighters in 2014

Saab North America, Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Saab, has received a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice. The DoJ has requested information about the Brazilian Government’s acquisition of 36 Gripen E/F fighter aircraft for its air force. The contract was signed in 2014.

Brazil’s fighter procurement (the FX-2 programme) took place between 2008 and 2014 and Saab was awarded the contract. Saab intends to comply with the request to supply information and to cooperate with the DoJ in this matter.

Both Brazilian and Swedish authorities have previously investigated parts of the Brazilian fighter procurement process. These investigations were closed without indicating any wrongdoings by Saab.

Due to secrecy obligations, Saab is not able to communicate further regarding this.  

Boeing blames workers for its poor financial performance

The Boeing Company has again blamed its striking workforce for the rather disappointing latest figures the aerospace firm has recently released. It says it will recognize impacts to its financial results related to charges for certain programs across the Commercial Airplanes and Defense, Space & Security segments and the IAM work stoppage when it reports third-quarter results on October 23. The company expects to report third-quarter revenue of $17.8 billion, GAAP loss per share of ($9.97), and operating cash flow of ($1.3) billion. Cash and investments in marketable securities totalled $10.5 billion at the end of the quarter.

"While our business is facing near-term challenges, we are making important strategic decisions for our future and have a clear view on the work we must do to restore our company," said Kelly Ortberg, Boeing president and chief executive officer. "These decisive actions, along with key structural changes to our business, are necessary to remain competitive over the long term. We are also focusing on areas that are critical to our future and will ensure we have the balance sheet necessary to invest, support our people and deliver for our customers."

Lufthansa Group awarded “Best Airline App 2024” worldwide

The Lufthansa Group has been awarded the prize for the world's best airline app 2024 at the World Aviation Festival (WAF).
The Lufthansa Group app was previously evaluated by customers and nominated for the final round. A jury of experts compared the four nominees in a competition, the “Battle of the Airline Apps”, and rated the Lufthansa Group app as the best among the biggest players in the industry. The Lufthansa product came out on top against the apps from Emirates, Qatar Airways and Air India.
​Dieter Vranckx, Member of the Executive Board Lufthansa Group, Global Markets & Commercial Airlines Hubs said:  “The Lufthansa Group App puts our customers at the centre and provides them with user-friendly services, transparent information and support throughout their journey. I am proud of the entire team for the great progress we have made in recent years. The award for the Lufthansa Group app encourages us to continue developing our digital services for Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS and Brussels Airlines.”

Oliver Schmitt, Head of Digital Customer Solutions and Managing Director Digital Hangar GmbH said: “The digital travel experience of our guests is increasingly determined by their mobile devices. The app is playing a growing role as a travel companion. In recent years, we have worked specifically on service offerings, especially in the event of irregularities, on simplifications and better information for our guests, and created numerous benefits for frequent flyers.”​
The World Aviation Festival is a leading global conference for the international aviation industry, focusing on technology, passenger experience, digitalization and sustainability in aviation.

SWISS extends pre-select option to Business Class meals on short-haul flights

SWISS Business Class passengers on short-haul flights will also enjoy the option to select from additional main courses before their flight. The new offer is free and includes hot or cold dishes, depending on destination, which will be changed every three months. This option is available on the majority of short and medium-haul flights departing after 10 am.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is now offering Business Class passengers on most short and medium-haul flights the option of choosing from additional main courses before boarding. Known as “Pre-Select”, this free option was successfully launched on long-haul flights around two and a half years ago. It allows passengers to choose from a wider range of meals to suit their personal tastes during the flight.

On short-haul flights of over one hour from and to Zurich, passengers may now choose from a total of six cold dishes which are served with cheese and a dessert. On longer flights, there is a total choice of seven hot main courses depending on destination – including one dish from the “SWISS Taste of Switzerland” menu, which is otherwise only offered on long-haul services. The hot main courses are served with cheese and a dessert, plus a salad. The dishes are changed every three months to ensure variety. The current choice may be viewed online at any time.

Greater choice and improved sustainability

With “Pre-Select”, guests enjoy a wider choice of meals while also facilitating optimised planning, which in turn supports the sustainable use of food. A more targeted loading process makes it possible to further reduce the unnecessary disposal of food and decrease waste. SWISS passengers can order their preferred dish online, any time from six weeks up to 24 hours before departure. This option is available on short-haul flights departing after 10 am. On flights departing before 10 am, the usual catering service will be available.

Airline campaigning group hits out at online travel agents

Airlines for Europe (A4E) the campaigning airline association based in Brussels has commissioned a new study, at the forceful urging of budget airline Ryanair, into online travel agents and intermediaries.

Ryanair is already at war with Online Travel Agents (OTAs) including a massive legal battle with dreams-ODIGEO.  The report, conducted by economics consultancy Syntesia, outlines how ticket distribution for airlines is shifting as traditional Global Distribution Systems (GDS) lose market share to Online Travel Agents (OTAs) and Meta Search Engines. 

This comes after the European Commission designated Booking.com, a leading OTA, as a gatekeeper under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA aims to ensure “more choice and freedom for end users, and fair access for business users to gatekeeper services.”

According to A4E, key findings from the study include:

OTA prices for identical itineraries were, on average, nearly 25% higher than booking directly with airlines

Consumers face hidden mark-ups and charges, often falsely attributed to airlines

Services offered for free by airlines, such as SMS updates, are sold by OTAs at a cost

Two OTAs control 50% of the European market for OTAs

Three companies dominate 95% of the GDS market, with one controlling 60–65% in Western Europe

A4E says the scope of the study covers several types of online intermediaries, with the main priority being OTAs. To achieve sufficient depth, the study analysed a sample of OTAs, which were selected with a view to their high market share (together covering the vast majority of the EU market). This was done by a mystery shopper process in which staff of completed the booking process. It is unclear exactly how many mystery shopping bookings were completed on either the airlines concerned or the OTA. A4E advises that the report was done with the support of Air France-KLM, easyJet, IAG, Lufthansa Group, Ryanair and Volotea – and conducted in spring 2024.

VMFA-533 becomes first operational F-35 squadron aboard MCAS Beaufort to receive aircraft

U.S.  Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), received its first F-35B Lightning II jet today aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina.

VMFA-533 is the Marine Corps’ second East Coast operational F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron and the first aboard MCAS Beaufort. Prior to today, the only F-35 aircraft stationed aboard MCAS Beaufort were assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, who is tasked with conducting core introduction fighter/attack training for prospective F-35 pilots. The arrival of the aircraft marks the beginning of F-35 deliveries to MCAS Beaufort’s operational squadrons, defined as units whose primary purpose is supporting Marine Corps and Department of Defense operations. Today’s arrival continues 2nd MAW’s operational transition from legacy fixed-wing tactical aircraft to the F-35.

The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter jet with advanced stealth, agility and manoeuvrability, sensor and information fusion, and provides the pilot with real-time access to battlespace information. It is designed to meet an advanced threat while improving lethality, survivability, and supportability. The F-35B Lightning II is the short-takeoff and vertical-landing (STOVL) F-35 variant. This capability allows the aircraft to operate from amphibious assault ships and expeditionary airstrips less than 2,000 feet long.