Ethiopian launches a new flight to Maun, Botswana.
ICAO leaders affirm global aviation priorities with Canadian PM and Ministers.
Emirates, Airbus and IATA collaborate on CBTA training.
ATR announces sale of 10 ATR 72-600 to Avation.
Munich Airport progress in construction work on the new pier of terminal.
IATA Timatic AutoCheck to enhance seamless travel experience for Star Alliance customers.
Cathay and Singapore airlines to collaborate on sustainability initiatives.
oneworld Alliance celebrates 25 years of excellence and outlines enhanced customer focus.
Accidents and Incidents
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Airlines, Airport & Airliners News
ETHIOPIAN LAUNCHES A NEW FLIGHT TO MAUN, BOTSWANA
Ethiopian Airlines Group, one of the fastest-growing global airline brands and Africa's largest airline, commences services to Maun, its second destination in the Republic of Botswana after Gaborone, as of today 10th, June 2024.
The inaugural flight departed from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) after a vibrant celebration that brought together officials from the Embassy of Botswana, Government representatives of Botswana, and executives of Ethiopian Airlines among others.
Regarding the commencement of the new thrice weekly service service, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said, “Ethiopian Airlines, committed to its Pan-African roots, continues to connect every part of Africa and beyond. Today, we are thrilled to announce that Maun, the tourism capital of Botswana, has joined our vast network. This expansion deepens our presence in Botswana, bringing our award-winning service to a second destination in the country. As we celebrate this new chapter in the socio-economic ties between Botswana and Ethiopia, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all involved.”
The new route provides convenient and seamless connectivity for travelers from Ethiopia and other parts of Africa to the popular tourist destination of Maun, which is the gateway to the Okavango Delta.
Ethiopian champions a vast intra-Africa network operating to more than 60 destinations in the continent. Ethiopian Airlines managed to establish a convenient intra- Africa and global connections via its main hub in Addis Ababa, playing its part in the growth of the aviation industry in Africa.
ICAO LEADERS AFFIRM GLOBAL AVIATION PRIORITIES WITH CANADIAN PM AND MINISTERS
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano and Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar held important discussions yesterday on key civil aviation priorities with the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly, and Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant Pablo Rodriguez.
Hosted by the Government of Canada in Ottawa, the President and Secretary General expressed their gratitude to the Prime Minister for Canada's longstanding role as an ICAO founding member and outstanding host state of the Organization's Montréal headquarters since its inception. They also thanked Prime Minister Trudeau for recognizing ICAO's 80th anniversary this year which underscored the enduring impact of the 1944 Chicago Convention in upholding a rules-based international civil aviation order.
Looking ahead, the leaders agreed on the importance of close cooperation in preparing for the 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly, to be hosted in Montréal in September 2025. President Sciacchitano and Secretary General Salazar expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Trudeau's leadership and commitment to ICAO's global mission.
In a separate meeting, Minister Joly, Minister Rodriguez, President Sciacchitano and Secretary General Salazar affirmed their joint commitment to ICAO's crucial work on supporting the safe, secure and sustainable development of the international civil aviation sector. They agreed to closely collaborate in upholding the highest international standards while enhancing accessibility and environmental sustainability in aviation.
The discussions were attended by Ms. Annick Goulet, Representative of Canada on the ICAO Council, and Mr. Michael Gill, ICAO's Director of Legal Affairs and External Relations.
EMIRATES, AIRBUS AND IATA COLLABORATE ON CBTA TRAINING
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), Emirates, and Airbus have joined forces to deliver a Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) program for the Airbus A350 type rating, as Emirates prepares for the delivery of its fleet of 65 A350s from mid-2024. An initial cohort of 256 pilots will be trained as part of the new course at Emirates' Training college in Dubai starting from July 2024.
The joint work combines the respective expertise of the three organizations. IATA will focus on program design using its published guidance for CBTA. Airbus will contribute knowledge of the aircraft along with its own CBTA experience. Emirates will use its CBTA training and operational experience.
This collaboration will create and deliver the first A350 type rating training in full alignment with the latest International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for CBTA training and with the best practices contained in the IATA CBTA Guide for Flight Crew Training.
"Combining the expertise of Emirates, Airbus and IATA to design and deliver A350 type rating training is a unique opportunity. Our joint aim is to fully utilize the benefits of CBTA to qualify the pilots on the A350 in the most efficient and effective way possible. And by doing it together all three organizations will also gain valuable experience that can strengthen their other training activities,” said Nick Careen, IATA's SVP for Operations, Safety and Security.
"Emirates uses cutting-edge training programs so our pilots are among the most competent flight crew in the world. The tailored CBTA program for the A350 supports the integration of 65 new A350 aircraft, with 1,000 pilots set to complete the A350 Type Rating course. This commitment enhances passenger safety and comfort, reflecting our unwavering dedication to the highest service standards," said Capt. Bader Al Marzooqi, Emirates' Senior Vice President, Flight Training.
"The A350 is a state-of-the-art aircraft, which requires equally advanced training solutions. Our partnership with IATA and Emirates ensures that Emirates pilots receive the most comprehensive and effective training, supporting the smooth entry into service of the A350 worldwide," said Capt. Stéphan Labrucherie, Airbus Head of Flight Training Worldwide.
About CBTA
As the demand for pilots grows worldwide, efficient and effective training methodologies are evermore critical. CBTA has proven itself a successful solution to this need. By using real-world training scenarios, it focuses on the competences needed to manage complex combinations of operational and environmental situations that crew face. An example of such a scenario could be landing in a high-density traffic area in adverse weather conditions.
CBTA and IATA
Gaining the benefits and efficiencies of CBTA training is a longstanding industry objective. For flight crew, IATA is supporting this with its CBTA Guide for Flight Crew Training, which is fully aligned with ICAO CBTA standards and includes specific libraries for Airlines/Operators and Training Organizations.
ATR ANNOUNCES SALE OF 10 ATR 72-600 TO AVATION
ATR, the world's number one regional aircraft manufacturer, today announced the signature of a firm order for 10 ATR 72-600 with Avation PLC. Deliveries are scheduled between 2025 and 2028, showcasing Avation's long-term vision and confidence in the relevance of ATR's products to serve the regional aviation market. The agreement is further complemented by 24 purchase rights, extending until 2034.
This order marks another milestone in the enduring relationship with Avation which began in 2011. Since then, the Singapore-based lessor took delivery of 36 new ATR 72s, with two more scheduled for delivery in the coming months, as part of a previous order. Avation currently owns a fleet of 20 ATRs.
Emitting 45% less CO2 per trip than similar-size regional jets, ATR aircraft are already 50% SAF compatible, with the aim to be 100% SAF ready in 2025, as part of the manufacturer's commitment to low-emission aviation. These additional aircraft will also contribute to enhance regional connectivity to remote and underserved areas worldwide, linking communities and stimulating economic growth by attracting businesses, tourism and investment.
Jeff Chatfield, Executive Chairman of Avation PLC, said: “Over the years, we have witnessed the exceptional performance of ATR aircraft, and enjoyed both strong airline demand and secondary market value retention. Avation believes that over the next 10 years, low CO2, SAF compatible, latest technology aircraft such as the ATR 72, and potentially its EVO successor, will be an essential component for efficient travel worldwide. We also believe that establishing a ten-year programme for the supply of new regional aircraft with sensible economics is a key component of our long-term business strategy. ATR 72s with their low operating costs and class-leading low carbon credentials are an essential addition to almost all major airlines' regional networks.”
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, commented: “The continued trust from a longstanding customer is the best recognition of our efforts to remain relevant over the years, through continuous innovation. This agreement not only reinforces our collaboration with Avation, it also reflects the strong market demand for ATR aircraft. We are proud to contribute to the success and growth of Avation's portfolio, while fulfilling our vision of accelerating sustainable connections by ensuring communities worldwide get a quick, responsible and reliable access to essential services.”
About Avation
Avation PLC is a commercial passenger aircraft leasing company, headquartered in Singapore, owning and managing a fleet of widebody, narrowbody jet and turboprop aircraft which it leases to airlines across the world. The Company's customers include 16 commercial airlines in 14 countries. Avation's fleet of aircraft is currently fully leased and utilised. The Company is listed on the London Stock Exchange with ticker AVAP.L more information on Avation is available at www.avation.net.
MUNICH AIRPORT PROGRESS IN CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE NEW PIER OF TERMINAL
The new pier at Terminal 1 of Munich Airport is progressing rapidly: after the exterior façade was completed last year, the interior fit-out is currently making great strides. Construction is scheduled for completion at the end of 2025.
Extensive testing will still be carried out before commissioning. The new pier will bundle the non-Schengen traffic of Terminal 1 and will become the new home for American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Airlines, Emirates, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways, among others.
"The expansion ensures that a high quality of stay and service will be offered in all handling areas in the future. With the attractive new lounge areas, we will then bring about a leap forward in quality in Terminal 1, which will open up long-term development prospects at our airport for the airlines that operate here and will thus guarantee the competitive edge and future viability of Munich's premium hub," says Jost Lammers, Chief Executive Officer of Munich Airport.
Approximately 360 meters long, the pier extends into the western apron and covers around 95,000 square meters, including an area in the current Module B Arrivals area that will serve as the central entrance to and exit from the new building in the future. Almost all orders for construction work have already been placed. Munich Airport is investing a total of EUR 665 million in the project.
The building has six stories. Three of them are intended for passengers and check-in: Level 03 with bus gates, immigration controls and baggage reclaim, Level 04 with a marketplace and departure gates, and Level 05 with the arrivals area as well as passport control and security checkpoints. Up to twelve smaller aircraft or six wide-body aircraft can be positioned simultaneously at the Terminal 1 extension. Access to the pier is via a centralized security checkpoint area. The ten checkpoints are equipped with state-of-the-art CT technology, which is already in use in Terminal 1 Module D and Terminal 2.
The building is equipped with energy-efficient facilities and system technology. In addition to the ecologically high-quality central energy generation at the airport campus, this also includes the air treatment systems, which are equipped with highly efficient heat recovery systems.
"For passengers, the increased amount of space in combination with the technological innovation brings a significant enhancement in efficiency, service and comfort. Terminal 1, now 30 years old, will be state-of-the-art in every respect and optimally equipped for future challenges in the non-Schengen area," says Nathalie Leroy, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Infrastructure at Munich Airport.
The improved quality of stay will also be visible in the commercial areas of the Terminal 1 extension. Retreats with a high level of comfort, individual offerings such as children's playgrounds and exhibition areas make the pier a feel-good place. The theme of "Bavarian Soul" runs through the premises like a common thread and presents the airport as Bavaria's calling card. The center piece will be a central marketplace for all non-Schengen traffic. A large walk-through duty-free area and numerous catering and retail units with a wide range of products will be created on a total area of 5,200 square meters.
"With the 'Bavarian Soul' concept, we are establishing a new passenger experience in the future pier. We are creating a pleasant atmosphere for travellers with premium brands, a friendly ambiance and timeless interior design - everything that Munich Airport stands for," says Jan-Henrik Andersson, Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Security Officer at Munich Airport.
IATA TIMATIC AUTOCHECK TO ENHANCE SEAMLESS TRAVEL EXPERIENCE FOR STAR ALLIANCE CUSTOMERS
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Star Alliance have agreed to enhance their long-standing relationship in the field of travel compliance solutions, with the Alliance adopting Timatic AutoCheck, the next generation travel documentation and verification system which supports contactless travel for its 26 member airlines.
Timatic AutoCheck offers a streamlined and interactive experience enabling travelers, airlines and travel professionals to easily access accurate and clearly worded immigration information. The entire document checking process has been automated with tailored instructions for each passenger.
With passenger traffic set to double by 2040, optimizing and enhancing airport processes will need to continue. Verifying passengers' travel documentation is one of the more time-consuming tasks which will benefit from further automation. Timatic AutoCheck will play an essential role in supporting the transition towards contactless travel. Star Alliance expects to have the travel documents of over 340 million travellers checked via Timatic AutoCheck on an annual basis.
"Star Alliance is dedicated to enhancing the customer experience. We are delighted to partner with IATA for the Timatic AutoCheck platform, which we believe will not only boost operational efficiency for our member airlines but also significantly improve the customers' airport experience. As travellers increasingly prioritize seamless journeys with minimum hassle, our adoption of the Timatic platform is a significant step in the right direction”, said Theo Panagiotoulias, CEO, Star Alliance.
“Timatic AutoCheck represents a further milestone in the pursuit of efficiency and convenience within the travel industry. By effortlessly navigating travel regulations, passengers can embark on their journeys with confidence and peace of mind. We are delighted that Star Alliance has chosen to continue our long-standing partnership and keep entrusting IATA Timatic as the source and tool for document compliance check”, said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General.
IATA's most recent Global Passenger Survey (GPS) revealed that complex visa requirements deter travellers who want a convenient, digital online visa process. Moreover, many are willing to share their travel document information for faster airport immigration procedures.
36% of travellers said they have been discouraged from traveling to a particular destination because of the immigration requirements. Process complexity was highlighted as the main deterrent by 49% of travellers, 19% cited costs and 8% privacy concerns. Where visas are required, 66% of travellers want to obtain a visa online prior to travel, 20% prefer to go to the consulate or embassy and 14% at the airport. 87% of travellers indicated they would share their immigration information to speed up the airport arrival process, representing an increase from the 83% reported in 2022.
“Taking advantage of travellers' willingness to use online processes and share information in advance, Timatic AutoCheck enables airlines, ground handlers, departure control systems and travel agents a customer-friendly online solution, through which travellers can check that they comply with all immigration requirements before setting off to the airport,” said Walsh.
CATHAY AND SINGAPORE AIRLINES TO COLLABORATE ON SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
Cathay and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a broad range of sustainability initiatives. These collective efforts are aimed at advocating for the development and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the Asia-Pacific region, a critical decarbonisation lever for the sector, and sharing best practices to boost sustainability performance.
The MoU was signed by Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Ronald Lam and Singapore Airlines CEO Mr Goh Choon Phong in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, on the sidelines of the 80th International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit.
The agreement, which focuses on two key areas, underscores both carriers' commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and affirms their aspiration to help drive sustainability changes in the airline industry.
Firstly, Cathay and SIA will jointly advocate for the greater use of SAF in the Asia-Pacific region. Initiatives in this area will include raising public awareness about SAF's critical role in decarbonising aviation, advocating for supportive policies in the region, and promoting the creation of a standard global accounting and reporting framework to ensure the transparency and verifiability of emission reductions from the use of the fuel. The airlines will also explore potential opportunities for joint procurement of SAF at selected locations. These are aimed at boosting SAF production and supporting its wider adoption in the airline industry.
The second area of focus will be the exchange of best practices to reduce single-use plastics, minimise waste, and improve energy efficiency in ground and cargo operations. This will allow Cathay and SIA to improve their sustainability performance, and speed up the development and implementation of sustainable solutions in their operations.
Mr Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Cathay Group, said: “As part of our collaborative ethos of 'Greener Together', we actively seek like-minded industry leaders for strategic partnerships in transitioning to sustainable aviation. Our collaboration with Singapore Airlines aims to accelerate and support the development of the SAF supply chain in the region, fostering a reliable SAF ecosystem to enable the industry to achieve its long-term decarbonisation goals. Cathay was one of the first airlines in Asia to set a target of 10% SAF for its total fuel consumption by 2030, and we are undertaking a multi-pronged approach to contribute to the aviation industry's transition towards a greener future.”
Mr Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “Singapore Airlines is committed to embedding sustainability in all aspects of our operations. At the same time, we recognise that we cannot achieve our targets alone. Our partnership with Cathay signifies our mutual ambition to enhance collaboration in sustainability initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region. Together we are helping to set the foundation for a more sustainable aviation industry, and ensure that future generations continue to reap the benefits of air travel.”
ONEWORLD ALLIANCE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE AND OUTLINES ENHANCED CUSTOMER FOCUS
As oneworld®, the premier global airline alliance, celebrates its 25th anniversary, oneworld's Chairman, its member airline CEOs and the alliance's new CEO praised oneworld's incredible growth and increasing customer relevance at a press briefing this morning during the IATA AGM in Dubai.
Today, oneworld is a strong global alliance of thirteen leading airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines. Founded in 1999 by American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas, oneworld will triple in size by 2025, expanding from the original four founding members to fifteen in the next twelve months, with Oman Air and Fiji Airways joining the alliance as full members.
Since its inception, oneworld has been a trailblazer in the aviation industry, consistently raising the bar in customer service and connectivity. Together, oneworld airlines operate over 4.5 million flights, carrying more than 500 million passengers annually, including a staggering 212 million loyalty programmes' members. With a combined fleet of over 3,400 aircraft and 13,000 daily flights, oneworld member airlines have united customers, countries, and businesses across the globe. More than nine billion passengers have flown with oneworld member airlines since its inception - a phenomenal number, highlighting its status as the world's leading airline alliance.
Robert Isom, oneworld Chairman and American Airlines CEO, reflected on the alliance's journey: “I'm proud to mark the creation of the oneworld alliance. Since its inception 25 years ago, the alliance has raised the bar in customer service and forged a common bond between the world's leading airlines. We have never wavered in our commitment to enhance the customer experience every day, on every flight.”
With oneworld celebrating its 25th anniversary, the primary focus of new alliance CEO Nat Pieper is enhancement of all aspects of the guest travel experience, including an ambitious premium lounge strategy, an alliance-wide oneworld upgrade programme, and deeper more personalised digital capabilities.
Pieper said: “Our priority is to consistently deliver an exceptional travel experience, a best-in-class journey every step of the way. oneworld's success over the past 25 years is due to the quality relationships between our member airlines and their constant prioritisation of guest satisfaction.
“I am honoured to serve as CEO of the world's leading airline alliance, and I look forward to forging ever closer relationships between our terrific partners.”
oneworld broke new ground earlier this year by opening its first ever branded premium lounges in Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, The Netherlands and at Incheon International, Seoul in South Korea.
Over 45,000 guests have already experienced the new oneworld premium offering, launched in partnership with global aviation ground services provider Swissport and the team behind its ASPIRE Airport Lounges. The alliance will continue to ambitiously pursue future opportunities to expand its current network of nearly 700 lounges.
In another landmark development, in March this year, oneworld launched its highly anticipated oneworld upgrade programme which provides a new, valuable way for the alliance's frequent flyers to use their miles and points to upgrade across oneworld member airlines.
The first phase, launched by American Airlines and Qantas, enabled AAdvantage® customers to use their miles for upgrades on Qantas-operated flights. The reciprocal offering for Qantas Frequent Flyers to use their Qantas Points for upgrades on American Airlines operated flights is already in development and will be enabled in the coming months.
More oneworld member airlines will join the oneworld upgrade programme later this year, making it an important and much desired development for millions of oneworld loyal customers.
oneworld will also continue to pioneer its digital transformation to elevate the personalised guest experience, providing customers with self-servicing tools to manage their journey. oneworld is committed to supporting implementation of new technology connections between member airlines to facilitate improved journeys across the entire alliance network.
As oneworld enters its next 25 years, it remains dedicated to enhancing every aspect of the customer journey, reaffirming its position as the world's leading airline alliance. The future of air travel is here, and it's brighter than ever with oneworld.
Austria, over Hartberg: Austrian Airlines flight OS434, an Airbus A320-214, encountered a severe hailstorm as it was descending through an altitude of about 20000 feet near Hartberg, Austria, about 100 km SSW of the destination Vienna International Airport (VIE). The nose cone sustained substantial damage and the windscreen suffered extensive damage.
Germany, Stuttgart Airport (STR): British Airways flight BA-921, an Airbus A319-131, was preparing for departure when ground workers operated a cargo door, when a leak of a hydraulic line prompted a smoke alert. The aircraft was evacuated. Five ground workers received injuries by the leaking hydraulic oil.
Japan, Tokyo/Narita International Airport (NRT/RJAA): A Polar Air Cargo PAC/PO752 from Tokyo/Narita, Japan to Los Angeles, USA, a Boeing 777-F, suffered No.2 engine fire just after take-off from runway 34L of Narita at 10:16 LT. Fire was observed emitting from the right engine on the ground. The flight crew shut down the affected engine, declared emergency at 10:18 LT and made a safe landing back to Narita at 11:25 LT after some circling for fuel dump. No personal injuries among four crew. The post flight inspection revealed inner damage and a hole of aft lower side of the engine. JTSB launched a serious incident investigation.The runway 34L was closed for a short time after landing of the flight for inspection, and 12 other flights delayed for 33 minutes in maximum.
Jamaica, Kingston-Norman Manley International Airport (KIN/MKJP): American Airlines flight AA850, a Boeing 737-800, veered off runway 30 at Kingston-Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) amid heavy rainfall. The incident left the aircraft with damage to its engines, landing lights and other components. ADS-B data suggests that the aircraft touched down to the left of the centreline before veering off the left side and returning to the runway.
