Out of control rocket section heading to earth after failed Russian launch....

Photo Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter

A spectacular Russian rocket launch was hailed a success by the nation's space agency last week, but the upper part of the rocket failed to properly burn, and a section of the Persei spacecraft is now tumbling out of control back down to Earth.

The Independent website is reporting that trackers show the object was about 140,00 metres and plunging fast towards earth at speed and its uncontrolled descent mean is incredibly difficult to predict when and where it might finally end up.

It is not the first time the Russian Angara A5 rocket has experienced difficulties, its first launch was back in 2014 but didn't launch again till 2020. 

According to The Independent, much of the debris is expected to burn up as it hits the outer edges of our atmosphere. Any bits of the rocket that don't burn up upon reentry will most likely be small enough not to cause damage. 

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Jet Linx resumes jet card membership sales.....

Jet Linx has announced the limited resumption of its Executive Jet Card sales, which were temporarily suspended as of October 1st, 2021 to  ensure Jet Linx  guaranteed services to its jet card members nationwide during the spike in peak travel over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's holidays.  Commencing January 1st, sales of new Jet Cards will be limited and subject to a waitlist at each Jet Linx private terminal location based upon the capacity of Jet Linx's exclusive closed fleet of private jet aircraft and the status of Membership Tier priority.  The announcement was made by Jamie Walker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jet Linx.

"In order to safeguard the quality and reliability of our Jet Card service offering during this unprecedented spike in demand for private aviation, we are restricting our number of new Jet Card Members and resuming sales on an extremely limited basis," said Mr. Walker.  "Since the launch of our Jet Card in 2004, we have provided guaranteed availability, hourly rates and safety excellence for all Jet Linx clients, and this managed, limited approach to new Jet Card sales will enable us to do just that while continuing to provide the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star standard of service excellence in private aviation."

In October 2021, Jet Linx announced its first-ever suspension of Jet Card Membership sales in response to industry-wide supply challenges which arose as a result of the record demand for private jet travel in the wake of COVID-19.  Implementing a waitlist and tiered priority structure is part of Jet Linx overarching Fleet Demand Assurance Program that was instituted last fall to maximize access and guarantee availability for all of its Jet Card Members.

Southern California's Ontario International is fastest-growing U.S. airport once again......

Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the fastest-growing airport in the United States for the fourth consecutive year, based on a survey of frequent travellers by Global Traveler, a leading industry publication geared to business and premier travellers who travel extensively in the U.S. and abroad.

The four-peat recognition comes as ONT has seen passenger volumes approach pre-pandemic levels in what has proved to be one of the fastest recoveries among airports nationwide. Between July and November, nearly 2.4 million passengers flew into or out of the Inland Empire airport – just 4% below 2019 levels and 137% above what was recorded during the corresponding months of 2020.

The award also comes as ONT celebrates five years of local ownership – a move that is being hailed as one of aviation's great success stories.

"We knew that the combination of first-rate facilities, operations know-how and broad local support positioned us well to develop Ontario International into a premier aviation gateway and deliver the air service and amenities that sophisticated air travellers demand," said Alan D. Wapner, Mayor pro Tem of the City of Ontario and President of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners. "We pride ourselves in offering the convenience and amenities that appeal to our customers and, as a result, ONT continues to be an attractive destination for leisure and business travellers in Southern California and an economic driver for the region."

ExpressJet Airlines leisure sideline Aha starts Palm Springs to Reno service

aha! the leisure brand of ExpressJet Airlines has launched flights between Reno-Tahoe International Airport and Palm Springs International Airport, with the first flight taking off yesterday, 3rd January.

The airline will operate the schedule on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with the Reno to Palm Springs flights departing at 8:40 am. arriving at 10:15 am. The return departs Palm Springs International Airport at 11:05 am and arrives in Reno-Tahoe at 12:40 pm. The carrier has a fleet of Embraer ERJ145 jets featuring 50 passenger seats. 

"It's great to see yet another airline recognize the opportunity in Palm Springs," said Lisa Middleton, Palm Springs Mayor. "Our airport, which was recently named Best Small US Airport, continues to add more travel options making it easier for our community to choose to fly PSP. aha!'s flights to Reno are a welcome addition, and they will provide residents in northern Nevada an easy way to visit our desert paradise."

"We see a huge demand for a direct route connecting these two popular vacation destinations," said Tim Sieber, head of ExpressJet's aha! business unit. "We are thrilled that aha! can help Reno-Tahoe travellers escape to the desert and for Coachella Valley residents to get up to the mountains to take advantage of world-class skiing with an affordable, convenient nonstop flight." 

aha! has been designed to provide travellers in smaller communities, many who have seen air service reduced over the past decade with convenient, short, nonstop flights to high-quality destinations like the Reno-Lake Tahoe region. 

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Delivery of 15 new Boeing aircraft to United completed.

CDB Aviation has confirmed the completion of deliveries of a fleet of fifteen new Boeing aircraft to U.S.-based United Airlines. The sale and leaseback transaction covered a fleet of two 787-9 Dreamliners and thirteen 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which were delivered between 2020 and 2021.

“We want to thank members of both the United and CDB Aviation teams who collaborated on structuring and expediently executing this complex transaction during a particularly challenging period for the industry,” applauded Peter Goodman, CDB Aviation Chief Marketing Officer.

Pointing to the importance of building a key strategic relationship with the world’s fourth-largest airline measured by revenue while further expanding the lessor’s footprint in the Americas, Goodman emphasized the transaction’s role in “supporting United management’s efforts to streamline their fleet and enhance operating economics as they work toward the resumption of sustained, long-term growth.”

The two 787-9s are powered by General Electric GEnx engines and configured in a 257-seat layout with the new Polaris and Premium Plus cabins. As air travel returns, these widebody aircraft are expected to deliver the advantages of lower fuel consumption and efficient economics to open new routes and markets.

50th year for SkyWest

Temporary halt to operations due to COVID says Pacific Coastal Airlines

Pacific Coastal Airlines,  the privately-owned British Columbia-based regional airline has had to call a halt on operations for at least two days - Sunday, January 2 and Monday, January 3 due to the rapid transmission of the Omicron COVID-19 variant at its Operational Control Centre.

The airline said it was taking drastic action to protect the integrity of its long-term schedule and safeguard future operations.

The airline believes that normal scheduled flights will resume on Tuesday, January 4, however, some staff members commented on social media that this may be ambitious. 

The firm operates flights on behalf of WestJet through a Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA). WestJet Link was created to connect smaller cities in British Columbia and Alberta with WestJet’s domestic hub at the Calgary International Airport (YYC) with non-stop service to Cranbrook (YXC), Dawson Creek (YDQ), Lethbridge (YQL), Lloydminster (YLL), and Medicine Hat (YXH). WestJet Link also serves Vancouver International Airport (YVR) with non-stop service to Cranbrook (YXC), Comox (YQQ), and Nanaimo (YCD).

The airline has a mixed fleet of SAAB 340A and 340B, Beechcraft 1900D and 1900C aircraft.

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AirAsia Philippines optimistic of improved 2022 performance, shares forecast on local aviation

AirAsia Philippines has gained a stronger footing versus its pre-pandemic domestic market share as it bids farewell to 2021, maintaining its optimism for sustained growth momentum in the coming year. The world’s best low-cost airline has grown its domestic market share to 19 percent this year, climbing 3.5 notches up from its 15.5 percent share in 2019. 

The low-cost airline has also peaked at 95 percent load factor over the course of the recent holiday period, while ending December at 88 percent – both record high figures over  the past 1.5 years. In the month of December, AirAsia Philippines ranked third most popular airline in terms of flight bookings among AirAsia territories, following Malaysia and Thailand. 

Triumph over Challenges: Celebrating the 2021 Wins

The past year came with its own set of challenges – from new COVID-19 variants to stricter travel restrictions. However, it wasn’t a year without some major wins. AirAsia has shown resilience throughout the year through strategic mitigation strategies that included new revenue streams, budget management and diversification of offerings. 

With the downtrend in commercial flights in the first half of the year, AirAsia was quick to identify new revenue streams which include chartered flights for passengers and cargo. In 2021, for instance, AirAsia  safely mounted 619 chartered repatriation and sweeper flights and reunited 50,000 people with their families and loved ones. This has helped defray upkeep costs to ensure the viability of the company.

Philippine Airlines Emerges from Chapter 11

At the end of 2021, Philippine Airlines Inc confirmed it had emerged from its voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings as a more efficient airline with a strengthened balance sheet, reaffirming its continuing role as the Philippines’ sole full-service airline with the largest international network.

PAL successfully completed its financial restructuring within four months, in contrast to other airlines that remain in the Chapter 11 process more than a year after filing in 2020. The Philippine flag carrier credits the strong support of its creditors and shareholders, the cooperation of its industry partners and the collective efforts of PAL employees around the world who sustained flights on multiple international and domestic routes throughout the restructuring period.

PAL has streamlined operations with a reorganized fleet and is now better capitalized for future growth. The Company’s Plan of Reorganization, which was approved by the U.S. restructuring Court on December 17, 2021, provides for over US$2.0 billion in permanent balance sheet reductions from existing creditors, improvements in PAL’s critical operational agreements and additional liquidity including a US$505 million investment in long-term equity and debt financing from PAL’s majority shareholder.

The airline’s consensual restructuring plan was accepted by 100% of the votes cast by its primary aircraft lessors and lenders, original equipment manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul service providers, and certain funded debt lenders.

Say hello to Airbus Atlantic

Airbus launches Airbus Atlantic,

a new global player for aerostructures

 

Airbus Atlantic, a wholly-owned Airbus subsidiary company that aims to be a global player in the aerostructures field, was officially established on 1st January 2022. The new company groups the strengths, resources and skills of Airbus’s sites in Nantes and Montoir-de-Bretagne, the central functions associated with their activities, as well as the STELIA Aerospace sites worldwide.

This unification is part of the transformation project announced in April 2021, aimed at strengthening the value chain of aerostructure assembly within Airbus’s industrial setup, this activity being considered as core business. It marks the intention to gain competitiveness, innovation and quality for the benefit of Airbus’s programmes of today and tomorrow.

As such, Airbus Atlantic will be an essential element in the group’s value chain and will play a key role with regard to the aerostructure supply chain, with more than 500 direct suppliers (flying products) and more than 2,000 indirect suppliers (general procurement products).

« At the heart of Airbus, Airbus Atlantic aims at meeting the great challenges linked to a sustainable aviation industry, pioneering new technologies”, said Cédric Gautier, CEO of Airbus Atlantic. “Our first mission will be to ensure the satisfaction of all our customers and to establish new standards of excellence in terms of quality and operational efficiency. I have full confidence in the talent, enthusiasm and commitment of the Airbus Atlantic teams to write this new chapter of our history with success.”

With 13,000 staff in 5 countries and 3 continents, and an estimated business volume of around 3.5 Bn euros, Airbus Atlantic is the world number two for aerostructures, world number one for pilot seats and ranks in the top three for Business Class and First Class passenger seats, which continue to be marketed under the STELIA Aerospace brand.

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New 737 MAX for TUI

Aviation Capital Group LLC has delivered one new Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft on long-term lease to TUI Group. This Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, powered by CFM International’s LEAP-1B engines, is part of a multi-aircraft transaction between ACG and the airline.

TUI Airways 737 MAX | TUI.co.uk

Aviation Capital Group was founded in 1989 and is one of the world’s premier full-service aircraft asset managers with approximately 400 owned, managed and committed aircraft as of September 30, 2021, which are leased to approximately 90 airlines in approximately 45 countries. ACG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation.

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Canadian holiday airline Sunwing is putting passenger and crew safety at risk

The union representing flight attendants at Sunwing Airlines says the company is neglecting the safety of its employees and its passengers by refusing to offer rapid test kits or PCR testing to employees.

"If Sunwing cares about the well-being of its customers and its staff, they'll fix this today," said Rena Kisfalvi, President of CUPE Local 4055, which represents approximately 1,000 flight attendants at the airline. "The pandemic has been hard on our industry, but bringing in this simple measure will help keep us in the air so we can weather the latest storm with omicron."

CUPE represents workers at nine Canadian airlines including Sunwing, but Sunwing is the only airline yet to make this tool available to their employees.

"That's not acceptable for us, and it's not acceptable for the flying public," said Kisfalvi. "This is one area where Sunwing should not want to be alone in the crowd."

Sunwing Travel Group is the largest integrated travel company in North America, it  is comprised of Sunwing Vacations and Vacation Express, two of the leading leisure tour operators in North America; Sunwing Airlines, Canada's premier leisure airline; SunwingJets, a luxury private jet charter service and Vacation Express, a growing tour operator in the United States together with the Group’s own travel retail businesses SellOffVacations.com and Luxe Destination Weddings. Blue Diamond Resorts is the Group’s hotel management company, an innovative organization that operates popular resort brands including Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts, Royalton Luxury Resorts, Memories Resorts & Spa, Starfish Hotels & Resorts and Mystique Resorts across the Caribbean and Mexico; while NexusTours is a full-service destination management company offering affordably priced and reliable ground transportation, popular tours and excursions, as well as other travel management services.

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Frontier Airlines Recounts Remarkable 2021 Growth Story

 14 Efficient Airbus Aircraft Joined the Fleet

 670+ Flight Attendants and 170+ Pilots Hired

 132 Routes, 21 Destinations and 9 New Countries Added

 New Order for 91 Airbus A321neo Aircraft, Tripling Frontier’s Size by 2029

Frontier Airlines the U.S. budget carrier is reflecting on 2021 as an extraordinary year of growth for the 27-year-old Denver-based airline, which completed an initial public offering and became publicly traded on April 1.

Throughout 2021, Frontier added another 14 A320 family aircraft to its ultra-fuel-efficient all-Airbus fleet, furthering the company’s commitment to more sustainable flying. Frontier also expanded its ‘Low Fares Done Right’ route map by 132 routes, 21 destinations and nine countries.

“The Frontier team showed outstanding resilience and determination this year to accomplish unprecedented results,” said Barry Biffle, president and CEO, Frontier Airlines. “From becoming a publicly-traded company in April to adding more than 130 routes and nearly ten international destinations to Frontier’s route network, and ordering 91 new Airbus A321neo aircraft, we’ve demonstrated the incredible growth our ‘Low Fares Done Right’ business model is capable of. As we look forward to 2022, we’re excited to continue this momentum with new, greener, aircraft joining our fleet, and many more exciting new route opportunities for our customers.”

Frontier strengthened its position as America’s Greenest Airline in 2021 through the announcement of multiple strategic agreements, including a deal with manufacturer Pratt & Whitney for ultra-efficient GTF engines to power 134 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, the launch of 30% lighter Recaro seats onboard new aircraft, and a 91-aircraft order of Airbus’ A321neo, featuring advanced fuel-saving technology and industry-leading operating economics. These new partnerships, and the order for additional aircraft to satisfy Frontier’s growing network needs, put the airline on the path to triple in size by 2029.

To meet the demand of its widening network, the airline welcomed more than 670 flight new attendants and 170 pilots to the Frontier team in 2021 and continues to hire for additional crew member positions. Moreover, Frontier added bases in Tampa and Atlanta this year, extending the company’s local economic benefit with new jobs and more attractive base options for team members.

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Emirates expects a peak travel period ahead of the New Year

With convenient check-in options and contactless experiences, the airline spares no effort in ensuring a convenient travel journey for its passengers during the upcoming peak travel period.

As the year draws to a close, a high volume of passengers are expected to surge through Dubai International to meet their travel plans for the New Year celebrations and the holidays season. With nearly 1 million travellers departing and arriving into Dubai, the peak travel period which starts today will last through 10 January 2022.

In line with Emirates and Dubai International’s health precautions and to ensure the safety of the general public, only passengers with valid tickets will be allowed into the terminal.

UAE citizens and residents, as well as international travellers travelling from Dubai to Emirates’ global network throughout the busy period, are encouraged to follow the airline’s guidelines for a smoother, and hassle-free travel journey.

Early check-in options

Emirates’ customers may check-in as early as 24 hours before their flight departure using the 32 self-service bag drop machines and 16 check-in kiosks available at Terminal 3, or at Emirates’ check-in desks. * Passengers travelling to the US can check-in 12 hours before departure at Emirates’ check-in desks.

Located adjacent to the Terminal 3 car park area in Zone C, passengers can also use the car park check-in facility from 24 hours and up to six hours prior to departure. With zero parking charges for using the drop-off lane adjacent to this facility, customers who get dropped off at Terminal 3 Departures Car Park will have an even easier and more convenient check-in option to make their airport journey smoother.

Customers using the self-service kiosk will receive their boarding passes on the spot, but must still complete their immigration formalities no later than 60 minutes before their flight departure.

Passengers also have the convenient option to check-in online up to 48 hours and until 90 minutes before their flight departure, through Emirates’ official website or the mobile app, and download digital boarding passes on their mobile phones for select destinations.

Same day check-in tips

To avoid the rush of the holidays and the New Year’s Eve, Emirates urges passengers to arrive at the airport at least 3 hour prior to their flight departure, and ensure they have all the required documents for their destination.

To further expedite their airport experience, customers can utilise Emirates’ biometric path in Terminal 3 for a smoother and contactless journey from specific check-in desks, Emirates dedicated lounges and boarding gates. Without any document checks or queuing, passengers can use the biometric path for a fast and efficient process to complete their immigration formalities and board their flights.

Customers who check in less than 60 minutes before departure will not be accepted for travel.

Airline jobs in Australia with regional carrier Rex

Rex has been operating regional services throughout Australia for over 19 years. It is an airline operation that prides itself on bringing genuine country hospitality and going above and beyond for all the passengers it has carried over the years.  Since the start of domestic operations this year, the company has brought the same Rex spirit to domestic jet operations. Right now the airline is looking for more staff so If you or someone you know has the Rex spirit, check out their website:   Careers at Regional Express (rex.com.au)

Flight Attendants  Flight Attendant Careers at Regional Express (rex.com.au)

Boeing 737 pilots Boeing 737 Pilot Expression of Interest Careers at Regional Express (rex.com.au)

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STARLUX Airlines gets a brand new Airbus A321neo

Aviation Capital Group confirmed the delivery of one new Airbus A321neo aircraft on long-term lease to STARLUX Airlines. Featuring CFM International LEAP-1A30 engines, this is the first of three new A321neo’s confirmed to deliver to the airline from ACG’s order book with Airbus.

“We are extremely excited to deliver this A321neo to STARLUX Airlines,” said Tom Baker, CEO and president of ACG. “We look forward to STARLUX operating this highly fuel-efficient aircraft in their growing route network.”

An aeroplane is more than just a means of transportation — rather, it becomes the core element of a pleasurable travel experience.

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HiFly scores a record flight time between Madeira and Lisbon

Commander Carlos Mirpuri registers record flight time between Madeira and Lisbon with 2 members representing FAI (World Air Sports Federation) on board; the wheels up time was 70 minutes.

The aircraft used was the A330-900neo, registration CS-TKY. The distance covered was 565 NM.

Commander Mirpuri commented: “Achieving a record flight time on this route requires a set of conditions that rarely come together. This means strong southwesterly tailwinds enroute and northeasterly winds in Lisbon.  It is also convenient to depart from runway 05 in Madeira, not normally feasible with southwesterly winds, and land on runway 03 in Lisbon. Today we had a reasonable tailwind enroute, far from ideal, and were forced to use runway 23 in Madeira, and runway 21 in Lisbon, which means the worst combination possible. But against all odds and with good support from Air Traffic Control, we still managed to cover the 565 nautical miles of this route in a record time of 70 minutes, which becomes now an official figure in the presence of FAI judges.

The choice of a cruise flight level offering the highest TAS (true airspeed), and proper point of descent initiation and deceleration played an important factor. Also, a positive ISA deviation helped us achieve a True Airspeed of 500 Kts. For much of the cruise, we had tailwinds averaging 35 Kts”

Previously, Commander Mirpuri had achieved on the same route 64 minutes with an A320, and 59 minutes with an A330. But then he had the good choice of runways and better tailwinds. These times were not however observed by FAI judges, as were not planned, but rather pulled out of existing environmental conditions on the day.

He also added: “70 minutes wheels up time with this runway combination is an amazing time”, and becomes now official. Normally the distance between Madeira and Lisbon is covered by airliners in a flight time of 75 to 80 minutes for a 05/03 runway configuration, and 85 to 90 minutes for a 23/21 runway configuration.”

It is interesting noticing that Commander Mirpuri also holds the record of maximum number of passengers out of Funchal (Madeira) to Lisbon. With an A330-300 in high-density configuration, the impressive number of souls on board was 410.

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Air Astana has launched flights to Colombo

Air Astana has launched flights to Colombo. Spend your winter holidays enjoying the surf of the Indian Ocean and the pristine nature of the tropics.

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60 aircraft order for Airbus from Aviation Capital Group

The Global aircraft leasing specialists Aviation Capital Group has agreed on a deal in principle with European planemaker Airbus for 60 aircraft. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed for 20 A220s and a firm contract for 40 A320neo Family aircraft, of which five are A321XLRs.

“We are delighted to expand our portfolio with additional A220 and A320neo Family aircraft.  These highly advanced aircraft will enhance ACG’s strategic objective to offer our airline customers the most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft available,” said Thomas Baker, CEO and President of ACG.

“The order is another gratifying endorsement of our single aisle products by one of the world’s premier aircraft asset managers, ACG and the Tokyo Century Group. It also forcefully confirms the A220 as a growingly desirable aircraft and investment in the commercial aviation landscape. We congratulate and thank ACG for its decision to select both the A220 and A320neo Families,” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

The A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market and brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines. Featuring a 50% reduced noise footprint and up to 25% lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, as well as around 50% lower NOx emissions than industry standards, the A220 is a great aircraft for regional as well as long-distance routes operations.

Great new video of ANTONOV Airlines AN-124-100 arrives to Rzeszow/ AN-225/ Offloading

Drone filming by Robert Neumann. AN-124 arriving while AN-225 is being offloaded and taxing. Thanks for the beautiful filming to Marcin Tutaj and Robert Numann.

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The first spin of the propeller on the Dornier 228 using electric power for ZeroAvia at Cotswold Airport

Another step forward in electrically powered passenger aircraft took place recently as ZeroAvia took its Dornier for a little spin! Ground testing is a go at Cotswold Airport when the firm conducted the first spin of the propeller on the Dornier 228 using electric power.

The test was designed as a functional check of the fully integrated and flight-ready Electric Propulsion System aboard the testbed aircraft. Several tests were performed, and allow the team to move to the next stage of tests with a fully functional on-board Power Generation System utilizing hydrogen fuel cell. This fully-integrated aircraft test campaign follows a comprehensive HyperTruck ground test program performed at ZeroAvia's U.S. location. 

See our earlier reports on the development of ZeroAvia's hydrogen-electric aviation programme. The firm has two 19-Seat Dornier 228 aircraft, one in the UK and one in the U.S. The aircraft have been provided by Aurigny in the UK and AMC Aviation in the U.S. and will allow ZeroAvia to enter the next phase in its quest towards clean hydrogen-electric aviation. Both aircraft were previously in service for regional flights in the US and UK, demonstrating the opportunity for carbon reduction on existing routes.

Air101: ZeroAvia expands its hydrogen-electric aviation programme with 19-Seat Dornier 228 aircraft

Air101: De Havilland Canada and ZeroAvia Announce Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Develop Hydrogen-Electric Engine Program for Dash 8-400 Aircraft

Air101: United Becomes Largest Airline to Invest in Zero-Emission Engines for Regional Aircraft

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Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority clears Norse Atlantic Airways to start transatlantic flights.

The Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority has issued an air operator’s certificate (AOC) this week to Arendal, Norway, based budget carrier Norse Atlantic Airways. Clearing the start-up airline to commence transatlantic flights in spring 2022.  

“We would like to thank Norway’s Civil Aviation Authority for a constructive and professional process. We are now one important step closer to launching our attractive and affordable flights between Europe and the U.S. in spring next year,” said CEO and founder Bjørn Tore Larsen of Norse.  

“We’ve had a good and constructive dialogue with Norse throughout the process of issuing a Norwegian AOC. We wish them the best of luck and look forward to a continued fruitful relationship going forward,” said Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authorities of Norway, Lars E. de Lange Kobberstad. 

An AOC is the approval granted by a national aviation authority to an aircraft operator to allow it to use aircraft for commercial purposes. This requires the operator to have personnel, assets and systems in place to ensure the safety of its employees and the general public. 

“I would also like to commend my colleagues at Norse for their outstanding efforts getting the important AOC in place,” Bjørn Tore Larsen added. 

Norse plans to start commercial operation in spring 2022 and the first flights will depart from Oslo to selected cities in the U.S.  The firm plans to serve the intercontinental market with modern, fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Among other destinations, it will serve New York, Florida, Paris, London and Oslo. If all goes well with the start-up phase, the airline expects that its fleet of 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners will be in the air plying the highly competitive transatlantic market by summer 2022.

Norse Atlantic Airways will create many new jobs in the air and on the ground both in Europe and the U.S. The company’s employees will be directly employed by the airline, unlike its forerunner Norwegian, the firm says it will offer competitive wages and benefits as well as collective agreements. Norse Atlantic has signed pre-hire agreements with the Association of Flight Attendants, the largest cabin union in the U.S., and the British Airline Pilots Association. The company is also in dialogue with pilot and cabin unions in other countries, including Norway. In total, the firm expects to have approximately 1,600 employees by summer 2022, based in the U.S., UK, and Norway. 

Bjørn Tore Larsen commented:  "Since our launch in March, there has been tremendous interest in Norse from the travelling public, people who want to be a part of the team, airports, tourism organizations, media, politicians, and authorities – on both sides of the Atlantic. We are grateful for that interest, which translates to a very motivated Team Norse”. “Surveys show that what people have missed the most during one and a half years of lock-down is travel and new experiences. We believe that a new era is coming as the global vaccine program is completed. People will once again go on vacation, visit friends and family, and travel for business. Norse Atlantic Airways will be there to offer attractive and affordable flights to the leisure traveller and the cost-conscious business traveller”.

Many of the airlines key management previously worked for Norwegian Air Shuttle and bring a wealth of experience with them. Including Lasse Sandaker-Nielsen, Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer, Maria Borg, VP, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Damion Burton Cabin and Security Lead Instructor, Dean Kitchen, Lead pilot instructor, Derek Spicer, Vice President Flight Training, Stian Hajem Skaar, Vice President Flight Operations, Tomas Hesthammer, Senior Vice President, Ahmad Abu-Nima, Vice President Technical Operations, Andrew Hodges, Chief Commercial Officer, James Collins, Vice President Ground Operations, David Thomas, Accountable Manager, Greg Warner, Line Check Pilot, Kane Hurley, Head of Product Development, Inflight and Ancillary, Harriet Rafter, VP Compliance Monitoring UK and Mark Visser, Senior Network Manager among others. 

Good luck Norse Atlantic Airways....

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Ethiopian Receives IATA’s Certificate of Excellence in Logistics

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest aviation group in Africa, has received IATA’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical  Logistics (CEIV Pharma) certification as an airline and ground handling in December  2021. Ethiopian Airlines is the first airline in Africa to receive the CEIV pharma certification. Achieving this great milestone will further improve our goal in providing efficient & effective transportation of pharmaceuticals throughout our pharma network including Brussels, Shanghai, Johannesburg, Paris, Seoul, Lagos, Lusaka, Beijing, Hong  Kong, Maastricht, Chicago & Addis Ababa.  

Following the certification, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr Tewolde GebreMariam said, “We are delighted to receive this important global certification, IATA CEIV Pharma certificate, which is a strong assurance of one of the highest global standards in the aviation and logistics industries. With an annual capacity of more than a million tons, our global air cargo and logistics hub in Addis Ababa has various special cargo handling facilities like Pharma and Life  Science, Live Animals, Perishable cargo, live seafood, dangerous goods etc. Accordingly, we have been working very hard on our Pharma and Life Science handling facility to meet global standards in technology, processes and training. The IATA CEIV Pharma Certification has come at an opportune time for Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics team as they continue to play a key global role in the transportation of life-saving COVID-19 vaccines around the world and particularly in the continent of Africa. The journey to an even greater success in the logistics market has started for  Ethiopian Airlines as we are already equipped with a huge capacity in terms of state-of-the-art cold  chain facility, equipment, system, process and dedicated pharma handling professionals.”

Ethiopian, in recent years, has invested heavily in infrastructure, equipment, people,  system and processes to enhance its pharmaceutical core handling capabilities throughout its pharma network. Cold storage areas in these freight facilities are dedicated for the handling of pharmaceuticals & healthcare products and armed with a dedicated climate control ranging between -30OC to +25OC. These facilities are monitored through a smart web-based system that allows real-time management of all zones with a  capability to trigger SMS, Phone Call & email in case of an emergency.  

The strategic and geographical location of the home base airport of Ethiopian Airlines located at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia makes it highly preferable for the transportation of highly temperature-sensitive products with year-round natural temperature stability ranging between +15OC to +25OC, which will play an important role to minimize potential temperature deviation through the value chain. In addition, Ethiopian has also deployed smart cool dollies to ensure smooth transportation of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products from the warehouse to the aircraft & vice versa with a capability to maintain an internal temperature between -29OC to +27OC.  

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Emirates Group Security and University of Arizona sign agreement for mutual academic collaboration and research

Emirates Group Security (EGS), one of the leading aviation security practitioners and learning and development providers in the region, has signed an agreement with the University of Arizona (UA) located in Tucson, Arizona, USA, to promote collaboration in tertiary education and research on general and security-specific subjects from certificate to postgraduate courses. This new dimension comes in the Customized Degree Paths Programme (CDP). The World Campus Experience Program is delivered online by UA with supplemental on-site services and courses provided by EGS.

Through the agreement, UA and EGS will jointly offer 60 programmes, to be delivered entirely online in English by appointed and qualified faculty members at the University of Arizona. Students will have access to the course materials and virtual lectures through the EGS Centre of Aviation Security Studies’ (CASS) campus in Dubai (UAE). They will be able to use the facilities and services of the campus to experience a unique in-person college experience with the convenience of online education.

Mutual collaboration between the two organisations enables incoming students to earn up to two years of direct, undergraduate credits from the University of Arizona through a mix of in-person and online courses offered through EGS and on EGS’s campus in collaboration with the University of Arizona. The programme includes multiple academic pathways which will enable students to take courses that will satisfy University of Arizona degree requirements or transfer to other US universities. 

Dr Abdulla Al Hashimi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates Group Security, said: “We are delighted to partner with one of the top 100 global universities, repeatedly recognised for its outstanding academic programs and exceptional value, the University of Arizona. This agreement marks another step forward towards our vision of strengthening the global aviation community by providing AVSEC industry professionals with comprehensive, cutting-edge education, research opportunities and training.” 

“In signing this agreement, the University of Arizona renews our commitment to the original IMOA of 2016 that focused on the master’s program in International security, joint training, seminars, conferences, and curriculum development,” said University of Arizona’s Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Liesl Folks. “This new agreement creates a University of Arizona global location that will provide opportunities for EGS employees and citizens and residents of the UAE to pursue higher education,” Folks continued, “and we are pleased to be a part of this initiative.”

“We look forward to continuing the collaboration we began with EGS in 2016 as we develop these new customized degree programs that will benefit students in the UAE and positively impact industry standards,” said JP Jones, dean of the college of social and behavioral sciences at the University of Arizona.

“Through this agreement with EGS we continue to build our worldwide network, and to prepare graduates to excel globally and provide strong leadership in the 21st century,” said Arizona’s Daniel Palm, associate vice president for global affairs.

Arizona’s Hassan Hijazi, assistant vice president, MENA region, remarked that he is “equally pleased to see the continuation of a strong relationship with EGS,” that he has helped to build and that he has been facilitating since its inception.

The agreement is aligned with the International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO’s ’Year of Security Culture’ initiative that encourages industry stakeholders to support and promote a security-conscious environment. This collaboration aims to create a robust international partnership that will benefit many aviation professionals. By working together and sharing best practices, the organisations will draw strengths to develop a widespread network of well-educated aviation professionals. 

The agreement also aligns with the vision and strategy of the UAE leadership and its commitment to further improve its already top global safest city rankings by ensuring the highest safety and security benchmarks, especially in areas of education.

Well-established in the aviation security industry for over three decades, EGS provides a comprehensive curriculum of aviation and security-related programmes affiliated with leading local and international certification bodies and educational institutions. The organisation delivers over 30 courses and two diploma programmes in its training institute and has become a beacon for specialised security studies and education in the region. 

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Austrian Airlines: loan installments of 60 million euros repaid in 2021

After the early repayment of the first loan installment of 30 million euros in July 2021, Austrian Airlines repays another 30 million euros on 31 December 2021. By the end of 2021 the national carrier has repaid the first 60 million euros of the state-guaranteed loan with a total of 300 million. Despite the ongoing pandemic, the red-white-red airline is fulfilling its responsibility and meets the financial agreements as planned.

Austrian Airlines board member Michael Trestl: “The corona pandemic has caused the worst crisis in our company’s history. Without the support of the Austrian Federal Government and other stakeholders, the continuance of Austrian Airlines as such would not have been possible. We are proud that we have already repaid a fifth of our financial aid and that we are fulfilling our responsibilities as promised. All of this in spite of the fact that the pandemic is going on longer than we all hoped. We will proceed with this path in order to continue as the red-white-red carrier at Vienna Airport who connects Austria and the world! "

In June 2020, Austrian Airlines received a corona aid package totaling 600 million euros, 150 million euros as an equity contribution from Lufthansa and a further 150 million euros as state cover for damages. The remaining 300 million euros were guaranteed by the Republic of Austria as a loan through bank financing. The loan is to be repaid in half-yearly installments by 2026. The state aid package ensured Austrian Airlines’ continuance as a system-relevant partner at the Vienna hub and for the Austrian economy.

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