London Stansted gives international departure lounge a £12 million makeover.

Stansted gets a referb

Passengers flying from London Stansted this summer will be able to enjoy a range of new bars, restaurants and retail outlets thanks to a major refurbishment of its departure lounge.

More than £12million is being invested by the airport and its retail partners to improve the customer experience as it prepares for the expected increase in passengers this summer after two years of disruption from Covid-19.

Ben Green, Retail Director at MAG, said:  "We want everyone using London Stansted to have the best possible experience as we welcome back more and more passengers after the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Ready in time for the summer getaway we will have a variety of exciting new dining and retail outlets for people to enjoy before they jet off from the airport.

“Each of the new venues will offer something unique and will complement the existing food and beverage eateries we currently have. From an on-the-go snack to a quick coffee or a more luxurious treat, our passengers will be spoilt for choice.”

Among the upgrades will be a range of new food and beverage outlets that offer a variety of cuisines to suit everyone's budget and taste. They include: Comptoir Libanais, Terracotta Italian Kitchen, The Perch, Sunnyside Café, Caffè Nero and Bottega prosecco bar.

World Duty Free, in the centre of the lounge, will double in size to allow people travelling outside the UK to take advantage of the fantastic duty savings on alcohol and tobacco following Brexit, which can be as high as 50% compared to the high street.

A new Superdry and two WHSmith stores have already opened as part of the makeover. WHSmith’s new store, which features an eye-catching digital fascia, provides a selection of books, food and drink, as well as InMotion “shop within a shop” which has the latest technology and electrical accessories.

As the refurbishment continues over the coming months, details of further new outlets will be revealed.

A major recruitment drive is also underway as the airport continues its recovery from the pandemic and looks ahead to the summer season. Most of the vacancies are for security officers, but there are also opportunities available within retail, customer service and hospitality. Job seekers interested in finding out more about all the roles can visit stanstedairport.com for full details.

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Losses at SWISS reduce

SWISS significantly reduced its operating loss in 2021 from its prior-year level thanks to the transformation initiated, comprehensive cost-saving measures and strong cargo demand. The operating loss for the year of CHF -427.7 million was around one-third smaller than the previous year (2020: CHF -653.8 million). Total revenue for 2021 amounted to CHF 2.10 billion, a 13.7-per-cent increase year-on-year (2020: CHF 1.85 billion). SWISS’s fourth-quarter operating result was a substantial improvement on the prior-year period, and the company ended the year with a positive cash flow. The transformation process initiated in the course of 2021 is on track, and is being further pursued through actions on the network, product and sustainability fronts. SWISS has also defined a series of concrete measures on the basis of its ‘CO2 Road Map 2030’ to halve its net carbon dioxide emissions from their 2019 levels.

The repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic substantially depressed the annual results of Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) for the 2021 business year, too. Despite this, SWISS was able to significantly reduce its operating loss from its prior-year level, thanks to the transformation it initiated and to comprehensive cost-saving measures. The company also benefited from higher production (especially in the summer months) and continued very strong demand for its cargo services. The operating loss of CHF -427.7 million was around one-third smaller than the previous year (2020: CHF -653.8 million). Total revenue for 2021 amounted to CHF 2.10 billion, a 13.7-per-cent year-on-year improvement (2020: CHF 1.85 billion) but still less than half of its 2019 pre-crisis level.

Year-on-year earnings improvement for the fourth quarter

As expected, the positive earnings recorded for the third-quarter period of 2021 could not be sustained for the seasonally weaker fourth quarter. But SWISS was able to substantially improve on its prior-year fourth-quarter operating result, with the CHF -36.3 million achieved representing a year-on-year improvement of more than CHF 200 million (Q4 2020: CHF ‑239.1 million). Fourth-quarter revenue was also significantly increased: the CHF 734.6 million generated was more than double the revenue result for the prior-year period (Q4 2020: CHF 310.9 million).

“With the transformation that we successfully embarked on in 2021, we are well equipped to remain successful in our markets,” says SWISS CEO Dieter Vranckx. “We now need to continue our transformation, with a particular focus this year on increasing our capacities to up to 80 per cent of their 2019 levels and on raising our schedules’ stability.”

Liquidity situation improved

Bermuda suspends Russian aircraft

Photo https://www.gov.bm

The Bermudian Civil Aviation Authority has become the latest organisation to put a ban on Russian aircraft from flying into its airports. 

The BCAA issued the following statement, 

International sanctions on the aviation sector have had a significant impact on the ability to sustain safety oversight on Russian operated aircraft on the Bermuda Aircraft Registry. The airworthiness system has been restricted to the point that the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) is unable to confidently approve these aircraft as being airworthy. Therefore, as of 23:59 UTC on March 12th 2022, the BCAA has provisionally suspended all Certificates of Airworthiness of those aircraft operating under the Article 83bis Agreement between Bermuda and the Russian Federation.

For any aircraft airborne at 23:59 UTC on March 12th 2022, the provisional suspension is effective immediately upon landing.

There are over 900 aircraft currently registered with Bermuda, a significant amount are utilised by commercial Russian air operators which will be affected by this announcement. Aeroflot, Probeba and S7 all had aircraft operating under the Bermudian registration prior to the announcement.

BCAA has a responsibility for the safety oversight of all local aviation activity which would include the aerodrome (including Air Traffic Management, Meteorological Services, Communications Navigation and Surveillance); certify/inspect one Bermuda air operator; foreign air operator oversight; and issuing of flight permits.

 

In addition, BCAA has established the Bermuda Aircraft Registry which enjoys a high reputation internationally as a safe, well-regulated registry. The Bermuda Aircraft Registry includes private aircraft (125 aircraft) and commercial aircraft operated under Article 83 bis Agreements (625 aircraft).

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Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency - Kammarkollegiet extends agreement with SAS on domestic flights

The Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency (Kammarkollegiet) has decided to extend the agreement concerning domestic flights with SAS until May 2023. The new agreement is an extension of the one that came into force in May 2021.

The procurement was carried out entirely based on environmental criteria such as the average age of the aircraft fleet, efforts being made to increase the proportion of biofuels and other sustainable fuels, as well as a commitment to the next generation of carbon-neutral aircraft powered by electricity and/or hybrid technology.

“We are proud and very pleased that Kammarkollegiet has decided to extend the agreement with SAS. This is the result of SAS’s long-term and ambitious sustainability work aimed at reducing emissions by 25 percent by 2025. We are continuing to phase in new fuel-efficient aircraft, and as a result, we now have one of Europe’s most modern aircraft fleets. The new aircraft will give our customers a more comfortable and sustainable way to travel,” says Karl Sandlund, Chief Commercial Officer at SAS.

SAS offers customers an attractive timetable which connects northern and southern Sweden and a network that improves accessibility to the rest of Scandinavia and the world.

The extension to the agreement will take effect on 1 May 2022.

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Airports and Airlines call for all intra-EU COVID Travel Restrictions to be dropped

ACI EUROPE (Airports Council International) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for all remaining COVID restrictions applying to intra-EU and Schengen area travel to be dropped, including all testing requirements, the need to present proof of vaccination or complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF). This includes dropping mask-wearing for travel within or between States where it is no longer required in other indoor environments.

COVID-19, and specifically the Omicron variant, is now pervasive throughout all of Europe, and population immunity is at such levels that the risk of hospitalization or death has dramatically reduced, especially for vaccinated people. States are adopting surveillance strategies to ensure public health, in the same way as they do for other coronaviruses and infectious diseases.

Many European states have lifted domestic COVID restrictions, such as the need to provide health credentials to enter social events, or the requirement to wear masks in public spaces. Contact tracing efforts are also being stood down, rendering PLFs for international travel redundant. As European countries open up and remove restrictions, it is only logical to remove similar restrictions from air transport.

IATA and ACI EUROPE presented further evidence in support of aligning air transport rules with domestic regulations.

New research by OXERA/Edge Health (pdf) published today shows that even if a new variant is discovered and travel restrictions introduced immediately, this only delays the peak of infections by a maximum of only four days.

In reality, by the time that a new variant emerges, is identified, and restrictions are put in place, the variant is likely already circulating in communities around the world. In a scenario where restrictions are delayed by a week from identification, the peak in infections per 100,000 people is only delayed by a maximum of two days. These negligible health benefits are therefore outweighed by the significant social and economic damage caused by the negative impact on air travel.

“March 11 marks exactly two years since the WHO announced COVID-19 was a global pandemic. In that time, we have seen increasing evidence that border restrictions are ineffective. The latest research from OXERA and Edge Health confirms that by the time a variant of concern is identified and restrictions are implemented, cross-border transmission will already have happened. Europe’s population immunity is strong and COVID-19 is essentially now an endemic disease. The time has come to focus their COVID efforts on surveillance and remove remaining intra-EU restrictions. This will free people to travel, and support jobs returning to the European air transport and travel sectors,” said Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe

“The independent research and modelling published today show that governments can lift restrictions with confidence – both for today and for any future variants of concern.  Travel restrictions have proven to be a blunt instrument with little to no impact on virus transmission. Removing all COVID-19 restrictions will finally fully restore the freedom to travel. That will be a much-needed boost for the whole travel and tourism sectors which has been forced to shed hundreds of thousands of jobs during the pandemic,” said Olivier Jankovec, Director General, ACI EUROPE.

In the light of the new research and increasing signs that the severity of COVID-19 is becoming closer to that of seasonal influenza, ACI EUROPE and IATA wrote jointly to Ministers of Transport and Health throughout EU member states, requesting to:

remove all health-related travel and border restrictions ahead of the summer season, at least on intra- EEA flights, specifically testing, contact tracing, and vaccine certificates

align the health restrictions applicable to aviation to those applied nationally, particularly with reference to mask mandates allow those vaccinated with a WHO-approved vaccine to travel into the EEA from third countries with the same conditions as those passengers vaccinated with an EMA-approved vaccine.

ACI EUROPE and IATA also reiterated the vital role played by the EU Digital Covid Certificate (DCC) in giving states the confidence to reopen borders and restart travel.

“We would like to use this opportunity to applaud the EU and Member States for the EU DCC development and implementation. We strongly support the value of the EU DCC which will remain crucial, especially for European citizens travelling abroad as well as for third countries. Likewise, the EU DCC will be useful for the containment of eventual variants of concern and enhance industry resilience against future health outbreaks,” the letter said.

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Air Canada offering more flights to India

Air Canada is offering the most flights of any carrier between Canada and India during the busy March Break and spring season, with 21 return flights a week to Delhi from its international hubs in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.

“India and Canada have strong and close ties and people from both countries are eager to travel to visit family and friends, take a long-delayed holiday or conduct business. Air Canada makes this convenient by offering a total of 21 return flights weekly between Delhi and Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. We are the carrier with the most flights between India and Canada and will return to nonstop service between Toronto, Montreal and Delhi, showing our deep commitment to this important market,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.

The flights are operated with Air Canada’s state-of-the-art, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Boeing 777 from Toronto and Montreal in April. All aircraft feature Signature Class, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. All flights provide for Aeroplan accumulation and redemption and, for eligible customers, priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority boarding and other benefits. In March, flights operate daily from Toronto, with a second flight on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. There is also daily service from Vancouver and flights from Montreal four times a week on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

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More Seamless Experience for Connecting Customers at London’s Heathrow Coming Soon....

Throughout the summer season, American Airlines will co-locate up to 11 daily flights in Heathrow’s Terminal 5, offering more convenient connections for customers travelling on Atlantic Joint Business partner British Airways and other oneworld partners

FORT WORTH, Texas — Beginning March 27, American Airlines will further expand its presence in London Heathrow International Airport’s (LHR) Terminal 5 by co-locating up to 11 daily flights for the summer season. This move allows American Airlines customers connecting on Atlantic Joint Business partner British Airways, as well as other oneworld Alliance® carriers, to enjoy a more seamless experience between the partner carriers and more convenient access to British Airways’ six premium lounges.

“London is a critical gateway for our customers travelling around the world,” said Jose Freig, American’s Vice President of International Operations and Premium Guest Services. “By co-locating alongside our partners in Terminal 5, our joint customers will enjoy unprecedented convenience when connecting. We look forward to further integrating our operations this summer, both in the United States and London, as we aim to continue elevating our customers’ experience.”

Swiss Air-Rescue Service Rega orders nine five-bladed H145s

Swiss Air-Rescue Service Rega orders

nine five-bladed H145s

 

The Swiss Air-Rescue Service Rega has ordered nine five-bladed Airbus H145s to replace its current four-bladed versions. Rega’s new H145s will come equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation system that will enhance the mission capabilities and the safety of operations.

“We are very grateful to open another chapter in the relationship between our two organisations with this order for our five-bladed H145,” says Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “We are always looking at ways to evolve our helicopters by taking into account the feedback of those who operate them each and every day.”

“The H145 has fully proven itself in our operations since entering into service in 2018,” says Ernst Kohler, CEO of Rega. “We look forward to operating the five-bladed version on our HEMS bases in Switzerland. The helicopters will allow us to further boost our mission capabilities and safety of our operations.”

The new integrated navigation system will use new capabilities of the Flight Management System GTN750 Xi by Garmin. It will integrate and control a multi-sensor system that provides highly accurate and reliable navigation capacities. Even in the event of GPS signal loss, the helicopter will navigate safely thanks to Thales’ inertial navigation system. This solution will further boost the navigation performance in low IFR conditions and allows the helicopter to be certified as navigation procedure RNP-AR 0.1, which is the most accurate navigation procedure in the helicopter environment. The configuration also includes a new hoist by Vincorion that is being certified on the five-bladed H145.

Rega operates 13 HEMS stations in Switzerland. In 2021, the helicopter crews carried out 14,330 missions, including transporting 471 COVID patients. Rega’s current fleet includes seven H145s and one H125 used for pilot training.

A draft Russia law could cause western aircraft leasing firms massive losses.....

Russia published a draft law on Thursday that could prevent its airlines from returning leased aircraft, raising the stakes in a showdown with Western finance over $10 billion of jets.  Report from Tim Hepher and Jamie Freed.

Sanctions imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine give leasing firms until March 28 to free themselves from deals with Russian airlines, sparking a game of cat-and-mouse as lenders try to seize back jets - with very little success, news agency Reuters reports.

Under the proposed law drafted by the transport ministry, Russian airlines will pay leases in roubles throughout 2022.

If a foreign lessor terminates the agreement, a special government commission is to decide whether the aircraft can be returned or rule that the aircraft must stay in Russia. "It is a bad offer tied to an even worse offer," said Eddy Pieniazek, head of analytics and advisory at UK-based aviation consultancy Ishka.

The rouble has plunged around 30% since Russia sent troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, prompting sanctions from the West.

Leasing contracts are denominated in U.S. dollars, the currency in which the mainly Ireland-based leasing industry usually borrows money and pays for aircraft.

If contracts are terminated, an international treaty called the Cape Town Convention calls for airlines to return planes with minimum interference, something Western sources say is not happening though Russia insists the sanctions are improper.

"Cape Town should come into play meaning an orderly process of aircraft recovery. What they are suggesting is breaking terms of contracts for all the aircraft," Pieniazek said.

Sanctions have already cut off the supply of most aircraft and parts to Russia and forced its carriers to cancel many international flights for fear their aircraft will be seized by foreign lessors or banks.

They have also frozen much of Russia's foreign reserves and forced authorities to look for ways to limit foreign currency outflows.

For the global leasing industry, which owns more than half of the world's airliner fleet, the standoff risks what experts have described as its largest mass default, though the immediate impact is dwarfed by global groundings in the COVID-19 crisis.

The resulting flood of claims could trigger a decade-long legal battle between lessors and insurers amid uncertainty whether war-risk policies will pay out, experts say.

Air Canada, Airlink and Project C.U.R.E. Unite to Send Hospital Beds, Humanitarian and Medical Supplies to Support Ukrainian Refugees in Poland

An Air Canada operated humanitarian special cargo flight on behalf of Airlink and other aid organizations departed Toronto Pearson International Airport with a final destination of Warsaw, Poland on Wednesday, 9th March. 

Through a partnership between Air Canada, disaster logistics non-profit Airlink, relief organization Project C.U.R.E., and freight forwarder Flexport, medical supplies and hospital beds, humanitarian and medical supplies were loaded onboard the Air Canada Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Medical and trauma supplies destined for a Ukrainian hospital provided by Canadian disaster relief and life-saving humanitarian aid organization GlobalMedic were also boarded.

After the flight arrives in Poland, Project C.U.R.E. will manage the distribution of supplies to hospitals treating Ukrainian civilians injured during the war, expanding the capacity of hospitals in border regions to provide care. More than two million people throughout Ukraine have now fled their homes after the invasion seeking safety in neighbouring countries. Primary care has been identified by aid agencies as one of the most pressing needs.

"Our hearts are with the Ukrainian people in need - all of us have seen the crisis they are facing. We know from our aid partners the critical requirement for much needed medical and humanitarian supplies and our global partner Airlink reached out to us to help transport these vital items quickly. Importantly, both Airlink and GlobalMedic have the infrastructure and teams on the ground to ensure that the shipments will get to their destinations right after our flight arrives. We are proud of our employees who have stepped up to help organize the complex logistics, handle and operate this special flight so quickly," said Jason Berry, Vice President, Cargo at Air Canada.

"This shipment will make a material impact on the lives of Ukrainians fleeing the conflict and support the communities hosting them," said Steve Smith, Airlink President and CEO. "Getting the shipment to Poland on behalf of our NGO partner Project C.U.R.E. meant overcoming a challenging logistical environment, but I'm thrilled we could do it with assistance from our long-time friends and supporters Air Canada. This is the first of many cargo movements Airlink will carry out in support of Ukrainian refugees."

Wings India-2022, the Asia’s largest Civil Aviation Show to be held in Hyderabad from March 24 to 27

Usha Padhee, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation reviews arrangements for Wings India-2022

 A preparatory meeting to discuss the matters related to the organization of Wings India 2022 event held on Tuesday till late evening under the chairpersonship of Smt Usha Padhee, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation at Begumpet Airport along with officials of Telangana Government, AAI and FICCI.

Wings India -2022 is Asia’s largest Civil Aviation Show. It will be held at Begumpet Airport from March 24 to 27 with the first two days being the business days and the rest for the general public.

The fifth edition of Wings India, a biennial exhibition on civil aviation, is scheduled to be held at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad in Hyderabad. The event is being organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Government of India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). It will help the aviation sector stakeholders gain an insight into technology-driven innovations which will revolutionize air travel in the coming years.

It is an event on civil aviation featuring the exhibition, chalets, demonstration flights, CEOs forum, static display, aerobatics, media conferences, B2B meetings and conferences, etc.

 WINGS INDIA 2022 (wings-india.co.in)

Location of Avion Flight Training Center Greece unveiled

Location of Avion Flight Training Center Greece unveiled

Dutch full flight simulator manufacturer Avion Group has unveiled Koropi as the location of its newest training centre in Greece. The facility in Koropi is located within ten minutes of Athens International Airport. The new centre will feature the Avion A320 Level D Full Flight Simulator, the only one of its kind in Greece.

Avion has started construction work preparing the existing facility for pilot training. Starting from August, Greek airlines and approved training organizations no longer have to send their crew abroad for Airbus A320 flight training. "Being able to train at your home base means huge savings on travel expenses," explains Erik Varwijk, CEO of Avion Group. "We are thrilled to open our Athens flight training centre this summer and feel warmed by the support we have received." The state-of-the-art facility will house briefing rooms, classrooms, and a crew lounge. 

The Avion A320 Full Flight Simulator has the Airbus Standard 2.0 CEO and NEO configurations available. The simulator will be EASA qualified. With energy savings of up to seventy percent, Avion's training device is the most sustainable full flight simulator available worldwide.

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After another crisis year Austrian Airlines sees record booking for summer

 

• Annual result 2021: Adjusted EBIT at EUR -264 million

• Passenger growth of 61 percent compared to 2020

• EUR 60 of EUR 300 million of the crisis loan already repaid

• High booking numbers pave the way for summer 2022

• CCO Michael Trestl: “More than 500,000 bookings within 14 days prove that people want to travel again.”

• COO Francesco Sciortino: “In the past two years we have shown resilience and flown Austrian Airlines with great flexibility through a crisis full of turbulence. Together we can also master other challenges!”

“We are the Austrian flag carrier, it is our mission to connect people and economies, even in difficult times. This is why we are all the more concerned about the situation in Ukraine, which is causing extreme suffering and uncertainty for the entire world,” says Austrian Airlines CCO Michael Trestl. “Our thoughts are with all the people affected by the war and our local colleagues, whom we support as best we can,” says Austrian Airlines COO Francesco Sciortino.

2021 was another year marked by crisis

In 2021, waves of openings and closures and the emergence of new virus variants caused another year of crisis in aviation. Austrian Airlines closed the past year with a loss of EUR -264 million (Adjusted EBIT), a plus (+17%) compared to 2020 (EUR -319 million), but still, a negative development compared to 2019 (Adjusted EBIT: EUR 19 million). Even if the number of passengers (5.0 million) seasonally developed very positively last year (61%, 2020: 3.1 million), they only accounted for around a third of the number of passengers compared to 2019 (14.7 million) due to numerous travel restrictions and renewed lockdowns.

“Lockdowns, travel restrictions and new virus variants are reflected in our annual results: we have to close 2021 with yet another minus,” says Austrian Airlines CCO Michael Trestl and continues: “However, over 500,000 bookings within 14 days are a record since the outbreak of the pandemic and prove that people want to travel again.” After another year full of restructuring measures and adjustments to the new travel normality, the current bookings give reason for confidence in our flight operations. “In the past two years, we have shown resilience and have flown Austrian Airlines with great flexibility through a crisis full of turbulence. Together we can also master other challenges!” says Austrian Airlines COO and Crisis Team Leader Francesco Sciortino.

The annual result in detail

In 2021, revenue at Austrian Airlines increased by 62 percent to EUR 743 million (2020: EUR 460 million, 2019: EUR 2,108 million). Total operating revenue increased by 15 percent to EUR 774 million (2020: EUR 672 million, including EUR 150 million emergency aid, 2019: EUR 2,181 million). In the same period, total operating expenses increased by 5 percent to EUR 1,038 million (2020: EUR 991 million, 2019: EUR 2,164 million). Despite lower production, the national flag carrier’s liquidity remains well above plan. Compared to 2020, adjusted EBIT, which does not include valuation gains or losses from aircraft sales, improved by 17 percent to EUR -264 million (2020: EUR -319 million, including EUR 150 million in emergency aid, 2019: 19 million euros).

As of 31 December 2021, Austrian Airlines had 5,793 employees, which is a decrease of around 650 employees or 10 percent compared to 2020 and a decrease of around 1,196 employees or 17 percent compared to 2019. The reduction was due to natural attrition, not filling vacant positions and the expiry of limited-term employment contracts.

S-92 Helicopter lands at HAI HELI-EXPO using sustainable aviation fuel

Sikorsky together with GE Aviation and Milestone Aviation confirmed that an S-92 helicopter arrived at HAI HELI-EXPO 2022 using a blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).  The helicopter utilized a combination of biofuel, as well as traditional jet fuel in the 1500 mile cross country flight.

“As a Corporation, we are committed to sustainability and I am proud that our S-92 helicopter is playing a role in a more sustainable future,” said Jason Lambert, Sikorsky’s vice president of Global Commercial and Military Systems. “The aircraft is known for its unmatched advantages and the use of biofuel is one more attribute on that list.”

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company continues to look for opportunities across its fleet to utilize Sustainable Aviation Fuel and take steps to meet environmental challenges.

GE has committed decarbonization efforts in the aviation industry,” said Harry Nahatis, vice president and general manager for GE turboshaft engine programs. “The increased adoption of SAF is one pathway toward decarbonization, and we’re proud to not only support our customers at Sikorsky and Milestone Aviation for this SAF flight but also to be actively involved in assessing and qualifying SAF for widespread use in the industry.

GE has performed extensive testing, including the industry’s first commercial biofuel demonstration flight in 2008, and the first 100 percent SAF commercial airliner flight in 2018. All GE and GE partnership engines in service today — and in the future — can operate with approved SAF.

Pat Sheedy, President & CEO, Milestone Aviation, said, “We are very pleased to be part of this important initiative with our long-time partners at Sikorsky and GE Aviation and to support them in meeting their commitment to sustainability. This is the first SAF-powered flight for Milestone Aviation and we are delighted to collaborate with them to bring this to fruition.”

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Qantas Frequent Flyers going green.......

Qantas Frequent Flyers can now start earning rewards for making sustainable choices at home and when they travel as Qantas switches on its new Green membership tier.

Qantas was the first airline in the world to announce that it would recognise and reward frequent flyers for taking sustainable actions on the ground as well as in the air.

The Green tier will sit alongside existing flying tiers – Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Platinum One – to encourage and reward the airline’s 13 million frequent flyers for everything from offsetting their flights, to staying in eco-accredited hotels, purchasing sustainable wine and supporting environmental initiatives.

Members who achieve Green tier status by completing at least five sustainable activities across six areas in their membership year, can choose to receive either 10,000 Qantas Points, 50 Status Credits or have three tonnes of carbon offsets purchased by Qantas on their behalf, as well as a range of other exclusive benefits. These rewards are in addition to benefits members get under their existing flying status or as part of Points Club. Qantas will also recognise certain sustainable actions taken by members since the program was first announced in November.

The six Green tier activity areas are:

• Travelling: Book an eco-accredited hotel through Qantas Hotels in Australia.
• Flying: Offset the emissions of flights through our Fly Carbon Neutral Program, with Qantas matching contributions dollar for dollar.
• Sustainable purchases: Choose from more than 200 sustainable wines through Qantas Wine, or make deliveries from both Qantas Wine and the Qantas Rewards Store climate positive for just $1.
• Lifestyle: Install solar panels or help support high quality and verified carbon offset projects in Australia and around the world when offsetting home and car emissions.
• Reducing impact: Complete the sustainability quiz in the Qantas Wellbeing App which is designed to help members understand how they can better reduce their impact, with plans to add more actions to the app in the future.
• Giving back: Make a contribution towards organisations and projects committed to sustainability, including protecting the Great Barrier Reef and supporting sustainable initiatives developed by charity partners OzHarvest, UNICEF and Kimberley Land Council.

The program will continue to evolve and offer members more ways to be rewarded for other environmentally friendly activities like walking or cycling to work and choosing sustainable aviation fuel when they travel.

Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Wirth said frequent flyers have said they would welcome support and rewards for being more sustainable.

“This program makes it easier for frequent flyers to make more sustainable choices, at home and when they travel, and rewards them when they do,” Ms Wirth said.

“We know that points influence behaviour, we’ve seen that when we’ve provided points for walking and sleeping through the Wellbeing App as well as to reward those who got vaccinated. We also know that small changes by many, can have a big impact.

“Like many Australians, our frequent flyers are concerned about climate change, as are we. As a business, we are working towards net zero emissions by 2050 and later this month, we will be releasing more details on our interim 2030 emissions target and the steps we are taking to get there.”

The Qantas Group is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and was the second airline in the world to make that commitment. The airline will reach this target through four main actions: the use of sustainable aviation fuel, reducing fuel burn through operational improvements, utilising new, low emission technology and carbon offsetting.

Benefits of Green tier status

As well as choosing either points, Status Credits or carbon offsets for reaching Green tier status, members will also unlock additional bonus points. These include earning 150 points for every night they stay at an eco-accredited hotel booked via Qantas Hotels, and 250 bonus points for every case of six eco-wines purchased through Qantas Wine.

Other benefits include invitations to exclusive events and a green digital Qantas Frequent Flyer card within the Qantas app.

Eco-accredited hotel examples

More than 30 hotels have been selected based on their commitment to sustainability against seven criteria including water and waste management, design innovation, conservation, ethical food, clean energy and community engagement.

• Alto on Bourke, Melbourne: First hotel in Australia to receive the coveted EarthCheck Gold Certification and first city hotel in Australia to offset all calculated carbon output to become carbon neutral – 1 night from $410.
• Daintree Wilderness Lodge, Daintree: Committed to sustainable and regenerative travel; from conservation and community initiatives, to integrating green technology and sustainability into every aspect of operations – 1 night from $345.
• Crystalbrook Byron: Focussed on sustainable luxury, from the restaurant to the in-room amenities, the hotel is dedicated to using locally sourced items and produce – 1 night from $505. (pictured above)

Prices based on two people, with a check-in date of 18 May 2022 and a check out date of 19 May 2022. Prices are correct as at 25 February 2022.

Eco-wine examples

To help members choose wines with strong eco-credentials, Qantas Wine is working with Sustainable Winegrowing Australia who annually measure, monitor and report members’ carbon footprint and sustainability practices in six key areas: land and soil, waste, energy, water, biodiversity, people and business.

When purchasing eco-wines through Qantas Wine, frequent flyers are choosing wines from certified wine businesses exhibiting excellence in sustainability practices as verified by an independent audit against Australian wine industry standards.

• Tahbilk Marsanne 2020
• Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz 2019
• Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2018

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UK strengthens ban on Russia aircraft - Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has announced a new suite of aviation sanctions.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has announced a new suite of aviation sanctions giving the UK Government new powers to detain any Russian aircraft here in the UK. We have also strengthened the current overflight and landing ban on Russian aircraft, laying new legislation today to make it a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK.

The ban includes any aircraft owned, operated or chartered by anyone connected with Russia or designated individuals or entities, and will include the power to detain any aircraft owned by persons connected with Russia.

new powers to detain Russian aircraft and remove aircraft belonging to designated individuals and entities from the UK register

ban on the export of aviation and space-related goods and technology, including technical assistance

further ban on UK companies providing insurance and re-insurance services in relation to these goods and technology

The new powers will also allow the Government to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

Additional trade measures, also introduced today, will prevent UK exports of aviation or space-related items and technology to Russia, including related services such as insurance and reinsurance services. This means cover is withdrawn on existing policies and UK insurers and reinsurers will be unable to pay claims in respect of existing policies in these sectors.

These new measures will further tighten the growing economic pressure on Russia and ensures the UK is in line with sanctions imposed by our allies.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said:  "Banning Russian flagged planes from the UK and making it a criminal offence to fly them will inflict more economic pain on Russia and those close to the Kremlin.

We will continue to support Ukraine diplomatically, economically and defensively in the face of Putin’s illegal invasion, and work to isolate Russia on the international stage."

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:  "Putin must fail and so we were one of the first countries to ban Russian aircraft and today we are going even further by making it a criminal offence for Russian aircraft to operate in UK airspace.

We will always work to deny Putin and his cronies the right to continue as normal while innocent Ukrainians suffer."

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New Icelandic air carrier PLAY carried 19,686 passengers in February

The new Icelandic carrier PLAY carried 19,686 passengers in February with a load factor of 67.1%, increasing from 55.7% in January. The surge of COVID-19 infections at the end of 2021 due to the spread of the Omicron variant had a negative impact on booking inflow. As a result, PLAY’s schedule was adjusted in January and February 2022.

The budget carrier believes its aircraft utilization will improve in the coming months as there are less travel restrictions and an increase it passenger demand, that expectation is based on the following:

In PLAY’s January traffic report, it was stated that booking inflow had started to improve. In February, this trend continued despite recent geopolitical developments

The addition of the VIA market to PLAY’s network when we start connecting cities in Europe and the U.S. will supplement the TO and FROM markets that we already serve, and should result in higher utilization

New destinations have been very well received, and it is encouraging to see that consumers’ confidence has returned as the effects of COVID-19 dissipate. Nevertheless, PLAY is prepared to weather any uncertainty associated with the pandemic and recent Russian invasion of Ukraine. So far, the effect on PLAY of the invasion is limited to the rise in oil prices. PLAY is in the process of implementing a hedging strategy, details of which will be revealed at the next investor’s presentation on March 17.

Six Aircraft in 2022

PLAY’s first Airbus A320neo aircraft arrived in Iceland on March 1. PLAY´s fleet currently consists of three Airbus A321neo aircraft and one A320neo. PLAY will receive two aircraft in April and May, one A321neoLR and one A320neo. Thus, PLAY’s fleet will consist of six aircraft in summer 2022. We are currently in the process of onboarding and training 150 new team members.

PLAY to Orlando

In February, PLAY launched ticket sales to Orlando, Florida in the U.S. PLAY’s first flight to Orlando will be on September 30, 2022. Orlando will be PLAY´s fourth destination in the U.S. The other three destinations are Boston, Baltimore/Washington DC and New York, all starting in spring/summer 2022.

“As we see our load factor rising, we feel that the PLAY story is entering a new and exciting chapter. We have seen booking trends grow in the past months, indicating a healthy growth from spring into summer and beyond. As we take decisive but careful steps towards expanding our fleet, staff number, and network, we are confident that we are increasing our capacity at precisely the right time as the market demand is clearly recovering from the COVID-19 slump. We have some very exciting times ahead, and all of us at PLAY are extremely focused on reaching our objectives and benefiting from the growth that the international aviation and tourism market will experience in the future,“ says Birgir Jónsson, PLAY’s CEO.

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