Jean-Michel Jarre is world's first passenger to take off in KleinVision's flying AirCar

Godfather of electronic music and innovator Jean-Michel Jarre becomes world's first passenger to take off in KleinVision's flying AirCar in preparation for Starmus Opening Concert also Featuring Sir Brian May of Queen.

KleinVision's AirCar took to the skies with electronic music pioneer, Jean-Michel Jarre as its first passenger this month, signaling a new era of transportation innovation. AirCar, which received the Certificate of Airworthiness in January 2022, has already logged an impressive 130 flight hours and over 520 takeoffs.

"It is like being in a Jules Verne book, but for real! One second you speak to the driver, and next, you are up there in the air – an amazing experience!" said Jean-Michel Jarre after completing two flights in the AirCar at Piestany International Airport.

The artist's excitement was palpable as he marvelled at the futuristic experience, perfectly reflecting the theme of his upcoming Starmus opening concert, 'The Bridge from the Future', powered by ESET, global digital security leader.

"AirCar addition to Starmus is a fantastic complement to our festival experience," said Garik Israelian, PhD, astrophysicist at the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands and co-founder of Starmus, alongside Sir Brian May. "It mirrors the exhilarating journey we embark on, starting with Jean-Michel and Brian's monumental concert that propels us to new heights, soaring alongside artists and inspiring thinkers like Jane Goodall, and coming back to Earth with the wisdom of astronaut Chris Hadfield once the festival concludes."

Airbus reports First Quarter 2024 results during which it delivered 142 commercial aircraft....

142 commercial aircraft delivered

Revenues € 12.8 billion; EBIT Adjusted € 0.6 billion

EBIT (reported) € 0.6 billion; EPS (reported) € 0.76

Free cash flow before customer financing € -1.8 billion

2024 guidance unchanged

Airbus SE has reported its consolidated financial results for its First Quarter of 2024, ended 31 March 2024.

“We delivered first quarter 2024 results against the backdrop of an operating environment that shows no sign of improvement. Geopolitical and supply chain tensions continue. In that context, we delivered 142 commercial aircraft,” said Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury. “We started 2024 with a solid order intake across our businesses. The strong momentum on widebody aircraft underpins our decision to increase the production rate for the A350 to 12 aircraft a month in 2028. Our ramp up plans are continuing, supported by the investments in our production system while relying on our core pillars of safety, quality, integrity, compliance and security.”

Gross commercial aircraft orders totalled 170 (Q1 2023: 156 aircraft) with the same number of net orders due to no cancellations (Q1 2023 net orders: 142 aircraft). The order backlog amounted to 8,626 commercial aircraft at the end of March 2024. Airbus Helicopters registered 63 net orders (Q1 2023: 39 units), mainly in the light and medium segments. Airbus Defence and Space’s order intake by value was € 2.0 billion (Q1 2023: € 2.5 billion).

Consolidated revenues increased 9 percent year-on-year to € 12.8 billion (Q1 2023: € 11.8 billion). A total of 142 commercial aircraft were delivered (Q1 2023: 127 aircraft), comprising 12 A220s, 116 A320 Family, 7 A330s and 7 A350s. Revenues generated by Airbus’ commercial aircraft activities increased 13 percent, mainly reflecting the higher number of deliveries. Airbus Helicopters’ deliveries totalled 50 units (Q1 2023: 71 units) while its revenues decreased 9 percent, reflecting the lower volume of deliveries, partially offset by services. Revenues at Airbus Defence and Space increased 4 percent mainly driven by the Air Power business, partly offset by a less favourable phasing in Space Systems. One A400M military airlifter was delivered in the quarter.

Robinson Helicopter Company acquires Ascent AeroSystems

Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), a global leader in civilian rotorcraft, has acquired Ascent AeroSystems, now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Robinson Helicopter Company. This acquisition reinforces Robinson’s dedication to scaling innovation, accelerating new rotorcraft developments, and supporting diverse missions worldwide. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both companies, Robinson reinforces its leadership in the future of vertical flight systems and utility missions.

Ascent AeroSystems Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) to be Assembled at Robinson Helicopter’s Vertically Integrated Manufacturing Facility in Torrance.

Ascent AeroSystems, recognized for its efficient and compact coaxial helicopter drones designed for industrial, public safety, and defense applications, brings a wealth of technological synergies that align with Robinson's strategic vision for growth and expansion into new markets. Through the acquisition, Ascent can now grow and scale by building its UAVs at Robinson’s cost-effective, vertically integrated manufacturing facility in Torrance, CA.

Ascent AeroSystems' expertise in autonomous electric flight technology and modular design philosophy will enhance Robinson's offerings. The integration of emerging technologies and a diverse ecosystem of payloads, power sources, and launch methods will further enhance the company's mission-focused offerings, including crewed-uncrewed teaming and interoperability across product families.

"This strategic acquisition is in line with our vision to broaden our offerings and meet increasing global demand for enhanced mission capabilities in law enforcement, public safety, firefighting, utility, and defense,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. “Ascent's advanced technologies and versatile designs complement our ability to be the preeminent choice in global rotorcraft."

Successful Airdrop Tests for Oshkosh FMTV A2 LVAD

The U.S. Army Operational Test Command’s Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate (ABNSOTD) recently conducted the final airdrop test of the Oshkosh® Defense FMTV A2 Cargo 6x6 Low-Velocity Airdrop (LVAD). The airdrops, which took place at Fort Liberty in North Carolina, mark a key milestone for the FMTV A2 LVAD program. The tests validated the design and capabilities of the Cargo 6x6 LVAD to ensure its suitability for the stringent demands of airdrop and follow-on operations.

Developed to address the challenges of an aging medium LVAD fleet, the three Oshkosh Defense FMTV A2 LVAD variants, the Cargo 6x6, Cargo 4x4, and Dump Truck 6x6, are each engineered to fulfill a critical need for the Airborne community.

Textron Aviation starts delivering Beechcraft King Air 260 Multi-Engine Training System (METS) Aircraft to U.S. Navy

Textron Aviation has delivered the first two of up to 64 Multi-Engine Training System (METS) Beechcraft King Air 260 aircraft contracted by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) on January 25, 2023, following a full and open competition.

The aircraft, which will be known as the T-54A, replaces the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) fleet of T-44C Pegasus aircraft at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. A variant of the twin-engine and pressurized Beechcraft King Air 260, the T-54A will modernize the fleet and be more representative of follow-on fleet aircraft. The T-44 has been in service for more than 40 years.

The T-54A includes an updated avionics suite and automation qualities to better prepare students for the advanced aircraft they will fly in the fleet.

“The T-54A benefits from an active Beechcraft King Air assembly line in Wichita, Kansas, where all required METS avionics and interior modifications are installed on the line; keeping costs down, aircraft conformity consistent across the fleet and optimizing the delivery schedule to the Navy,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Missions Sales, Textron Aviation. “We are thrilled to continue our 47-year relationship of Textron Aviation aircraft conducting multi-engine flight training for Navy, Marine and Coast Guard Aviators.”

METS-specific capabilities include factory options for TACAN (Air-to-Air), angle-of-attack (AOA), V/UHF radio, digital audio system, engine trend monitoring, condition-based maintenance plus, observer/jump seat, passenger mission seats and full-face oxygen masks.

Earlier this month, TRU Simulation + Training Inc., an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., announced the company was awarded the METS Ground Based Training System (GBTS) contract providing the U.S. Navy with a fully integrated training system of aircraft and training devices. The contract base award is for three Unit Training Device (UTD) simulators in a King Air 260 standard configuration, one Operational Flight Trainer (OFT) simulator in the METS T-54A configuration, one Simulator Support Station (SSS) in the METS T-54A configuration and 21 Desktop Trainers for avionics training.

Endless Special Missions Possibilities

When government, military and commercial customers want airborne solutions for critical missions, they turn to Textron Aviation. The company’s aviation solutions provide the high performance and flight characteristics required to address the unique challenges of special missions operations. With unparalleled quality, versatility and low operating costs, Textron Aviation products are preferred for air ambulance; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); utility transport; aerial survey; flight inspection; training and a number of other special operations.

Aerobytes confirm sponsorship of Rich Goodwin Airshows

Popular Aerobatic Display team, Rich Goodwin Airshows, can now confirm that Aerobytes, a world-leading Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) company will be their headline sponsor for the 2024 Airshow Season.

Rich, an ex-RAF Tornado and commercial pilot, wows crowds throughout the UK and Europe with his unique style of flying where high energy gyroscopic forces blend with aerobatic manoeuvres to produce an exciting dynamic routine.

He flies two aircraft, G-EWIZ, a modified muscle biplane and a recent edition to the fleet; G-JPIT - the Jet Pitts muscle biplane - a unique aircraft, and one of a kind. It has been modified structurally to have two LYNX jet turbine engines mounted on the fuselage sides – a first for such an aircraft and means it can hover like a Harrier!

This unique innovation turns heads at every airshow because nobody in the audience expects a small, propeller-driven aircraft to suddenly ‘let rip’ with jet noise and accelerate vertically. Once those jets power up, all heads are pointing in only one direction! 

But it is the story behind those jet engines that has attracted Aerobytes to sponsor Rich Goodwin Airshows, as well as the shared ambition to inspire and excite the next generation in aviation and the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

Eddie Forrester, MD of Aerobytes commented; “What Rich has achieved with both of his superb, home-built aircraft is an inspiration to future engineers and pilots. You don’t know what the limit is on ‘possible’ until you witness somebody having passed it! If only a handful of would-be pilots or engineers have that creative fire lit in them as a result of seeing Rich then our investment will be repaid a hundred times over.”

Aerobytes was established in 2001, supplies flight-safety software globally and has directly

supported the UK air-display industry since 2007 when it started sponsoring the much-loved and missed Vulcan XH558. Subsequently, Aerobytes sponsored several air-shows, was the title sponsor for The Blades Aerobatic Team, and The Blades Air Race Team and is now the title sponsor for the disabled flying charity Aerobility.

Rich Goodwin commented, “It’s great that Eddie and Aerobytes are sponsoring us this year, and I really understand the importance of their FDM product having spent the last 26 years being monitored by it on the flight deck of the Boeing 757. It delivers ever-increasing flight safety and risk mitigation to the commercial Aviation sector.”

The 2024 season is looking to be the busiest yet for Rich Goodwin Airshows with numerous

displays around the UK as well as France, Belgium and Poland.

.

Rich Goodwin, is an ex-RAF Tornado and commercial Boeing 767 pilot who has competed with the British Aerobatic Association. He owns two highly modified Pitts Special stunt planes, flying stunning aerobatic displays at airshows and events throughout the UK and Europe. Based at Gloucestershire Airport he also focuses on innovation and STEM within aviation to inspire the next generation. He's known as the pilot who draws smiles in the sky, gaining national media coverage for his efforts!

Aerobytes are a world-leading provider of automated and adaptive Flight Data Monitoring and

Flight Operational Quality Assurance.  In layman’s terms, they make flying safer and more efficient by using aircraft usage data to detect potential training issues for pilots, predict failures before they happen and reduce fuel burn.

Delivery of a new Airbus A320neo for SAS

Aviation Capital Group LLC, the premier global full-service aircraft asset manager, announced the delivery of one new Airbus A320neo aircraft on long-term lease to Scandinavian Airlines (“SAS”). Featuring CFM International LEAP-1A engines, this is the tenth aircraft scheduled to deliver to the airline as part of a multiple-aircraft sale-leaseback transaction between ACG and SAS.

ACG specializes in commercial aircraft leasing and aviation finance. In addition to aircraft leasing services, we provide aircraft asset management solutions tailored to meet our customers’ fleet management needs

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Improved load factor and on-time performance reports icelandair

Icelandair boosting passenger numbers

In March 2024, Icelandair transported 297,552 passengers, which represents a 25% increase in passenger traffic as measured by Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK) on a capacity increase of 22% compared to March 2023. During the month, 39% of passengers were travelling to Iceland, 19% from Iceland, 34% were via passengers, and 8% were travelling within Iceland. Load factor was 83.1% and on-time performance was 88.5%, increasing by 4.7 ppt from the already solid performance in March 2023.

Now is a great time to go birdwatching in Iceland,

 see below for more details

Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair president and CEO said:  “We continue seeing strong traffic numbers, with 25% increase in passenger traffic as compared to March last year. The traffic figures are impacted by an unusually early Easter traffic. During the month, we saw 50% increase in the number of via passengers and 13% increase on the from market while the number of passengers on the to market grew by 4%. These figures underscore the flexibility of our route network, allowing us to align capacity to developments in demand and, in this case, focus our capacity and sales efforts on the via and from markets where the demand was stronger.

Furthermore, we maintain our strong on-time performance and consistently high load factor despite a 22% capacity increase. This success is thanks to the excellent performance of our employees.”

See below for more figures....

SKY Airline gets a new Airbus A321neo jet on long-term lease

Aviation Capital Group, a global full-service aircraft asset manager, confirmed the delivery of one new Airbus A321neo aircraft on long-term lease to SKY Airline. This jet features CFM International LEAP-1A engines and is the second of two aircraft scheduled to be delivered to the airline.

ACG specializes in commercial aircraft leasing and aviation finance. In addition to aircraft leasing services, we provide aircraft asset management solutions tailored to meet our customers’ fleet management needs. 

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UK first as electric aircraft helps turn Moray Flying Club green

RAF Lossiemouth’s Moray Flying Club has begun flying a new electric aircraft, putting it on track to become the UK’s first recreational flying club to offer direct carbon emission-free initial pilot training.
The new Pipistrel Velis Electro aircraft - callsign ‘MORAY 01 ELECTRIC’ - took to the skies on Sunday 24 March 2024 for its first training flight. 
Moray Flying Club (MFC) recently leased the aircraft from electric-flying specialists NEBOair, as part of a drive to reduce the environmental and noise impact of their flying. The aircraft is powered by electricity from the grid, like an electric car.
The innovation will mean that students can reach their first solo flight without direct carbon emissions.

Other green-minded moves have enabled MFC to further cut emissions, with the use of a NEBOair-supplied Virtual Reality simulator cutting down on the overall number of flying hours needed to achieve a full private pilot’s licence.
The Club has also replaced two older aircraft with Rotax-engine aircraft that use lower-lead fuel and are much quieter.
MFC estimate that the new innovations will slash their emissions by around 30%, which they say is just the start.

Squadron Leader David Taudevin, Officer-in-charge, Moray Flying Club.  "As the RAF seeks to achieve Net Zero by 2040, ahead of the UK’s 2050 target, our recreational flying clubs need to play their part and so we’re delighted that our electric aircraft has taken to the skies.
This is a momentous occasion for us as a club and represents a big leap forward into a new world of sustainable aviation, helping Moray Flying Club’s students learn to fly in a cleaner, greener way.
While these innovations are already helping our Club significantly reduce its environmental and noise impact, cutting our direct emissions is only the first step. We hope that by sharing our experience with other military and civilian flying clubs we can help drive the recreational flying sector towards Net Zero."

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Ever wondered how much fuel RAF aircraft use?......................RAF Energise

When you think of the cost of filling up your car, and how far you will get on a full tank, have you ever wondered how much fuel RAF aircraft use?

During a recent Exercise in France, personnel from RAF Global Enablement Support Force distributed over 500,000 litres of aviation fuel.

L'armée de l’air (France) invited RAF Atlas aircraft to this international Air Livex, Exercise Volfa 24, based in France, with other participating nations – Canada, Greece, Italy, Spain and the UAE.

Alongside aircraft, Global Enablement’s No. 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron, 5001 Squadron Engineers and No. 1 Expeditionary Logistics Squadron specialists were also asked to participate in Exercise Energise Volfa. The aim was to train together as a coalition in a complex air environment facing a high-level near peer threat. By building on Tactical Aviation refuelling capability, the RAF will remain ready to fly and fight across the globe 24 hours a day.

This was a French Service de l’Énergie Opérationelle (SEO) exercise running alongside the wider Exercise Volfa, with collaboration from the UK Operational Energy Authority (OEA). UK participation was under the auspices of the Franco-British Fuels Co-operation agreement, set up by DSFA (now the OEA) with the French SEA (now the SEO) and run actively by those organisations. The UK participation was a trial, and it's hoped that lessons identified can be used to inform the NATO Modular Combined Petroleum Capability (MCPC) Co-ordination Board, which the UK is Chair of.

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Avolon and Cebu Pacific agree sale and lease back deal on four Airbus A330neo jets....

This deal supports Cebu’s expansion and transition to a new fleet

Widebody delivery slots expected to be sold out to 2030 by year-end

 

One of the leading global aviation finance companies, Avolon confirmed this week that it has done a sale and leaseback deal with the Philippines low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific for four new Airbus A330neo aircraft.

The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in late 2024 with the final delivery planned in 2026. The new aircraft will support Cebu’s expansion of its route network in Asia and the Middle East and its goal to transition to a fuel-efficient, new technology fleet with lower carbon emissions. Compared to the previous generation A330ceo, the A330neo has an increased range of range of over 13,300km (7,200 nautical miles) and 25% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Cebu has been an Avolon customer since 2012 and Avolon already has 11 aircraft on lease to the airline: five A320ceos, three A320neos, and three A330neos.

Avolon continues to experience strong customer demand for its aircraft and orderbook given the undersupply of new aircraft. The widebody production recovery is lagging behind narrowbodies resulting in a tighter market and longer wait times for twin-aisle aircraft. Avolon’s 2024 Outlook: New Horizons paper forecasted that the remaining delivery slots from manufacturers for widebody aircraft will be sold out to 2030 by the end of this year.

Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Avolon commented: “The Cebu team is doing a fantastic job expanding the airline’s operations and we are delighted to use our balance sheet to support the addition of four new A330neos to their fleet. With the continuing recovery of air travel in Asia we look forward to further opportunities to support customers on sale and leaseback transactions, or through our order book, as the availability of widebodies out to 2030 continues to tighten.”

Alex Reyes, Chief Strategy Officer, Cebu Pacific commented: “These new A330neos support our goal of transitioning to a more fuel-efficient fleet and will support our continued expansion of routes both in and to the Middle East. We appreciate Avolon’s continued support of our growth strategy as we further strengthen our position as one of Asia Pacific’s leading low-cost carriers.”

 

Korean Air completes order for 33 Airbus A350s

                                                        Korean Air has become a new customer for the A350 Family following the signature of a firm order with Airbus for 33 aircraft. The order covers 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s. 

Offering the longest range of any aircraft, the A350 will be able to operate any of the airline’s current intercontinental routes with a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to previous generation aircraft. The additional range of the A350 will also enable the carrier to evaluate new long haul destinations. 

“The A350’s exceptional range, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort make it a great fit for our global network,” said Jason Yoo, Chief Safety and Operating Officer and EVP at Korean Air. “We are confident that the introduction of the A350 to our fleet will drive operational efficiencies and elevate the overall travel experience for our passengers.”

Benoit de Saint Exupéry, EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, Airbus said: “This order from Korean Air is another major endorsement for the A350 as the world’s long range leader. The airline will benefit from new levels of efficiency across its operations, with significantly reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The A350 will also be the perfect platform for the carrier to take its in-flight product and world class service to new heights. We thank Korean Air for its ongoing confidence in Airbus and its products, and look forward to seeing the A350 flying in the carrier’s iconic livery.”

The A350 Family is the world’s most modern widebody product line and is firmly established as the world’s long range leader, with passenger versions able to fly up to 9,700 nm / 18,000 km non-stop. Powered by latest generation Rolls-Royce engines, the airframe uses 70% advanced materials such as composites, titanium, and modern aluminium alloys to create a lighter and more cost-efficient aircraft. All of which results in an average reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of around 25% compared with similar sized previous generation aircraft.

At the end of February, the A350 Family had won 1,240 orders from 59 customers worldwide.

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Bombardier’s Global 7500 jet sets over 30 speed records

Record-setting flights include Farnborough to Muharraq and Phoenix to Paris which took place on Feb 28 and March 6

Records set as Global 7500 aircraft are actively flying worldwide on customer and demonstrations missions, showcasing this immaculate jet to the public

The Global 7500 business jet fleet has surpassed more than 100,000 flying hours and has celebrated more than 165 deliveries 

With an impressive top speed of Mach 0.925 and a range of 7,700 nautical miles (14,260 km), the Global 7500 business aircraft continues to push the boundaries of business travel

Bombardier has celebrated more impressive speed records on the Global 7500 aircraft, this week,  bringing the total to more than 30 and counting. The most recent records, including travelling from Farnborough to Muharraq and Phoenix to Paris, mark the latest accomplishment for the Global 7500 business jet, the undisputed leader in the ultra-long-range class – the most luxurious, reliable and productive business jet in the skies today. 

These records – pending approval by the FAI, the World Air Sport Federation – build on earlier speed and distance records already bestowed on this truly remarkable business jet, including an 8,225 nautical mile flight in October 2019 from Sydney, Australia to Detroit, Michigan – the longest-range flight ever in business aviation. The Global 7500 also set more than 20 new flight records (1) in the fall of 2023, including routes from Singapore to Anchorage, Alaska and Montreal to Geneva.

“The Global 7500 aircraft is in a class by itself when it comes to performance – an immaculate business jet that was made to set and shatter records,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Defense. “With its impeccable design attributes and technological advancements, the Global 7500 aircraft offers customers precisely what they need to enhance their operations – unmatched reliability, productivity and style.”

With a top speed of Mach 0.925 and an industry leading range of 7,700 nautical miles (14,260 km), the Global 7500 aircraft features outstanding performance capabilities. Its Smooth Flĕx Wing is designed with a sophisticated slats and flap system that generates exceptional lift on takeoff and approach, maximizing aerodynamic efficiency and boosting performance while improving safety and offering a smoother, more restful ride. It also reduces fuel burn and lowers emissions and produces excellent short-field and high-speed performance.

Britten-Norman secures new investment

Britten Norman has secured new investment from a group of investors led by 4D Capital Partners LLP (“4D”), a Private Equity firm that focuses on operational improvement and business transformation. The new investors are making funds available to Britten-Norman to fund working capital and to drive successful long-term growth.

Britten-Norman Chief Executive, William Hynett OBE, commented: “The board has been in an extended process to secure the right investment that would allow Britten-Norman to deliver its plans to scale up output to meet demand. Britten-Norman is a brand with a rich and entrepreneurial aviation heritage which takes great responsibility in playing a vitally important role in supporting its world-wide customer base. These customers are the bedrock of their societies, often providing critical infrastructure or life-critical services such as maritime search and rescue and medical evacuation. Following a great deal of interest in the business, we are pleased to have identified a new investor that shares our vision and strategy.”

Alex Silk, founder of 4D, said:  “From the outset we saw the latent value in Britten-Norman, which has been underperforming since the pandemic. In addition to bringing working capital, our team will work closely with management to help the company ramp up production to meet the exciting demand for its sought after Islander aircraft”.

Britten-Norman is the original equipment manufacturer for the Islander, the world’s most iconic commercial light twin aircraft. In 2024 the company will be celebrating 70 years since it was first established at Bembridge Airport on the Isle of Wight, UK.

We would like to thank Chris Pole and Will Wright from Interpath Advisory for their support in securing the investment through the sale of the business and assets of Britten-Norman.

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Two new Airbus A320neo aircraft for flynas

The two Airbus A320neo aircraft arrived in Riyadh on 7th March and 14th March and will operate flights on the carrier's international and domestic route network. Six A320neo new aircraft are scheduled to be delivered to flynas during 2024 which will further enhance the airline's schedule.

This growth in the number of new aircraft and increasing the seat capacity is part of flynas new strategic plan "We Connect the World to the Kingdom", which along with the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP). Times Aerospace reports the aims of these plans is to facilitate access to the Two Holy Mosques and the National Civil Aviation Strategy to enable national air carriers to contribute to connecting Saudi Arabia with around 250 International destinations. 

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SAS and the Norwegian armed forces signs new agreement for strategic evacuation

The Norwegian Armed Forces have on March 4 signed a new agreement with SAS for strategic air evacuation. The agreement ensures continued capacity for strategic air evacuation using SAS’ latest Airbus A320neo aircraft. This will follow the phase-out of the current aircraft and transition to the new agreement will take place in 2025.

The agreement between Norwegian Armed Forces and SAS consists of two parts: a cooperation agreement to design a A320neo based solution and an agreement covering operational assignments.

“We are honoured that the Norwegian Armed Forces have selected SAS for future evacuation missions, building on several years of joint assignments across the world. While the currently used aircraft has served us well, it is now time for the next-generation, lower-emission A320neo to continue these proud assignments together with our highly skilled and dedicated staff. Contributing to the safe transport of citizens across the world when crisis strikes is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we are grateful for the trust placed in us by the Norwegian Defense through this work,” says Paul Verhagen, Chief Commercial Officer at SAS.

The A320neo is a regular passenger plane and – once the new design is finalized – can be converted into a flying hospital, with medical equipment and hospital beds. SAS’ Airbus A320neo has around 18% lower CO2 emissions compared to the aircraft it replaces. Additionally, there is 30% less noise in these aircraft, creating a more favourable environment for evacuees and crew on board.

SAS has a 25-year history of taking part in evacuation assignments, with missions such as the tsunami in Thailand, and evacuation missions from Afghanistan, Moira refugee camp and Ukrainian patients.

Boeing warns airlines to check 787 flight deck seat switches following LATAM mishap.

The U.S. planemaker Boeing has warned all customer airlines flying its 787 Dreamliners to check flight deck crew seat switches following the sudden mid-air fall by a LATAM Airlines 787 jet that resulted in over 50 people injured.

Boeing and regulators are investigating the incident on LATAM flight 800 flying between Sydney and Auckland where it appears that a flight attendant accidentally hit a switch on the pilot’s seat while serving their meal. The switch powers the pilot's seat movement and on this occasion pushed him into the controls of the jet leading to a devastating plunge which caused more than 50 people to be injured. 

This incident has forced Boeing to warn airlines they should check the crew seats in the cockpits of 787 aircraft for loose covers on switches. The seats are supposed to have a spring-loaded seat back switch guard which may jam or become loose and activate the rocker switch, resulting in seat movement.

Boeing said today that it was taking the precautionary measure of alerting customer airlines of the issue and reminding them of a 2017 service bulletin which has details of how to inspect and maintain the flight deck seat switches. "We are recommending operators perform an inspection at the next maintenance opportunity," Boeing said.

Boeing's records of who worked on the doorplug that blew off an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX jet deleted

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy has written a letter to a Senate committee that is investigating the Alaska Airlines 737 MAX doorplug blow out on 5th January, informing them of Boeing's lack of records.

Homendy stated that the NTSB doesn’t know who worked on the panel that blew off a 737 MAX 9 because Boeing’s CEO told her that he couldn’t provide the information because the company has no records about the job.  “The absence of those records will complicate the NTSB’s investigation moving forward,”

Homendy told senators last week that the NTSB asked Boeing for security camera footage that might help identify who worked on the panel in September, but was told the video was overwritten after 30 days — months before the blowout. Boeing delayed weeks before providing the names of 25 employees that work on doors at the manufacturer's Seattle facility, only handing over the information after Homendy had started giving her statement.  

Former Boeing whistleblower found dead

Police are still investigating the death of a former Boeing employee and whistleblower, John Barnett. Initial reports indicated that Barnett had died from what appeared to be "self-inflicted" gunshot wounds on 9th March.  

UK's Civil Aviation Authority proposes streamlined licensing system for General Aviation Pilots

General Aviation Pilots will soon find it easier to gain and maintain a licence when proposals put forward by the UK Civil Aviation Authority are implemented.

The regulator is working to simplify the licensing process for the general aviation community as part of its General Aviation Pilot Licensing and Training Simplification project.

The proposals set out in a consultation published today by the UK Civil Aviation Authority will see changes to a wide range of issues.

These include consolidating the number of licences on offer, reducing the number of examinations for the gaining of licences and changes to the class rating structure including requirements for maintenance of competence.

General Aviation Pilot Licensing could be simplified and rationalised under new proposals.

The proposals cover the potential changes to pilot licensing for aeroplanes, sailplanes, helicopters, gyroplanes and balloons and airships.

Follows extensive work by the UK Civil Aviation Authority to consider the general aviation community views on licensing.

Proposals cover licensing for aeroplanes and microlights, sailplanes, helicopters, gyroplanes and balloons and airships.

Reform of the system was a high priority for the general aviation community when asked by the UK Civil Aviation Authority and this signals a major step closer to delivering on those wishes.

Michael Macdonald, Head of General Aviation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

“To all pilots, the licence they hold is incredibly important. We’re looking to simplify the system to make it easier for new pilots to choose their path in aviation, and for existing pilots to maintain and upgrade their licences, all whilst maintaining the UK’s world-class level of safety.

“Experts from the community have been involved throughout the development process of these measures, which we feel will really benefit those looking to gain licences in the UK.”

The consultation will be open for 10 weeks and will close on the 22 May 2024

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