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Norse announces new airline partnerships

By Satu DahlAirlines, Featured, InsightsNo Comments

Norse Atlantic Airways has announced a connectivity partnership with easyJet, Norwegian and Spirit Airlines.

The virtual interline agreement, which is powered by Dohop, will provide over 600 weekly connections to Norse’s transatlantic services in Oslo, London, Berlin, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Los Angeles.

The partnership with easyJet will provide access to an extensive range of European destinations that connect with Norse’s flights from London Gatwick to New York JFK, Berlin to New York JFK and Berlin to Los Angeles.

The carrier’s partnership with Norwegian will allow customers to easily book flights from Oslo to domestic, Scandinavian and European destinations with connections onto Norse’s services to New York JFK, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles and Orlando.

Norse says its partnership with Spirit Airlines will provide even greater choice for customers looking to travel between Europe and the U.S. as new destinations such as Las Vegas, Dallas, Nashville and Salt Lake City become accessible via Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando and Los Angeles.

“Since the launch of Norse Atlantic Airways we have made long haul transatlantic travel available to all thanks to our affordable fares and exciting destinations. Customers can now explore further and connect onto the services of our partner airlines across Europe and the U.S. These agreements will further boost transatlantic travel which will benefit local tourism and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic,” said Bjorn Tore Larsen, CEO Norse Atlantic Airways.

July 28, 2022

Alaska Airlines unveils new vegan & plant-based options on board

By Satu DahlAirlines, Catering, FeaturedNo Comments

Alaska Airlines says it is now offering more gluten-friendly, plant-based and vegan meal options in all of its cabins.

The airline says it is following feedback by guests who say they are looking for more plant-based menu options when travelling. A new vegan option called the “Soy Meets World” is now offered on board and is a vegan salad developed in partnership with Evergreens, a West Coast-based company that makes gourmet, freshly chopped salads.

“We’re thrilled to offer our guests more healthy and nutritious choices when they fly with us,” said Todd Traynor-Corey, Managing Director of Guest Products. “We built our menu thoughtfully to offer more plant-based, vegan and gluten-free options, which include a range of fresh, bright flavours inspired by the West Coast and ingredients that are authentically healthy by nature such as roasted broccoli, crisp romaine and baby lettuce greens, quinoa, fresh fruit and more.”

The carrier says it also offers ample food options in Premium Class and Main Cabin, which include up to four fresh options on flights over 1,100 miles and up to five snack items on flights over 223 miles, such as the Mediterranean Tapas Pack (vegan and gluten-free).

July 28, 2022

OneWeb launch. Photo Credit ESA-CNES-ARIANESPACE Optique Video du CSG

Eutelsat and OneWeb to combine

By Satu DahlFeatured, IFEC, InsightsNo Comments

Eutelsat Communications and key OneWeb shareholders have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create a leading global player in connectivity through the combination of both companies in an all-share transaction.

The MoU will see Eutelsat combining its 36-strong fleet of GEO satellites with OneWeb’s constellation of 648 Low Earth Orbit satellites. OneWeb has 428 satellites currently in orbit.

The companies say the transaction would be structured as an exchange of OneWeb shares by its shareholders (other than Eutelsat) with new shares issued by Eutelsat, such that, at closing, Eutelsat would own 100% of OneWeb (excluding the ‘Special Share’ of the UK Government). Also, OneWeb shareholders would receive 230 million newly issued Eutelsat shares representing 50% of the enlarged share capital.

Commenting on the combination, Dominique D’Hinnin, Eutelsat’s Chairman said: “I am delighted to announce this new and significant step in the collaboration between Eutelsat and OneWeb. Bringing together our two businesses will deliver a global first, combining LEO constellations and GEO assets to seize the significant growth opportunity in connectivity, and deliver to our customers solutions to their needs across an even wider range of applications.

“This combination will accelerate the commercialisation of OneWeb’s fleet, while enhancing the attractiveness of Eutelsat’s growth profile. In addition, the combination carries significant value creation potential, anchored on a balanced mix of revenue, cost and capex synergies. The strong support of strategic shareholders of both parties is a testament to the huge opportunity that this combination offers and the value that will be created for all its stakeholders. This is truly a game changer for our industry.”

Sunil Bharti Mittal, OneWeb’s Executive Chairman commented: “Having played a pioneering role in providing connectivity in the emerging world, I am excited about the possibilities of connecting the unconnected. The combination of Eutelsat and OneWeb represents a significant development in that direction as well as a unique GEO/LEO combination.

“The positive early results of our service together with our strong pipeline represent a very exciting opportunity in the fast-growing satellite connectivity segment, especially for customers requiring a high speed, low latency experience. Our customers are actively seeking a combined GEO/LEO offering leading us towards this important step. Bharti, as the lead shareholder of OneWeb, along with other key shareholders, is looking forward to playing a meaningful role in providing expanded connectivity through the combination of OneWeb and Eutelsat.”

July 28, 2022

Vistara introduces e-tech logbook solution

By Satu DahlAirlines, Featured, InsightsNo Comments

Indian carrier Vistara has introduced an e-tech logbook solution, going paperless in its operations.

ULTRAMAIN ELB will fully replace the airline’s aircraft paper technical log, cabin log, journey log, damage log, and fuelling log, providing a validated electronic certificate of release to service (e-CRS) on flights operated by Vistara.

Vistara says the application, which is currently in the airborne proving stage, will be used by flight crew, cabin crew and engineers on iOS devices to provide integrated workflows with Vistara’s maintenance and operational systems.

“As Vistara marches on its digital transformational journey, the focus on digital data capture, integration and automation will continue. ULTRAMAIN ELB will help digitise our aircraft paper logs and improve operational effectiveness.” said Vinod Bhat, Chief Information Officer, Vistara.

Sisira Kanta Dash, Senior Vice President – Engineering & Maintenance of Vistara commented: “Vistara remains committed towards constantly improving operational efficiency across processes through automation and we’ve been investing in right technologies to achieve this goal. We are delighted to partner with Ultramain Systems, which will provide the first Electronic Logbook to seek operational approval to operate a fully electronic Technical and Cabin Logbook in India.

“ULTRAMAIN ELB will be integrated with various live processes like AMOS, ACARS, and ARMS for seamless operations. This application, with its completeness and ease of use, is one step towards building enterprise application integration while also focussing on sustainable operations.”

July 27, 2022

Panasonic Avionics announces new executive appointments following Astrova launch

By Satu DahlAircraft Interiors Expo 2022, Featured, IFEC, InsightsNo Comments

Panasonic Avionics has announced several new executive appointments following a successful launch of Astrova, its new in-flight entertainment seat-end solution.

Ken Sain, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics commented: “Panasonic is entering this period of renewed industry demand from a position of innovation and strength. Our new Astrova product has been enthusiastically received by our customers and is but one example of how we have transformed our business to better develop our products and serve our customers. I am confident that the leadership changes that we are announcing today will build on this momentum.”

Satyen Yadav will join the company as Chief Technology Officer on 8 August and will be responsible for leading all aspects of the company’s software and systems engineering teams, cloud, hardware and IT/security. He will serve as a key member of Panasonic Avionics’ executive team and be directly responsible for an organisation of over 800 employees spread across Panasonic’s Irvine, California headquarters, as well as the Bay Area office and other global locations.

John Wade will join the company on 1 August as Vice President, Connectivity Solutions. Wade will be responsible for the overall strategy, performance, and day-to-day operations of the Connectivity business unit. He will oversee a team of network capacity engineers and satellite experts, while working very closely with sales, engineering, and product management to drive revenue and support airlines worldwide.

Tom Eskola will take on a new role as Vice President, Panasonic Technical Services. Eskola brings to this position a deep knowledge of Panasonic and commitment to its customers. He joined the company more than ten years ago and most recently has served as Vice President and General Manager of the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region (EMEA).

July 26, 2022

Inmarsat and Flight Crowd announce partnership

By Satu DahlFeatured, IFEC, InsightsNo Comments

Inmarsat and Flight Crowd have announced a first-of-its-kind, global partnership at the Farnborough Airshow.

Future flight technologies, such as all-electric and autonomous aircraft, hold the key to a more sustainable and innovative air transport industry and the companies say the partnership will improve engagement with both the industry and the general community through a series of collaborative outreach projects.

The projects are designed to inform, engage and inspire and aim to improve understanding of the air mobility sector for both the public, government and wider aviation sector, showcasing many benefits this new industry will bring. The projects will reach enthusiasts, experts and the public, including in educational settings through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) activities.

Flight Crowd has now joined Inmarsat’s Velaris Partner Network, which is an ecosystem of leading companies pioneering new innovations to facilitate safe and secure advanced air mobility operations. Utilising Inmarsat’s ground-breaking Velaris global connectivity solution, the network builds on the company’s vast expertise of more than 30 years in air traffic management communications.

This experience will also be essential in providing contextualised learning for Flight Crowd’s projects and for instilling trust in the public.

Anthony Spouncer, Inmarsat Aviation’s Senior Director of Advanced Air Mobility, said: “To ensure the adoption of Urban Air Mobility is carried out in a managed and sophisticated way, operators must not only have the backing of the industry, but also positive public acceptance. This simply will not be possible without an investment in education, which is exactly what this partnership aims to achieve. Sustained education programmes that reach communities outside of our sector are important and Inmarsat is proud to work with the experts at Flight Crowd to help realise this objective.”

Mariya Tarabanovska, Founder of Flight Crowd, said: “Inmarsat will be an unparalleled partner for our mission to strengthen the global community’s interest and support of electric and autonomous aviation. To help alleviate any public concerns, it is crucial to raise awareness of the operational benefits that Urban Air Mobility and Advanced Air Mobility technologies offer.

“Flight Crowd is excited to combine our expertise to improve public perception and desirability of future flight with the global leader in communications and connectivity. This partnership will help us contribute to the safe and connected future of air mobility, while ensuring the ecosystem is built on transparency, diversity and inclusion. We look forward to working alongside Inmarsat to ensure a positive and transformative future for the industry.”

July 21, 2022

FIA2022: Qatar Airways showcases Boeing 777 with FIFA World Cup Livery

By Satu DahlAirlines, Featured, InsightsNo Comments

Qatar Airways is showcasing its specially-branded Boeing 777 aircraft painted in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ livery at Farnborough International Airshow. The airline is offering tours on board the state-of-the-art aircraft which is equipped with the carrier’s Business Class Qsuite.

The bespoke aircraft was hand-painted to commemorate the airline’s partnership with FIFA and was first revealed in November 2020. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “On our road to 2022, seeing the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ brand an entire aircraft and display it at such a prestigious event, is an exciting moment for everyone involved in delivering this historic tournament. Qatar’s readiness to host FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ is evident to all around us here in Farnborough.

“We hope to see many of those attending the airshow take advantage of the incredible packages Qatar Airways is offering to transport fans to the biggest tournament in the World.”

On the second day of the show, Tuesday 19 July, Inflight Editor Satu Dahl attended an insightful round table discussion with Akbar Al Baker that covered a wide range of topics from the World Cup and Qatar Airways fleet to sustainability and the carrier’s private jet charter division Qatar Executive. Qatar Airways is showcasing the division’s Gulfstream G650ER at the show, as well as the carrier’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

According to Al Baker, the airline had a record-breaking financial year with a $1.54 billion profit which comes at an important milestone for Qatar Airways, as it celebrates 25th anniversary.

July 21, 2022

Embraer deepens collaboration with Fokker Services

By Satu DahlFeatured, InsightsNo Comments

Embraer and Fokker Services announced at the Farnborough Airshow today that they intend to deepen their collaboration.

Regarding the projects with closer collaboration, the companies say they are looking at aftermarket support topics such as aircraft modifications and customisation, programme support, logistics, repair services as well as other support opportunities.

The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in October 2021 which also includes Fokker Techniek.

In May, Embraer announced the selection of Fokker Services to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, covering a series of engine line replaceable units enrolled in Embraer’s Pool Program, supporting Embraer’s first-generation E170, E175, E190 and E195.

The multi-year agreement includes more than 60-part numbers of engine LRUs.

In the roadmap for opportunities that is under discussion for the commercial aviation market, engineering, repair, and logistics support will be key elements to be explored, in addition to hydrogen-powered aircraft development.

July 20, 2022

airbus blue condor photo-credit- james darcy

Airbus to study hydrogen contrail characterisation

By Satu DahlFeatured, Insights, SustainabilityNo Comments

Airbus’ subsidiary Airbus UpNext has unveiled a flight test programme to study the contrails produced by a hydrogen combustion engine as part the Company’s ZEROe roadmap.

The “Blue Condor” project will see the launch of two modified Arcus gliders, one equipped with a hydrogen combustion engine and one equipped with a conventional kerosene-powered combustion engine. This is done to compare contrails emitted at high altitudes.

Sandra Bour Schaeffer, CEO of Airbus UpNext commented: “Contrail characterisation is of significant interest to Airbus. We know that hydrogen emits no carbon dioxide when burned, but we also know that with water vapour and heat being the most significant by-products, hydrogen combustion does produce contrails. Although these contrails differ significantly to those produced by conventional JetA/A1 combustion engines, understanding their composition will be key to support our decarbonisation journey.

“In taking up this challenge we are making significant headway in our decarbonisation strategy and our ambition to bring the world’s first zero-emission commercial aircraft into service by 2035.”

A German Research Centre, DLR, will be tasked to collect and analyse data captured using their measurement instrumentation sensors on a chase aircraft, while Airbus says it will ensure the provision of the hydrogen system and equipment, including the combustion engine as well as the details of the flight test mission.

The test flights will be carried out back-to-back under the same meteorological conditions to ensure 100% comparable data between the hydrogen and conventional engine. Test flights are scheduled for late 2022 in North Dakota, US.

The Blue Condor demonstrator will be supported by the Perlan Project team, which will be responsible for the modification of the Arcus gliders. The team will also provide high-altitude glider pilots for the project. They are the same pilots who in 2018 set the world subsonic altitude record – 76,124 feet – in a pressurised glider for Airbus Perlan Mission II.

July 20, 2022

FIA2022: Delta increases its Airbus A220 order to 107

By Satu DahlAirlines, Featured, InsightsNo Comments

Delta has firmed up an order for 12 A220-300 aircraft, bringing Delta’s total firm order for A220s to 107 aircraft. This includes 45 A220-100s and 62 A220-300s.

Delta took delivery of its first Airbus A220 in October 2018 and was the first carrier in the United States to operate the aircraft type.

“The A220-300 is economical, efficient and delivers superior performance,” said Mahendra Nair, S.V.P. – Fleet & TechOps Supply Chain at Delta. “These additional aircraft in the A220 Family are an excellent investment for our customers and employees and will be fundamental as we work toward a more sustainable future for air travel.”

“Delta was the U.S. launch customer for the A220 and it is great to announce this incremental order that demonstrates how satisfied it is with the A220, economically and from a passenger perspective,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

“On top of that, the versatility of this aircraft with the long range and short airfield performance makes it a real winner for our customers. Thank you Delta for your confidence in further expanding your fleet with all our new generation aircraft!”

According to Airbus, the A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market, bringing together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF™ engines. The A220 also has a 50% reduced noise footprint and up to 25% lower fuel burn per seat and CO2 emissions compared to previous generation aircraft, as well as around 50% lower NOx emissions than industry standards.

July 19, 2022

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