easyJet launches cabin crew ‘Returnship’ initiative aimed at the over 50s....

easyJet is launching a new recruitment drive for cabin crew with more over 50s, careers changers and those looking to ‘unretire’  among those being encouraged to apply.

The airline has launched a new initiative dubbed ‘Returnships’, after new research showed that three quarters of over 50’s (74%) agreed that this was the perfect time for a new career and 67% have considered returning to work.

As part of the campaign, the airline will offer free online cabin crew career info sessions and a hands-on cabin crew training taster session at its London Gatwick cabin crew training centre, to give those considering a new career the opportunity to find out more about the job from the airline’s crew training and recruitment experts.

Since launching its first campaign in 2022 to show that anyone with the right skills regardless of their age can become cabin crew, the airline has seen the number of new hires over the age of 50 more than double, while the number of over 60s joining as cabin crew has increased four times over.

With the latest ONS data* showing that the employment rate for those over 50 is increasing again, easyJet wants to encourage more of this experienced and skilled demographic to apply for the hundreds of cabin crew roles available for 2025 in many of easyJet’s bases across the UK, to bring their valuable experience to the profession.

New research by the airline of 2000 Brits over 50 revealed that 67% of over 50s have considered returning to work and nearly half (46%) have considered a new career.

The significant majority agreed that the main reason for doing so would be to take on a new challenge (82%), while 77% agreed this would be to have many experiences as possible and two thirds agreed the change would be to pursue a dream job (66%).

RAF to police NATO's skies in Iceland following successful mission in Romania

RAF F-35B jets from RAF Marham have deployed to Iceland to take part in a NATO air policing mission. This is the first time that British F-35s will have conducted a NATO air policing mission.

This follows the recent completion of a similar four-month mission by Typhoon aircraft in Romania. The F-35Bs from 617 Squadron will defend NATO airspace in the Arctic Region.

NATO air policing is a permanent peacetime mission, that preserves the security of Allied skies. It is a collective task and involves the continuous presence of fighter aircraft and crews, which are ready to react quickly to possible airspace violations.

This latest mission comes as the Prime Minister underlined the UK’s cast iron commitment to NATO at its Summit in Washington last month, as he emphasised his determination to safeguard the future of the Alliance and face down global threats to Britain and its western allies.  

Following a successful mission in Romania, where six Typhoon fighter jets and over two hundred personnel were stationed at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, defending NATO’s eastern border, the RAF now moves to Iceland.

This time, the cutting edge F-35 jets from 617 Squadron will be patrolling Icelandic airspace, having travelled from RAF Marham. This is the first time British jets have taken part in such activity in Iceland since 2019, when four Typhoon jets flew 59 training sorties and more than 180 practice intercepts.

Tabea Hasler is the new Head of Revenue Steering at SWISS

Tabea Hasler has been named as SWISS’s new Head of Revenue Steering. Hasler, who is a Swiss national, presently serves as Head of Digital Ecosystem Steering & Innovation for the Lufthansa Group. In her new capacity she succeeds Christian Sigg, who took up his new duties as SWISS’s Head of Ground Operations in July 2024.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has appointed Tabea Hasler as its new Head of Revenue Steering. She will take up her new duties, in which she will report to SWISS Chief Commercial Officer Heike Birlenbach and to Ulrich Lindner, Vice President Offer Steering & Ancillaries of the Lufthansa Group, on 1 September 2024. In her new capacity Tabea Hasler will bear responsibility, together with her team, for optimizing the revenue management and revenue steering for SWISS’s Zurich- and Geneva-based services and Edelweiss flights, and for driving and promoting various Lufthansa Group-wide revenue management projects.

UK's Civil Aviation Authority consults on Gatwick Airport Limited’s commitments

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today published an initial assessment of proposals from Gatwick Airport Limited (GAL) to extend the set of ‘commitments’ it makes to airlines by a period of four years.

This consultation considers the views of stakeholders following an industry consultation last summer (CAP2554), develops a framework for assessing whether GAL’s proposals to extend the commitments are in the interests of consumers and sets out our initial assessment using this framework.

Gatwick Airport Limited operates under a set of ‘commitments’, a legally binding contractual undertaking between GAL and its airline customers. The current set of commitments were introduced on 1 April 2021 and run until 31 March 2025.  This commitments framework is underpinned by an economic licence granted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority under the Civil Aviation Act 2012.

GAL has proposed an extension of these commitments from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2029. GAL’s proposal includes:

a revised price cap for the extension period – two years of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) -1% followed by two years of CPI + 0%;

a process to review the current service quality targets and rebates; 

a continuation of the current commitment which requires GAL to invest a minimum of £120 million (in 2018/19 prices) per year, on average, over a ten-year period (from 2019/20 to 2028/29).

The UK Civil Aviation Authority is now seeking views from the industry on this framework and its initial assessment, which will inform the way forward for the economic regulation of GAL.

The consultation period will be open until 20th September and more details can be found on the CAA's website. caa.co.uk

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Delta, KLM, Virgin Atlantic celebrates a spirit of togetherness, resilience and joy at Pride events.

Delta Air Lines, along with partners KLM and Virgin Atlantic, took to the canals and the streets during recent Pride celebrations in The Netherlands and the UK expressing the airlines’ individual and collective commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion and their continued support of the LGBTQ+ community.

Delta and its partner airline KLM came together on Aug. 3, for the annual Canal Parade in Amsterdam, one of the most iconic LGBTQ events in the world. Elaborately decorated boats navigated the historic waterways through the city and the two airlines made their own notable impact with a boat designed in the shape of an airplane. 

Delta’s sponsorship of the Amsterdam Canal Parade, which traditionally marks the end the city’s Pride Week, aligns with its corporate values of inclusivity and global community support. This year’s theme for Amsterdam Pride, ‘Together We Shine,’ was chosen to highlight that the community is stronger when it is united in pursuit of freedom.

“Pride brings everybody together. It’s all about inclusivity, belonging and, above all, joy,” said Ralph Albus, Director – Global Communications EMEAI. “It doesn’t matter who you are or who you work for, we stand shoulder to shoulder to support each other with Pride.”

The warm weather this year made for a spectacular turnout with over half a million people lining the canals to watch 80 decorated boats as they embarked from Amsterdam’s Oosterdok and cruised past iconic Dutch landmarks including the ‘Skinny Bridge’ towards the parade’s end.

“As this year’s theme was ‘Together We Shine,’ it was fitting for KLM to join Delta and stand in solidarity with all those working in support of the LGBTQ+ community within the airline industry,” said Joost van der Sande, Chairperson – KLM Over the Rainbow.

London Gatwick charity funding helps East Surrey Hospital

A new outdoor space for cancer patients at East Surrey Hospital has opened, with help from funding secured by a London Gatwick colleague.  

London Gatwick security officer, Scott Houghton, nominated SASH Charity (the charity for East Surrey Hospital and Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust) to receive funding from the VINCI UK Foundation to build the summerhouse at the MacMillan Cancer Centre.  

London Gatwick contributes to the VINCI UK Foundation each year, which supports projects that promote social cohesion and fight exclusion.  The projects are sponsored by colleagues as part of a wider VINCI network initiative to promote work in local communities. 

The cancer centre at East Surrey Hospital provides a range of holistic support to people and their families from across Surrey and Sussex who are receiving cancer treatment. The new garden summerhouse will provide a quiet outdoor space away from a clinical setting to allow private conversations or quiet time in the garden. 

The VINCI UK Foundation provided £5,000 of funding towards the summerhouse following Scott’s nomination. 

Scott Houghton, Security Officer, London Gatwick said: “My son previously received treatment at East Surrey Hospital and since then I have supported SASH with fundraising and recently with the support grant from the VINCI UK Foundation. “The centre provides a vital bridge between the clinical care provided in hospitals and supporting people in the community. The new summerhouse will help the cancer centre team to use the centre’s spaces more flexibly, and to provide support in a new environment, as well as directly increasing the access available to the community for less formal meetings and support groups.” 

Finnair Traffic Performance in July 2024

Clearly over one million passengers as capacity increased year-on-year; cargo figures continued to improve

In July, Finnair carried 1,155,100 passengers. This was 8.7% more than in July 2023.

The overall capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK), increased in July by 9.1% year-on-year as additional narrow-body capacity was deployed by Finnair after the wet lease outs to British Airways ended in March 2024. If wet lease outs are included, capacity increased by 11.1% due to the co-operation with Qantas. Finnair's traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs), increased by 7.3%. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) declined by 1.3% points to 83.5%. The distance-based reported traffic figures do not take into account longer routings caused by the airspace closure as they are based on Great-Circle distance in accordance with the industry practice.

The ASKs in Asian traffic were up by 8.7% year-on-year due to added capacity to Japan. In North Atlantic traffic, ASKs increased by 9.4% due to added frequencies to Dallas. In European traffic, the ASKs were up by 11.2% as majority of the increase in narrow-body capacity was allocated to Europe. The Middle Eastern capacity declined by 4.0% mainly due to temporarily ceased operations to Israel. The ASKs in domestic traffic increased by 14.8% due to the additional narrow-body capacity.

RPKs increased in Asian traffic by 8.9% year-on-year. They increased by 11.2% in North Atlantic traffic, by 7.0% in European traffic and by 5.0% in domestic traffic whereas they decreased by 4.5% in Middle Eastern traffic.

In July, the PLF was 85.2% in Asian traffic, 88.5% in North Atlantic traffic, 82.8% in European traffic, 77.2% in Middle Eastern traffic and 63.6% in domestic traffic.

Passenger numbers increased by 8.0% in Asian traffic, by 10.7% in European traffic and by 9.9% in North Atlantic traffic. They decreased by 6.0% in Middle Eastern traffic and by 1.4% in domestic traffic.

The total cargo tonnes increased by 15.8% year-on-year in July due to growth in all traffic areas exclusive of domestic traffic. Revenue cargo tonne kilometres increased by 16.9%.

In July, 75.2% of all Finnair flights arrived on schedule (81.3%). The on-time performance decline was due to airspace and air traffic control capacity restrictions across Europe.

"Restoring trust starts with meeting our commitments" says Boeing boss

Boeing's new CEO and President has written an open letter to staff that admits the company has a difficult time ahead rebuilding its reputation.

Kelly Ortberg writes; 

Team,

I can’t tell you how proud and excited I am to be a member of the Boeing team. While we clearly have a lot of work to do in restoring trust, I’m confident that working together, we will return the company to be the industry leader we all expect.

Restoring trust starts with meeting our commitments -- whether that’s building high quality, safe commercial aircraft, delivering on defense and space products that allow our customers to meet their mission, or servicing our products to keep our customers running 24/7. It also means meeting our commitments to each other and working collaboratively across Boeing to meet our goals. People’s lives depend on what we do every day, and we must keep that top of mind with every decision we make.

Because what we do is complex, I firmly believe that we need to get closer to the production lines and development programs across the company. I plan to be based in Seattle so that I can be close to the commercial airplane programs. In fact, I’ll be on the factory floor in Renton today, talking with employees and learning about challenges we need to overcome, while also reviewing our safety and quality plans. Soon I’ll be visiting many of our sites and I look forward to meeting with teammates around the world.

In speaking with our customers and industry partners leading up to today, I can tell you that without exception, everyone wants us to succeed. In many cases, they NEED us to succeed.  This is a great foundation for us to build upon.

I will be transparent with you every step of the way, sharing news on progress as well as where we must do things better. You’ll begin to see routine report outs from me through email and our BNN channel, giving you timely updates of what I’m seeing and hearing on the ground from our teammates and our stakeholders.

Throughout my career in aerospace over the last three decades, I have had the pleasure to work with The Boeing Company and I’ve always been impressed with the great employees here. We have what it takes to win, and I’m committed to working with you to focus the company in a way that makes us all proud to be a part of Boeing.

Thanks for your support and I’m excited to dig in!

Best,

Kelly

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Joby rolls out its 3rd aircraft off the production line

Joby Aviation, the next-generation aviation company, has announced it has rolled its third production prototype aircraft off the company’s pilot production line in Marina, CA, with four aircraft expected to be in active flight test during the next quarter. 

The news came as the company issued its Second Quarter 2024 Shareholder Letter, detailing the Company’s operational and financial results for the period ending June 30, 2024. 

Second Quarter 2024 Highlights:

Production Ramp-Up. We expect to have four aircraft in active flight test during the next quarter, with the second production prototype now in flight test and the third having rolled off the production line.

Certification Progress. The fourth of five stages of type certification is now 37% complete on the Joby side, with numerous test plans submitted and accepted during the quarter. We expect progress in the fourth stage to accelerate in the remainder of 2024.

International Expansion. We applied for certification in Australia and signed a memorandum of understanding with Mukamalah, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Aramco and operator of the world’s largest fleet of corporate aircraft, to introduce our aircraft to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via direct sales.

Future Technologies. We flew a first-of-its-kind, hydrogen-electric air taxi demonstrator 561 miles and acquired the autonomy division of Xwing, an industry leader in the development of autonomous technology for aviation.

Strong Financial Foundation. We maintained a strong balance sheet with $825 million in cash and short-term investments at the end of the second quarter.

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Aerospace Partnership between the RAeS, the IET and the IMechE

RAeS on 24 July 2024 formalised an Aerospace Partnership with Terms of Reference (TORs) between IET and IMechE.

This Aerospace Partnership will harmonise the strengths of the three organisations in devising and implementing joined up activities to support the aerospace community and wider aerospace industry.  The partnership will support further collaboration on aerospace engineering initiatives and events, strengthen joint engagement with government and industry, and recognise joined up efforts amongst all parties in supporting the sector

The Aerospace Partnership will re-launch with a joint webinar on cyber security in aviation on 26 September 2024 to discuss the challenges of safeguarding the digital electronic systems that are essential to flight safety, maintenance, air traffic systems and customer experience.

 

Colin Sirett FRAeS, and Chair of the Learned Society Board said:  “The RAeS welcomes this joined up approach with IET and IMechE that will consolidate our existing relations with both institutions and provide a mechanism to enhance our collaborative efforts for the benefit of the entire aerospace engineering ecosystem." 

More Boeing 737 MAX jets for LOT

BOC Aviation Limited has confirmed the placement of three Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with new customer LOT Polish Airlines. All three aircraft are powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines and are scheduled for delivery in 2025.

“We are delighted to welcome LOT, Poland’s flag carrier and one of the most recognisable Polish brands, to our customer base. As a global lessor, we are constantly building relationships with airline customers around the world and diversifying our lessee network,” said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. “These aircraft will support the LOT growth strategy with one of the world’s most popular and fuel-efficient single-aisle jets.”

LOT is a modern carrier connecting Central and Eastern Europe with the rest of the world. LOT’s destinations include direct long-haul flights to the United States, Canada, China, Japan and South Korea. The Polish carrier has consistently increased its number of flights to those destinations, while strengthening its position in Central and Eastern Europe. It operates its long-haul flights with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, one of the most advanced wide-body aircraft in the world. Operational since 1929, LOT is the 12th oldest airline worldwide and is one of the most internationally recognisable Polish brands.

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ATSG names Todd France as Chief Commercial Officer

Air Transport Services Group, has promoted Todd France to Chief Commercial Officer. In this role, France will oversee commercial activities for all ATSG companies. He will report to ATSG President Jeff Dominick.

"Todd has been President of two of our business units and is uniquely qualified for this role," said Dominick. "He has demonstrated exceptional leadership across every aspect of our business, having achieved remarkable success in developing customer relationships while managing our extensive fleet of aircraft and maintenance operations. Todd has proven he can continue to expand the ATSG platform's commanding market position."

France has served as president of ATSG's aircraft leasing subsidiary, Cargo Aircraft Management, since December 2022. Prior to that he was president of ATSG's aircraft maintenance subsidiary, Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services, from February 2020. France’s career at ATSG has included several key business development and operational management roles with both Airborne and ABX Air.

"ATSG has developed a truly impressive portfolio of aviation assets and services through its Lease+Plus strategy," said France. "I am excited about this new opportunity to leverage these comprehensive solutions to maximize value for our customers and drive sustained growth for ATSG."

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Wio Bank and Etihad Airways revolutionise savings with miles-earning programme

Wio Bank PJSC, the region's first platform bank, and Etihad Guest, the loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, have announced a new partnership introducing a first-of-its-kind offering that allows Wio Personal customers to earn Etihad Guest Miles for every AED deposited into their Saving Spaces. This innovative programme refines traditional banking rewards, as it is the first time a bank has offered miles without linking them to a payment card. The partnership underlines Wio’s commitment to enhancing customer banking experience through innovative offerings and solutions, including rewards that combine saving money with real-life benefits.

Under the programme, for every 1 AED deposited in a 12-month fixed Saving Space, customers earn 1 Etihad Guest Mile. This one-to-one ratio offers unprecedented value in the banking and travel sectors. Moreover, customers can stay miles ahead on their savings, as the miles are credited to their Etihad Guest account within days of opening the fixed deposit. This benefit allows for immediate travel planning, a feature unmatched in the current market.

Top marks once again for London Stansted in CAA accessibility audit

London Stansted has once again received the highest rating for its service to passengers with reduced mobility and disabilities from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). 

The industry regulator has rated the airport as 'very good' for the quality of its assistance service in its Airport Accessibility Report, which evaluates 26 of the largest UK airports. 

In 2023, London Stansted was upgraded from 'good' to 'very good' for its significant improvements in assistance services and over the past year, further improvements have been made, resulting in it once again receiving top marks.  

The most notable enhancements include upgrades to the Changing Places accessible toilets in the departure lounge, the introduction of sensory kits for passengers with non-visible disabilities, the addition of a landside and airside dementia meeting places and improved signage to help with independent navigation through the terminal. 

Anita Harrison, London Stansted’s Customer Operations Director, said: “We're delighted to receive the highest possible rating from the CAA once again, which reflects the hard work of our colleagues and our service provider, ABM, who make every effort to provide a welcoming and inclusive experience for every passenger travelling through London Stansted Airport. 

In the last 12 months, we have worked closely with our airlines and ABM to improve our service even further. The upgrades made to the Changing Places facilities, the introduction of sensory kits, and the improved signage have all contributed to us receiving top marks again. 

We’re committed to providing the best possible experience to all passengers with reduced mobility and non-visible disabilities, but we strive to improve even further in the future, we acknowledge that achieving that standard is an ongoing process.” 

Anna Bowles, Head of Consumer Policy and Enforcement at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:  “Making aviation accessible to all is an important part of our work to protect the public and enable the aerospace sector. Progress is being made, and not rating any airports ‘poor’ this year is welcome, but there’s more work to do, especially by those airports we have rated ‘needs improvement’ in our report. We will continue to work with the sector to ensure that standards are maintained and improved.” 

The 106th Rescue Wing’s First HH-60W Jolly Green II Takes Flight

Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, N.Y. – The 106th Rescue Wing’s first HH-60W Jolly Green II search and rescue helicopter made its first flight from Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, on Sunday, August 4.

Lt. Col. James Liston, the first 106th pilot to qualify on the new helicopter, said it was an honor to pilot the first flight.

“Being the first and being able to teach everyone here at the 106th is a privilege and a welcome responsibility,” Liston said.

“I am absorbing everything I can with the Whiskey program both from Sikorsky, what active duty has done over the last few years, and my test experience so that I can bring that knowledge here and help set the 106th up for success,” he added.

The first flight was taken over the north shore of Long Island where Liston demonstrated the automatic approach and hover functions that the aircraft has both over land and water.

Liston utilized the Electro-Optical/InfraRed camera to demonstrate its effectiveness in being able to locate and keep eyes on survivors or threats as necessary.

Cathay is investing over HK$100 billion to strengthen Hong Kong’s international aviation hub status

Soaring to new heights alongside Hong Kong International Airport’s Three-Runway System

The Cathay Group has committed more than HK$100 billion in investments over the next seven years as part of its bold strategy to further elevate its customer experience, and strengthen Hong Kong’s international aviation hub status riding on the Three-Runway System. This encompasses major investments in its fleet, cabin products, lounges, and digital and sustainability leadership as it sets its sights on growing for its customers, its people and its home, Hong Kong.

Cathay Group Chair Patrick Healy said: “With the Three-Runway System soon to propel Hong Kong’s aviation sector into a new age, the coming years are going to be an incredibly exciting time for Hong Kong and for Cathay with ample new opportunities to grow.

“As the city’s home airline, we are a key contributor towards the future success of the Hong Kong international aviation hub. Our substantial investments further demonstrate our unwavering commitment to fostering Hong Kong’s ongoing economic development.

“With over HK$100 billion being invested in our fleet, cabin products, airport lounges and more, we are firmly turning the page and embarking on a bold new strategy for the future, not just in scope but also in quality. Cathay is entering an exciting new era underpinned by our determination to become one of the world’s greatest service brands.”

Spreading its wings

This investment includes the announcement of Cathay’s purchase of 30 Airbus A330-900 aircraft with the right to acquire an additional 30 aircraft in future. These new regional widebody aircraft are expected to be delivered from 2028, and will join the Cathay Pacific fleet principally serving destinations in Asia.

Cathay now has more than 100 new-generation aircraft in its delivery pipeline, with the right to acquire over 80 additional aircraft in future. With orders covering narrowbody, regional widebody, long-haul widebody, and large freighter aircraft, these investments promise to modernise and expand Cathay’s fleet, taking it to the next level. Furthermore, the enhanced fuel-efficiency they provide will play an important role in reducing carbon emissions and helping Cathay achieve its carbon net-zero by 2050 goal.

Airline roundtable delivered by UWE and the RAeS explores gender inequality in the pilot and pilot trainer workforce

A roundtable discussion was held at the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), on the 19 June 2024. This was a collaboration between the RAeS and the University of the West (UWE) of England, led by Professor Susan Durbin FRAeS, Stella Warren and Captain Marnie Munns FRAeS, ATS Human Factors, with the participation of several UK and European airlines. The roundtable was a further reflection on the findings of this global study on the gender inequality in the pilot and pilot trainer workforce and was run in partnership with the Society’s Flight Training Specialist Group.   The findings from this report were published in 2022 by the Royal Aeronautical Society with the main themes from the report being presented at the roundtable, including the lack of part-time working opportunities for female pilots at senior levels, a lack of transparency in the recruitment and selection process for pilots and pilot trainers and discussion over sexual harassment and bullying. The updated republished paper can be viewed below.

	RAeS Paper - Gender diversity in the pilot trainer role

Samarkand is the second fastest growing airport since Covid in Europe and Central Asia

Samarkand International Airport (SKD) is the second fastest growing airport in Europe and Central Asia in the last five years and has just recorded its 22nd consecutive monthly increase in passenger numbers. 

New data released by the European airport industry organisation ACI Europe, show that SKD has grown passenger volumes by 191.6%% since the equivalent pre-Covid pandemic figures of 2019. This represents the second largest growth of any airport measured by ACI Europe, which represents over 500 airports in 55 countries. This was way ahead of the 9% average growth recorded between 2019-2024 across its airports in European / Central Asia, according to ACI Europe, whose airports stretch across Europe plus Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. 

SKD has also revealed that July was its 22nd consecutive month of growth since October 2022, as volumes grew to 121,157 for the month, from 80,539 in 2023. This came after a record 647,085 passengers passed through the airport in the first six months of the year, up by 47% on the 2023 figure, with an additional 207,421 passengers using the new airport facility that acts as a gateway to Uzbekistan’s ancient and fast-growing city in the heart of the famous Silk Road. Average growth across the wider European region was just 5.8% in H1 when compared to 2023, says ACI Europe. 

Dmitry Martynenko, Commercial Director of Air Marakanda, says: “We have now achieved 22 consecutive months of passenger growth, driven by demand for domestic and international travel from Samarkand and the surrounding area, and by overseas carriers increasing the number of visitors to our incredible ancient city of Samarkand. Air Marakanda will continue to grow the route network and passenger numbers at Samarkand International Airport over the summer and for the remainder of 2024, as airlines increase capacity and open new city connections with Samarkand.”

H.I.S. broadens partnership with IBS Software to modernise the air shopping experience

 H.I.S., the leading Japanese travel agency specialising in affordable package tours, integrates IBS Software’s innovative technology solutions to modernise the air shopping experience for customers. 

Extending a 14-year strong partnership with IBS Software - a leading SaaS solutions provider to the global travel industry globally - H.I.S. will continue a transformative technology approach to travel. The renewed partnership allows H.I.S. to continue to create a modern customer experience using next-generation digital solutions. This is achieved by leveraging IBS Software next-generation technology solutions to integrate suppliers and/or partners within the customer offers process.

This shift towards Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning enabled automation will allow H.I.S. to deliver an enhanced shopping experience for customers, with heightened personalisation and targeted offers. The collaboration reflects H.I.S.’ ambition to meet the needs of the changing digital consumer. By continuing to implement IBS Software’s forward thinking technical solutions, H.I.S. will be ready to serve and adapt to their customers digital travel needs.

CDB Aviation Delivers First of Two A320neo Aircraft to Beibu Gulf Airlines

                       CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., announced the delivery of the first of two Airbus A320-200neo aircraft on lease to a new Chinese airline customer, Nanning-based Guangxi Beibu Gulf Airlines - “GX Airlines”.

The first LEAP-1A26 engine-equipped aircraft was delivered to the HNA Group-affiliated subsidiary in July 2024, with the second aircraft anticipated to be received by the carrier in September 2024. With the addition of CDB Aviation’s two A320neos, Beibu Gulf Airlines will now have 17 A320 Family aircraft, including eleven A320s and six A320neos.

“We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with the HNA Group, while welcoming one of their subsidiary airlines as a new customer in China,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “These new technology aircraft, boasting lower fuel consumption and superior operating characteristics, will advance Beibu Gulf Airlines’ fleet growth.”

“China’s commercial aviation market demand is strong, while global aircraft resources are scarce. In this opportunity and challenge, Beibu Gulf Airlines is pleased to establish a friendly cooperative relationship with CDB Aviation,” said Li Rongkui, President of Beibu Gulf Airlines. “On the premise of continuously improving service quality, operational management capabilities, comprehensive service guarantee capabilities, as well as ensuring safety, Beibu Gulf Airlines will continue to introduce aircraft and open more routes to serve local economic development. We look forward to more cooperation with CDB Aviation in the future.”

SAS Traffic figures – July 2024

2.5 million passengers travelled with SAS in July

2.5 million passengers travelled with SAS in July, a 5 percent increase compared with the same month last year. SAS’ capacity increased by 4 percent and RPK increased by 6 percent, compared with July 2023. The flown load factor for July was 87 percent.

“We are pleased to see a continued increase in passenger volumes and a regularity rate of 99.3 percent in July. The load factor exceeded 87 percent, which marks one of SAS’ best months historically in terms of load factor. This month, we also announced broad partnership agreements with our future SkyTeam partner, Air France-KLM. This partnership will improve our connectivity and offer additional benefits to our loyal customers from September 1,” says Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS.

SAS total traffic (scheduled and charter)	Jul24	Change1	Nov23- Jul24	Change 1
ASK (Mill.)	5,066	4.0%	32,874	9.0%
RPK (Mill.)	4,429	6.0%	25,588	11.8%
Load factor	87.4%	1.7 pp	77.8%	1.9 pp
No. of passengers (000)	2,535	5.0%	17,989	6.5%

1 Change compared to same period last year, pp = percentage points

Geographical development, schedule	Jul24           vs.          Jul23		Nov23-Jul24   vs.   Nov22-Jul23
	RPK	ASK	RPK	ASK
Intercontinental	6.8%	5.0%	13.2%	9.7%
Europe/Intra-Scandinavia	13.3%	9.9%	17.9%	14.8%
Domestic	-8.6%	-11.1%	-3.9%	-6.6%

Preliminary yield and PASK	Jul24	Nominal change1	FX adjusted change
Yield, SEK	1.00	-3.3%	-1.3%
PASK, SEK	0.87	-0.7%	1.3%
			Jul24
Punctuality (departure 15 min)			75.4%
Regularity			99.3%
Change in total CO2 emissions			9.7%
Change in CO2 emissions per available seat kilometre			-2.2%

Definitions:
RPK – Revenue passenger kilometres
ASK – Available seat kilometres
Load factor – RPK/ASK
Yield – Passenger revenues/RPK (scheduled)
PASK – Passenger revenues/ASK (scheduled)
Change in CO2 emissions per available seat kilometres – SAS passenger related carbon emissions divided with total available seat kilometers (incl non-revenue and EuroBonus tickets), rolling 12 months vs rolling 12 months previous year

From fiscal year 2020 we report change in CO2 emissions in total and per Available Seat Kilometers (ASK) to align with our overall goal to reduce our total CO2 emissions by 25% by 2025, compared to 2005.

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Air Canada's latest results

This week, Canada's leading airline, Air Canada reported its second quarter 2024 financial results.

Second quarter operating revenues of $5.5 billion, increased 2% year over year

Operating income of $466 million, decreased $336 million year over year

Adjusted EBITDA* of $914 million, decreased $306 million year over year

Leverage ratio* of 1.0 as at June 30, 2024, compared to 1.1 at end of 2023

"Air Canada today reported second quarter operating revenues of more than $5.5 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $914 million.  We saw healthy demand, with load factors remaining above historical averages. We remained sharply focused on our customers and operations throughout the quarter and experienced a 10-percentage point year-over-year improvement in our on-time performance, even with the increased flying. I thank our employees for their hard work in safely transporting 11.6 million customers in the quarter and I am pleased to see their efforts recognized as we were ranked the best airline in Canada and received five honours at the Skytrax 2024 World Airline Awards, the most of any Canadian carrier," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.

"When compared to the second quarter of 2023, we increased our capacity 6.5 per cent in the period.  Our adjusted unit cost was well contained, increasing 1.7 per cent. This was supported through rigorous cost discipline, which is always a top priority for us.  We will continue to adapt to market conditions, manage capacity proactively and contain costs through productivity and other initiatives. 

We further diversified our network, including with services to Singapore, Stockholm and India, and enhanced our operational flexibility by securing an additional eight Boeing 737-8 aircraft, set to enter service next year. These actions reaffirm our dedication to our customers, whom I thank for their continued loyalty.  We are proud of our role as Canada's leading global airline, connecting Canada to the world."

AGS Airports get top ranking in UK's Civil Aviation Authority’s annual accessibility report.

AGS Airports which owns and operates Aberdeen International, Glasgow and Southampton airports, has welcomed the findings of the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) annual accessibility report.

The CAA has published its annual Airport Accessibility report, ranking every airport in the UK – with an annual passenger volume of more than 150,000 – on their accommodation and treatment of passengers with reduced mobility and disabilities. The report covers the 12-month period between April 2023 to March 2024.

Glasgow and Southampton airports both achieved a ‘very good’ rating and Aberdeen achieved a ‘good’ rating.

In addition to their overall survey provision, all airports were recognised for “effectively engaging with disability organisations through an Accessibility Forum”.

Ronald Leitch, Chief Operating Officer at AGS Airports, said: “We have committed significant investment and resources to ensure AGS continues to provide the highest level of assistance to passengers that require additional support. This has included investing in our facilities, delivering staff training and working with national charities, local access panels and our dedicated service providers to continually review our performance.

“We want everyone who travels through our airports to have a seamless journey so it is extremely pleasing and rewarding to see our efforts recognised by the CAA in this year’s accessibility report.”

Initiatives that AGS has implemented across its airports to enhance service levels for passengers with reduced mobility and disabilities have included:

Big Airbus order from Cathay Pacific Group

Hong Kong’s Cathay Group has placed a firm order with Airbus for 30 A330-900 widebody aircraft. The order follows a thorough evaluation by the airline under its mid-size widebody fleet renewal programme.

The newly-ordered aircraft will enable Cathay to modernise its earlier generation A330-300 fleet and expand its operations on high-capacity regional routes. The aircraft will also offer flexibility to serve longer-range destinations. As with all A330neo aircraft, the fleet will be powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines.

Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer said: “As Cathay completes the final stretch of its rebuilding journey, we are turning the page to modernisation and growth, both in terms of scope and quality. We are delighted to announce this new order for state-of-the-art A330neo aircraft. This substantial investment reflects not only our immense confidence in Hong Kong’s leading international aviation hub status, but also represents our commitment to fostering our home city’s ongoing development.”

“The A330 is an aircraft type that has been serving Cathay Pacific well for nearly 30 years. These new aircraft will principally serve our regional destinations in Asia, while also providing the flexibility to serve longer-haul destinations as required. The improved fuel  efficiency of these A330neos, together with their high standards of comfort, will enable us to further elevate the experience we provide for our customers while also contributing towards our goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”

13% Increase in the local market fir Icelandic budget airline PLAY.

improved forward bookings and yet again more punctual

Play carried 187.835 passengers in July 2024, achieving a load factor of 88.4%. Of these passengers flying with Play in July, 31.1% were flying from Iceland, 30.7% were flying to Iceland, and 38.2% were connecting passengers (VIA).

Play continues to gain market share in Iceland, with a 13% year-over-year increase in passengers flying from Iceland—58 thousand in July 2024 compared to 51 thousand in July 2023.

Play's on-time performance was 85.4% in July 2024, compared to 80.2% in July 2023.

"It is encouraging to see our number of passengers travelling from Iceland, our local market, rise by seven thousand year-over-year. We aim to have a wide selection of leisure destinations that people from Iceland want to visit, and we are seeing a good return from that decision. We feel that people in Iceland are happy with our services and the numbers reflect that.

As we reported in our Q2 result, the VIA market this summer has been soft due to growth in seat capacity on direct services across the Atlantic. This is reflected in our July traffic numbers. However, forward bookings are currently ahead of last year giving us the encouraging sign that the trend will reverse in the coming months. Also, we have adjusted our route network by reducing our seat capacity to/from North America for the fall and winter to reflect fluctuating demand better, and simultaneously, we are adding more seats to existing and new leisure markets in Europe and Africa, which have yielded higher returns for Play. This demonstrates the flexibility of our route network, allowing us to adjust based on demand. This adaptability would not have been possible without my outstanding colleagues at Play, who once again made Play the most punctual of the leading airlines operating flights from Keflavík International Airport. This significantly aids our operations and ensures our passengers enjoy timely and pleasant flights," says Einar Örn Ólafsson, Play's CEO.

Nasdaq Iceland has approved the application of Fly Play hf. for admission of its shares to trading on the Nasdaq Iceland Main Market. The Company’s shares will be admitted to trading on the Main Market on August 8, 2024 and correspondingly removed from trading on the First North Growth Market after the market closes on 7 August, 2024.

The prospectus, which is dated August 1, 2024, has been approved by the Financial Supervisory Authority of the Central Bank of Iceland. The prospectus is written in English, is accessible on the Company‘s website and is attached to this announcement. 

Arctica Finance acts as the manager of the admission to trading of the Company’s shares on the Main Market of Nasdaq Iceland.

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