Air Transport

CAE and Volocopter will Collaborate to Create the Golbal Air Taxi Pilot Workforce of the Future

CAE, a global leader in aviation training, and Volocopter, a pioneer in urban air mobility (UAM), announced today the signing of a strategic partnership to develop, certify, and deploy an innovative pilot training program for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) operations, subject to final agreement. This eVTOL pilot training program, a first in the industry, will develop the pilot workforce of the future and ensure the safe introduction of eVTOL operations globally by leveraging CAE's advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), data analytics, and Volocopter's leading understanding of requirements for integration into the UAM ecos.

UAM is a new segment of the aviation industry that focuses on aerial connectivity in and around cities. The VoloCity, VoloConnect, and VoloDrone families of electric aircraft are intended to alleviate today's heavily fossil-fueled inner-city traffic for both people (VoloCity, VoloConnect) and cargo (VoloDrone). The VoloCity, the company's first commercial eVTOL aircraft, is well into its certification procedure with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and is on track to begin service in time for the 2024 Olympics Paris. Volocopter intends to offer its services in a number of locations across the world over the next five years due to existing agreements and collaborations with global giants such as Daimler, Aéroports de Paris, Microsoft Azure, and now CAE. Volocopter is dedicated to achieving the highest global safety standards for its aircraft and operations.

CAE intends to spend up to US$40 million in extending its global training network to satisfy Volocopter's anticipated pilot demand in the early years of operation. CAE will deploy training equipment and instructors in tandem with Volocopter's expansion. As part of the deal, Volocopter will acquire a simulator from CAE for use in the certification of its pilot training program. As Volocopter's courseware provider, CAE will develop new, student-centric courseware especially intended for future pilots and provide pilot trainees personalized tools that allow faster, more efficient pilot training.

According to CAE's Advanced Air Mobility white paper, which was released this month (link), advanced air mobility will result in an additional spike in demand for pilots, with an estimated 60,000 pilots required within the first decade of operation. As a result, Volocopter and CAE will collaborate closely to secure regulatory clearance for their future pilot training program.

About Volocopter
Volocopter is creating the world's first sustainable and scalable urban air mobility business to provide cheap air taxi services to megacities across the globe. The VoloCity is the company's first completely electric "eVTOL" aircraft under certification, designed to transport passengers securely and quietly inside cities. Volocopter leads and collaborates with infrastructure, operations, and air traffic management partners to create the ecosystem required to 'Bring Urban Air Mobility to Life.'

Volocopter, founded in 2011 by Stephan Wolf and Alexander Zosel, employs 400 employees across locations in Bruchsal, Munich, and Singapore. The company has raised €322 million in equity. Daimler, Geely, DB Schenker, BlackRock, and Intel Capital are among the investors in Volocopter.

About CAE
CAE is a high-tech firm on the leading edge of digital immersion, offering solutions to make the world a safer place. We continue to reinvent the customer experience and modernize training and operational support solutions in civil aviation, defense and security, and healthcare, backed by a track record of more than 70 years of industry firsts. As a result, we are the preferred partner for customers all over the globe that operate in complex, high-stakes, and heavily regulated settings where successful outcomes are critical. Over 60% of CAE's revenue is recurring, demonstrating our customers' ongoing need for our solutions. With more than 10,000 workers, 160 sites, and training locations in over 35 countries, we have the largest worldwide presence in our industry.

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Air Transport, Cargo Management, Airport Management

Delta Cargo launches e-commerce solution DeliverDirect in collaboration with SmartKargo

PR Newswire | February 01, 2024

Delta Cargo is excited to announce the launch of its newest product, DeliverDirect, developed in collaboration with SmartKargo. DeliverDirect is a door-to-door delivery service for the U.S. market, offering a competitive and customizable solution for e-commerce retailers seeking to optimize their direct-to-consumer shipping solutions. With DeliverDirect, Delta Cargo pioneers an innovative domestic carrier approach, providing swift service with transparent pricing for e-commerce and small parcel delivery. From initial warehouse pickup to delivery at the end consumer's doorstep, DeliverDirect is a fast, seamless, end-to-end service that upgrades traditional ground or air shipping services utilized by most current e-tailers. Small package shippers will benefit from increased shipping speeds, an uncomplicated pricing structure, proactive alert management, transparent tracking and reporting, and access to Delta's vast domestic network. "We are thrilled to introduce DeliverDirect, our new offer for the small parcel delivery market," shared Alison Ricker, Managing Director, Delta Cargo Global Sales. "Through our strategic collaboration with SmartKargo, DeliverDirect gives e-tailers an alternative transportation solution that fits their customers' requirements, and we envision that this service will prove to be a fast, reliable and cost-effective solution." The DeliverDirect offering can be tailored to shippers' needs with a variety of service innovations that empower customers to customize according to their unique preferences. These service innovations include: personalized pick-up times, geo-fenced notifications for consumers, multiple delivery attempts, signature-required deliveries, proof of delivery with photos, and access to advanced reporting features for a complete comprehensive service that aligns seamlessly with a variety of needs. "E-commerce shippers are looking for simple, faster and more reliable alternatives to deliver their products to consumers. Delta Cargo has a vision for small package delivery that will transform the U.S. market and continue to diversify their already robust offering in the air cargo market. Their innovative approach makes them a fantastic partner for SmartKargo, and we look forward to growing this service together," stated Milind Tavshikar, CEO and Founder of SmartKargo.

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Aerospace, Defense and Space, Aviation Technology

Liberty Defense Announces First Sale of HEXWAVE to an International Airport in Asia Pacific

Newswire | January 22, 2024

Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. a leading technology provider of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based next generation detection solutions for protecting secure locations against prohibited weapons and other threats, is pleased to announce that the HEXWAVE™ system will be deployed at an international airport in the Philippines. The sale was made by the Company's international distributor and deployment is scheduled for summer of 2024. The screening will be at the forecourt of the airport to screen people entering the terminal. Liberty's HEXWAVE product, a next generation, walkthrough, contactless threat detection system for concealed metallic and non-metallic objects, uses AI to provide automated decisions to security operators to process people at speed. The company started shipping HEXWAVE to customers in September 2023 and the backlog of systems has grown to over 30 systems. "We continue to see an increase in demand from airports on a global basis for enhanced screening at various checkpoints and entrances," said Bill Frain, CEO of Liberty Defense. "In addition to screening for aviation workers, airports are taking advantage of HEXWAVE's mobility and scanning individuals as they enter the terminal as part of an added and layered security approach." For updates and news, please visit the Company website to subscribe to email alerts or follow Liberty Defense on social channels.

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Aerospace, Aviation Technology

WestJet adding to fleet in 2025 through leasing of five new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft

Newswire | January 24, 2024

WestJet today announced the acquisition of five brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 to its fleet, adding to the airline's already significant multi-billion-dollar investment in its orderbook. The airline expects to receive delivery of the aircraft in early 2025, after recently completing leasing agreements with China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (CDB Aviation) for three aircraft and international aircraft leasing company, Avolon for two aircraft. "We are adding these five aircraft to our 737 MAX family very soon and look forward to this additional capacity enhancing our already forecasted fleet expansion, further enabling our execution of providing affordable and diverse air travel options for our guests," said Mike Scott, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. "As Canada's coast-to-coast leisure champion and western home carrier, the continued expansion of our fleet in tandem with our low-cost foundation is a key accelerator of our growth strategy. Combined with its existing order book, WestJet will now receive as many as 22 brand new Boeing 737 MAX airplanes before the end of 2025, and up to 62 additional airplanes of this type before the end of 2028. This makes WestJet's narrowbody orderbook the largest of any Canadian airline. "CDB Aviation values our expanding relationship with WestJet and we are pleased to be able to support the airline's fleet expansion in an environmentally friendly manner as we lease these three new fuel-efficient B737-8 aircraft direct from our orderbook," stated Jie Chen, CDB Aviation's Chief Executive Officer. "We're delighted to be expanding on our strong relationship with Westjet and are pleased to support WestJet's fleet expansion needs from our Boeing orderbook," said Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Avolon. "We expect to see continued growth for the aviation sector in the coming years, including in North America, and are excited to provide a fleet solution to a strategic customer in the region."

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Commercial Aviation, Cargo Management

B&H Worldwide Secures Vital Logistics Contract with Flair Airlines

EIN Presswire | January 29, 2024

B&H Worldwide, a global leader in aerospace and aviation logistics, is delighted to announce the successful acquisition of a new contract with Flair Airlines, a leading Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta. Flair Airlines, known for its scheduled passenger and chartered services with a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, has selected B&H Worldwide as its trusted logistics partner. Under this agreement, B&H Worldwide will provide critical support to Flair Airlines, including Aircraft on Ground (AOG) assistance, Import/Export Clearance, and deliveries. The scope of the partnership extends to cover key regions, with a focus on Canada, the USA, and Australia. Gary Wilson, Group Managing Director of B&H Worldwide, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "We are honoured to have been chosen by Flair Airlines to provide logistics services. This partnership signifies our commitment to delivering high-quality solutions to the aerospace industry. B&H Worldwide is poised to support Flair Airlines' operations seamlessly and contribute to their success." To ensure a smooth and efficient import/export process, B&H Worldwide has developed a customized Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This SOP not only facilitates a streamlined logistics process but also outlines key contacts and support points tailored to Flair Airlines' specific needs. Furthermore, it establishes service standards that align with the airline's shipment requirements. Gary Wilson added, "Our bespoke service is a testament to our dedication to meeting the unique demands of Flair Airlines. We are committed to providing not only exceptional logistics services but also a partnership built on trust and collaboration." B&H Worldwide will leverage their philosophy of custom processes to support Flair Airlines in their logistics operations, working closely with their supply chain team. The first successful logistics project, a COMAT shipment, included a total of 17 pallets containing aviation parts (non-Dangerous Goods), 737 main wheels, 737 nose wheels, 737 brake in a clamshell, and Inflight training equipment. In a notable milestone, Flair Airlines loaded their own Boeing 737-800 MAX aircraft with materials destined for Australia. The 737-800 MAX aircraft departed from Calgary, Canada, and successfully landed in Coolangatta, Australia. B&H Worldwide played a crucial role in facilitating the clearance process in Australia. Vladan Nikolic, Director of Material Supply Chain for Flair Airlines, expressed his satisfaction with B&H Worldwide's performance, stating, "The B&H Australian team's professionalism and responsiveness during the first logistics project was impressive. We have full confidence in their capabilities, and I look forward to continued collaboration at this high service level." B&H Worldwide remains committed to delivering top-tier logistics solutions, and the partnership with Flair Airlines further solidifies the company's position as a trusted leader in aerospace and aviation logistics.

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