ATSG raises over $317,000 with charity golf events

Air Transport Services Group raised more than $317,000 during their charity golf series held this year. Proceeds will be distributed by the ATSG Charitable Foundation with a focus on supporting education, veteran, and wellness programs.

The outings were held at Countryside Country Club in Tampa, Fla., Elks 797 Golf Club and Snow Hill Country Club in Wilmington, Ohio. In total more than 250 participants took part in the tournaments, which were supported by 66 sponsors from around the globe.

At a reception following the ATSG charity tournament, guest speaker Rob Schafer spoke about his experiences with the U.S. Special Forces in Afghanistan, which were the subject of the 2018 feature film 12 Strong, and about the subsequent founding of veteran-owned distillery Horse Soldier Bourbon in Kentucky.

Delta expands Digital ID program to LAX, LGA and JFK for touchless airport experience.

Digital ID, Delta’s time-saving, industry-first technology that allows customers to check bags and move through security without showing a physical government ID, is growing its presence with expansion to three major hubs.

Delta customers in LAX, LGA and JFK now have a quicker way to move through the airport – just in time for holiday travel.  

Debuted in 2021 at the airline’s Detroit and Atlanta hubs, Delta Digital ID provides customers with a seamless, hands-free way to navigate the airport. Now, this industry-leading technology — developed in close partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) — is expanding to three key coastal hubs.  

Delta Digital ID uses biometric facial matching to eliminate the need for an agent-facilitated document check, allowing customers to move through bag drop and security checkpoints with more convenience and ease. This completely optional technology is eligible to customers who: 

Have a TSA PreCheck® membership 

Have passport information and a Known Traveler Number stored in their Delta profile  

Have a (free) SkyMiles membership 

Have the Fly Delta app 

How to opt in to Delta Digital. 

Eligible customers will receive a notification in their Fly Delta app when travelling from a Digital ID-enabled airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL); Detroit Metro Airport (DTW); Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); LaGuardia Airport (LGA); and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK, launching Dec. 14). Once opted in, Delta Digital ID becomes part of a customer’s SkyMiles profile, though they may choose to opt-out at any time. Delta does not save or store any biometric data. 

Eligible customers can always opt into Digital ID via their SkyMiles profile on Delta.com. A passport and/or Known Traveler Number will need to be stored in the customer’s SkyMiles profile before they’re able to opt in. 

Customers can use Delta Digital ID to check bags and move through security without having to show a physical ID (following the post-launch verification period). They will simply navigate to the appropriate line – look for the green “Delta Digital ID” icon – look into the camera at bag drop and/or the security checkpoint, and use their digital identity in place of a physical ID.  

While time savings at security lines vary according to airport volume, Delta Digital ID transactions at bag drop take an average time of 30 seconds – a near-1.5-minute time savings from the standard bag drop time of two minutes. Overall, customers using Delta Digital ID outperform other Fly Delta app users by double-digit margins in satisfaction with the check-in and security experiences. 

“We know a frictionless airport experience is integral to your satisfaction with your overall journey,” said Allison Ausband, Chief Customer Experience Officer. “With Digital ID, our customers spend less time hassling with their wallets, and our agents spend less time checking documents. It opens an opportunity for our people and our customers to genuinely connect.”  

Delta’s partners at the TSA see equal benefit in bringing this technology to more locations. “Delta Digital ID helps passengers save time and improves security effectiveness," said Austin Gould, Assistant Administrator, Requirements, Capabilities and Analysis – TSA. "It's a simpler, more convenient experience – one that strictly adheres to passenger privacy and our security protocols, as well as our mission of protecting our nation’s transportation systems.”  

While facial matching algorithms are extremely accurate, a trained agent will inspect the customer’s government-issued ID if the technology is unable to identify a customer.  

Since its implementation at ATL and DTW, Delta Digital ID’s time-saving value has proven to be highly popular, with a large majority of eligible customers opting in to the technology. That popularity will drive expansion in the coming year; as soon as January, Digital ID’s presence in Atlanta will expand to the international terminal (ATL-F).  

While Delta looks to expand the technology to additional hubs in 2024, the launch of Digital ID at LAX, LGA and JFK should be a boon to customers ahead of the busy year-end travel season. 

“Delta Digital ID provides a huge benefit in both time-savings and convenience, and we’ve been working with our partners for years to expand its reach,” said Greg Forbes, Managing Director – Airport Experience. “We’re thrilled to bring this technology to a whole new subset of our customer base.” 

Matternet gets authorization from the German Aviation Office for BVLOS drone delivery operations in Berlin

Matternet, the developer of the leading urban drone delivery platform, has announced that it has received approval from the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), Germany’s Federal Aviation Office, to operate the Matternet M2 drone delivery platform beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) in the heart of Berlin. This marks the beginning of Berlin’s first-ever BVLOS drone delivery network.

Labor Berlin, Europe’s largest hospital laboratory, provides diagnostics for 30 hospitals with more than 24,000 beds, including Charité, the largest university hospital in Europe and Vivantes, the largest municipal hospital group in Berlin. Labor Berlin handles more than 6 million lab samples per year from satellite laboratories across Berlin in its central lab. The drone delivery network aims to connect Labor Berlin’s central lab to affiliated hospitals for ultra-fast delivery of critical samples in the densely populated city. When fully operational, the network will serve millions of patients a year. Operations will formally begin early next year following clearance on a federal state level.

“Healthcare systems need a fast, reliable and cost-effective solution to transport lab samples and pharmacy items to ensure patients receive best-in-class care,” said Andreas Raptopoulos, Founder and CEO of Matternet. “We are extremely excited to partner with Labor Berlin, Europe’s largest hospital laboratory, to create the first city-wide healthcare network in the capital of Germany and bring the benefits of drone delivery to the citizens of Berlin.”

The drone delivery network will target emergency diagnostics and will increase operational efficiency as well as cut down on carbon emissions from the nearly 250,000 miles per day that cars travel within the city.

Aviation Capital Group confirms delivery of one Airbus A320neo to SAS

Aviation Capital Group announced the delivery of one new Airbus A320neo aircraft on long-term lease to Scandinavian Airlines. Featuring CFM International LEAP-1A engines, this is the seventh of ten aircraft scheduled to be delivered to the airline as part of a multiple-aircraft sale-leaseback transaction between ACG and SAS.

Aviation Capital Group is one of the world’s premier full-service aircraft asset managers with over 490 owned, managed and committed aircraft as of September 30, 2023, leased to roughly 90 airlines in approximately 45 countries. It was founded in 1989 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation.

American Airlines awarded $22 million from State of Oklahoma for Tulsa maintenance base enhancements

                          American Airlines was awarded $22 million this week from the State of Oklahoma’s Business Expansion Incentive Program. The funds, to be received over the course of three years, will be used to further grow and improve the airline’s maintenance base and engine repair and overhaul facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma (Tech Ops – Tulsa). With this investment, the airline has announced more than $400 million in enhancements at the maintenance base over the last three years.

“We graciously thank Governor Stitt, Lieutenant Governor Pinnell and the State of Oklahoma Department of Commerce for recognizing the important work our team does and appreciate their investment in the future of our Tulsa maintenance base,” said Greg Emerson, American’s Vice President of Base Maintenance and Facilities. “American has a long, rich history in Oklahoma and this investment in our Tech Ops – Tulsa facility and team members ensures a bright future for years to come. We’re also eager to add more than 300 new team members to our team in high-paying jobs as a result of this investment, further bolstering our presence in the Tulsa community.”

The funds are in addition to American’s recent $31.6 million capital investment in the engine shop to modernize machinery and an ongoing multi-million dollar improvement project at Tech Ops – Tulsa.

"For Oklahoma's business sector to succeed, we must support the existing companies that are right here in Oklahoma," said Matt Pinnell, Oklahoma Lt. Governor and Secretary of Workforce and Economic Development. “Because of resources like the Business Expansion Incentive Program and the P3 Pooled Finance Program, Oklahoma companies will strengthen and grow, boosting local economies and moving our state forward."

Tech Ops – Tulsa has served as the principal location for airframe and engine maintenance and overhauls for American’s aircraft since 1946 and is the largest commercial aviation maintenance base in the world. Located on 246 acres of land at the Tulsa International Airport, Tech Ops – Tulsa includes approximately 3.3 million square feet of building space, six hangars with 24 aircraft bays and 22 support facility buildings. Nearly 5,000 team members are currently employed at the base and more than 800 of the airline’s aircraft visit the facility annually.

Allegiant upgrades inflight menu.

Allegiant Travel has refreshed its inflight menu, expanding offerings of top-shelf alcoholic beverages and well-known brands including Don Julio Reposado Tequila, Ryder Estate Wines, and Grandma's Chocolate Chip Cookies.   

"We are thrilled to offer our customers the brands they know and love while travelling on Allegiant," said Keny Wilper, Allegiant's senior vice president and chief operating officer. "A hallmark of Allegiant's business model is our flexibility, allowing us to respond quickly to consumer trends so we can provide the experiences passengers desire when they fly with us. Often, we are at the forefront of inflight snack and beverage offerings across the industry."

Every three months, Allegiant's Buy On Board team updates the inflight menu based on feedback from customers. After each flight, passengers are surveyed about the menu items they enjoyed as well as the items they would like added to the menu.

This summer, Allegiant began offering Don Julio Reposado Tequila for purchase on board Las Vegas-bound flights. Due to its success and positive customer feedback, the top-shelf spirit is now available across Allegiant's full network. Additionally, the Las Vegas-based airline has added Ryder Estate Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon wines to its lineup.

Other new winter menu items available for purchase include Lay's Barbecue Chips, Nut Harvest Sea Salted Cashews, and Sprite Zero.

Allegiant is able to quickly respond to customer demand because it has an internal team dedicated to researching and developing the inflight menu. Most other airlines outsource their food and beverage operations. The airline's Buy On Board team also cultivates direct relationships with distributors, allowing the airline to offer the products customers love at a national scale, whether passengers are flying out of a large or small-to-medium sized market.

Saudia soars into the New Year with a new brand for 2024

Get ready for a new look Saudia

2024 sees a new era for the airline

whilst preserving a strong connection to its Saudi heritage 

The evolution of Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, is driven by the commitment to be ‘the wings of Vision 2030’ and to have this ambitious aspiration realised for the country. At the turn of the New Year, Saudi is another year closer to 2030 and Saudia will enter 2024 with a fresh new brand identity, look and feel.   

New brand identity

Saudia’s new livery and brand identity was revealed in a launch event attended by His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director of Saudia Group in September 2023, and is now being rolled out across all markets. The livery and logo incorporate three colours, each with a different significance. Green is symbolic of national pride and Saudia’s dedication to advancing the sustainability goals of Vision 2030. In 2023, Saudia participated in the SkyTeam second edition of The Sustainable Flight Challenge and operated six sustainable flights; this participation enabled Saudia to explore innovations and solutions to operate flights in the most sustainable way for years to come. Blue highlights the brand’s aspirations, representing the seas and skies and reflecting the commitment to expanding the fleet to 241 planes serving 145 destinations, including emerging locations like Neom and the Red Sea, connecting the world to Saudi. And finally, Sand, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the country and the commitment to human resources, attracting talent and fostering development through various ambitious projects.   

Captain Ibrahim S. Koshy, Chief Executive Officer, Saudia said: ‘We enter 2024 with great positivity, pride and commitment to our guests to showcase the best of Saudi from start to finish. The motif of the palm tree in the new brand identity is a symbolic nod towards Saudi generosity, rich culture and hospitality which is renowned across the globe. With the launch of the new brand this year, we are delighted to connect more guests with our routes and welcome further visitors to Saudi in 2024.’ 

Onboard experience

The new brand extends across all guest touchpoints, creating a cultural immersion when flying with Saudia. The cabin interiors are designed to reflect Saudi identity and the forty onboard dining choices showcase the unique flavours of the region. Everything from the cuisine to the refreshments are evocative of Saudi.   

Regarding in-flight entertainment, carefully selected recommendations are brought to guests by Saudia entertainment experts. Saudi tourist and heritage destinations are promoted onboard as well as range of Saudi films, documentaries, and podcasts.  

Digital transformation

 

A new generative AI virtual assistant has been announced and will be launched by Saudia in the future. This will incorporate an advanced AI platform operating seamlessly through voice and text chat and will be used as a single tool for all guest interactions including post-sales queries regarding airport information, weather, visas and transportation. In 2024, Saudia has ambitions for guests to complete the entire transaction process with the AI virtual assistant. Saudia also has made investments in operational efficiency and currently ranks third globally for on-time performance, per Cirium aviation ratings.  

 

Two Airbus A321 passenger-to-freighter aircraft for Swiftair

Leasing giant, AerCap Holdings has announced it has signed lease agreements for two Airbus A321 Passenger-to-Freighter ("P2F") aircraft with Spanish cargo operator, Swiftair. The aircraft will undergo conversion by Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH ("EFW") at ST Engineering Aerospace in Singapore and will be delivered to Swiftair in April and June 2024, respectively. Swiftair will operate services across Europe and Africa on behalf of its international logistics customers.

"We are pleased to announce our agreement to lease two Airbus A321P2F aircraft to our long-term customer, Swiftair," said Rich Greener, the Head of AerCap Cargo. "The A321P2F is a best-in-class narrowbody freighter solution, offering superior economics in terms of fuel-efficiency and flexibility, and will allow Swiftair to continue to grow their route network. We look forward to working with the Swiftair team as these aircraft deliver."

"In line with our commitment towards more efficient and sustainable growth, we are delighted to be taking delivery of two of the most quiet and economical freighter aircraft in the world today," said Salvador Moreno, the CEO of Swiftair. "These aircraft mark a milestone in our fleet renewal program, allowing our customers to meet their carbon reduction targets and access to the most effective and reliable products in their class, available in the market today."

In 2022, AerCap announced it had placed a firm order for 15 Airbus A321-200P2F aircraft conversions and an option for a further 15 conversions with EFW.

easyJet pilots and crew switch to 100% reusable cutlery and cups

In an industry first and following a successful trial, easyJet is equipping all cira. 14,000 of its crew (pilots and cabin crew) with reusable cups and cutlery in a mission to cut down on disposable single-use items.

In total, the initiative is expected to prevent more than 10 million single-use items from being used per year – equivalent to 71 tonnes per year* and forms part of easyJet’s ongoing commitment to lower the impact of its operations.

The new reusable cups and cutlery are made from durable materials so they are built to last to ensure easyJet’s crew can reuse time and time again.

All crew will receive their new cups and cutlery sets over the coming weeks, with the rollout to be completed by January 2024. All new pilots and cabin crew will receive a cup and cutlery set as part of their new entrant uniform allocation.

Porter Airlines and Alaska Airlines announce key strategic partnership

Porter Airlines and Alaska Airlines have announced a broad partnership, taking advantage of Porter’s strong presence across Eastern Canada and Alaska’s well-established U.S. West Coast links to provide passengers more flight options and better service from coast to coast.

The new interline agreement means that from today, passengers can purchase combined Porter-Alaska itineraries directly from flyporter.com or via third-party agencies.

Alaska’s Mileage Plan members can start earning points on Porter flights booked via Alaska Airlines from January, and later in 2024 both VIPorter and Mileage Plan members will earn miles in their respective loyalty programs no matter where they book their flights.

Finally, next year will bring even more benefits with access to mileage redemptions with enhanced availability for both VIPorter and Mileage Plan members on each other’s airline. Porter and Alaska will continue to strengthen their partnership in 2024.

“This partnership with Alaska Airlines is a significant win for passengers looking for more choice and better service when flying within Canada and the United States,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines. “Alaska and Porter emphasize passenger service excellence on each and every flight. We’re excited about what this means for passengers across North America.”

Philippine Airlines and American Airlines launch new codeshare partnership

Travellers gain seamless connections between the Philippines and the United States

Philippine Airlines and American Airlines have launched a codeshare partnership that introduces the first marketed flights by a Philippine carrier to several U.S. destinations and allows American’s customers to travel to the Pearl of the Orient, Manila, and the beautiful beaches of Cebu.

American’s customers are now able to book tickets on aa.com for codeshare flights operated by Philippine Airlines to Manila and Cebu via Tokyo. Additionally, customers will be able to fly to Manila from Honolulu and Guam.

“We are excited to partner with Philippine Airlines, which will provide our customers seamless connections to Manila, the capital and economic hub of the region, and Cebu, the gateway to countless tropical islands with pristine beaches,” said Anmol Bhargava, American’s Vice President of Global Alliances and Partnerships. “The Philippines is one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, and we look forward to continuing to enhance our partnership with Philippine Airlines.”

Philippine Airlines has placed its “PR” code on American’s flights between Los Angeles and seven U.S. cities: Atlanta, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando and Washington, D.C., enabling excellent connectivity with PAL’s trans-Pacific service.

Why is one of the deadliest crashes in aviation history yet to be resolved after 15 years?

Courts in Spain are finally allowing a trial to move forward next month on Spanair flight JK5022 which crashed on takeoff, killing 154 passengers, with a miraculous handful of survivors. After 15 years of stalling and stonewalling by Boeing with multiple appeals and other interruptions, both sides are at last preparing for the courtroom showdown in January of 2024. The gruelling delays outlasted many of the plaintiff's willingness to continue the battle, with the families of less than a dozen passengers aboard the ill-fated flight left to stand trial. The Texas-anchored law firm Brent Coon & Associates pressed on with most of their clients to make sure that they would eventually receive the justice they deserved and be able to tell the full story of why this happened in the first place and how easy it would have been for Boeing to have added an inexpensive safety feature to the electronics on the jet to avoid takeoff when the wing flaps are not in the correct configuration. 

The saga of Spanair flight JK5022 continues

On the 20th of August 2008, a Spanish airliner taking off from Madrid stalled and crashed just moments after liftoff, careening off the runway and exploding in flames as hundreds looked on in horror. By the time firefighters reached the crash site beside runway 36L, the plane lay ruined and burning, surrounded by the charred remains of 154 passengers and crew, who just moments earlier had been bound for the sunny beaches of the Canary Islands. Amid the wreckage, rescuers managed to find just 18 survivors, all badly injured, who had been spared by the flames.

At first, no one could say why Spanair flight 5022 was unable to climb, but the truth was soon revealed in the wreckage itself. Somehow, the pilots had sent their plane hurtling down the runway without extending the flaps and slats for takeoff, then failed to detect their error in time to avoid a catastrophic crash. It was the same mistake which had caused tragedy after tragedy, from America to Indonesia, and now it had happened again in the heart of Spain’s capital city.  And just as in accidents past, a crucial alarm that should have warned of the danger failed to sound. How could it have happened again? Had the lessons of the past gone unheeded? A comprehensive investigation would eventually reveal how regulatory failures prevented the detection of the faulty warning, and how a series of delays, interruptions, and stressors when mixed with poor procedural design, led a normally competent crew to attempt a takeoff without performing one of the most basic steps to prepare their aeroplane for flight. Moreover, and even worse, was the fact that Boeing had a fix for this situation that would have prevented the aeroplane from taking off in the first place but had decided not to install it, or advise owners of the aeroplanes to have it installed as an easy and inexpensive retrofit. 

In analyzing the basic sequence of events that led to the crash, the federal investigative agency, the CIAIAC, noted pilot error due to a combination of psychological stress from pressure to take off in a timely manner and a poorly implemented checklist system. And the international press predominantly ran with this simple narrative of “pilot error”. But was that the end of the story…. hardly.  

Volocopter Wins Over Young Hearts with First Osaka & Hyogo Flight

 
                          

Volocopter, the pioneer of urban air mobility (UAM), successfully conducted a multi-day flight test campaign between 7 and 13 December with a crewed 2X aircraft in the Japanese cities of Osaka and Amagasaki. This week-long testing campaign signifies the completion of the first steps of local flight testing to acclimate the crew, communications tools, and flight test procedures in preparation for the 2025 World Exposition, Osaka Kansai EXPO. The 500-day countdown to the 2025 EXPO has begun, and Volocopter remains committed to flying at this international exhibition with its commercial air taxi, the VoloCity.  

The purpose of these flights was two-fold: to test aircraft operations under conditions like those expected during the EXPO and to accelerate the public awareness of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Japan. Local guests, including the Osaka governor, Osaka City mayor, prefectorial representatives, city officials, partners, and media, witnessed today's final flight test day event, co-hosted by Sumitomo Corporation, Volocopter's strategic partner and investor in Japan. In addition, over 200 local primary and secondary school students joined a Q&A session with guests around the innovative eVTOL aircraft technology. 

Successful flight operations at the 2025 EXPO require preparation time and assessment on the ground. These flight tests were conducted at the Osaka Heliport in proximity to the planned 2025 EXPO pavilion location in Osaka Bay. This locational advantage gives insight and data into how Volocopter could shape eVTOL operations when the exhibition starts. Working with local authorities such as the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), local air traffic controllers, and infrastructure owners now will aid in a faster transition from testing to the industry's commercial future, as well as for the VoloCity in 2025 EXPO. 

ATP Flight School to buy an additional 40 Cessna Skyhawk aircraft

Textron Aviation announced an agreement with ATP Flight School for the purchase of an additional 40 Cessna Skyhawk aircraft to be delivered beginning in 2026. This addition to ATP's existing fleet of nearly 225 Skyhawks, deployed across more than 85 training centres nationwide, will provide students with access to a modern and advanced fleet in support of their pilot career aspirations.

This agreement marks the fourth fleet purchase, amounting to a total of 135 of Cessna Skyhawks, for ATP's Airline Career Pilot Program in just over a year, as the flight school scales to train 20,000 airline pilots by 2030.

"For over six decades, the legendary Cessna Skyhawk has inspired the next generation of pilots and served as the world's leading flight trainer," said Chris Crow, vice president, Piston Sales. "We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with ATP and provide their students access to the most produced single-engine aircraft globally."

The Cessna Skyhawk is renowned as the go-to training aircraft in the industry. Its steady flight dynamics, cutting-edge avionics and reliable dispatch history have made it ATP's trusted training platform for the past three decades.

MOD signs infrastructure contracts at RAF Waddington – the new home of the Red Arrows

The MoD has signed contracts to provide new and refurbished infrastructure for the Red Arrows at their new home of RAF Waddington.

These contracts, signed with construction company Galliford Try, also include work to build or refurbish facilities at three other RAF stations. The Royal Air Force Aerobatics Team (RAFAT), better known as the Red Arrows, moved to RAF Waddington in October last year. New facilities are now required for the team and their distinctive red Hawk fast jets.

The project is part of the MOD’s wider Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio, which is investing £5.1bn in the infrastructure needed by our service people through construction activity, unit and personnel moves, and the release of sites that are no longer suited to the needs of our modern military.

Air Officer Airbases, Air Commodore Portlock welcomed senior leaders from DEO, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and representatives from Galliford Try to RAF Waddington. They signed four contracts to deliver a project which spans RAF Leeming, RAF Saxton Wold, both RAF Boulmer sites and RAF Waddington.

Speaking at the signing, Air Commodore Portlock said:  "This significant milestone marks an exciting transition into the much-awaited design and build phase of the project. Providing this essential infrastructure will enable the RAF to make best use of its estate, whilst also delivering our capabilities which are critical to defence."

Earlier this year, multiple contractors from the construction industry were awarded packages of work across the DEO Portfolio in a landmark move to speed up project delivery. The move will also provide a more collaborative way of working, and a consistent approach to sustainable building practices.

More changes to Gatwick's expansion plans

Since submitting its Northern Runway plans to the Planning Inspectorate,  London Gatwick has refined its proposal and identified three discrete changes to reduce its environmental impact even further, while also providing additional design flexibility. 

 

Before submitting these changes to the Planning Inspectorate, the airport will next week on 13 December 2023, open a consultation so that the public, landowners and other stakeholders can give their views on the proposed changes.

These views will be taken into account before the airport submits a request to amend its DCO application to the Planning Inspectorate. It will be for the Planning Inspectorate to decide if the changes can be made to the application and included in the examination.

The consultation will close at 11:59pm on 21 January 2024.

The airport proposes making the three separate changes to the Project below. Further detailed information on these changes and information on how to submit responses to the consultation will be available on the London Gatwick website once the consultation is live.

Project Change 1: Increase to the design parameters for the North Terminal International Departure Lounge proposed southern extension

Project Change 2: Reduction in the height and change in the purpose of the replacement Central Area Recycling Enclosure (CARE) facility

Project Change 3: Revision to the Surface Water Treatment Works system

London Gatwick’s application to bring its Northern Runway into routine use, alongside its Main Runway, was accepted for examination by the Planning Inspectorate on 3 August 2023.

The airport’s Northern Runway plan would create around 14,000 new jobs and inject £1 billion into the region’s economy every year from increased tourism, trade, supply-chain, and other business opportunities.

Top level changes at SWISS

SWISS has announced an imminent change in its top management: Heike Birlenbach, presently Senior Vice President of Customer Experience Lufthansa Group Airlines, is to become SWISS Chief Commercial Officer with effect from 1 January 2024. She succeeds Tamur Goudarzi Pour, who will take over responsibility for the Lufthansa Group’s Customer Experience division. In addition to this role, he will also assume responsibility for a Lufthansa Group-wide taskforce with the aim of increasing customer satisfaction in the next year.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has announced an imminent change on its Management Board. After five years with the company, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Tamur Goudarzi Pour is to assume a Lufthansa Group position. In his new capacity, he will take over responsibility for the Lufthansa Group’s Customer Experience division. In addition to this role, he will also assume responsibility for a Lufthansa Group-wide taskforce with the aim of increasing customer satisfaction in the next year.

“I would like to thank Tamur Goudarzi Pour for all his work and all his commitment to our company,” says SWISS CEO Dieter Vranckx. “He successfully introduced our SWISS Premium Economy Class. He was instrumental in helping our company recover so swiftly from the coronavirus crisis years and regain its position as one of Europe’s most profitable airlines. Under Tamur’s leadership, we have prudently pursued our long-term capacity planning, and are now the stablest airline in Europe. Tamur has further advanced our fleet renewal with our new long-haul Airbus A350s; and in ‘SWISS Senses’ he has laid the foundation for our future SWISS product. We wish him all the best and every further success in his new Lufthansa Group capacity.”

Bas Brouns named as next CFO of KLM

KLM announced this week its intention to appoint Bas Brouns as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Managing Director of KLM, effective 24 April 2024. He succeeds Erik Swelheim, who will step down at the 2024 shareholders’ meeting at the end of his current term, after 12 years as KLM’s CFO. Bas Brouns (52) is currently Senior Vice President of Corporate Controller at KLM. He has worked at KLM for almost 27 years in various financial positions.

Cees 't Hart, chairman of the KLM Supervisory Board said:  "We are very pleased to be able to nominate someone from KLM to this important post on the Executive Committee. Bas is a highly experienced and passionate professional who has led both Finance & Treasury and Controlling at KLM. I warmly congratulate him on this nomination and wish him all the very best in his new role. I would like to thank Erik for his three terms as CFO. He has played a vital role on the KLM Executive Committee and has impressively shaped KLM’s financial strategy."

Vetster and Air Canada celebrate new partnership for on the go pet care.

Vetster, the world's fastest-growing veterinary telehealth and pet care marketplace, this week announced its partnership with Air Canada to provide around-the-clock access to Vetster’s virtual veterinary services for pets travelling in cargo. Vetster aims to set a new standard for quality care, safety and peace of mind for millions of travelling pet parents.

Trained Air Canada personnel can now use Vetster on behalf of pet parents to connect with licensed veterinarians, who can support pets travelling in cargo and in need of medical assistance. Following the trip, pets’ medical files are sent to the parent’s local vet, underscoring the companies’ shared commitment to continuous, transparent communication and care – whether on the ground or in the air.

At no additional costs, specially trained staff can connect with Vetster’s expert veterinarians to help mitigate both common and uncommon pet travel issues, including heightened anxiety and stress, dehydration, respiratory issues, motion sickness, and more.

“Air Canada is committed to offering safe and reliable transportation for all animals in our care,” said Janet Wallace, Managing Director, Operational Excellence and Transformation at Air Canada Cargo. “As one of the only airlines to partner with a pet telehealth company, we are significantly enhancing the experience for passengers and their pets, providing care and comfort throughout their travels.”

First ever long-haul Avios-Only flights go on sale for October half term 2024

British Airways has announced that Dubai will be the destination of its next Avios-Only flight, offering more than 200 half term return Reward Seats from just £100 + 60,000 Avios. The flight is available to book now.

The BA105 from London Heathrow to Dubai will offer 214 Reward Seats across three cabins on 26 October 2024. The BA108 will return a week later on 2 November 2024 with 256 up for grabs across four cabins, perfectly in time for a half term getaway. 

This is the first time that the airline has offered a long-haul Avios-Only flight, and it brings the total number to more than 30, including Geneva, Nice, Ibiza and Corfu. Avios-Only flights were launched earlier this year, on which 100% of the seats are exclusively available to British Airways Executive Club Members as Rewards Seats. 

Avios only seats are sold as normal Reward Seats, which means that customers with British Airways American Express Credit Cards will also have the option to use their Companion Vouchers. These entitle Members to a second seat for just the taxes and charges, or one seat for half the amount of Avios. 

Reward Seats are those that can be purchased using Avios at static rates. British Airways guarantees a minimum of 12 and 14 Reward Seats on standard short and long-haul flights respectively, whereas Avios-Only flights mean that every seat is available to purchase using Avios. 

Avolon continues to drive growth with orders for additional 140 aircraft

Avolon, a leading global aviation finance company, has agreed to order 100 A321neo aircraft from Airbus and 40 737 MAX aircraft from Boeing. These aircraft are scheduled for delivery out to 2032.

Avolon has added 200 new technology aircraft to its orderbook this year direct from OEMs, building on previous orders for 20 Airbus A330neos in September and 40 737 MAXs from Boeing in June. The orderbook expansion increases Avolon’s owned, managed and committed fleet from 897 at September 30 2023 to 1037 aircraft.

Orders for 100 Airbus A321neos and 40 Boeing 737 MAXs

A total of 200 aircraft were ordered directly from Boeing and Airbus this year

The A320neo and 737 MAX family of aircraft reduce fuel use and carbon emissions by up to 20% compared to the older generation aircraft that they will replace.

The scale of these new commitments supports Avolon’s ability to provide customers with fuel-efficient aircraft into the next decade.

Andy Cronin, CEO of Avolon, commented:  “Today’s orders strengthen our delivery pipeline and reflect our confidence in the long-term outlook for aviation. We have committed to direct orders for 200 new, fuel-efficient aircraft this year, supporting the transformation of our fleet to lower-emissions aircraft. The scale of our orderbook reflects the strength of Avolon’s balance sheet, our proven ability to execute swiftly, and the longstanding relationships we have with both Airbus and Boeing.”

Both orders are binding contracts subject only to approval by shareholders of Bohai Leasing Co., Ltd., Avolon’s 70% shareholder, which is anticipated before year end.

Avolon is a leading global aviation finance company connecting capital with customers to drive the transformation of aviation and the economic and social benefits of global travel. We pride ourselves on our deep customer relationships, our collaborative team approach, and our fast execution. We invest with a long-term perspective, diversifying risk and managing capital efficiently to maintain our strong balance sheet. Working with 147 airlines in 65 countries, Avolon has an owned, managed, and committed fleet of 897 aircraft, as of 30 September 2023.

Air New Zealand announces BETA’s ALIA as launch aircraft for Mission Next Gen Aircraft programme

Air New Zealand selects BETA’s ALIA CTOL as its first next generation aircraft

The electric aircraft has been purchased to meet the airline’s goal of flying a commercial demonstrator by 2026

NZ Post announced as cargo partner for commercial demonstrator

Announcement in early 2024 revealing the two frontrunner airports to be home to next-generation aircraft

Air New Zealand has announced the ALIA as the airline’s first purchase of a next-generation aircraft in its Mission Next Gen Aircraft programme.

Designed by electric aerospace company BETA Technologies, the battery-powered all-electric aircraft is expected to join Air New Zealand’s fleet in 2026. Air New Zealand is purchasing the conventional take-off and landing version of the ALIA.

The announcement follows an 18-month period of evaluation and diligence by Air New Zealand. Through the airline’s Mission Next Gen Aircraft programme, it sought and received ideas and insights from 30 organisations, selecting four partners to work closely with on its goal of launching commercial flights using next generation aircraft in 2026. BETA’s ALIA is the first commercial order in the programme. 

Air New Zealand will initially operate the aircraft as a cargo only service in partnership with New Zealand Post, on a route being selected through an expressions of interest (EOI) process with airports across Aotearoa.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran says the purchase cements Air New Zealand’s commitment to flying lower-emissions aircraft in New Zealand.

“This is a small but important step in a much larger journey for Air New Zealand. There is a lot of work ahead of us, but we are incredibly committed, and this purchase marks a new chapter for the airline.”

2-REG, Guernsey’s aircraft registry is 10 years old.

2-REG, Guernsey’s Aircraft Registry is 10 years old!  The anniversary follows a momentous journey of growth and success as one of the world’s leading aircraft registries since its inception in December 2013.

2-REG’s commitment to safety excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction, coupled with the strong backing of the States of Guernsey, has been at the heart of its growth. With a strong focus on customer needs and feedback, 2-REG has consistently developed cutting-edge solutions that have addressed industry challenges and elevated standards.

"As the strategic partner of the States of Guernsey, our vision for 2-REG is rooted in the seamless synergy between private enterprise and regulatory excellence,” reflected Paolo Lironi, Chief Executive Officer of SGI Group. “We recognize that in the dynamic realm of aviation, a robust public-private partnership is not just beneficial – it is imperative. By combining the agility of the private sector with the regulatory precision of our esteemed public counterparts, we are not only registering aircraft; we are propelling the industry forward, fostering trust, and setting a global standard for efficiency and safety."

Damon Hackley, States of Guernsey Director of Operations, elaborated that having worked alongside SGI Guernsey Ltd (“SGIG”), a subsidiary of SGI Group, “I am delighted to see the registry go from strength to strength and provide economic and social value to Guernsey. It has become a significant player in the aircraft registry arena, and I look forward to seeing it grow even further in the future.”

Finnair Traffic Performance in November 2023

Increase in passenger traffic numbers year-on-year, expected seasonal decline month-on-month

In November, Finnair carried 811,900 passengers, which was 8.1% more than in November 2022. This is 11.8% less than in October 2023 due to normal seasonality. Further, month-on-month figures are not fully comparable as there was one day less in November.

November passenger traffic figures improved year-on-year as the COVID-19 pandemic impacts have mostly faded and as the Russian airspace was closed during the comparison period. The negative impact of the Russian airspace closure especially on Asian passenger traffic figures was, however, still visible in November 2023 compared to the pre-pandemic figures. The distance-based reported traffic figures do not take into account longer routings caused by the airspace closure as they are based on Great-Circle distance.

The overall capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK), increased in November by 14.4% year-on-year but decreased by 7.4% month-on-month. Finnair's traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs), increased by 13.6% year-on-year but declined by 14.9% month-on-month. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) declined by 0.5% points year-on-year and by 6.3% points month-on-month to 71.0%.

The ASK increase in Asian traffic was 20.5% year-on-year explained e.g. by the additional capacity to Japan and South Korea. The North Atlantic capacity decreased by 3.2%. In European traffic, the ASKs were up by 11.9%. The Middle Eastern capacity grew by 27.8% as the flights between Helsinki and Doha related to the Qatar Airways cooperation commenced only in mid-December 2022. The ASKs in domestic traffic increased by 5.6%.

RPKs increased in Asian traffic by 25.9% year-on-year but decreased in North Atlantic traffic by 7.0%. They increased by 6.1% in European traffic, by 35.4% in Middle Eastern traffic and by 1.7% in domestic traffic.

In November, the PLF was 71.2% in Asian traffic, 63.8% in North Atlantic traffic, 73.8% in European traffic, 68.7% in Middle Eastern traffic and 65.6% in domestic traffic.

Passenger numbers increased in Asian traffic by 22.3% year-on-year but decreased in North Atlantic traffic by 6.5%. The number of passengers increased by 7.3% in European traffic, by 32.2% in Middle Eastern traffic and by 0.3% in domestic traffic.

Many cargo figures increased year-on-year in November due to Qatar Airways cooperation and increased Asian capacity. Cargo carried on flights as a part of the cooperation with Qatar Airways, where cargo capacity is fully allocated to and sold by Qatar Airways, is reported by Finnair under Middle East cargo figures. Available cargo tonne-kilometres increased by 24.8% and revenue cargo tonne-kilometres by 21.0% year-on-year. The total cargo tonnes increased by 20.5% year-on-year but decreased by 3.2% month-on-month due to a shorter month.  

In November, 79.3% of all Finnair flights arrived on schedule (86.8%).

British Airways to return to London Stansted for Summer 2024

Travellers choosing to fly from London Stansted next summer have a new premium airline option, as British Airways returns to the north-east London airport. 

Launching on 18 May 2024, weekend flights from London Stansted to Florence, Ibiza and Nice will join BA Cityflyer’s operations for the summer season on its Embraer 190 aircraft. 

BA Cityflyer is a subsidiary of British Airways, which operates from London City Airport during the week to nearly 30 short-haul destinations. The new Stansted services will complement the existing weekday services from London City, plus recently added weekend services from Edinburgh to San Sebastian, Spain and Olbia, Sardinia.  

This will be the first time that British Airways has offered scheduled flights from Stansted since before the global pandemic, and it will become the fourth London airport to be served by the flag carrier. 

Each flight will offer two cabins: Club Europe (business class) and Euro Traveller (economy). Customers in Club Europe are offered a full meal service with drinks from the bar, priority board and additional baggage allowance.

Flights will be available from £41 each way to Florence, £36 each way to Ibiza and £43 each way to Nice. Flights are now live. 

Start date	Flight number / days of week	Departing destination	Arriving STN		Flight number	Departing STN	Arriving destination
Florence
18 May 2024	BA7016  Saturdays	14:15	16:30		BA7017  Sundays	06:30	08:45
Nice
18 May 2024	BA2332  Saturdays	09:20		11:20	BA2333  Sundays	06:55	08:55
Ibiza
18 May 2024	BA7308  Saturdays	09:35		12:05	BA7309  Sundays	12:50	15:15