Sky Harbour Group Announces Campus Development at Stewart International Airport

The Sky Harbour Group Corporation announced that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) voted to authorize the execution of a lease agreement for the development of a Sky Harbour campus at Stewart International Airport (SWF), serving the New York Metropolitan Area. Sky Harbour expects the lease to be fully executed in the coming months.

The Sky Harbour campus will offer “the best home base in business aviation” to house the New York area’s top corporate and privately-owned business jets in state-of-the art hangars, with line-services dedicated exclusively to based tenants, offering “the shortest time to wheels-up in business aviation.” The campus is expected to create or sustain hundreds of local jobs and generate significant economic benefits for New York State, Orange County, and the Stewart International Airport.

The Stewart International Airport campus joins Sky Harbour campuses now operating at Houston’s Sugar Land Regional Airport (SGR), Nashville International Airport (BNA), Miami Opa-Locka Executive Airport (OPF), and San Jose Mineta Airport (SJC); campuses in development at Denver Centennial Airport (APA), Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT), Dallas’s Addison Airport (ADS), Chicago Executive Airport (PWK), Bradley International Airport (BDL), Hudson Valley Regional Airport (POU), and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL); and additional campuses soon to be announced.

Tal Keinan, Sky Harbour’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Sky Harbour’s Stewart International Airport campus will be the third Sky Harbour facility to serve the New York metropolitan area, the nation’s top market for business aviation. Sky Harbour is honoured to be joining the PANYNJ community and committed to delivering the long-term benefits of a Sky Harbour campus to the Cities of Newburgh and New Windsor, to Orange County, and to New York State. This project has been driven by Sky Harbour’s invaluable partnership with MJJ Builders, with the guidance of Passero Associates. The SWF project marks Sky Harbour’s first active partnership with Jonah Mandelbaum and the Red Tail Flight Academy. https://www.redtailflightacademy.org”

Stewart International (SWF) is a key commercial and cargo airport serving the New York metropolitan area. SWF also handles a significant volume of corporate, charter, and private aircraft. Located 60 miles north of Manhattan, it offers convenient access to New York City for business travellers. 

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British Airways' Lagos lounge opens its doors to a beautiful space to dine, relax and work

British Airways has opened a totally renovated luxurious lounge in Lagos airport following a six-month refurbishment. The space has been cleverly designed to give customers more room to enjoy an upgraded food and beverage experience. It allows customers to relax, dine or work in a premium space, while also proudly exhibiting local art from Akoje Gallery.

Customers will be transported into a new contemporary lounge as soon as they pass through the grand entrance with floor to ceiling glass. Following significant investment, the airline has created zones throughout the 360 square metres of space to cater for different customers’ needs.  

For those who want to dine ahead of the evening flight to London, there is a self-serve dining area with a wide selection of freshly made dishes.  The food and drink menu offers a range of Nigerian classics and British inspired dishes which will change regularly. Customers can also pull up a chair at a newly built bar where a bartender will serve drinks including cocktails, wine, and soft drinks. Champagne and canapes will also be offered to customers travelling in First.

To commemorate British Airways’ strong association with Nigeria, art from local artists will be displayed across the lounge. The airline has launched a partnership with Akoje Gallery – founded by Maro Itoje and Khalil Akar – to curate an innovative new in-lounge exhibition featuring and celebrating guest artists. The first showcase of works is themed ‘New Beginnings’ to celebrate the lounge opening. The selected artists will centre their works around the chosen theme. 

The first artists are:

Olawunmi Banjo: Two paintings titled The Wait I and II

Qozeem Abdul Rahman: A Large painting titled The Guardian

Steve Ekpenisi: A large metal sculpture titled Ulaga

RTX's Collins Aerospace introduces its Helix™ next-generation main cabin seat

Collins Aerospace, an RTX business introduced its Helix™ main cabin seat for narrow body aircraft at the 2024 Aircraft Interiors Expo. Helix is intelligently engineered to reduce weight in comparison to previous generations of economy class seats while maintaining ergonomic comfort and improving living space without impacting cabin density.

"Helix seating was developed with three key pillars in mind – comfort, reliability and sustainability," said Christophe Blanc, vice president and general manager of Aircraft Seating at Collins Aerospace. "The contemporary design increases passenger living space and under seat stowage, while the seat back is optimized to accommodate a greater number of integrated inflight entertainment (IFE) solutions, literature pockets and full-sized meal trays.

Global Demand for Fire Bosses Surges as Dauntless Air Expands Fleet

Record number of recent Fire Boss contracts and global orders for the aircraft reflect the growing interest in scooper-centric aerial firefighting strategies.

Dauntless Air, an aerial firefighting company dedicated to protecting people, land and property from the devastation of wildfires, today announced the addition of five aircraft to its industry-leading Fire Boss fleet. The growth comes amid increasing global recognition of the effectiveness of scooper-centric aerial firefighting strategies and the superior performance of the Fire Boss in wildfire operations.

In the United States, demand for the Fire Boss – also known as the Single Engine Scooper (SES) – has reached unprecedented levels, with a record number of new Fire Boss solicitations issued this past off-season. Now in the U.S. there are a total of 29 Fire Bosses, which meet the compliance requirements of the Office of Aviation Services (OAS), in operation across 24 exclusive-use (EU) and 10 call-when-needed (CWN) contracts. This is up from 15 EU and 7 CWN Fire Boss contracts from the year before. As the most experienced, longest running, and largest operator of Fire Bosses, Dauntless holds a large majority of these contracts. Many of the new contracts begin earlier in the season than previous years and were issued by states that have never before issued an EU Single Engine Scooper contract. Internationally, fire agencies have ordered dozens of Fire Bosses to secure the future of their country’s aerial firefighting fleet. In just the past 24 months, officials in Greece have ordered a record-setting 31 Fire Bosses, while Turkey and Slovenia have secured manufacturer contracts for 15 and four aircraft, respectively. This global activity has also created additional demand on U.S. aerial firefighting companies with Fire Bosses to operate in Europe.

“In the U.S. and globally, fire agencies are acting on what we have long known: the Fire Boss is a game-changer in wildfire suppression,” said Brett L’Esperance, CEO of Dauntless Air. “Growing demand for the Single Engine Scooper is no surprise, especially when it’s compared with the only other fixed-wing scooper available – which is 10 times more expensive to acquire and operate than the Fire Boss. As Fire Boss demand continues to grow, Dauntless is committed to ensuring that our fleet matches the need, and that our ongoing investments in training and technology enable us to remain the safest, most experienced, most reliable Fire Boss operator globally.”

Toronto's Porter increases jet routes with a service between Toronto-Pearson and Phoenix

The Toronto-based Canadian regional carrier, Porter Airlines is introducing a new daily, round-trip service between Toronto Pearson International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport from 3rd October.

The new route marks Porter’s first arrival in Arizona, providing a direct link between Canada’s largest city and the Valley of the Sun. Phoenix is a favourite Canadian getaway, featuring the desert’s outdoor wonders, world-famous resorts, and extensive food and arts scenes. Toronto is a global destination for business, sports and seemingly endless multicultural culinary options.

The route is served by the state-of-the-art Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, providing passengers with an unparalleled experience. Passengers can enjoy Porter's elevated economy service with no middle seats, complimentary wine and beer served in glassware, free premium snacks, and free, fast WiFi.

Connections are also available to and from Montréal, Ottawa and Halifax through Porter’s hub at Toronto-Pearson.

Milestone 400th Cessna Citation Latitude Production Rollout Emphasizes Its Leading Position in the Midsize Business Jet Market

Textron Aviation announced that the 400th Cessna Citation Latitude business jet has rolled out of production at the company’s factory in Wichita, Kansas, and is expected to be delivered later this year. Employees recognized the milestone with a special celebration at the company’s headquarters in Wichita.

"The Citation Latitude has redefined aircraft performance, efficiency and cabin experience,” said Todd McKee, senior vice president, Integrated Supply Chain. “Thanks to the dedication and skill of our team, we are continuously innovating and enhancing the Citation jets’ design and manufacturing process, providing our customers with unmatched performance, productivity and profitability. With our sights set on the future, we are committed to ongoing investment in research and development to continue inspiring the journey of flight.”

Certified in 2015, the Citation Latitude has been the world’s most-delivered midsize business jet for eight consecutive years and has proved a hit with customers due to its reliability, versatility and impressive 2,700-nautical mile range. Assembly of the Citation Latitude features a variety of technological advancements including the use of automated robotics, monolithic machined structures and ergonomically friendly tooling stations, resulting in detailed precision throughout the build process. Through these advancements, customers benefit from the highest quality, impressive maintenance intervals and limited aircraft down times.

With a flat floor cabin and ample space for nine passengers, the aircraft can fly nonstop between destinations such as Los Angeles and New York or Geneva and Riyadh. The Citation Latitude stands as the preferred choice among customers for a wide range of operations, including corporations, charter, personal travel, air ambulance, ISR, utility transport, aerial survey, flight inspection, training and numerous other specialized missions.

Cessna Citation Latitude

The Citation Latitude midsize business jet, with a four-passenger range of 2,700 nautical miles (5,000 km) at high-speed cruise, is set apart from the competition by its combination of comfort and efficiency. The aircraft’s class-leading take-off field length of 3,580 feet at Max Takeoff Weight provides operators with greater range out of short fields. Inside, the Citation Latitude offers an unrivaled cabin experience featuring the most open, spacious, bright and refined cabin environment in its category. With a flat floor and six feet of cabin height, innovation abounds with exceptional features designed throughout the aircraft.

The wireless cabin management system provides productive connectivity and entertainment to each passenger through their personal electronic devices. With standard seating configurations, the Citation Latitude jet can comfortably accommodate up to nine passengers. Extended maintenance intervals provide owners with the lowest direct operating costs in the midsize segment.

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Hawaiian Airlines Recognized for Exceptional Support of Guard and Reserve Employees

As National Military Appreciation Month comes to a close, Hawaiian Airlines was recently recognized for its exceptional support of its employees who also serve in the National Guard and Reserves.

Greg Scott, Hawaiian's manager of information technology who is a cyberspace operations officer in the Hawaiʻi Air National Guard, last week accepted The Hawaiʻi State Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)'s Pro Patria Award on behalf of the airline.

“As a member of the Hawaiʻi National Guard who is occasionally called up on orders to support the state or nation – inherently time away from my Hawaiian Airlines team and work – I’ve seen first-hand how Hawaiian Airlines is supportive of its military members and the additional time and weight it brings,” said Scott.

The honour recognizes civilian employers who successfully empower guardsmen, guardswomen and reservists in their ranks to fulfill missions. Over the last year, that has included deployments to support relief efforts including disaster response following the Maui wildfires, military partnerships with Pacific Rim nations and national capitol security. The Pro Patria is the highest honor bestowed by an ESGR State Committee.

At Hawaiian, more than 530 self-identified veterans work across its operations, from flying aircraft to managing cyber security, and since January 2023, the carrier has been a partner of Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University's Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) SkillBridge program, which provides servicemen and women opportunities to bridge the transition into the civilian aviation and aerospace sector.

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Climate Tech VC Clean Energy Ventures Closes $305M Fund II Aiming to Mitigate 75 Gigatons of Emissions by 2050

Climate Tech VC Clean Energy Ventures Closes $305M 

Fund II Aiming to Mitigate 75 Gigatons of Emissions by 2050

• The firm closes an oversubscribed second fund to scale world-changing climate tech startups that can mitigate gigaton-scale greenhouse gas emissions

• With the opening of a London office, Fund II marks the beginning of a push into Europe and Israel to support local climate innovation ecosystems 

• Investing with a technology-first lens, more than 60% of CEV's team began as scientists and engineers, a critical validator in the deep-tech early-stage market

 Clean Energy Ventures (CEV), a leading global venture capital firm funding early-stage climate innovations, today announced the closing of an oversubscribed second flagship fund with total capital commitments of $305 million. In addition to significantly expanding the firm's investment opportunities in North America, the latest fund allows CEV to bring its strategy and expertise to climate technology entrepreneurs in Europe and Israel. The launch of Fund II follows the successful deployment of a $110 million Fund I, which has backed 20 disruptive companies across the climate tech landscape that collectively are poised to mitigate over 50 gigatons of greenhouse gas emissions. 

Since the early days of Cleantech 1.0, CEV’s team of veteran climate investors have guided the next generation of companies spanning mobility, renewable energy, carbon capture utilization and storage, energy storage, critical minerals, and more through seismic market shifts. With a unique investment thesis, the CEV team positions quantitative climate impact alongside financial performance – requiring that each investment be capable of mitigating at least 2.5 gigatons of CO2e emissions cumulatively between the initial investment and 2050. CEV takes a hands-on approach to commercialize its portfolio companies by leveraging a deeply technical and commercial team with support from a group of venture partners and angel investors with extensive industry executive experience and a Strategic Advisory Board led by former U.S. Secretary of Energy, Ernest Moniz.

“Demand for climate investment opportunities is rising from all corners of the globe, and we are grateful for the amount of interest from our new and existing LPs,” said Temple Fennell, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Clean Energy Ventures. “As we look to scale decarbonization technologies globally, we’re doubling down on our thesis to invest in novel hardware-oriented climate-saving technologies with the potential to bring outsized emissions reductions and top-tier financial returns.”

easyJet and SR Technics mark the acquisition of maintenance facility in Malta

• easyJet will now undertake the heavy maintenance of its fleet of more than 340 aircraft bringing the workforce of more than 400 into the airline

easyJet and SR Technics have finalised an agreement which sees the airline acquire the SR Technics maintenance facility in Malta.

The signing ceremony, which took place with the Prime Minister, Dr Robert Abela in attendance, was held at the maintenance hangar today and signals the handover of the facility to easyJet.

easyJet will now undertake heavy maintenance on its growing fleet of more than 340 aircraft and welcome the workforce of more than 400 currently based at the facility to the easyJet Group. The six-bay aircraft maintenance facility has undertaken heavy maintenance for the easyJet fleet of aircraft for several years. 

Prime Minister of Malta, Hon. Dr Robert Abela commented:  Prime Minister Robert Abela extended his congratulations to easyJet and SR Technics on finalising a pivotal agreement, marking easyJet’s acquisition of the SR Technics maintenance facility in Malta. “The Government stands ready to support the industry”, stated Prime Minister Abela, emphasising Malta’s robust MRO sector and engineering services workforce, which boasts approximately 1,500 professionals. “We take pride in the Maltese leadership managing these hangars and commend our dedicated technicians and engineers whose efforts have attracted and retained such esteemed companies”, Dr Abela added. 

Expressing his gratitude towards SR Technics and welcoming easyJet’s substantial investment, Prime Minister Robert Abela affirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a thriving aviation industry in Malta.

David Morgan, Chief Operating Officer for easyJet, commenting on the acquisition, said:  “We are delighted to be in Malta today to mark this important milestone. We have long held links with the island and look forward to further strengthening these in the coming years with this maintenance facility which will mean we will employ more than four hundred people locally to maintain our growing, modern fleet of aircraft.”

More options, new snacks and chef-designed meals coming on board during summer for Delta

From chef-curated menus to allergen-friendly snacks and the latest iteration of Delta's award-winning rotational wine program, here’s a look at what Delta customers can dig into this summer.  

Just as summer is a time to escape routine and explore unfamiliar destinations, this season, Delta is ready to introduce you to exciting new flavors on board.  

“Our onboard food and beverage service is an integral part of the customer journey,” said Kristen Manion Taylor, S.V.P. of In-Flight Service at Delta. “We know customers crave variety along with a taste of the familiar—that’s why our goal with every seasonal menu refresh is to balance new flavors with reimagined classics, all while maintaining our high standards of quality.”  

And now that Delta Premium Select customers have the option to pre-select meals before travel, premium customers have more in-flight dining options than ever before.  

From chef-curated menus to allergen-friendly snacks and the latest iteration of our award-winning rotational wine program, here’s a look at what customers can dig into this summer.  

Bon Appetit

Asian favorites as imagined by Chef Jereme Leung 

Global restaurateur and pioneering chef Jereme Leung is known for combining culinary traditions with modern international elements for a truly unique fine-dining experience. With the June launch of Delta service from Seattle to Taipei,* Delta One customers can sample Chef Leung’s hearty takes on Asian classics like braised beef brisket with stir-fried beans and Chao Zhou preserved olives, potato, tomato, and steamed rice; avocado and crab meat salad with tobiko fish roe; and soup noodles with minced pork, shiitake mushrooms, greens and carrots.  

A twist on Southern tradition with Chef Mashama Bailey 

Delta’s partnership with James Beard-award winning chef Mashama Bailey is the gift that keeps on giving. Starting this June, Domestic First Class customers* departing from Atlanta can savor her hearty Southern favorites, like the Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q’s short rib open-faced sandwich with sweet pickles and a side of cheddar and broccoli, or the Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q smoked chicken salad with cabbage and beet slaw, crumbled queso fresco and toasted pepitas. Top it off with banana pudding for a true down-home delight. 

*Available on board and via Pre-Select* on select domestic flights over 900 miles (*Pre-Select not available on A321neo).  

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Now boarding: Delicious flavors by route  Wherever your travels take you this summer, Delta is serving up delicious, regional favorites across the network for premium cabin customers.  
Flying back to the U.S. from the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024? Delta One customers departing from CDG to the U.S. have their choice of roasted chicken breast with chicken jus, artichoke-filled pasta with tomato cream sauce, and more. Finish it off with a Paris-Brest with praline cream and almonds for a meal that’s si bon.  
Plus, from July to August, Delta One customers departing Paris can sample two limited selections from Guy Martin, chef of Le Grand Véfour restaurant in Paris, which has previously been awarded three Michelin stars. Savor the rich taste of slow-cooked lamb shoulder in rosemary sauce with summer vegetables, or haddock served with tarragon polenta, asparagus and buttered peas in shellfish sauce.  

Chef Martin, a self-taught prodigy highly decorated in his native France, is also the author of numerous cookery books and the host of the television program Épicerie Fine. 
For Delta One customers flying JFK to LAX or SFO, Union Square Events, a Danny Meyer concept, is serving up tasty treats like pastrami short rib with BBQ jus and chicken scarpariello with roasted lemon. Available through Pre-Select.
Delta Premium Select customers on select transoceanic routes departing U.S. can enjoy globally flavored delights like makhani chicken curry with tomato chickpea stew and three-cheese manicotti with Bianco DiNapoli tomato sauce. Available for Pre-Select  
More choice for pre-arrival entrees  Feeling salty or sweet? Now customers flying in Main Cabin and Delta Comfort+® can choose between a sweet or savory option for their pre-arrival entrée on long-haul international flights. Varied selections include a spinach, egg and cheese calzone or a chocolate hazelnut calzone.  
Good food that’s good for you  Domestic First Class and Delta One* customers can indulge in the limited selection Wellness Entree, designed with a focus on lean protein, whole grains and fresh vegetables—without the nine major food allergens. This hearty, simply prepared roasted chicken comes with quinoa, green beans, roasted carrots and Roma tomato.
*Available in First Class and Delta One on select domestic routes over 900 miles and on Delta One on select transoceanic routes. Limited Selection; only available through Pre-Select (Pre-Select unavailable on A321neo)  
Say hello to new snacks  Main Cabin customers can sink their teeth into a soft-baked 88 Acres Dark Chocolate Sea Salt bar, rolling onboard in late May. This deliciously savory treat delivers a homemade cookie taste, without gluten or nuts.   
Cheers!Lean back, relax, and raise a glass with new and returning beverages on board for summer. 
Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPAThis neatly balanced amber-bronze beer, bursting with tropical, fruity flavors, comes onboard this summer as a permanent offering.  
Wine DownSusana Balbo Signature Malbec: This July, August and September, Delta One customers can enjoy elegant flavors from female winemaker and Malbec Master Susana Balbo – like this variety with brambly wild berry fruit and hints of licorice. 
Delta One international, July – Sept. 
Chateau La Mouline Moulis-en-Médoc AOC: Red lovers, rejoice – from a spectacular Bordeaux vintage known for its succulence and designated a Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, a rich and complex blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. 
Delta One, June & July  
Rosé, all day: The return of Gerard Bertrand Cote Des Roses to Delta One is sure to delight rosé lovers, with its salted watermelon and pomegranate notes. 
June – August  
Argyle Pinot Noir: From the Willamette Valley region of Oregon, this wine’s cherry fruit and rose petal floral notes make it a returning customer favorite. 
Delta One select routes, June - Aug 

It's Cool to Fly American celebrates a decade

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the It’s Cool to Fly American (ICTFA) program, an initiative centred around preparing children and their families for air travel through mock travel experiences managed by American’s Abilities Employee Business Resource Group (EBRG). The program partners with the HollyRod Foundation and several local organizations to raise awareness and provide resources to families with a loved one living with autism.

“We know the challenges that children with autism may experience in our airports and during a flight,” said Julie Rath, Senior Vice President of Airport Operations at American Airlines. “This program not only helps reduce anxiety and discover the fun and adventure of travel, but it also enlightens our team members to travellers with special needs which, in turn, helps us promote a more inclusive and compassionate environment for all.”

During the events, families can practice the entire air travel experience — from checking in at the airport, going through security, boarding the plane and taxiing out to an active runway and experiencing a simulated take-off. All of these experiences help our customers become more comfortable with the sensory experience of air travel.

Bruce Sickler, Customer Care Manager in Global Reservations and Program Director for ICTFA, started the program in 2014 when he saw the need to bring solutions to the obstacles the disabled community faces while travelling. Sickler suffered an injury that limits his mobility and has a grandson on the autism spectrum, which is why he volunteers his time to educate and advocate on the needs of those living with disabilities. Sickler serves as the global lead for the Abilities EBRG, connecting more than 2,300 team members across five chapters globally.

Since its inception in 2014, “It’s Cool to Fly American” has hosted more than 8,500 participants from approximately 4,500 families in more than 62 locations.

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Diehl Aviation builds new location in Mexico

The aviation supplier will establish a new site in Mexico and extend its international presence. Diehl Aviation will also get closer to its customers in North America.

Diehl Aviation announces the establishment of a new location in Mexico: Diehl Aviation de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., the most recent subsidiary of Diehl Aviation, will be located in an industrial park near the capital Querétaro in the federal state with the same name.

The new location is meant to further strengthen the cooperation with important customers like Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, and large local air carriers. America is an important growth market for Diehl. Being closer to its customers enables shorter travel and transport routes and more effective collaboration.

This increased responsiveness and local presence will improve Diehl Aviation's competitiveness in the market. In addition to economic potential, the location in Mexico provides and enables more cost-efficient production, but also reduces product costs and creates a local supply chain. Moreover, Diehl gains access to more qualified employees.

Querétaro boasts a central location, excellent infrastructure, and proximity to Querétaro International Airport. Querétaro is also an important industrial location focusing on car manufacturing and the aerospace industry and represents well-known companies such as Bombardier, Airbus, Safran, and Delta Airlines.

The site will initially have 8,000 square meters of production and office space and employ around 30 people. In the medium term, Diehl will employ around 500 staff members at the new location in Querétaro. The start of production is planned for the middle of 2025. Particularly spacious overhead bins for Airbus A220 aircraft will be the first product. Aeroplanes of this type will be assembled in Mirabel, Québec, Canada, and Mobile, Alabama, USA.

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Affinity FTS introduces students to the world of work through the Jon Egging Trust’s Flagship Blue Skies Programme

Leading aircraft service and maintenance provider, Affinity Flying Training Services (Affinity) recently delivered a series of sessions as part of the Jon Egging Trust (JET)’s long running Blue Skies programme. The three-year programme is aimed at young people aged 12 to 16 who are at risk of falling out of education due to lack of confidence and life challenges. Blue Skies is delivered as an alternative to in-school sessions, helping participants develop key workplace skills such as teamwork, leadership and resilience. It holds workplace visits, which offer unique insights into a range of career avenues, not only within the aviation sector, but also in sectors linked to space and entrepreneurship. These visits aim to expose students to new and exciting opportunities in the world of work which they may have not considered or thought out of reach. 

Affinity has supported JET’s Blue Skies programme for several years, during which it has not only hosted Blue Skies sessions but also lent its support for events including graduations and annual dinners. The success of the Blue Skies programme bolsters Affinity’s existing track record as an SME with high levels of engagement with local communities across the UK.

Since the start of the year, Affinity has supported five Blue Skies Level 3 sessions for students across Lincolnshire, giving them an insight into what an aviation organisation does on a daily basis. The Affinity team were on hand to support the employability sessions which highlighted the similarities between work and school, office etiquette, social media tips and tricks, finance, alongside wider practical advice on the world of work. The programme concluded with Affinity’s HR Team alongside other local JET partners holding a series of ‘Sprinterviews’. These Sprinterviews were a new activity introduced this year and allowed students to take part in mock interviews and CV writing workshops to gain greater experience to prepare them after they leave education. 

This year, the Affinity team has supported in-school sessions at Priory Witham Academy and Barnes Wallis Academy in Lincolnshire, and also hosted students during visits to RAF Cranwell, where they were able to see aircraft up close, and watch take off and landings from the flight line. 

Hanwha Phasor and Lufthansa Technik to expand on strategic partnership

Hanwha Phasor, a satellite communications company, and Lufthansa Technik, one of the leading providers of technical aircraft services in the world, are expanding their strategic partnership, announced today. The agreement, which was signed in February 2024, will see Lufthansa Technik design, build and supply hundreds of fuselage-mounted Satellite Communications radomes, the aerodynamic cover for Hanwha Phasor’s Phasor A7700 – an Active Electronically Steered Antenna designed for commercial and military aviation. Under the new terms, Lufthansa Technik will also start the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) for the Phasor A7700.

The STC is the final hurdle that the business must clear in order to release the Phasor A7700 to the market. The testing is an essential step for Hanwha Phasor to undertake, proving the Phasor A7700 for use with commercial aviation providers.

Following the initial EASA testing, Lufthansa Technik will support Hanwha Phasor with its’ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure that the Phasor A7700 is compliant for use in the United States. The EASA STC is expected to be completed and released in Europe Q3 2025, and FAA testing validation is expected to be complete and released in the United States in Q4 2025.

The extension of the partnership between the two businesses is a clear vote of confidence in the Phasor A7700, and the benefits that it will be able to provide to commercial aviation.

Heaven-sent EarthCARE to study clouds and climate

Airbus-built ESA-JAXA climate satellite successfully launched

The Airbus-built EarthCARE climate monitoring satellite has been successfully launched from Vandenberg military base, California. EarthCARE (Earth Cloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer) is a joint undertaking between the European and Japanese Space Agencies (ESA and JAXA). The satellite will examine the role clouds and aerosols (tiny atmospheric particles) play in reflecting solar radiation back into space (i.e. cooling down the atmosphere) as well as in trapping infrared radiation emitted from the Earth’s surface (i.e. heating up the atmosphere).

“EarthCARE is ESA’s largest and most complex Earth Explorer spacecraft – a flagship mission whose data will help improve the accuracy and reliability of climate and numerical weather prediction models,” said Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus. “International cooperation was key with more than 200 research institutes and 45 companies across Europe working hand in hand to deliver this spacecraft.”

EarthCARE will draw up vertical profiles of natural and human-made aerosols, register the distribution of water droplets and ice crystals and how they are transported in clouds, and provide essential input to improve the modelling of the warming climate and weather forecasting. Aerosols influence the life cycle of clouds, and so contribute indirectly to how they give off radiation – measuring them will give a better understanding of Earth’s energy budget.

Air Canada to install its Astrova in-flight entertainment (IFE) solution on 80+ aircraft starting in 2025.

         Aircraft Interiors Expo - Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic Avionics), a world-leading provider of in-flight engagement and connectivity (IFEC) solutions, has signed an agreement with Air Canada to install its Astrova in-flight entertainment (IFE) solution on 80+ aircraft starting in 2025.

Per terms of the agreement, the flag carrier of Canada will see Astrova line fit on Air Canada Boeing 787-10, Airbus A220-300 and A321XLR aircraft. Additionally, it will be retrofitted on A321s.

This wide-ranging and diverse fleet commitment from Air Canada marks the first time Astrova will be installed on the Airbus A220.

Upon delivery, Astrova will create an immersive experience through industry-leading 4K OLED HDR10+ screens. Passengers can also experience high-fidelity audio on their own wireless headphones using Panasonic Avionics' Bluetooth® technology*.

For passengers that want to multitask or work on their flights, up to 100 W of DC power via USB-C will be available in all phases of flight to fast charge mobile phones, tablets, compatible laptops, and other personal electronic devices.

Astrova also features a modular design that delivers the scalability, and flexibility needed to keep pace with consumer trends in today's fast-changing market. For example, Astrova's patented removable peripheral bar can be quickly hot swapped to unlock new upgrades and features to services like USB power, Bluetooth® technology, and other standards that may change or evolve over time.

JetBlue announces crew base in San Juan

JetBlue set to bring more than 400 jobs to the region with its first pilot and flight attendant base outside of the continental U.S.

JetBlue plans to open a pilot and flight attendant crew base at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, underscoring the airline’s commitment to growth and investment in the region. JetBlue, which offers its customers a unique combination of low fares and great service, is the largest carrier in San Juan, which is one of the airline’s focus cities. The news coincides with JetBlue’s 22nd anniversary of service to the island and comes after the airline’s recently announced plans to expand service from San Juan into more U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America destinations.

The new crew base is expected to open by the end of 2024, and by 2025 bring more than 400 local jobs to San Juan, contributing significant economic and community impact. Stationing pilots and inflight crewmembers in San Juan will not only bolster job creation on the island but also enhance JetBlue’s service and operational capabilities throughout the Caribbean and beyond.

“We’re so excited to base hundreds more crewmembers right here in San Juan, where we are proud to be the largest airline with plans to grow even more,” said Warren Christie, JetBlue’s chief operating officer. “The new crew base will support our operation as we grow and benefit the local economy in a place we are proud to call home.”

Aer Lingus selects new JFK Terminal 6 for operations beginning in early 2026

JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), the company selected by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey to build and operate John F. Kennedy International Airport's new world-class, $4.2 billion Terminal 6, and Aer Lingus today announced that the airline will make Terminal 6 its new home at JFK and begin operations on the first day of the Terminal's opening to passengers in early 2026. In addition, Aer Lingus will open a new signature lounge in Terminal 6 for its passengers, providing a modern state-of-the-art space with greater seating capacity, ensuring more comfort and space for Aer Lingus customers.

All customers can look forward to the Terminal's boutique, state-of-the-art design, with short walking distances to and from gates, curated artwork, and 100,000 square feet of NYC-inspired shopping and dining. A new Aer Lingus check-in space will allow for a seamless check-in experience with self-service bag drop options for greater convenience. Aer Lingus customers can enjoy seamless connectivity within the same terminal with connecting partner JetBlue.

Aer Lingus currently operates twice daily nonstop service from JFK Terminal 7 to Dublin, and daily to Shannon, Ireland, as well as daily service to Manchester, England using Airbus A330 and A321LR aircraft. A dedicated Aer Lingus lounge is also currently available to premium passengers at JFK Terminal 7. With US Pre Clearance facilities in Dublin and Shannon, Aer Lingus passengers using the Dublin-JFK and Shannon-JFK flights clear US immigration and customs inspections before boarding the flight to JFK, facilitating an easy exit from the airport on arrival.

"We've enjoyed a close partnership with Aer Lingus since they moved to JFK Terminal 7 in April 2023, and we're thrilled to continue this partnership at the new T6 and welcome their passengers on our very first day of operations in early 2026," said Steve Thody, CEO, JFK Millennium Partners.

''We are looking forward to our move to JFK Terminal 6 when construction is completed,'' said Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer. ''The new terminal promises Aer Lingus customers a modern, light-filled, tech-enabled space, which will allow us to go above and beyond for our customers. The addition of a brand-new dedicated Aer Lingus lounge will further enhance our loyal customer's experience providing them with a modern state-of-the-art lounge.''

About JFK Terminal 6

Currently under construction at John F. Kennedy International Airport, and part of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey's $19 billion redevelopment of JFK airport, Terminal 6 is being developed in two phases, with the first five gates opening in early 2026 and construction completion expected by 2028. New York City-inspired retail, dining options and amenities totalling nearly 100,000 square feet will create a unique New York sense of place. Terminal 6 airlines and their passengers can look forward to the latest passenger conveniences, technology and amenities, including:

10 gates, of which nine will accommodate widebody aircraft

5-minute average walking distances from the TSA security screening exit to gates

State-of-the-art automated baggage system, customs/border control facilities, and the latest TSA screening technologies

One of the longest departures curbs at JFK, with airline-branded passenger drop-off zones

Up to five airline lounges, in addition to a new arrivals lounge

Digital concierge services

A curated collection of New York City-inspired artwork featuring local and international artists, curated by the Public Art Fund in partnership with JMP and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

Sustainably-sourced building materials, rooftop solar power, and energy efficient systems and operating practices throughout Terminal 6

Sustainability certifications for LEED (silver or gold), Envision and SITES underway

A new ground transportation centre 

Aer Lingus was founded in 1936. Aer Lingus operates over 100 routes from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Knock to Europe, the UK and North America. Reaffirming its commitment to its North American expansion, the airline will operate 19 transatlantic routes in 2024 from Dublin and Shannon and a further three transatlantic routes from Manchester, UK to North America and the Caribbean.

Aer Lingus is a 4-star airline, awarded by Skytrax, the international air transport rating organisation. Aer Lingus is a member of International Airlines Group (IAG), one of the world's largest airline groups. As part of IAG, Aer Lingus has pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has committed to powering 10% of its flights using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030.

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Airlink, Amerijet, Food For The Poor, and Heart to Heart Partnership Send Hygiene Kits to Haiti

Hygiene kits from Food For The Poor (FFTP) Food For The Poor (FFTP) partner Heart to Heart International were flown to Haiti through a humanitarian air bridge in partnership with Airlink in response to a worsening humanitarian crisis and a desperate need for everyday necessities. Included were eight pallets containing 3,600 hygiene kits.

The goods were flown to Port-au-Prince by Airlink through their donor Amerijet on a cargo plane from Miami International Airport. Airlink is a nonprofit that provides 200-plus vetted nongovernment organizations with free transport for responders and emergency supplies in response to disasters and humanitarian crises.

In April, FFTP received nearly 20,000 hygiene kits in drawstring bags from Lenexa, Kan.-based Heart to Heart International, a longtime partner, to support FFTP’s response to the crisis in Haiti.

Additional Airlink flights to Haiti are planned with the potential to ship additional aid from FFTP and its partners.

According to FFTP President and CEO Ed Raine, hygiene supplies such as soap, toothpaste, and shampoo are desperately needed. They can make a world of difference for many families displaced in Haiti.

“This partnership is an extraordinary moment,” Raine said. “We’re grateful to Heart to Heart International, Airlink, and Amerijet for helping us make this possible.”

Heart to Heart International has worked with the Haitian people for many years to improve health access. “The current situation in Haiti is tragic and challenging, and we firmly believe everyone deserves access to basic necessities and health care,”  said Heart to Heart International CEO Kim Carroll. “That’s why we are truly grateful to partner with Food For The Poor and Airlink to deliver critical hygiene supplies to those in need in Haiti. These basic yet essential items will help displaced families maintain their health and well-being.”

Best-Selling Cessna Citation Latitude and Flagship Citation Longitude to offer new advanced avionics features

Textron Aviation announced advanced Garmin G5000 avionics enhancements coming to the best-selling mid-size business jet, the Cessna Citation Latitude, and the flagship of the Citation family of jets, the Citation Longitude. Textron Aviation’s investments in the popular business jets, based on customer feedback, will offer greater performance and improved user experience to pilots in the new Latitude jets beginning in 2025 and the new Longitude jets in 2026.

"Citation jets offer customers performance, productivity and profitability that opens a new world of possibility in aviation and their business,” said Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president of Global Sales & Flight Operations. "These enhancements demonstrate our commitment to continuously invest in our legendary products in order to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers.”

When equipped with the latest Garmin G5000 avionics suite, the Latitude and Longitude will feature an array of new advanced features and technology from Garmin, including Synthetic Vision Guidance System (SVGS) shown on the primary flight displays, that couples with Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) to support approach minima as low as 150 ft (46 m). SVGS provides a continuous, geo-spatially correct depiction of the external scene topography, including obstacles, augmented by the display of the runway.

SVT enhancements include a 3D exocentric view of the SafeTaxi® airport environment to aid situational awareness while taxiing. SVT also displays 3D building footprints including hangars, terminals and towers, taxiways, aprons, signs and other markings to help reduce runway incursions by providing guidance while taxiing at airports contained in the SafeTaxi database. The enhancements also support pilot situational awareness by increasing topographical clarity, sharpening water and terrain boundaries, improving obstacle and powerlines display and enhancing runway and airport sign depictions. SVT introduces multiple viewpoints for the first time and integrates with the new Taxiway Routing feature that provides clarity during ground operations – particularly at large, unfamiliar and complex airports during low visibility conditions.

Samarkand International Airport one of Europe’s fastest growing

Samarkand International Airport (SKD) has one of the highest growth records of any airport in Europe, official figures underline.

New data released by the European airport industry organisation ACI Europe, show that SKD has grown by 158.9% since pre-Covid pandemic figures of 2019. This represents the third-largest growth of any airport measured by ACI Europe, which represents over 500 airports in 55 countries. 

SKD is second-only, in terms of growth, to the Albanian capital of Tirana among medium-size airports. It saw passenger numbers increase by 232.3%, while Babimost in western Poland led the small airport section by growing 164.6%. 

This is a first time that Samarkand has been classed in the ‘Medium’ size airport category for facilities with between 1-10 million annual passengers, having surpassed the one million-mark for a first ever year in 2023. Since opening its new international terminal at the beginning of 2022, SKD has more than doubled passenger volumes in each of the past two years and been ranked among the top 10 regional airport leaders in the Central Asian region by the World Airport Awards (SKYTRAX) international airport rating. 

Ulugbek Shamsikulov, newly appointed CEO of Air Marakanda, says: "The progressive policies of our Government and investment by our owner in this 21st century, state-of-the-art airport, are together delivering passenger growth. But we are only just embarking on our journey to attract further visitors to Samarkand and Uzbekistan, who will help to drive growth in our economy.” 

Mr Shamsikulov continues: “We see significant demand for domestic and international travel from this area and from airlines bringing overseas visitors to explore our incredible ancient city of Samarkand. We will continue to grow our network during the summer season, as airlines increase capacity on existing routes and as we open new city connections with Samarkand.” 

SKD continues to outstrip average passenger growth figures achieved elsewhere, ACI Europe reporting a 10.2% increase in March carryings against 2023. Traffic came close to full recovery from pre-pandemic volumes, ending just -1.5% below March 2019 figures. ACI says figures for Q1 2024 are 10.2% up on last year and just -1.3% below Q1 2019. 

Samarkand International Airport is among only 43% of airports in Europe to have shown growth when compared to pre-pandemic passenger volumes. It is well ahead of the 2.8% average growth in the Europe3 region that incorporates the nations of Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. 

Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong) Sets Additional New World Speed Record with Bombardier Global 7500 Between Tokyo and Los Angeles

Phenix Jet Cayman (Hong Kong) proudly announces the establishment of a new world speed record using its Bombardier Global 7500, achieving a remarkable flight time of just 8 hours and 15 minutes between Tokyo and Los Angeles. This impressive achievement further showcases the exceptional performance capabilities of the Global 7500 and the operational excellence of the Phenix Jet teams.

 

In 2024 alone, Phenix Jet Cayman has set seven world speed records on the following city pairs and times:

1. March 6, 2024: Phoenix to Paris - 8 hours and 30 minutes

2. April 2, 2024: Los Angeles to Tokyo - 10 hours and 28 minutes

3. April 4, 2024: Tokyo to Los Angeles - 8 hours and 15 minutes

4. April 9, 2024: San Jose to Tokyo - 9 hours and 58 minutes

5. April 19, 2024: New York to London - 5 hours and 53 minutes

6. April 23, 2024: London to New York - 6 hours and 40 minutes

7. April 30, 2024: San Francisco to Tokyo - 9 hours and 53 minutes

These seven records set aboard the Global 7500 since the start of 2024 are a testament to Phenix Jet's and Bombardier’s commitment to excellence in the business aviation sector. The highly travelled route between Tokyo and Los Angeles is a preferred corridor for private jet clients and charter passengers, who are drawn by the thriving business landscape, vibrant cultural scene, and stunning ambiences of both cities.

Phenix Jet has been recognized as the best Charter Operator and the Operator with the Largest Charter Fleet in Asia by the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) and Asian Sky Group respectively, highlighting its prominence and reputation in the industry.