Passenger Demand Recovery Continued in 2021 but Omicron Having Impact

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced full-year global passenger traffic results for 2021 showing that demand (revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) fell by 58.4% compared to the full year of 2019. This represented an improvement compared to 2020, when full year RPKs were down 65.8% versus 2019.  Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted all comparisons are to the respective 2019 period, which followed a normal demand pattern.   International passenger demand in 2021 was 75.5% below 2019 levels. Capacity, (measured in available seat kilometers or ASKs) declined 65.3% and load factor fell 24.0 percentage points to 58.0%.   Domestic demand in 2021 was down 28.2% compared to 2019. Capacity contracted by 19.2% and load factor dropped 9.3 percentage points to 74.3%.   Total traffic for the month of December 2021 was 45.1% below the same month in 2019, improved from the 47.0% contraction in November, as monthly demand continued to recover despite concerns over Omicron. Capacity was down 37.6% and load factor fell 9.8 percentage points to 72.3%. Impact of Omicron Measures: Omicron travel restrictions slowed the recovery in international demand by about two weeks in December. International demand has been recovering at a pace of about four percentage points/month compared to 2019. Without Omicron, we would have expected international demand for the month of December to improve to around 56.5% below 2019 levels. Instead, volumes rose marginally to 58.4% below 2019 from -60.5% in November.  “Overall travel demand strengthened in 2021. That trend continued into December despite travel restrictions in the face of Omicron. That says a lot about the strength of passenger confidence and the desire to travel. The challenge for 2022 is to reinforce that confidence by normalizing travel. While international travel remains far from normal in many parts of the world, there is momentum in the right direction. Last week, France and Switzerland announced significant easing of measures. And yesterday the UK removed all testing requirements for vaccinated travelers. We hope others will follow their important lead, particularly in Asia where several key markets remain in virtual isolation,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

2021 Calendar year (% chg vs 2019) World share in 20211 RPK ASK PLF (%-pt)2 PLF (level)3 Total Market  100.0% -58.4% -48.8% -15.4% 67.2% Africa 1.9% -62.8% -55.1% -12.3% 59.5% Asia Pacific 27.5% -66.9% -56.7% -19.2% 62.6% Europe 24.9% -61.3% -51.9% -16.6% 68.6% Latin America 6.5% -47.4% -43.9% -5.2% 77.3% Middle East 6.5% -69.9% -55.5% -24.6% 51.5% North America 32.6% -39.0% -29.9% -11.0% 73.8% 1% of global RPKs   2Change in load factor vs same period in 2019 3Load Factor Level

Leisure Travel Demand Fuels Continued Brand Growth for Hyatt, Including Apple Leisure Group, in the Americas

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced plans to accelerate its brand growth in the Americas region with a strong pipeline of expected hotel openings through 2023. Fueled by growing leisure travel demand, 45 hotels are expected to join Hyatt’s portfolio of brands, including Apple Leisure Group’s (ALG) AMRTM Collection brands, in 2022 and 2023 in key resort, all-inclusive and sought-after urban destinations. In addition, Hyatt has signed management and franchise agreements for hotels in 11 new markets and 19 existing markets across the Americas.

“Listening to our guests, World of Hyatt members, and customers has never been more important. As we continue in our recovery from the pandemic, we remain very intentional about where the Hyatt brand footprint grows to ensure we're present in markets that matter most to the leisure-focused traveller of today and tomorrow,” said Jim Chu, Hyatt’s executive vice president, global franchising and development. “Our pipeline of new properties signals that Hyatt is well poised to deliver against the demand for more leisure travel experiences in places like Cozumel, Panama City, Punta Cana, and South Beach, and priority urban destinations, including Denver, Montréal, Oakland, and Memphis, which will welcome the first Caption by Hyatt hotel.”

Debuting New Hyatt Brands in New Markets

To continue driving brand awareness and World of Hyatt loyalty program growth, Hyatt expects to thoughtfully expand its brand footprint in the Americas through 2023 in 11 new markets with hotel openings under the Dreams, Hyatt Centric, Hyatt House, Hyatt Place, Hyatt Regency, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, and Thompson Hotels brands. These new destinations will position Hyatt to capture leisure demand in the markets that matter most to guests, loyalty members, and customers. They include:

2022

• Dreams Karibana Cartagena Beach & Golf Resort (268 guestrooms) in Cartagena, Colombia
• Hyatt Centric Ville-Marie Montréal (177 guestrooms) in Montréal, Québec
• Hyatt Centric San Salvador (138 guestrooms) in Antiguo Cuscatlan, El Salvador
• Hyatt House Monterrey Valle/San Pedro (91 guestrooms) in Monterrey, Mexico
• Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown (145 guestrooms) in Gainesville, Fla.
• Hyatt Place Kent Narrows & Marina (120 guestrooms) in Grasonville, Md.
• Hyatt Place Monterrey Valle (133 guestrooms) in Monterrey, Mexico
• Hyatt Place Montréal Downtown (354 guestrooms) in Montréal, Québec
• Hyatt Place Panama City Beach (224 guestrooms) in Panama City Beach, Fla.
• Hyatt Place St. Augustine/Vilano Beach (120 guestrooms) in St. Augustine, Fla.
• Hyatt Regency Mexico City Insurgentes (201 guestrooms) in Mexico City, Mexico
• Numu (44 guestrooms), which will join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

2023

Airbus’ iconic Beluga super transporters ready to serve global outsized-cargo demand

Beluga #3 takes off from  Novosibirsk Airport in Russia on its final destination to Kobe, Japan. / ⒸAirbus S.A.S

Airbus has launched a new air-cargo service using its unique BelugaST fleet to offer freight companies and other potential customers a solution to their outsized freight transportation needs.

The new service - Airbus Beluga Transport - will provide commercially-contracted customers in a variety of sectors, including space, energy, military, aeronautic, maritime and humanitarian sectors, with a solution to their large cargo transport needs.

The first mission took place at the end of 2021 with a delivery from Airbus Helicopters’ manufacturing site in Marignane, France, to Kobe in Japan for an undisclosed customer. Beluga #3 stopped to refuel at Warsaw (Poland), Novosibirsk (Russia) and Seoul (Korea).

Phillippe Sabo, Head of ATI and Air Oversize Transport at Airbus, said: “The Beluga’s wider cross-section will open up new markets and new logistical possibilities for customers. In the case of loading helicopters - not having to dismantle them first - really is a plus. Similarly, the largest commercial aircraft engines can be accommodated in a fully-dressed configuration.”

Based on the A300-600 design, the five-strong BelugaST fleet, which has until now been the backbone of Airbus’ inter-site transportation of large aircraft sections, are being replaced by six new-generation BelugaXLs to support Airbus’ ramp-up of its airliner production.

 The BelugaST is ready to transport outsized cargo, like helicopters, across the world, as demonstrated here during testing earlier in 2021. / ⒸAirbus S.A.S.

The new Airbus Beluga Transport service can cater for a multitude of possible market applications since the planes possess the world's largest interior cross-section of any transport aircraft, accommodating outsized cargo of up to 7.1m in width and 6.7m in height.

In the near future, once Airbus has commissioned all six new BelugaXLs, the fully-released BelugaST fleet will be handed over to a newly-created, subsidiary airline with its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and staff. Philippe Sabo added: “The new airline will be flexible and agile to address the needs of external worldwide markets.”

To maximise the BelugaST’s turnaround capability for its targeted international customer base, new loading techniques and equipment are being developed for the operation. These solutions include an automated On-Board Cargo Loader (OBCL) for missions where a loading/unloading  platform is not available at the origin or destination airport.

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April start for LynxAir Canada as ticket go on sale......

One of the latest additions to the Canadian aviation scene, Lynx Air is getting ready to launch services on 7th April, with tickets on sale now.

The Calgary-based airline inaugural flight will be from Calgary, its home base to Vancouver.  Also in the first raft of destinations, Lynx Air has announced for its launch schedule include Toronto, Winnipeg and Kelowna. 

The ultra-low-cost airline is launching at a difficult time with passenger numbers still depressed from the coronavirus pandemic downturn and the excessive over saturation of the Canadian travel market with numerous airlines trying to attract customers. 

Merren McArthur, CEO and president of Lynx Air told local media “It definitely is an evolving situation, however, we’re seeing there is a great deal of pent up demand for domestic travel in Canada and people still do want to fly and they still do want to travel,” she said. “We think it’s a real good opportunity for us because we’re focused on leisure travellers and people who want to connect with their family and friends.”

Starting with three new Boeing 737 MAX jets, Lynx Air follows in the footsteps of WestJet which also commenced operations with three earlier models of the twin jet back in 1996. The plan for the fledgling carrier is to have nearly 50 jets over the next seven years join its fleet as it overs more and more routes to its schedule.   The carriers new Boeing 737 seat up to 189 people and feature Boeing Sky Interior lighting, large overhead bins and extra legroom seats for extra charges. 

The airline is looking for lots of staff,  for more details Lynx Air (vizirecruiter.com)

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Hilton Celebrates Growth and Development Milestones as Company Prepares for a New, Reinvigorated Era of Travel

Hospitality leader expanded its footprint, opening more than one hotel a day, and introduced new brands in coveted destinations during a year of constant change

Well-positioned to emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever, Hilton delivered a record year of development achievements. Already one of the world’s largest hotel companies, Hilton opened 414 properties, adding more than 67,100 rooms to its system, further emphasizing the scale, presence and leading brands of the company’s global portfolio. 

“After a year of recovery and growth, it has been incredible to witness the resiliency of the travel industry and our team’s ability to embrace change while serving more guests in more hotels around the world,” said Chris Nassetta, President and CEO, Hilton. “We believe the desire to travel, experience new cultures and connect with others is core to the human experience. I can speak for all of us at Hilton when I say we’re looking forward to welcoming our guests and helping them make new memories in 2022.”

Global development efforts have continued to show strong performance through the pandemic. Hilton ended 2021 with more than 6,800 hotels across 18 brands in six continents, with robust net unit growth of 5.6%. The company’s development pipeline includes nearly 2,670 hotels representing approximately 408,000 rooms, nearly half of which are under construction. 

“Hilton’s development continues to be a key performance indicator of how well-positioned we are for the long-term,” said Kevin Jacobs, CFO and president, global development, Hilton. “Hotel owners choose to work with us because of our premium commercial performance. With our capital light business model, we strive to maximize net unit growth, while continuing to deliver value for all our stakeholders.”

Celebrating A Year of Market and Category Milestones

Air Serbia to launch Trieste and Bologna flights

Air Serbia, the national airline of the Republic of Serbia, has confirmed it will start scheduled flights between Belgrade and Trieste from 2nd June, as well as a scheduled Belgrade-Bologna service on June 6. Flights to both destinations in Italy will operate three times a week - to Trieste on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and to Bologna on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

With the introduction of flights to Trieste and Bologna, and existing flights to Rome and Milan, as well as announced flights to Venice and Bari, Italy becomes the market with the currently largest number of destinations to which Air Serbia operates from Belgrade - six in total.

"The decision to introduce new destinations in Italy is the result of the strategic importance of renewing and strengthening our presence in one of the most visited countries in the world. Italy represents an extremely important market, both for our airline and for Serbia, due to close economic ties between our two countries. We are especially glad to commence direct flights to Trieste, the city with the biggest Serbian diaspora in Italy, while services to Bologna will furthermore contribute to strengthening our cultural and economic relations with Italy", said Bojan Aranđelović, Head of Network Planning and Scheduling at Air Serbia.

Located in the northernmost part of the Adriatic Sea, at the very border of Italy with Slovenia, Trieste is the capital of autonomous province Friuli-Venezia Giulia and represents the coastal gate to northern Italy, Germany, Austria and Central Europe. By adding Trieste to its international network of destinations, Air Serbia will cover the region of northeast Italy, as well as a part of Slovenian cities in the vicinity. Combined with flights to Venice, the national airline will operate six flights a week to this part of Italy.

Canada Jetlines gets approval to start pilot training.

Canada Jetlines Operations Ltd. has been given conditional approval for flight crew (pilot) training from Transport Canada effective immediately. Final approval of Canada Jetlines’ Pilot Training program will be granted once Transport Canada has reviewed the training conducted under the program and it proves to be satisfactory.

“This is an important milestone in the Air Operator Certificate process with Transport Canada. Our first crew will start their pilot training program this month and are scheduled to have completed simulator training in the later part of February,” shared Eddy Doyle, CEO of Canada Jetlines. “The Airbus 320 is a great aircraft and a pleasure to fly. I haven’t flown a commercial aircraft in the last four years, and I am a little envious of our pilots going on course.”

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easyJet issues response to the removal of travel testing in the UK

Following the removal of travel testing in the UK, the boss of budget airline easyJet, Johan Lundgren, has issued the following response

:

“We welcome this news knowing that millions of our customers will also be delighted to see the return of restriction free travel in the UK.  We now look ahead to what we believe will be a strong summer.

“We believe testing for travel should now firmly become a thing of the past.  It is clear travel restrictions did not materially slow the spread of Omicron in the UK and so it is important that there are no more knee jerk reactions to future variants.

“We commend the Government for removing all testing. easyJet plans to return to near 2019 levels of flying this summer and so we can’t wait to welcome our customers back onboard.”

Air101: 4 Ways to Make Aviation More Sustainable

You can't stop progress........

Mesa Air's December performance

Mesa Air Group, Inc has released details of its performance for December 2021, a slight increase of 3.8% block hours. 

Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Mesa Air Group, Inc. is the holding company of Mesa Airlines, a regional air carrier providing scheduled passenger service to 120 cities in 42 states, the District of Columbia, the Bahamas, and Mexico as well as cargo services out of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. As December 31, 2021, Mesa operated a fleet of 166 aircraft with approximately 457 daily departures and 3,000 employees. Mesa operates all of its flights as either American Eagle, United Express, or DHL Express flights pursuant to the terms of capacity purchase agreements entered into with American Airlines, Inc., United Airlines, Inc., and DHL.

Mesa Airlines reported 26,920 block hours in December 2021, a 3.8 percent increase from December 2020. Covid-19 and its impact on employee attendance was a primary factor behind Mesa’s controllable completion factor of 93.05 percent and 97.89 percent for its American and United operations, respectively.

Operating statistics for December 2021 and fiscal year 2021 YTD are included in the table below.

Atlas Air Extends Long-Term Agreement with SF Group

Atlas Air, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. has reached an agreement for the extension of a long-term aircraft transportation services agreement to operate a Boeing 747-400 Freighter for SF Group (SF), China’s leading express service provider, between China and the United States.

The agreement, which has been in place since 2018, enhances the operating capability of SF and extends its fast-growing global network.

SF is one of the largest integrated logistics service providers in China and the fourth largest express enterprise worldwide in terms of market capitalization and is committed to becoming a data and technology-driven company providing independent third party solutions. It empowers customers with leading technology and provides customers with smart and integrated supply chain solutions covering various industries and application scenarios. SF is also a smart logistics operator with network scale advantages, integrating aviation, ground and information networks, boasting an operating model with strong management and control over the whole network.

“We are very pleased to extend our strong partnership with SF,” said John W. Dietrich, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Air Worldwide. “SF is a key player in the growing express and e-commerce markets, and we look forward to supporting their rapid global expansion. We value the opportunity to continue providing the superior, reliable service that SF and its customers expect of Atlas.”

SF, based in Shenzhen, Guangdong, is one of the world’s largest express providers and one of China’s leading couriers.

“Our partnership with Atlas Air supports our network between China and the U.S. to further integrate our high-quality transport capacity resources to shorten delivery times,” said a representative of SF.

Atlas Air Worldwide is a leading global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services. It is the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc., and Titan Aviation Holdings, Inc., and is the majority shareholder of Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. Our companies operate the world’s largest fleet of 747 freighter aircraft and provide customers the broadest array of Boeing 747, 777, 767 and 737 aircraft for domestic, regional and international cargo and passenger operations.  

Air101: 4 Ways to Make Aviation More Sustainable

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Archer Aviation appoints Mark Mesler as new Chief Financial Officer.

Archer Aviation Inc. has confirmed that Mark Mesler has been appointed as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.

With over two decades of experience in the hardware, sustainability and aerospace sectors, Mark will focus on ensuring Archer’s finance infrastructure robustly supports the company’s progress towards its goal of launching manufacturing operations in 2023 and achieving FAA Type Certification in 2024

After 11.5 years at Bloom Energy and 25 years in corporate finance, Mark brings a unique understanding of how to build and maintain finance organizations in innovative sustainability companies with high-growth trajectories

As Archer matures its financial and investor relations functions following its debut on the NYSE in 2021, Mark will bring his experience gained through helming finance organizations at multiple companies through transition from private to public entities to lead and fully build out Archer’s finance team

Following the company’s NYSE public debut in 2021, Mark will lead all aspects of Archer’s financial operations, including investor relations, financial planning and analysis, treasury, accounting and operations finance. His immediate focus will be on ensuring the company’s product development and manufacturing roadmaps are supported by robust financial planning and cash management strategies. He will also provide critical focus to strengthen Archer’s investor and research analyst relationships and scale its industry-leading finance team.

Having spent over 11 years with Bloom Energy, Mark helped lead the company’s IPO on the New York Stock Exchange in July 2018. During his tenure at Bloom, he was responsible for closing all corporate equity and debt financings prior to the company’s IPO, in addition to scaling the finance team and supporting infrastructure as the company transitioned into the public markets. Most recently, Mark held the CFO role at Volansi, where he provided strategic and financial leadership for the autonomous drone technology and logistics company. Additionally, Mark previously held the position of Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Operations at Aquest Systems and Director of Finance at KLA-Tencor.

“I have spent a large part of my career advancing the application of clean energy, so joining Archer, with its clear vision of enabling sustainable aerial mobility, is a natural fit for me. Having recently developed the finance infrastructure in a business that is transforming the logistics sector with VTOL drone technology, I am now thrilled to be transitioning into the consumer eVTOL aircraft market to scale the finance function as the company enters its next phase of growth and development,” said Mark Mesler, Archer CFO. “The potential for eVTOL to change the way people live and travel is on the cusp of becoming reality, and I look forward to the challenge of stewarding the company’s financial resources to deliver on that vision.”

Experience Indigenous Ainu and Jomon Culture in Hokkaido – Japan

Experience Indigenous Ainu and Jomon Culture in Hokkaido – Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

 

Traditional Ainu dance performed at Upopoy © The Foundation for Ainu Culture

Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido is well known for its world-class powder snow, delicious food and unspoiled nature. Few people outside the country, however, are aware of one of Hokkaido’s more unique aspects: it is home to an ethnic group indigenous to northern Japan known as the Ainu.

 

The Ainu culture is believed to have emerged sometime between the 12th and 13th centuries and embodies the belief that spirits are present in every part of the natural world. Its people became skilled at various crafts, including woodcarving, embroidery, knitting and weaving, and they developed a series of traditional dances that were performed at social gatherings.

 

However, it has proved difficult to preserve these traditions, given the shrinking numbers in the Ainu community able to pass them on, and there is limited understanding of Ainu culture. The number of those who speak the Ainu language, which is unrelated to Japanese, has dwindled.

 

To preserve and promote Ainu culture, the National Ainu Museum and Park, also known as Upopoy, opened in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, in July 2020. “Upopoy” means “singing in a large group” in the Ainu language, and reflects the facility’s mission to provide a place for people to gather and learn as a community, and to foster a society with diverse cultures in which indigenous people are treated with respect.

 

The Upopoy facility—the first of its kind dedicated to Ainu history and culture—features a museum, an open-air culture centre and a memorial site, all providing opportunities for visitors to experience and interact with the Ainu culture. The permanent exhibits explore six themes, including the Ainu language, spirituality and customs, and the interaction of the Ainu with other ethnic groups.

 

At the open-air culture centre in the National Ainu Park, visitors can watch traditional dances and participate in hands-on activities including performing arts, cooking and crafts. The outdoor environment is an essential aspect of the Ainu culture, with its focus on coexistence with nature.

 

4 Ways to Make Aviation More Sustainable

Photo

Nothing beats aviation for convenience. It's fast, it's efficient, and it gets you where you need to go. But aviation can also be harmful to the environment, writes Bash Sarmiento.

Tracking emissions in the transportation sector can often be a dispiriting affair, despite the massive changes airlines have made in recent decades. Though aeroplanes today generate less carbon dioxide compared to their counterparts in the 90s, the subsequent increase in demand for air travel has negated much of that progress.

More people are flying than ever before, aside from understandable dips from early 2020 to 2021 due to the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand for air travel has risen steadily over the last 50 years, with more room to grow as the middle class expands in the developing world.

Despite the unparalleled convenience of air travel, it's hard to overlook the adverse impact it has had on our environment. The industry still produces huge amounts of carbon dioxide each year, inching us closer and closer to climate disaster.

Aviation doesn't have to be this way, though. There are many ways we can make aviation more sustainable and less harmful to the environment. In this article, we'll explore some of those ways.

Alternative Fuels

The clearest starting point for making aviation more sustainable is to reduce the emissions from burning jet fuel. Airlines are looking to do this with sustainable alternative fuels (SAFs). The objective of using SAFs is to lower the greenhouse gases released during the fuel's lifetime, from production to combustion, when compared with current petroleum-based jet fuels.

How much less of a reduction depends on the process used to make the fuel. As there is no current consensus on the best SAF production process, the reductions could be anywhere from negligible to significant, depending on which SAF gains the most traction within the aviation industry.

The good news is that several different SAFs are being developed, so we as consumers can have our say soon on which SAFs will ultimately win out.

Minimizing Single-Use Plastics

Eliminating single-use plastics is another way airlines can make their operations more sustainable. Single-use plastics are those that are only used once and then disposed of, such as straws, cups, and food packaging.

As you can imagine, the aviation industry uses a lot of single-use plastics each year. In fact, it's one of the leading industries when it comes to using these materials. A lot of this has to do with the fact that single-use plastics are cheap and easy to produce. But they come with a huge environmental cost.

Moving away from single-use plastics also lightens the load for airlines, increasing fuel efficiency. It's a win-win for everyone.

Some airlines are already leading the way when it comes to reducing their reliance on single-use plastics. The more airlines make these types of commitments, the more pressure there will be for other airlines to follow suit.

Locally-Sourced Foods

While single-use plastics are a no-go, airline passengers still need to eat. Providing locally-sourced and seasonal foods reduces the carbon footprint of food transportation.

First, it cuts down on the amount of energy needed to transport food from one side of the globe to the other. Second, it supports local farmers and economies. And third, it reduces waste from spoiled or uneaten food.

Longer flights can especially benefit from having a locally-sourced food option. Not only does it reduce the environmental impact of food transportation, but it also gives passengers a taste of the local cuisine.

Consumer Education

We as consumers can also play a part in making aviation more sustainable. More than anything, we need to be aware of the environmental impact our choices have and make informed decisions.

Airlines can help by providing passengers with information on how to make more sustainable choices. This could include things like how to pack lightly, where to find responsible tourism operators, and what options are available for travelling eco-friendly.

Learning to lower our demand for air travel is one way to make a difference. If we can't or don't want to fly, there are other sustainable transportation options available, such as buses and trains. If your travel plans require you to fly, opting for an economy seat instead of business or first class can reduce your individual carbon footprint.

Another way we can help is by packing lightly. A lighter plane means less fuel consumption, which translates into lower emissions.

We can also choose to fly with airlines that are making an effort to be more sustainable. Some airlines have started implementing eco-friendly practices. Supporting these companies sends a message that we want more sustainable aviation practices.

By being conscious of our choices and supporting the airlines that are working to be more sustainable, we can make a big difference in the aviation industry together.

Aviation doesn't have to be bad for the environment. There are several ways airlines can make their operations more sustainable.

From using alternative fuels to reducing single-use plastics, there are many things airlines can do to help make aviation more environmentally responsible. As consumers, we need to be aware of the choices we make and support airlines that are making an effort to be more sustainable.

Together, we can make aviation more sustainable for future generations.

Bash Sarmiento

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Flying Car Certified to Fly!

Civil Aviation Authority issues AirCar the Certificate of Airworthiness

 

                      AirCar the dual-mode car-aircraft vehicle has been issued the official Certificate of Airworthiness by the Slovak Transport Authority, following the successful completion of 70 hours of rigorous flight testing compatible with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards, with over 200 takeoffs and landings.

The challenging flight tests included the full range of flight and performance maneuvers and demonstrated an astonishing static and dynamic stability in the aircraft mode. The takeoff and landing procedures were achieved even without the pilot's need to touch the flight controls.

It took a team of 8 highly skilled specialists and over 100,000 manhours to convert design drawings into mathematical models with CFD analysis calculations, wind tunnel testing, 1:1 design prototype powered by electric 15KW engine to 1000kg 2-seat dual-mode prototype powered by 1.6L BMW engine that achieved the crucial certification milestone.

"AirCar certification opens the door for mass production of very efficient flying cars. It is official and the final confirmation of our ability to change mid-distance travel forever," said Professor Stefan Klein, the inventor, leader of the development team and the test pilot. "50 years ago, the car was the epitome of freedom," says Anton Zajac, the project cofounder. "AirCar expands those frontiers, by taking us into the next dimension; where road meets sky."

"Professor Stefan Klein is the world leader in the development of user-friendly Flying Cars. His latest (fifth) version is the pinnacle achievement in the new category of flying cars!" said Dr. Branko Sarh, Boeing Co. Senior Technical Fellow. "The automated transition from road vehicle into an air vehicle and vice versa, deploying/retracting wings and tail is not only the result of pioneering enthusiasm, innovative spirit and courage; it is an outcome of excellent engineering and professional knowledge," he noted after AirCar's first intercity flight last year.

Hyatt Announces Plans for Two New UK Hotels With Hyatt Regency London Stratford & Hyatt House London Stratford

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has entered into management agreements with Stratford City Hotels Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of M&L Hospitality, for Hyatt Regency London Stratford and Hyatt House London Stratford. The 225-room Hyatt Regency London Stratford and the 127-room Hyatt House London Stratford are expected to open in Q2 2022 following an extensive refurbishment. Both hotels will be conveniently located within one of Europe’s largest urban shopping and entertainment complexes, Westfield Stratford City, and a short walk to Stratford Station.

“The addition of these two hotels will be another exciting step in growing Hyatt’s brand presence in the United Kingdom and in creating a network of hotels across the key commercial and leisure markets in the country,” said Felicity Black Roberts, vice president of development Europe, Hyatt. “We worked closely with M&L Hospitality to choose the right brands for the location and are pleased to be continuing our relationship with them following the successful openings of Hyatt Regency Manchester and Hyatt House Manchester in 2019.”

Designed with productivity in mind, Hyatt Regency London Stratford will offer business and leisure travellers alike a stress-free and seamless environment to stay connected. Guests can enjoy 6,673 square feet (628 square meters) of meeting space, along with a spacious restaurant, bar and an open-air terrace. Hyatt House London Stratford will provide guests with modern, apartment-style suites with fully equipped kitchens and flexible workspaces, designed to make them feel at home, especially during extended stays.

The hotels are located close to Stratford Station, one of the UK’s busiest train stations, giving guests swift access to Central London in only seven minutes. Stratford International Station connects guests to St Pancras International Station and transfers to the Eurostar train, which provides services to Paris, Brussels, Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

The properties will also be easily accessible to Heathrow International Airport via the new Queen Elizabeth Crossrail line due to open mid-2022, which will offer services to Stratford in approximately 45 minutes. Furthermore, London City Airport is only 20 minutes from Stratford on the Docklands Light Railway, making it an ideal location for business and leisure guests.

Guests can enjoy easy access to local events at the nearby O2 and ExCel London convention centre, home to many concerts, exhibitions, and corporate events. The burgeoning Stratford City is also fast becoming the most exciting cultural region in the UK with major new developments at Queen Elizabeth Park currently underway including the proposed new future home of BBC studios, along with the exciting new museum project, V&A East. Further, nearby universities include the new world-class East campus of the University College of London and the new College of Fashion.

“We are pleased to be able to continue our work with Hyatt in the United Kingdom,” said Neil Maxwell, chief executive officer of M&L Hospitality. “Our strategy focuses on identifying key gateway cities with strong economic growth. Stratford is experiencing a real boom and our plans to introduce these Hyatt House and Hyatt Regency hotels to London will capitalize on this.”

The announcement of Hyatt Regency London Stratford and Hyatt House London Stratford marks Hyatt’s continued growth in the UK market. The hotels will join M&L Hospitality’s existing Hyatt properties including Hyatt Regency Manchester and Hyatt House Manchester, Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport. Other Hyatt properties in the UK include Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, Hyatt Regency Birmingham, Great Scotland Yard Hotel, Andaz London Liverpool Street, Hyatt Place West London Hayes, Hyatt Centric Cambridge and Hyatt Place London City East.

Air101: 4 Ways to Make Aviation More Sustainable

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U.S. Travel Agency Sales Recover in 2021

Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) has released data showing ARC-accredited travel agency air ticket sales totalled $39.8 billion in 2021, a 69% increase from the $23 billion total in 2020.* The number of passenger trips in 2021 grew by 50% year over year, totalling 174 million compared to 116 million in 2020.

Results comparing December 2021 to December 2020 showed:

Sales totalled $3.1 billion in December 2021, a 196% year-over-year increase.

Total passenger trips settled by ARC increased 103% year over year from 6.5 million to 13.2 million.

U.S. domestic passenger trips increased 116% to 9.2 million, while international passenger trips increased 79% to 4.1 million.

The average U.S. round-trip ticket price was $460, a 37% increase from $336 in December 2020. The December 2021 price was down 4% from pre-pandemic levels in the same month; this is the closest average ticket prices have been to 2019 levels since February 2020.

Despite year-over-year growth trends, December’s results marked a month-over-month decrease compared to November 2021:

Total sales decreased 30%.

Total passenger trips were down 21%.

U.S. domestic trips decreased 20%.

International trips decreased 24%.

“The end-of-year decrease we typically see in sales and trips was more pronounced this year with consumers worried about the omicron variant,” said Steve Solomon, vice president of global sales, marketing, operations and customer experience at ARC. “Total sales showed a similar decrease in the late summer as delta variant case counts grew. We expect a continued recovery across air travel in 2022, with online travel agencies recovering to pre-pandemic levels this spring as consumers continue to power the recovery.”

December 2021 EMD sales increased 171% to $7,203,788. EMD transactions increased 164% to 141,224.**

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Jet Edge to Establish Teterboro Airport Base With Signature Aviation

The agreement will provide a dedicated base for AdvantEdge aircraft owners in New York City and provide an enhanced pre-flight experience for Jet Edge program members.

Signature Aviation, the world’s largest network of Fixed Base Operations (FBOs), and Jet Edge International, a leader in full-service global private aviation, have signed an agreement to occupy Signature’s East facility at Teterboro Airport (TEB) in New Jersey. The New York City area base will grant Jet Edge charter program members, aircraft owners, and its fleet access to dedicated hangar and maintenance space at one of the world’s busiest private aviation airports.

A re-envisioned FBO interior is part of a long-term agreement for a 44,000 sq. ft. portion of Signature Teterboro East’s Hangar 202, as well as associated office and workshop space. The introduction of the New York area base will enhance Jet Edge’s offerings in one of the most significant business aviation markets worldwide, guaranteeing consistency and privacy for passengers embarking via one of its private aircraft, in addition to providing benefits for Jet Edge AdvantEdge plane owners.

“We are delighted to welcome Jet Edge to its new home at Signature Teterboro East,” expressed Virasb Vahidi, Chief Revenue Officer of Signature Aviation. “Signature is focused on offering exceptional experiences and essential support services to business and private aviation customers. Our large-scale infrastructure footprint is a key enabler of travel and our expertise in private aviation handling and real estate is a catalyst for driving mutual value with our partners. We look forward to working with Jet Edge in one of our key geographic markets.”

Bill Papariella, CEO of Jet Edge, adds “The New York metropolitan area has been the largest market trailing 3 years for Jet Edge and compliments our already established Signature facility in Los Angeles. New York will be a strategic focus for Jet Edge in 2022 and beyond. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Signature to provide our clients coast to coast access to a dedicated facilities at Teterboro and Van Nuys.”

Jet Edge anticipates occupying its new leasehold in Q4 2022. For more information, please visit www.signatureaviation.com

Air101: 4 Ways to Make Aviation More Sustainable

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United Airlines Selects Skyborne as Partner Flight School for Aviate Programme

Skyborne Airline Academy Vero Beach partners with United Airline's Aviate programme, offering Skyborne trainee pilots a route to the flight deck at United Airlines. The mentored career pathway takes trainees with zero or little flying experience through an FAA Part 141 programme to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), before eventually joining United as a First Officer.

As part of the partnership, trainee pilots accepted into Aviate will receive access to pilot mentors and a Conditional Job Offer for a First Officer position at United Airlines – all while training at Skyborne’s world-renowned facility in Vero Beach, Florida.

Lee Woodward, Chief Executive Officer, Skyborne, says: “The United Airlines Aviate Programme in partnership with Skyborne will immerse trainees in airline technique, custom and practice, equipping graduates with the skills to be truly flight deck ready.”

“In the US, air passenger numbers are now within 5% of 2019 levels* and in order to meet this demand for travel, the aviation industry needs focused initiatives like Aviate. United Airlines is leading the way in responding to the pilot shortage and we’re extremely proud this partnership will deliver the next generation of competent, professional and resilient airline pilots.”

In another U.S. industry first, trainees in the programme will also be eligible for the Skyborne Guarantee, a form of money-back guarantee upon successful completion of the Skyborne selection process and Private Pilot Certificate (PPC) phase.

Captain Curtis Brunjes, Managing Director of Aviate & Pilot Strategy, United Airlines, says: “We are thrilled to partner with Skyborne Airline Academy and are confident they will be an invaluable asset to Aviate due to their innovative approach to the aviation market, prestigious reputation and rigorous training. We look forward to working with them and welcoming more pilots to the United family.”

Skyborne and Aviate will work together to admit the best applicants to the programme. To train at Skyborne, an applicant must first meet Skyborne’s criteria, then pass a pilot selection process that includes aptitude and psychometric assessments, followed by an interview with Skyborne – all completed online to make the process more convenient for applicants. After Skyborne cadets have completed the Private Certification phase of training, they may apply to United’s Aviate programme.

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