Oakland International Airport OAK to change its name to become 'San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport.

'Allow more travellers to experience the sunnier side of the SF Bay Area' 

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors have endorsed changing the Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (OAK) name to the 'San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport.'

On April 11, 2024, the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners also voted unanimously to modify the airport's name.  Danny Wan, the Port of Oakland’s Executive Director, said, “Every day, hundreds of travellers drive from the East Bay to SFO, passing OAK because they can’t get the flight they need. For the economic health of the region, this must change.” He added, “Our renaming will make travel easier for thousands of people and help grow the local economy.”

Modifying the airport’s name is said to be part of a broader effort to improve the passenger experience at OAK, which includes upgrading the Terminal 1 check-in lobby and restroom facilities and providing new local concessions and restaurants.

Once the Port Commission has given final approval on May 9, 2024 for the name modification, staff will move forward with the formal renaming, including working with air carriers, other airports, and local agencies to reflect the modification in airport and airline systems. The airport code OAK and visual brand will remain the same.

According to the airport, a number of local groups and organizations have supported the name change, including:

Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

Oakland African-American Chamber of Commerce

Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce

Hegenberger Corridor Owners & Operators

Visit Oakland

Visit Tri-Valley

Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group

Visit Berkeley

Visit Walnut Creek

East Bay Economic Development Alliance

Ridgemont Hospitality

There is no guarantee a name change will encourage more airlines to start new routes to or from Oakland, nor will it change the geographical location of the airport, so it remains to be seen on how much impact the name change will have on the wider aviation industry. Local media are estimating the cost of adding San Francisco Bay to existing signs or replacements and changing the name on stationery will be approximately $2.4 million.  

Port Commission President Barbara Leslie said, "We are standing up for Oakland and the East Bay; this will boost inbound travellers’ geographic awareness of the airport by highlighting the airport’s location on the San Francisco Bay.” She also said, “This name will make it clear that OAK is the closest major airport, for 4.1 million people, three national laboratories, the top public university in the country, and California’s Wine Country."

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Get the Viva Vibe thanks to Wyndham's Viva Resorts

Viva Resorts by Wyndham, a collection of all-inclusive vacation resorts in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, is thrilled to announce the launch of Viva Vibe, a dynamic entertainment offering set to redefine the all-inclusive travel experience. With an exciting repertoire of parties and productions at each resort, Viva Vibe promises to captivate guests with unforgettable experiences, celebrating the essence of fun in paradise.

Each resort will have multiple parties, performers and events simultaneously that are unique to their destinations. Some of the new Viva Vibe entertainment highlights are live top performances, DJ nights, Latin Parties, Neon Parties, Silent Parties, White Parties, Candy Shop Parties, Foam Parties and the iconic Beach Party, where toes meet the sand and the rhythm fills the air.

Viva Resorts looks forward to inviting travellers to the all-inclusive concept, offering guests an exciting array of amusements designed to thrill and delight participants of all ages. Whether child or adult, under the sun or under the stars, these awe-inspiring diversions feature the best of local talent with Viva Vibe promising nonstop fun for all.

"At Viva Resorts by Wyndham, we're committed to providing our guests with memorable experiences that go beyond the ordinary," said Viva Resorts by Wyndham Corporate Director, Marketing and Public Relations, Erika Sordo. "With the launch of Viva Vibe, we're taking our entertainment offerings to the next level, ensuring that every moment of our guests' stay is filled with excitement, energy and fun."

New public art installations celebrate Miami Beach Pride

Lincoln Road, the iconic outdoor shopping, dining and cultural destination situated in the heart of Miami Beach, unveiled a new public art installation to celebrate Miami Beach Pride, bringing together members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, their friends, allies and supporters in celebration of the unique spirit and culture of the LGBTQ+ community. The installation is titled “PRIDE247” and is on view through June 30, highlighting the artistic vision of AMLgMATD, Miami-based artists Laz Ojalde and Natalie Zlamalova.

The pair channelled their creativity into reconstructing the LGBTQ pride flag by using polypropylene webbing straps that weave through the palm trees hovering Lincoln Road’s Euclid Oval. It’s become the focal point of the picture-perfect gathering space as a reminder that we are individuals who together weave the fabric of our society. Additionally, the artists elevated the district’s entry points on Washington Ave. and Alton Road, as well as the Euclid Oval, adding colorful textile sleeves to all the planters reflecting the pride progressive flag.

“Lincoln Road has a decades-long connection with the LGBTQ community, serving as a lively hub where they feel safe and celebrated,” said Anabel Llopis, executive director of the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District. “In honour of Lincoln Road’s deep ties with the community, we are thrilled to present art that not only supports equality and inclusivity but visually captivates our locals and visitors on a large scale.”

Lincoln Road

Situated in the heart of Miami Beach, the Lincoln Road District is a premier retail, lifestyle and cultural destination home to about 200 restaurants and shops, entertainment, and arts and cultural offerings. Lincoln Road ranked as the most-visited open-air destination in South Florida, with over 8 million visits in 2022. Referred to by some as “Miami’s living room,” there is nothing as quintessentially Miami Beach as Lincoln Road. It’s the street where models walk their dogs after runway shows, where stylish boulevardiers stroll past window shoppers, and where café culture overrules standard business meetings. Music and entertainment lovers will find refuge in the Lincoln Road District, home to the New World Symphony, Colony Theatre and Regal South Beach Theatre. Steps away is the remodelled Miami Beach Convention Center, which welcomes world-renowned Art Basel Miami Beach every December.

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New era of travel made for dogs has arrived with the Launch of BARK Air......

Woof Woof, a new era of travel made for dogs has arrived with the Launch of BARK Air.....a new global omnichannel dog brand with a mission to make all dogs happy!

The firm has partnered with a jet charter company to launch BARK Air. BARK Air is the world’s first air travel experience designed specifically for dogs first, and their human companions second, enabling them to travel together comfortably and conveniently. Starting now, premium flights for dogs (and their humans) are available for booking, with the first flights taking off from New York on Thursday, May 23.

Travelling long distances with a dog is a challenge many dog parents face, particularly for those dogs that don’t fit into a carrier that can be placed under the seat in front. Too often, dogs are denied travel, confined to a duffle bag, or endure the stress of flying in cargo. Recognizing these challenges, and the increasing demand for an accessible solution, BARK Air presents a more fun – and humane – option for dogs travelling with their two-legged human companions. BARK Air exemplifies BARK’s dog-first mentality and award-winning customer experience, setting a new standard for dogs who love to travel but have been forced to settle for less-than-ideal travelling conditions.

“When we started BARK in 2011, we were on a mission to disrupt the dog space and create products designed for dogs and their humans. We are excited to take the insights we’ve learned over the years to create an experience that is truly dog-first, which is drastically different from just accepting dogs – from the ground to the skies,” said Matt Meeker, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at BARK. “We believe this initiative will elevate awareness of our brand’s mission and values, introduce more dog lovers to the BARK family, and help enrich the lives of dogs and their people around the world.”

BARK Air has taken the white glove experience typical of a human’s first-class experience and redirected all that pampering to pooches – from booking to arrival to in-flight services and disembarkation, dogs will truly be the VIPs and treated to a positively luxurious, curated experience.

Following booking, humans will be contacted by a BARK Air concierge to collect information about each dog and their human travel plans to ensure the best possible experience.

On travel day, dogs and their companions will arrive at the airport 45 to 60 minutes before takeoff for a simple, efficient check-in process where dogs can meet other furry friends on their flight while their people are treated to meals prepared by onsite chefs – no crates, stressful TSA checkpoints, or screening.

SKY Airline gets a new Airbus A321neo jet on long-term lease

Aviation Capital Group, a global full-service aircraft asset manager, confirmed the delivery of one new Airbus A321neo aircraft on long-term lease to SKY Airline. This jet features CFM International LEAP-1A engines and is the second of two aircraft scheduled to be delivered to the airline.

ACG specializes in commercial aircraft leasing and aviation finance. In addition to aircraft leasing services, we provide aircraft asset management solutions tailored to meet our customers’ fleet management needs. 

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Porter starts Montréal - Vancouver route

Canadian regional carrier, Porter Airlines is starting a new service between Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The route marks Porter’s first Western Canada destination from Montréal.

All passengers will experience Porter’s genuine hospitality and elevated onboard service, including free, fast WiFi, a selection of premium snacks, and free beer and wine served in glassware. Priority check-in, extra legroom seats, premium pre-mixed cocktails, and fresh, healthy meals are also available with the all-inclusive PorterReserve fares or purchased à la carte with PorterClassic fares.

The new route begins with one daily roundtrip flight operated with Porter’s state-of-the-art 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The two-by-two configuration means there are no middle seats on any Porter flight.

The scheduled service offers a variety of connections to Eastern Canada via YUL, including Halifax, Toronto-Pearson and Toronto-City, complementing existing daily non-stop service between Toronto-Pearson and Ottawa to Vancouver.

Porter’s codeshare partnership with Air Transat provides convenient connections from YUL throughout Europe, to destinations like Paris and London. Travellers will benefit from more choice and seamless connections.

Service from Montréal to Edmonton and Calgary begins later this spring. With the launch of the three new western destinations, Porter will operate 8 non-stop routes out of Montréal.

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Global Airlines Appoints New Head of Finance from KPMG

 

Dan Horner joins Global Airlines from KPMG

Global Airlines announced its latest full-time hire, with Dan Horner joining from KPMG, to head up its finance function.

Whilst at KPMG, Dan garnered significant aviation experience, specifically on projects for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, as well as other leading international airlines, including Qantas.

Dan has a detailed understanding of airline operations, financial and corporate reporting, and commercial finance.

He joins Global as it continues to work with Airbus to confirm arrangements and approvals to fly its first fully acquired aircraft to a European facility in the coming weeks. It will then undergo further refurbishment and continue its overhaul work before entering service.

Dan will report to CEO James Asquith, and will work closely with the senior management team, in particular across commercial, investor relations and business planning.

Commenting on the appointment, James Asquith, CEO and Founder of Global Airlines said, "Thanks to his time at KPMG, Dan not only joins Global with significant industry experience, but he's also passionate about aviation and he, like all our colleagues and partners, sees the opportunity for Global to flourish.

"The finance function is the foundation of any successful organisation, and I am confident that Dan will play a key role in embedding rock-solid business principles into the organisation that will provide confidence to investors, regulators, partners as well as help attract more talent as we grow the function."

Dan Horner, Global's new Head of Finance added "This is an exciting opportunity to join the Global team, working with market leading aviation experts to meet the goals and vision of the business.

"I look forward to building a strong finance function with like-minded finance professionals who have an interest in the aviation industry.''

Dan is also a fully qualified chartered accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

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Ground-breaking airport hydrogen trial next critical step on journey to achieving zero emission aviation

• Project Acorn is the first airside hydrogen refuelling trial ever to take place at a major UK airport
• Hydrogen has been used to refuel and power critical parts of easyJet’s ground operation at Bristol Airport, demonstrating hydrogen can be safely and reliably used in place of other fuels in an airport
• The data and insight gathered will be used to create the first ever safety guidance and inform the creation of the regulatory framework
• Critically, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has played an active role in the trial as an independent reviewer of the safety case
• The trial also aims to accelerate the use of hydrogen in aviation and across other industries

A ground-breaking airside hydrogen refuelling trial, led by easyJet and supported by several cross-industry partners, has been successfully completed at Bristol Airport – the first airport trial of its kind at a major UK airport.

Hydrogen was used to refuel and power ground support equipment (GSE) – specifically, baggage tractors – servicing easyJet passenger aircraft. Conducted as part of the airline’s daily operations, the trial demonstrates that the gas can be safely and reliably used to refuel ground equipment in the busy, live airport environment.

The trial, dubbed Project Acorn, was in development for over a year and involved many other leading organisations from across aviation, engineering, logistics and academia. These include Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, Cranfield University, Connected Places Catapult (CPC), DHL Supply Chain, Fuel Cell Systems, the IAAPS research institute, Jacobs, Mulag and TCR.

The group intends to use the outputs of the trial to help develop industry best practice standards, provide guidance to airports, airlines, local authorities and regulators on required infrastructure changes, and support the development of a regulatory framework for hydrogen’s use on an airfield – standards which, due to hydrogen’s nascency in aviation, do not currently exist.

The data and insights gathered will also feed into research that groups like Hydrogen in Aviation (HIA)* are conducting to ensure UK infrastructure, regulatory and policy changes keep pace with the technological developments in carbon-emission free flying. It also supports the work and ambitions of other bodies such as Hydrogen South West (HSW) and the Hydrogen Innovation Initiative (HII), the latter having also co-funded the project.

David Morgan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet, said:   “It’s without doubt that hydrogen will be an important fuel of the future for short-haul aviation, as demonstrated by the rate of innovation we’re seeing.

While the technology is advancing at an exciting pace, as hydrogen isn’t used in commercial aviation today, there is currently no regulatory guidance in place on how it can and should be used, and so trials like this are very important in building the safety case and providing critical data and insight to inform the development of the industry’s first regulatory framework. This will ensure regulation not only keeps pace with innovation, but importantly also supports the industry in meeting its decarbonisation targets by 2050.”

Tim Johnson, Director for Strategy, Policy and Communications at the Civil Aviation Authority, comments:

“Projects such as this are cornerstones of our commitment to support innovation and decarbonisation in the industry.

This trial will serve as the basis of a White Paper which we will also be contributing to, as well as allow for the creation of further safety guidance and regulatory standards for the use of hydrogen in aviation. 

We look forward to helping nurture this seed of the future greener aviation sector as it continues to grow.”

Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has placed an additional order for three H225 helicopters

Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has placed an additional order for three H225 helicopters, taking its total H225 fleet up to 18. The largest Super Puma operator in Japan received three H225s in December 2023 and one in February 2024 for its growing fleet. The new helicopters will support territorial coastal activities, maritime law enforcement, as well as disaster relief missions in the country.

“The Japan Coast Guard has been an active operator of the Super Puma family helicopters for three decades. This follow-on order demonstrates the customer’s confidence in our products and the dedicated support to their fleet,” said Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “We believe the H225 is the perfect choice for JCG’s critical missions for law enforcement, as well as coastal and island protection, given its versatility in all weather conditions. We are committed to fully supporting its existing fleet, as well as its upcoming deliveries, ensuring high availability for its operations.”

The Royal Aeronautical Society has published three Air Traffic Management papers to support the future development of aviation

The Royal Aeronautical Society have published three briefing papers which cover Air Traffic Control Staffing in the UK, GNSS Services supporting the UK and ATM/ASM Contribution to Net Zero and Climate Change Issues.

The papers published by the Air Traffic Management Specialist Group aim to raise awareness of issues that are facing the UK aviation industry following our departure from EASA and in light of increased levels of air traffic post Covid. These areas need to be addressed to ensure the UK aviation industry meets the demands of future air travel, and develops the UK airspace structure towards a more sustainable and integrated airspace.

The ‘Air Traffic Control Staffing’ paper highlights that it is not currently possible for ATCO trained outside the UK, or UK military licensed ATCOs, to work in the UK without completing the entire basic training, regardless of previous experience. The paper recommends a challenge to current thinking for ‘on the job’ processes and to emphasise the benefits from the increased use of simulation in the ATCO training process.

The ‘GNSS services supporting the UK’ paper discusses issues for the UK civil aviation industry in which the UK, pre-EU Exit, had a strategic roadmap for GNSS based on ICAO developments and supported through our membership of both the EU Galileo and EGNOS space programmes. This included the successful rollout of stabilised 3-Dimensional instrument approaches down to CAT I minima at 18 aerodromes in the UK. The EU Exit has removed this capability.

The final paper ‘ATM/ASM Contribution to Net Zero and Climate Change Issues’ highlights the need for the government to set clear priorities for action that place environmental improvements in the ATM/ASM arena. The paper recommends that all ATM changes must demonstrate measurable improvements in terms of 3-D performance (climb /descent profiles) or track miles flown or, at least, no net increase in terms of CO2 (or equivalent) emissions.

Effective international collaboration will be required to deliver all these changes at both the regional and global level. The Society aims to promote the need for these changes to support the future development of UK aviation, aerospace and space.

The three papers can be found at the links below:

• https://www.aerosociety.com/media/23422/raes-atmsg-air-traffic-control-staffing-in-the-uk-briefing-paper.pdf
• https://www.aerosociety.com/media/23424/raes-atmsg-gnss-services-supporting-civil-aviation-in-the-uk-briefing-paper.pdf
• https://www.aerosociety.com/media/23423/raes-atmsg-atsmg-contribution-to-net-zero-climate-change-issues-briefing-paper.pdf

RAeS Chief Executive David Edwards said: “These Royal Aeronautical Society papers highlight the challenges that Covid and the UK’s exit from EASA has had on our industry, specifically in ATM and Airspace. These papers aim to educate and promote that the industry must look to address the concerns of our specialists to ensure we have an aviation industry which is fit for purpose, sustainable and safe. It is of paramount importance that we allow the UK to prosper post EASA membership in aviation, aerospace and space industries.

The Society has promoted its key paper on Contrail Management, published in 2023, which is a critical area of focus in reaching industry Net Zero targets by 2050. However, there is no one solution to making aviation sustainable. Airspace modernisation including ATM/ASM is crucially important in enabling the aviation industry to thrive in a sustainable way.”

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Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance have established component support agreement with Hawaiian Airlines

Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance, world-leading multi-product MRO services provider, is pleased to announce a landmark partnership with Hawaiian Airlines, further solidifying its position as a premier provider of tailored solutions in the aviation industry. This collaboration marks the commencement of a ten-year term contract, with a provision for a two-year extension, encompassing comprehensive component support for Hawaiian Airlines’ newly acquired Boeing 787-9 fleet.

The agreement between AFI KLM E&M and Hawaiian Airlines underscores the dedication to providing outstanding service and support. In this strategic partnership, AFI KLM E7M will offer repair and pooling support for Hawaiian Airlines’ twelve 787-9 aircraft, utilizing its extensive global network. In addition, Hawaiian Airlines will benefit from AFI KLM E&M’ state- of-the-art solution PROGNOS®, Predictive Maintenance for Aircraft, for enhanced operational efficiency and aircraft reliability.

‘We are thrilled to partner with AFI KLM E&M as our strategic 787 component support provider and join their large network of 787 customers’, expressed Jim Landers, Senior Vice President of Technical Operations at Hawaiian Airlines. ‘As a 787 operator themselves, they understand our goal to deliver safe and reliable aircraft to Hawaiian's network for on-time departures. We look forward to them exceeding our expectations.’

Paul-Antoine Vivet, Vice President Sales Americas at Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance, displayed his enthusiasm regarding the partnership, stating; ‘We are honored to have been entrusted by Hawaiian Airlines as their preferred MRO partner for their 787-9 fleet. This collaboration underlined our relentless dedication to delivering innovative solutions and unparalleled service excellence, further cementing our strong foothold withing the global aviation landscape.’

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WestJet and Calgary Flames Alumni Association sign two-year partnership

The partnership serves to support affordable youth programming and strengthen ties with local communities

WestJet and the Calgary Flames Alumni Association announced a new two-year partnership focused on unlocking new opportunities to give back to the community through enhanced access to sports for Western Canadian youth.  

"Our partnership with the Calgary Flames Alumni is founded on a mutual passion for engaging with and giving back to our shared hometown," said Jeff Hagen, WestJet, Vice-President, Commercial Development & Strategic Partnerships. "Through our long-standing relationship, we are proud to support the Alumni's initiatives to increase youth participation in sport."

Integral to the enhanced partnership announcement is WestJet's sponsorship of the Calgary Flames Alumni Hockey School, which aims to provide families with affordable access to hockey camp, with the goal of keeping youth in Western Canada active and engaged. Additionally, the camp gives the alumni group the opportunity to engage with school participants and pass down their extensive knowledge of the game.

British Airways introduces next-generation weather apps for air crew

British Airways will become the first UK airline to roll out two next-generation weather apps, to provide pilots and the airline’s flight planning teams access to real-time weather data, allowing them to better plan and mitigate the impact of weather on any intended flight route, in the moment.

Currently, teams rely on manually produced weather reports that are generated earlier that day. With access to the new apps, pilots and flight planning teams will be able to assess the impact of weather changes in real-time to better plan and adapt flight paths, making more operationally efficient decisions. 

The apps will provide real-time data from The Weather Company to pilots and flight planning teams to help better predict bad weather

This new technology will replace manually produced weather reports, and forms part of the airline’s £7bn transformation programme, as it continues to focus on increasing the use of new technology across its operation

The technology has been developed and configured to meet the exact needs of British Airways’ extensive route network, providing benefits across its short and long-haul operations, and will be introduced ahead of the busy summer season

The first app will give the airline’s pilots streamlined access to weather data from The Weather Company, offering comprehensive insights into weather conditions along flight paths both before departure and while in the air. Additional updates will utilise onboard Wi-Fi connectivity* to support real-time in-flight weather updates, further improving its functionality. 

The airline’s Integrated Operations Control Centre – the operational hub that keeps the airline running smoothly, will also have access to an app that - in the future - will work in conjunction with the new technology available to pilots, giving them precise information on weather changes.

René de Groot, Chief Operating Officer at British Airways, said: “It’s exciting that we’ll be the first UK airline to combine the technology of both apps, which will allow us to make even better operational decisions in the moment using real-time data. These applications represent a step-change in the quality of weather information we receive, and, in the future, will enable pilots to collaborate in real-time during a flight with operational colleagues on the ground, allowing faster decision-making for a variety of issues like diversion planning and recovery.”

South Korea's flag carrier and largest airline, Korean Air selects Ramco Aviation

Global Aviation software specialist, Ramco Systems announced its strategic engagement with Korean Air, a flag carrier of South Korea and its largest airline, to implement its flagship aviation software, Ramco Aviation Suite at Korean Air's Engine Maintenance Center.

Signs multi-million-dollar deal to accelerate tech transformation of its new engine maintenance complex – Asia's Largest Engine MRO Facility

The implementation of Ramco's Aviation Software will replace multiple legacy systems to streamline operations across current engine shops and planned expansion sites. With comprehensive MRO-specific functionalities, and integrated e-publications, Ramco Aviation will be the technological foundation for Korean Air. Ramco's robust Engine MRO solution will cater to the current and future expansion plans of the airline, thereby strengthening its aircraft engine maintenance capabilities and solidifying presence in the MRO segment.

Chan Woo Jung, VP & Head – Maintenance & Engineering Division, Korean Air, said "Airlines today are grappling with the need for efficient engine maintenance. These needs prompted us to embark on our ambitious journey to build Asia's largest engine maintenance complex and expand our capabilities to service more engine types. The implementation of Ramco's Engine MRO capabilities will help us enhance our facility's efficiency and precision and set new standards in engine maintenance, positioning us as a top MRO provider."

Delta Sky Club levels up in Miami with major lounge expansion

On April 9, Delta Sky Club raised the curtain on its newly expanded Miami lounge. With the addition of nearly 4,000 square feet and 100-plus seats to the Club—a capacity increase of more than 50%— the Club now stands at just over 12,000 total square feet, ready to welcome around 300 guests.

“Miami is an important global transport hub, with increasing prominence in the Delta network,” said Claude Roussel, Vice President – Sky Clubs and Lounge Experience. “The expansion and renovation of the MIA Club helps us support the growth in this market and elevates the lounge experience to one suited to the profile of this vibrant city.”

The expansion’s design takes inspiration from Miami’s bright colors and sunny beaches. A new mosaic pays homage to the city’s classic Art Deco architecture, while the overall color palette reflects the nearby turquoise waters, blue sky, and white and gold accents seen in south Florida designs.

The Club expansion features a new service buffet and additional beverage station to support that higher guest volume. Seating in the expansion is tailored to the needs of the business traveler, with single-seat dining tables, a communal table with a charging source in the center, and power outlets at almost every seat. Throughout the Club, seating has been refurbished to match the elevated look of the newly added space.

The Miami expansion kicks off a year of growth for Delta lounges, with two new Delta Sky Clubs coming to Charlotte and Seattle and three highly anticipated Delta One Lounges opening in JFK, LAX and BOS. See the full list of openings here.

Nine new easyJet Fearless Flyer course dates across the UK for summer 2024

easyJet is bringing its Fearless Flyer course back for summer, to help nervous flyers take control and overcome their fears. With courses starting from 21st April 2024 and taking place in Glasgow, Bristol, Manchester, Belfast, London Gatwick, Liverpool, London Luton, and Edinburgh as well as returning to easyJet’s new base Birmingham for the first time this year, customers now have a choice of nine airports across the UK to book their experience flight.

easyJet's summer 2024 Fearless Flyer Experience Flights are taking place on the following dates across the UK:

Airport	Date
Glasgow	Sunday 21st April 2024
Bristol	Saturday 27th April 2024
Manchester	Sunday 28th April 2024
Belfast	Saturday 11th May 2024
London Gatwick	Saturday 18th May 2024
Liverpool	Saturday 8th June 2024
London Luton	Sunday 9th June 2024
Edinburgh	Monday 17th June 2024
Birmingham	Saturday 23rd June 2024

For over a decade the course has helped over 12,000 phobics take to the skies after successfully completing the Fearless Flyer course, with the programme achieving over 95% success rate and it continues to be one of the best-priced aerophobia courses in the UK, starting at just £89 per person with the summer schedule providing options across the UK from April until the end of June.

easyJet’s Fearless Flyer course is divided into three main parts:

A virtual ground course, where an easyJet captain explains the unfamiliar sounds and sensations customers feel onboard an aircraft during take off, landing and during times of turbulence. In addition, Lawrence Leyton, a leading expert in the psychology of fear, teaches a unique set of mind techniques to help manage nerves.

A pre-flight one-hour ‘Meet the Team’ online Zoom session, where participants will be walked through the airport experience and what to expect. There will also be a participant Q&A session with the Fearless Flyer Team including an easyJet pilot, Lawrence Leyton and Course Director Mark Wein, who shares his tips and advice on how he overcame his own fear of flying many years ago.

And lastly, a special one-hour experience flight from the course airport, where customers put their new skills to the test whilst listening to a live commentary of the flight from the Fearless Flyer team.

A limited number of spaces on the courses are now available at fearlessflyer.easyjet.com 

Captain Maria Pernia-Digings, Lead Fearless Flyer Pilot Presenter, easyJet said:  “We’re delighted to be relaunching our renowned Fearless Flyer course for 2024 with summer courses now available to book across the UK. The courses have been running for many years with a success rate of over 95%. As one of the Captains presenting the course, I have seen first-hand how so many nervous flyers conquer their worries and fears about flying  and they are now enjoying traveling to all parts of the world for business, for holidays and visiting relatives. If you have a fear of flying, please come and join us and let us help you to spread your wings and change your life.” 

Vast’s Haven-1 aims to be the world’s first commercial space station connected by SpaceX starlink

Vast’s Haven-1, is scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station and will be equipped with SpaceX’s Starlink laser terminal providing Gigabit/s speed, low latency connectivity to its crew users, internal payload racks, external cameras and instruments.

“If you need to provide high-speed, low-latency, continuous internet connectivity on a space station in orbit in 2025, SpaceX Starlink is the only option,” said Max Haot, Vast’s CEO. “We expect their network and technology leading position to continue and accelerate over time, which is why we are excited to have the chance to partner with SpaceX on deploying their first laser connectivity for a space station.”

The Haven-1 crew will be able to connect their personal devices via Wi-Fi to the Starlink network and have unprecedentedly better internet connectivity on orbit to host outreach video calls and perform experiments and science with full, high-speed internet access. Even during crew rest time, they will be able to use high-speed internet.

“High-speed, low-latency connectivity on orbit for crew and critical scientific research is critical to any space station experience,” said Stephanie Bednarek, SpaceX’s Senior Director of Commercial Sales. “We are excited for Vast’s Haven-1 to be the first commercial space station to stay connected with Starlink.”

Vast and SpaceX have reached an agreement for SpaceX to provide Starlink connectivity to future Vast platforms beyond Haven 1, including connectivity for Vast’s next space station, which the company plans to bid for in NASA's upcoming commercial Low Earth Orbit destinations (CLDs) competition.

In May 2023, Vast announced that SpaceX will launch Haven-1, followed by two human spaceflight missions to the Haven-1 space station.

This new partnership between Vast and SpaceX will continue to create and accelerate greater accessibility to space and more opportunities for exploration on the road to making humanity multiplanetary.

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Airbus shareholders approve all resolutions at 2024 AGM

Airbus SE shareholders approved all resolutions at the Company’s 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 10 April in Amsterdam.

Resolutions included the renewal of the three-year Board mandate of Chairman René Obermann and those of fellow non-executive directors Victor Chu, Jean-Pierre Clamadieu and Amparo Moraleda. Mr. Obermann was formally reappointed Chairman of the Board at a Board meeting held after the AGM.

Dr. Feiyu Xu was appointed as a non-executive director following approval at the shareholder meeting. She replaces Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., who resigned with effect of the date of the AGM having served on the Board since 2013. Dr. Xu was appointed for a term of two years, corresponding to the remainder of Mr. Crosby’s mandate.

Enhanced Cessna high-wing piston aircraft flying into service

Textron Aviation has confirmed the entry into service of its enhanced Cessna Skyhawk, Cessna Skylane, Turbo Skylane and Turbo Stationair HD following first deliveries for each aircraft. These latest product investments aim to provide a modern and stylish tone that aligns with the newest Cessna Citation jets, while maintaining the renowned comfort, durability and performance of the iconic Cessna piston lineup.

The Cessna Skyhawk, Skylane, Turbo Skylane and Turbo Stationair HD are designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company.

"These enhancements to the iconic Cessna piston family offer improved comfort, functionality and style,” said Chris Crow, vice president, Piston Sales. “Whether you're a student pilot or an experienced aviator, the extensive product lineup offers something to meet your needs, elevate your flying adventures and inspire the journey of flight."

With new features and design elements, the Cessna aircraft continue to be versatile and reliable tools that enable customers to fulfil a wide range of missions. The new interior designs include:

All-new comfortable seats with additional support and padding

Power headset jacks at every seat

A and C USB charging ports at every seat

Sleek, black instrument panels

Thoughtfully placed side and cell phone pockets throughout the aircraft

Integrated overhead air conditioning on equipped aircraft

A new center armrest available on certain models

When it comes to the exterior, owners can select from a variety of new modern exterior schemes to match their preferences.

Textron Aviation's investment in the Cessna piston aircraft lineup demonstrates the company’s continued enthusiasm and support for pilots worldwide, whether they are pursuing training ambitions or planning their next adventure. The company remains dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technology and exceptional craftsmanship to the aviation community. The new interior designs will be unveiled at the highly anticipated 2024 SUN ‘n FUN event in Lakeland, Florida.

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The St. Joe Company and InterMountain Management, LLC Announce the Opening of the 121-Suite Residence Inn by Marriott Panama City Beach Pier Park

The St. Joe Company and InterMountain Management, LLC announce the opening of the 121-suite Residence Inn by Marriott Panama City Beach Pier Park (“Residence Inn”). The hotel is located at 15900 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 in the popular Pier Park® shopping and entertainment district.

Managed by InterMountain, the pet-friendly hotel features 121 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom guest suites with full kitchens, equipped with a full-sized refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, dishwasher and coffee maker. Complimentary amenities include hot breakfast, Wifi, on-site parking, grocery delivery services, outdoor pool and fitness center. The convenient location is ideal for families traveling on vacation as well as for business travelers, as guests will be within walking distance of the nearby Pier Park district, white sand beaches and the Frank Brown Park sports complex and event site.

Residence Inn is the second extended-stay hotel in Panama City Beach owned by a partnership of St. Joe and InterMountain, preceded by the 124-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott® Panama City Beach Pier Park (“TownePlace Suites”).

“Our joint venture with InterMountain has produced two great Marriott-branded hotels in the popular Pier Park area,” said William Brock, Vice President of Commercial Real Estate for St. Joe. “As Panama City Beach continues to position itself as a year-round destination for families, this new hotel will provide visitors with another extended-stay option and supports our goal of having lodging and hospitality offerings to meet every traveller’s needs and price point.”