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System crash muddies Delta’s reliability reputation

The line between stellar operations and calamitous operational failure is fine and fragile in the airline business. Delta Air Lines is not the first airline to be felled by a technology failure—and it won’t be the last.But the Aug. 8 system crash that led to more than 1,900 canceled flights and hundreds of delays over three days is particularly devastating for Delta, which has made operational reliability a core component of its brand. It is also a setback for a company that spent hundreds of millions of dollars on technology safeguards that were supposed to prevent what happened this week.

Spotlight

London City Airport

London City Airport (LCY) is the only airport situated in London itself three miles from Canary Wharf, seven miles from the City and 10 miles from London’s West End – linked to all via the LCY Docklands Light Railway station. Welcoming over 3 million passengers in 2014, LCY is not only uniquely convenient, but offers a uniquely rapid transit, through check-in and security to the departure lounge and gate, of around 20 minutes.

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Aviation Unveils the Path to Zero-Carbon Emission for the Future

Article | July 6, 2022

Can the aviation industry have a net zero-carbon emissions? Can technology assist in achieving net-zero emissions? Presently, customers are taking more flights than ever as the industry is set to grow post-pandemic effects. Data from IATA shows that the UK aviation industry alone ejected thirty-seven million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere in 2020. That’s an average of 9% more in tonnes of emission the industry recorded in 2018. The warnings are transparent. In the latest reports of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the effects of global warming are escalating. “We know the challenges of climate change the world is facing. It has only continued to intensify,” -Nicholas Calio, president and CEO of Airlines for America Airlines are subsequently embracing their actions towards the recovery of their business. There is a need to take even braver, more momentous steps to address this challenge. Airlines have been focused on carbon offset programs for years. It has previously invested in projects and organizations that assist in reducing the impact of CO2 emissions. In March 2021, the U.S. airline industry announced that its market leaders are committed to achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050. The aviation industry is currently rising at between 4% and 5% a year. And the number of passengers will double every 15-20 years. How will the industry let fly with zero emissions? Certain plans strongly focus on the increasing use of sustainable aviation fuel and jet fuel. These fuels are produced from sources such as plant oils, municipal waste, agricultural residue, fossil fuels, and other interim steps. The blog accumulates some of the best ways that aviation has unveiled on the grounds of zero carbon emissions. Escalating the Use of Alternative Fuel The escalating use of alternative fuels is perhaps the most significant proposed carbon reduction initiative for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage. Sustainable fuel is going to be created from plant or animal material. One of the examples is waste oil. It is studied that SAF has the potential to cut life-cycle emissions from aviation by 80%. It can be blended with conventional jet fuel without making major changes in aircraft designs. But, as technology is concerned with SAF usage, it can be eight times more expensive than conventional jet fuel. SAF currently values less than 0.1% of the almost 300 million tonnes of fuel that commercial airlines use every day. some companies are taking regulatory incentives in joint efforts with aviation after looking at the costs and ensuring that more SAF is used in the future. Let’s see which corporate companies are setting commendable aviation-related commitments. Microsoft partnered with Alaska Airlines. Together, they are working to cover CO2 emissions to make their employees’ travel safe by introducing SAF credits. FedEx has committed to purchase 13 million liters of sustainable aviation fuel from Red Rock Biofuel. It is a part of their long-term net-zero emission strategy. Express GBT created an alliance to help in increasing supply SAF to under carbon reduction initiative and become zero carbon-emitting by 2050. Industry-Wide Efforts The path to climate recovery with zero airline emissions will require a collective effort from all industries. This also includes governments. They must take responsibility for the impact of certain activities, products, and policies have on the environment. The production of fossil fuels is one of them. So, the aviation industry must reduce its dependency on fossil fuels for air travel. Industries such as energy, road transport, infrastructure, manufacturing, and finance are being collectively responsible for creating a risk-free airline emission. For example, policies of energy transition must include a change in the production plan. Road transport efforts should be advanced by designing electric vehicles. Manufacturers should bring in new technology to support the creation of lightweight engines and aircraft parts. All of them should join hands for a sustainable future for aviation. The Role of Government Investments Government bodies play a crucial role in heading up carbon reduction initiatives. The initiative will have solutions such as new aircraft technology and more efficient infrastructure and operations. It also includes the development of zero-carbon energy sources like hydrogen and electric power generation. According to IATA, 1.8 gigatons of carbon will be required to sustain the aviation industry in 2050. The prediction can achieve 65% of carbon for sustainable aviation fuels. What are other solutions in demand to commit to addressing a zero-emission environment? It includes: Fuel-producing companies are to bring large-scale, cost-competitive sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to the market. Governments and air navigation service providers (ANSPs) eliminate inadequacies in air traffic management and airspace infrastructure. Aircraft and engine manufacturers produce more efficient aircraft engines and propulsion technologies. Airport operators provide the required infrastructure to supply cost-effective SAF. Airline Firms Decarbonizing Aviation Presently, aviation is driving towards a new chapter of growth. And the pillars of growth are the firms that are continuously making efforts to make aviation a risk-free industry. Let’s see how aviation firms are contributing to making a zero-carbon emission sky for safe air travel for the future. Delta Airlines Delta and Aviation Climate Taskforce are initiating technological innovation and accelerating the research and development of emerging technologies. Emerging technologies refer to reducing CO2 footprint production. They are focusing on their approach towards medium-term solutions, near-term solutions and long terms solutions. The mid-term solutions include synthetic fuel. The near-term solutions focus on emerging bio-based Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) pathways. And long-term solutions include hydrogen technologies. ACT will aim to support the advancement of these technologies through two crucial pillars: An Innovation Network A Collaboration Forum JetBlue JetBlue went carbon neutral for all its flights. It went through carbon offset programs in partnership with the CarbonFund.org Foundation. The investment included solar, wind, and hydrogen-energy project initiatives. Apart from this, JetBlue also invested in hundreds of global carbon offset programs to support renewable energy efforts. “views carbon initiative as a platform for other industry-wide environmental improvements that support lower emissions.” -JetBlue The best part is that JetBlue also invested in sustainable aviation fuel on flights. They are currently operating from San Francisco International Airport. American Airlines American Airlines changed its strategy of using traditional jet fuel. The airline has committed to purchase 9 million gallons of SAF to lower CO2 emissions in the next three years. Southwest Airlines On Earth Day 2021, Southwest Airlines announced it would continue to support the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). NREL works to develop cost-effective low-carbon aviation fuels that are generated from waste. The airline SAF will play a vital role in getting the atmosphere carbon neutral and will be able to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. On this, NREL estimates that wet waste typically produces enough energy to provide about 20% of jet fuel consumption. How Will the Industry Embrace Greener Air Travel Once It Returns to the Sky? There is a buzz that travelers are now becoming more conscious of the environment. Inspired by Greta Thunberg, a Swedish climate change activist after the pandemic, a growing wave of eco-conscious travelers are choosing to fly with more environmentally friendly airlines. They are also opting for other means of transportation. As the aviation industry accounts for 2.5 percent of global carbon emissions, travelers now want to be associated with greater environmental awareness. They are taking some essential steps such as: Asking whether a flight is necessary for travel Booking a flight that travels nonstop Keeping a check on airlines that promote carbon reduction goals On the other hand, airline companies today are opting to monitor themselves. They are doing it within the parameters of emissions, manufacturing, and embracing technological aspects. Frequently Asked Questions How can air travel become more environmentally friendly? You can follow some travel tips such as: Opt for a direct destination flight Find alternatives to travel other than flight (if not necessary) Carry lesser or lighter luggage Try to produce lesser waste Choose a sustainable flight How are airline firms reducing emissions from their flights? Airline firms are continuously working towards reducing emissions in several ways. They are: By retiring old aircraft By updating air traffic routes to reduce fuel consumption By investing in newer technologies in the manufacturing process and other fields By participating in electricity generation and other sources of fuel generation Which are the most eco-friendly airlines? The most eco-friendly airlines are: Air France United Airlines JetBlue Delta Airlines Virgin Airlines Alaska Airlines

Read More
Aviation Technology

AI in Aviation: What’s the Word?

Article | July 26, 2022

DataBridge recently released a new market research analysis on AI in aviation, and the findings are promising. The aviation industry has relied on artificial intelligence (AI) for years. The technology has assisted pilots through machine learning algorithms to collect flight data about altitudes, air traffic management, weather, and route distance. It has enabled them to optimize fuel usage and reduce fuel costs. And now, it is going further. AI has been cascading into other areas of aviation. Here are some trends to note from the “Global Artificial Intelligence in Aviation Market” study. Benefitting Ground Operations AI is extensively used in real-time support systems and air traffic control. From automated baggage check-in to facial recognition, it is powering several ground operations. These functions contribute heavily to maximizing resources, reducing labor costs, and enhancing seamlessness across different processes. Improving Performance and Processes with Machine Learning (ML) The emergence of AI in aviation is thanks to a surge of capital investments by key aviation players. Cloud computing is being used by many organizations as a way to consolidate processes and deal with complexity better. Impacting How Planes will be Piloted AI will considerably impact the future of piloting as we know it. Building on Airbus’ first ever takeoff, landing and taxi using vision-based AI in 2020, prominent aerospace tech firms continue to work on self-piloting planes or passenger autonomous aerial vehicles (AV) that will employ AI-powered intelligent navigation to fly. Improving Efficiency and Accuracy for Manual Processes According to aviation experts, ML digital assistants are able to process massive volumes of historical data in order to support ground staff and pilots alike. With AI’s capabilities of enabling elusive insights into patterns and complexities of data, the technology is considered ideal for aviation, where there is no room for errors. The Path Ahead The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of new technologies in pushing the envelope and innovating solutions. The evolution of technology will only propel the adoption of AI further into the aviation industry. With multiple use cases and brilliant results from the use of AI, the aviation industry is all set for a digital transformation fuelled by data, machine learning and precision

Read More
Business Aviation

Have we entered the era of smaller airplanes for good?

Article | January 7, 2022

There’s been a lot of talk lately about airlines around the world beginning to favor smaller aircraft. Not just amid the pandemic but for the foreseeable future as well. The debate was given fuel when Lufthansa’s CEO made comments about potential down-gauging of its fleet ahead. But have we really entered the era of smaller airplanes for good? Many have argued that even when demand for air travel does return there will be less of it overall because of a precipitous and permanent drop in business travel. And beyond that, even where demand does exist, it will be for convenient, point-to-point service, not on A380s via big hubs – as smaller planes emerge that are capable of flying farther and people shy away from big, crowded airports and the hassle of connecting. All of which calls for smaller planes. I’ve argued recently that this seems a little hasty. Nevertheless, the jury is out, and as they say – only time will tell. Have smaller planes taken over flying? One thing we can look at is whether the notion that smaller planes rule the day holds true at major airlines right now. And pulling some Flightradar24 data we can see that this has been happening – mostly. The headline takeaway seems to be that bigger planes do still have their place, but for obvious reasons smaller wide-bodies have proven more desirable on many global routes during the past year. Lufthansa dropped its Very Large Aircraft quickly If we look at Lufthansa’s data, the trend is very clear right from the beginning of the pandemic. The A380 and the 747s (both -400 and -8I) took a definitive hit beginning in March 2020. That was it for the A380 and the 747-400 for good, it seems. The small rebound in A380 flights recorded in recent months were storage-related. And since the pandemic started, it’s clear that the smaller A330 has been clearly favored, taking up nearly double the percentage of flying it had at Lufthansa pre-pandemic. What’s most interesting here is that the 747-8I did come back, in some weeks to pre-pandemic levels. That’s quite a big plane. It is probably hard to fill these days. But it is Lufthansa’s flagship now – it has a First Class cabin and it can carry quite a bit of cargo. As a result it kept flying for a while on the bigger US routes like LAX. However recent dips in demand, and the winter season, saw the smaller and more fuel-efficient A350 come in to replace it on many routes. As I write this the Lufthansa 747-8I is in flight on just two routes – Mexico City (MEX) and Buenos Aires (EZE) to Frankfurt (FRA). If I were to take a guess, I’d say we continue to see the 747-8I for some time on these bigger routes and in busier seasons. It may turn out to be one of the last options for passengers to fly a 747 a few years from now. Eventually, though, the more efficient 777X will replace it. Though Lufthansa has said it’s looking to shift to smaller airplanes overall, the 777X seems a natural fit for its big hub to hub routes. I don’t think we’ll see a day when the A350 is the largest plane in Lufthansa’s fleet – at least as long as Germany remains Europe’s largest economy. Delta favors smaller, but only by a little bit If we look at Delta, which also has a wide range of wide-bodies in its fleet, the picture is a little more complicated. In part that’s because initially its 777s and A350s (both of which fit about 300 seats) took over quite a lot of flying while its smaller 767s (200 to 240 seats or so) were more or less parked. Since then, however, the 777 fleet has been retired and the 767s (both -300 and -400 series) have been doing nearly 60% of Delta’s wide-body flying. And its smallest Airbus wide-body, the A330-200, has flown much less throughout the pandemic. The A330-300, A330-900neo and A350-900 have filled in the rest of the flying, but while they were doing a majority of the wide-body flying in the first months, they’re not back to flying roughly the same percentage of Delta’s wide-body flights as before the pandemic. It’s interesting to note that a number of 767s have been retired during this time, and A330-300s have been used to fill the gaps where necessary despite having a higher seat count. If no 767s had been retired it’s likely the total percentage of flights run with the 767 would be even higher. What’s the bottom line? It seems that airlines have tended to park their biggest planes, but perhaps not as drastically as some might have expected. That may have had a lot to do with cargo capacity. But cargo capacity will continue to be a consideration post-pandemic as well, so it’s not as if these planes will prove useless once things get back to normal. And if we see the boom in travel demand that some are predicting is on the way, many of these larger aircraft may see they get plenty of use yet. Will there be less very large aircraft in airline fleets overall? Yes, probably. The A380 is all but done for except at a handful of airlines. And will smaller, long-range planes like the 787 prove popular in the years ahead? No doubt. But the bigger, fuel efficient planes like the 777X and A350-1000 will almost certainly still have their place in the sky too.

Read More

What Aircraft Are Best Suited For Arctic Flight?

Article | April 13, 2020

When operating aircraft above the Arctic Circle (66.5° N latitude) there are certain hazards to be aware of. We decided to take a look at what aircraft are best suited for Arctic flight.A huge problem with flying in the Arctic is not just icing, but the visual restrictions that are placed on pilots. During the spring and fall, whiteout or flat light can distort what a pilot sees. The horizon can suddenly disappear making objects appear as if they are floating in the air. This can make things like mountain ranges extremely difficult to judge.

Read More
Air Transport

A Peek into The Future of Piloting Airplanes

Article | July 6, 2022

Can the aviation industry have a net zero-carbon emissions? Can technology assist in achieving net-zero emissions? Presently, customers are taking more flights than ever as the industry is set to grow post-pandemic effects. Data from IATA shows that the UK aviation industry alone ejected thirty-seven million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere in 2020. That’s an average of 9% more in tonnes of emission the industry recorded in 2018. The warnings are transparent. In the latest reports of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the effects of global warming are escalating. “We know the challenges of climate change the world is facing. It has only continued to intensify,” -Nicholas Calio, president and CEO of Airlines for America Airlines are subsequently embracing their actions towards the recovery of their business. There is a need to take even braver, more momentous steps to address this challenge. Airlines have been focused on carbon offset programs for years. It has previously invested in projects and organizations that assist in reducing the impact of CO2 emissions. In March 2021, the U.S. airline industry announced that its market leaders are committed to achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050. The aviation industry is currently rising at between 4% and 5% a year. And the number of passengers will double every 15-20 years. How will the industry let fly with zero emissions? Certain plans strongly focus on the increasing use of sustainable aviation fuel and jet fuel. These fuels are produced from sources such as plant oils, municipal waste, agricultural residue, fossil fuels, and other interim steps. The blog accumulates some of the best ways that aviation has unveiled on the grounds of zero carbon emissions. Escalating the Use of Alternative Fuel The escalating use of alternative fuels is perhaps the most significant proposed carbon reduction initiative for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage. Sustainable fuel is going to be created from plant or animal material. One of the examples is waste oil. It is studied that SAF has the potential to cut life-cycle emissions from aviation by 80%. It can be blended with conventional jet fuel without making major changes in aircraft designs. But, as technology is concerned with SAF usage, it can be eight times more expensive than conventional jet fuel. SAF currently values less than 0.1% of the almost 300 million tonnes of fuel that commercial airlines use every day. some companies are taking regulatory incentives in joint efforts with aviation after looking at the costs and ensuring that more SAF is used in the future. Let’s see which corporate companies are setting commendable aviation-related commitments. Microsoft partnered with Alaska Airlines. Together, they are working to cover CO2 emissions to make their employees’ travel safe by introducing SAF credits. FedEx has committed to purchase 13 million liters of sustainable aviation fuel from Red Rock Biofuel. It is a part of their long-term net-zero emission strategy. Express GBT created an alliance to help in increasing supply SAF to under carbon reduction initiative and become zero carbon-emitting by 2050. Industry-Wide Efforts The path to climate recovery with zero airline emissions will require a collective effort from all industries. This also includes governments. They must take responsibility for the impact of certain activities, products, and policies have on the environment. The production of fossil fuels is one of them. So, the aviation industry must reduce its dependency on fossil fuels for air travel. Industries such as energy, road transport, infrastructure, manufacturing, and finance are being collectively responsible for creating a risk-free airline emission. For example, policies of energy transition must include a change in the production plan. Road transport efforts should be advanced by designing electric vehicles. Manufacturers should bring in new technology to support the creation of lightweight engines and aircraft parts. All of them should join hands for a sustainable future for aviation. The Role of Government Investments Government bodies play a crucial role in heading up carbon reduction initiatives. The initiative will have solutions such as new aircraft technology and more efficient infrastructure and operations. It also includes the development of zero-carbon energy sources like hydrogen and electric power generation. According to IATA, 1.8 gigatons of carbon will be required to sustain the aviation industry in 2050. The prediction can achieve 65% of carbon for sustainable aviation fuels. What are other solutions in demand to commit to addressing a zero-emission environment? It includes: Fuel-producing companies are to bring large-scale, cost-competitive sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to the market. Governments and air navigation service providers (ANSPs) eliminate inadequacies in air traffic management and airspace infrastructure. Aircraft and engine manufacturers produce more efficient aircraft engines and propulsion technologies. Airport operators provide the required infrastructure to supply cost-effective SAF. Airline Firms Decarbonizing Aviation Presently, aviation is driving towards a new chapter of growth. And the pillars of growth are the firms that are continuously making efforts to make aviation a risk-free industry. Let’s see how aviation firms are contributing to making a zero-carbon emission sky for safe air travel for the future. Delta Airlines Delta and Aviation Climate Taskforce are initiating technological innovation and accelerating the research and development of emerging technologies. Emerging technologies refer to reducing CO2 footprint production. They are focusing on their approach towards medium-term solutions, near-term solutions and long terms solutions. The mid-term solutions include synthetic fuel. The near-term solutions focus on emerging bio-based Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) pathways. And long-term solutions include hydrogen technologies. ACT will aim to support the advancement of these technologies through two crucial pillars: An Innovation Network A Collaboration Forum JetBlue JetBlue went carbon neutral for all its flights. It went through carbon offset programs in partnership with the CarbonFund.org Foundation. The investment included solar, wind, and hydrogen-energy project initiatives. Apart from this, JetBlue also invested in hundreds of global carbon offset programs to support renewable energy efforts. “views carbon initiative as a platform for other industry-wide environmental improvements that support lower emissions.” -JetBlue The best part is that JetBlue also invested in sustainable aviation fuel on flights. They are currently operating from San Francisco International Airport. American Airlines American Airlines changed its strategy of using traditional jet fuel. The airline has committed to purchase 9 million gallons of SAF to lower CO2 emissions in the next three years. Southwest Airlines On Earth Day 2021, Southwest Airlines announced it would continue to support the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). NREL works to develop cost-effective low-carbon aviation fuels that are generated from waste. The airline SAF will play a vital role in getting the atmosphere carbon neutral and will be able to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. On this, NREL estimates that wet waste typically produces enough energy to provide about 20% of jet fuel consumption. How Will the Industry Embrace Greener Air Travel Once It Returns to the Sky? There is a buzz that travelers are now becoming more conscious of the environment. Inspired by Greta Thunberg, a Swedish climate change activist after the pandemic, a growing wave of eco-conscious travelers are choosing to fly with more environmentally friendly airlines. They are also opting for other means of transportation. As the aviation industry accounts for 2.5 percent of global carbon emissions, travelers now want to be associated with greater environmental awareness. They are taking some essential steps such as: Asking whether a flight is necessary for travel Booking a flight that travels nonstop Keeping a check on airlines that promote carbon reduction goals On the other hand, airline companies today are opting to monitor themselves. They are doing it within the parameters of emissions, manufacturing, and embracing technological aspects. Frequently Asked Questions How can air travel become more environmentally friendly? You can follow some travel tips such as: Opt for a direct destination flight Find alternatives to travel other than flight (if not necessary) Carry lesser or lighter luggage Try to produce lesser waste Choose a sustainable flight How are airline firms reducing emissions from their flights? Airline firms are continuously working towards reducing emissions in several ways. They are: By retiring old aircraft By updating air traffic routes to reduce fuel consumption By investing in newer technologies in the manufacturing process and other fields By participating in electricity generation and other sources of fuel generation Which are the most eco-friendly airlines? The most eco-friendly airlines are: Air France United Airlines JetBlue Delta Airlines Virgin Airlines Alaska Airlines

Read More
Aviation Technology

AI in Aviation: What’s the Word?

Article | July 26, 2022

DataBridge recently released a new market research analysis on AI in aviation, and the findings are promising. The aviation industry has relied on artificial intelligence (AI) for years. The technology has assisted pilots through machine learning algorithms to collect flight data about altitudes, air traffic management, weather, and route distance. It has enabled them to optimize fuel usage and reduce fuel costs. And now, it is going further. AI has been cascading into other areas of aviation. Here are some trends to note from the “Global Artificial Intelligence in Aviation Market” study. Benefitting Ground Operations AI is extensively used in real-time support systems and air traffic control. From automated baggage check-in to facial recognition, it is powering several ground operations. These functions contribute heavily to maximizing resources, reducing labor costs, and enhancing seamlessness across different processes. Improving Performance and Processes with Machine Learning (ML) The emergence of AI in aviation is thanks to a surge of capital investments by key aviation players. Cloud computing is being used by many organizations as a way to consolidate processes and deal with complexity better. Impacting How Planes will be Piloted AI will considerably impact the future of piloting as we know it. Building on Airbus’ first ever takeoff, landing and taxi using vision-based AI in 2020, prominent aerospace tech firms continue to work on self-piloting planes or passenger autonomous aerial vehicles (AV) that will employ AI-powered intelligent navigation to fly. Improving Efficiency and Accuracy for Manual Processes According to aviation experts, ML digital assistants are able to process massive volumes of historical data in order to support ground staff and pilots alike. With AI’s capabilities of enabling elusive insights into patterns and complexities of data, the technology is considered ideal for aviation, where there is no room for errors. The Path Ahead The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of new technologies in pushing the envelope and innovating solutions. The evolution of technology will only propel the adoption of AI further into the aviation industry. With multiple use cases and brilliant results from the use of AI, the aviation industry is all set for a digital transformation fuelled by data, machine learning and precision

Read More
Business Aviation

4 Major Ways Aviation Can Transit Towards A Low Carbon Path

Article | January 7, 2022

There’s been a lot of talk lately about airlines around the world beginning to favor smaller aircraft. Not just amid the pandemic but for the foreseeable future as well. The debate was given fuel when Lufthansa’s CEO made comments about potential down-gauging of its fleet ahead. But have we really entered the era of smaller airplanes for good? Many have argued that even when demand for air travel does return there will be less of it overall because of a precipitous and permanent drop in business travel. And beyond that, even where demand does exist, it will be for convenient, point-to-point service, not on A380s via big hubs – as smaller planes emerge that are capable of flying farther and people shy away from big, crowded airports and the hassle of connecting. All of which calls for smaller planes. I’ve argued recently that this seems a little hasty. Nevertheless, the jury is out, and as they say – only time will tell. Have smaller planes taken over flying? One thing we can look at is whether the notion that smaller planes rule the day holds true at major airlines right now. And pulling some Flightradar24 data we can see that this has been happening – mostly. The headline takeaway seems to be that bigger planes do still have their place, but for obvious reasons smaller wide-bodies have proven more desirable on many global routes during the past year. Lufthansa dropped its Very Large Aircraft quickly If we look at Lufthansa’s data, the trend is very clear right from the beginning of the pandemic. The A380 and the 747s (both -400 and -8I) took a definitive hit beginning in March 2020. That was it for the A380 and the 747-400 for good, it seems. The small rebound in A380 flights recorded in recent months were storage-related. And since the pandemic started, it’s clear that the smaller A330 has been clearly favored, taking up nearly double the percentage of flying it had at Lufthansa pre-pandemic. What’s most interesting here is that the 747-8I did come back, in some weeks to pre-pandemic levels. That’s quite a big plane. It is probably hard to fill these days. But it is Lufthansa’s flagship now – it has a First Class cabin and it can carry quite a bit of cargo. As a result it kept flying for a while on the bigger US routes like LAX. However recent dips in demand, and the winter season, saw the smaller and more fuel-efficient A350 come in to replace it on many routes. As I write this the Lufthansa 747-8I is in flight on just two routes – Mexico City (MEX) and Buenos Aires (EZE) to Frankfurt (FRA). If I were to take a guess, I’d say we continue to see the 747-8I for some time on these bigger routes and in busier seasons. It may turn out to be one of the last options for passengers to fly a 747 a few years from now. Eventually, though, the more efficient 777X will replace it. Though Lufthansa has said it’s looking to shift to smaller airplanes overall, the 777X seems a natural fit for its big hub to hub routes. I don’t think we’ll see a day when the A350 is the largest plane in Lufthansa’s fleet – at least as long as Germany remains Europe’s largest economy. Delta favors smaller, but only by a little bit If we look at Delta, which also has a wide range of wide-bodies in its fleet, the picture is a little more complicated. In part that’s because initially its 777s and A350s (both of which fit about 300 seats) took over quite a lot of flying while its smaller 767s (200 to 240 seats or so) were more or less parked. Since then, however, the 777 fleet has been retired and the 767s (both -300 and -400 series) have been doing nearly 60% of Delta’s wide-body flying. And its smallest Airbus wide-body, the A330-200, has flown much less throughout the pandemic. The A330-300, A330-900neo and A350-900 have filled in the rest of the flying, but while they were doing a majority of the wide-body flying in the first months, they’re not back to flying roughly the same percentage of Delta’s wide-body flights as before the pandemic. It’s interesting to note that a number of 767s have been retired during this time, and A330-300s have been used to fill the gaps where necessary despite having a higher seat count. If no 767s had been retired it’s likely the total percentage of flights run with the 767 would be even higher. What’s the bottom line? It seems that airlines have tended to park their biggest planes, but perhaps not as drastically as some might have expected. That may have had a lot to do with cargo capacity. But cargo capacity will continue to be a consideration post-pandemic as well, so it’s not as if these planes will prove useless once things get back to normal. And if we see the boom in travel demand that some are predicting is on the way, many of these larger aircraft may see they get plenty of use yet. Will there be less very large aircraft in airline fleets overall? Yes, probably. The A380 is all but done for except at a handful of airlines. And will smaller, long-range planes like the 787 prove popular in the years ahead? No doubt. But the bigger, fuel efficient planes like the 777X and A350-1000 will almost certainly still have their place in the sky too.

Read More

What Aircraft Are Best Suited For Arctic Flight?

Article | April 13, 2020

When operating aircraft above the Arctic Circle (66.5° N latitude) there are certain hazards to be aware of. We decided to take a look at what aircraft are best suited for Arctic flight.A huge problem with flying in the Arctic is not just icing, but the visual restrictions that are placed on pilots. During the spring and fall, whiteout or flat light can distort what a pilot sees. The horizon can suddenly disappear making objects appear as if they are floating in the air. This can make things like mountain ranges extremely difficult to judge.

Read More
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Spotlight

London City Airport

London City Airport (LCY) is the only airport situated in London itself three miles from Canary Wharf, seven miles from the City and 10 miles from London’s West End – linked to all via the LCY Docklands Light Railway station. Welcoming over 3 million passengers in 2014, LCY is not only uniquely convenient, but offers a uniquely rapid transit, through check-in and security to the departure lounge and gate, of around 20 minutes.

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Avelo Airlines' First International Service Takes Flight From Lansing Through Apple Vacations Partnership

PR Newswire | January 27, 2024

Avelo Airlines' first international service takes flight this weekend from Lansing's Capital Region International Airport (LAN) in partnership with Apple Vacations. The partnership's new scheduled public charter service will serve three international destinations from LAN. Avelo and Apple Vacations offer nonstop flights and vacation packages between LAN and three tropical international destinations: Cancun, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic beginning tomorrow, Jan. 27 through April 3, 2024. Booking information and specific flight dates and times can be found at AppleVacations.com. Beginning Jan. 27: Lansing to Cancun International Airport (CUN) – three times weekly on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays Beginning Feb. 2: Lansing to Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport (MBJ) – one time weekly on Fridays Beginning Jan. 28: Lansing to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) – two times weekly on Sundays and Thursdays Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said, "These three tropical destinations Avelo will operate for Apple Vacations from Lansing are the perfect debut of Avelo's international service. We look forward to offering the same reliable and friendly experience to Apple Vacations' Customers that we've been providing Avelo's Capital Region Customers since we took flight at LAN 15 months ago. Apple Vacations' selection of Avelo to operate their flights to these three popular destinations is a testament to positive reputation we've built in Michigan and across the country." Additionally, Avelo offers twice-weekly scheduled service between LAN and Orlando International Airport (MCO). Avelo is the only airline offering nonstop service between LAN and MCO. Nonstop service to Orlando can be booked at AveloAir.com. Since Avelo began service at LAN on October 26, 2022, the airline has flown over 30,000 Customers on nearly 300 flights. Avelo also leads LAN in reliability with a 100% completion factor, meaning there have been no Avelo cancellations at LAN since the airline inaugurated served there 15 months ago. Capital Region Airport Authority President and CEO Nicole Noll-Williams said, "We are thrilled that Apple Vacations is back at LAN for our 2024 international season. And we couldn't be more excited that Apple selected Avelo Airlines to operate these flights with their exceptional track record for reliable and friendly service. These nonstop flights to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica for 2024 are another reminder that LAN is a gateway to popular vacation destinations around the world – and it's not too late to book your trip!" America's Most Convenient Airline Avelo was founded to Inspire Travel by saving its Customers time and money. Since taking flight on April 28, 2021, Avelo has flown 4.2 million Customers on over 30,000 flights. Today, Avelo serves 43 destinations in 23 states and Puerto Rico. Along the way, Avelo has unlocked a new era of convenience, choice and competition by flying unserved routes to primarily underserved communities across the country. Every Avelo flight is nonstop, and at least one airport on every Avelo flight is a small, easy to use airport – making every Avelo journey easier and more enjoyable. Avelo is distinguished by its reliability. In 2023, Avelo achieved the lowest flight cancellation rate and the second-best on-time performance in the U.S. airline industry. Avelo Customers can always change or cancel their itineraries with no extra fees. Additionally, families can travel with ease knowing every child 13 and under will always be automatically seated with an accompanying adult at no additional cost. Additionally, Avelo offers advanced seat assignments for sale. One third of its seats are extra leg room seats, ranging from 32 inches to more than 36 inches, offering a more comfortable experience for Customers who value more space. In addition to advance seat assignments, Avelo offers several unbundled travel-enhancing options that give Customers the flexibility to pay only for what they value, including priority boarding, checked bags, carry-on overhead bags, and bringing a pet in the cabin.

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Aviation Technology

Jet Linx Expands Private Aviation Footprint with New Base in Salt Lake City

Jet Linx | January 03, 2024

Jet Linx, a locally-focused private aviation company, announced its 22nd location at Salt Lake City International Airport. With established Base locations in Denver and Scottsdale, the new Salt Lake City Base strengthens the Company's presence in the Mountain West region and provides localized private jet services to Aircraft Owners and Jet Card Members throughout Utah. "We're thrilled to bring Jet Linx's extraordinary standard of customer service to Aircraft Owners and Jet Card Members in the Salt Lake City area," said Brent Wouters, Jet Linx CEO. "Salt Lake City and the great state of Utah attracts national and international visitors year-round and we look forward to serving as Salt Lake City's most trusted resource for private jet travel and Aircraft Management services." The establishment of Jet Linx's Salt Lake City Base is emblematic of the Company's continued national growth. Jet Linx opened its first private terminal in 1999 in Omaha, NE. In the 24 years since, the Company has expanded to 22 Bases nationwide. In addition to growing Base locations, Jet Linx continually invests in its operations to provide its customers with state-of-the-art facilities and the highest quality customer experience. In 2022, Jet Linx Scottsdale moved to a new, purpose-built facility in response to increasing local demand. "We're singularly focused on providing the highest quality, customized, local service to our customers supported by our national infrastructure and economies of scale," said Dan Pasque, Jet Linx Regional Base President. "We look forward to providing the Salt Lake City market access to our fleet of 100+ aircraft, while engaging one-on-one with our expert team based right at their home airport to meet their aviation needs." The Company plans for further national expansion as part of it's strategic growth initiative to increase fleet size and grow Jet Card clientele. In 2024, the Company will celebrate its 25th year in business.

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Aerospace

Spirit Airlines Strengthens Houston Ties With New Aircraft Maintenance Facility

Spirit Airlines | April 21, 2022

Spirit Airlines today announced a commitment to deepen its roots in Houston with the addition of an aircraft maintenance facility at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The facility, located along John F. Kennedy Boulevard, will serve as a large aircraft maintenance hangar with offices and warehousing for the Spirit Technical Operations team when it begins its first phase of operations. The maintenance complex includes two aircraft bays and ramp space for up to four aircraft, as well as warehouse, shops, and office space, and adds an important geographical location to complement Spirit's maintenance hub in Detroit. Spirit plans to staff the facility with more than 50 Houston-based Team Members to maintain and service Spirit's growing fleet, which is planned to gain 24 new planes this year for a projected fleet-wide total of 197 by the end of 2022, and 33 more planes projected for delivery in 2023. As Spirit's network expands, this additional maintenance capacity will be located a short flight away from several of Spirit's busiest stations. "Maintaining our Spirit Fit Fleet® in top condition is a priority for us every day, and we've picked the perfect additional location for our stellar Technical Operations team as they support our on-going growth. We're proud to bring the values and commitment to excellence that earned our team the FAA's Aviation Maintenance Technician Diamond Award of Excellence to Houston. Thank you to the IAH team for the great 10-year partnership, and we look forward to adding jobs and new maintenance capacity as we grow our presence in the community." John Bendoraitis, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Spirit Airlines "Houston's strong economic outlook makes our city an attractive ally for corporate growth and expansion in a global marketplace," said Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner. "The new maintenance facility at Bush Airport will add quality jobs in our community. We value Spirit Airlines' commitment to Houston, as they continue to expand services in our city and invest in our workforce." "Spirit Airlines will enhance their overall daily operations at Bush Airport by adding this new facility," said Director of Houston Airports Mario Diaz. "This will not only benefit passengers all over their network but will elevate the airport guest experience for those who fly out of Houston to the airline's multiple domestic and international destinations." About Spirit Airlines Spirit Airlines is committed to delivering the best value in the sky. We are the leader in providing customizable travel options starting with an unbundled fare. This allows our Guests to pay only for the options they choose — like bags, seat assignments and refreshments something we call Á La Smarte®. We make it possible for our Guests to venture further and discover more than ever before. Our Fit Fleet® is one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the U.S. We serve destinations throughout the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, and are dedicated to giving back and improving those communities.

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Aerospace, Aviation Technology, Airport Management

Avelo Airlines' First International Service Takes Flight From Lansing Through Apple Vacations Partnership

PR Newswire | January 27, 2024

Avelo Airlines' first international service takes flight this weekend from Lansing's Capital Region International Airport (LAN) in partnership with Apple Vacations. The partnership's new scheduled public charter service will serve three international destinations from LAN. Avelo and Apple Vacations offer nonstop flights and vacation packages between LAN and three tropical international destinations: Cancun, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic beginning tomorrow, Jan. 27 through April 3, 2024. Booking information and specific flight dates and times can be found at AppleVacations.com. Beginning Jan. 27: Lansing to Cancun International Airport (CUN) – three times weekly on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays Beginning Feb. 2: Lansing to Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport (MBJ) – one time weekly on Fridays Beginning Jan. 28: Lansing to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) – two times weekly on Sundays and Thursdays Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said, "These three tropical destinations Avelo will operate for Apple Vacations from Lansing are the perfect debut of Avelo's international service. We look forward to offering the same reliable and friendly experience to Apple Vacations' Customers that we've been providing Avelo's Capital Region Customers since we took flight at LAN 15 months ago. Apple Vacations' selection of Avelo to operate their flights to these three popular destinations is a testament to positive reputation we've built in Michigan and across the country." Additionally, Avelo offers twice-weekly scheduled service between LAN and Orlando International Airport (MCO). Avelo is the only airline offering nonstop service between LAN and MCO. Nonstop service to Orlando can be booked at AveloAir.com. Since Avelo began service at LAN on October 26, 2022, the airline has flown over 30,000 Customers on nearly 300 flights. Avelo also leads LAN in reliability with a 100% completion factor, meaning there have been no Avelo cancellations at LAN since the airline inaugurated served there 15 months ago. Capital Region Airport Authority President and CEO Nicole Noll-Williams said, "We are thrilled that Apple Vacations is back at LAN for our 2024 international season. And we couldn't be more excited that Apple selected Avelo Airlines to operate these flights with their exceptional track record for reliable and friendly service. These nonstop flights to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica for 2024 are another reminder that LAN is a gateway to popular vacation destinations around the world – and it's not too late to book your trip!" America's Most Convenient Airline Avelo was founded to Inspire Travel by saving its Customers time and money. Since taking flight on April 28, 2021, Avelo has flown 4.2 million Customers on over 30,000 flights. Today, Avelo serves 43 destinations in 23 states and Puerto Rico. Along the way, Avelo has unlocked a new era of convenience, choice and competition by flying unserved routes to primarily underserved communities across the country. Every Avelo flight is nonstop, and at least one airport on every Avelo flight is a small, easy to use airport – making every Avelo journey easier and more enjoyable. Avelo is distinguished by its reliability. In 2023, Avelo achieved the lowest flight cancellation rate and the second-best on-time performance in the U.S. airline industry. Avelo Customers can always change or cancel their itineraries with no extra fees. Additionally, families can travel with ease knowing every child 13 and under will always be automatically seated with an accompanying adult at no additional cost. Additionally, Avelo offers advanced seat assignments for sale. One third of its seats are extra leg room seats, ranging from 32 inches to more than 36 inches, offering a more comfortable experience for Customers who value more space. In addition to advance seat assignments, Avelo offers several unbundled travel-enhancing options that give Customers the flexibility to pay only for what they value, including priority boarding, checked bags, carry-on overhead bags, and bringing a pet in the cabin.

Read More

Aviation Technology

Jet Linx Expands Private Aviation Footprint with New Base in Salt Lake City

Jet Linx | January 03, 2024

Jet Linx, a locally-focused private aviation company, announced its 22nd location at Salt Lake City International Airport. With established Base locations in Denver and Scottsdale, the new Salt Lake City Base strengthens the Company's presence in the Mountain West region and provides localized private jet services to Aircraft Owners and Jet Card Members throughout Utah. "We're thrilled to bring Jet Linx's extraordinary standard of customer service to Aircraft Owners and Jet Card Members in the Salt Lake City area," said Brent Wouters, Jet Linx CEO. "Salt Lake City and the great state of Utah attracts national and international visitors year-round and we look forward to serving as Salt Lake City's most trusted resource for private jet travel and Aircraft Management services." The establishment of Jet Linx's Salt Lake City Base is emblematic of the Company's continued national growth. Jet Linx opened its first private terminal in 1999 in Omaha, NE. In the 24 years since, the Company has expanded to 22 Bases nationwide. In addition to growing Base locations, Jet Linx continually invests in its operations to provide its customers with state-of-the-art facilities and the highest quality customer experience. In 2022, Jet Linx Scottsdale moved to a new, purpose-built facility in response to increasing local demand. "We're singularly focused on providing the highest quality, customized, local service to our customers supported by our national infrastructure and economies of scale," said Dan Pasque, Jet Linx Regional Base President. "We look forward to providing the Salt Lake City market access to our fleet of 100+ aircraft, while engaging one-on-one with our expert team based right at their home airport to meet their aviation needs." The Company plans for further national expansion as part of it's strategic growth initiative to increase fleet size and grow Jet Card clientele. In 2024, the Company will celebrate its 25th year in business.

Read More

Aerospace

Spirit Airlines Strengthens Houston Ties With New Aircraft Maintenance Facility

Spirit Airlines | April 21, 2022

Spirit Airlines today announced a commitment to deepen its roots in Houston with the addition of an aircraft maintenance facility at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The facility, located along John F. Kennedy Boulevard, will serve as a large aircraft maintenance hangar with offices and warehousing for the Spirit Technical Operations team when it begins its first phase of operations. The maintenance complex includes two aircraft bays and ramp space for up to four aircraft, as well as warehouse, shops, and office space, and adds an important geographical location to complement Spirit's maintenance hub in Detroit. Spirit plans to staff the facility with more than 50 Houston-based Team Members to maintain and service Spirit's growing fleet, which is planned to gain 24 new planes this year for a projected fleet-wide total of 197 by the end of 2022, and 33 more planes projected for delivery in 2023. As Spirit's network expands, this additional maintenance capacity will be located a short flight away from several of Spirit's busiest stations. "Maintaining our Spirit Fit Fleet® in top condition is a priority for us every day, and we've picked the perfect additional location for our stellar Technical Operations team as they support our on-going growth. We're proud to bring the values and commitment to excellence that earned our team the FAA's Aviation Maintenance Technician Diamond Award of Excellence to Houston. Thank you to the IAH team for the great 10-year partnership, and we look forward to adding jobs and new maintenance capacity as we grow our presence in the community." John Bendoraitis, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Spirit Airlines "Houston's strong economic outlook makes our city an attractive ally for corporate growth and expansion in a global marketplace," said Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner. "The new maintenance facility at Bush Airport will add quality jobs in our community. We value Spirit Airlines' commitment to Houston, as they continue to expand services in our city and invest in our workforce." "Spirit Airlines will enhance their overall daily operations at Bush Airport by adding this new facility," said Director of Houston Airports Mario Diaz. "This will not only benefit passengers all over their network but will elevate the airport guest experience for those who fly out of Houston to the airline's multiple domestic and international destinations." About Spirit Airlines Spirit Airlines is committed to delivering the best value in the sky. We are the leader in providing customizable travel options starting with an unbundled fare. This allows our Guests to pay only for the options they choose — like bags, seat assignments and refreshments something we call Á La Smarte®. We make it possible for our Guests to venture further and discover more than ever before. Our Fit Fleet® is one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the U.S. We serve destinations throughout the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, and are dedicated to giving back and improving those communities.

Read More

Events