Thai Airways oders for 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliners......

Thai Airways has placed an order for 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets to grow its international route network and help to modernize its entire fleet.  The carrier, despite a reorganization, is looking to open new routes to support high demand for air travel across Southeast Asia.

"To accomplish our company's and the national carbon neutral goals by 2050, the 45 new Boeing 787 Dreamliners will be equipped with GEnx engines, which are known for their cutting-edge technology and reduced environmental impact," said Chai Eamsiri, Thai Airways CEO. "Furthermore, we are confident that the acquisition of the 787 Dreamliners will ultimately benefit our customers and support the growth of our country's economy."

Thai Airways already benefits from a long relationship with planemaker Boeing and already flies widebody jets including 777s and 787s on a network that features nearly 60 domestic and international destinations. 

Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing said: "Thai Airways' strategic investment in the 787 Dreamliner builds on our long-standing partnership and signifies the airline's commitment to operate a modern, efficient and flexible fleet," said  "This order will support Thai Airways' ability to meet demand, foster tourism and trade, and create further opportunities for this carrier."

This order was actually finalized back in December 2023, and was listed as unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website because the planemaker wanted to boost its public profile during the Singapore Airshow. 

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RTX's Pratt & Whitney Canada adds helicopter engine overhaul capability at Singapore facility.

Pratt & Whitney Canada announced this week it will expand its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities by creating a new overhaul line in Singapore for its PT6C-67C engines, which power the Leonardo AW139 medium-twin helicopter. Pratt & Whitney is an RTX  business.

The Singapore facility was chosen as the location for the new overhaul line in response to a growing demand for advanced maintenance solutions for the P6TC-67C engine and the evolving needs of customers around the world. A new modular test cell will also be established at the facility as part of the new capability setup. The new overhaul line and test cell are expected to be fully operational by 2025.

"Our Singapore facility provides a variety of comprehensive service solutions and MRO capabilities for customers in the Asia-Pacific," said Irene Makris, vice president, Customer Service, Pratt & Whitney Canada. "There are over 600 PT6C-67C engines in service in the region, and we expect that number will continue to grow. We continue to build our presence globally to ensure we provide rapid, top-quality services to operators by optimizing operations, creating capacity, and increasing customer proximity."

A significant milestone in the transition to decarbonising the aviation sector has been made this week.......

Photo by Arno Senoner on Unsplash

OXCCU, a spinout from Oxford University, has revolutionised the process of creating sustainable, economically efficient, and scalable Jet fuel in a groundbreaking one-step process.

SAF is the future of the aviation industry, and OXCCU is at the forefront of this transformation. Their technology not only addresses the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector but also offers a commercially viable solution that aligns with the global sustainability agenda. The OXCCU process is unique amongst other SAF products in Europe due to its one-step technology, which can produce high-value jet fuel at scale.

OXCCU’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is called OXEFUEL, created by combining captured carbon dioxide and renewably sourced green hydrogen using a novel iron-based catalyst. This innovative process results in a more cost-effective and decarbonised alternative to fossil-based Jet A fuel for commercial air travel. OXEFUEL has been independently tested and verified in collaboration with Imperial College London, finding that the novel process reduces the capital cost by 50%.

Following the recent announcement from Chee Hong Tat at the Changi Aviation Summit on the eve of the Singapore Airshow, that the country aims for a 1% SAF target from 2026 and plans to raise it to 3-5% by 2030, OXCCU’s Co-Founder and CEO, Andrew Symes said: "Singapore's decision to mandate the use of SAF for all departing flights by 2026, with plans to reach 3-5% usage by 2030, is a significant milestone in the transition to decarbonising the aviation sector. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has signalled operational readiness for SAF, setting a precedent for other nations to follow suit.

With the EU leading the way with RefuelEU, we're now seeing other countries and regions, this time notably in Asia, recognising the importance of legislation to achieve aviation emissions targets. This decision amplifies the message that transitioning to SAF is a necessity rather than a choice.

Increasing SAF supply through technologies such as OXCCU will be pivotal to achieving the mandates as we move away from petroleum-based jet fuel."

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Singapore to require departing flights to use sustainable fuel from 2026

Photo by shawnanggg on Unsplash

Singapore plans to require all flights departing the country to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from 2026, its transport minister said on Monday, as the city-state joins the global aviation industry's efforts to switch to greener fuel, reports Lisa Barrington and Brenda Goh.

Under the plan, announced by Chee Hong Tat at the Changi Aviation Summit on the eve of the Singapore Airshow, the country aims for a 1% SAF target from 2026 and plans to raise it to 3-5% by 2030, subject to global developments and the wider availability and adoption of SAF.

"The use of SAF is a critical pathway for the decarbonisation of aviation and is expected to contribute around 65% of the carbon emission reduction needed to achieve net zero by 2050," the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), which developed the plan in consultation with industry and other stakeholders, said in a statement.

SAF can be made either through a synthetic processes or from biological materials, like used cooking oil or wood chips. SAF currently accounts for 0.2% of the jet fuel market.

The aviation industry says this will rise to 65% by 2050 as part of a plan to reach "net zero" emissions by then, though that will require an estimated $1.45 trillion to $3.2 trillion of capital spending.

Airline jobs.....

SAS   LOADER SUMMER 2024

City: Stockholm-Arlanda

Job Function:  Passenger/Traffic handling

Apply for a summer job as an aircraft loader at SAS Ground Handling Arlanda!

 

SUMMER TEMP/PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT starting in the spring of 2024. The position is a fixed-term employment until the end of August 2024/until further notice with a 6-month probationary period. Degree of employment: 50% or 75%.

As a ramp worker, the job is varied and fast-paced! Your duties include all tasks related to both the arrival and departure of the aircraft, which means, among other things, that customers' luggage must be sorted, loaded, transported and unloaded in an efficient and safe manner.

Working at SAS is characterized by a strong team spirit where we always prioritize Safety First.

To fit into the role, you are a confident and independent person with a positive attitude. You enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same.

You enjoy working with others and sharing your knowledge. You see the value in giving and receiving feedback, both positive and constructive.

We are looking for someone who is in good physical shape and likes to work with the body – to never sit still.

Further, we see that you are:

Responsible

Stress-resistant

Flexible

Qualifications for the position

Turned 18

Category B driving licence for automatic or manual gearbox. It is meritorious to have a C driver's license

Excerpt from the police's criminal records without remarks and security clearance through the Swedish Transport Agency before the start of the training. To meet these requirements, you must be able to prove what you have done in the last 5 years in the form of references and supporting documentation, such as certificates and grades.

See more info here: https://www.sakerhetspolisen.se/sakerhetsskydd/sakerhetsprovning.html

Alcohol and drug test without remark during the hiring process

Be able to get to Arlanda at all hours of the day - from early mornings to late evenings both during weekdays and weekends

Very good knowledge of Swedish and English

Experience of shift work is an advantage

What we offer

Fun working days with nice colleagues

Paid loader training

Favourable collective agreements with good OB supplements when working in the evenings and weekends

Mobile phone

Friskvårdsbidrag

Staff discounts at Arlanda's shops and restaurants

Free training at our gym at Arlanda 

The chance of hourly employment after the summer if needed

More details and to apply,   please visit here.

Breeze Airways discloses order for 10 additional A220 aircraft

Breeze Airways announces all-A220 commercial operation by the end of 2024

Breeze Airways has disclosed an order for 10 additional A220-300 aircraft, bringing the airline’s total firm order for the aircraft type to 90, making Breeze the third largest customer worldwide for the A220.

“Thanks to its world-class performance capabilities, the A220 is the perfect aircraft to help Breeze achieve its goal to provide nonstop service between underserved routes across the United States,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, Airbus. “The aircraft offers efficient operations and an outstanding passenger experience, all while operating with the world's lowest small single-aisle carbon footprint and a lower noise footprint in the communities where it flies. This additional order from Breeze is a strong endorsement for the value and opportunities offered by this latest generation aircraft.”

In addition to its positive cabin experience, the aircraft plays an important role in helping decrease airline operating costs and environmental impact. The aircraft can fly non-stop up to 3,600 nautical miles or 6,700 kilometres. Offering 25% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, the A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market. Combining state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF™ engines, the A220 brings customers a 50% reduced noise footprint when compared to previous generation aircraft and around 40% lower NOx emissions than industry standards. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 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.

RAF ground elements work with other nations on Spears of Victory 24

Spears of Victory 24 - the main Saudi run air exercise of the year - draws to a close, and an important element of the exercise for the RAF detachment was to take the opportunity to work with the other nations that also took part. 

Spears of Victory 24, as in previous years, is a multi-national air training exercise that is run by the Royal Saudi Air Force. The facilities include six maintenance hangars capable of accommodating two aircraft each, together with 24 aircraft sun shelters. 

This year, the detachments from France, Greece, Qatar, the UAE and the US, together with the RAF, were allocated one hangar each and six sun shades.  The exercise has therefore created the daily opportunity of interaction between all of the ground elements of the detachments to meet and share how they work.

The ground support element of the RAF deployed personnel included XI (Fighter) Squadron Engineers, the Detachment Logistic Group and other augmentees to provide the full range of the various staff functions that form a Headquarters Forward function.

In addition to the DLG other enablers that deployed on the exercise including personnel from the Tactical Medical Wing, to provide a link into the Saudi medical system if required.  RAF Police also deployed to work with RSAF security personnel.

“The first task for the DLG was to deploy all of the exercise personnel and all of the freight. We have something called a Force Element Table and the Pre Equipment Package, which we bring out for the fighter squadron. On top of that we're supporting the move for all of the kit for elements such as the Tactical Med Wing and 90 Signals Unit detachments."

Flight Lieutenant Boyle

DLG Commander deployed on Spears of Victory 24

“Once we're all set up into the location and the exercise, our role then is to really maintain the supply of equipment needed. Each individual element, including the squadron, might require things. It could be anything from an ink cartridge to an aircraft spare and it's our responsibility to be able to supply that. This will be either from the equipment that we brought with us or we might need to source that back from the UK or other locations, or even source that from within location or the exercise."

Flight Lieutenant Boyle
DLG Commander deployed on Spears of Victory 24 

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Eclipse viewing at 30,000 feet: Delta to offer path-of-totality flight

If you’ve ever wanted to experience a total solar eclipse from the sky, Delta has you covered this April.

The airline is offering a special flight from Austin to Detroit on April 8, 2024, specifically for umbraphiles to be able to spend as much time as possible directly within the path of totality.

Delta flight 1218 will be specifically operated on an A220-300, which will offer especially premium viewing due to the aircraft’s extra-large windows. The flight will depart from Austin at 12:15 p.m. CT and land in Detroit at 4:20 p.m. ET — timed to give those on board the best chance of viewing the solar eclipse at its peak.*

“This flight is the result of significant collaboration and exemplifies the close teamwork Delta is known for — from selecting an aircraft with larger windows to determining the exact departure time from Austin and the experiences at the gate and in the air,” said Eric Beck, Managing Director of Domestic Network Planning. “Thanks to teams across the company, the idea of viewing a total eclipse from the air will become a reality for our customers.”

Even if you aren’t on this special flight, Delta travellers will also have prime eclipse-viewing opportunities on five additional routes on April 8, so don’t forget your protective viewing glasses if you’re on these flights:

DL 5699, DTW-HPN, 2:59 pm EST departure, ERJ-175

DL 924, LAX-DFW, 8:40 am PST departure, A320

DL 2869, LAX-SAT, 9:00 am PST departure, A319

DL 1001, SLC-SAT, 10:08 am MST departure, A220-300

DL 1683, SLC-AUS, 9:55 am MST departure, A320

And for those who would rather catch the solar event from the ground, Delta flies to many destinations that are within the path of totality, including AUS, San Antonio (SAT), and Little Rock, Ark. (LIT).

“The April 8 eclipse is the last total eclipse we’ll see over North America until 2044,” said Warren Weston, Delta Air Lines Lead Meteorologist. “This eclipse will last more than twice as long as the one that occurred in 2017, and the path is nearly twice as wide.”

*While Delta flight plans have been designed to maximize time within the path of totality, this is subject to change due to factors outside of Delta’s control such as weather and air traffic control that could impact timing and aircraft.

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Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita retains the Forbes Travel Guide five star rating for the 5th year in a row

Situated along one of the island’s largest natural lagoons on the east coast, Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita features stunning scenery, fringed by azure blue waters and a natural coral reef. The stand-alone accommodation options - ranging from one-bedroom villas to multi-bedroom Private Retreats – along with a diverse range of dining and resort experiences make idyllic island vacations truly memorable.

Five Years, Five Stars

Recognising not just the Resort setting, but also the quintessential Four Seasons service, Forbes Travel Guide 2024 has once again awarded the Resort with Five Stars. The only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises, Forbes Travel Guide announced its Star Awards 2024, revealing that the Resort has been given Five Stars once again (the highest category). “The watermark that underlines any Four Seasons experience is our unrivalled attention to detail and an excellence in service and experiences,” says Martin Dell, General Manager. “We are incredibly proud and honoured to have retained the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star award: our focus is to make every experience personal and fulfilling – for our guests as well as our colleagues.”

Limitless Possibilities

Special access to two spectacular golf courses, one designed by Ernie Els and a signature course by Bernhard Langer on the adjacent Ile Aux Cerfs, make this a dream destination for golf enthusiasts. “With dramatic volcanic rock formations juxtaposed against the impossibly green tropical foliage, it can be hard to stay focused on the putting greens,” smiles Armelle Duval, Director of Rooms. Besides golf, the Resort offers a wide range of seaside activities, from kayaking and sailing to snorkelling out into the reef, and even fishing excursions into the deeper blue. The expansive property boasts seven dining options including the latest opening - the premium grill-house concept Upper Cut. “From exquisite pan-Asian flavours at Umi.Zaka to the rustic Italian fare at Acquapazza, our distinct concepts cater to all palates,” adds Duval.

Award Winning Relaxation

Recognized for its continued excellence, the Resort’s overwater Spa has been bestowed with Four Stars for its unique concept, combining local organic ingredients with sophisticated skincare products. “Impactful and innovative are our two mantras at the spa,” explains Joelle Jennepy, Senior Director of Spa. “We pride ourselves on curating experiences such that every individual gets a personalised holistic healing.”

Finnair's Board of Directors decided on a new period for the long-term incentive plan for management and experts

Performance-based incentive plan for management and experts

The Board of Directors of Finnair has, as part of the existing long-term incentive scheme structure, approved a new individual performance share plan period covering the years 2024–2026. Within the plan, the participants have the opportunity to earn Finnair shares as a long-term incentive reward, if the performance targets set by the Board of Directors for the plan are achieved. The participants include the Finnair Executive Board as well as other management and experts. The purpose of the plan is to incentivise the participants to work for increased shareholder value in the long-term, and to increase retention.

The annually commencing performance share plans have three-year performance periods. The potential share rewards will be delivered to the participants in one tranche after the performance period and they are at the participants’ free disposal after delivery. The potential share rewards will be delivered to the participants in the spring 2027.

The members of Finnair’s Executive Board are expected to retain at least fifty per cent of the net shares received based on the arrangement until their share ownership in Finnair corresponds to at least their annual gross base salary.

City of Derry / London Heathrow route secured

Economy Minister Conor Murphy recently confirmed that funding to protect the continuation of the flights from the City of Derry Airport (CoDA) to London Heathrow is assured.

The route, which is jointly funded by the Department for Transport and the Department for the Economy, provides critical connectivity from the north-west to London. The funding of £1.018m begins on 1 April 2024 for one year, with airline Loganair set to continue operating 20 return flights a week.

The Minister said:  “Funding this route between City of Derry Airport and London Heathrow was an early priority for me as Economy Minister. The route connects the North West to London which helps thousands of people to travel to work and conduct business. This investment also protects jobs for airport workers and their families.

I look forward to working with the airport and my colleague, the Minister for Infrastructure, John O’Dowd, to develop CoDA as part of building the North West economy.”

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said:   “Our ports and airports play a vital role in our local economy and are important regional drivers of economic growth. I am committed to working with the Minister for the Economy to listen to the case brought forward by Derry City and Strabane District Council for support for CoDA, and to working together with the rest of the Executive to identify ways to support our airports.”

Welcoming the announcement Steve Frazer, City of Derry Airport Managing Director said:  “Continuation of this connectivity from City of Derry Airport to London Heathrow is vital for the Northwest region to support our economic growth, improving both our business and tourism opportunities. Coupled with the fastest and most convenient access to central London, the route also provides onward connectivity to 119 destinations across 56 countries. With this core route now secured thanks to Minister Murphy’s announcement today, improved regional connectivity will help drive our inward investment and growth opportunities across the Northwest.

We also very much welcome the visit of Minister O’Dowd, and look forward to working with his department to finalise a support package which will ensure the airport continues to contribute to the economic growth of our region for some years to come, something which has not been possible to achieve without Ministers in place.”

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Boracay remains AirAsia Philippines’ top island destination for 2024

Boracay continues to remain AirAsia Philippines’ fast-moving getaway destination for individual and group travellers prevailing over Bohol, Cebu, and Puerto Princesa.

Latest AirAsia data shows that 250,000 guests have already planned and booked their flights to the island for travel from February, March, April, and May. This is already 72% of last year’s 377,000 guests flown to the island. The increasing figure is expected to contribute to Boracay’s economy, especially since the Department of Tourism and the Local Government of Aklan expect over 2.3 million tourists to visit the island this year.

“Boracay is top 3 in our most visited domestic destinations. It is not just the summer when we see an influx of guests flying to Boracay, but all year round. During the pandemic, this island was a haven for remote work set-up. Now, the island has regained its fame for short and long vacations”, AirAsia Head of Communications and Public Affairs and First Officer Steve Dailisan shares.  

To provide more convenience, especially for guests who are planning to extend their vacation on the paradise island, the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline’s travel partner - TravelOnlinePH officially opened its Travel & Service Center right on the epicentre of Boracay to cater to tourists who would like to either have their tickets rebooked or book other flights elsewhere, find cheap hotels, activities, and other travel offerings, with the assistance of dedicated travel experts.

Situated at Station 2, AirAsia’s Travel & Service Center is very accessible to guests since its location is also within close range of mid-range hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, and bars.   

“Guests fly to the island to unwind and spend their holiday and we intend to always make their flight booking concerns hassle-free. TravelOnlinePH has always been an offline reliable partner and we extend our warmest congratulations as they achieve this milestone,” Dailisan added.

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Unique Northern Lapland is attractive in every season – learn more about Ivalo Airport

Ivalo is the northernmost airport in Finland. The airport provides passengers with smooth connections to the ruggedly beautiful Lapland.

Ivalo Airport in Northern Lapland has been serving passengers for more than 80 years. The beautiful rugged scenery of Northern Lapland attracts tourists both from Finland and abroad.

In 2023, a total of 220,000 passengers travelled via Ivalo Airport. The airport is the busiest in winter, and in December there are about seven scheduled and chartered flights a day.

The airport’s terminal offers a unique experience for tourists. Reindeer can also often be spotted in the vicinity of the airport!

Currently, there are direct flights to Ivalo from four European destinations: Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Paris and Zürich. There are also domestic flights to Ivalo from Helsinki.

The Airport Manager’s tips for Ivalo

From Ivalo, you can travel smoothly to Northern Lapland’s unique attractions all year round. Ivalo Airport Manager Jarmo Pyhäjärvi shares his travel tips for the Ivalo area.

Popular tourist destinations, such as Lake Inari and Saariselkä, are within easy reach of Ivalo Airport. There are also many other great destinations and holiday villages in Northern Lapland – for example, igloo hotels are popular among tourists.

The fells and the atmospheric polar night of Northern Lapland delight tourists during the winter season. In the summertime, you can experience the magic of a nightless night in Ivalo, and in the autumn you can enjoy the colourful autumn foliage.

Learn more about Ivalo Airport

Year of establishment: Ivalo Airport was established in 1943.

Employees: The airport employs a total of 12 people, and that figure goes up to almost 50 during the high season.

Number of passengers: In 2023, there were 220,000 air passengers.

Flight connections: Ivalo is served by direct flights from four different destinations in Europe. Air traffic is at its busiest during the winter season.

 Ivalo • Finavia

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Facilities include:

Airport Cafe Ivalo - restaurant in the airport gate area

Opening hours:   Open according to scheduled departures.

In the café, you can enjoy a variety of stuffed breads as well as sweet pastries.

You can choose refreshments or a tasty cappuccino as a snack button.

The café also has A-rights. Most products you can take with you on board as takeaway portions.

Airport Cafe Ivalo Shop

Open according to departure schedules.

Buy fabulous souvenirs, sweets and cosmetics from the store in the gate area.

Fireplace, Ivalo

Lounge area.

Sit back in the Ounas chair and relax in front of the fireplace with hot chocolate.

The sleek wooden chairs are produced by the Rovaniemi-based company Treeform.

Rocking chairs, Ivalo Airport

Location: Terminal, gate area

Opening hours:  During terminal opening hours

The calming effect of rocking chairs is known to many, which is why we have brought them to your use. The aim is also to increase coziness and create calmer spaces where you can spend your own time.

Ivalo, Design Center Shop

Location: Terminal, gate area

Opening hours:  Open according to departures.

The store has a comprehensive selection of Finnish design brands.

A wide range of everyday beauties to delight as a memory of the beautiful landscape of Ivalo.

Pharmacy, Ivalo

Location: Terminal, gate area

Opening hours:   Open according to departures

The Ivalo pharmacy service point is located in the gate area and serves departing passengers. The selection includes over-the-counter medicines, wound care products and other items that may be needed while travelling. The products are sold by the Airport Cafe Ivalo restaurant.

Unique Design Finland Oy, Ivalo

Location: Terminal 

Opening hours:  In accordance with air traffic schedules

Design Center, where we mainly sell Finnish design: Marimekko, Iittala, Pentik, Aarikka and our own women's clothing collection, ArcticQueen.

ArcticQueen was born on cold windy winter days when the draught was on its feet. Pirjo made long colourful leggings out of wool fabric. That's where it started and soon expanded: bracelets, collars, ponchos, and the patented Hallcape.

CFO Markus Binkert to leave SWISS after 19 years

SWISS Chief Financial Officer Markus Binkert has decided to leave the company after more than 19 years. He will take on new duties as CEO of the SV Group.

Chief Financial Officer Markus Binkert is to leave Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) after more than 19 years. He will take on new duties as CEO of the SV Group, which is active in various areas of the gastronomy and hotel management fields. Binkert will leave SWISS at the end of May. The search for his successor is under way.

“Our company has a lot to thank Markus Binkert for,” says SWISS CEO Dieter Vranckx. “In the numerous key positions that he has held over the years, Markus has consistently contributed to SWISS’s success – in good times and in tougher ones such as the pandemic years. As a vital member of our Management Board, Markus has been instrumental in helping to ensure that our airline stands on the firm financial foundation that it has today, debt-free and well positioned to meet and master the challenges ahead.”

“Markus has Swissness in his blood, and has ensured time and again that SWISS embodies and reflects Swiss values,” CEO Vranckx continues. “During his time as our Chief Commercial Officer in particular, he dedicated himself to our brands and our product development, putting Swiss quality firmly centre stage and, in doing so, making a huge contribution to our commercial success. I offer Markus my sincere thanks for his exceptional commitment to our company and for his outstanding team spirit; and I wish him all the very best and every further success.”

A tangible impact on the SWISS look

After serving in the strategic consultancy sector, Markus Binkert joined SWISS as Head of Global Key Accounts & Business Sales Switzerland in 2005. He went on to hold further positions in Product, Marketing and Distribution before being appointed to the SWISS Management Board as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) in 2013. In his CCO capacity Binkert had a strong and lasting impact on the entire SWISS look: his signature can still be seen today in the company’s aircraft interiors, its airport lounges and its inflight culinary offerings.

RTX's Pratt & Whitney Opens Expansion Site at Eagle Services Asia Facility in Singapore

(SINGAPORE AIRSHOW) Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, has announced the official opening of a 48,000 square-foot expansion of its Singapore-based engine centre, Eagle Services Asia (ESA). The facility will grow its GTF capacity by two-thirds this year.

"This expansion demonstrates our commitment to building industrial capacity by continuing to invest in our strategic sites around the world to support our customers," said Shang Meleschi, vice president of Aftermarket Operations – Asia Pacific and Türkiye at Pratt & Whitney. "We are bringing together talent from our engine centre, technologies from the Singapore Technology Accelerator and innovative practices from across Pratt & Whitney to improve MRO performance for our GTF fleet."

The transformative technology insertion applied across both ESA sites integrates robotics, automation and machine learning to increase efficiency, lower stress on machine operators and increase safety for key MRO processes.

These innovations include fully automated high-pressure compressor (HPC) rotor stacking, a Receive-in-Check Cobot that augments the work done by human inspectors and a robotic arm to install and remove HPC bearing sleeves.

ESA, a joint venture between SIA Engineering Company and Pratt & Whitney, is a member of the Pratt & Whitney GTF™ MRO network. Since introducing GTF MRO capability in 2019, the facility has already completed over 500 GTF engine overhauls.

In 2023, Pratt & Whitney announced three GTF MRO facility expansions and six shop activations to support the growing GTF fleet. There are currently 15 active GTF MRO engine centres around the world, with seven locations in the Asia Pacific region including ESA in Singapore, Korean Airlines in Korea, IHI and MHIAEL in Japan, MTU Maintenance Zhuhai and AMECO in China, and China Airlines in Taiwan. By 2025, the company expects to have 19 active GTF MRO shops worldwide.

The GTF MRO network is part of Pratt & Whitney EngineWise® solutions, which provide operators with a full range of aftermarket services resulting in long-term, sustainable value. Visit prattwhitney.com/enginewise for more information.

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Textron Aviation’s Cessna Skycourier chosen by Hinterland Aviation

Textron Aviation has confirmed a purchase agreement for the first Cessna SkyCourier passenger variant in Australia to regional airline Hinterland Aviation. The aircraft, expected to deliver in 2026, will add to Hinterland’s expansive fleet of Cessna Grand Caravans to provide a greater payload capacity and increased passenger seating. This fleet expansion will greatly benefit remote communities, as well as the tourism and business sectors in Queensland.  

The Cessna SkyCourier is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company and is a twin-engine, high-wing turboprop offers a combination of performance and lower operating costs for air freight, commuter and special mission operators. It’s available in both freighter and passenger versions. The 19-passenger variant includes crew and passenger doors for smooth boarding, as well as large cabin windows for natural light and views. Both configurations offer single-point pressure refuelling to enable faster turnarounds.

The freighter variant features a large door and a flat floor cabin that is sized to handle up to three LD3 shipping containers with an impressive 6,000 pounds of payload capability.

The aircraft is powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines and features the McCauley Propeller C779, a heavy-duty and reliable 110-inch aluminum four-blade propeller, which is full feathering with reversible pitch, designed to enhance the performance of the aircraft while hauling tremendous loads. The SkyCourier is operated with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and has a maximum cruise speed of more than 200 ktas. The SkyCourier has a 900 nautical-mile maximum range.

“The SkyCourier’s incredible performance makes it a reliable business tool for customers all over the world,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. “With the ability to load, fly, unload and repeat — along with low operating costs and maximum cabin flexibility — the SkyCourier is a game-changer in regional connectivity. This order not only showcases the SkyCourier’s unmatched capabilities globally, but also highlights Textron Aviation’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry.”

The Cessna SkyCourier is meticulously designed to deliver unparalleled performance, unwavering reliability and cost-effective maintenance. With the ability to be operated by a single pilot and a generous payload capacity, the SkyCourier is the ultimate solution for air freight, passenger and special mission needs. The aircraft is highly adaptable and can effortlessly adjust configurations to effectively complete any mission, ensuring a significant return on investment.

“We are thrilled to announce our order of the new Cessna SkyCourier. The aircraft will be a valuable addition to our fleet, allowing us to better serve our clients’ individual needs with room for 19 passengers and access to remote runways,” said Andrew Clair, CEO, Hinterland Aviation. “The SkyCourier will serve as an important tool to help grow our business, and we will be proud to be the first airline customer in Australia to operate this aircraft.”

Your travel planning isn’t complete without learning the language—or at least some essential phrases. Fully immerse yourself in the language, or use Phrasebook to learn travel essentials—the choice is yours!

How rapid growth in the US aviation industry means opportunities for suppliers

With its global aviation support business flying high, Artemis Aerospace is expanding stateside. Here’s why the company believes it’s the right time to go west.

According to the Airports Council International, the aviation industry is predicted to recover fully from the effects of COVID-19 in 2024, with passenger traffic estimated to reach 9.4 billion passengers. A report produced by IATA earlier in the year states that the demand for air travel is expected to double by 2040, growing at an annual average rate of 3.4%. It’s an impressive show of resilience in an industry which ground to an almost complete halt during the pandemic.

North America has made a strong recovery so far. IATA’s June 2023 report ‘Global Outlook for Air Transport’ says it’s the stand-out region in terms of financial performance; it was the first market to return to profitability in 2022. With the demand for air travel remaining high, it’s expected, by the end of 2023, to improve on this still further with an estimated net profit of US$11.5 billion.

The aviation industry is a generous contributor to the US economy. A new economic study released earlier this year by the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), the Alliance for Aviation Across America (AAAA), and the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) found that aviation in the USA supports over 1.1 million jobs and has an economic impact of over $246 billion every year; there are more than 4,800 public airports, 3,383 fixed-base operators, 4,144 repair stations, over 2,200 charter companies and 643 flight training operations.

RTX's Pratt & Whitney announces full operations of Singapore Technology Accelerator

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business has just announced the significant progress in advancing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) performance spearheaded by the opening of its Singapore Technology Accelerator (STA).

In September 2022, Pratt & Whitney announced the intent to establish the technology accelerator in collaboration with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). STA has since delivered over 30 innovations which will maximize the productivity in MRO processes. STA is also working with more than 20 Singapore companies to develop new, relevant technologies in the global commercial aviation sector.

Applied across four Pratt & Whitney Singapore-based MRO facilities, STA technology projects focus on automation, advanced inspection, connected factory and digital twin, developed to improve MRO shop performance.

"STA is a focal point for the innovative thinking and enterprising spirit of our employees, applied to scale technologies across our MRO facilities faster and better," said Gilbert Sim, director, Aftermarket Global Operations Technology and CORE at Pratt & Whitney. "We will continue working with MRO facilities and centers of excellence in Singapore and throughout the network to deliver more technology insertion projects. Together with our steadfast commitment to investments in MRO capacity, we are expanding our capabilities to support our customers around the world."

Phenix Jet gains prestigious international accreditation

Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong) Reinforces Its Commitment to Safety with Prestigious International Accreditations

Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong), a leading provider of luxury private aviation services in the Asia-Pacific, North America and Europe regions, today announced the renewal of its safety commitments to the industry, evidenced by its continual passing of rigorous safety audits. This steadfast commitment has earned the company the highest recognition in safety ratings, including:

- International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) Stage 3

- ARGUS Platinum

- Wyvern Wingman (SMS Level Stage 4)

- Air Charter Safety Foundation Accreditation

 

Safety is the cornerstone of Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong)'s operational culture, and the company's adherence to the highest safety standards is unparalleled in the region. It is the only Asia-Pacific based operator to hold four validated and top-tier safety ratings, setting a benchmark for the industry.

 

Andrew Svoboda, CEO of Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong), expressed pride in the company's achievements, stating, “We are all very proud of the accomplishments and recognition of the team to achieve the vast array of safety affirmations through external audits that are organic to the culture of our company.” The commendations are a testament to the company's proactive approach to safety and its dedication to providing secure and reliable services to its distinguished clientele.

 

Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong) continues to pioneer the aviation industry's safety protocols through robust digitized data and monitoring to guide its ongoing Safety Objectives. This assures peace of mind for every passenger and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to operational excellence.

Your travel planning isn’t complete without learning the language—or at least some essential phrases. Fully immerse yourself in the language, or use Phrasebook to learn travel essentials—the choice is yours!

Cessna Grand Caravan EX Amphibian extends reach in Southeast Asia with delivery in Malaysia

Textron Aviation has confirmed the delivery of a new Cessna Grand Caravan EX Amphibian turboprop to Malaysian property developer, Ikhasas Sdn Bhd, via its subsidiary company Oriental Sky Sdn Bhd. The aircraft, to be managed and operated by local charter operator Systematic Aviation Services (SAS), will be used for passenger transport between the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and a new waterfront resort on Perhentian islands, off the northern east coast of Malaysia. This will be the country’s first amphibious aeroplane operation in recent history after it gained the necessary approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia to launch domestic operations in 2024.

Ikhasas group managing director, Ir. Tan Chee Kian, said, “Seaplanes will be the most convenient way to reach the Perhentian Islands. Currently, it takes a time-consuming 6-hour road journey followed by a one-hour ferry ride from the port in Kuala Besut. With our 11-seater aircraft, travellers will benefit from time savings as it will transport passengers from Kuala Lumpur to land directly in the waters near the beachside resort. At the same time, we preserve the islands’ pristine environment and natural forests which would otherwise be felled for airport construction.”

“We are honoured for Grand Caravan EX Amphibian to be selected. The versatility and excellent operating economics make it the perfect partner for Ikhasas to develop sustainable tourism. The comfortable cabin, large windows for sightseeing, and floats allowing it to take off and land anywhere are ideal for their missions,” said Tony Jones, vice president, International Sales (Asia-Pacific). “Malaysia is also an important market to Textron Aviation. Our products lead the installed base and make up over 40% of the country’s general aviation aircraft. Our customers in Malaysia use our products for a variety of operations including VIP transport, tourism, as well as other special missions such as air ambulances, and skydiving.”

Cessna Grand Caravan EX