The WestJet Group inaugurates service between Halifax and Edinburgh

WestJet is celebrating the departure of its inaugural service between Halifax and Edinburgh today with the departure of WS46 from Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) scheduled for 10:35 p.m. local. The new service marks an important milestone for the WestJet Group as it continues to bolster Halifax's connectivity this summer. Additionally, the airline celebrated the return of non-stop service between Halifax and Dublin on Wednesday, June 19.

"Further solidifying our position as Canada's leading leisure airline, this flight is another milestone in our commitment to enhancing Atlantic Canada's business and leisure ties through air connectivity," said Andrew Gibbons, WestJet Vice-President of External Affairs. "With today's inaugural service, we are thrilled to further strengthen the connection between Halifax and Edinburgh as we continue to expand strategic air access across the region."

WestJet Summer Transatlantic Capacity from Halifax

Route	Frequency	Start Date	End Date	Departure	Arrival
Halifax to Edinburgh	3x weekly	June 20	October 13	10:35 p.m.	8:10 a.m.
Edinburgh to Halifax	3x weekly	June 21	October 13	9:35 a.m.	11:41 a.m.
Halifax to Dublin	4x weekly	June 19	October 13	10:30 p.m.	7:55 a.m.
Dublin to Halifax	4x weekly	June 20	October 14	9:30 a.m.	11:38 a.m.
Halifax to London (Gatwick)	4x weekly	April 28	October 25	11:00 p.m.	9:00 a.m.
London (Gatwick) to Halifax	4x weekly	April 29	October 26	11:00 a.m.	1:46 p.m.

When we tried to book flights from Edinburgh to Halifax for the rest of June, the WestJet system returned with error message saying no flights found. 

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Artemis Aerospace explores the most commonly replaced aircraft components

Aircraft need plenty of maintenance, both routine and unexpected, to keep them in the air and ensure they are in peak flying condition; lives depend on it. Flight simulators are in demand around the clock to keep pilots and cabin crew up to scratch with their training. Artemis Aerospace looks at the components which are most regularly replaced in each and the reasons why.

Aircraft are heavy duty workhorses and with airlines aiming for the minimum amount of AOG time, there's a considerable amount of wear and tear which needs continual attention. Flight simulators enable pilots to train in every type of weather condition, for every possible eventuality, over any country and at any airport. The type of wear and tear which takes place on a simulator is very different to a real aircraft, but the need to keep them fully operational is no less urgent. So which parts of an aeroplane need the most regular updating? Do flight simulators wear out the same parts just as fast, or does the pattern of dilapidation deviate? There are two distinct types; cosmetic wear and tear, which includes worn upholstery, broken armrests and recliners, chips, stains and spillages. It's important to an airline's brand and reputation to present an aircraft in the best possible state, but issues like these aren't necessarily essential to passenger safety. Then there is operational wear and tear, such as worn tyres or brakes and malfunctioning navigational equipment, which is absolutely crucial both for safety and compliance with rigorous regulations.

Italian luxury brand Missoni will design the airline's Delta One amenity kits

The Delta One experience will soon be further differentiated by a new partnership the global airline has forged with Italian luxury fashion house Missoni.

Together, Delta and Missoni – a brand known for its creative use of colours and patterns – will elevate Delta One with a new customer amenity kit and top-of-the-line details woven into key touchpoints throughout the Delta One travel experience.  

“We’ve been intentional about creating a Delta One experience—both on the ground and in the air—that feels truly premium and elevated, and Missoni’s elegance and prestige aligns perfectly with that vision,” said Mauricio Parise, Vice President – Brand Experience Design. “The Missoni-designed amenity kits, along with unique design elements that will be featured in our Delta One Lounge at JFK, will offer a distinct, high-end enhancement to our most premium spaces.”   

The new Delta One amenity kits will feature Missoni’s signature textured zigzag pattern on the exterior of the bag. That same intentional design continues inside the bag, as Missoni and Delta teams created an exclusive pattern and colour palette that celebrates the view from the window at 30,000 feet while paying homage to Delta’s nearly 100-year flying heritage.  

In addition to the new kits, a selection of Missoni’s home collection will also be featured in the Delta One Lounge at New York-JFK, which will open on June 26.  

Chihuahua aims to become Mexico's aerospace capital

Photo municipiochihuahua.gob.mx

Marco Bonilla Mendoza, the newly re-elected mayor of Chihuahua, the capital of Mexico's largest state, aims to have fully assembled aircraft from U.S. manufacturers Bell and Cessna taking off from Chihuahua within the next three years.

Infrastructure is currently being prepared, as thousands of aircraft parts manufactured in the city, located in northern Mexico, are assembled to complete 70% of several aircraft, which are then sent abroad for final assembly.

"The aerospace industry in the city of Chihuahua is the most developed in the country. Today, 100% of the parts needed to make an aeroplane are made here. The plane is already partially assembled in Chihuahua and then sent to Wichita, Kansas (USA), where the turbines are installed, tests are conducted, and it's ready to go," Bonilla said in an interview with EFE.

Additionally, Bonilla mentioned that Bell helicopters leave the capital with more than 80% of their assembly complete. To achieve 100%, new factories and special infrastructure are needed, which he emphasized, "is already in progress."

"A new aerospace park is being built in Chihuahua, five minutes from the airport. The goal is to develop a more specialized industry in this aeropark, and this will happen in the next three years," he noted. Solid industry

New Finnair Lounge on the Schengen side of Helsinki Airport will open on 9 July 2024

Finnair continues to invest in customer experience as the airline announces the opening of its brand-new Finnair Lounge on 9 July. Located on the Schengen side of Helsinki Airport, near gate 21, the lounge is designed to bring unparalleled comfort and convenience to travellers. 

"We are delighted to announce the opening of our new Schengen lounge, providing even more space and comfort before take-off. Responding to the feedback from Finnair Plus tier members, the lounge features also an exclusive Finnair Platinum Corner for Finnair Plus Platinum and Platinum Lumo members to enjoy," said Ole Orvér, Chief Commercial Officer at Finnair. 

Business Class Classic and Flex ticket holders, and Finnair Plus Gold members can access the new Finnair Business Lounge. Lounge access can also be purchased as a travel extra during ticket booking, via Manage booking, or through the Finnair app. 

New operator of Doncaster Sheffield Airport could be announced in August

The BBC is reporting that Doncaster Sheffield Airport which closed in 2022 could be handed to new investors as early as this September.

 The Peel Group said the airport was no longer a viable operation in 2022 and closed things down, with the hope of being able to redevelop the site with a mix of business and residential units to link with the new business park area. 

Potential investors have submitted bids this week to the local council which is expected to announce the winning bidder during the first part of August. This will follow an intense period of evaluation by Doncaster Council where each proposal will be studied.  This review is set to be concluded by July,  the winner announced in August and the handover/contract signing is expected in September. 

Cabinet approved report recommendations - City of Doncaster Council

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WestJet and AMFA agree to return to negotiation

WestJet today, appeared before the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to discuss the airline's request for arbitration, in the negotiation process between the airline and the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Tech Ops employees, and to determine the next steps.

With respect to WestJet's request for arbitration, the CIRB has advised it will require additional time and submissions from both parties before making a decision on whether or not collective bargaining for our first agreement should be resolved by way of arbitration.

In the meantime, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) has rescinded its strike notice, with both parties jointly agreeing to return to the bargaining table to continue work towards finding a resolution.

"We recognize the impact the initial cancellations had on our guests and our people, and we sincerely appreciate their patience and understanding during this time," said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer. "In returning to the bargaining table, we are committed to finding a resolution to avoid further disruption to our operations."

Two people arrested following break in at London Stansted Airport and planes damaged.

Two protesters have been arrested by Essex Police after they cut their way into the private aviation area of London Stansted Airport and dowsed two aircraft with orange paint.

A spokesperson for the airport said "Shortly after 5am, Essex Police arrested two protesters who had entered the private aviation area of the airfield, away from the runway and main passenger terminal.  - No flights were disrupted, and the airport and flights are operating as normal".

Essex Police said: "Officers were on the scene within minutes and detained two people.

The airport and flights are operating as normal.

A 22-year-old woman from Brighton, and a 28-year-old woman from Dumbarton, have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and interference with the use or operation of national infrastructure."

The climate protest group Just Stop Oil said they were targeting Taylor Swift's private jet which they said was at the airport ahead of the Wembley Stadium leg of her Eras Tour scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

However, it is understood that Taylor Swift's private aircraft was not at the airport and for security reasons, such as this latest incident, she doesn't use it when on tour.

A worker at the airport said the damage to the two aircraft could run into thousands due to the corrosive nature and non-airworthiness of the paint used by the protesters. 

The eco-terrorist group that want fossil fuels to be phased out by 2030 have promised a summer of resistance where they will attack other targets. Earlier this week members of the group covered some of the ancient stones of Stonehenge in orange paint powder.

A security review is underway at the airport and Essex Police will increase its presence at the airport for the summer due to a heightened risk. Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said:  “I would like to reassure passengers and the wider public that we are well prepared and resourced to deal with incidents of this nature.

Almost immediately after we were made aware of this incident, which took place away from the main passenger terminal, we were on the scene.  We maintain a constant presence at the airport and this presence will be heightened over the summer period.  We have a good working relationship with Stansted Airport to ensure you can go about your travels with minimal impact. We are not anti-protest but we will always take action where criminal acts take place.”

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Children living with autism learn to fly on Autism Aviation Days

Over the last two months, employees at Air Canada and our partner, Jazz Aviation LP, the Air Canada Foundation and the Canucks Autism Network organized Autism Aviation Days in BC to introduce kids on the autism spectrum and their families to elements of air travel by learning and practicing airport processes. Following the two first events held at Victoria International Airport at the end of April, three single-day events took place on May 4, 25 and 26 at Vancouver International Airport, where 180 children experienced the security process, boarding an Air Canada Express CRJ-900 aircraft, taxiing around the tarmac and de-planing.  

 

“Helping children spread their wings is what we do at the Air Canada Foundation”, said Rebecca Smillie Nedelec, Director, Community Engagement at Air Canada. “By partnering with organizations like the Canucks Autism Network, we can provide these unique experiences that help reduce barriers and improve accessibility to air travel for children of all backgrounds.”  

 

Families with children on the spectrum of autism can face different challenges and barriers, especially when it comes to air travel. These events allowed children to rehearse the entire pre-flight process in a safe and supported environment. Autism Aviation Days aim to decrease anxiety associated with air travel and build confidence for future journeys not only for the children but also the parents.  

 

 

Children living with autism learn to fly on Autism Aviation Days from Air Canada on Vimeo.

IBS Software Announces Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer Somit Goyal

     IBS Software, a leading SaaS solutions provider to the travel industry globally, has appointed Somit Goyal as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Somit succeeds Anand Krishnan, who served as CEO of IBS Software since 2018. 

Somit Goyal brings a wealth of experience in the enterprise software sector, having held leadership roles at globally renowned companies such as Microsoft, SAP, Oracle and AOL. 

During his 11-year tenure at Microsoft, Somit held several leadership roles across strategy, operations, sales and customer success. In his last role, he managed the global sales of Microsoft’s Modern Work cloud business, and before that, Somit served as the Chief Operating Officer of Microsoft’s Public Sector business worldwide. Somit also conceived and established the Customer Success function at Microsoft, an area of growing importance for IBS Software as it continues to expand globally.

Most recently, Somit served as President and COO of Pluralsight, a SaaS company, where he oversaw product, engineering and GTM functions. 

"Somit’s impressive experience in operating global SaaS businesses, leading diverse teams, and managing all facets of enterprise software make him exceptionally well-suited to lead IBS Software during this exciting phase of growth," said V K Mathews, Executive Chairman of IBS Software. "IBS Software is at a pivotal point in its trajectory as we continue to innovate to better serve our customers. I am confident Somit will help unlock our full potential.”

Belgium chooses Airbus Helicopters H145M for Armed Forces and Federal Police

Belgium will procure 15 multi-role H145M helicopters for the army and two helicopters plus three options for the Federal Police. The contract was signed between the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), on behalf of Belgium, and Airbus Helicopters.

“We are proud that Belgium is joining the growing community of H145M users,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “In Europe, the robust multi-role helicopter is becoming the reference for tactical airlift capability, special operations, and medical evacuation missions. We are sure that the H145M will quickly become a key asset to the Belgian defence and security portfolio.”

The H145M is a multi-role military helicopter that provides a broad range of mission capabilities. Within minutes, the helicopter can be reconfigured from a light attack role, with axial ballistic and guided weapons and a state-of-the-art self-protection system, to a special operations version, including fast rappelling equipment. The comprehensive mission packages include hoisting and external cargo capabilities. Additionally, the H145M includes options for future mission capabilities, including data links, further communication systems, and digitalisation of mission-capabilities.

WestJet cancels 40 flights ahead of aircraft mechanics strike

One of the leading Canadian carriers has cancelled in the region of 40 flights ahead of strike action by its aircraft maintenance engineers and other tech pps employees.

WestJet confirmed it had taken action to ensure it could park its aircraft in a safe and organized way and to aid proactive communication with staff and customers ahead of the walkout by around 670 members of the  Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association.

"We are immensely disheartened that we are in a position where we must activate our contingency plan and begin parking aircraft, as a result of the strike notice served by AMFA. We deeply regret the disruption this will have on the travel plans of our guests, communities and businesses that rely on our critical air service," said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer. "Following the memberships' nearly unanimous decision to reject a generous tentative agreement that would have made our Aircraft Maintenance Engineers the highest paid in the country, with a take-home pay increase of 30 to 40 per cent in the first year of the proposed agreement, it is clear that the bargaining process has broken down."  

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Archer Announces Landmark Infrastructure Deal With Signature Aviation

Archer and Signature recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) identifying initial day one opportunities for launching air taxi services including in key United Airlines hubs at Newark International (EWR) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Airports, as early as the end of 2025.

Archer Aviation, a leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and Signature Aviation, the world's largest network of private aviation terminals, today announced the signing of an MOU focused on electrifying Signature’s industry-leading network of over 200 airport terminals, giving Archer access to takeoff and landing sites in major metropolitan areas across the U.S. and globally, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, and Texas. The MOU identifies day-one opportunities for launching Archer’s air taxi service in key United Airlines hubs at Newark International (EWR) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Airports.

The two companies plan to leverage their existing partnerships with BETA Technologies to install BETA’s interoperable rapid recharging systems across Signature’s industry-leading network of private aviation terminals. These systems utilize the Combined Charging System (CCS), which can charge electric aircraft, cars, airplane tugs, buses, and other forms of transportation commonly used at airports. The interoperable rapid recharging system, recently endorsed by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), has been installed at 20+ airports across the country with 50 new sites in development, and is currently used by the industry’s leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

“We are thrilled to join forces with Signature Aviation to advance the infrastructure needed to support the future of urban air mobility. By focusing on electrifying key aviation assets in major cities such as New York and Chicago, we are taking essential steps toward making sustainable and efficient air travel a reality,” said Bryan Bernhard, Archer’s Chief Growth & Infrastructure Officer. “This partnership will help us establish a robust network of landing sites across the country to enable the scaling of our air taxi service, ensuring our Midnight aircraft can seamlessly integrate into urban environments and provide a reliable transportation solution for our passengers.”

CDB Aviation Leases Two New A320neos to New Customer Azerbaijan Airlines

CDB Aviation, has confirmed the execution of lease agreements for two Airbus A320neo aircraft with a new customer and one of the largest carriers in the Commonwealth of Independent States (the “CIS”) countries, Azerbaijan's national air carrier, Azerbaijan Airlines.

The A320-251 aircraft will be scheduled to be delivered in June and July 2025 and will support the airline’s fleet renewal strategy targeted to equip the carrier with the most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft.

“This new partnership with AZAL is an important milestone for our platform, as it marks our very first transaction within Azerbaijan, as well as the addition of a new customer in the region,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are confident that the selection of these latest generation A320neo Family aircraft will further boost AZAL’s sustainable growth, providing passengers with excellent comfort throughout its fleet.”

“The signing of these two leases marks the start of our fleet replacement to the most modern aircraft and interiors. Our passengers will be delighted with what can be achieved in the NEO cabin, with their increased comfort and enjoyment. It’s been a pleasure working with CDB Aviation, and we look forward to taking delivery of the Airbus aircraft in the summer of 2025,” said AZAL President, Samir Rzayev.

“I would like to thank the AZAL and CDB Aviation teams for their excellent collaboration on both sides of this transaction and their outstanding efforts, hard work, and dedication in getting these lease agreements over the finish line,” added Chen.

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New Direct Flights to Xi'an in China from Samarkand International Airport, Uzbekistan.

A new direct service to Xi'an, the administrative centre of Shaanxi Province (China), has been launched from Samarkand International Airport.

 

The first flight, operated by Loong Air, landed at Samarkand at 12:08 local time yesterday (Sunday), and was given a traditional water cannon welcome upon arrival on the taxiway. Passengers, who included a delegation of airline executives, tour operators and representatives of the Chinese media, were also greeted with a traditional Uzbek welcome of karnaya and surnaya folk music.

 

Upon landing, the captain of the Airbus A320 aircraft, together with Lu Hongkun, General Director of Loong Air, Ulugbek Shamsikulov, General Director of Air Marakanda, Dmitry Martynenko. Air Marakanda’s Commercial Director, and Rustam Kobilov, Deputy Khokim of the Samarkand region responsible for tourism, culture, cultural heritage and mass communications, together cut a ribbon to mark the start of the Xi'an-Samarkand- Xi'an service.

A thematic photo zone in the new Samarkand airport terminal was set up for the newly arrived passengers and guests, alongside an Uzbek-style tea ceremony providing national treats, and an area for calligraphic inscriptions in Farsi, made on locally produced Samarkand mulberry paper.

 

Welcome speeches were given by management of Air Marakanda, the airport management company for Samarkand International Airport, by executives from Loong Air, as well as the Deputy Khokim Kobilov.

 

Mr. Shamsikulov said: “The opening of direct flights to Xi'an will have a positive impact on both the cultural and economic development linking our countries, as we begin to build the tourism potential of both cities.”

 

Flights on this route will be operated twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays, with an Airbus 320 aircraft designed to carry 174 passengers.

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French Army’s NH90 for Special Forces has started flight testing

Airbus Helicopters has launched the flight test campaign for the prototype of the NH90 Standard 2. This standard is one of the latest NH90 configurations and is being developed specifically for the French Army Aviation, to support special forces operations. The French Ministry for Armed Forces has ordered a total of 18 NH90s in the Standard 2 configuration. Flight testing will continue until the end of the year in accordance with the schedule agreed with the French Armament General Directorate (Direction Générale de l’Armement).

The Standard 2 configuration includes the integration of the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system, a new digital map generator, installation for a third crew member and new enlarged rear sliding windows able to accommodate self-protection guns.

The tests will validate the design of the new configuration. The prototype of the NH90 Standard 2 has also been equipped with mechanical and electrical provisions dedicated to the Distributed Aperture System (DAS) and a new generation Helmet Mounted Sight Digital Display (HMSD-DD) in the view of a future integration at a later stage. These systems will improve the special forces capabilities to operate in highly demanding conditions.

These flight tests are part of the programme launched in 2020 by the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) and NHIndustries (NHI) and its partner companies (Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and Fokker) for the development and the upgrade of 10 NH90 TTHs in the Standard 2 configuration.

Avolon raises USD$750 million in new unsecured bank facility

Facility includes new banking relationships in Middle East and India
JP Morgan and Emirates NBD acted as joint bookrunners

Avolon, a leading global aviation finance company, announces it has raised US$750 million in a new unsecured credit facility with a syndicate of seven banks predominantly in the Middle East and India.

The transaction further diversifies Avolon’s sources of capital, accessing new liquidity pools with significant appetite for high quality lending opportunities in the aviation sector.

The facility has a three-year tenor with options for extension to up to five years. JP Morgan and Emirates NBD acted as joint bookrunners on this transaction.

This transaction means Avolon has raised over US$3.4 billion in 2024 from a diverse range of funding sources in the public and private markets.

Ross O’Connor, Avolon CFO, commented: “This $750 million facility further diversifies our access to capital and forges new banking relationships in the Middle East and India. Deepening our sources of liquidity ensures we can continue to capitalise on attractive market dynamics and we appreciate the support of JP Morgan, Emirates NBD and the wider bank syndicate.”

Finnair completes rollout of its €200 million new long-haul cabin

Finnair has successfully completed the rollout of its new 200 million euro long-haul cabin renewal, with all long-haul aircraft now refurbished. 

The project included the launch of an entirely new Business Class seat, a brand-new Premium Economy cabin, and a refreshed Economy Class, giving customers the ultimate onboard experience. 

The state-of-the-art cabin was first launched in 2022, and within the space of two years, has been rolled out to the airline’s entire long-haul fleet of A350s and A330s. Customers can now enjoy a consistent Finnair experience on all of Finnair’s long-haul routes between Finnair’s home hub Helsinki, and the US, Middle East, and Asia.  

Ole Orvér, Chief Commercial Officer of Finnair said: “After just two years, it is fantastic to have completed the rollout of our new award-winning long-haul cabin. 

“Since its launch in 2022, customer feedback on our revolutionary Business Class seat and brand-new Premium Economy cabin has been excellent, so we are proud to be able to offer the renewed cabin on flights to all our long-haul destinations. 

‘World’s First’ Sustainable Aviation Fuel Project to be Built at Saltend......

Plans are now in place to build a state-of-the-art First-of-a-Kind demonstration plant at px Group’s Saltend Chemicals Park in the heart of the UK’s energy estuary.

px Group has announced that OXCCU will develop a First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) demonstration plant at its Saltend Chemicals Park in the Humber that will convert carbon dioxide and green hydrogen into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

px Group and OXCCU have announced a groundbreaking project that will convert carbon dioxide and green hydrogen into sustainable aviation fuel.

OXCCU is a leading carbon-to-value company that develops catalysts and processes to convert carbon dioxide and green hydrogen into fuels, chemicals and plastics.

The climate-tech spin-out from the University of Oxford has demonstrated the world’s first direct carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrogenation process, turning CO2  directly into aviation fuel range hydrocarbons, also known as SAF, with minimal oxygenate byproducts. 

The project presents a novel approach to SAF production simplifying a multi-step process to a single step.

OXCCU will now build a First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) demonstration plant at Saltend Chemicals Park, which will be fed by biogenic carbon dioxide, and green hydrogen. The plant is expected to produce 160 kilos (200 litres) of liquid fuel per day, of which the majority will be SAF. The approach directly aligns with the Advanced Fuel Fund’s objective to use carbon dioxide as a carbon source for SAF production due to feedstock concerns at scale with the other biofuel SAF routes. 

Alaska Airlines launches seasonal, daily flight between Portland and New Orleans

Alaska Airlines is continuing to expand the destinations it flies from Portland with the launch of the first nonstop flight to New Orleans beginning this January. The daily service will operate until next spring, including during Mardi Gras -- New Orleans’ largest annual celebration.

“As the largest carrier in Portland for more than 20 years, it’s important we continue to expand the nonstop destinations we offer our guests and give them choices when planning their next trip,” said Kirsten Amrine, vice president of revenue management and network planning for Alaska Airlines. “We can’t wait to offer another convenient way to connect our guests along the West Coast to New Orleans, a city rich in history and culture.”

The vibrant city of New Orleans will be Alaska’s 55th nonstop destination from Portland International Airport when service begins in January. The daily flight will conveniently depart PDX in the morning on the mainline fleet aircraft and return to Portland in the evening.

“Alaska’s continued investment in PDX is great news for our travel community. Until now, New Orleans was one of the largest U.S. markets without a nonstop from PDX,” said Dan Pippenger, chief aviation officer at the Port of Portland. “Tens of thousands of travelers already fly between these two great cities every year, and we expect that number to only grow with this new nonstop service.

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Portland – New Orleans service
Seasonal service: 1/6/25 to 5/14/25 

City Pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency	Aircraft
Portland – New Orleans	9:05 a.m.	3:30 p.m.	Daily	737
New Orleans – Portland	4:35 p.m.	7:50 p.m.

* Out of any U.S. legacy airline excluding lie-flat seats     

JetBlue to add complimentary carry-on bag to its Blue Basic fare level

JetBlue announced it is elevating the value of its Blue Basic fare by including a free carry-on bag for customers flying beginning September 6, 2024, regardless of purchase date. Previously, customers who wished to bring a carry-on bag would need to purchase one of JetBlue’s other fare options or purchase an Even More Space seat.

The change makes JetBlue’s basic economy offering one of the industry’s best values for price-conscious consumers. In addition to the new carry-on bag allowance, all fares, including Blue Basic, receive JetBlue’s award-winning, customer-centric experience including the most legroom in coach1, seatback entertainment at every seat and fast, free, unlimited Fly-Fi2 on all flights.

“Carry-on bags are an important part of travel to customers, and when presented with a choice between JetBlue’s award-winning service and another carrier’s basic offering, we want JetBlue to be the easy winner,” said Marty St. George, president, JetBlue. “We’re always looking for ways to evolve our offering in response to customer preferences. This is a win-win as we improve the customer experience and keep JetBlue competitive in our industry.”

While many of JetBlue’s aircraft are outfitted with larger overhead bins to accommodate more customers, in the event of space constraints, customers may be required to check carry-on bags at the gate for no additional charge. All bags remain subject to size and weight restrictions and other fees apply for oversized or overweight bags. For more information about bag allowances, please visit jetblue.com/at-the-airport/baggage-information.

WestJet Group welcomes two additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to growing fleet

          The WestJet Group today announced it will acquire two additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, one from Aviation Capital Group and one from High Ridge Aviation, to be integrated into the airline's operations in 2024. Earlier this month, the WestJet Group announced the addition of three Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in partnership with BOC Aviation Limited and a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with AerDragon. Today's announcement adds to the growing list of new-to-WestJet aircraft joining the Group's fleet this year.

"In partnership with Aviation Capital Group and High Ridge Aviation, we are thrilled to add these aircraft to our Boeing 737 MAX family, as we further reaffirm our mission of providing affordable air travel to Canadians," said Mike Scott, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. "Today's fleet additions are critical to the execution of our ambitious growth strategy as we work to provide more critical air access to Canadians."

While WestJet guests will benefit from the additional capacity across the airline's network, the aircraft will not immediately reflect the interior cabin experience, synonymous with the WestJet Group. Updating and refreshing the interior cabins of the aircraft will be prioritized as part of the airlines' existing fleet reconfiguration plans, to ensure a consistent experience for guests across its operation as soon as possible. 

"ACG is proud to expand its partnership with WestJet and to partake in its ambitious growth plans," said Alan Mangels, Vice President of Marketing for ACG. "The addition of this latest technology aircraft will not only support WestJet's growth objectives but will also do so in an environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient way."

"We're pleased to support the fleet needs of our long-time friends at WestJet, where our team's connections date back a quarter century," shares Greg Conlon, CEO of High Ridge Aviation. "Our highly experienced team and extensive relationships throughout the industry enable us to skillfully manage our fleet."

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Giving aircraft life vests a second chance in the Surf.... Hawaiian style

Oʻahu surfers Cathy Chin and Marlene Renee Smith yearned for a way to bring their favorite snacks out to their local break. For them, keeping food on hand meant avoiding a long paddle back to shore and having more time to ride waves, writes Marissa Villegas, External Communications, Hawaiian Airlines. 

“I had been trying to bring out protein cookies by attaching them to the back of my surfboard in a Ziplock baggie, but that did not work. All we wanted was to surf for longer, but we kept getting hungry and would have to paddle back in,” explained Chin. So, in January 2023, the two entrepreneurs began devising water-tight designs.

Smith created over 10 versions of a surf bag at home with her sewing machine and iron, ranging from Tyvek to sailcloth to polyester. Prototypes had to meet several criteria: be small enough to fit in board shorts and not create water drag, functional and waterproof with a good zipper, and durable to withstand wear and tear from the elements. She shared various options with other surfers and friends, including former professional surfer Keone Downing, who pushed Smith to consider repurposed material.

“Downing said something like, ‘You know, if you are surfers, then you care about the ocean and what you're taking out into it. Maybe you should look for some kind of recycled material.’ That triggered us to look at materials like old boat sails and busted party tents, but we struggled with those materials having too much sun exposure, too much degradation, too many holes in it, you name it.”

“My husband works in aircraft maintenance, and we had a facility in the Netherlands doing maintenance work for private jets. I'd seen them take the expired life vests out of them and toss them in the trash,” she explained.

Aviation life vests are made with durable nylon and coated with polyurethane to make it waterproof. While the material can withstand the test of time in its packaging, the vest accessories can degrade or weaken, and manufacturers require airlines to replace them every 10 years. 

While enjoying another good surf day on Oʻahu’s South Shore, Chin and Smith paddled to their friend Brad Otani, an aircraft mechanic for Hawaiian Airlines, and inquired about the carrier's expired life vests. Between sets, they discussed their idea with Otani, who later put out feelers with colleagues. Then, in July 2023, Chin and Smith received a donation of 300 life vests from Hawaiian's Brand and Technical Operations teams.

“I thought it was great what they were doing and was happy to support,” Otani said. “I was one of the surfers who tested the prototype made from our aircraft vests and I still use mine today.”

That first donation allowed Chin and Smith to scale production and launch the Think Blue Surf Bag, a 100% waterproof pouch for surfers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Surf Bag can fit items like an electronic car key, a small protein bar or snack, surf wax, a small tin of sunscreen or lip balm, or a credit card and ID. It is available for purchase at www.DaretoThinkBlue.com and in select Oʻahu surf shops.