Air Canada strengthens financial position with U.S.$2.15 billion senior secured credit facilities
Air Canada has announced the successful closing of U.S.$2.15 billion senior secured credit facilities, comprising a U.S.$1.175 billion term loan B maturing in 2031 and a U.S.$975 million revolving credit facility maturing in 2029. The proceeds from the term loan, along with U.S.$1.09 1.09 billion from Air Canada′s balance sheet, will be used to refinance
Auckland Airport unveils revamped international terminal plaza with returning Jean Batten statue
Auckland Airport has revealed a new welcome for customers at its international terminal, featuring the return of a life-like statue of renowned New Zealand aviator Jean Batten, as part of a significant upgrade to the outdoor plaza. The old main carpark outside the international terminal has been transformed into a 19,500m2 outdoor plaza, aiming to
Air France announces network expansion and new cabin rollout for summer 2024
Air France has announced its plans for the summer 2024 season, which include the expansion of its global network and the ongoing rollout of new long-haul cabins. The airline will be serving 189 destinations in 74 countries, with new routes from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Phoenix (USA), Verona (Italy), Kalamata (Greece), and Narvik-Lofoten (Norway). As
Radia to manufacture world’s largest aircraft to enable deployment of efficient wind turbines
Colorado-based company Radia has announced plans to design, build, and operate the world’s largest aircraft, called WindRunner™, to enable the deployment of the largest and most efficient wind turbines to locations currently inaccessible at a scale and speed previously impossible. The aircraft will be able to fly large turbine blades and other components directly to
Morningstar DBRS examines climate change impact on airport sector
Morningstar DBRS, a global credit ratings business, has released a commentary exploring the potential impact of climate change on the airport sector, stating that the near-to-medium term impact is expected to be low. The report highlights that climate change risk entails both physical and transitional risks that could potentially affect an issuer’s business and financial
Eve Air Mobility unveils Vector, its Urban Air Traffic Management software solution
Eve Air Mobility, a leading developer of Urban Air Traffic Management (Urban ATM) solutions for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations, has unveiled the name of its software, Vector, at the Airspace World in Geneva. Vector is an agnostic software solution designed to address the unique air traffic and network management challenges of current and future
IAE successfully tests V2500 engine with 100% sustainable aviation fuel
IAE International Aero Engines AG (IAE) has announced that it successfully tested the V2500 engine using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at MTU Maintenance Hannover in Germany. IAE, a multinational consortium comprised of Pratt & Whitney, Pratt & Whitney Aero Engines International GmbH, Japanese Aero Engines Corporation and MTU Aero Engines AG, stated that the
Korean Air announces expansion of international services for summer 2024
Korean Air is set to bolster its international services for the summer 2024 season, commencing on March 31. The expansion plan includes resurrecting flights to four cities across China, Europe, and Southeast Asia, and ramping up the frequency of flights on key routes. This strategic move aims to elevate the airline’s international capacity to approximately
Singapore Airlines elevates premium economy with luxury dining and new amenities
Singapore Airlines is set to enhance its Premium Economy Class service, introducing a range of new food and beverage choices along with an exclusive amenity kit from 31 March 2024. This initiative represents the airline’s most significant update to its Premium Economy Class offerings since the service was first introduced in 2015. Upon boarding, passengers
Goulburn Airport listed for sale, offering infrastructure and development potential
The sale of Goulburn Airport, a general aviation facility located between Sydney and Canberra, is being managed by Ashby York, a real estate firm. Located 7 km south of Goulburn, the airport offers connectivity to major transport routes, including the M1 motorway, facilitating access for aircraft operations and passengers. The airport features a mix of
Singapore Airlines Group reports growth in February 2024
The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group has announced an increase in its passenger traffic and cargo carriage for February 2024, a period positively affected by the Lunar New Year holidays observed across Asia. According to the Group’s latest data, there was a 20.4% rise in passenger traffic compared to the corresponding month in the previous year.
Embraer’s Luís Carlos Affonso receives prestigious Pathfinder Award at Aviation Week’s 66th Laureate Awards
Luís Carlos Affonso, the Senior Vice President of Engineering and Technology Development at Embraer, has been honored with the inaugural Pathfinder Award by the Aviation Week Network. This prestigious recognition comes as part of the 66th Laureate Awards, a highly anticipated annual ceremony in the aerospace industry, which took place at the National Building Museum
Emirates and Butterfly Aero Training’s innovative technologies clinch the 2024 IATA CBTA Center Innovation Award
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has bestowed the 2024 Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) Center Innovation Awards upon Emirates and Butterfly Aero Training, highlighting their significant contributions towards innovating air transport training. This accolade was announced during the World Cargo Symposium (WCS) held in Hong Kong. Butterfly Aero Training set a benchmark with its
Cathay Pacific announces financial turnaround with a return to profit in 2023
Cathay Pacific Airways Limited has unveiled its financial results for the year 2023, indicating a significant shift from previous losses to a sizeable profit and a substantial increase in revenue. The airline, which serves as Hong Kong’s flagship carrier, reported an 85.1% jump in revenue to HK$94,485 million from HK$51,036 million in 2022. It also
Major Australian charity demands better airline services for people with disabilities
Life Without Barriers, one of Australia’s largest providers of disability services, has issued a strong call to action for improvement in the nation’s aviation standards, emphasizing the need for greater respect and support for people with disabilities within the Australian airline industry. This call follows an incident involving Emma Bennison, the organisation’s Chief Innovation Officer
Japan welcomes its first Designer Series Bell 429 helicopter thanks to JGAS
Bell Textron Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc., has finalised a sales agreement with Japan General Aviation Service (JGAS) for the first Designer Series Bell 429 helicopter in Japan. Recognised for its role in the aerospace industry, JGAS specialises in aircraft sales and aftermarket support services. This luxury helicopter, following its delivery, will be utilised
Etihad Cargo enhances charter operations through Awery Aviation Software collaboration
Etihad Cargo, a division of Etihad Airways focused on cargo and logistics, has recently partnered with Awery Aviation Software in a bid to optimise its charter service operations amid a surge in e-commerce-driven demand. This partnership, announced against the backdrop of a 35 percent increase in charter requests and a 23 percent rise in conducted
Passengers select the world’s top airports for customer experience in 2024
The Airports Council International (ACI) World, in collaboration with Amadeus, a leading travel technology company, today unveiled the winners of the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards, highlighting the best airports worldwide for customer experience as rated by passengers. The ASQ program is internationally recognized for its comprehensive, scientific approach to measuring and benchmarking airport customer
Stratolaunch successfully flies its first hypersonic test vehicle
Stratolaunch, a leading innovator in aerospace technology, has marked a significant achievement with the successful powered flight of its Talon-A test vehicle, TA-1, on March 9, 2024. This event represents a major step forward in the United States’ efforts to develop the first privately funded, reusable hypersonic test capability. The flight test of TA-1 was
Akureyri International Airport unveils new terminal for global travellers
The gateway to Iceland’s scenic north, Akureyri International Airport, has marked a significant milestone in its expansion efforts. A new terminal dedicated to international flights was inaugurated in late February, offering the first arriving passengers from Voigt Travel and Transavia an enhanced travel experience. This improvement is part of an ongoing project to expand and
Airbus’s EarthCARE satellite embarks on journey to launch site in California
In a significant step forward for climate monitoring, the EarthCARE (Earth Clouds, Aerosols and Radiation Explorer) satellite has departed from Munich, Germany, en route to its launch site in Vandenberg, California. Scheduled for a May launch aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, this satellite represents a pivotal advancement in the European Space Agency’s (ESA) FutureEO program.
Vietnam Airlines marks 30 years of direct flights to Australia
On 5 March, Vietnam Airlines commemorated its 30th anniversary of direct flights between Vietnam and Australia, an event that coincided with the official visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and a high-level delegation to Australia. The occasion was also marked by welcoming the airline’s 6 millionth passenger on this route. The airline, which
Scoot announces six Southeast Asian destinations for its new Embraer E190-E2 fleet
Scoot, the budget airline subsidiary of Singapore Airlines Group, has officially announced the first six destinations in Southeast Asia that will be served by its upcoming fleet of Embraer E190-E2 aircraft, starting May 2024. These destinations include two new additions, Koh Samui and Sibu, along with existing locations such as Hat Yai, Kuantan, Krabi, and
Ethiopian Airlines takes a leap into the future with Boeing 777X fleet expansion
Ethiopian Airlines Group has embarked on a significant expansion of its widebody fleet by entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing, the world’s leading aerospace company. This agreement, announced on March 5, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marks the airline as the first African customer for the highly fuel-efficient 777X passenger jet, comprising
American Airlines broadens its fleet with major aircraft orders from Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer
Fort Worth, Texas has been the scene of a significant announcement from American Airlines indicating its purchase of 260 new aircraft, comprising 85 Airbus A321neo, 85 Boeing 737 MAX 10, and 90 Embraer E175 aircraft. These orders also encompass options and purchase rights for an additional 193 aircraft, demonstrating American Airlines’ investment in expanding its
Turkish Airlines marks a significant milestone with its first flight to Melbourne
Turkish Airlines has achieved a landmark moment in its 90-year history by landing in Melbourne for the first time, establishing a direct route to Istanbul and providing access to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This new service positions Melbourne as Turkish Airlines’ 346th destination, marking the first Australian city to be included in its
British Airways spices up the skies with a Texan twist
To commemorate the tenth anniversary of its Austin to London Heathrow flights, British Airways is introducing a unique culinary celebration. Beginning March 3, 2024, the airline has partnered with the famous Franklin Barbecue of Austin to offer its Club World customers flying from Austin to London a taste of Texas with an exclusive BA-B-Q sauce,
Professional investors forecast eVTOL commercial passenger routes to debut by 2026
A new comprehensive study conducted by Horizon Aircraft, revealed that global investors are optimistic about the future of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, predicting the advent of commercial passenger routes as soon as 2026. This optimism stems from the belief that technological and regulatory advancements in the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) sector will
Air Charter Service’s record year in emergency humanitarian efforts
In a year marked by a surge in natural disasters and civil unrest, Air Charter Service (ACS), a leading aircraft charter specialist, experienced its most active year for emergency response humanitarian flights. The company played a crucial role in providing aid and conducting evacuations across various global crises. Ben Dinsdale, ACS’s Director of Humanitarian and
Gold Coast Airport faces a critical shortage of aviation firefighting resources
A recent report has highlighted a significant safety concern at Gold Coast Airport, where international flights have been operating with inadequate aviation firefighting protection in violation of international aviation safety regulations. This ongoing issue is primarily due to a shortfall of aviation firefighters, posing a substantial risk to air travellers’ safety. From December 2023
John Roberts joins Global Airlines Advisory Board with Airbus expertise
Global Airlines has recently made a significant addition to its advisory board, announcing the appointment of John Roberts, a venerable figure in aviation with over 40 years of experience, including a significant tenure as Airbus UK’s Chief Engineer for the A380. This move comes on the heels of the first flight of 9H-GLOBL from the
Rosalind Brewer appointed to United Airlines Board of Directors
United Airlines Holdings, Inc. has announced the appointment of Rosalind (Roz) Brewer to its Board of Directors. Brewer, admired for her leadership roles and hailed by Fortune and Forbes as one of the “Most Powerful Women in Business,” brings a wealth of CEO-level experience to the airline. Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, applauded the
Deutsche Aircraft hosts NL EASP AIR’s entire D328® fleet for maintenance and collaboration
Deutsche Aircraft has welcomed NL EASP AIR’s complete D328® turboprop aircraft fleet to its facilities at Oberpfaffenhofen Airport. This move signifies a deepening of the already robust partnership between the prestigious aircraft manufacturer and the Dutch special missions operator, NL EASP AIR. Specializing in aerial maritime surveillance, search and rescue (SAR) operations, among other critical
Air Canada Cargo achieves prestigious recognition as the 2024 ATW Cargo Operator of the Year
Air Canada Cargo has been named the 2024 Cargo Operator of the Year at the 50th annual ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards, setting a milestone as the first Canadian airline to earn this distinction. The Montreal-based airline was honoured for its excellence in operations and its innovative approach to cargo handling, notably through its significant
Airbus and Bristow Group ink deal for up to 15 H135 helicopters at HAI Heli-Expo
Airbus Helicopters and Bristow Group have entered into a framework contract during the HAI Heli-Expo, which took place in Anaheim on 28 February 2024. The agreement outlines the delivery of up to fifteen H135 helicopters, with five confirmed orders and an option for ten additional helicopters. The first helicopter is slated for delivery to Bristow
New alliance extension to boost travel options between New Zealand and Singapore
Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have received the green light from New Zealand’s Associate Minister of Transport, Hon Matt Doocey, to extend their joint venture alliance for another five years until March 2029. This development promises to offer customers increased value, greater choices, and access to an extensive global network in the years
DRF Luftrettung boosts its fleet with a substantial order of H145 helicopters from Airbus
In a significant enhancement to its helicopter fleet, DRF Luftrettung, a leading German helicopter emergency medical services operator, has entered into an agreement with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of up to ten H145 helicopters. This agreement, announced in Anaheim on 27 February 2024, includes seven firm orders and the option for three additional helicopters.
Qatar Airways unveils Sama 2.0 at ITB Berlin 2024, showcasing the future of AI in air travel
Qatar Airways, a leading figure in aviation innovation, is set to participate in the prestigious ITB Berlin travel trade show, happening from 5-7 March 2024. The airline is bringing a major digital innovation to the forefront with the introduction of Sama 2.0, its second-generation MetaHuman cabin crew member. This development marks Qatar Airways as
Singapore Airlines unveil revamped SilverKris Lounge in Perth with new design and extended services
Singapore Airlines has officially opened its new SilverKris Lounge at Perth International Airport, marking a significant upgrade with more space, upgraded facilities, and a variety of dining options. His Excellency Mr Anil Kumar Nayar, Singapore’s High Commissioner to Australia, inaugurated the lounge, which showcases Singapore Airlines’ ‘Home Away from Home’ design concept, doubling the space
Alaska Air Group announces acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, reports 2023 financial results
Seattle-based Alaska Air Group Inc. has unveiled its financial results for both the fourth quarter and the full year ending December 31, 2023. The announcement included a landmark decision to acquire Hawaiian Airlines and the achievement of a record annual operating revenue of $10.4 billion. CEO Ben Minicucci attributed the year’s success to the team’s
Vietjet announces new direct flight route from Ho Chi Minh City to Vientiane
Vietjet has officially launched a new direct flight route connecting Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam with Vientiane, the capital of Laos. This development is anticipated to foster enhanced economic, tourism, and cultural ties between the two neighboring nations. The opening ceremony saw the participation of Mr. Souvannaseng Amphay, Deputy Consul General of the Lao
Stratolaunch progresses with second successful captive carry flight of hypersonic vehicle
In a significant stride towards advancing hypersonic flight technology, Stratolaunch has successfully carried out its second captive carry flight featuring the TA-1, the first powered Talon-A hypersonic vehicle. This landmark event, which took place in Mojave, California, marks not only the thirteenth flight of Stratolaunch’s launch platform, Roc, but also its second instance of transporting
Air Canada steps in with fare caps and extra seats following Lynx Air’s shutdown announcement
Air Canada has announced plans to cap fares and introduce over 6,000 extra seats on routes that were operated by Lynx Air, following Lynx Air’s decision to suspend its operations starting February 26, 2024. This measure by Air Canada is aimed at providing Lynx Air’s customers, affected by the airline’s cessation, with more affordable travel
Cathay Cargo introduces API for DB Schenker and launches a developer portal to streamline freight booking
In a significant development for the freight industry, Cathay Cargo has inaugurated a new application programming interface (API) that allows global forwarder DB Schenker to access the Click & Ship booking platform through its internal systems. This initiative enables the forwarder to efficiently check space, make bookings, and receive instant confirmation from Cathay Cargo’s inventory.
Stephen Chung steps into key role at Hahnair to bolster airline partnerships in APAC
Hahnair has officially appointed Mr. Stephen Chung as the new Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific (APAC). This significant appointment took place in Dreieich on 22nd February 2024, marking a promising move to strengthen its operations within the region. Tasked with a myriad of responsibilities, Stephen is set to play a pivotal role in bolstering
Singapore Airlines soars to record $659 million profit, eyes pre-pandemic capacity return
The Singapore Airlines Group has seen a surge in demand for air travel in the quarter ending December 2023, with particular growth stemming from a rebound in North Asia. This resurgence comes after China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, and Taiwan fully reopened, leading to a significant 29.4% year-on-year increase in passengers carried by SIA and
AirAsia announces groundbreaking plan to become world’s foremost low-cost network airline
SEPANG, 22 February 2024 – In a strategic move likely to reshape the aviation industry, AirAsia today announced its ambition to become the world’s first low-cost network carrier, capitalising on its 22-year history of a multi-hub model across Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and soon, Cambodia. This pioneering initiative was unveiled at RedQ, AirAsia’s corporate
Avelo Airlines celebrates its first profitable quarter in Q4 2023
Avelo Airlines has reached a significant milestone in its financial journey, announcing its first-ever profitable quarter as it approaches its third anniversary. This achievement comes at the end of a year marked by strong revenue growth and exemplary cost discipline, establishing Avelo as a key player in the U.S. airline industry with one of the
PHI marks 75 years of leading innovation in helicopter services
Petroleum Helicopters, Inc., widely recognized as PHI, a household name in global helicopter services, is celebrating a significant milestone this year. The acclaimed company has announced its 75th anniversary in 2024, marking three-quarters of a century of remarkable advancements and contributions to the aviation sector. Formed in Lafayette, La., back in 1949 as Petroleum Bell
Vietjet set to revolutionise its fleet with new A330neo order
Vietjet Air has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus, indicating its intentions to purchase 20 A330-900 widebody aircraft. This deal marks Vietjet’s inaugural foray into owning widebody aircraft, aimed at enhancing its long-range network capabilities and managing high-demand regional services. Furthermore, this strategic move is designed to phase out the airline’s current