125,000 people flew with Icelandair during February....

In February 2022, the total number of Icelandair passengers on international and domestic flights was around 125,000, which is more than a fivefold increase compared to 2021. The total capacity in February was 58% of February 2019 capacity levels.

The total number of passengers on international flights was around 109,000, compared to around 5,000 in February 2021. The number of passengers to Iceland was around 66,000 and from Iceland around 27,000. Via passengers were around 16,000, compared to around 37,000 the month before. The drop in via passengers is mainly because of the effects of the Omicron variant on some of our markets, and adverse weather in Iceland in February that affected connecting flights in our KEF hub. On-time performance was 75%, despite operations being impacted by adverse weather.

The load factor on international flights was 66% compared to 25% in February 2021 and 76% in February 2019. The load factor on flights to and from Europe (72%) was significantly higher than on flights to and from North America (60%).

The number of passengers on domestic flights was around 16,000 compared to 14,000 last year. The load factor on domestic flights was around 80% compared to 66% in February 2021. The domestic operation has recovered well and year to date, the number of domestic passengers has increased by 13% compared to 2021.

Sold block hours in charter flights increased by 29% compared to February 2021. Freight measured in Freight Ton Kilometres was similar to what it was in February 2021.

Icelandair’s operations in February were impacted by weather in Iceland which resulted in some cancellations and rerouting. With pro-active changes to the flight schedule, the effect of the weather was minimized.

With a strengthening booking status for the months ahead, the outlook is positive. While uncertainty due to the pandemic and related travel restrictions are diminishing the conflict in Ukraine and related impact are closely monitored. The company will continue to use its flexibility to adjust to the situation at any given time.

Route Network	Feb 22	Feb 21	CHG (%)	YTD 22	YTD 21	CHG (%)
Number of Passengers	124,607	19,024	555%	238,010	42,238	463%
Load Factor	66.4%	30.3%	36.0 ppt	62.8%	36.6%	26.2 ppt
Available Seat KM (ASK´000,000)	485.8	50	863%	1,020	124	723%
Revenue Passenger KM (RPK´000,000)	322.3	15	2007%	641	45	1312%
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS	Feb 22	Feb 21	CHG (%)	YTD 22	YTD 21	CHG (%)
To market (passengers)	66,166	2,863	2211%	106,540	8,611	1137%
From market (passengers)	26,864	2,132	1160%	50,198	7,507	569%
Via market (passengers)	15,693	64	24420%	52,552	597	8703%
Number of Passengers	108,723	5,059	2049%	209,290	16,715	1152%
Load Factor	66.2%	25.4%	40.8 ppt	62.7%	33.9%	28.8 ppt
Available Seat KM (ASK´000,000)	480.2	44.4	981%	1,009.6	112.2	800%
Revenue Passenger KM (RPK´000,000)	317.8	11.3	2714%	632.7	38.1	1563%
Stage length (KM)	2,978	2,447	22%	3,035	2,411	26%
On-Time-Performance (Arrivals)	75.0%	97.0%	-30.0 ppt	70.0%	88.0%	-18.0 ppt
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS	Feb 22	Feb 21	CHG (%)	YTD 22	YTD 21	CHG (%)
Number of Passengers	15,884	13,965	14%	28,720	25,523	13%
Load Factor	80.0%	66.0%	14.0 ppt	76.8%	62.9%	13.9 ppt
Available Seat KM (ASK´000,000)	5.6	6.1	-8%	10.3	11.6	-12%
Cargo & Leasing	Feb 22	Feb 21	CHG (%)	YTD 22	YTD 21	CHG (%)
Sold Block Hours - Leasing	1,399	1,088	29%	2,271	2,120	7%
Freight Tonne KM (FTK´000)	10,189	10,307	-1%	20,789	20,770	0%
CO2 EMISSIONS	Feb 22	Feb 21	CHG (%)	YTD 22	YTD 21	CHG (%)
Total CO2 emissions tonnes	79,221	10,883	628%	120,815	22,282	442%
CO2 emissions per OTK	0.91	2.35	-61%	0.97	1.58	-39%

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East Midlands Airport launches £120,000 schools’ eco-garden fund

 

Participating schools encouraged to highlight how an eco-garden can improve biodiversity, as well as enhancing outdoor learning, recreational use and improving wellbeing.

Grants of up to £20,000 available for schools to turn designs into reality

Schools eligible to apply are those located within East Midlands Airport’s Community Fund ‘area of benefit’

East Midlands Airport (EMA) has launched a project to encourage schools to design and ultimately create eco-gardens.

Participating schools will be asked to submit designs for gardens or green space that substantially improve biodiversity. The submissions judged to have the most positive environmental impact will be awarded funds to turn designs into reality.

A share of £120,000 is up for grabs with the winning schools each eligible for grants of up to £20,000 depending on the scale of the project. The money has been made available from EMA’s Community Fund which was established in April 2002 to support initiatives in places which are most affected by the airport’s operation. To date, over £1.3m has been awarded to more than 1,500 community groups, supporting initiatives such as equipment for sports clubs and village halls to heritage restoration projects such as church clocks.

The eco-garden competition, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of the launch of the community fund, runs until 27 May. It is open to any school within the community fund ‘area of benefit’ which covers approximately a radius of 8-10 miles from the airport. These are the communities that are most overflown by aircraft approaching and departing EMA.

Designs submitted will be judged by a panel of experts including representatives of the airport’s corporate social responsibility team, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and the parks, green spaces and environmental management teams at South Derbyshire District Council.

Judges will look for designs that incorporate innovative ways to make any space that schools have environmentally richer and more diverse, whether that’s transforming an area of concrete, improving the biodiversity of a playing field or growing food. Schools that have little outdoor space are urged to consider vertical gardens, making the most of walls and fences. Schools are also encouraged to highlight how an eco-garden could be used for outdoor learning, recreational use and to improve wellbeing.

Finnair February 2022 Traffic Performance

Clear improvement in passenger traffic figures year-on-year, but figures remained close to January 2022 levels due to the Omicron impact; strong cargo performance continued.

In February, Finnair carried 443,000 passengers, which was 407.5% more than in February 2021. The number of passengers in February 2022 was 1.8% less than in January 2022 (month-on-month figures are not fully comparable as there were three fewer days in February).

The COVID-19 impact, including the strict travel restrictions imposed by several countries due to the Omicron variant, still affected all passenger traffic figures. It was particularly visible in the North Atlantic and Asian figures even though travel from both Finland and Sweden to the United States and e.g., Thailand opened in November, thereby increasing the number of passengers carried by Finnair. The impact of the crisis in Ukraine was not yet visible in February figures.

The overall capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK), increased in February by 473.4% year-on-year but decreased by 11.8% month-on-month. Finnair operated, on average, 196 daily flights (cargo-only included), which was 154.5% more than in February 2021 but 6.2% less than in January 2022. The differences between capacity figures compared to February 2021 are explained by the longer average stage length of flights operated and by the larger gauge of aircraft operated. Finnair's traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs), increased by 845.6% year-on-year but declined by 14.1% month-on-month. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) increased by 17.3% points to 43.9% year-on-year but decreased by 1.2% points month-on-month.

The ASK increase in Asian traffic was 249.2% year-on-year. In European traffic, the ASKs were up by 560.8%. The ASKs in domestic traffic increased by 119.7%.

RPKs increased in Asian traffic by 951.5%, in European traffic by 955.6% and in domestic traffic by 172.7% year-on-year.

The PLF was 32.4% in Asian traffic and 25.3% in North Atlantic traffic but both were supported by the strong cargo operations. The PLF was 63.8% in European traffic and 73.6% in domestic traffic.  

Passenger numbers increased in Asian traffic by 950.7%, in European traffic by 602.1% and in domestic traffic by 167.0% year-on-year.

In North Atlantic traffic, ASK, RPK and passenger number growth rates year-on-year cannot be calculated as there were no passenger flights in February 2021.

Fortescue Future industries and airbus join forces to HELP decarbonise aviation

Global green hydrogen company Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) and global leader in aeronautics, Airbus have joined forces to create a working alliance to help enable the aviation industry to decarbonise through zero-emissions green hydrogen.

Today's alliance reflects FFI and Airbus' shared ambition to leverage their respective expertise to support the entry-into-service of a hydrogen-based aircraft by 2035.

To mark the partnership, FFI and Airbus today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Airbus HQ in Toulouse. The MoU will allow both companies to collaborate closely as one focused taskforce, to study the application of green hydrogen in the aviation industry.

FFI and Airbus will look specifically at the challenges of hydrogen regulations, supply, infrastructure and fueling for aviation in the entire supply chain, from the production of hydrogen, right through to its delivery to airports and transfer on-board aircraft.

FFI will provide cost outlook and technology drivers on the various elements of the supply chain and will build infrastructure deployment scenarios for the supply of green hydrogen to targeted airports.

Airbus will provide characteristics on fleet energy usage, scenarios for hydrogen demand in aviation, refueling specifications and aviation regulatory framework.

STAT MedEvac orders 10 new Airbus H135 helicopters

STAT MedEvac orders 10 new Airbus H135 helicopters

 

Copyright © Dianne Bond

STAT MedEvac, an Airbus customer for nearly 40 years, has committed to ordering 10 new H135 helicopters as part of a fleet renewal initiative for its air medical operations. STAT’s total Airbus fleet, a mix of H135 and H145 family aircraft, operates out of 18 bases.

“We’ve been flying Airbus products since we began our operations, and couldn’t imagine it any other way,” said Jim Houser, CEO of STAT Medevac.  “Going back to the first North American EC135, we’ve been a key operator of the H135 throughout its upgrades and evolutions, and the H135 has continuously met our mission requirements, helping us provide high-quality care in the safest and most efficient way possible. We look forward to renewing our fleet with these 10 new aircraft and we thank Airbus for being such a supportive and fantastic partner all these years.”

STAT MedEvac has flown Airbus helicopters since commencing operations in 1985 and has a longstanding history with the H135 family – it was the first air ambulance program in North America to operate the EC135 in 1997, the first single-pilot IFR program with an EC135 in U.S. Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), the launch customer of the latest H135 variant in North America and the launch customer of the Helionix-equipped version in 2019.  The Pennsylvania-based critical care transport provider is the clinical arm for the Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania and is also the largest single branded, non-profit medical transport system in the Eastern United States.

“STAT MedEvac has become a key part of the H135’s success in the air medical market, and Airbus is extremely proud to support the life-saving missions they carry out every single day,” said Romain Trapp, President of Airbus Helicopters, Inc. and Head of the North American region. “With the latest evolution of this proven platform, Airbus aims to continue to meet our EMS customers’ evolving needs to use their helicopters as flying hospitals and to be able to do so with the latest technologies that reduce pilot workload and increase safety all around. Thank you to the entire team at STAT for your trust in Airbus, and for the incredible work that you do.”

The H135 is the market leader in emergency medical services (EMS) worldwide and can be fitted with a wide range of EMS configurations, providing direct access and ample room for patient care. With the lowest operating and maintenance costs of any twin-engine, the proven H135 family of aircraft include Airbus’ Helionix avionics suite and has recently received an alternate gross weight increase for an additional 265lbs of useful load.  

Airbus Helicopters is the leading provider of helicopters to the air medical transport industry, providing some 55% of the 2,600 EMS helicopters flying in the world today and more than half of all new air medical helicopters sold in the last decade in the U.S.

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World Defence Show successfully concludes in Riyadh

Following four trade days that brought together 600 defence and security exhibitors from 42 countries, World Defense Show concluded its first edition today recording SAR29.7bn in deals. 

Founded by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), the world’s first show focused on defence interoperability received 80 military delegations, 65,000 visits and representation from 85 countries from east to west.

H.E Ahmad Al-Ohali, Governor of GAMI said: “From its first edition, World Defense Show established itself as one of the top defence and security shows in the world, which reflects the Kingdom’s position as a global driver of collaboration, innovation and business opportunities. The networking, knowledge-sharing and commercial relationships established through the World Defense Show platform will spur a new era of investment and growth for Saudi Arabia’s defence and security industry bringing us closer to achieving our target of localizing more than 50% of the Kingdom’s military expenditure by 2030.”

“We thank all exhibitors, visitors and partners for being part of this promising journey and we look forward to bolstering ties with them in the coming period, while we prepare for the show’s second edition set to take place between 3rd and 6th of March 2024,” Al-Ohali added.  

As the regulator, enabler and licensor of Saudi Arabia’s defence sector, GAMI worked with partners to review contracts announced at the show, with detailed evaluation of technical specifications in line with international standards, ensuring spending efficiency and operational readiness.

The 2022 edition of World Defense Show was packed with industry-leading networking programs and demonstrations. From creating business opportunities through the “Meet the buyer” program to thought-provoking programs such as International Women in Defense and Future Talent, the show paved the way for further collaboration, sector growth and human capital development. 

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Plant-based food options part of the new hollistic wellbeing offering on Delta Air Lines.

The U.S. mega-carrier Delta is trying to offer a healthier way to travel with plant-based food options in airports and onboard, unique loyalty partnerships and in-flight entertainment to relax and unwind during your journey.   “We’ve taken a careful approach to ensuring each customer feels taken care of during their journey on Delta because connecting the world also means caring for those in it – and helping them feel their best no matter where they are,” said Dr Henry Ting – Chief Health Officer.

Delta partners with leading consumer brands for its healthier offering, plant-based food options by Impossible Foods and Black Sheep Foods. Loyalty deals with Instacart, and curated in-flight entertainment with Peloton and Spotify, Delta is introducing more mindful, personalized and health-conscious moments at every step to ensure customers travel well.

Alongside the reintroduction of hot meals onboard this spring, Delta is serving new plant-based dishes onboard featuring products from Impossible Foods and Black Sheep Foods. Beginning this month, customers in premium cabins on select flights can order a variety of Impossible™ dishes like a green chili spice rubbed Impossible™ Burger with caramelized onion jam and Manchego cheese.

Other plant-based dishes include Black Sheep Foods’s lamb-style meatballs with spinach rice and feta, and cauliflower cakes with creamy pesto orzo. Plant-based meats like Impossible™ Burger are as delicious as meat from animals and better for the environment, using far less land and water, and emitting significantly less greenhouse gases as conventional meat from animals.

Delta now offers Kate’s Real Food bars in all cabins, the USDA Certified Organic and nutrient-packed snack that promotes health and wellness by focusing on real ingredients.

In select Delta Sky Clubs, the airline partners with local artisans to highlight handcrafted, regionally made food and beverage products through its Fresh Farm program. These ongoing weekly activations began in late 2021 and will soon be found in Delta’s west coast hubs (Seattle, Salt Lake City and Los Angeles). In both Sky Clubs and onboard, customers can enjoy menu items in fresh and hot meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

Airbus partners with Spirit AeroSystems to develop the wings of CityAirbus NextGen

Airbus partners with Spirit AeroSystems to develop the wings of CityAirbus NextGen

 Airbus has signed an agreement with Spirit AeroSystems through its subsidiary for the development of CityAirbus NextGen’s wings. This partnership will support Airbus’ exploration of disruptive aircraft design while complying with the most stringent regulations.

Spirit AeroSystems will be responsible for developing and manufacturing CityAirbus NextGen’s wings in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Both partners’ ambition is to achieve a minimum weight solution while ensuring the highest levels of safety. The structural concept of the eVTOL’s fixed wings will be able to transmit the related aerodynamic loads while being optimized for the right balance between hover and cruise efficiency. CityAirbus NextGen’s distributed propulsion system will contribute to reducing the influence of air turbulence.

“The partnership with Spirit AeroSystems is an important step for the development of CityAirbus NextGen and its wings are key structural components for flight efficiency,” said Jörg Müller, Head of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) at Airbus. “To build this vehicle, we are proud to work with Spirit as a strategic partner who benefits from a proven track record in this field, and extensive experience in component quality and airworthiness.”

With a significant UK footprint, particularly in Northern Ireland and Scotland, Spirit AeroSystems is one of the world’s largest suppliers of aerostructures and builds on years of manufacturing expertise in major aircraft components and architecture solutions. Its longstanding relationship with Airbus includes the provision of fully integrated wings and wing elements for multiple Airbus commercial aircraft. Extending existing collaboration between Airbus and Spirit AeroSystems, this partnership is a further sign of the Company’s commitment in the United Kingdom.

The fully electric CityAirbus NextGen is an eVTOL prototype equipped with fixed wings, a V-shaped tail, and eight electrically powered propellers as part of its distributed propulsion system. CityAirbus NextGen is being developed to fly with a 80km operational range and to reach a cruise speed of 120 km/h, making it perfectly suited for a variety of missions. Airbus is developing a UAM solution with eVTOLs not only to offer a new mobility service in urban areas and beyond but also as an important step in its quest to reduce emissions in aviation all over its product range.

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Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air launch Ascend Pilot Academy

Alaska Airlines and its regional partner Horizon Air are teaming up with Hillsboro Aero Academy, a premier flight school in the Pacific Northwest, to launch the Ascend Pilot Academy (APA). This new development programme, designed for aspiring pilots, provides a simpler, more financially accessible path to becoming a commercial pilot at Horizon and eventually then on to Alaska Air. 

In partnership with Hillsboro Aero, the two airlines will register and train up to 250 students a year. Once enrolled, cadet pilots will be eligible for low-interest financial aid, a $25,000 stipend to cover the cost of a commercial pilot license, mentorship and guidance from Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air pilots and a conditional job offer at Horizon Air.   "Launching the Ascend Pilot Academy addresses a critical need to build a larger and more diverse talent pipeline and remove historical barriers to entry for aspiring pilots," said Joe Sprague, Horizon Air president. "Our goal is to create a program that enables students to complete an intensive training and time-building program, with a clear and established path toward flying for Horizon as a first officer."

Combined, Alaska and Horizon estimate they will need to hire 500 pilots a year, or 2,000 by 2025. The Ascend Pilot Academy is one part of building that diverse talent pipeline.  "We're taking a number of steps to actively recruit pilots at both Alaska and Horizon, including enhancing our existing Pilot Development Program and launching a robust marketing recruiting campaign," added Sprague.

Barriers to entry

The barriers to entry for aspiring pilots can seem nearly impossible to overcome, particularly for young people who are unable to afford the estimated $70,000 to $90,000 to pay for training, schooling, and the licenses to become a commercially rated pilot. Furthermore, it can be difficult for flight school students to secure government-backed financing, which means financing terms are often prohibitive.

In response to these challenges, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air have been advocating for expanded federal student loan aid to also cover costs associated with flight education.

"It should be as easy to get a federally backed, low-interest student loan to become a pilot as it is to attend medical school," Sprague said. "The Ascend Pilot Academy aims to do just that."

Air Cargo growth slowed in January

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air cargo markets showing slower growth in January 2022. Supply chain disruptions and capacity constraints, as well as a deterioration in economic conditions for the sector dampened demand.  Note: We are returning to year-on-year traffic comparisons, instead of comparisons with the 2019 period, unless otherwise noted. Cargo demand is tracking above pre-COVID-19 levels, although capacity is still constrained. Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), was up 2.7% compared to January 2021 (3.2% for international operations). This was significantly lower than the 9.3% growth seen in December 2021 (11.1% for international operations).   Capacity was 11.4% above January 2021 (10.8% for international operations). While this is in positive territory, compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, capacity remains constrained, 8.9% below January 2019 levels.    Supply chain disruptions as well as a deterioration in economic conditions for the sector are slowing growth. Several factors should be noted:   Supply chain disruptions resulted from flight cancellations due to labor shortages, winter weather and to a lesser extent the deployment of 5G in the USA, as well as the zero-COVID policy in mainland China and Hong Kong.    The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) indicator tracking global new export orders fell below the 50-mark in January for the first time since August 2020, indicating that a majority of surveyed businesses reported a fall in new export orders.    The January global Supplier Delivery Time Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) was at 37.8. While values below 50 are normally favorable for air cargo, in current conditions it points to delivery times lengthening because of supply bottlenecks.    The inventory-to-sales ratio remains low. This is positive for air cargo as it means manufacturers may turn to air cargo to rapidly meet demand.

Airbus and The Helicopter Company expand partnership to include sustainable aviation fuel and urban air mobility in Saudi Arabia

Airbus and The Helicopter Company (THC) have signed an agreement in order to continue expanding helicopter activities as well as to introduce urban air mobility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This comes as an additional step toward the co-creation of an Urban Air Mobility ecosystem in the Kingdom.

The signing of this agreement is a testimony to the strong partnership between Airbus and THC, as the company already operates 10 H125s, recently added 20 five-bladed H145s (with an option for an additional ten aircraft) and six ACH160 helicopters (with an option for an additional four) to its fleet.

The agreement foresees the decarbonisation of flight operations for Airbus’ products in THC’s fleet. This includes the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels for conventional helicopters, as well as the introduction of urban air mobility (UAM) services in the country. The agreed cooperation between the parties and the aviation regulatory authorities of the kingdom will enable the safe application of these solutions to a variety of mission segments, such as Emergency Medical Services, Ecotourism or Private and Business Aviation.

Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, said: “This is a significant move toward the introduction and efficient operations of cleaner helicopters and advanced technologies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We are pleased to be a part of this unique opportunity to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions in the urban transportation market together with Airbus.”

Jetcraft Commercial nabs 14 Bombardier CRJ1000 jets HOP!

Jetcraft's commercial aircraft division has acquired 14 Bombardier CRJ1000 airliners from HOP!, the regional arm of Air France at bargain prices. Deliveries will happen throughout this year and be completed by December

Raphaël Haddad, President of Jetcraft Commercial, says: “This is a significant acquisition for Jetcraft Commercial and I’m proud that three of these aircraft are ready to be placed. There is high demand for the remaining jets, emphasising the need within commercial aviation for aircraft capable of regional missions.”

Jetcraft Commercial launched in 2015, capitalizing on Jetcraft’s existing international presence and experience to offer clients an agile partner within the commercial aircraft sales and leasing community. With a diverse inventory, featuring aircraft from Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, De Havilland Canada, Embraer and others, Jetcraft Commercial has a proven record of procuring and placing commercial aircraft worldwide.

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Breeze Airways expanding again with 35 routes from 10 new cities this summer

Breeze Airways, one of the newest low-fare airlines in the U.S. is adding 35 routes this summer from 10 new cities, coast to coast. Breeze, the carrier founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, which began service in May last year is now expanding across the U.S. with 77 routes between 28 cities in 18 states.

Breeze is heading west with service from San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Las Vegas (LAS) and San Bernardino, with new cities to be added in the east and southeast including Jacksonville, Fort Myers and Sarasota/Bradenton, FL; Savannah, GA; Nashville, TN; and Syracuse, NY.

Introducing the Airbus A220

Breeze has ordered 80 brand new Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with options for 40 more, that will be delivered one per month for six years. The airline will more than double its fleet this year, from 13 Embraer 190 and 195 aircraft to 30 aircraft, including 13 Airbus A220s and four additional Embraer E-jets.

Breeze’s initial A220 aircraft deliveries will feature 126 seats, including 36 First Class seats in a two-by-two configuration, 10 Extra Legroom seats, and 80 Standard Economy seats in a two-by-three configuration. The A220 seat configuration is dynamic however and later deliveries will offer 137 total seats, 12 First Class seats, 45 Extra Legroom seat and 80 Standard Economy seats onboard.

Guests may choose from three price bundles that are offered as ‘Nice’, ‘Nicer’, and ‘Nicest’ service. Guests may even choose a Nice or Nicer bundle and buy an upgrade to a First Class seat.

“The A220-300 is a game-changer for us as we now add long haul flights and transcontinental service,” said Breeze’s Founder and CEO David Neeleman. “The Airbus aircraft embodies the Breeze ideal of merging kindness with technology, pairing unrivaled passenger comfort with eco-friendly efficiency. With the A220, Breeze is giving our Guests the widest cabin, highest ceiling, largest windows and biggest overhead stowage in this class, while still managing to burn 25% less fuel, with half the noise footprint of past generations.”

Seat pitch for a Standard Economy seat on the A220s is 30 inches, 29 inches on the E-190 aircraft and 31 inches on the E-195s, while seat pitch for Extra Legroom is 32 in on the A220s, between 33 and 39 inches on the E-190s, depending on the row selected, and between 34 and 39 inches on the E-195s. First Class seats feature 39-inches of seat pitch, 20.5-inches of seat width, and special features, such as a footrest, for added comfort.

The initial A220-300 aircraft features a comfortable two-class cabin layout with 126 seats:

36 first class seats

10 extra legroom seats

80 standard legroom seats

The configuration will remain dynamic, able to easily increase and decrease seat ratios by route and seasonality. The A220-300 has best-in-class fuel performance, superior network flexibility, and unrivalled operational efficiency.  The aircraft will be reconfigured into a 137-seat configuration with 10 first class seats. 

BREEZE AIRWAYS™ A220-300 CONFIGURATION 

Cargo Aircraft Management Inducts Its First A321 to Freighter Conversion

Cargo Aircraft Management has begun its first Airbus A321 aircraft for passenger-to-freighter conversion. PEMCO Conversions, a division of wholly-owned ATSG subsidiary Pemco World Air Services, Inc., inducted the aircraft today for conversion at its Tampa, Fla. facility.

The aircraft will undergo the A321-200PCF freighter conversion developed by 321 Precision Conversions, a joint venture of ATSG and Oregon-based Precision Aircraft Solutions. The supplemental type certificate (STC) for the conversion received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration in April 2021.

“The induction of this aircraft is significant because it encapsulates the execution of our strategy to offer 360 degrees of service for the aircraft we lease,” said Rich Corrado, president and chief executive officer of ATSG. “We are able to purchase a passenger aircraft, convert it to freighter configuration in-house using the STC developed through our joint venture, then lease it to a customer along with options for ongoing maintenance support, ground support and airport operations, and CMI services for seamless, turn-key operation. This convenient bundled services approach allows our customers to introduce new aircraft quickly to meet the demands of the growing e-commerce segment.”

The A321-200PCF delivers the highest available payload with unmatched versatility, offering the flexible TELAIR main deck cargo loading system and a lower lobe compatible with bulk, sliding carpet, or containerized systems. It has an operating empty weight over 2,000 lb (900 kg) lighter than its closest rival and has been optimized for maximum revenue loads, profitability, fuel efficiency, and room for supernumeraries.

“The A321-200PCF is very well suited for global air-express service and e-commerce fulfilment over shorter routes,” said Mike Berger, the chief commercial officer of ATSG. “It combines next-generation efficiency with best-in-platform cargo capacity, crew amenities, and efficiency. It represents an opportunity for Boeing 757 operators to modernize their fleet, offering, for example, a 13 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over a Boeing 757-200 series freighter. Additionally, switching to the A321-200PCF allows operators of the Boeing 737-800 to expand their air cargo capacity to meet additional market demand.”

CAM’s first A321-200PCF conversions are under LOI to Malaysia-based Raya Airways, which provides air cargo service to more than 10 locations across the Asia-Pacific region.

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