United Airlines announces key leadership changes across its team in Africa

United Airlines has announced key leadership changes across its team in Africa, reflecting the importance of this region within the airline’s international route network and its commitment to driving growth and innovation across the continent, alongside its joint venture and alliance partners.

United is aligning its Sales Leadership Team across Africa, including South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Morocco, with the appointment of Amit Badiani as Head of Africa and Offline Sales, responsible for the overall leadership of United’s Africa business, as well as the expansion of Oluwatomi Bola-Sadipe’s role as Country Sales Manager for Nigeria, Ghana and now, South Africa.

In South Africa, Penny Alexandrou has been appointed as United’s General Manager, Johannesburg, responsible for United’s operations at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport.

 

“With over 19 years’ experience in the aviation industry, Badiani brings a wealth of expertise and strategic direction to our team as we build on our success in Africa,” said Thorsten Lettnin, Director of Sales, Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, Israel and India at United Airlines. “This will further build on our close partnerships with key trade and airline partners as we expand our presence in soon-to-be four online countries across Africa, including Morocco from October 2024.”

“Bola-Sadipe has over 15 years’ experience in the aviation business and is a highly respected and well-established leader with a proven track record in the industry,” said Lettnin. “In her new role, I know that Oluwatomi will continue her great success in sales efforts across Africa.”

 

“We are delighted to welcome Penny Alexandrou to our Johannesburg operations,” said Mark Clays, Regional Director of Airport Operations, Europe, Israel and Africa at United Airlines. “Penny is bringing more than 24 years of industry experience to her new role and will be instrumental in leading our team towards continued service excellence.”

These key leadership changes come as United this year marks the fifth anniversary of its Cape Town – New York/Newark service, and third anniversary of its Johannesburg - New York/Newark service and expands its presence on the second largest continent in the world, adding Marrakesh, Morocco to its network in Africa from 25 October 2024. United will be the first and only airline to operate nonstop flights from Marrakesh to the U.S. and next winter, will offer the most flights to the most destinations in Africa from metro New York.

 

United also operates routes from Cape Town, South Africa to New York/Newark and Washington D.C and connects Lagos, Nigeria and Accra, Ghana with Washington D.C.

  

  

The United Travel Experience

 

OXCCU celebrates opening of OX1 Plant...........A world first sustainable aviation fuel production facility at Oxford Airport

OXCCU, a leading carbon-to-value company converting carbon dioxide into fuels, chemicals and plastics, proudly announces the launch of its first official demonstration plant, OX1, at Oxford Airport. OXCCU, a climate tech spin-out company from the University of Oxford, is developing novel catalysts and reactor designs to convert carbon dioxide and hydrogen into hydrocarbons with high conversion and selectivity for use as fuels, chemicals and plastics. The company is headquartered in the UK, with operations at Begbroke Science Park, Oxford, and London Oxford Airport.

The OX1 plant represents a significant advancement in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. Through its novel catalyst and reactor design, the subject of over a decade of research at the University of Oxford, the plant will convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) directly to long-chain hydrocarbons with high conversion and selectivity for use as SAF, named OX•EFUEL™.

This FOAK facility, based at London Oxford Airport and designed and operated by OXCCU, will produce 1 kg (~1.2 litres) of liquid fuel per day and will start operations in September 2024. The plant will be the world’s first demonstration of the direct conversion of CO2 and H2 to jet fuel range hydrocarbons in a single step with minimal oxygenated byproducts using OXCCU’s novel catalyst. The plant is part of OXCCU’s strategic scale up journey as the first OXCCU plant out of the lab. It will provide the data key to the design, build and operations of the 160 kg (200 litres) per day OX2 plant, previously announced, which will operate at Saltend Chemical Park Hull in 2026. Commercial plants supplying the UK and elsewhere with PtL SAF will then follow.

Unlike other firms working on Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuels, OXCCU has reduced a traditionally multi-step process to a single step, avoiding the need to first convert CO2 to CO – a difficult to electrify and energy intensive first step. This innovative approach is key to reducing the cost of PtL SAF, which is currently the main barrier to PtL SAF adoption.

Key Highlights:

The OX1 plant at Oxford Airport is the first demonstration plant to convert CO2 and H2 into long-chain hydrocarbons through its one-step process, setting a new standard in SAF production.

OX•EFUEL™, produced through OXCCU’s patented single step process, offers a cost-effective and scalable solution to aviation fuel needs, with significantly lower capital and operational costs than other PtL SAF pathways.

This plant showcases British innovation at its best, developed through a decade of research at the University of Oxford and supported by significant industry and government investment.

Andrew Symes, CEO of OXCCU, said: “We’re beyond excited to launch the OX1 plant, located close to where OXCCU was born. The fuel we’ve already made in a single step from CO2 in the lab has created great excitement with its potential to massively reduce the cost of SAF, but the scale up is key, and this plant will generate the data and litres of fuel we need. Our mission is to enable future generations to fly without a climate impact, and to do that we need cost-effective PtL SAF. This launch marks a key step in achieving that goal.”

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Available to customers as OXEFUEL, OXCCU’s sustainable aviation fuel is created by combining captured carbon dioxide and renewably-sourced green hydrogen through a novel iron-based catalyst, resulting in a more cost-effective and decarbonized alternative to fossil-based Jet A fuel for commercial airlines. Modelling completed by independent researchers from Imperial College London, through Imperial Consultants, has shown OXCCU’s one-step process significantly reduces SAF cost due to higher selectivity yield in the jet fuel range and a 50% lower capital cost.  
OXCCU scores £2.8 Million UK Government grant to scale sustainable aviation fuel production in November 2023. They won a £2.8 million grant along with the University of Sheffield Translational Energy Research Centre (TERC) and Coryton. The capital will be used to demonstrate the world’s first direct carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrogenation process, turning CO2  directly into aviation fuel range hydrocarbons, also known as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
UK Government release aviation SAF plan to support growth of British aviation sector.
 ‘World’s First’ Sustainable Aviation Fuel Project to be Built at Saltend......

Rocket Lab successfully completes latest launch with Capella Space

Rocket Lab USA, a global leader in launch services and space systems, today successfully launched its 52nd Electron rocket and deployed a single satellite to low Earth orbit for Capella Space (Capella).

The mission, named “A Sky Full of SARs” in a nod to the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capabilities of Capella’s spacecraft, lifted off at 01:18 AM New Zealand Standard Time on August 12th from Launch Complex 1, Rocket Lab’s private orbital launch site on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula. The mission deployed the next of Capella’s third-generation SAR Acadia satellites to a mid-inclination 615km low Earth orbit. In addition to the launch service, Rocket Lab provided a custom extended fairing on Electron to encompass the payload before Capella’s satellite was deployed to space from a Rocket Lab-produced separation system.

The mission was the fifth launch for Capella that’s taken place since Capella’s first mission on Electron in August 2020. That mission, called “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Optical”, launched from Launch Complex 1 to deploy the very first satellite in Capella’s SAR constellation. Subsequent successful missions include the “Stronger Together” mission launched for Capella from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 2 on Wallops Island, Virginia, in March 2023 and the “We Love The Nightlife” mission launched from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand just five months later in August 2023.

flydubai starts flights to Basel despite Boeing delays

The Dubai-based budget carrier flydubai has become the first national carrier from the UAE to operate direct flights from Dubai to EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL). The carrier now links the two airports with a four times a week, with services on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The inaugural flight touched down at Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg and was met with a traditional water cannon salute, last Wednesday, 7th August.  The budget airline has rapidly grown its network in Europe to 29 destinations including Budapest, Catania, Krakow, Milan-Bergamo, Prague, Salzburg and Zagreb.

Flights between Dubai and Basel will be operated a fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Passengers travelling in Business Class can look forward to comfortable seats and internationally-inspired menus while Economy Class passengers can enjoy seats designed to optimise space and comfort.

flydubai also features exceptional inflight entertainment with a full HD, 11.6-inch screen with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music and games. Passengers can enjoy complimentary seatback inflight entertainment in Business Class or purchase affordable inflight entertainment packages when travelling in Economy Class.

Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President of commercial operations and e-commerce at flydubai, said: “at flydubai, we are committed to opening up underserved destinations and creating free flows of trade and tourism and we are pleased to add Basel to our network in Europe. EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg serves Switzerland, France and Germany, making it an important hub for travel, trade and tourism in the tri-border region that will benefit our customers from the UAE and beyond.”

“We also look forward to welcoming more travellers from Europe to Dubai and beyond on the flydubai network. Through Dubai’s aviation hub, passengers travelling from Basel can enjoy convenient connections to holiday destinations including Kenya, the Maldives, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand,” added Efendi.

Etihad Airways reports increase in profits to AED 851 million in first half 2024

The Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has published its half-year 2024 results, recording a 48 per cent increase in profit after tax achieving AED 851 million (U.S.$ 232 million), a significant increase from AED 575 million (U.S.$ 157 million) in H1 2023, highlighting the airline’s continued focus on growth coupled with optimising operational efficiencies.

Total revenue increased 21 per cent to AED 11.7 billion (U.S.$ 3.2 billion), from AED 9.6 billion (U.S.$ 2.6 billion) in H1 2023, mainly due to passenger revenue, which saw a 24 per cent year-on-year increase, reflecting strong demand fuelled by strategic network expansion and increased flight frequencies, consequently further improving connectivity.

There was also a notable 10 per cent increase in cargo revenue compared to the same period of 2023, primarily driven by higher demand and higher cargo capacity of the fleet.

Etihad carried 8.7 million passengers over the first half of the year, up 38 per cent year-on-year, which is approximately three-times higher than IATA’s reported average growth rate of 13 per cent for Middle Eastern carriers in the same period. The average passenger load factor stands at 85 per cent for H1 2024 and remains unchanged compared to the first half of last year.

Operational efficiencies continued to improve with decreasing unit cost from the same period last year, with CASK (cost per seat kilometre) and CASK ex-fuel reduced by 5 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively. At the same time, overall passenger experience improved, continuing the trend of increased customer satisfaction since consolidating operations in the new terminal.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, said: “We are pleased to report a strong first half of the 2024 financial year, with profit after tax 48 per cent higher than the net result reported in the same period of 2023. This reflects a robust performance in both passenger and cargo revenues, demonstrating the soundness of our strategy and growth path."

Big Day for Pattaya Airways

The 8th of August was a big day for Pattaya Airways,  after 9 months of relentless effort and dedication cumulated in the significant achievement of receiving an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, a testament to our unwavering capability and high standards in aviation. 

As a result of that announcement, Nat Boonyavichkanont, Chief Executive Officer of Pattaya Airways Co. held a number of meetings with influential people in the industry, including Francis Anthony, Group Head of Commercial Cargo at Teleport Commerce Malaysia Sdn Bhd.  Together they signed an Interline Agreement for air cargo transportation within the ASEAN region. This partnership aims to integrate the cargo transportation networks of both companies, enhancing efficiency and expanding business opportunities for air cargo services across ASEAN. The collaboration is expected to strengthen the operational capabilities of both companies in the future.

Boonyavichkanont also met with Jerome Brohier, Managing Director of ACE Global Logistics Solutions, and also signed an air cargo transportation partnership agreement. This agreement represents a strong collaboration between the two companies, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of air cargo systems. The partnership will leverage the resources and expertise of both parties to provide high-quality cargo services that effectively meet the needs of customers in the ASEAN region. 

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Ethiopian Airlines signs deal for design of 'biggest airport in Africa'

Ethiopia has signed an agreement for the design of a new four-runway airport that will be Africa's biggest when construction is completed in 2029, the head of state-owned Ethiopian Airlines said on Friday.

Located near the town of Bishoftu, around 45 km (28 miles) from the capital Addis Ababa, the airport will have capacity to handle 100 million passengers a year and provide parking for 270 aircraft, Ethiopian Airlines' CEO Mesfin Tasew told a news conference.

Dubai-based engineering and consulting firm Sidara will design the airport, the company's director of operations Tariq Al Qanni said.

Plans to build the airport were first announced in 2018.  Mesfin said Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, the current main hub for Africa's biggest airline, will soon reach its capacity of serving 25 million passengers per year.

"It is a five-year project (that) will be finalised in 2029. It will be the biggest in Africa," Mesfin said.

"Phase one alone will cost at least $6 billion... The money will come through loans and there are already companies that already showed interest."

Ethiopian Airlines carried 17 million passengers in the 2023/2024 financial year, and expects to carry 20 million passengers in the financial year that started in July.

By Dawit Endeshaw

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Etihad Airways will begin flying its luxurious A380 between Abu Dhabi and Singapore from 1 February, 2025 adding more capacity to the popular route

Etihad increases frequencies to Thailand, offering convenient flights three times a day to Bangkok and 20 flights a week to holiday hotspot Phuket

Etihad Airways confirmed this week it will start flying its A380 double-decker to Singapore from 1 February 2025 and will awaken a sixth A380 into operation by the start of 2025.

The Asian-Pacific powerhouse becomes the fourth major city to enjoy the Etihad A380 experience in addition to London and New York, as well as Paris which will be served by the A380 from 1 November.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “We are thrilled to announce that our iconic A380 aircraft will begin serving the Singapore route early next year.

“This aircraft provides our business and leisure travellers with an exceptional flying experience and seamless connections to our Middle East, European, and North American networks. It highlights Etihad’s dedication to optimising travel to Abu Dhabi and beyond, ensuring more convenience and comfort for our guests.

“We will have our sixth A380 online next year as we build our capacity further to cater for the travel needs of our guests.”

The A380 brings a special touch to air travel. Economy passengers enjoy a warm welcome with comfortable seating arrangements, including 68 seats offering four inches more legroom and 337 Smart seats featuring Etihad’s innovative fixed-wing headrests and large pillows.

On the upper deck, Business Studios™ feature 70 private spots, complemented by The Lobby lounge area. Each Business Studio is equipped with premium amenities designed with Armani/Casa and Wi Fi connectivity, ensuring a productive and luxurious travel experience.

First Apartments are luxurious with nine private spaces, designer tableware, leather chairs, and a large ottoman-bed. First-class guests also receive personal amenities and can enjoy an exclusive shower room.

The Residence

At the pinnacle of comfort is The Residence, the world's only three-room suite in the sky. Accommodating up to two guests, The Residence features a private living room, bedroom, and ensuite bathroom, complete with a shower at 40,000 feet. A dedicated team of Etihad cabin crew ensures unparalleled service.

Guests in The Residence can indulge in a culinary journey with an à la carte menu, served on designer tableware in the private living room, or even opt for breakfast in bed. From gourmet cuisine to champagne and caviar, The Residence Signature High Tea offers a range of lavish options.

Singapore

Singapore may be small, but it’s brimming with attractions, making it the perfect spot for a city getaway. Positioned almost directly on the equator, this tropical city offers an exotic climate and a rich blend of cultures. Explore the vibrant temples and markets of Little India, discover the shops, eateries, and parks of Chinatown, and savour top-notch fish curry at one of the many bustling street food markets. Stroll down Orchard Road for the trendiest boutiques and cap off your day with a sunset drink on Marina Bay’s rooftop, where you’ll find the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool—an experience not to be missed.

Thailand

Etihad is boosting flights to Thailand to 41 per week from 27 October 2024.

Answering the call from customers, Etihad will fly three-times a day to bustling Bangkok, giving travellers even more flexibility and timing convenience when planning their trip.

Additionally, Etihad will fly to Phuket, Thailand's dazzling beach paradise, 20 times a week, offering more opportunity for visitors to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea at the many fabulous beaches of Karon, Patong and Kata, or explore the rich cultural heritage of the city.

As with Bangkok, services are conveniently timed to give guests optimum choice and maximise their stay.

The latest frequencies are now open for booking. Guests who book on etihad.com can take advantage of a complimentary stopover in Abu Dhabi, transforming one holiday into two and enjoying a free stay for up to two nights at their preferred hotel in the vibrant capital of the UAE.

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Etihad Guest get more miles

Etihad Guest

Securing the Homeland

Northern Strike 24-2 replicates aerial threats

Story by Tech. Sgt. Tristan Viglianco 

Cruise missiles and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are an emerging challenge our nation’s Air Force will face in the future. Northern Strike (NS) 24-2 is replicating this threat with several unique platforms designed to train various skills such as: detection, identification, destruction, and command and control (C2) in a live-fly environment.

Over the course of exercise, August 3-17, Air National Guard (ANG) F-16 Fighting Falcons, from the 113th Wing, District of Columbia ANG, Joint Base Andrews, Md, and the 180th Fighter Wing (FW), Ohio ANG, Toledo Air National Guard Base (ANGB), Ohio will train against these threats. Pilots will fly sorties out of either their home station, the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) or Oscoda–Wurtsmith Airport in Northern Michigan.

“One of the Air National Guard top priorities is defending the homeland. Additionally, our Airmen expect to face similar challenges in overseas deployments,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Nicholas Smith, Michigan National Guard (MING), deputy J7. “Northern Strike presents unique training opportunities to warfighters, allowing them to train for scenarios they’ll unlikely encounter in their normal day to day readiness training.”

According to Smith, the exercise is spending approximately $1 million to replicate various aerial threats, with ANG F-16s from the 122nd FW, Indiana ANG, Fort Wayne ANGB, Ind., and small microjets.

“In the past, NS has used various electronic warfare capabilities to simulate various surface threats to aircraft,” said Smith. “For the first time, NS is using a combination of ANG aircraft that replicate cruise missile flight characteristics alongside microjets with small radar cross sections to simulate a wide variety of emerging threats, such as adversaries small UAS platforms.”

Cathay unveils ‘Song of Cathay’, its new sonic branding that captures the love for travel and aviation

The new song deepens Cathay’s emotional connection with customers and extends its purpose to move people forward in life

Cathay has released its new sonic branding, Song of Cathay — an uplifting, inspirational and journey-like musical composition designed to forge deeper ties with customers and create an auditory expression of its purpose to move people forward in life.

Adding a new dimension to Cathay’s already established brand identity, Song of Cathay draws inspiration from its heritage as a leading airline and travel brand. The musical composition, instrumentation and arrangements come together to captivate customers by evoking fond memories of travel, capturing the spirit of adventure, and exuding the warm sense of hospitality that embodies every journey flown with Cathay Pacific.

Customers can experience the new soundtrack designed by sonic branding agency Sixième Son through a wide range of touchpoints. Song of Cathay will be progressively rolled out and played in Cathay Pacific’s lounges and aircraft, in the Cathay Shop at Cityplaza, and on Cathay’s mobile apps, global contact centre hotlines and Spotify playlists, creating a holistic brand experience whenever customers engage with Cathay. ​

To celebrate the launch, Cathay collaborated with the Asian Youth Orchestra to bring Song of Cathay to life. The orchestra recorded the new sonic identity at its Rehearsal Camp in Tianjin last month and debuted it during its concert “Celebrating 34 Years of Excellence” at Hong Kong City Hall on 3 August as part of its Asian Concert Tour. Cathay has long been a supporter of youth development, arts and culture in Hong Kong, and has been a sponsor of the Asian Youth Orchestra since its inception in 1990.

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Cathay Group Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “It has always been our mission to connect and move people forward in life through the Cathay experience. Song of Cathay is an audio representation of not just who we are as a brand, but also the journey we have been on and are moving towards. Our longstanding support for Hong Kong’s development of youth, arts and culture is also vividly captured in the tune, which seeks to inspire communities, ignite creativity and add to the vibrant fabric of our city.”

Cathay General Manager of Brand, Insights and Marketing Communications Edward Bell said: “Music is a unifying language that brings people together by transcending cultures and boundaries. We have put a great deal of thought and effort into bringing our sonic branding vision to life, and we hope this distinct tune will strike a resonant chord with our customers from all around the world, forming a new and crucial component of the Cathay identity while building upon our ‘Move Beyond’ spirit.”
Sixieme Son Global Managing Director Laurent Cochini said: “With this sonic identity, Cathay conjures an extraordinarily imaginary world and the promise of a beautiful journey. Song of Cathay is a poetic burst that embraces the brand's strong roots and international vocation, conveying its leadership, expertise, passion, and commitment. Conceived as a timeless waltz, the piece is a musical odyssey that tells the brand’s ambition to move people emotionally and forward.”
The Air101 team definitely approve of Song for Cathay,  it evokes emotions and images of Cathay, of Hong Kong, of flight, of reputation, of service and puts into sound what a rich heritage the Cathay brand enjoys.  The music is both uplifting and emotive, but beyond that, it is identifiable as 'Cathay' or as belonging to the Cathay Group, which is ideal.  Plus, even after only a couple of plays, some of our team found themselves humming it quite some time later in the day.     


 to Song of Cathay as well as the creation process, please visit Cathay’s website: https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/about-us/cathay-stories.html

Aeroflot's most popular routes for the first half of the year..

The Russian airline Aeroflot has released figures for its growth despite sanctions and airspace closures.  The carrier carried 4.2 million passengers on its own international flights, which is 34.1% more than in the first half of 2023.

The most popular international destinations in terms of the number of transported passengers in the first half of 2024 were*:

Moscow — Istanbul — Moscow (320.1K passengers)

Moscow — Phuket — Moscow (245.2K passengers)

Moscow — Dubai — Moscow (236.9K passengers)

Moscow — Antalya — Moscow (229.4K passengers)

Moscow — Yerevan — Moscow (227.3K passengers)

The most popular domestic destinations in terms of the number of transported passengers in the first half of 2024 were*:

Moscow — Sochi — Moscow (863,278 passengers)

Moscow — Saint Petersburg - Moscow (786,225 passengers **)

Moscow — Kaliningrad — Moscow (502,839 passengers)

Moscow — Yekaterinburg — Moscow (463,207 passengers)

Moscow — Mineralnye Vody — Moscow (418,609 passengers)

Moscow — Vladivostok — Moscow (418,154 passengers)

Moscow — Kazan — Moscow (371,723 passengers)

Moscow — Ufa — Moscow (329,427 passengers)

Moscow — Samara — Moscow (320,085 passengers)

Moscow — Chelyabinsk — Moscow (299,710 passengers)

*Only own Aeroflot flights are counted excluding affiliated airlines.

**Taking into account Rossiya Airlines, the total passenger traffic in the first half of the year amounted to a record 1,499,426 people.

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New routes....

The Russian carrier is resuming direct scheduled flights to Thailand from Yekaterinburg. 

Archer unveils plans for an air taxi network in Los Angeles....

Archer plans to launch the network in Los Angeles to replace one-to-two-hour drives with 10-20 minute electric flights

Archer’s planned network includes take-off and landing locations at Los Angeles International Airport, University of Southern California, Orange County, Santa Monica, Hollywood Burbank, Long Beach and Van Nuys

Archer Aviation has released plans to launch a Los Angeles air mobility network as early as 2026 that will change how Southern California residents and visitors commute, travel and spend their free time.

The goal is for passengers to be able to go to a nearby vertiport, or vertical take-off and landing location, and then fly 10-20 minutes in Archer’s Midnight aircraft to their destination of choice within the network—saving hours versus sitting in traffic.

Archer’s planned network includes vertiports at key locations such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Orange County, Santa Monica, Hollywood Burbank, Long Beach and Van Nuys. Archer’s goal is to begin its LA network operations by as early as 2026.

As part of its network planning, Archer is coordinating with the Los Angeles Rams to collaborate on potential exclusive vertiports at Woodland Hills and at Hollywood Park, the near 300-acre district centered around the 3.1 million square-foot SoFi Stadium.

The University of Southern California is also engaged to be part of Archer’s planned LA network. Over the next two years, Archer and USC will develop plans for converting USC’s existing heliports for Midnight and other vertical take off and landing aircraft. USC’s ultimate goal is to offer visitors an easy, quick and sustainable way to get to and from its campus, sports facilities and hospitals in the future.

“This is a big moment for Archer. Establishing our LA network ahead of the global events that are coming to the region over the next four years is a milestone that will put Midnight on display for the whole world to see,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer. “LA is known for its horrendous traffic—our goal is to offer a safer, faster and sustainable alternative travel option.”

Midnight, Archer’s piloted, four-passenger electric aircraft, will play a crucial role in this network. Midnight is designed to offer passengers a sustainable, low-noise, and safe alternative to ground transportation:

Travels at speeds up to 150 mph, turning hour-long ground commutes into minutes in the air

Designed for back-to-back flights of 20-50 miles with minimal charge time in between

100x quieter than a helicopter at cruising altitudes

Redundant systems across the aircraft allowing Archer to target similar levels of safety as commercial airliners

Designed to carry a pilot, up to four passengers and carry-on luggage

Governor Gavin Newsom commented, “California is showing the world what’s possible when you embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and clean energy to help solve your biggest challenges. Homegrown companies like Archer Aviation are pioneering the next generation of zero-emission transportation that will help California cut pollution, clean our air and reduce traffic.”

“We are excited about the opportunity to bring Archer’s game-changing technology to Hollywood Park,” said Los Angeles Rams President Kevin Demoff. “This underscores our commitment to enhancing the guest experience as we continue to build this transformative global destination for sports and entertainment.”

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TRU Simulation delivers Cessna Citation Longitude full-flight simulator to FlightSafety International

This week, TRU Simulation confirmed the Federal Aviation Administration Level D certification and delivery of a Cessna Citation Longitude Full Flight Simulator (FFS) for FlightSafety International’s Columbus, Ohio Learning Center. The new simulator will support FlightSafety in providing quality training services for Textron Aviation’s flagship super-midsize Cessna Citation jet.

TRU Simulation + Training Inc., an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., is a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company that designs, manufactures and delivers high-fidelity training devices and full-motion flight simulators for civil and defense customers.

“At TRU, the team is committed to delivering cutting-edge training tools that enable pilots to achieve their goals,” said Jerry Messaris, vice president and general manager, TRU Simulation. “Supplying high-fidelity simulators to FlightSafety aids in expanding access to excellent aviation training for pilots across the globe, and our state-of-the-art technology ensures safe and realistic training experiences.”

FlightSafety International and TRU Simulation formed a joint venture in 2019 to better support customers’ global training needs. This will be the second Cessna Citation Longitude Full Flight Simulator delivered to the Columbus, Ohio Training Center and the third built as part of the joint venture of TRU Simulation and FlightSafety International.

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TRU Simulation + Training Inc., an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., is a leading provider of high-fidelity training devices and full-motion simulators for the aviation industry. With a strong commitment to excellence and innovation, TRU Simulation has been at the forefront of flight simulation technology for over a decade.

International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations issues statement on Brazil crash.

The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA), which represents more than 100,000 pilots in nearly 100 countries. The mission of IFALPA is to promote the highest level of aviation safety worldwide and to be the global advocate of the piloting profession, providing representation, services, and support to both our members and the aviation industry, has issued the following statement in the wake of the crash of an ATR72 yesterday. 

"The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Association is closely monitoring the developments related to the accident of Voepass Linhas Aéreas Flight 2Z-2283, an ATR-72 aircraft that came down in the town of Vinhedo, in the Brazilian state of São Paulo.

Our thoughts are with the friends and families of the reported 58 passengers and four crew members that were onboard the aircraft.

IFALPA stresses the need to avoid speculation as to what happened in the course of this tragic event. The investigation into the circumstances of the accident should strictly follow the provisions laid out in ICAO Annex 13.

The Federation has reached out to its Brazilian Member Association, Sindicato Nacional dos Aeronautas (SNA) and will keep its resources at the disposal of the Brazilian Accident Investigation Agency CENIPA in order to help gather facts and any other information which may be pertinent."

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Plans to upgrade airspace unveiled by UK regulator

Plans to modernise the UK’s airspace by 2040 has taken a significant step forward, with the UK Civil Aviation Authority outlining how the motorway of the skies could change over the next seven years.

The aviation and aerospace regulator has published its ‘Airspace Modernisation Strategy, Part 3: Deployment Plan’, a significant milestone in the once-in-a-generation work to modernise the UK’s airspace.

Publication of the plan signifies a crucial step forward with the UK Civil Aviation Authority setting out the key activities and milestones the industry and regulator will need to deliver together, alongside the regulatory frameworks it will set.

This includes projects looking at how new airspace users, such as drones and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, can fly safely in the same airspace as other aircraft.

It also includes work looking at the services needed to support all airspace users, and the technology that needs to be developed for aircraft to detect and avoid each other.

Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:   "Overhauling our airspace is a long-term and complex endeavour, requiring concerted efforts and collaboration from the aerospace industry. It is key to enabling new and innovative technologies to thrive in UK aerospace.

Our delivery plan sets out the main priorities for the coming years, providing a framework for co-ordinated action and accountability.

It not only outlines our strategic priorities, but also is a blueprint for industry to engage and contribute towards the vision of a modernised airspace for the UK."

ATSG Delivers Boeing 767-300 Freighter to Euroavia Airlines

Air Transport Services Group,  announced this week that its subsidiary, Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM), has leased a Boeing 767-300 converted freighter to New York-based SLG Worldwide, who will sublease the aircraft to Euroavia Airlines, a cargo airline headquartered in Larnaca, Cyprus.

“SLG Worldwide is an experienced provider of logistics and aviation services around the world,” said Mike Berger, chief executive officer of ATSG. “Our leasing arrangement with SLG Worldwide in support of a new cargo airline exemplifies the attractiveness of our Lease+Plus package. We can support a new carrier with access to multiple services, including maintenance, ensuring timely delivery of additional capacity to the Eurasia markets.”

"We are thrilled to partner with ATSG to expand capacity with this Boeing 767-300 freighter," stated Martin Zhu, chairman of Euroavia Airlines. "This addition will significantly enhance our ability to serve the growing demand in the Eurasia & Middle East region, providing reliable and efficient cargo services."

ATSG Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results

Air Transport Services Group, the leading provider of medium wide-body freighter aircraft leasing, contracted air transportation, and related services, today reported consolidated financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024. Those results, as compared with the same period in 2023, were as follows:

Revenues of $488 million, versus $529 million

GAAP Earnings per Share (diluted) from Continuing Operations of $0.11, versus $0.49

GAAP Pretax Earnings from Continuing Operations of $10.7 million, versus $49.7 million

Adjusted Pretax* Earnings of $17.3 million, versus $57.9 million

Adjusted EPS* of $0.19, versus $0.57

Adjusted EBITDA* of $130.4 million, versus $157.1 million

Free Cash Flow was $91.8 million, versus negative $1.3 million

Salt Lake City International Airport and Sky Harbour announce hangar campus development

Salt Lake City International Airport and Sky Harbour Group Corporation (NYSE American: SKYH, SKYH WS) announced today the execution of a lease agreement for the development of a Sky Harbour Home Base hangar campus on 8.4 acres at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), serving Salt Lake City and the greater Rocky Mountain region.

The Sky Harbour campus will offer “the best Home Base in business aviation” and compliment Sky Harbour’s current development at Centennial Airport (APA) in Denver to house the Rocky Mountain area’s top corporate and privately-owned business jets in state-of-the art hangars, with line-services dedicated exclusively to based tenants, offering “the shortest time to wheels-up in business aviation.” The campus is expected to create or sustain hundreds of local jobs and generate significant economic benefits for the State of Utah, Salt Lake City, and Salt Lake City International Airport.

“Sky Harbour will not only greatly enhance the campus of the SLC International Airport but will benefit the city, state and region as well,” said Bill Wyatt, executive director, Salt Lake City Department of Airports. “We look forward to working with Sky Harbour to augment SLC’s business aviation industry.”

VoePass ATR 72-500 crashes in Brazil

A Voepass ATR 72-500 has crashed in Vinhedo, São Paulo, Brazil, today with up to 62 people onboard.  The aircraft, registration PS-VPB was 14 years old and was operating PTB2283/2Z2283 from Cascavel to Guarulhos when the incident took place. 

The cause is not yet known and an investigation has already been started. Various videos shared online seem to show the aircraft spinning with virtually no forward speed before plummeting to the ground and erupting in a mass of smoke and flame. 

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pic.twitter.com/fn26zjI00e

— Nahoum (@siganahoum) August 9, 2024

 BREAKING A Voepass ATR-72 has crashed in Sao Paulo, Brazil (airlive.net)

Loss of control Accident ATR 72-500 (72-212A) PS-VPB, Friday 9 August 2024 (flightsafety.org)

Aviation Capital Group announces the delivery of one Airbus A321neo to Condor

Aviation Capital Group, a premier global full-service aircraft asset manager, announced the delivery of one A321neo to Condor Flugdienst. The Airbus jet is powered by the ultra-efficient Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, this is the second of four aircraft scheduled to deliver to the airline.

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

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Everyone can do their bit for the climate

CO2 emissions and climate protection are increasingly in focus when flying: Anyone flying on vacation or to visit family and friends can now choose how they want to contribute to a cleaner and better future with Condor. Condor is offering various packages on all flights with which customers can support the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and selected climate protection projects. Initially, they support three specific projects that Condor has selected together with the non-profit climate protection organization myclimate. The amount of the voluntary climate contribution can be determined during the booking process or afterwards up until departure.
From now on, Condor guests will also receive information on how much CO2 is produced on average for the seat they have booked. There is a total of eight climate packages to choose from. The first climate package of 50 kg CO2 can also be booked by existing customers for EUR 19.99. Those who would like to take into account the journey to the airport as well as the flight can also purchase climate contributions for larger amounts of CO2 than those incurred for their own Condor flight via Condor.
Peter Gerber, CEO at Condor: “A sense of responsibility and sustainability are an essential part of our corporate culture. We are aware that the ecological impact of our actions must be considered to ensure long-term business success - both at our company location in Germany and in the numerous destinations we fly to.”

The three selected projects will be implemented in Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. Specifically, this involves a support program for the expansion of agroforests in German-speaking countries, low-emission stoves in rural regions of Kenya and a solar power plant in the Dominican Republic.
In addition to the introduction of the climate contribution, Condor supports the aviation industry's goal of being CO2-neutral by 2050 through CO2 reduction and compensation. Fleet renewal is also making a significant contribution to this. Since March 2024, only factory-new A330neo aircraft have been used on Condor's long-haul routes. Since then, the modernization course on short and medium-haul routes has continued with 43 A32Xneo orders. Once the modernization is complete, Condor will have the youngest fleet in Europe. As part of the InnoFuels project, the airline is also committed to making the use of regenerative fuels more tangible, thus laying another important foundation stone for the use of low-emission fuels. Condor is also actively involved in the “100 Flights Trail” of the Climate Neutral Aviation Working Group, which tests whether non-CO2 effects such as contrails can be avoided by flying around climate-sensitive areas.com

Indonesia AirAsia launching direct flights from Bali and Jakarta to Hong Kong

Indonesia AirAsia, is expanding its wings in Asia by launching direct flights from Bali and Jakarta to Hong Kong. The new routes aim to enhance connectivity between Southeast Asia and Asia.

As the only low-cost carrier providing direct flights from Hong Kong to the popular destinations of Bali(DPS) and Jakarta(CGK), AirAsia is thrilled to offer our passengers convenient and affordable travel options, eliminating the need for transit on these new routes.

CEO Indonesia AirAsia, Veranita Yosephine, “Indonesia AirAsia is committed to providing the best service and expanding its flight network to meet the increasing needs and demands of passengers, whether for vacation trips with beloved family and friends or for business trips. With the introduction of these new routes, Indonesia AirAsia hopes to support the growth of tourism and the economy between both sides.”

Based on data from the the Statistics Bureau of Indonesia (BPS), from January to June 2024, foreign tourists from Hong Kong have reached 13,673 visits. This number is nearly 98.5% of the total visits in 2023, which amounted to 13,885. Meanwhile, according to data from the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), tourists from Indonesia visiting Hong Kong in 2023 increased by 3,276.87%, or 252,432 tourists, compared to 2022, which had 7,480 tourists.