Royal Air Maroc Cargo kick-starts its first digital bookings with cargo . one

Royal Air Maroc Cargo partners with cargo . one as the industry leader for equipping carriers with fully digital distribution

With cargo.one's first North African carrier, customers gain seamless and joyful digital access to Royal Air Maroc Cargo’s growing capacity around the clock

Royal Air Maroc Cargo and cargo.one unveiled a global partnership that brings the Moroccan national carrier’s cargo capacity to the leading platform for digital air cargo bookings. Providing its first digital sales channel, cargo.one now delivers its user-friendly and efficient booking platform for Royal Air Maroc Cargo offers. The airline partnered with cargo.one based on its ability to deliver a world-class digital booking experience and visibility across cargo.one’s vast global footprint of customer markets.

Freight forwarders using cargo.one now have instant digital access to valuable connectivity from Royal Air Maroc Cargo. Offering both belly and dedicated freighter capacity, Royal Air Maroc Cargo is developing fast. With a flexible fleet and its main hub in Casablanca, the carrier benefits from a geostrategic location at the crossroads of international air cargo lanes linking the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle-East. Royal Air Maroc Cargo offers a broad range of cargo services catering to many industries and sectors. 

cargo.one delivers forwarders the go-to choice for instantly scanning the global market and quoting and booking confirmed shipments at speed. The launch of Royal Air Maroc Cargo services further enriches cargo.one’s acclaimed diversity of global supply options. Subject to route availability, Royal Air Maroc Cargo customers can now book digitally for General Cargo shipments up to 1000kg (wide body) and 500kg (narrow body), and perishable shipments in the coming weeks, with all bookings benefiting from cargo.one standards for usability, control and competitive rates. 

Boeing forecasts demand for nearly 44,000 new aircraft by 2043

- Global passenger and freighter fleet to nearly double over the next 20 years

- Single-aisle aeroplanes to account for 76% of commercial deliveries

- About half of deliveries will replace older jets with more fuel-efficient models, improving sustainability

With air travel fully recovered and even surpassing pre-pandemic demand, Boeing has projected a 3% increase in airplane deliveries over the next 20 years, with carriers requiring nearly 44,000 new commercial airplanes by 2043. Leading into the Farnborough International Airshow, Boeing released its 2024 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), which also predicts emerging markets and global single-aisle market demand will remain primary growth drivers for the industry.

Air travel demand continues to outpace economic growth in an increasingly connected world. Four years after the pandemic grounded most of the global fleet, air traffic growth has returned to the long-term trend Boeing forecast 20 years ago. Compared to 2023, passenger air traffic will rise an average of 4.7% annually over the next two decades, according to the CMO.

"This is a challenging and inspiring era for aviation. The return to more typical traffic growth shows how resilient our industry is, even as we all work through ongoing supply chain and production constraints amid other global challenges," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.

CMO forecast highlights through 2043:

The global commercial fleet is projected to grow 3.2% annually, more slowly than air traffic as airlines continue to boost productivity by increasing load factors and using airplanes more hours per day.

The air cargo fleet, with speed and reliability, consistently outperforms other modes of transport and will increase by two-thirds by 2043, to support 4.1% annual air cargo traffic growth.

Air travel trends:

The average global airline fare is about the same as it was 20 years ago, even as overall consumer prices doubled.

The number of global routes served by commercial airlines has returned to 2019 levels, even though nearly 20% of them are new, illustrating the adaptability of aviation in a dynamic market.

Key growth drivers:

South Asia passenger traffic will increase 7.4%, followed by Southeast Asia (7.2%) and Africa (6.4%), as emerging markets return to historical growth trends through the forecast period.

Eurasia is projected to lead all markets with the most airplane deliveries (22% of total) with North America (20%) and China (20%) close behind.

Single-aisle airplanes will make up 71% of the 2043 fleet after 33,380 new deliveries, serving short- to medium-haul routes with versatility.

The global widebody fleet will more than double, with twin-aisles comprising 44% of the Middle East fleet.

Services on the rise:

Boeing expects demand for commercial services valued at $4.4 trillion ─ driven by maintenance and modification options and digital solutions that increase efficiency.

With air travel expansion especially in emerging markets, the commercial aviation industry will require nearly 2.4 million new personnel as well as training to support new pilots, maintenance technicians and cabin crew*.

"As airlines respond to robust passenger demand, the services market continues to expand, not only as a result of fleet growth, but also with an increased focus on reducing operating costs and deploying efficient and sustainable solutions," said Dan Abraham, senior vice president of Boeing Global Services Commercial Sales and Marketing.

*Boeing will release its complete Pilot and Technician Outlook on July 22

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70,000 flying hours and counting: Affinity Flying Training Services returns to RIAT showcasing its array of aircraft

After reaching 70,000 flying hours, Affinity FTS, a leading UK aircraft supply and servicing provider, will be attending and exhibiting its range of aircraft at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2024. RIAT takes place in Fairford, England on the 19th - 21st July 2024.

Affinity will showcase its three aircraft types, the Phenom, Texan and Prefect, highlighting the crucial role its team plays in supporting pilots through the UK military flying training system (MFTS). Throughout the event, the Affinity team will be on hand to detail how Affinity’s platform agnostic approach helps scale-up the services it offers in short timeframes. This has enabled it to deliver impactful results that solidify its position as a dependable and reliable service provider of aircraft maintenance.

RIAT marks an important step in the company’s growth, following a successful year which has seen the aircraft support organisation grow to approximately 200 employees this year. Across the UK, the business operates 42 aircraft and has bases in RAF Valley, RAF Cranwell and RAF Barkston Heath. Affinity has delivered over 70,000 flying hours since 2016 with the 100,000-hour mark fast approaching. As the first step on the Military Flying Training System (MFTS) ladder, Affinity has a burgeoning reputation for on-time delivery in maintaining the planes that train the next generation of military pilots. Affinity was built as an organisation from the bottom up to solely focus on MFTS and its impressive record of delivery further supports its driving mission.

RTX's Pratt & Whitney and SR Technics announce first GTF engine induction

Swiss shop becomes the 17th active facility in the growing GTF MRO network

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, and SR Technics announced this week the induction of the first Pratt & Whitney GTF engine at the MRO service provider's Zurich-based facility. SR Technics will provide full disassembly, assembly and test capability for the PW1100G-JM engine for the Airbus A320neo aircraft family.

"Today, we extend our relationship with SR Technics, which began 35 years ago with maintenance on the PW4000 engine," said Marc Meredith, vice president of commercial aftermarket for GTF engines at Pratt & Whitney. "With their top-tier performance history, SR Technics will continue to deliver industry-leading services providing vital support for the expanding GTF fleet."

Pratt & Whitney is committed to expanding GTF MRO capacity with industry-leading providers such as SR Technics to support the growing aftermarket demand. In 2023 alone, Pratt & Whitney announced three GTF MRO facility expansions and six shop activations to support the growing GTF fleet. SR Technics, which joined the Pratt & Whitney GTF MRO network in 2022, marks the 17th active location and the seventh facility in Europe.

"With the first induction of the GTF engine, we are fulfilling our strategy to continuously expand our capabilities," said Owen McClave, chief executive officer at SR Technics. "In maintaining the GTF engine, we will not only be able to support more global customers, but we are also adding to the skillset of our talented employees in Zurich."

The GTF MRO network is part of Pratt & Whitney EngineWise solutions which provide operators with a full range of aftermarket services resulting in long-term, sustainable value. 

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Finnair Group half-year report 1 January – 30 June 2024

Finnair,  Europe's leading outsourced airline has released its latest results for the first half of this year.  The carrier said its revenue had increased by 2.3 per cent to €766.1 million and comparable operating result was €43.6 million and the operating result was €42.5 million between April and June 2024. 

For January – June 2024 Finnair's passenger numbers increased by 1.9% to 5.5 million, load factor decreased to 73.5%. Net cash flow from operating activities was €312.0 million, and net cash flow from investing activities was -67.5 million euros.

Global air traffic is expected to continue growing in 2024, but for Finnair, the risks related to the impact of inflation and higher interest rates on demand and costs remain elevated, causing uncertainty in the operating environment. International conflicts and global political instability also cause uncertainty in the operating environment. These factors may affect the demand for air travel and cargo the carrier warned. 

Finnair plans to increase its total capacity, measured by ASKs, by c. 10 per cent in 2024. The capacity estimate includes the agreed wet leases. This growth will mainly focus on Asia and Europe. Finnair’s revenue is expected to grow more slowly than capacity in 2024.  It estimates that its revenue in 2024 will be within the range of 3.0–3.2 billion euros and the company also estimates that its comparable EBIT will be within the range of 110–180 million euros in 2024.

CEO Turkka Kuusisto explained:  "We carried 3.0 million passengers in April–June and revenue for the period increased by 2.3 per cent driven by higher ancillary and cargo revenue. Comparable operating result amounted to 43.6 million euros (66.2). The decrease was caused by lower yields and passenger load factor in the quarter. Our operating cash flow remained strong and financial position improved supported by refinancing actions during the quarter.

Runway renovation at Helsinki Airport in April–June impacted negatively our on-time performance and increased costs in the form of re-routing customers to their connecting flights. Our on-time performance was 76.0 per cent (84.9). On-time performance was also affected by challenging weather conditions that delayed flights and increased our costs.

Pent-up demand after the COVID-19 pandemic has largely been released and consumer confidence has been low for a long time. These are now being reflected also in travel demand, which is normalising after a period of strong demand during 2023. Based on the strong demand in 2023, we increased our Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) for 2024 by improving aircraft utilisation and by deploying aircraft that returned from British Airways wet lease outs into our own use. As travel demand is normalising, the capacity increase has not yet increased our revenues accordingly, and our passenger load factor was 74.7 per cent (76.3). Continuous capacity optimisation is a normal part of traffic planning and we continue to work every day to optimise our network and schedules."

First of 19 new Airbus jets arrives for Condor from ALC

Aircraft management and leasing giant, Air Lease Corporation confirmed it had delivered the first of nineteen new Airbus jets to German leisure airline Condor.  

“ALC is pleased to announce this significant first of 19 new Airbus aircraft delivery to Condor today,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “The A321-200neo will modernize Condor’s jet fleet with a new standard of fuel-efficiency, performance and passenger comfort, and continue ALC’s leadership position as Condor’s largest aircraft Lessor.”

The Airbus A321-200neo comes from ALC’s orderbook, Condor ordered 17 A321-200neos and 2 A320-200neos which are scheduled to be delivered to the carrier between now and the end of 2027. In addition to these aircraft, ALC currently has three A321s and two A320s on long-term lease to the airline.

“We are thrilled to continue to build our strong relationship with Condor with our first A321neo delivery to the airline,” added Lauren Kervick, Vice President of Air Lease Corporation. “Our A321-200neos will fill an important role in Condor’s growing fleet and expanding route network.”

“Condor is looking forward to welcome another A321neo to the fleet,” said Björn Walther, Chief Financial Officer of Condor. “We are delighted to have ALC onboard as our long-term partner for further 18 narrowbody aircraft. Thanks to this strong partnership, we will soon be offering guests on short and medium-haul routes the most modern and efficient fleet in Europe.”

The Condor A321neo flies in a two-class configuration with Business Class and Economy Class. The cabin has a total of 233 seats in a 3-3 seating arrangement. Guests can enjoy the "FlyConnect" internet and entertainment portal on board, where the latest entertainment program with blockbusters, classics, children's films and a wide range of music and magazines is available to stream on personal devices free of charge. In the “FlyConnect” portal, guests can also purchase various data packages to stay connected above the clouds.

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Major global computer outage causes travel chaos

An ongoing major computer issue affecting Windows security Crowdstrike systems is continuing to cause global chaos as airlines and airports face cancellations and delays.  

British Airways says that some of its flights will be affected during the day because of the outage which is affecting its operations centre, although it says it is working hard to try and operate as many flights as it can.

Earlier United Airlines, said "A third-party software outage is impacting computer systems worldwide, including at United.  While we work to restore those systems, we are holding all aircraft at their departure airports. Flights already airborne are continuing to their destinations."

Delta Air Lines has also grounded flights. American Airlines grounded flights, but has since started to operate again. 

Singapore Airlines operations and reservations centres are being affected by the outage, however, its flights are continuing as per schedule. 

JetStar Japan has cancelled around twenty flights thus far, with more expected later. 

Japan Airlines has experienced difficulties with online bookings, flight changes and loyalty club administration, but flights are continuing.

Turkish Airlines reports that it was forced to cancel around 80 flights today because of the outage. 

Ryanair confirmed it was being disrupted by the outage: “We’re currently experiencing disruption across the network due to a global third-party IT outage which is out of our control.

We advise all passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure time."  Some flights may be disrupted during the day and it advised “affected passengers will be notified and any passengers travelling across the network on Fri 19 July should check their Ryanair app for the latest updates on their flight.

“We advise passengers to arrive at the airport 3 hours in advance of their flight to avoid any disruptions.

“We regret any inconvenience caused to passengers by this 3rd party IT issue, which is outside of Ryanair’s control and affects all airlines operating across the network.”

Many airports around the world have reported issues,  including, Delhi and Mumbai in India, Christchurch and Auckland in New Zealand. 

Glasgow Airport issued the following statement: "We are largely unaffected by the current global IT issues. At present a small number of airlines have moved to manual check-in and some retailers are only accepting cash payments."

Gatwick Airport confirmed it was being affected by the outage "so passengers may experience some delays while checking in and passing through security. 

Passengers should still arrive for their normal check-in time. We apologise for any inconvenience and are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible."

London Stansted confirmed that some of its airlines were being affected by the outage, which means some processes like check-in and boarding are being carried out manually and are taking longer than usual for those airlines. "The majority of flights operating from the airport are unaffected but the terminal is slightly busier than usual as a result of the situation. 

As always, passengers are advised to check the status of their flights with their airline before they leave for the airport and should follow their airlines' advice about the best time to arrive at the airport. We also advise checking up-to-date travel advice as some train services have also been affected by the issues.

Some of our retailers have also been affected meaning they have been unable to process card payments. We thank all our passengers for their patience and understanding. "

London Heathrow stated "Microsoft is currently experiencing a global outage which is impacting select systems at Heathrow. Flights are operational and we are implementing contingency plans to minimise any impact on journeys. Please check with your airline for the latest flight information."

Luton Airport issued this statement: "The airport remains fully operational though some airline and retail partner systems continue to be impacted by the global IT issue. 

Our advice to passengers is to check with their airlines for flight updates and for guidance on the best time to arrive at the airport.

Passengers travelling to the airport by rail are also advised to check the latest travel advice from rail companies as some services may be affected."

Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport was very crowded this morning, it said:  "The outage has an impact on flights flying from and to Schiphol. it is not yet clear how many flights are affected."

Birmingham Airport said "The majority of flights are operating as normal out of Birmingham Airport, customers should follow the advice from your airline and we will continue to update passengers throughout the day. For those that have checked in online previously are unaffected. This is clearly a rapidly evolving situation. Customers should follow the advice from airlines and we will continue to update passengers throughout the day."

Edinburgh said: "The airport is currently being impacted by a global IT system outage.  Wait times are longer than usual and passengers should not to come to the airport without first checking the status of their flight with their airline.

Anyone whose fight has been cancelled should leave the airport and contact their airline directly for more information.  This outage is impacting many other businesses, including airports.  Our teams are working hard to manage this situation as best they can, and passengers are thanked for their patience and understanding."

Flights at Berlin-Brandenburg Airport were grounded for several hours this morning due to the outage which caused check-in systems to stop. There were some flights cancelled, yet flights began to operate again just after 10am.  

Not a cyberattack

CrowdStrike issued the following statement:  "CrowdStrike is actively working with customers impacted by a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts. 

Mac and Linux hosts are not impacted. 

This is not a security incident or cyberattack. 

The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed. We refer customers to the support portal for the latest updates and will continue to provide complete and continuous updates on our website. 

We further recommend organizations ensure they’re communicating with CrowdStrike representatives through official channels. 

Our team is fully mobilized to ensure the security and stability of CrowdStrike customers."

CrowdStrike share price fell rapidly by over 20% during the outage, with more than a fifth of the company's value wiped out even before the New York Stock Exchange opens.  

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Lockheed Martin delivers first C-130J-30 Super Hercules to Ohio Youngstown Air Reserve Station

Lockheed Martin delivered the first of eight C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifters assigned to the Ohio Youngstown Air Reserve Station, marking the addition of a new mission capability for the Super Hercules ― the aerial spray mission.

The 910th Airlift Wing has the distinction of maintaining the Department of Defense's only large area, fixed-wing aerial spray capability to eliminate disease-carrying insects and pest insects and to disperse oil spills in large bodies of water. Defined by its versatility, the C-130J Super Hercules now supports 19 unique mission capabilities, including the aerial spray mission.

"Lockheed Martin is honoured to deliver the most advanced Super Hercules ever built to the 910th Airlift Wing, providing cutting-edge technology and enabling a critical mission for the U.S. Air Force Reserve," said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business. "The C-130J is constantly evolving, as reflected with this 19th mission capability, ensuring the Super Hercules remains ready for what's next through unmatched versatility and tactical airlift power."

A longtime C-130 Hercules operator, the 910th Airlift Wing received its first C-130 in 1981 and has operated different variants for more than 40 years. This new fleet of C-130Js will preserve the unit's tactical airlift and aerial spray mission, while providing more space, speed, range, and versatility for decades to come.

Electra's hybrid eSTOL aircraft passes first grass field test flights

Electra, a next-gen aerospace company committed to decarbonizing aviation and opening new air transportation markets, has successfully completed off-runway test flights of its EL-2 Goldfinch hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) technology demonstrator aircraft from a grass field near Electra's facility in Manassas, VA.

The flights demonstrate the eSTOL aircraft's effectiveness for operating from austere fields smaller than 300 ft that are minimally prepared. The aircraft flew a series of takeoffs and landings from a grass area and demonstrated the maximum performance climb-out of 32 degrees that would be used in many military missions. It also required no charging infrastructure as the batteries are charged in-flight by the hybrid propulsion system.

The dual-use technology is ideally suited to serve as a small highly fuel-efficient and cost-effective airlifter that supports Agile Combat Employment and expeditionary missions while reducing the operational energy footprint. Small, affordable, runway-independent eSTOL aircraft could also alleviate demand on larger, few-in-number, high-performance fixed-wing and rotorcraft platforms in a contested logistics environment.

Leonardo DRS Delivers 1,000th Infrared Sensor Key to U.S. Army Helicopter Missile Warning System

Leonardo DRS, Inc. confirmed that it has provided the 1,000th advanced sensor package which is at the core of BAE Systems’ 2-Color Advanced Warning System (2CAWS), a next-generation missile warning and hostile fire detection system. The system is designed to protect U.S. Army pilots and crews from new and emerging missile threats.

The advanced DRS 2-color infrared detector package is integrated into BAE Systems’ 2CAWS system for the U.S. Army’s Limited Interim Missile Warning System (LIMWS) Quick Reaction Capability program.

The 2CAWS technology provides a foundation for the Army’s current and future threat detection needs by giving aircrews advanced 360-degree threat detection capabilities to enhance survivability.

“We are proud to have reached this important milestone and be partnered with BAE Systems to have developed this critical lifesaving technology for aircrews,” said Jerry Hathaway, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Leonardo DRS Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems business unit. “The challenges in Ukraine emphasize how important it is to have this capability on aircraft today on the battlefield to manoeuvre and conduct operations.”

German authorities to impose tougher penalties on people who break through airport perimeters

Germany’s Cabinet on Wednesday approved legislation that would impose tougher penalties on people who break through airport perimeters, a response to incidents such as disruptive protests by climate activists, reports AP. 

The bill, which must still be passed by lawmakers, foresees punishment ranging up to a two-year prison sentence for people who intentionally intrude on “airside” areas of airports such as taxiways or runways and endanger civil aviation, or enable someone else to. So far, such intrusions can only draw a fine.

A sentence of up to five years would be possible in cases where someone forces their way into an airport with banned objects such as a weapon, some knives or poisonous substances, or if the intrusion is intended to enable or cover up another offence.

The move follows airport protests in recent years by climate activists that caused disruption to flights.

“Anyone who intrudes on airport premises, glues themself to runways and massively obstructs air traffic by doing so isn’t just risking their own life,” Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said in a statement. “Such incidents are also dangerous for many people who aren’t involved, for instance when there are medical emergencies.”

She also pointed to disruption to tens of thousands of travellers and the resulting economic fallout.

Faeser said repeated incidents in recent times made it necessary to impose tougher punishment, and added that airport operators also must do more to protect their premises.

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Saudia Group Signs Largest Global Agreement With Lilium to Acquire Up to 100 eVTOL Jets

Saudia Group and Lilium N.V., a leading electric aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), this week signed a binding sales agreement for 50 Lilium Jets, with options for the purchase of 50 more. The signature ceremony was held at Lilium’s HQ in Munich. The contract was signed by Fahd Al-Jarbou, CEO of Saudia Private, representing Saudia Group, and Lilium's CEO Klaus Roewe, in the presence of several distinguished guests including H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, Michael Kindsgrab, the German Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Lilium Chairman Tom Enders. 

This sales agreement, which follows the Memorandum of Understanding between Saudia Group and Lilium signed in October 2022, marks the largest of its kind in the MENA region and represents an important industry milestone as the largest reported firm order of eVTOL aircraft by an airline that plans to operate the aircraft. It signals a substantial commitment to electric aviation from a world-leading operator, as well as a clear preference towards the superior performance, economics, and passenger experience expected to be provided by the Lilium Jet. 

The agreement includes a schedule of deposit and pre-delivery payments, timeline of future deliveries, guarantees on aircraft performance, and provisions on spare parts, maintenance, and repairs. In addition, the parties intend to sign a comprehensive “Lilium POWER ON” agreement for aircraft fleet maintenance and support services. 

H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, commented at the signing event: “Saudia Group is proud to pioneer the MENA region as the first company to acquire all-electric eVTOL jets, which reflects our commitment to continuously reducing our carbon footprint and becoming an industry leader in regional electric aviation. We recognize the critical role that Lilium is positioned to play in enabling us to deliver a sustainable premium aviation experience and transport our guests even closer to their destination. This agreement amplifies our commitment to the Saudi Vision 2030 and is the result of a collaborative effort over the past years between Lilium and Saudia Group to explore how we can best bring eVTOL to the skies of Saudi Arabia. We are looking forward to the journey ahead.” 

American Airlines offers clear path to pilot career with enhanced Cadet Academy

The enhanced American Airlines Cadet Academy offers a clearer path to becoming a commercial airline pilot. By simplifying the process of transitioning from flight school to the flight deck, the program makes pilot careers at American more accessible. The Cadet Academy is also focused on attracting a diverse pool of qualified candidates through its growing network of partner flight schools and other industry alliances.

A “one-stop shop” for aspiring pilots

It’s not uncommon for aspiring pilots to navigate a maze of flight schools, applications and interviews on their quest to earn a spot with a major carrier. The American Airlines Cadet Academy cuts through this complexity by offering:

Quality flight schools: American has partnered with a network of five high-quality flight schools to provide cadets with a strong foundation for their careers.

“One-and-done” interviewing: Cadet Academy participants go through a single interview process, eliminating the need to interview with multiple airlines throughout their training journey.

Guaranteed placement: Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive a placement with one of American's wholly owned regional carriers. American recently established contractual flow-through agreements with each carrier, allowing cadets to transfer directly to the mainline operation once seniority accrues.

A clear path to American: This removes the uncertainty of the traditional application process that typically follows flight school graduation, allowing aspiring pilots to focus on training and skill development.

American Airlines Cadet Academy adds flight school partners

Since its launch in 2018, the Cadet Academy has grown its network of partner flight schools. Today, the program offers cadets a diverse range of training options through five established institutions with locations and capacity to support the airline’s mainline and wholly owned bases of operation:

Infinity Flight Group: American recently welcomed Infinity Flight Group as its first East Coast partner, expanding its network and geography. As the largest flight school in the Northeast, Infinity has a strong commitment to safety, excellence and professionalism and provides comprehensive training tailored to the goals of the Cadet Academy and its cadets. Locations: Trenton, New Jersey; St. Lucie County, Florida (coming soon)

CAE: CAE is a global leader in aviation training. The program’s best-in-class instruction includes access to training requirements from a variety of regulatory bodies, preparing cadets for a successful global career. Location: Mesa, Arizona

Odys Aviation and MWASALAT confirmed partnership to develop aerial logistics programs in the GCC in 2025

Odys Aviation, a sustainable aviation company building hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and MWASALAT, the Omani National Transport Company, today announced that they will collaborate on the development of programs in Oman for 25 of Odys’ Laila uncrewed aircraft, with the intention of first launching pilot programs on unpopulated and defined routes with pre-production aircraft in 2025. Laila is a hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft designed in multiple configurations for cargo and capable of transporting payloads up to 60kg with a 400 km range. Missions operated via these aircraft provide a low-carbon air cargo alternative for routes across Oman, opening up opportunities that have previously been time-consuming or inaccessible because of infrastructure and geographical challenges.

Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will work together to undertake joint research and development activities to define target routes and services using Odys Aviation’s pre-production aircraft, leveraging the existing relationship and formal engagement Odys has with Oman’s CAA, with a view to establishing new aerial logistics networks with Odys’ Laila aircraft upon receiving full regulatory approval. The partnership also focuses on enhancing the functionality and defining the applications of Odys Aviation’s Laila aircraft in the GCC.

Beyond identifying applications, the two organizations will collaborate to develop concepts of operations that will define aircraft maintenance operations and regulatory compliance for the aircraft in service. During pilot operations, MWASALAT will facilitate use of these aircraft for entities including Oman Post and Asyad Group for logistics operations. In the long-term, it is anticipated that Odys Aviation’s aircraft will support MWASALAT with further applications for various sectors including passenger transportation, oil and gas services, security, tourism, health services and civil defence.

Altair to Showcase Cutting-Edge AI-Powered Engineering at Farnborough International Airshow 2024

Altair, a global leader in computational intelligence, will showcase its latest innovations in engineering simulation, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-performance computing (HPC) at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, taking place July 22 to July 26 at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, U.K. Altair solutions are transforming aerospace engineering and production processes.

Altair to showcase latest innovations in engineering simulation, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-performance computing (HPC) at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, taking place July 22 to July 26.

Altair to showcase latest innovations in engineering simulation, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-performance computing (HPC) at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, taking place July 22 to July 26.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore Altair's AI-powered engineering solutions, which support the entire aerospace life cycle, from conceptual design and manufacturing to operational performance and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). Altair will also share insights on sustainable aviation, the smart factory, advanced connectivity, and digital engineering efficiency.

Highlights of Altair's participation at the Farnborough Airshow 2024 include:

Allegiant Air’s parent company will promote its president to CEO

The parent company of Allegiant Air said Thursday that its president will become CEO in September, replacing longtime chief executive Maurice Gallagher, who will remain chairman of the board, reports AP.

Allegiant Travel Co. said that Gregory C. Anderson will retain the president’s title and join the board of the Las Vegas company.

Anderson had a background in accounting at Ernst & Young and US Airways before joining Allegiant in 2010. He rose to several executive jobs including chief financial officer.

“In many ways, he’s already doing the job” of CEO, Gallagher said in a prepared statement about Anderson. “It’s time to make it official.”

Gallagher, 74, has led Allegiant for most of the last two decades, building it into one of the nation’s largest so-called ultra-low—cost carriers, which offer cheap fares but add more fees than more-conventional airlines. He is Allegiant’s largest shareholder, owning more than 13% of the company’s shares.

Gallagher stepped down as CEO in 2022 but returned a little more than a year later after the sudden departure of John Redmond.

Shares of Allegiant Travel were down less than 1% in midday trading.

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Goodnight Mirage....

An era came to an end on Wednesday when The Mirage Hotel and Casino closed for the final time. The special report opened back in 1989 and wowed the crowds with its signature volcano and the tigers that were the first gusts through the doors. 

Among the throng that watched the last eruption were 137 employees who had worked at the report from the very beginning. The Mirage, with 3,044 rooms was the world’s largest hotel when it opened at a cost of around $630 million. There were glitzy and expensive shops, celebrity chef restaurants and its showrooms featuring stars like Johnny Mathis, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. The illusionist duo Siegfried & Roy, whose tigers were the first creatures officially through the doors on opening day, performed at the Mirage for 14 years. 

Work has already started in the replacement, a 600-room hotel in the shape of a guitar that will be known as the Hard Rock Las Vegas which is scheduled to open in 2027.  

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BAE Systems honours Leonardo DRS with a ‘Partner 2 Win’ supplier of the year award

Leonardo DRS, Inc. announced this week that it received a BAE Systems ‘Partner 2 Win’ Supplier of the Year award. DRS was chosen from a select pool of suppliers that delivered exceptional performance and contributions to supply chain success for BAE Systems’ Electronic Systems sector in 2023.

“We are proud to have received this prestigious award from BAE Systems. The recognition highlights DRS’s commitment to our customers and being a strategic partner,” said Jerry Hathaway, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems business unit. “DRS and BAE have a strong partnership, forged over many years of close cooperation, and through a collaborative approach we are able to provide the best technology to our warfighters.”

BAE Systems’ Partner 2 Win program is designed to achieve operational excellence and eliminate defects in its supply chain by raising the bar of performance expectations to meet the demand of current and future customers. As part of the program, BAE Systems engages regularly with its suppliers to share best practices to ensure that the components and materials incorporated in its products meet the highest quality standards.

“The development and manufacturing of BAE Systems’ cutting-edge technology is only possible thanks to our best-in-class supply partners,” said Ray Brousseau, vice president of Operations, Electronic Systems. “We thank Leonardo DRS for its support in helping us meet our customers’ needs.”

The Electronic Systems sector of BAE Systems is part of a global defense, aerospace, and security company. We deliver products and services for air, land, sea, and space, as well as advanced electronics, intelligence, security, and IT solutions and support services. Our dedication shows in everything we design, produce, and deliver— to protect those who protect us in a high-performance, innovative culture. We push the limits of possibility to provide a critical advantage to our customers where it counts.

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Vertical Aerospace shows off most advanced and powerful full-scale VX4 prototype ahead of flight test programme

Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering zero emissions aviation, today unveiled its next-generation full-scale VX4 prototype, the only electric take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOL) designed, built and assembled in the UK.

This next-generation VX4 is more powerful than the previous full-scale prototype, with an impressive 20% increase in the power-to-weight ratio, enabling the aircraft to reach speeds of up to 150mph – the certification aircraft’s intended cruise speed.

The aircraft has been designed and built alongside global aerospace partners, including GKN Aerospace, Honeywell, Hanwha, Molicel, Leonardo and Syensqo. It features Vertical’s next generation propellers and new proprietary battery technology, designed and manufactured at its multi-million pound state-of-the-art Vertical Energy Centre near Bristol, the UK’s most advanced aerospace battery facility.

The new VX4 prototype has successfully completed systems and aircraft testing and commissioning. Vertical is now working closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as it rigorously evaluates the engineering, design, test data and aircraft ahead of issuing a Permit to Fly, effectively conducting a “mini certification” programme. Vertical will then begin a robust flight test programme at the Vertical Flight Test Centre, with a focus on achieving piloted flight.

Vertical is currently developing an identical full-scale prototype which will accelerate the VX4’s flight test programme and demonstration capability. The company will take flight test learnings from both prototypes into the design and development of the certified VX4 model.

Key new features of the latest full-scale VX4 prototype:

Aerospace partner technology and certification expertise – 60% of the technology and components included on the latest aircraft are from world leading aerospace partners, up from 10% on the previous prototype. This makes it Vertical’s most advanced prototype yet and a step closer to the aircraft that the company will take through to certification.

First use of battery designed and built for aviation – This battery and powertrain system, developed at the Vertical Energy Centre, is the most powerful and lightest yet, has rapid charge time and multiple backup power sources. The VX4’s batteries are designed to meet the performance, safety, operational and commercial requirements of eVTOL and it is the first time its own proprietary batteries have been used on a full-scale prototype. The electronics, software and design of the battery have all been developed in house and the new aircraft includes new, more powerful Electronic Propulsion Units.

Next generation propellers – Vertical’s new proprietary propellers designed specifically for eVTOLs are optimised for low noise and made of carbon fibre composite using a single-shot cure process to maximise integrity. The aerodynamic shape has been specifically designed to maximise performance across both hover and cruise by deconflicting the requirements of each phase of flight.

Stuart Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, Vertical, commented:  “Our goal is to build the safest and most advanced aircraft in this new category of transport. With the new full-scale VX4 prototype, which has been built by combining our own world-leading technology with that from leading aerospace partners, we are well on the way to achieving that goal.

Cabinair Services to acquire majority shareholding in AeroKnow SIA

Cabinair Services, a UK-based well-established service provider specialised in aircraft interior design, refurbishment and repair, is proud to announce the acquisition of a majority shareholding in AeroKnow SIA, a prominent Latvian-based aviation engineering and design house, with engineers located all around the world.

This strategic acquisition enhances Cabinair Services' capabilities by integrating AeroKnow’s expertise in EASA Part 21J Design Organization Approval (DOA) and EASA Part 21G Production Organization Approval (POA). 

AeroKnow’s extensive experience in repairs and modifications of aircraft components, as well as their ability to design and manufacture aviation parts, will significantly enhance Cabinair Services' offerings.

Key Benefits of the Acquisition:

Enhanced Service Portfolio: The merger combines Cabinair Services' strengths in interior design, refurbishment and repair with AeroKnow’s engineering proficiency, offering comprehensive solutions to customers.

Increased Technical Capabilities: With AeroKnow’s EASA certifications, Cabinair Services will be able to provide enhanced engineering support and expand its range of services to include more complex repairs and modifications.

Broader Market Reach: The acquisition enables Cabinair Services to extend its reach in the European and Asian market, leveraging AeroKnow’s established presence and relationships within the aviation industry.

“By combining our resources and expertise, we are ready to offer even more innovative, efficient and sustainable solutions to our current and new customers.”  - said Martin Bonner, Managing Director of Cabinair Services. 

“We are excited to welcome AeroKnow into the Cabinair Services family.” said Vito Mirko Giacovelli, Commercial Director of Cabinair Services. “This acquisition aligns with our commitment to increasing our presence in the global aviation market.”

AeroKnow’s current operations will continue as usual, and the integration process is expected to be seamless, ensuring uninterrupted service for all existing clients. The combined entity will operate under the Cabinair Services brand, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of aviation interior solutions. Ellex in Latvia provided legal support to Cabinair Services during the acquisition process.

For more information about Cabinair Services and AeroKnow, please visit www.cabinairservices.com and www.aeroknow.aero.

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easyJet set for busiest ever summer as holidays take off

easyJet expects to fly more passengers than ever before this summer operating 80,000 flights over the school holidays

The airline will see its busiest day of the summer on 28 July expecting to fly over 300,000 customers on nearly 2000 flights across its European network

Palma, Faro, Malaga, Nice and Barcelona are among the most popular destinations this summer with the Greek Islands and Turkey seeing an increase in popularity compared to last year

easyJet holidays will see its busiest summer season yet

Great value late summer fares are still to be had with seats to hotspot destinations across Europe on offer from just £14.99*

With the arrival of school summer holidays across the UK, easyJet is warming up for the busiest time of the year which will see the airline operate over 80,000 flights across Europe and North Africa during the holidays, and expects to carry more passengers across its entire network than ever before across the summer.

The airline will see its busiest day of the summer on 28 July when nearly 2000 flights are set to take off expecting to fly over 300,000 customers, as thousands of families across the UK jet off on a well-deserved holiday.

Beach destinations of Palma, Faro and Malaga in Spain as well as the beach-front cities of Barcelona - which also serves some of Spain’s most popular leisure resorts - and Nice in the south of France are proving to be among this year’s favourite hot spots for those seeking guaranteed sun, outstanding food, culture and natural beauty, while destinations in the Greek Islands like Skiathos and Turkey are experiencing a rise in popularity compared to last year.

easyJet holidays will see its busiest summer season yet, taking hundreds of thousands of customers on a package getaway during the school holiday period. Popular destinations for families include Antalya, Izmir, Menorca and Hurghada, where all-inclusive is the board of choice.

Closer to home, Edinburgh followed by Belfast are the most popular domestic destinations for people travelling across the UK, as people visit friends and relatives during the summer holidays. 

Ali Gayward, easyJet's UK Country Manager, commented:  “The summer is always our busiest time of the year and this year is no exception. We continue to see more and more people choose easyJet to take them on their summer getaway, and with the school holidays taking off for most of the country this weekend, we’re looking forward to taking them away on a well-deserved beach break, to spend quality time with friends and family, or relax and recharge. 

“We continue to do everything possible to make travel as easy and, of course, affordable as possible, with fantastic value fares still available for those hunting for a last-minute bargain and hundreds of routes to 136 destinations across Europe and beyond to choose from.”

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Get 10% off your first order

 







Thousands of free child places are also available alongside school holiday deals to find a package holiday at unbeatable value.
easyJet holidays offers seven nights at the 4*Julian Club Hotel in Dalaman on an All Inclusive basis for £505 per person, plus a free child’s place including 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from Bristol on 30 August 2024.
easyJet holidays offers seven nights at the 4* Hipotels Cala Bona Club in Majorca on a Self-Catering basis for £410 per person including 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from London Gatwick on 28 August 2024.
easyJet holidays offers seven nights at the 5* Granada Luxury Belek in Antalya on an All Inclusive Plus basis for £745 per person, plus a free child’s place including 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from London Gatwick on 3 September 2024.
easyJet holidays offers seven nights at the 5* Iberostar Selection Kantaoui Bay in Tunisia on an All Inclusive basis for £672 per person including 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from Belfast International on 24 August 2024.
easyJet holidays offers seven nights at the 5* H10 Rubicon Palace in Lanzarote on a Half Board basis for £751 per person including 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from London Luton on 15 August 2024.
easyJet serves 21 UK airports, offering 584 routes to 136 destinations from the UK to Europe and beyond.
*Flights one way per person including taxes, holidays based on a family of four

Airbus welcomes London Gatwick to global hydrogen hub network

Airbus has teamed up with London Gatwick, easyJet and Air Products, the world’s largest hydrogen supplier, to expand hydrogen capability and infrastructure in the UK as the manufacturer moves closer to its target of getting a hydrogen-powered aircraft in the sky by 2035. 

Setting up the right infrastructure is key to enabling hydrogen flight and this partnership is yet another step towards making this a reality in the UK. 

Under Airbus’ Hydrogen Hubs at Airport's framework, the scope of work covers liquid hydrogen supply and storage at the airport, refuelling and ground handling of hydrogen aircraft, as well as the exploration of other, shorter-term opportunities for using hydrogen at London Gatwick. 

Because early hydrogen-powered aircraft will initially focus on short to medium-haul routes, London Gatwick’s position as the UK’s leading hub for these services, along with easyJet’s operational insight as a short-haul carrier, makes this the ideal testbed for R&D into critical support infrastructure. This collaboration between Airbus, London Gatwick, easyJet and Air Products will serve as a powerful statement of commitment to making hydrogen-powered flight a reality by 2035. 

Airbus Vice President ZEROe Project Glenn Llewellyn said: “Our licence to operate hinges on finding better ways to fly. We know hydrogen has the versatility to be an excellent fuel source for decarbonising the industry. We’ve set ambitious targets to fly on hydrogen by 2035 and this technology needs to be supported by reliable and tested infrastructure. Sharing knowledge and best practices at airports will be critical for building the right hydrogen ecosystem around the world and we look forward to working with all consortium members to develop the support for the technology and end-to-end hydrogen supply chain that will power future flight.”