This Week in Airliner, Airports and Airlines
IATA- Passenger Demand Up 9.1% in June.
ICAO closer to increasing membership on ICAO Council and Air Navigation Commission.
South African Airways (SAA) has increased its number of flights to Mauritius.
Ethiopian Airlines elevates passenger experience with TSA PreCheck® enrolment.
United Is first airline to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for O'Hare International Airport.
Airbus - orders & deliveries - July 2024.
Tokyo Haneda Airport clamps down on pax-onboard fuelling.
Aviation AFRICA 2024 teams up with AfBAA.
Worldwide incidents and accidents.
Bonus Video - AirVenture 2024 Bosporus evening cruise.
AIRLINES, AIRPORTS & AIRLINERS NEWS
IATA- PASSENGER DEMAND UP 9.1% IN JUNE
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for June 2024 global passenger demand with the following highlights: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was up 9.1% compared to June 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 8.5% year-on-year. The June load factor was 85.0% (+0.5 percentage points (ppt) compared to June 2023)
International demand rose 12.3% compared to June 2023. Capacity was up 12.7% year-on-year and the load factor improved to 85.0% (-0.3ppt on June 2023).
Domestic demand rose 4.3% compared to June 2023; capacity was up 2.1% year-on-year and the load factor was 85.0% (+1.7ppt compared to June 2023).
“Demand grew across all regions as the peak Northern summer travel season began in June. And with overall capacity growth lagging demand we saw a very strong average load factor of 85% achieved in both domestic and international operations. Operating with such high load factors is both good and challenging. It makes it even more important for all the stakeholders to operate with equal levels of efficiency to minimize delays and get travellers to their destinations on schedule,” said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General.
“As the Olympic Games unfold in Paris there is pride across the aviation industry for its continuing role in supporting the Olympic story by bringing many of the athletes, fans, and officials together. It is a great reminder of how aviation transforms our very big world into a global community. We wish France every success as the host of the games and cheer all the athletes who will demonstrate the best of human endeavour over the next weeks,” said Walsh.
Regional Breakdown - International Passenger Markets
All regions showed strong growth for international passenger markets in June 2024 compared to June 2023.
Asia-Pacific airlines' growth remained strong, with a 22.6% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 22.9% year-on-year and the load factor was 83.0% (-0.2ppt compared to June 2023). The Africa-Asia route was the fastest expanding regional pair, growing 38.1%.
European carriers saw a 9.1% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 9.8% year-on-year, and the load factor was 87.4% (-0.6ppt compared to June 2023).
Middle Eastern airlines saw a 9.6% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 9.4% year-on-year and the load factor was 79.7% (+0.1ppt compared to June 2023).
North American carriers saw a 6.6% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 8.6% year-on-year, and the load factor was 88.7% (-1.6 ppt compared to June 2023), the highest among regions.
Latin American airlines saw a 15.3% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 15.6% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.1% (-0.2ppt compared to June 2023).
African airlines saw a 16.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 5.8% year-on-year. The load factor rose to 77.0% (+7.4ppt compared to June 2023). This was the largest improvement in load factor among all regions.
Domestic Passenger Markets
Domestic demand increased in June, with solid growth in most key markets, bar Japan and Australia. Brazil posted the largest gain with 7.6% year-on-year growth. Year-on-year June domestic ticket sales for July and August travel dipped -0.9%, pointing to a gradual moderation in demand back to pre-pandemic growth rates.
Total passenger traffic market shares by region of carriers for 2023 in terms of RPK are: Asia-Pacific 31.7%, Europe 27.1%, North America 24.2%, Middle East 9.4%, Latin America 5.5%, and Africa 2.1%.
The IATA Passenger survey of 6,500 recent (in the last 12 months) airline travelers was conducted between March 29th and April 14th in Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, India, Japan, Singapore, UAE, UK, USA, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Spain and China. This Is Motif Ltd prepared the questionnaire and analysis based on data collection and tabulation by Dynata.
ICAO CLOSER TO INCREASING MEMBERSHIP ON ICAO COUNCIL AND AIR NAVIGATION COMMISSION
On 1 August 2024, the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea deposited instruments of ratification to the Protocol Relating to an Amendment to the Convention on International Civil Aviation [Article 50(a)] and to the Protocol Relating to an Amendment to the Convention on International Civil Aviation [Article 56], both signed at Montréal on 6 October 2016.
In doing so, they respectively became the 99th and 100th ICAO Member States to ratify these Protocols. To enter into force, these Protocols each require 128 ratifications.
The Protocol of Amendment to Article 50(a) provides for an increase in the size of the Council from thirty-six members to forty, while the Protocol of Amendment to Article 56 provides for an increase in the membership of the Air Navigation Commission from nineteen to twenty-one. By Assembly Resolutions A39-5 and A39-7, respectively, the ICAO Assembly recommends to all States to ratify most urgently these Protocols.
ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar highlighted the ICAO significance of this milestone, stating: "The 100th ratification of these crucial protocols marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards a more inclusive and representative global aviation governance. As we navigate through unprecedented changes in air transport, expanding the Council and the Air Navigation Commission is essential. These expansions will enhance the diversity of voices and expertise guiding our industry's future. I strongly urge all remaining Member States to expedite their ratification processes, ensuring that ICAO's key decision-making bodies truly reflect the global nature of aviation in this rapidly evolving landscape."
Mr. Antonios Lemesianos, Chargé d'Affaires of the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus to Canada and Alternate Representative of Cyprus to ICAO, was present at the deposit ceremony for Cyprus.
Mr. Estanislao Esono Anguesomo, Representative of Equatorial Guinea on the ICAO Council, and other Representatives of African States to ICAO were present at the deposit ceremony for Equatorial Guinea.
The Secretary General presided over both deposit ceremonies. Mr. Chunyu Ding, Deputy Director of ICAO's Legal Affairs and External Relations Bureau, also attended the ceremonies.
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS (SAA) HAS INCREASED ITS NUMBER OF FLIGHTS TO MAURITIUS
The national flag carrier relaunched its service to Mauritius in November 2021 with a daily morning flight. Now, SAA is adding another morning flight between Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport and Mauritius.
Effective 1 December 2024, SAA customers will have the option of two daily morning departure times from Johannesburg between the two destinations.
First flight, SA190 departs Johannesburg at 09h40, arriving in Mauritius at 15h40
Second flight, SA192 will depart Johannesburg at 10h45 arriving in Mauritius at 16h45 (local time)
The return flights from Mauritius, are as follows in local time
SA 191 departs Mauritius at 16h30, arriving in Johannesburg at 18h55
SA 193, departing Mauritius at 17h35, arriving in Johannesburg at 20h00
“Our decision to increase the frequency of flights to Mauritius was driven by demand leisure and business travellers,” said SAA's Interim Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Tebogo Tsimane.
“Mauritius has long been a favoured holiday destination for South Africans, providing a tropical island holiday experience and is just four hours away from Johannesburg. . Mauritius is also an important investment destination and financial services hub, with many major South African companies and brands expanding their operations on the island,” he added.
Increasing frequencies of the current destinations is a key component of SAA's growth strategy.
“As intra-African trade gains traction on the back of the African Continental Free Trade Area - SAA plans to be the premium airline of choice to connect Africans and transport goods. The Africa region presents exciting growth opportunities and is pivotal in our future plans,” concluded Tsimane.
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES ELEVATES PASSENGER EXPERIENCE WITH TSA PRECHECK ENROLMENT.
Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest aviation group in Africa is delighted to announce its partnership with the United States (US) Transport Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck® program.
The program allows Ethiopian Airlines' customers traveling out of USA to have a better air travel experience with a more seamless, secure, and comfortable security screening solution as they can keep their shoes, belts and light jackets on, and their laptops and 3-1-1 liquids in their bags while passing through the dedicated TSA PreCheck screening lanes. The 3-1-1 liquids rule is a TSA regulation that allows passengers to carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres each. All such containers should be placed in a single, quart-sized bag, with one bag permitted per passenger. This rule streamlines the security process and ensures a quicker passage through airport checkpoints.
Regarding the partnership Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said, “This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our 25-year history of service to and from the United States, enhancing the travel experience for our esteemed passengers through expedited security screening.” He added, “Our integration into the TSA PreCheck® program is more than just an added convenience; it is a reflection of our dedication to providing a superior travel experience.”
Through TSA PreCheck, customers can enjoy streamlined security processes and expedited security screening. This will help our passengers to have more control over how they comfortably spend their time and benefit from a secure air travel system. TSA PreCheck® passengers wait less than 10 minutes in dedicated lanes at airport checkpoints nationwide.
Ethiopian Airlines now offers this expedited service to its customers traveling from five key destinations in the USA: Atlanta, Chicago, Newark, New York, and Washington. Our valued customers who are U.S. citizens, U.S. Nationals or lawful permanent residents of the United States, may benefit from enrolling in the TSA PreCheck Application Program through one of TSA's three authorized enrolment providers.
UNITED IS FIRST AIRLINE TO PURCHASE SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL (SAF) FOR O'HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
United today became the first airline to purchase sustainable aviation fuel1 (SAF) for use at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Governor JB Pritzker joined the airline's leadership at ORD to highlight the role that Illinois' SAF tax credits played in bringing sustainable aviation fuel to one of the largest airports in the U.S.
SAF producer Neste will provide up to 1 million gallons of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™2 to United at ORD in 2024 with the first supply arriving in August.3
United was the first airline to create a goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emission by 2050, without relying on voluntary carbon offsets, and remains a U.S. industry leader in the purchase and use of SAF. The airline purchased more sustainable fuel than any U.S. airline in 2023 and the agreement with Neste makes O'Hare the fifth airport where United has purchased SAF for operational use - among the most locations of any U.S. airline.
"Since day one as Governor, I've committed to making Illinois a national leader in sustainability and clean energy, which is why I was proud to support a nation-leading SAF tax credit last year," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Illinois's position as a hub of innovation with some of the most connected airports in the country perfectly aligns with the work of companies like United to build a more sustainable future for travel and reach our shared goal of zero emissions."
SAF is an alternative to conventional jet fuel that can reduce GHG emissions by up to 85% on a lifecycle basis - from production to end use - because it is made from renewable materials rather than drilled fossil oil. SAF is among aviation's best, most scalable options to push the industry towards net zero emissions in part because it can be used right now with existing infrastructure - no changes to fuel systems or aircraft engines required.
"This is what happens when innovation, leadership and policy come together," said United President Brett Hart, who was at ORD today with the Governor. "While the market for SAF is still in its infancy, there is a huge opportunity today for airlines and policymakers to work together to support its continued growth - SAF at O'Hare was made possible thanks to Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Legislature passing tax incentives."
United has now purchased SAF for airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, London, and Amsterdam.
"I'm pleased to see United Airlines making this significant move forward by using sustainable aviation fuel daily in flights from O'Hare," U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) said. "One of the most important things we can do to make American aviation more sustainable is increase the supply of SAF. At the federal level, I've been pushing for the increased use of SAF, and I'm going to keep pushing to increase the supply of American-grown, American-made SAF, a true win-win solution that supports domestic farmers and blenders while reducing our nation's carbon footprint."
United is a chief advocate for legislation to grow the SAF market, and helped push for the successful adoption of a federal SAF Blender's Tax Credit, DOT grants to promote SAF usage, and incentives for hydrogen production and carbon capture. At the state level, the airline has helped secure the passage of SAF tax credits in Illinois, Colorado, California and Washington that encourage the purchase of SAF for local airports.
To further develop and deploy SAF in the U.S. and advocate for policies that will help U.S. fuel producers lead this growing industry, United helped found the SAF Coalition, a consortium that includes more than 40 airlines and aircraft operators, agricultural enterprises, aircraft and aircraft equipment manufacturers, airports, technology developers, labour unions and biofuel producers.
AIRBUS - ORDERS & DELIVERIES - JULY 2024
Check out our order and delivery summary in the table below (numbers valid at the end of July 2024).
July 2024 deliveries: 77 deliveries to 40 customers
July 2024 gross orders: 59
2024 deliveries to date: 400 deliveries to 70 customers
TOKYO HANEDA AIRPORT CLAMPS DOWN ON PAX-ONBOARD FUELLING
Universal Aviation, the aircraft ground-handling arm of Universal Weather and Aviation, reports that multiple fuel suppliers at Tokyo's Haneda Airport (RJTT) are now declining to refuel aircraft with passengers onboard, thus lengthening the time for turning around the aircraft.
According to Universal Aviation Japan, this new practice is due to safety concerns outlined in the local suppliers' agreements that prohibit refuelling with passengers onboard. Universal Aviation Japan is working with local fuel suppliers to understand why this decision is being implemented and if any suppliers will continue to refuel with passengers onboard at RJTT. So far, it said, the answer is no.
The company noted that this restriction is only in effect at RJTT, but it believes that it will soon be adopted at other airports across Japan and it is closely monitoring the situation to see where and when it spreads. In the meantime, Universal is advising operators to plan accordingly and verify refuelling policies at their destination airport in Japan.
AVIATION AFRICA 2024 TEAMS UP WITH AFBAA
The event is being held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Gauteng, South Africa on 16 & 17th September 2024. “Co-locating our annual symposium at Aviation Africa is a major statement of intent about the importance of business aviation to this continent and our commitment to developing our industry on the most significant platforms,” said Alcinda Pereira, Chair of AfBAA.
“Our partnership will create a greater networking opportunity for the region's business aviation community and amplify AfBAA's voice across our business and beyond,” she said.
The Summit will feature a keynote presentation from Pereira, who is the co-founder & Vice-Chair of Angolan private aviation group Bestfly, while Vice-Chair Gavin Kiggen, who is the Vice President, ExecuJet Africa & President Aircraft Sales and Acquisitions at Luxaviation Group, will also feature on the Summit programme, along with other senior representatives drawn from AfBAA members.
“As Aviation Africa has grown and developed, we have seen increasing delegate and exhibitor numbers at the event, so it is extremely fitting that we are teaming up with AfBAA in 2024 to boost participation from the business aviation industry,” said Mark Brown, CEO of Times Aerospace Events, which runs Aviation AFRICA.
Brown announced the availability of discounted delegate and exhibitor packages for AfBAA members. Some of the business aviation industry's biggest names, such as Hadid, Jetex, Skyplan, Jet Aviation, Bell Textron, Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace, AEG Fuels and Satcom Direct are already signed up to join the event.
The Aviation Africa Summit & Exhibition 2024 is officially hosted by the South African Civil Aviation Authority - SACAA and is regarded as the continent's leading annual meeting place for the continent's commercial air transport industry.
“This is the first time the event has taken place in South Africa, and it comes at an important time as the country recovers and rebuilds from the turbulence of the past few years,” said Brown.
Algeria, Illizi: A Tassili Airlines DHC-8 suffered a burst tyre during take-off, according to a statement by the airline. Unconfirmed accounts suggest that debris from the tyre struck the no.2 propeller. One of the blade tips separated, striking a passenger window. No.2 engine vibrations forced the crew to shut down the engine while they circled the airport for an emergency landing. The aircraft landed safely and came to a full stop on the runway. Photos from the event show the aircraft on the runway with two shredded tires on the right-hand main gear. The no.2 propeller showed signs of damage with at least one blade tip missing. One passenger window next to the no.2 propeller appears to have been broken away.
Italy, Ligurian sea, south-east of Genoa airport: ITA Airways flight AZ1380, an Airbus A220-300, was about 10 minutes after take-off when during climb an engine problem occurred (smoke was observed coming out from one engine). Climb was interrupted at 13800 ft and the aircraft headed back in emergency to Genoa, where it landed about 15 minutes later. All passengers disembarked safely.
