easyJet makes big aircraft order.

Late last year, the budget carrier easyJet has confirmed an order for 157 more Airbus A320neo Family aircraft. The deal comprises 56 A320neo and 101 A321neo aircraft and also includes the upsizing of an existing order for 35 A320neo into the larger A321neo as demand has picked up far more rapidly than expected. 

“We are very pleased to be able to confirm this significant order which not only enables easyJet to replace its older aircraft with more efficient aircraft, a core component of our net zero roadmap, but also provides us ability for disciplined growth, including the significant opportunity that upgauging brings, “ commented Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet. “With this order easyJet will be able to continue to cement its leading position at Europe’s primary airports and so we look forward to working in partnership with Airbus in the years to come.”

Volato expands HondaJet fleet by 50% to 24 aircraft

Volato a leading private aviation company and the largest HondaJet operator in the United States, has announced that it has expanded its fleet by 50% to a total of 24 HondaJet aircraft as of December 2023. The expansion includes the addition of three new aircraft delivered in December – two from direct Honda deliveries, and one managed plane. This marks a total of eight aircraft added to Volato’s HondaJet fleet in 2023.

The aircraft additions and rapid integration into the company’s operations represent execution of Volato’s strategic plan for systematic growth. Volato's growth strategy includes acquiring aircraft directly from Honda and contracting with owners to manage their planes. This approach has enabled Volato to expand while maintaining high standards in private air travel.

"Volato's measured and thoughtful approach to fleet expansion is critical to achieving our long-term plan for sustainable growth," said Matt Liotta, Co-Founder and CEO of Volato. "We have been creative and judicious in acquiring HondaJets through the open market while continuing to receive new aircraft from our HondaJet factory order. The recent deliveries allow us to expand our capacity at a pivotal time in Volato’s growth and increase our capacity to support our growing customer base.”

Oliver Reeves named as chief financial officer of Surf Air Mobility

Surf Air Mobility the air mobility platform transforming regional flying through electrification, today announced that Oliver Reeves will join the Company as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Reeves will lead the Company’s financial and capital markets strategies leveraging his nearly two decades of experience in the investment management, enterprise technology, and insurance industries. He will start his new role in January, 2024. Mr. Reeves recently worked at Xinuos, Inc., where he served as the Chief Strategy Officer since 2019.

“We are very pleased to have Oliver join us on our journey to electrify regional air mobility,” said Stan Little, CEO of Surf Air Mobility. “He is a seasoned financial executive with a proven track record at both the strategic and operational levels. Oliver will play a pivotal role in steering our financial strategy and supporting our growth initiatives. His broad strategic expertise and financial acumen fit very well within our executive team as we look to the future and continue to pioneer innovations in green flying.”

Mr. Reeves will succeed Deanna White, who has served as Surf Air’s Chief Administrative Officer and then as Chief Financial Officer. Ms. White, who joined Surf Air Mobility in 2021 to help take the company through its public listing, will become a Senior Advisor to both Surf Air Mobility and the Surf Air Board of Directors. Ms. White’s expertise across public company finance and the airline industry has helped position Surf Air Mobility for significant future growth.

Airbus welcomes Spanish order of 16 C295 aircraft in maritime patrol and surveillance configurations

The Spanish Ministry of Defence has ordered 16 Airbus C295 aircraft in Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) configuration and Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) configuration. The contract amounts to €1.695 billion.

These new aircraft will enable the Spanish Air and Space Force and the Spanish Navy to strengthen the national anti-submarine warfare capability as well as increase and enhance its surveillance, reconnaissance and search & rescue units.

“The aircraft will be fully designed and manufactured in Spain, fostering the national industrial defence footprint and sovereignty” said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. “In particular, the Maritime Patrol version is the most complex C295 mission configuration to date. A major development project that will bring together the latest technologies to provide an operational advantage to our customer.”

The contract also includes training systems (Full Flight Simulator and Mission System Simulator) and an initial logistics support package.

Pegasus Airlines starts flights from Birmingham

The low-cost carrier from Turkey, Pegasus Airlines has started operations between the UK's Birmingham Airport and Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. The route started on 21st December and will run three times a week with flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

 On the launch, Nick Barton, CEO of BHX, said: “This is a lovely early Christmas gift for us and for the many customers in our region who now have even greater options for travelling to Türkiye and beyond. I have no doubt these new services to SAW will be very popular with sunseekers, pilgrims, business travellers and people going to see family both in Türkiye and across the vast array of destinations offered by Pegasus’s strong onwards network covering Asia, Europe and Africa.” 

 

Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah (UAE), Doha (Qatar), Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada (Egypt), Beirut (Lebanon), Karachi (Pakistan), Tbilisi and Batumi (Georgia), Baku (Azerbaijan), Yerevan (Armenia), Baghdad, Erbil and Basra (Iraq), Tehran and Tabriz (Iran), Medina and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Almaty, Astana and Shymkent (Kazakhstan), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Amman (Jordan), Bahrain and Kuwait are among the more than 130 destinations in Asia, Africa and Europe served by Pegasus from its SAW hub. In addition to its extensive international flight network, Pegasus connects guests to Türkiye’s top tourist destinations including Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, and Izmir. 

Pegasus is one of the fastest-growing airlines post-pandemic having fully recovered its operating capacity and profitability during 2022. It is actively seeking to decarbonise its operations in line with its commitment to IATA’s Net Zero by 2050 pledge and global imperatives to protect the planet. Investing in fuel-efficient, new generation aircraft is a significant part of Pegasus’ sustainability strategy, which positions the airline as having one of the most modern fleets in Europe, with an average age of 4.6 years as of September 2023.

These ambitions are mirrored by BHX, which is aiming to have become a carbon net zero airport by 2033 by implementing low-carbon alternatives into its operation. A project is currently under way to install 12,000 solar panels across BHX’s northeast boundary. By May 2024 the green power this installation produces will cover 20% of BHX’s electricity requirement.

easyJet has busy festive booking period

easyJet and easyJet holidays have revealed the latest travel trends for 2024 as bookings took off during the first days of its biggest ever Big Orange Sale, offering up to 20% off over two million seats across Europe and up to £300 off package holidays until 5 February 2024.

Flights to Amsterdam, Paris, Geneva, Alicante and Malaga from the UK proved to be the most popular during the sale’s first week, while Hurghada in Egypt, Rovaniemi in Lapland and Milan are among the destinations to have experienced the greatest rise in popularity compared to 2023. Since the launch of the sale, destinations including Prague, Nantes, Berlin, Bilbao and Verona also increased in popularity for Brits compared to 2023.

Package holidays remain popular for 2024, with all inclusive, seven night breaks in highest demand during the first week of the sale. Tenerife, Lanzarote and Hurghada led the way for beach breaks and Paris, Amsterdam and Iceland proved most popular for city escapes, which account for stays of three to five nights.

More people are spending the festive period searching for holiday deals, with easyJet holidays web and app visits up over 40% on Christmas Day and up nearly 80% on Boxing Day compared to last year, with between 4pm and 6pm being the busiest time of day to make a booking. 

In the first week of the sale, flights in January were most popular, as British consumers snapped up last minute winter sun breaks. Bookings to Tunisia during the start of the sale saw a boost compared to last year, as well as Hurghada and Almería in the Spanish region of Andalusia. 

Sunclass Airlines takes delivery of its first Airbus A321neo

Before Christmas, the Danish leisure airline Sunclass took delivery of its first Airbus A321neo aircraft as part of its strategy to further improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The aircraft was delivered from the Airbus site in Hamburg, Germany.

By operating the A330neo and A321neo in parallel, Sunclass Airlines will become an all Airbus operator and benefit from the manufacturer’s unique commonality. The A321neo will provide Sunclass customers with a spacious and comfortable cabin experience.

The A321neo is the longest-fuselage member of Airbus’ best-selling, single-aisle A320 Family, comfortably flying as many as 244 passengers up to 4,700nm/8,700km in range. Featuring the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky, the A320neo Family offers at least 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 as well as a 50 percent noise reduction compared to previous generation aircraft, thanks to incorporating the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets for enhanced aerodynamics and performance. At the end of November 2023, the A321neo had received over 5,600 orders from more than 100 customers worldwide.

Transavia Airlines gets its first Airbus A321neo

Dutch low-cost carrier Transavia Airlines,  part of  the Air France-KLM group, has taken delivery of its first A321neo on lease from Air Lease Corporation. The aircraft was delivered from Airbus’ Hamburg production facilities taking advantage of Airbus’ option for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on its delivery flight to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. With this new aircraft Transavia becomes a new Airbus operator of the type.

This first A321neo marks the beginning of Transavia Airlines’ transition to an all-Airbus latest-generation fleet. Due to its lower fuel consumption and emissions, the A321neo will play a key role in the airline group’s sustainable development goals.

The newly delivered A321neo for Transavia Airlines seats 232 passengers in a single class layout. The cabin features Airbus’ Airspace XL bins. The larger bins provide a 40% more stowage space than previous ones for a more relaxed boarding experience for passengers and cabin crew. In addition, USB-C ports are available for passengers at every seat, and the latest lighting system enhances the overall passenger experience.

The A321neo is the largest member of the Airbus A320neo Family, offering unmatched range and performance. Equipped with sharklets and powered by new generation CFM International LEAP-1A engines, the A321neo delivers a 50 per cent reduction in noise footprint and 20 per cent reduction in fuel burn and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft.

To date the A321neo has captured more than 5,600 orders received from over 100 customers across the globe.

US charter carrier JSX signs up for 100 Heart Aerospace ES-30 aircraft

                                            Swedish hybrid-electric aeroplane maker Heart Aerospace and US charter carrier JSX have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the purchase of 50 of the Swedish company's regional ES-30 aeroplanes, with an option for an additional 50.

SX, which was launched in 2016, is now the biggest public charter carrier in the US, operating point-to-point flights to 24 destinations.

The Letter of Intent forms part of JSX's commitment to sustainable regional transportation in the US, and it is the first carrier in its category to adopt this impactful cutting-edge technology.

"Today's order of the Heart Aerospace ES-30 hybrid-electric aircraft exemplifies our commitment to customer-friendly, carbon-reducing solutions that will offer the lower costs essential to providing vital air service to small communities across the country," says Alex Wilcox, JSX CEO and co-founder. "Heart is a visionary organization that will help JSX serve smaller communities, weaving sustainable regional air travel back into the fabric of American commerce and freedom of movement."

The ES-30 is a regional hybrid-electric airplane with a standard seating capacity of 30 passengers offering low emissions, low noise pollution and lower operating costs on short-haul routes. It will have a fully electric zero-emissions range of 200 kilometres, an extended hybrid range of 400 kilometres with 30 passengers and the flexibility to fly up to 800 kilometres with 25 passengers, all including typical airline reserves.

"We're really excited to be part of JSX commitment toward sustainable regional air travel," said Simon Newitt, President and Chief Commercial Officer at Heart Aerospace. "The ES-30, with its competitive economics and green credentials, fits very well with JSX's vision, and we see not only the opportunity to reconnect many regional routes lost over the years, but also open many more new ones. We believe this transformation will be good for the consumer, good for the economy as well as for the environment." 

Heart Aerospace now has a total of 250 firm orders for the ES-30, with options and purchase rights for an additional 120 planes. Including the LOI from JSX, the company also has letters of intent for a further 191 aeroplanes.

 

oneworld becomes first airline alliance to join IATA CO2 Connect

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the oneworld Alliance will work together in the field of CO2 emission calculations with all 13 oneworld member airlines committing to contributing operational data to IATA’s CO2 Connect emissions calculator. This will further improve the quality and accuracy of the tool, as the percentage of airline-specific fuel burn data used by the calculator will substantially increase, with the data provided by the following oneworld member airlines: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Qantas, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, and SriLankan Airlines.

IATA Senior Vice President, Sustainability and Chief Economist, Marie Owens Thomsen said: “Travelers want to make informed choices regarding their CO2 footprint and IATA CO2 Connect set out to provide CO2 emission calculations based on operational data. We are delighted that oneworld will become the first airline alliance to join this initiative, bringing in its 13 member airlines as data contributors. Their decision underscores the importance of the industry’s objective of providing consistency and alignment in this field.”

oneworld Environmental and Sustainability Board Chair and General Manager Sustainability, Cathay Pacific, Grace Cheung said: “oneworld is proud to be the first global airline alliance to support IATA’s work to provide customers with high-quality estimates of the CO2 emissions of their flights. Our collaboration with IATA on CO2 Connect will in turn help key players across the aviation sector, including airlines, aircraft manufacturers and travel management companies among others, to make better and more informed choices for travelers and enhanced ESG reporting.”

IATA launched CO2 Connect in June 2022, with the objective of using member airline data, such as fuel burn, belly cargo and load factors, to provide high-quality per flight passenger CO2 emission calculations. Paired with other IATA and open market data sources, IATA CO2 Connect calculates CO2 emissions for 74 aircraft types, representing ~98% of the active global passenger fleet, and considers traffic data from 881 aircraft operators representing ~93% of global air travel.

IATA CO2 Connect data calculations are available to industry partners through an API or flat file, as well as via airline sales channels and travel management companies.

Best Places to Embrace Holiday Vibes in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, a city renowned for its festive holiday atmosphere, is now decorated with vibrant holiday decorations, as a series of celebratory events take place in the city. Below are some of the best spots for visitors to experience Christmas in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong WinterFest 2023

From the 65-foot-tall Christmas tree standing at the center of Christmas Town to the exciting new 10-minute “Winter Harbourfront Pyrotechnics” displays on the Victoria Harbour seaside, visitors from around the world will be delighted by these seasonal displays.

Tsim Sha Tsui Christmas lights

Kowloon’s bustling shopping and nightlife districts Tsim Sha Tsui and East Tsim Sha Tsui are well-known for their dazzling Christmas light displays. This year British artist Rupert Newman presents a digital light show specifically created for Hong Kong titled “In-Between the Sky: A Festive Beacon.” The light display is projected onto the Sino LuminArt Façade of Tsim Sha Tsui Centre and Empire Centre.

1881 Heritage

This historic former police compound turned luxury cultural and shopping mecca is bringing some botanical flair to the festive season with its Victorian-inspired greenhouse.

Wisk puts down foundation for uncrewed urban air mobility with revised concept of operations

Wisk Aero, a leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company, has issued an update to its previously released Concept of Operations (ConOps) for Uncrewed Urban Air Mobility (UAM), jointly developed with The Boeing Company.

The ConOps defines an approach to the transition from crewed to uncrewed flight and provides a template for uncrewed, passenger-carrying, urban air mobility (UAM) operations using highly automated, electric aircraft. The updated document outlines a high-level vision, in parallel with a detailed document, with technology, regulatory, and social recommendations to help make uncrewed UAM a safe reality.

The updates incorporate industry and government stakeholder feedback and reflect changes to align with the recently published FAA UAM ConOps v2.0. The document targets the safe initiation of uncrewed UAM passenger operations in the United States National Airspace System by the end of this decade, while providing a stepping stone to the goal of transitioning to high-throughput operations in the years that follow. It describes the key principles and assumptions for UAM aircraft, the operational environment, and normal operations that rely mostly on existing traffic management concepts.

“This ConOps defines our vision for autonomous advanced air mobility operations and the addition of uncrewed aircraft into the current aviation ecosystem. It outlines our approach to the aircraft, ground-based supervisors, infrastructure, airspace integration, and more, and provides a template for safe, everyday, autonomous flight,” said Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk.

The ConOps for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is the culmination of studies by experts across Boeing, Wisk, Aurora Flight Sciences, Skygrid, and other industry affiliates. Wisk and Boeing released their initial ConOps in September of 2022. 

Essential Travel Tips for a Safe and Healthy Holiday Season

With the festive season fast approaching, organisations worldwide are preparing for increased employee travel and festive gatherings. Amidst the excitement, it remains crucial for employers to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. International SOS, the world's leading health and security risk services company, shares expert advice to help organisations effectively manage travel risks and safeguard their workforces during this festive period.

The holiday season often presents a unique set of travel considerations and challenges, particularly in terms of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of a diverse workforce. Perennial safety and security risks including extreme weather events and criminal activities could pose significant threats during travel.

Risks including scams, pickpocketing and stolen passports are prevalent during a period of increased travel and crowded settings. These risks are particularly amplified during festive gatherings, Christmas markets and religious services. Recent studies have shown that serious crowd accidents, where mass gatherings have led to injuries or deaths, have risen significantly across the globe over the past 20 years.1 Relevant to the festive period, one study demonstrated that religious festivals had overtaken sporting events as the most likely situation to result in a crowd crush.1 The escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hamas this year also raises the threat of isolated acts of violence at places of worship and other religious gatherings.

Furthermore, with the onset of winter in the northern hemisphere, there is an increased risk arising from airline and airport personnel calling in sick due to the seasonal surge in flu and other illnesses. This may cause travel disruptions during the holiday season.

Michael Rogers, Chief Security Analyst, at International SOS, said "The propensity for geo-political or socio-economic developments, natural hazards and other threats requires that travellers remain well informed and prepared for short-notice and sometimes high-impact disruptions. Organisations should emphasise the importance of pre-travel risk assessment as well as situational awareness for travelling employees to navigate travel risks effectively.

“It is also crucial for organisations to have clear communication protocols in place for reporting security incidents and ensuring that prompt assistance is readily available when needed. In the event of a significant incident, clear, wide-reaching proactive communication from security management covering the organisation’s response goes a long way toward appeasing anxieties and elucidating the next steps. By implementing proactive measures and fostering a culture of risk awareness, employers can empower their workforce to make informed decisions and enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season.”

Dr Kate O’Reilly, Regional Medical Director at International SOS, said “The health and wellbeing of workforces should remain top priorities for employers, especially during the holiday season when travel and festivities can impact overall wellbeing. Organisations should encourage employees to pack essential medications, stay hydrated and maintain adequate sleep to minimise the risk of illnesses. Travellers need to know if any vaccinations are needed and if antimalarials is required for their trip. Providing access to telemedicine services can offer employees convenient and timely access to medical advice and consultations, as well as ensuring that employees receive prompt and appropriate care if they feel unwell during their travels.”

Top travel health and safety tips that organisations can encourage for seamless travel during the festive period:

Staying informed and prepared: Ensure that employees conduct pre-travel risk assessments and are provided with guidelines on travel safety and health precautions.

Promote health and wellness: Encourage employees to schedule a travel health consultation well in advance.

Navigating crowds safely: Encourage employees to exercise situational awareness and trust their instincts. Remind employees to be aware of their surroundings, stay vigilant and keep their valuables secure or out of sight, especially when in large crowds.

Ensure cultural sensitivity: Encourage employees to be respectful of local customs and traditions at their travel destination. They should dress appropriately and avoid engaging in activities that could be considered offensive.

Maintain flexible itineraries: Contingency plans remain important. Employees should plan for the unexpected. It is good practice to keep departure and return dates/routes as flexible as possible. Travellers should allow additional travel time to reach their destination as it is likely to be more congested in airports, stations and on the roads due to the increased number of people travelling.

Eat, drink and be jolly informed: Remind employees to stay hydrated, well rested and pack essential medications. Ensure employees are aware of the weather conditions and are informed about the safest neighbourhoods, places to stay and incidences of crime at their destinations.

International SOS Group of Companies

157 more Airbus A320neos for easyJet....

The budget carrier easyJet has confirmed an order for 157 more Airbus A320neo Family aircraft. The deal comprises 56 A320neo and 101 A321neo aircraft and also includes the upsizing of an existing order for 35 A320neo into the larger A321neo as demand has picked up far more rapidly than expected. 

“We are very pleased to be able to confirm this significant order which not only enables easyJet to replace its older aircraft with more efficient aircraft, a core component of our net zero roadmap, but also provides us ability for disciplined growth, including the significant opportunity that upgauging brings, “ commented Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet. “With this order easyJet will be able to continue to cement its leading position at Europe’s primary airports and so we look forward to working in partnership with Airbus in the years to come.”

“Airbus is delighted to be accompanying easyJet in its fleet growth and renewal. Its Airbus fleet allows easyJet to differentiate its offering in its competitive market with the most state-of-the-art, modern and comfortable aircraft,” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus. “easyJet and Airbus both are strong advocates for the aviation sector to de-carbonise. This significant investment into the most fuel efficient and SAF-capable aircraft is a testimony to our joint commitment in this respect. Bravo easyJet, and thank you!”

The A320neo Family is the world’s most popular single aisle having won over 18,000 orders from nearly 140 customers in all markets. The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximizing passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky. As with all Airbus aircraft, the entire A320 Family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with up to 100% SAF by 2030.

Lufthansa surprises Airbus by ordering up to 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets

Lufthansa has walked away from ordering more Airbus A320neo jets partly because of a long order backlog and jumped at a massive discount offered by U.S. planemaker Boeing for agreeing to buy up to 100 737-MAX jets.

Europe's largest airline group has placed a firm order of 40 Boeing 737-MAX 8 aeroplanes with an option to purchase up to 60 frames. Lufthansa is understood to have secured a discount of over 40% on the list price for the MAX 8 aircraft. Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG said the order was a strategic decision for the Lufthansa Group as it had been co-developer and launch customer of the 737.  

"Our relationship with the Lufthansa Group has led to a number of industry-changing achievements and we are delighted to see the 737 return to an original launch customer's fleet," said Stan Deal, president and CEO, of Boeing Commercial Aeroplanes. 

However, the German love for Airbus has not been lost completely,  the group has placed an order for an additional 40 A220-300s to bolster its short and medium-haul fleet. The A220 has been in service with the Group since 2016 when SWISS put the first aircraft into scheduled service.

Carsten Spohr said that with the order of 40 A220s, the group was "continuing our unique partnership with Airbus, just a few months ago, as the largest airline customer, we received our 600th aircraft from Airbus, and we look forward to taking delivery of number 700. Our customers are looking forward to these additional modern, economical, and fuel-efficient aircraft."

"The Lufthansa Group was one of the first customers for the A220 and has successfully operated the aircraft in its SWISS route network ever since. We are delighted by this testimony of confidence from our long-standing partner and customer," said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. “As the only clean sheet design aircraft and specifically designed for the 100-150 seat market the A220 is the most efficient solution in its category to support Lufthansa Group meeting its exciting airline development and sustainability objectives.”

The latest state-of-the-art A220-300 is the larger sibling of the successful A220 Family, carrying between 120 to 150 passengers on flights of up to 3,400 nautical miles (6,300 km). The aircraft offers 25% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft. It also has the largest cabin, seats and windows in its class, ensuring superior comfort. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). 

By the end of November, Airbus won 849 orders from 31 customers for the A220, of which 303 have been delivered. The A220 is already in successful service with 18 airlines worldwide on 1,350+ routes.

Finnair acquired six previously leased aircraft and repaid a part of its pension premium loan

Finnair executed a rights issue of 570 million euros in November 2023 which has strengthened the balance sheet and cash funds and has enabled the carrier to purchase six previously leased A321 aircraft from BOC Aviation. 

Finnair said the transaction will cost €200 million and will boost cash flow by about €20 million per year over the next few years.

Finnair has also repaid an additional tranche of €120 million of its 600-million-euro pension premium loan in December in addition to the previously planned 100-million-euro instalment. The December instalment, including interest, totals approximately 230 million euros, after which the remaining loan amount is 280 million euros, to be repaid during May 2025 at the latest. The impact of the additional loan repayment of 120 million euros on profit before taxes will be approximately 3 million euros in 2024 in the form of lower net interest costs.

In connection with the rights issue announcement in autumn 2023, Finnair supplemented its financial targets, which were based on the assumption that e.g. the company's cash to sales ratio would remain at 30 per cent over time. As a result of the aircraft purchases and the loan repayment, Finnair's cash to sales ratio is close to but still exceeds the target of 30 per cent.

These measures are a part of Finnair's strategy implementation and support reaching financial targets by the end of 2025. In addition, these measures will contribute to reaching Finnair’s target of reinstating shareholder distributions, based on the 2024 result, starting from spring 2025.

Hong Kong ready to light up the new year sky....

As the world eagerly anticipates the arrival of 2024, all eyes will turn to Hong Kong for the city's grandest New Year's Eve firework display to date on December 31, 2023 (Sunday). Against the backdrop of the Hong Kong skyline, spectators will be treated to a 12-minute fireworks musical, surpassing any seen before in both scale and duration in Hong Kong.

As the clock inches closer to midnight, the façade of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) will be adorned with a large-scale countdown clock. At the stroke of midnight, the numerals 2024 will light up the harborfront building, setting off a synchronized extravaganza featuring a breathtaking display of fireworks, a harmonious blend of artistic fusion music and a vibrant light show. This spectacle is intended to excite audiences around the world as Hong Kong welcomes 2024.

The fireworks will take audiences through the four seasons, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and the promise of new beginnings. From the serene beauty of winter to the vibrant colours of summer, the pyrotechnics will embody the essence of each season. The accompanying music has been curated to enhance the experience.

The grand countdown will ignite a mesmerizing audiovisual experience, blending energetic electronic beats, enchanting classical melodies, and the rich timbres of traditional Chinese instruments. This artistic fusion of music represents Hong Kong's unique blend of old and new, bridging Eastern and Western cultures in a captivating display.

Azul orders 4 Airbus A330-900

 

Azul discloses a firm order for four additional A330-900 from a purchase agreement signed in June 2023. With these aircraft, the airline will expand its fleet and international route offering.

“We are proud to announce this order, as it confirms Azul as the airline with the most fuel- efficient fleet in the region, with over 80% of our capacity coming from next-generation aircraft. With the five A330neos we currently operate and the seven we now have on order, we will standardize our international fleet, allowing us to further enhance Azul’s renowned customer experience and on-time performance,” said Alexandre Malfitani, Azul’s Chief Financial Officer.

“Azul’s re-confirmed confidence in the A330neo underscores once again, that the A330neo's economics and performance are making a true difference in Azul’s widebody strategy, coming out on top of the competition," says Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. "While Azul will leverage the full potential of Airbus' unique commonality between its A330 and A320 Family fleets, passengers can rave about a spacious, best-in-class cabin experience - and this on every long-haul flight the airline offers on its attractive, globally growing network.”

JetBlue Foundation celebrates 10 years of enhancing access and inspiring careers in aviation

JetBlue is proud to celebrate the JetBlue Foundation’s successful decade of inspiring humanity beyond air travel. For the last 10 years, the JetBlue Foundation has continued the airline’s efforts to place aviation top-of-mind as a career choice for students by igniting youth interest throughout JetBlue’s network to explore careers in aviation. The Foundation’s mission centers on providing underrepresented youth, such as those in gender and racial minority groups, with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) resources to help the next generation of aviators soar in the boardrooms and hangars of the future.

The JetBlue Foundation is the first and only airline nonprofit dedicated solely to championing diversity in STEM and aviation education, fostering accessible career pathways for the next generation in aviation. Since 2013, the JetBlue Foundation has built lasting relationships with more than 100 STEM- and aviation-focused programs across 16 states plus Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Ecuador and the United Kingdom. Along with mentorships and program support, the JetBlue Foundation has provided over $2.9 million in grants and in-kind support to help these organizations soar, in turn impacting over 40,000 children along the journey.

STARLUX Airlines celebrates inaugural San Francisco - Taiwan service

Taiwan-based luxury carrier STARLUX Airlines has expanded its services between Taipei and the U.S. with a new nonstop flight to San Francisco. The new route complements the carrier's other U.S. service to  Los Angeles.

STARLUX now flies one of its four next-generation A350 thrice weekly between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). Flight JX011 will leave San Francisco each Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 11:40 p.m. and arrive in Taipei at 5:30 a.m. two days later. Flight JX012 will leave Taipei at 11:20 p.m. and arrive in San Francisco at 6:15 p.m. on the same days. The Airline will ramp up to daily flights on March 20, 2024.

The first flight saw celebrations at gate B5 at San Francisco International Airport with various special guests. STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai said: “The launch of our San Francisco to Taiwan route tops off an amazing series of milestones for STARLUX. In January 2020, we took to the skies with three intra-Asia flights. Three years on, by staying focused on our vision and ambition, we have expanded our network and now fly to 22 destinations. We launched our inaugural transpacific flight to Los Angeles in April, and now celebrate our second US destination, San Francisco. Now U.S. travellers has two transpacific US-to-Taipei routes to experience luxury travel with STARLUX and can look forward to enjoying more new routes as we expand a strong U.S. network.”

EL AL and Delta Air Lines confirm new codeshare deal....

EL AL and Delta Air Lines, leading airlines in Israel and the US, are launching a new cooperation: a codeshare agreement, loyalty club rewards, and benefits that members of both clubs can enjoy. The partnership offers passengers all the benefits of both airlines, with an expanded network of routes, and a more diverse range of gateways in the United States, Canada, Mexico and throughout Latin America, all with a single ticket.

Delta customers flying from North America will be able to fly on EL AL’s nonstop services from New York-JFK, New York-Newark, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale to Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, EL AL’s code will be added to Delta's non-stop Tel Aviv flights (once restored), as well as up to 280 same-day connections via Delta’s U.S. gateways in New York-JFK, Boston, and Los Angeles to destinations including Atlanta, Washington DC, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Seattle, Dallas, and Toronto.

“Delta remains steadfast in our long-time commitment to serving consumers and businesses who depend on convenient, high-quality air service to and from Tel Aviv," said Alain Bellemare, Delta President - International. "Through our codeshare agreement with EL AL, we will offer customers more convenient travel options between North America and Israel.”

“The start of this codeshare agreement between Delta Air Lines and EL AL offers customers access to convenient one-stop services from Israel to cities throughout the Americas and welcomes new North American customers to EL AL's world class service to and from Tel Aviv,” said Shlomi Zafrany, EL AL V.P. - Commerical and Industry Affairs.

“We are proud on this cooperation with Delta whom I see as a valued long-term partner,” said Dina Ben Tal Ganancia, EL AL CEO.

Delta and EL AL customers will be able to earn and redeem miles on each other’s services on Delta’s SkyMiles and EL AL’s Matmid frequent flyer programs. Effective Jan. 15, both airlines will offer reciprocal benefits to their top tier frequent flyer members like preferred seat access, priority check-in and boarding, additional baggage allowance, and lounge access (where applicable).

It should be noted that Delta has cancelled flights between the U.S. and Tel Aviv because of ongoing conflict in the region.  The carrier advised it was continuously monitoring the security environment in Israel to inform cancellations to the flight schedule to and from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. 

Delta flights between TLV and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)  will continue to be cancelled until March 29, 2024. Delta in October suspended booking for TLV flights to and from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS); those services remain suspended.

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IndiGo to add Ayodhya as the 86th domestic destination to its network...

Flights from Delhi and Ahmedabad to start commercial operations in January 2024

 

IndiGo, India’s preferred carrier, is delighted to add Ayodhya, in Uttar Pradesh, as the 86th domestic destination and 118th overall destination, in the 6E network. IndiGo will also have the honour of being the first carrier to operate from the soon-to-be inaugurated Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport in Ayodhya. The inaugural flight from Delhi will arrive in Ayodhya on December 30, 2023. Subsequently, commercial operations for a direct flight will commence between Delhi and Ayodhya from January 06, 2024, followed by tri-weekly flights between Ahmedabad and Ayodhya from January 11, 2024.

With the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya scheduled for January 2024, the city is poised for a significant surge in travel activity. These new flights will provide pilgrims direct access to Ayodhya, from Delhi and Ahmedabad and further across the unparalleled 6E network across India and overseas. 

Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo said, "We are delighted to announce the launch of operations from IndiGo's 86th domestic destination, Ayodhya. The new flights connecting Delhi-Ayodhya and Ahmedabad-Ayodhya will bring Ayodhya on the country’s aviation map. Given Ayodhya's historical and cultural significance, our new flights will provide ease of access to the city for pilgrims as well as other tourists. As India’s leading carrier, it is our endeavour to provide our customers with seamless connectivity across the country and we are committed to delivering on our promise of providing affordable, on-time, courteous, and hassle-free travel experiences.”

Ayodhya stands as a city of profound historical and cultural importance in India. For centuries, it has been a cornerstone of religious devotion, serving as the sacred birthplace of Lord Rama. The city boasts a plethora of renowned ancient temples, ghats, and sacred sites that draw pilgrims and tourists from across the globe. Among these landmarks, the upcoming Ram Mandir holds a prominent place, which will attract worshippers from across the globe.

Loganair gets ready to say goodbye to Saab340 aircraft with special flights....

All good things must come to an end.....

To commemorate the retirement of the iconic SAAB fleet, Scottish regional airline Loganair will be operating some special retirement flights in January 2024.

Having completed over 430,000 flights and transported more than 8 million passengers, the Saab 340 holds a special place in Loganair's heritage. To commemorate this extraordinary record of service, the airline is throwing open the hangar doors to say farewell to the Saab 340s – with the opportunity to fly on a specially arranged flight aboard the Saab 340s on their final weekend in service or tour of the Glasgow Hangar for a last chance to see the aircraft before it leaves the fleet. The hangar tours will run on Sunday, 21st January, between 10 am & 12 pm and an afternoon tour between 1 pm and 3 pm with limited places available.

Loganair is known as one of the only airlines in the world to use the SAAB within its commercial operation and has become a much-loved plane over the 24 years it's been in service. The special flights will take place on Saturday 20th, and Sunday 21st of January 2024, these will be short-circuit flights and cost £89 per person, including a commemorative gift bag. Hangar tours will be £25 per person. The flights will be approximately 45 minutes in duration, touring the West Coast – of course, the precise routings will be subject to weather conditions on the day and at the captain’s discretion.

Loganair has promised that it will be planting a tree in the re-emerging Caledonian Forest for each and every customer flying on these special flights.  

Saab 340 Retirement Celebrations

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Crew: 2 pilots 1 cabin crew

Capacity: 33/34

Seat pitch: 30in

Range: 919mi 1480km

Cruise speed: 299mph 481km/h

Loganair's charismatic CEO Jonathan Hinkles said:  "I very much hope that this celebration will allow us to mark all that has been achieved with the Saab 340 in its formidable run of service with us, and create memorable opportunities for many interested folk outside Loganair to take part in these events alongside us too. Although everyone who has flown, maintained, serviced and managed these aircraft during their 24½ years with us has been integral to the building of the modern-day Loganair with the Saab 340, the eight million customers who have flown with us on over 430,000 Saab 340 flights have also been fundamental too, so it’s important that we share this occasion outside Loganair as well.   We might just have another surprise or two in prospect as part of the celebrations!"

Pioneering air traffic control simulations pave the way for eVTOL operations

A new generation of greener aviation has taken a leap forward following the UK’s first major air traffic control simulations for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), demonstrating how eVTOL – electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft or ‘flying taxis’ – could one day be safely integrated with conventional air traffic.

The simulations were the latest milestone for the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium, a group of leading aviation, technology and transport organisations demonstrating the commercial and operational viability of AAM. The consortium is a Future Flight Challenge programme jointly funded by UK Research and Innovation and includes Vertical Aerospace, Virgin Atlantic, AtkinsRéalis, Skyports, NATS, Heathrow, Bristol and London City airports, Connected Places Catapult, Cranfield University and WMG – University of Warwick.

The tests are a pivotal step ahead of the consortium’s planned real-world demonstration flight in late 2024 and lay the groundwork for a new generation of electric aircraft becoming commonplace in our skies.

The air traffic control service, NATS successfully simulated eVTOL flights from Bristol Airport through the airspace around Farnborough Airport, and then onto London City Airport. The flights operated alongside traditional air traffic and in controlled airspace without any impact on conventional operations.

More services between Reading and Gatwick Airport as new December timetable kicks in

Great Western Railway is to double the number of direct trains between Reading and Gatwick Airport as part of its new December timetable. 

Two trains an hour will now operate to/from the airport Monday to Saturday, extending the service which currently terminates at Redhill, making a half-hourly direct service and reflecting the airport’s welcome recovery in passenger numbers. 

Services have also been slightly retimed to even out the timetable and give a regular xx24 and xx54 departure from Reading, and a xx29 and xx59 departure from Gatwick. 

GWR Station Manager for the North Downs line, Andrew Gallaugher, said: “We are really pleased to be able to further improve the services we offer to and from the airport.  

Supporting the local economy, investing in the railway and enabling more people to make sustainable transport choices is really important to us, and this is another step forward for customers of the North Downs Line.”