Follow this site here.
30 January, 2022
Norway has lifted quarantine requirements for unvaccinated travelers, and the Netherlands has loosened lockdown restrictions further.
Follow this site here.
Graceland’s Performing Arts Camp Returns June 28-July 3
Elvis Presley’s Graceland® has announced that the Graceland Performing Arts Camp will return for its fourth year in 2022 on June 28 to July 3. The Graceland Performing Arts Camp is an immersive theater arts and music experience for kids aged 6 to 17 where they are invited to explore their creativity in acting, singing, and dancing during workshops led by local and Broadway professionals. Over five days of activities, the campers develop a performance showcase that they present on stage at The Guest House Theater for family and friends on Saturday night.
29 January, 2022
4AIR to Offset Emissions of Private Jets Flying to St. Moritz for the Snow Polo World Cup
- 4AIR will offset private jet emissions of carbon dioxide and other climate-changing pollutants at no cost to participating aircraft
- All inbound and outbound flights to St. Moritz will meet 4AIR’s Emissions Neutral - Silver Level
STARLUX Airlines get a new Airbus A321neo from Aviation Capital Group
Aviation Capital Group confirmed this week, the delivery of one new Airbus A321neo aircraft on long-term lease to STARLUX Airlines. Featuring CFM International LEAP-1A30 engines, this is the second of three new A321neos confirmed to deliver to the airline from ACG’s order book with Airbus.
Follow this site here.
Jet Edge Expands Reserve Charter Membership US Nationwide
Jet Edge International, the Ohio-based private aviation firm, announces the company's Reserve Charter Membership program benefits will expand to a full nationwide footprint. Prior to rolling out nationwide, the Jet Edge Reserve program typically served major cities within the United States on a program pricing basis. All of the benefits of membership, including its hourly pricing and trans-con programs, have been opened up to all U.S. markets, excluding Alaska.
Business Wire
Follow this site here.
Virgin Orbit Adds Distinguished Spaceflight Engineering Executive Amidst Operations Scale Up
easyJet plants to get young flyers engaged in reading.....
American gets perfect score on Corporate Equality Index.........
The full report is available online at hrc.org/cei. For more information on American’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, visit aa.com/diversity.
Follow this site here.
JetBlue flying high and looking at a brighter future.
The hometown airline of New York and one of the most popular US carriers, JetBlue Airways released details of its performance in the last quarter of 2021 this week. The go-ahead airline's GAAP pre-tax loss of
- Operating expenses per available seat mile increased 14.4% year over two. Operating expenses per available seat mile, excluding fuel and special items (CASM ex-fuel) (1) increased 16.3%(1) year over two. Consistent with the industry, our cost performance was impacted by incremental incentives and premium pay tied to the Omicron surge in case counts and the resulting operational impact, worth approximately two points of CASM ex-fuel in the quarter.
- Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization and Special Items (Adjusted EBITDA) in the fourth quarter of 2021 was
$31 million (1), towards the better end of our planning assumption range of ($50 ) to$50 million .
- As of December 31, 2021, JetBlue’s adjusted debt to capital ratio was 53%(1).
- JetBlue ended the fourth quarter of 2021 with approximately
$2.8 billion in unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, or 35% of 2019 revenue. This excludes our$550 million undrawn revolving credit facility.
- JetBlue paid down approximately
$100 million in regularly scheduled debt and finance lease obligations, and prepaid approximately$20 million in bank loans.
- The realized fuel price in the fourth quarter 2021 was
$2.37 per gallon, a 14.2% increase versus fourth quarter 2019 realized fuel price of$2.07 .
- As of January 27, 2022, JetBlue has not entered into forward fuel derivative contracts to hedge its fuel consumption for the first quarter of 2022. Based on the forward curve as of January 14, 2022, JetBlue expects an average all-in price per gallon of fuel of
$2.59 in the first quarter of 2022.
- Since the Northeast Alliance with American (NEA) was implemented in February 2021, JetBlue and American have collectively grown more quickly than the two largest competitors across
New York andBoston . The airlines have launched the first phase of reciprocal loyalty benefits, are investing in a seamless travel experience and are now codesharing on 185 routes. Additionally, JetBlue will be fully operating out of LaGuardia’s (LGA) Terminal B when completed in summer 2022, providing easy connections for customers traveling on the Northeast Alliance.
- JetBlue plans to launch two new BlueCities this summer – Asheville (AVL) and
Vancouver (YVR). As part of our 2022 growth plans, JetBlue and American plan to offer up to 300 daily departures at JFK Airport, 195 of those operated by JetBlue – more flights than ever before. At LGA, JetBlue plans to operate approximately 50 of nearly 200 daily departures with American, more than tripling our 2019 flight count.
Operational and Financial Highlights from the Fourth Quarter
Bucking the trend, Alaska leading the way for airline recovery in the U.S.
Alaska's fourth quarter and full year 2021 results reflect a disciplined focus on cost management and a measured approach to bringing back capacity in recovery. In addition to delivering profitability in the second half of the year, Alaska's financial performance enabled the company to restore its debt-to-capitalization ratio to pre-pandemic levels in the fourth quarter, priming the airlines for profitable growth in 2022.
Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year:
- Reported net income for the fourth quarter and full year 2021 under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) of $18 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, and $478 million, or $3.77 per diluted share. These results compare to a net loss for the fourth quarter and full year 2020 of $447 million, or $3.60 per share, and $1.3 billion, or $10.72 per share.
- Reported net income for the fourth quarter and net loss for the full year 2021, excluding special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments, of $31 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, and $256 million, or $2.03 per share. These results compare to a net loss for the fourth quarter and full year 2020, excluding special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments, of $316 million, or $2.54 per share, and $1.3 billion, or $10.17 per share.
- Reported adjusted pre-tax margin for the fourth quarter of 2021 of 2.4%, marking the second profitable quarter on an adjusted basis since the onset of the pandemic.
- Recorded $42 million and $151 million of incentive pay in the fourth quarter and full year 2021 earned by employees for meeting or exceeding cash flow, cost management, and safety goals, representing approximately three weeks pay for most employees.
Balance Sheet and Liquidity at Year End:
- Reported a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 49%, a reduction of 12 points from December 31, 2020, and the lowest level since the first quarter of 2020.
- For the full year, generated $138 million in operating cash flows, net of Payroll Support Program grant funds received.
- Repaid $112 million in debt in the fourth quarter, bringing total debt payments to $1.3 billion for the year.
- Held $3.1 billion in unrestricted cash and marketable securities as of December 31, 2021.
Operational Updates and Milestones for the Fourth Quarter:
- Announced nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Miami, marking the 100th nonstop destination from Alaska's Seattle hub.
- Expanded oneworld partnership with new West Coast international flights between Portland and London Heathrow on British Airways and between Seattle and Helsinki on Finnair. Expanded service will provide Alaska's guests more than 100 nonstop flights on oneworld partners from the West Coast to Europe by summer 2022.
- Launched new MVP Gold 100k tier for Mileage Plan members, providing enhanced benefits for those traveling 100,000 miles or more in one year.
- Named the safest U.S. airline by AirlineRatings.com in their annual Top 20 Safest Airline Report.
- Received four 737-9 aircraft during the quarter, bringing total additions in 2021 to 11.
- Began nonstop service to Belize from Seattle and Los Angeles in November, marking the fourth country Alaska flies to from its West Coast hubs.
Fourth Quarter Environmental, Social, and Governance Updates:
- Announced the appointment of Diana Birkett Rakow as senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability, emphasizing Alaska's commitment to protect the places it flies and support the communities it serves.
- Announced collaboration with ZeroAvia to begin development on a hydrogen-electric powertrain engine capable of flying regional aircraft in excess of 500 nautical miles.
- Expanded inflight sustainability efforts by trading plastic water bottles and cups for Boxed Water Is Better® plant-based cartons and recyclable paper cups. This change will eliminate an estimated 1.8 million pounds of single-use plastics over the next year.
- Launched partnership with travel2change, a Hawaii-based social and environmental impact organization that connects travellers with sustainable volunteer projects while visiting Hawaii.
The following table reconciles the company's reported GAAP net income (loss) per share (EPS) for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 to adjusted amounts.
27 January, 2022
Delta flies Team USA to Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 on first-ever Team USA-only charter
Team USA athletes departed Thursday from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, carried by Delta’s first-ever, Team USA-only charter flight.
Elroy Air unveils Chaparral - a special vertical take-off and landing hybrid aerial cargo system,
Elroy Air, the company developing the first end-to-end autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aerial cargo system, unveiled its pre-production Chaparral aircraft today. The Chaparral can autonomously pick up 300-500 lbs of cargo and deliver it by air up to 300 miles, a capability that pushes beyond the limited payload capabilities of delivery drones and the airport infrastructure required of piloted air cargo options available today.
Elroy Air has commitments for more than 500 aircraft representing more than $1 billion in aircraft demand from commercial, defence, and humanitarian customers
Reaching rural communities, despite pilot shortages
Wheels Up Announces Agreement to Acquire Air Partner
Proposed Acquisition Accelerates Wheels Up's International Expansion and Positions the Company as the Leading Private Aviation BrandProvides Connections to International Aircraft Supply as Global Demand AcceleratesAir Partner's Diversified Platform Expands Wheels Up Suite of Services and Business Offerings into Group Charter, Freight, Specialist Services, Safety, Security, Emergency Planning and Incident Response, and Managed Services
Follow this site here.
Air Canada Marks Team Canada's Journey to Excellence at the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
"At Air Canada, we are proud to literally 'Fly the Flag' as we transport Team Canada to the 2022 Winter Games and honour their journey to the podium. We're also delighted to endorse Olympians as Team Air Canada athlete ambassadors. Their resilience and relentless drive to be the very best in their sport, while embodying Canada's collective values of diversity, inclusivity, openness, and kindness inspire all of us. We look forward to sharing our athletes' individual journeys and cheering on all members of Team Canada in their pursuit of excellence," said Andy Shibata, Vice President, Brand at Air Canada.
"The pandemic has resulted in many unique logistical challenges in the lead up to the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games and planning flights for approximately 230 Team Canada athletes has been one of them," said Canadian Olympic Committee Chief Brand and Commercial Officer Jacquie Ryan. "However, our amazing partner at Air Canada has provided incredible support behind the scenes to ensure a safe path for athletes including air charter services to and from Beijing. We have never been more proud to Fly The Flag on the official airline of Team Canada."
Blue Air to offer five flights a week between Bucharest - DĂ¼sseldorf!
Starting this April, the Romanian carrier Blue Air will offer five flights a week between Bucharest and DĂ¼sseldorf!
Follow this site here.
United Officially Opens Flight Academy
United Aviate Academy's first class of students is 80% women or people of colour, outpacing the airline's goal to train about 5,000 new pilots at the school by 2030 with at least half being women or people of colour
United, the only major U.S. airline to own a flight training school, officially opened United Aviate Academy today and welcomed a historic inaugural class of future pilots, 80% of whom are women or people of colour. United Aviate Academy is a key part of the airline's goal to train about 5,000 new pilots at the school by 2030, with at least half women or people of colour. This unprecedented training commitment will dramatically expand access to this lucrative and rewarding career while upholding United's world-class safety standards.
Last summer, United unveiled its ambitious United Next strategy to revolutionize the United flying experience and introduce more than 500 new, narrow-body aircraft into its fleet to match the anticipated resurgence in air travel. United plans to hire at least 10,000 new pilots by 2030 to meet this need with about 5,000 of those coming from United Aviate Academy.
United Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby and United President Brett Hart were joined today by Federal Aviation Administration Deputy Administrator Brad Mims and other government officials at the Phoenix Goodyear Airport to welcome the new students. The group also outlined United's plan to help break down some of the barriers to entry through targeted recruiting, strategic partnerships and scholarship and financial aid solutions.
"Our pilots are the best in the industry and have set a high standard of excellence," said Kirby. "Recruiting and training even more people who have that same level of talent, motivation and skill is the right thing to do and will make us an even better airline. I couldn't be prouder of this first group of students and look forward to meeting the thousands of talented individuals who will pass through these doors in the years to come."
Unfortunately, for many people becoming a pilot seems not only out of reach financially, but completely unimaginable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 5.6% of pilots are women and 6% are people of colour. Earning a commercial pilot's license in the U.S. can cost about $100,000 and becoming an Airline Transport Pilot requires 1,500 hours of flight time, which requires a significant commitment.
The Airbus C295 technology demonstrator of Clean Sky 2 makes its maiden flight
The Airbus C295 Flight Test Bed 2 (FTB2) has successfully performed its maiden flight from the Final Assembly Line in Seville. The aircraft now starts a flight campaign with the aim of testing the new semi-morphing wing, the new affordable flight control system, as well as a SatCom antenna embedded within the aircraft’s fuselage.
Follow this site here.
IAG Cargo adopts IATA DG AutoCheck system
IAG Cargo digitalises its dangerous goods acceptance checks with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods AutoCheck (DG AutoCheck)DG AutoCheck facilitates the verification of the packages’ marks and labels on dangerous goods consignmentsThe DG AutoCheck solution uses optical character recognition technology to convert the paper DGD into electronic data facilitating a safe, secure and efficient operation
Airbus Helicopters bounces back in 2021
easyJet welcomes ICCT study confirming the viability of hydrogen-powered aircraft for short-haul aviation
26 January, 2022
Delta's driving change for the earth and the people on it
Delta is accelerating its efforts to build a more sustainable and people-first future for air travel. Starting this month, the airline will refresh its onboard product offerings with artisan-made amenity kits, recycled bedding, reusable and biodegradable service ware and premium canned wine. Together, the products will reduce onboard single-use plastic consumption by approximately 4.9 million pounds per year – that’s roughly the weight of 1,500 standard-sized cars – and significantly increase Delta’s support of minority- and women-run businesses.
Delta One Amenity Kits by Someone Somewhere, Featuring Grown Alchemist Skincare Products
Boom Supersonic Selects Greensboro, North Carolina for First Supersonic Airliner Manufacturing Facility
Boom Supersonic, the company building the world's fastest and most sustainable supersonic airliner, today announced it has selected the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina as the site of its first full-scale manufacturing facility.
British Airways and American Airlines have exciting plans to boost passenger experience at New York JFK’s Terminal 8
The expanded and reconfigured terminal will include five new widebody gates and 130,000 square feet of new and renovated space. |
American Airlines and British Airways announced more details regarding plans to co-locate operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s (JFK) Terminal 8 beginning Dec. 1, 2022. Enabled by a $400 million investment to redevelop, expand and enhance the terminal, the move will bring the Atlantic Joint Business partners closer together. Jointly, the terminal investments and co-location will offer a more seamless customer experience while supporting the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s ambitious plan to transform JFK into a leading global airport.
“American is eager to welcome British Airways to their new home at JFK,” said American’s Chief Customer Officer Alison Taylor. “Their move to Terminal 8 further deepens our longstanding partnership and makes it easier than ever for customers traveling between New York and London or onward across our global networks.”
American and British Airways were the first carriers to begin redevelopment efforts at JFK, breaking ground in January 2020 on five new widebody gates, four new widebody hardstand parking positions, an enhanced baggage handling system, new customer amenities and expanded premium guest offerings — including approximately 130,000 square feet of new and renovated terminal space.
Architectural features will define, guide and direct customers towards an expanded joint premium check-in area on the ticketing level of JFK’s Terminal 8. |
“John F. Kennedy International Airport continues to move toward the creation of a unified, world-class airport, and the transformation will begin with Terminal 8,” said Rick Cotton, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “The partnership between British Airways and American Airlines will provide customers with more seamless connections, new, larger light-filled concourses and top-tier amenities. The Port Authority applauds these efforts and looks forward to seeing the new transformed Terminal 8 .”
Tom Stevens, British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer Experience said: “New York holds a special place in our heart as one of our most well-loved and important destinations. Our move to the redeveloped and expanded Terminal 8 will bring a range of benefits for our customers, including a better transfer experience, enabling them to travel to more than 30 destinations across the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America with American Airlines. British Airways will remain in Terminal 7 until Dec. 1, 2022, and we have continued to invest in the experience for our customers, including our check-in area, concessions and lounges.”
Strong December Performance Contributes to Stellar Year for Air Cargo
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that full-year demand for air cargo increased by 6.9% in 2021, compared to 2019 (pre-covid levels) and 18.7% compared to 2020 following a strong performance in December 2021. This was the second biggest improvement in year-on-year demand since IATA started to monitor cargo performance in 1990 (behind 2010’s 20.6% gain), outpacing the 9.8% rise in global goods trade by 8.9 percentage points. As comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted, all comparisons below are to 2019 which followed a normal demand pattern.
|