GOL launches technology innovation lab

Brazil's largest airline has launched GOLlabs, a new business unit focused on technological innovations for products and services.  

"GOL invests in innovative products and services that enhance our Customers' flight experience," says Eduardo Bernardes, GOL's sales and marketing vice president. "GOL is a leader in flight innovation. It was the first Brazilian airline to sell tickets online, the first in South America to offer in-flight wi-fi and the first in the world to offer "Selfie Check-in" and to provide flight status updates via its mobile app. Through GOLlabs, we are leveraging the culture of innovation to come up with the next big thing in flight technology.

Based in Sao Paulo, GOLlabs' multidisciplinary team brings together experts from across the company, including marketing professionals, airport experts, developers, designers, product leaders and scrum masters. GOLlabs will focus on developing technological solutions that improve the flight experience for the 32 million Customers a year that fly with GOL.

It is the 40th anniversary of the US Airline Deregulation Act

The US organisation representing the leading U.S. airlines, Airlines for America (A4A) is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Airline Deregulation Act, which opened the doors to far more airlines able to ply for trade leading to innovation, competition and consumer choice for the US travelling and shipping public.

On October 24, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed the Airline Deregulation Act into law, eliminating government restrictions on domestic routes, ticket prices and competition from new carriers that wanted to enter the market.  "Forty years ago, this landmark legislation ushered in a new era of consumer choice, affordable fares and customer value for millions of Americans," said A4A President and CEO Nick Calio. "Competition in the industry is driving airfares down to historic lows. Just last week, the Bureau of Transportation and Statistics announced that in real terms average domestic airfare was $349 in the second quarter of 2018 -- the lowest second quarter on record."

Americans are flying in record numbers. U.S. airlines are flying more than 2.3 million passengers daily, and shipping more than 55,000 tons of cargo to 800 airports in 80 countries. Additionally, commercial aviation delivers economic value, with U.S. carriers alone directly employing 720,000 workers and accounting for 5% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

Air Canada to launch Montreal to Raleigh service and upgrade other services to North Carolina

Montreal to Raleigh is the latest new route from Air Canada to be announced. The carrier said today that the new service will help it further expand its offering to North Carolina as it will also deploy larger aircraft on flights between Toronto and Raleigh and Charlotte to increase capacity on these routes and introduce Business Class service.

"Air Canada is pleased to expand its services from North Carolina with a new route to Montreal and larger aircraft operating to Toronto. The new Raleigh-Montreal service will be the only non-stop flight between these cities, while customers travelling between Toronto and Raleigh and Charlotte will now have the option of Business Class, offering an upgraded flying experience. While always a popular leisure destination, North Carolina is also experiencing strong economic growth and Air Canada is making it more convenient and comfortable for customers to travel between Canada and the state," said Mark Galardo, Vice President, Network Planning, at Air Canada.

The new service between Montreal - Raleigh will operate direct non-stop on a daily basis from 1st May 2019. The airline is introducing the route with a 50-seat Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ). From Toronto, starting 1st May 2019, three-times-daily flights to Raleigh and twice-daily service to Charlotte will be upgraded to a 76-seat, Embraer E175s from a CRJ aircraft. 

Closer to heaven when you stand by me at 35,000 feet.

It could be argued that recently The Kingdom Choir, who wowed viewers across the globe with their performance at The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding, performed even closer to heaven when they surprised British Airways customers this week with mid-flight song.

The choir, who performed at the Royal Wedding earlier this year in front of a global audience of almost two billion, headed down under to Sydney with BA ahead of their performance at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games this Saturday, October 27th, which will once again be in front of the Royal couple.

Passengers on the flight to Australia smiled as members of the choir stood up and slowly joined together to sing ‘Stand by Me’, the song that won them fans around the world, in a rehearsal at 35,000 feet. 

Watch their sky-high rehearsal here. 

Another busy September for Ontario International Airport

The friendly Southern Californian airport of Ontario International (ONT) has continued to see the number of passengers passing through its doors increase and last month was no exception with 14% more travellers than the same month last year. 

According to the latest figures released by the airport this week, the total number of travellers arriving and departing ONT was more than 420,000 last month, up from 369,000 in September 2017. Of that total, more than 402,000 were travelling domestically, nearly 12% more than the 360,000 last year. The number of international passengers doubled to 17,842 from 8,772 during the same month a year ago. 

Embraer signs multi-year deal with Air Peace

Embraer recently announced that Nigeria’s leading private airline, Air Peace,  has signed a multi-year Pool Programme Agreement for spare parts and support covering more than 250 components for their six Embraer ERJ 145 jets. Based at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, in Ikeja, Lagos State, the airline provides passenger and charter services and serves the major cities of Nigeria, the West Coast of Africa and hopes to launch its international operations soon. With their ERJ 145 jets, it aims to expand their local and regional routes and transform air travel in the country.

Hawaiian Airlines third quarter results released

                          Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2018 yesterday and despite some challenging conditions over the last few months the airline reported some positive results.   

"Through back-to-back hurricanes in Hawai'i and a typhoon in Japan, my colleagues minimised disruptions to operations, kept our guests safe, and supported community relief efforts all while delivering our authentic Hawaiian hospitality that is unmatched in the industry," said Peter Ingram, Hawaiian Airlines president and CEO.  "Our healthy financial and operational performance in this eventful quarter once again demonstrated that the Hawaiian team is second to none.".

Cathay Pacific reports lower passenger numbers in Septembr due to weather disruptions

Last week the Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific Group released traffic figures for September 2018 for Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon which demonstrated how typhoons had a negative effect on passenger numbers for the month.

Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon carried a total of 2,612,643 passengers last month, a decrease of 1.0% compared to September 2017. The passenger load factor decreased 0.2 percentage points to 80.8%, while capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASKs), increased by 0.7%. In the first nine months of 2018, the number of passenger carried grew by 2.0% while capacity increased by 3.1%.

Ten feet from danger - a Virgin close encounter with a drone......one of many so far this year.

According to the UK Airprox Board, there was as little as 10 feet between a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the way to London Heathrow and a high flying drone in June this year.

The event happened over Clapham Common on 28th June 2018 as the 787 was operating flight  VS301 returning from Delhi to the Heathrow and is believed to be the closest a drone has come to a commercial aircraft. 

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority introduced regulations regarding drones in 2016 which states that drones should bet kept away from flight paths and always be operated below 400 feet, this incident with the Virgin 787 took place at 3200 feet. The pilot reported that on approach to Heathrow RW27L when a drone-like object was seen to pass just below the right wing, avoiding impact with the engine by an estimated 10ft.  The Airprox board found 'The drone was being flown beyond VLOS (Visual line of sight) limits and on an airfield approach path such that it was endangering other aircraft at that altitude and position. The Board agreed that the incident was, therefore, best described as the drone was flown into conflict with the B787.'

JetBlue discloses its third quarter 2018 results

The US low-cost airline, JetBlue Airways  reported its results for the third quarter of 2018 on Tuesday 23rd

Highlights from the Third Quarter 2018

Third quarter 2018 revenue per available seat mile (RASM) increased 1.7%, year over year, including 0.4 points of negative impact from severe weather during September.

Operating expenses per available seat mile, excluding fuel (CASM ex-fuel) growth of 3.2%, at the lower end of the updated guidance range of 3.0% to 5.0%. CASM ex-fuel for the third quarter includes a 2.0 point headwind related to recurrent costs of the pilot contract, effective as of August 1st.

Japan Airlines and Vietjet codeshare deal.

Last week Japan Airlines (JAL) and new-age airline Vietjet announced they will begin sales of their codeshare flights starting today, 23rd October.  The two airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding for commercial cooperation in 2017 and will now offer codeshare flights on domestic destinations in Vietnam and on international flights between Vietnam and Japan.

Based on the agreement, the two airlines will aim to expand their codeshare routes in the near future, including other flight services between Japan and Vietnam as well as JAL’s domestic flights, and Vietjet’s domestic flights.

- For travel starting 28th October 2018 (Codeshare flights are subject to government approval)

Applicable Routes Operated by Vietjet
Domestic Flights
- Ho Chi Minh=Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh=Da Nang
- Hanoi=Da Nang
International Flights
- Kansai=Hanoi (from November 8th)

Vietjet is the largest domestic airline in Vietnam with an expanding flight network across the country and Asia. In addition to the airline’s high-quality services, diverse ticket classes, and affordable tickets, Vietjet also brings its passengers memorable flying experiences on new aircraft with comfortable seats and up to nine delicious hot meals served by the carrier’s friendly cabin crew, and many other attractive added-on services.

As a new-age carrier, it offers also higher-class service called “SkyBoss”, which has been very well received among passengers expecting quality services.

(Images JAL)

The Canadian regional airline, Porter, is 12 years-old!

Porter Airlines Q400 at Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport

The Canadian regional airline operating out of the uniquely-located Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Porter is celebrating its 12th birthday.

Yes, that little airline has been going for a dozen years now, bringing a distinct aviation concept to many travellers across Canada and into the USA. The airline has now grown its route network as well as increasing its fleet to 29 Bombardier Q400s. In the last year, the airline invested in people and infrastructure aimed at supporting its ongoing mission to provide competitive and affordable travel options. This includes a new aircraft maintenance base in Sudbury to perform rotating overnight work on those 29 Bombardier Q400s. In Thunder Bay, Porter opened the first crew base for pilots and flight attendants in Northern Ontario among large commercially-scheduled airlines. These crew members begin and end their flying schedules in Thunder Bay, providing additional resources in support of local flights. Approximately 40 well-paying jobs have been introduced to date across both communities through these investments.

"Porter has developed a loyal following based on our willingness to do things differently," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "I want to recognise our entire team for contributing to a culture that values passion, perseverance and treating people with respect. This is what attracts customers and creates bonds among our team."

Partners at Billy Bishop Airport are making their own investments to improve the customer experience. PortsToronto, the airport's owner and operator, completed a multi-year airfield modernisation program, including a resurfaced main runway and updated infrastructure. Nieuport Aviation, the airport terminal operator, recently upgraded the passenger lounges by adding more space, seating and a range of restaurant and retail locations. These improvements, seen and unseen by passengers, introduce new levels of efficiency and service to the airport.

(Photo Porter Airlines)

Ethiopian Airlines to increase sechedules to Norway's Oslo Airport

Ethiopian Airlines first started serving Norway's main airport gateway, Oslo Airport in March 2017 and now is enhancing the service to become a six-day a week operation.

The service from Addis Ababa is operated on the leading African airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft and has proved to be very popular, so popular in fact that the airline is adding extra flights from 11th December. "We have developed a very close partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, and have worked hard with them to make this route a success story. This is proof that our cooperation has worked well, and that Ethiopian has succeeded in developing a good portfolio of business, holiday and leisure passengers. The segment for passengers visiting friends and family has also been a hit on this route," says Jasper Spruit, Vice President of Traffic Development at Avinor Oslo Airport.

Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines, Mr Tewolde GebreMariam, said: “We are pleased to witness the success of our flight from Addis Ababa to Oslo, which has now increased to six flights per week. The Oslo route has proven to be a success within just one year of its launch. It will soon become daily and we plan to add new services to Oslo from Asmara in December 2018. Through these flights, we are serving the growing travel need between Africa and Northern Europe. In addition to the passenger flights, we have started a fully dedicated freighter operation from Oslo to Guangzhou in China on 11 October 2018, facilitating the export of Norwegian seafood to the Asian market.”

Ethiopian Airlines is the fastest growing Airline in Africa, it has interests in a number of other African carriers and operates an ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Airbus A350, Boeing 787-8, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200 Freighter, Bombardier Q-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of five years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate these aircraft. The airline flies to more than 116 international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. 

(photos  Ethiopian Airlines / Avinor)

KLM introduce new Europe Business Class box meals on its Cityhopper flights

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has unveiled its special new meal service for Business Class passengers on its KLM Cityhopper (KLC) flights from the start of the winter season in just a few days time. 

The airline will be serving up meals in boxes, which they are calling the Europe Business Class (EBC) Box, which must have taken them all of a minute or two o come up with!  KLM promises these new box meals will be high-quality meals are both more substantial and varied and are on planes from 28th October. 

More choice based on more individual elements

More individual elements have been added to the meal box. For example, granola and jam are now served separately to the yoghurt, and dressing and nuts separately to the salads, enabling customers themselves to determine how they would like to put their meals together.

Sustainable products

In the morning passengers will get a breakfast box with fresh fruit and cold cuts consisting of cheese and meat with a hot roll and these are served until noon. During the rest of the day, the EBC Box will contain salad and side dishes including a slice of apple pie, for example. All of the products will be sustainable, and produce from local suppliers will be used as far as possible. The meat and eggs will carry “Beter Leven” certification and all products containing fish will bear the MSC stamp of approval. The cardboard used for the boxes will also be sustainable and recyclable.

Turkish Airlines to restart Ankara - Rome service

Turkish Airlines first served in Italy in 1959 with a flight between Ankara-Rome flight, now the rapidly growing carrier is re-launching that service between the two countries' capitals after a 60 years break. 

Ankara-Rome flights are planned to be operated 2 times a week on Mondays and Thursdays in both directions as from 7th January 2019. Turkish Airlines currently operates 131 flights per week to 8 destinations in Italy, including Rome, Milan, Venice, Pisa, Bologna, Naples, Catania and Bari both from Istanbul Atatürk International Airport (IST) and Rome and Milan direct from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW).

Ankara-Rome flights scheduled from January 7th, 2019;

Flight No.	Days	Departure		Arrival
TK1289	Mondays, Thursdays	ESB	20:30	FCO	20:50
TK1290	Mondays, Thursdays	FCO	21:55	ESB	02:10 +1

American Airlines - Supporting the fight

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, American Airlines and its team members are “going pink” this month to raise awareness and critical funds to find a cure. 

Throughout October, American is sharing the stories of team members who have been touched by the disease. Laura Crossley, Customer Service Coordinator at Indianapolis, Indiana (IND), has heard the phrase “you’ve got cancer” three times — once with her husband and twice for herself. Below, read her story of how she and her family persevered, which appeared in the October issue of American Way.

Silver Airways joins in with “Girls in Aviation Day” in Orlando

Girls in Aviation Day

A special “Girls in Aviation Day”  event was held in Orlando hosted by The Central Florida Chapter of Women in Aviation International (WAI) recently along with other chapters from around the world at Orlando International Airport.

 The free event was, to provide young women from Orlando-area high schools the opportunity to learn about the many career fields available in the growing aviation industry., was attended by 40 girls in grades 9 – 12. It was a team effort sponsored by United Airlines, Silver Airways, Flight Training Professionals and Sheltair, along with participating partners, including the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority K-9 Team, Wildlife Control and Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighters, Archer First Response Systems, Signature Flight Support Orlando, National Aviation Academy and Wings Financial Credit Union.

American adds more flights from Memphis

American Airlines has added a second frequency between Memphis and Miami for passengers at Memphis-International Airport (MEM). The second service began on October 4th. The second frequency will run five days a week: Monday-Wednesday and Saturday-Sunday. 

For Memphis passengers, the additional flight will also open 25 new one-stop connections through Miami to the Caribbean, Central America and South America. The airline will use 50-seat Embraer RJ-145 and 76-seat Embraer RJ-175 aircraft for the route.

American Airlines offers nonstop flights between MEM and eight destinations, including Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C.

“A second frequency to Miami is welcome news for MEM and our passengers,” said Pace Cooper, Chairman of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Board of Commissioners. “The combination of additional connectivity to South Florida and new one-stop connections to many other international destinations is a big win for MEM!”  

The airline is also increasing the number of flights it operates to Washington from Memphis, a fourth-weekday direct flight is scheduled to start during the first week of January. 

LOT sacks striking workers

LOT Polish Airlines has taken another aggressive step up in its battle with its disgruntled employees by sacking 67 striking workers on Monday October 22nd.

The mnajority of LOT's 3000 strong workforce are protesting about conditions and pay at the national airline of Poland. They are particularly unhappy with the imposition of self-employment contracts. “It’s another form of bullying,” Karol Sadowski, the lawyer representing the pilot and cabin crew unions engaged in the strikes saying the decision to lay off workers was in his opinion illegal.

 LOT Chief Executive Rafal Milczarski told the media  “It was a sad but necessary decision,” and later a spokesperson for the company said the sackings were carried out legally and warned more could be on the way.

New China route for Delta Air Lines

Delta proposes Minneapolis-St. Paul – Shanghai

route to begin in 2020

The US mega-carrier Delta Air Lines plans to start a service from its Minneapolis-St. Paul hub to China for the first time in 2020. It announced this week that it wants to fly to Shanghai from the MSP hub on state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft, subject to government approvals from the United States and China.

"We are honored to be proposing the first-ever nonstop flight between Minneapolis-St. Paul and China as we continue to expand across the Pacific" said Ed Bastian, Delta's Chief Executive Officer. "In addition to our Twin Cities customers, this new route will benefit travellers across the U.S. with more competition and options for service to Shanghai thanks to our connecting hub at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport."

Delta's flagship A350-900 aircraft has 306 total seats, arranged over 32 award-winning Delta One business class suites, 48 seats in the Delta Premium Select cabin, and 226 main cabin seats. All seats offer personal in-flight entertainment, power ports and ample overhead bin space. All cabins of service include complimentary meals, snacks and beverages. 

Pratt & Whitney signed up to power upto 62 Airbus A320neo aircraft for Aegean Airlines

Aegean Airlines has, its been announced today, selected the Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine to power up to 62 Airbus A320neo family aircraft - (30 firm orders, 12 options and up to 20 leased). Pratt & Whitney will also provide the airline with engine maintenance through a long-term comprehensive service agreement. 

"We selected the Pratt & Whitney GTF engine to provide our passengers with the newest and most advanced technology available for our new Airbus aircraft," said Eftichios Vassilakis, Chairman at Aegean Airlines. "The GTF will serve us and our customers with the most economical and environmentally friendly power available on the market today." 

It should be no surprise the airline has chosen Pratt & Whitney, the company already powers the Aegean Airlines fleet of 49 V2500-powered A320ceo family aircraft. The Athens-based airline's subsidiary company, Olympic Air, also currently operates 12 PW100-powered regional Turboprop aircraft.

"We are honored by Aegean Airlines' continued confidence in our engines and services," said Rick Deurloo, senior vice president of sales, marketing and customer support at Pratt & Whitney. "Pratt & Whitney and Aegean Airlines have fostered a great relationship over the years and we are excited to maintain and grow this relationship for many years to come."

(Photos Pratt & Whitney / Airbus)

The latest Airbus A350-900 for China Airlines gets special hybrid livery.

The latest airline to take delivery of an Airbus A350-900 is Taiwan’s China Airlines (CAL) which have adorned its latest news arrival with a new special unique joint livery that combines the airline’s distinctive plum blossom logo with Airbus’ exclusive A350 XWB carbon fibre pattern.

Following this delivery, China Airlines now has 14 A350-900 aircraft in its fleet which it uses on its non-stop long-haul routes, including services from Taipei to Europe and North America as well on selected routes in the Asia-Pacific region.

Since entry into service in 2015, the A350 XWB has established itself as the new long-range leader in the larger twin-aisle category. Over 200 aircraft are already in service with 22 airlines, flying primarily on long-haul routes.

At the end of September 2018, Airbus had recorded a total of 890 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 46 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft programmes ever.

Innovations introduced with the A350 XWB Family include the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these features translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel consumption compared with older generation aircraft of the same size, as well as significantly lower maintenance costs.

WOW Air drops USA services, but will start a Vancouver service in June 2019

The Icelandic low-cost long-haul airline, WOW air has chosen Vancouver as its next Canadian destination the airline confirmed this week, just days after dropping five USA routes from its schedule.

WOW air is dropping its service from Reykjavik's Keflavik Airport to St Louis on the 6th January next year, with the airlines PR boss Svana Friðriksdóttir saying, “Unfortunately, it has to be said that St Louis was a disappointment for WOW Air this summer in terms of end results, with load factors not achieving the targets that were set for the route in the beginning, and compared to other markets in our network,” 

That news came as a surprise, not least to the management of St. Louis Lambert International Airport, "We’re disappointed because the response from customers across the St. Louis region was strong and we were told we were one of the airline’s top performing markets in the Midwest that were added last spring. The airline will not meet the criteria for airport incentives with its announcement to cease service in January." it said in a statement.  

But it isn't just St Louis that won't be seeing those purple planes next year, a number of seasonal services wil also not return next year.

VW Campervan, James Corden and rock music make up the perfect road trip....according to British Airways

The UK's British Airways has chosen a novel way to promote its newest South African route, to the coastal city of Durban, with a survey about ...road trips!!

Apparently, British Airways has done a little research, questioning 6000 people to find out that the perfect road trip involves three people and covers a distance or covers 190 miles or more, accompanied by rock music.  They found that it has to last three hours and 42 minutes and the ideal drive should take place in a VW camper van (16%), Range Rover (14%) or Ford Mustang (8%).

The BA research shows that we need at least one toilet stop every 100 miles, good weather and a reliable sat nav, yet one in three Brits (33%) said getting lost is the fun part of a road trip. The study also found that the music played on a road trip is more important than the destination, but your road trip companions topped the list as the most important factor with 62 %, closely followed by the scenery outside at 60%.

Travel+Leisure India & South Asia Magazine now stocked on certain Singapopre Airlines flights.

Singapore Airlines will start to stock flagship luxury travel magazine Burda Media India announced that its flagship luxury travel brand, Travel+Leisure India & South Asia, will now be available on Singapore Airline's flights between India and Singapore. The magazine will be stocked on all 105 flights per week, departing and arriving pan-India to customers seated in Business and First Class seats.

In addition, Travel+Leisure India & South Asia, is available to Business and First Class Passengers in Singapore Airlines' SilverKris Lounge at Delhi's IGI Terminal 3 Departure Lounge and in Changi Airport, Singapore in both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 Departure Lounges. India & South Asia, on its flights between India and Singapore. The magazine will be stocked on all 105 flights per week, departing and arriving pan-India to customers seated in Business and First Class seats. 

In addition, Travel+Leisure India & South Asia, will also be available to Business and First Class Passengers in Singapore Airlines' SilverKris Lounge at Delhi's IGI Terminal 3 Departure Lounge and in Changi Airport, Singapore in both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 Departure Lounges.

Loganair Saab2000 suffers birdstrike just after take off .

A Loganair flight from Sumburgh Airport in the Shetland Islands to Glasgow had to return to the airport shortly after takeoff after suffering a bird strike on Friday.

The flight LM438 had 40 passengers and three crew onboard at the time of the incident which took place when the aircraft was climbing and had only reached 1,500ft. Some passengers on the Saab2000 said they heard a loud bang,  then smelt a smell akin to burning fuel just moments after the aircraft had left the runway.  

Passengers on board the flight reported hearing a bang and smelling fuel moments after the aircraft left the runway.

Mia Sutherland, 15, told the BBC  "Just when we were levelling out there was a bang followed by a short outburst of flames and then a horrible fuelly smell came into where the passengers were, everyone was panicking and going 'what was that?'".

"Everyone was looking out windows and probably about 10 or 15 minutes later the pilot came on and said that we were going back to Sumburgh because of a technical fault and then when we got back they said they had hit a bird."

Passengers racist rant on a Ryanair flight referred to police only after public outcry.

The Budget airline with the low-fare high-fee policy, Ryanair is at the centre of yet another row after it allowed a passenger who was racially abusing a fellow traveller to remain on the flight and the person he abused had to move seats.

In a shocking outburst of aggression and racism captured on video and shared on social media, now seen by more than two million people, shows the man being racially abusive to a black woman in her seventies, even threatening to push her to another seat. 

A fellow passenger on the flight, David Lawrence, filmed the incident explained what happened to BBC radio, "Everything was calm, we were getting ready to take off. And then a man came on board and arrived at his seat, then spoke very harshly to a woman sitting in the aisle seat.

"That was what got my attention as it was very loud and very aggressive. He started to shout at the woman, saying 'get out of the way', 'move your feet', 'you shouldn't be sitting here'." He also shouts at her: "Don't talk to me in a foreign language, you stupid ugly cow."

The incident occurred on Friday on the Ryanair aircraft at Barcelona getting ready to fly to London Stanstead.  Mr Lawrence advised that initially none of the flight attendants came over to help or clam the situation. He explained that the lady's daughter, who was sitting elsewhere on the aircraft had to come over and "an argument started". "He pushed past the woman and went to his seat," Mr Lawrence said, that is what's seen in the video then unfolded - describing it as the "most disgusting exchange of racial slurs and foul language".

New route for FlyBe between Newquay and London Southend

It has been confirmed that a new service between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Southend will start on 1st April next year.  The service will be under the FlyBe brand but operated by Stobart Air aircraft and crews and will start as a 5 days a week service before increasing to daily in May.  

The new service will be operated with an ATR72 aircraft with capacity for up to 72 passengers and the new link will increase the number of weekly seats being flown between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London next summer by 11.5%.

Commenting on the announcement, Al Titterington, Managing Director, Cornwall Airport Newquay said: “It is great to see that further capacity will be added to the capital for 2019 thanks to Stobart Air’s decision to open direct flights to London Southend.” Informing more on the current market between CAN and the UK capital, Titterington states: “During the first eight months of 2018 over 119,000 passengers have flown between CAN and Gatwick, a 12.8% increase over the same period of 2017. With the market between Cornwall and London continuing to go from strength-to-strength this new service comes at the perfect time.”

Goh Swee Chen to join Singapore Airlines board as independent director next year

Goh Swee Chen has been appointed to the board of Singapore Airlines as an independent non-executive director, the carrier confirmed this week. Ms Goh Swee Chen will take up that position from the 1st of January next year.

Ms Goh is Chairperson of Shell Companies in Singapore and has held senior roles with Shell since 2003, in Singapore, China and the Netherlands.  Prior to joining Shell, Ms Goh was with Procter & Gamble for 14 years, in Malaysia, Japan and Singapore, and before that with IBM Australia and USA.

More women are wanted in Austrian Airlines cockpits.......

Vienna's hometown airline, Austrian Airlines is continually expanding with more aircraft operating more routes connecting more people. During the first half of 2018 alone, the carrier hired 400 new employees, mainly pilots and flight attendants. At present the airlines is looking to add 100 fully trained pilots to its roster. In addition, training courses for future pilots will be offered again in the coming year. “We are pleased that we can offer so many career entry opportunities to experienced pilots and those who still want to become pilots”, says Helmut Haubenwaller, Head of Crew Training at Austrian Airlines.

More women in the cockpit

The airlines is particularly keen on attracting more women to its flight deck crew, over the last three years, the percentage of female pilots at Austrian Airlines has risen from three percent in 2015 to the current level of five percent. This is a positive development. However, it also demonstrates that women are still strongly underrepresented in this profession. For this reason, the declared objective of Austrian Airlines is to have more women in the cockpits of its aircraft.

Learning to fly from scratch

Four so-called ab initio courses will be offered in 2019, each with 24 training positions for interested candidates without previous flight experience. The requirements demanded of prospective candidates include EU citizenship, a secondary school leaving certificate, a secondary school vocational certificate, or the subject-related university entrance qualification of the country of origin. Furthermore, candidates should be at least 165 cm tall and have an unrestricted passport. In addition, they should have a very good command of written and spoken German and English. People wearing glasses or contact lenses may only have maximum of +/- 3.0 diopter lenses. More information for potential applicants is available at www.austrianpilot.at

(photo Austrian Airlines)

UK's Jet2 promises more destinations next winter...

Airlines think ahead, very far ahead in some cases... The UK's popular holiday budget airline Jet2 has already released details of its winter schedule, but not this winter...next winter.

The company says that in winter 2019/20 it will operate to seven top ski destinations, Geneva, Grenoble, Salzburg, Turin, Lyon, Verona and Barcelona (for Andorra), giving skiers and snowboarders direct access to the French, Austrian, Swiss and Italian Alps as well as the Pyrenees.

Jet2 will offer almost 400,000 departing seats on the winter schedule which has been designed with both weekday and weekend flights to make possible both long and short stays. Flights will be departing from all Jet2's UK bases and includes the following:

Air France staff win 4% pay rise......

In a major concession to staff, the board of Air France have signed an agreement with the main French unions CFDT, CFE-CGC/UNAC, FO/SNPNC, SPAF and UNSA aérien Air France (Who combined represent over 76% of Air France staff) regarding staff compensation. 

The key provisions of the agreement include a general pay increase of 2%, retroactive to January 1, 2018, and a general pay increase of 2% on January 1, 2019. A major step forward in the ongoing unsettled relations between staff and the airline that has cost the carrier millions in lost revenue over recent times.

The next round of annual salary negotiations (NAO) will begin between the company and the representative unions in October 2019. These discussions will be based on the global economic environment, the present situation of the Air France-KLM Group, as well as the company's economic performance.

"I would like to thank everyone involved at Air France for the quality of our discussions over the past few weeks, and for the trust that has prevailed throughout," said Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM and Air France. "This way of working between all parties provides Air France and the Air France-KLM Group with a new perspective going forward, and it is my hope that it will ensure the future success of our airlines."

Change in UK aviation secuirty......... Large phones, laptops and tablets are now allowed in the cabin on the majority of flights to the UK.

Large phones, laptops and tablets are now allowed in the cabin on the majority of flights to the UK.

The UK government has now lifted a ban on carrying large electronic devices in the aircraft cabin of some flights to the UK.  Restrictions on carrying large phones, laptops, tablets and accessories into the cabin of UK-bound flights from Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Tunisia were introduced in March.

However, after working with the aviation industry and international partners to introduce tough additional security measures, the UK government has begun lifting these restrictions on some UK-bound flights.

The vast majority of carriers operating out of these airports are no longer subject to these restrictions. Some airlines have decided to maintain the ban for operational reasons. This does not reflect the security standards at these airports, but is an operational decision by individual carriers. Passengers travelling from these airports should contact their airlines for advice about whether their flights are affected:

- Saudi Arabia:    Jeddah and Riyadh

- Lebanon:           Beirut

The restrictions are no longer applied on any airports in Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Tunisia.

Ethiopian Airlines eyes investment oppotunities in Eritrean Airlines

Eritrean Airlines is the next target on the horizon for the pan-African airline investment programme from the management of the continents leading air carrier, Ethiopian Airlines.

 The Addis Ababa based airline is currently in negotiations for the purchase of part of Eritrean Airlines, Tewolde Gebremariam, the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines confirmed on Thursday, October 18th. He told local media that an investigation would be done to decide upon the size and scope of the acquisition his company would make in Eritrean Airlines. 

Tewolde made the revelation during a visit to Asmara, the Eritrean capital on Wednesday following the first commercial flight from Ethiopia to Eritrea in 20 years. There has been a thaw in the decades of hostility and frosty relations between the two nations in recent times thanks in no small part to Ethiopia's new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.  "It is beyond opening routes. This one is different because politically, economically and socially, the flight we flew yesterday is going to make radical changes between the peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea. It is a game changer,” Tewolde told the media on Thursday. 

If all goes well, following demand Ethiopian will operate a twice-daily service between Addis and Asmara, with further expansion plans to operate services to Assab and Massawa. 

First 787-9 Dreamliner to Juneyao Airlines

US planemaker Boeing has delivered the first 787-9 Dreamliner for Shanghai-based Juneyao Airlines. "This delivery is our airline's biggest milestone and marks a big step toward expanding our network in China and beyond," said Wang Junjin, Chairman, Juneyao Airlines. "As the market-leading widebody model, the 787-9 Dreamliner will play a key role in our global business growth."

Juneyao Airlines had previously been an all-Airbus operator before Boeing pursued the company aggressively to supply long-haul aircraft for Juneyao's international route network expansion plans. Currently the airline offers flights from Shanghai to more than 50 cities across China as well as a few regional routes.  

Long-range 787-9 Dreamliner will enable the carrier to

expand its international network

"We are delighted to welcome Juneyao to the growing 787 Dreamliner family. We are confident that the Dreamliner's fuel efficiency, range and passenger-pleasing features will power the next stage of Juneyao Airlines' expansion," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing at The Boeing Company. "This delivery marks the first of 10 787-9 Dreamliners for Juneyao and their emergence as an international carrier."

To ensure a smooth introduction of the Dreamliner, Juneyao Airlines will use Boeing Global Services' pilot training. The airline will also employ electronic flight bag in the flight deck to improve operational efficiency. On other aircraft, Juneyao uses Boeing's tailored charting services and flight planning solutions.

GOL launches flights to Florida

Following news of its large order for Boeing 737 Max aircraft, the Brazillian airline GOL has announced the launch of direct flights from Brazil to US destinations, including the Florida hotspots of Miami and Orlando.  These new services will start on 4th November this year and will be operated by carriers brand new 737 MAX 8 aircraft. 

"Our launch of direct flights to the U.S. marks a new era for GOL, as we expand our international operations beyond Latin America," says Eduardo Bernardes GOL's sales and marketing vice president. "Over the past 17 years as Brazil's largest airline, we have been leaders in punctuality and Customer satisfaction. We are now looking to replicate that success in markets abroad, where we see significant opportunities for growth."

Hainan Airlinea launch flights to Vienna from Shenzhen.

Hainan Airlines has announced today that it is launching flights between Shenzhen and Vienna, using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the new route.

The service starts tomorrow 20th October and will operate twice a week, and the non-stop service is yet another successful example of the growing cooperation between China and Austria this year. "The non-stop Shenzhen-Vienna service will not only make it more convenient for passengers in Guangzhou and Shenzhen who travel for business or leisure but also help promote economic cooperation and cultural exchanges between China and Austria," said a spokesperson for Hainan Airlines. "With the service, Vienna International Airport will have direct flights to 17 Asian cities, further complementing Vienna's international air route network and strengthening the airport's position as a gateway to Central and Eastern Europe."

Hainan Airlines has embarked on a period of growth in recent times with the introduction of a number of international routes from Shenzhen, Vienna becomes the 15th international and regional destination.  

Hainan Airlines' Shenzhen-Vienna Flight Timetable (All times are local):

Flight No.	Aircraft	Schedule	Departure City	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Arrival City
HU789	B787	Thursday/Saturday	Shenzhen	1:30 am	6:50 am	Vienna
HU790	B787	Thursday/Saturday	Vienna	10:45 am	0:50 am +1	Shenzhen

Embraer delivers 15 commercial and 24 executive jets during the third quarter

During the third quarter of 2018 planemaker Embraer delivered 15 jets to the commercial aviation market and 24 business jets, being 17 light jets and 7 large jets. On September 30, Embraer's firm order backlog totalled USD13.6 billion.

Delta to start flights between Atlanta and Ontario, Southern Califonia

The Ontario International Airport Authority has welcomed news that Delta Air Lines will launch two daily, roundtrip service between Atlanta and the southern Californian airport next year. Delta is the third carrier to announce new transcontinental flights from Ontario International Airport in recent months.

"We are thrilled to add Delta's nonstop service to its Atlanta hub, a key development in Ontario's evolution as a gateway airport," said Alan D. Wapner, president of the OIAA. "The world's busiest airport, Atlanta offers Southern Californians a world of opportunities for air travel through Delta's extensive global network.  In just two years since the airport's transition to local control, we've made tremendous strides in improving our facilities, services and amenities and, as a result, airlines and air travellers are bullish on Ontario,".

GOL Renewing Fleet with 135 Boeing 737 MAXs

GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes, Brazil's largest airline, is renewing its fleet with a massive order of 135 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which should all be delivered by 2028. 

The deal is for 105 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 30 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft with the first three MAX 8 aircraft were delivered to GOL between June and October 2018 and are already operating on commercial flights. The company will add four MAX 8 aircraft to its fleet by the end of 2018, replacing its Next Generation (NG) models.

"We are pleased to be working with Boeing in the renewal of our fleet", says Richard Lark, GOL's chief financial officer. "The additional range of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft allows us to expand our operations abroad and to improve efficiency via a younger and more modern fleet."