Airbus and Toshiba to partner on superconductivity research

Airbus UpNext, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Airbus, and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation, Toshiba Group’s energy arm, will cooperate and mutualise experience on superconducting technologies for future hydrogen-powered aircraft. 

In the quest to decarbonise the aviation industry, hydrogen-powered aircraft are one of the promising solutions to achieve net zero emission by 2050. Superconducting technologies offer a unique advantage for these aircraft, using -253°C liquid hydrogen as a fuel but also to efficiently cool the electric propulsion systems. Cryogenic technology could allow for a nearly unimpaired power transmission within the electric systems of the aircraft, significantly improving their energy efficiency and performance. 

“Partnering with Toshiba presents a unique opportunity to push beyond the limitations of today’s partial superconducting and conventional electrical motors. Through this collaboration, we aim to deliver a breakthrough technology that could unlock new design possibilities, in particular for Airbus' future hydrogen-powered aircraft. This partnership represents a natural and essential step in advancing superconducting motor technology to meet the needs of the aerospace industry, ” said Grzegorz Ombach, Airbus Senior Vice President and Head of Disruptive R&T. 

“Toshiba’s expertise in superconducting technology for high current flow, motor drive technology for precise current control, and advanced rotating machinery technology for stable, high-speed operation, forms a strong foundation for this partnership. We both recognize the tremendous potential of superconducting technologies in shaping the future of aircraft and driving the decarbonization of the aviation industry. We are confident that our collaboration with Airbus will play a key role in advancing next-generation technologies for the aerospace sector,” said Tsutomu Takeuchi, Toshiba’s Corporate Officer, responsible for Power Systems business, and Director of Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation.

The partners aim to co-develop a two-megawatt superconducting motor. 

The agreement was signed in Tokyo, on the occasion of Japan Aerospace 2024, by Dr Grzegorz Ombach, Airbus Senior Vice President and Head of Disruptive R&T, and Tsutomu Takeuchi, Toshiba’s Corporate Officer, responsible for Power Systems business, and Director of Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation. They were  joined by Ludovic Ybanez, Airbus Head of Cryoprop demonstrator and Cryogenics technology, Airbus UpNext and Kensuke Suzuki, Head of New Technology, Power System Division, Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation.

Over the past 10 years, Airbus has made efforts to derisk superconducting technologies. Recently, Airbus UpNext launched Cryoprop, a demonstrator to test a two megawatt-class superconducting electric propulsion system. Toshiba has been conducting research and development of superconducting technology applications for nearly half a century and has released its own two megawatt-class superconductivity motor prototype for mobility applications in June 2022.

The Airbus Tech Hub Japan was announced in May 2024. This initiative is designed to develop partnerships in the country to advance research, technology and innovation in aerospace and push boundaries to prepare for the next generation of aircraft. The partnership between Toshiba and Airbus is the first achievement of this ambition in Japan..

Wisk & Airservices Australia partner to bring autonomous air taxi networks into Australia

Wisk Aero, an air mobility company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airservices Australia, a government-owned organization that provides air traffic management and associated services in Australia. This MoU lays the foundation for incorporating safe, autonomous air taxi travel into Australia’s airspace.

Wisk hopes Australia will be a key market and important for its testing and evaluation programme. In 2022, Wisk established an MoU with the Council of Mayors (SEQ), Australia’s largest regional local government advocacy organization, and most recently, Wisk expanded its partnership with Skyports Infrastructure to identify an Entry-into-Service (EIS) network for Wisk’s autonomous aircraft ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Wisk Australia Pty Ltd has also recently been established to lead the EIS of Wisk in Australia and will lead the engagement with Airservices under this MoU.

The agreement with Airservices Australia underscores Wisk’s commitment to the region and ensures that critical airspace integration systems will be established before Wisk enters the market. Specifically, the MoU establishes a framework for:

Evaluating initiatives that will incorporate autonomous air mobility networks into Australia,

Exploring how advanced air mobility, and in particular uncrewed, remotely supervised aircraft can be integrated into the Australian national airspace,

Providing a forum for discussion on challenges and opportunities for development by identifying potential projects, and

Collaborating and knowledge-sharing activities to improve practices related to autonomous air mobility networks.

Activities expected to be conducted under this MoU also include the workshops, and simulations to understand how AAM systems and Airservices systems will integrate into the national airspace.

Airbus Defence and Space to shed 2,500 jobs

Airbus Defence and Space adapts to challenging business environment
Streamlines organisation to enhance the Division’s future competitiveness
Plans to reduce divisional workforce by up to 2,500 positions

Airbus Defence and Space is announcing plans to adapt the Division’s organisation and workforce in light of a continued complex business environment, especially in the Space Systems segment where significant financial charges were recorded in 2023 and 2024. Intended measures will include creating a more effective and efficient organisational structure for the Division, especially with regard to headquartered functions, as well as a full operative end-to-end accountability for its business lines Air Power, Space Systems and Connected Intelligence. It is expected that these measures will result in a reduction of up to 2,500 positions within Airbus Defence and Space until mid 2026.

Airbus Defence and Space has engaged with its social partners regarding the proposed adaptation. The information and consultation process will follow in due course.

“In recent years, the defence and space sector and, thus, our Division have been impacted by a fast changing and very challenging business context with disrupted supply chains, rapid changes in warfare and increasing cost pressure due to budgetary constraints. While transformation efforts initiated in 2023 have started bearing fruit, particularly on operational performance and risk management, we are now taking the next steps, not least to adjust to an increasingly difficult space market. We want to shape the Division so it can act as a leading and competitive player in this ever-evolving market. This requires us to become faster, leaner and more competitive," said Mike Schoellhorn, Airbus Defence and Space CEO. “Airbus has a long track record of acting as a responsible employer in difficult situations and this time will be no different. It is clear though that we must adapt if we want to champion our industry and lead Europe’s ecosystem of Defence Aerospace.”

Details of this plan will be specified together with the Company’s social partners. Compulsory actions are not planned, Airbus will work with its social partners to limit the impact by relying on all available social measures.

United Airlines third-quarter 2024 financial results released

United Airlines has reported third-quarter 2024 financial results showing the company had pre-tax earnings of $1.3 billion, with a pre-tax margin of 8.7%; adjusted pre-tax earnings of $1.4 billion, with an adjusted pre-tax margin of 9.7%. The company also achieved diluted earnings per share of $2.90; adjusted diluted earnings per share of $3.33, ahead of the third-quarter 2024 guidance provided at the start of the quarter of $2.75 to $3.25.

The company produced strong financial and operational results in the quarter. As the company expected, revenue trends improved as the industry reached an inflexion point in the quarter with unprofitable capacity exiting the market. Domestic unit revenue was positive year-over-year in August and September. Demand continues to be strong for the United product: Corporate revenues were up 13% year over year in September, and in the quarter premium revenues continued to remain resilient and were up 5% year over year and revenue from Basic Economy was up 20% year over year.

"I appreciate the entire United team coming together to take care of our customers by operating a safe and on-time airline this summer," said United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby. "As predicted, unproductive capacity left the market in mid-August, and we saw a clear inflection point in our revenue trends that propelled United to exceed Q3 expectations. A prosperous summer 2024 is just the beginning as our improved customer experience combined with United Next positions the airline at the top of the industry for the foreseeable future." 

Hilton and Be My Eyes launch partnership to enhance the Hilton stay for guests who are blind or vision impairment

The exclusive partnership brings AI‑powered virtual assistance and dedicated Hilton Reservations and Customer Care support to Be My Eyes users across the U.S. and Canada.

For many, checking into a hotel can mean the beginning of an exciting adventure, a relaxing getaway or important moments in life. For guests who are blind or have low vision, exploring the unfamiliar surroundings of a hotel could pose unique and specific challenges that have the potential to impact their stay.

Hilton, a global leader in hospitality, announced today an industry-first, exclusive partnership with Be My Eyes to ensure guests who are blind or have low vision can experience a more accessible, seamless and welcoming stay. Together with Be My Eyes, Hilton is making available AI-powered assistance and dedicated Hilton Reservations and Customer Care support to guests who are blind or have low vision across the U.S. and Canada. Be My Eyes is a free mobile app that connects blind and low-vision users with sighted volunteers and companies through live video and AI, and now, directly connects Hilton guests with a team of dedicated, specially trained English-speaking Hilton Reservations and Customer Care agents.

Through this partnership, Be My Eyes users in the U.S. and Canada can use their smartphone to navigate to Be My Eyes’ “Service Directory,” select the “Hotels” category and choose the participating Hilton brand to be directly connected to Hilton’s dedicated teams. Hilton teams will be available to help users navigate the hotel, including helping guests identify and adjust the in-room thermostat, operate in-room coffee machines, identify window coverings, or navigate to the hotel’s meeting spaces and amenities such as bars, restaurants, gyms or spas.

Assistance is available across a variety of Hilton’s portfolio of brands, including Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton and Hampton by Hilton, among others. The partnership provides both leisure and business travellers who are blind or have low vision with personalized assistance for every stay occasion.

Saudi Air Cargo and logistics transformation highlighted at the first global logistic forum

The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) concluded its participation in the inaugural version of the Global Logistics Forum, with several announcements highlighting the Saudi Aviation Strategy’s progress in delivering air cargo and logistics transformation for the Kingdom. The Forum was held in Riyadh on 12-14 October and hosted by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services at the King Abdullah Financial District.

 

This successful event served as a platform for GACA to showcase its ambitious plans to transform the Kingdom into a global aviation logistics hub, highlight the regulatory reforms implemented to support those plans, and engage with international industry leaders to discuss the industry’s most pressing challenges and uncover new opportunities.

In his keynote plenary speech on “The Role of Air Cargo in Saudi Arabia’s Vision for Global Logistics Leadership”, His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, the President of GACA, outlined Saudi Arabia’s strategy to deliver integrated logistics solutions to global corporates and multinationals.

During his keynote, His Excellency the President of GACA stated:  “The Kingdom has to address the global logistics challenges of the 21st century – whether its geopolitical instability, rising fuel costs, or the shifting landscape of trade regulations. 

AirAsia aims to propel Kuala Lumpur as the world’s leading aviation megahub and Asean as the next Dubai

In a bold move to position Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as the world’s premier aviation hub, AirAsia reaffirmed its commitment to driving Asean connectivity and elevating the region’s status as a global transit point, much like Dubai. Following the overwhelming approval at Capital A Berhad’s Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the proposed disposal of its aviation business to AirAsia X Berhad, this marks a monumental step forward in unlocking massive growth potential for the group.

At the EGM held on 14 October, 99.97% of Capital A shareholders voted in favour of the proposed disposal, paving the way for Capital A’s restructuring and exit from PN17 status. This approval enables Capital A to sharpen its focus on its four strategic pillars—Capital A Aviation Services (CAPAS), MOVE Digital, Teleport, and the Brand AA company (also known as AirAsia brand co.)—while unlocking synergies between short-haul and long-haul operations for greater growth and shareholder returns. The final approval being sought from AirAsia X shareholders on 16 October will further cement these plans, positioning both companies for stronger growth as they work toward a combined airline group by the end of the year.

YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport Malaysia commended both parties on the recognition: “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to AirAsia and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) for their remarkable contributions in positioning Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as a global aviation megahub. Being recognised as the second most connected airport in the world by OAG speaks volumes about the extensive connectivity AirAsia provides in the region, supported by the robust infrastructure of MAHB. The resilience, innovation, and collaboration between both parties have been instrumental in driving this success. The government is proud to witness KLIA’s transformation, which reinforces Malaysia’s status as a key player in global air travel.

SWISS showcases its varied training and career opportunities

 SWISS will be presenting the wide range of training and career opportunities which are available at the airline during the coming ‘Professional Days’ which will be held at Zurich Airport from 22 to 26 October. The programme will offer visitors of all ages the chance to participate in daily tours and other information events and thereby gain valuable insights into the various jobs and occupations at and around the airport.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will be showcasing its broad range of training and career opportunities at the ‘Professional Days’ event, which will be held at Zurich Airport from 22 to 26 October. Be it in the aircraft cabin, in the cockpit, in its maintenance hangars or in its offices, SWISS’s working world is a fascinating and multi-faceted place that offers countless opportunities from internships all the way up to executive positions. SWISS presently has a wide range of joining options, too: the company is recruiting 1,000 new flight attendants, 80 new pilots and some 600 new ground personnel this year alone.

Visitors will be able to participate in tours and further information events to find out all about their dream job, gain invaluable behind-the-scenes insights and ask all the questions they may have. The wide-ranging programme in brief:

Tuesday 22 October: SWISS cabin crew member information event (online)

Wednesday 23 October: SWISS pilot information event (SWISS Headquarters, Obstgartenstrasse 27, Kloten)

Thursday 24 October: SWISS ground staff careers event (online or in person at SWISS Headquarters, Obstgartenstrasse 25, Kloten)

Friday 25 October: Job Café: cabin crew member (Zurich Airport Observation Deck)

Friday 25 October: SWISS Cockpit Ladies Day – the pilot’s profession (The Circle, Zurich Airport; this event is already fully booked)

Saturday 26 October: Job Café: pilot (Zurich Airport Observation Deck)

Saturday 26 October: SWISS Experience Day for young people from 13 to 17 (Operations Center and other airport facilities; this event is already fully booked).

MAG announces £1.1bn investment programme at London Stansted Airport

London Stansted today revealed details of a five-year £1.1bn investment programme that will deliver wide-ranging benefits to passengers and help secure links to even more global destinations.

The centrepiece of the plans is a £600m extension to the airport’s existing terminal, which will create a bright spacious environment, with more seating areas plus new shops, bars and restaurants to give travellers even more choice than they have today.

The plans were first announced at the government’s International Investment Summit yesterday and follow London Stansted reporting record-breaking passenger numbers for each month in 2024.

Planning permission for the extension was secured last October, and Stansted today released images and a video to showcase its plans for the first time.

The terminal development will help enable the airport serve up to 43 million passengers a year, which in turn will create up to 5,000 new on-site jobs, and see the airport’s economic contribution double to £2 billion annually.

Also included in the airport’s £1.1bn investment programme are a number of projects to enhance the passenger journey and support Stansted’s commitment to deliver a sustainable future, such as:

Delta launches first-ever nonstop Minneapolis-St. Paul to Copenhagen

New route from MSP to Copenhagen starts May 2025, expanding Delta’s Europe network with support from its new codeshare arrangement with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS).

Delta is increasing connectivity to Europe with the addition of a brand-new nonstop service from its hub in Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) to Copenhagen (CPH) starting May 2025, operating three times weekly. With the addition of this new route, Delta will provide customers traveling from MSP nonstop access to seven European destinations .

“Delta continues to strengthen its global network and offers unparalleled access to Europe from Minneapolis-St. Paul with this new direct service to Copenhagen, one of Europe’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities,” said Joe Esposito, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Network Planning. “This route creates an invaluable connection between two major SkyTeam partner hubs, providing unrivaled connectivity and travel options for customers traveling between Scandinavia and North America.”

“We are excited that Delta is expanding direct service to Europe from MSP next year, offering even more connections in that region through its new SkyTeam partner Scandinavian Airlines System,” said Brian Ryks, CEO and executive director of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates MSP Airport. “Many Minnesotans are of Scandinavian heritage, and this new route offers great access to support deeper cultural ties and the continuation of cross-Atlantic business connections between our regions.”

"This is really great news, and we look forward to welcoming another route with Delta Air Lines at Copenhagen Airport,” said Peter Krogsgaard, CCO at Copenhagen Airport. “Delta is one of the world’s largest airlines, and with a new direct route from Copenhagen to Minneapolis, many travelers will have direct access to one of Delta’s key hubs, offering numerous connections to destinations across North America, the Caribbean, and Mexico. We are also excited to welcome even more American visitors, who with a direct route to Copenhagen, not only have the opportunity to visit one of the world’s most beautiful cities, but also gain easy access to the many routes from Copenhagen to destinations across Europe."

Connecting the Upper Midwest to Scandinavia

 Delta recently announced a partnership with SAS, the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Under this new codeshare agreement, Delta and SAS customers traveling to Copenhagen from Minneapolis-St. Paul will gain access to more than 80 additional destinations beyond Copenhagen. Meanwhile, as the largest carrier at MSP, Delta will provide customers traveling from CPH to MSP connections to 110+ cities across the U.S. and Canada.

“This addition to Delta’s service is an exciting new global connection for our region and for Minnesota’s business community,” said MAC Chair Rick King. “We look forward to the new opportunities this will offer our business and leisure travelers alike.”

Comfort....

Just above million passengers as capacity increased year-on-year, strong cargo performance continued

In September, Finnair carried 1,015,600 passengers, which was 10.2% more than in September 2023.

The overall capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK), increased in September by 9.0% year-on-year as additional narrow-body capacity was deployed by Finnair after the wet lease outs to British Airways ended in March 2024. In addition, the strong capacity growth in Asian traffic continued. If wet lease-outs are included, capacity increased by 11.2% due to the co-operation with Qantas. Finnair's traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs), increased by 6.7%. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) declined by 1.6% points to 76.3%. The distance-based reported traffic figures do not take into account longer routings caused by the airspace closure as they are based on Great-Circle distance in accordance with the industry practice.

The ASKs in Asian traffic were up by 13.1% year-on-year due to added frequencies to Tokyo and Osaka as well as Nagoya route operated during the summer season of 2024. In North Atlantic traffic, ASKs decreased by 11.9% due to cut frequencies to Chicago. In European traffic, the ASKs were up by 12.2% as the majority of the increase in narrow-body capacity was allocated to routes in northern Europe. The Middle Eastern capacity declined by 6.0% mainly due to temporarily ceased operations to Israel. The ASKs in domestic traffic increased by 35.6% due to the additional capacity allocated to northern routes slightly earlier than in the comparison period.

RPKs increased by 11.7% in Asian traffic year-on-year. They decreased by 2.5% in North Atlantic traffic. RPKs were up by 7.7% in European traffic and by 28.9% in domestic traffic whereas they decreased by 17.1% in Middle Eastern traffic.

In September, the PLF was 79.6% in Asian traffic, 83.5% in North Atlantic traffic, 74.8% in European traffic, 62.4% in Middle Eastern traffic and 72.3% in domestic traffic.

Passenger numbers increased by 10.8% in Asian traffic, by 10.2% in European traffic and by 24.1% in domestic traffic. They decreased by 5.1% in North Atlantic traffic and by 18.7% in Middle Eastern traffic.

The total cargo tonnes increased by 9.2% year-on-year in September due to growth in European and Asian cargo traffic. Revenue cargo tonne-kilometres increased by 7.7%.

In September, 79.7% of all Finnair flights arrived on schedule (82.8%).

Two new routes for Caribbean Airlines.......... Martinique and Guadeloupe

Caribbean Airlines will launch new flights to the French Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe in December as part of its growth strategy.  The carrier will start services to Martinique on 3rd December, while the  Guadeloupe route is set to start on 7th December. 

As part of its commitment to enhancing connectivity within the region, Caribbean Airlines will fly both routes four times a week, subject to Government approval.

Garvin Medera, CEO of Caribbean Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm for the new services: “For the first time in years, journeys that would traditionally take several hours are now reduced to just 90 minutes, giving travellers back their most valuable resource: time. Whether for business or leisure, we are confident that this improvement in travel efficiency will greatly benefit our customers, and we are happy to make it easier for the Caribbean to explore and connect with one another. We’re not just offering flights; we’re offering greater convenience and efficiency”.

President of the Martinique Tourism Authority, Bénédicte di Geronimo, welcomed the arrival of Caribbean Airlines stating: “We are very pleased that Caribbean Airlines is expanding its services to Martinique. This initiative, led by a company recognized for its excellence, will not only strengthen our tourism industry but also contribute to building stronger cultural and economic ties between the southern islands and Martinique. We look forward to welcoming an increasing number of visitors from the Caribbean, eager to discover the richness of our culture and the exceptional beauty of our destination."

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Manchester Airports Group hosts annual ACI Europe Technical, Operations and Safety Committee

Senior figures from European aviation gathered at Manchester Airport to discuss the key safety and operational issues and opportunities in the sector. More than 100 delegates attended the annual ACI Europe Technical, Operations and Safety Committee (TOSC).  

MAG, the UK’s largest airports group which owns Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports, hosted the conference at the Concorde Conference Centre next to the UK’s global gateway in the North. Topics on the agenda included operational preparedness for the introduction of the digital EU entry and exit system, runway friction management and digital apron management. 

Committee attendees included Schiphol Airport, Berlin Brandenburg Airport and Athens International Airport, alongside representatives from Eurocontrol, the UK Civil Aviation Authority and NATS.  

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, addressed the committee where he spoke about the importance of the UK aviation industry’s continued collaboration with ACI Europe. He said: 

“…Our relationship with ACI Europe is so crucial in a post-Brexit world. Despite the UK’s departure from the European Union, UK legislation aligns with EU regulations in many cases, and numerous EU policies have been transposed into UK law. We remain deeply connected to many of the issues that ACI addresses.” 

Mr Woodroofe emphasised how sustainable growth of the aviation industry is fundamental. Referencing the comprehensive decarbonisation roadmap the industry has already developed, he pointed to the use of more fuel-efficient aircraft, airspace modernisation, the production of sustainable aviation fuel and the progressive introduction of zero-emission aircraft as playing critical roles in getting the sector to net zero by 2050. 

He also spoke about MAG’s record-breaking passenger performance in recent months, which has seen Manchester Airport serve 30 million passengers across a 12 month period for the first time in its history, and London Stansted consistently break its monthly passenger records.  

MAG plays an active role in representing UK airports at ACI forums. Alongside Ken O’Toole’s appointment to the ACI Europe Board at its annual congress in July, Monika Simonaityte, Head of Air Traffic Management Strategy at MAG, sits as the current Vice-Chair of the Technical, Operations and Safety Committee.  

PLAY to start Antalya route......

The Icelandic budget airline, PLAY will start a new route in spring next year when it heads to Antalya, Turkey, from its home base in Reykjavik, Iceland. 

The inaugural flight is set for 15th April 2025, with services operating once a week until early June. The schedule will resume in September and continue until November.

Travellers from Turkey can take advantage of this new route to explore the breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences that Iceland has to offer. From the stunning natural beauty of the Golden Circle, including geysers and waterfalls, to the majestic Blue Lagoon, Iceland is a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can also enjoy thrilling activities like whale watching, hiking on glaciers, and experiencing the magical northern lights. With affordable flights from Antalya, an unforgettable Icelandic adventure awaits!

“We are excited to open a new route from Antalya to Reykjavik, providing travellers from Turkey with an affordable way to experience the stunning landscapes and unique adventures Iceland offers. We believe this new connection will enhance travel options and strengthen ties between our cultures,“ says Einar Örn Ólafsson, CEO of PLAY airlines.

As a low-cost airline from Iceland, PLAY operates flights between Europe and North America, utilizing a modern fleet of Airbus A320/321neo aircraft, which have an average age of just over three years. This ensures a comfortable, safe, and reliable travel experience, further supported by PLAY’s impressive 88,8% on-time performance year to date. 

In addition to its operational excellence, PLAY's cabin crew was voted the best by USA Today readers last year, and the airline was recognized as the best low-cost carrier in Northern Europe.

Emirates crew trained to be future fit and A350-ready

In advance of its much-awaited Airbus A350s joining the fleet, Emirates has invested around US$48 million in full suites of cutting-edge equipment and systems to support both pilot and cabin crew training.

The suites include three full flight simulators integrated with innovative pilot support systems (PSS), a fixed base training device, a cabin emergency evacuation trainer and a door trainer. This investment reflects the airline’s commitment to achieve the ultimate standards and excellence in crew training. 

The PSS is an industry first and was fully conceptualised inhouse by Emirates with a view to optimising the training experience. During the briefing phase, it allows trainees to carry out an interactive flight deck set-up, including building a flight plan, in a fully immersive environment. The set-up is recalled once the trainees move inside the simulator to resume their training. The PSS’ debrief mode allows the instructor to playback the recorded session to review crew performance. 

The airline’s first A350 full flight simulator received a level D qualification, the highest for this type of simulators, from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The initial qualification was achieved with zero findings, another remarkable feat in the simulation industry. The advanced technology not only enhances training efficiency, but also empowers pilots to confidently master the skills required for smooth operations.

Emirates has ordered 3 full flight simulators for its A350 fleet. The second A350 simulator is currently in its onsite acceptance stage and is scheduled to receive EASA approval in November.