Category: Aerospace (Page 3 of 72)

Airbus partners for hydrogen aviation in Sweden and Norway

February 1, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Stockholm, Sweden, January 31, 2024 – Airbus, Avinor, SAS, Swedavia and Vattenfall have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to investigate the feasibility of a hydrogen infrastructure at airports in Sweden and Norway.

This cooperation will provide better understanding of hydrogen aircraft concepts and operations, supply, infrastructures and refueling needs at airports in order to help develop this hydrogen aviation ecosystem in both countries. The work will also identify the pathways to select which airports will be transformed first to operate hydrogen-powered aircraft in both countries as well as the accompanying regulatory framework.

This is the first time that a feasibility study of this kind covers two countries and more than 50 airports. It reflects the partners’ shared ambition to use their respective expertise to support the decarbonisation of the aviation industry and to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Airbus also launched the “Hydrogen Hub at Airports” program to jumpstart research into infrastructure requirements and low-carbon airport operations, across the entire value chain. To date agreements have been signed with partners and airports in ten countries including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Korean Air gets approval from Japan on Asiana merger

February 1, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) approved Korean Air’s business combination with Asiana Airlines, marking a significant milestone in the two airlines’ merger process. To date, Korean Air has received approvals from 12 of 14 competition authorities.

The approval process commenced in January 2021, when Korean Air submitted its intent to the JFTC. Subsequently, a comprehensive initial report containing market and economic analysis was submitted in August 2021. Korean Air has proactively engaged in dialogues with all concerned parties to address various concerns raised by the JFTC.

The JFTC requested for Korean Air to submit remedies on select routes between Korea and Japan where the combined market share of Korean Air, Asiana Airlines and its respective subsidiaries (Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul) would limit competition.

After discussion, the JFTC concluded that five of the 12 overlapping routes on the network were not subject to competition review. In addressing the remaining concerns, the airline has decided to cede a limited number of slots on seven routes, should “remedy takers” decide to operate on them. These routes include Seoul-Osaka, Sapporo, Nagoya, Fukuoka, as well as Busan-Osaka, Sapporo, and Fukuoka.

The JFTC also raised competition concerns about the Korea-Japan cargo network. However, with the decision to divest Asiana’s cargo business, the JFTC limited its request for the airline to enter into a cargo block space agreement (BSA) on select routes from Japan to Korea. The divestiture of Asiana’s cargo business is subject to the approval of all remaining competition authorities, and will occur after Asiana Airlines is incorporated as a subsidiary of Korean Air.

Since January 2021, Korean Air has filed business combination reports with a total of 14 competition authorities. A total of 12 authorities including Japan, have either approved the combination or concluded the review on the grounds that the business combination was not subject to review or report. Korean Air is committed to constructive dialogue with the remaining authorities – the EU and U.S. – to obtain approvals at the earliest opportunity.

Ryanair agrees on new partnership deal with OTA kiwi.com

January 29, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

KIWI GUARANTEE NO OVERCHARGING FOR RYANAIR FLIGHTS/ANCILLARIES

Following the recent approved partnership between Ryanair Holdings PLC (Ireland: RYA) and OTA, loveholidays.com. Ryanair today (Monday, January 29) announced a new partnership agreement with approved OTA, Kiwi.com, which guarantees that Kiwi will now have direct access to the Ryanair.com website without screenscraping, and Kiwi agree to provide their customers with low Ryanair prices for flights and ancillaries, and will see Kiwi provide the direct accurate customer contact and payment details to Ryanair.

This new approved OTA deal means that Kiwi customers can now buy Ryanair flights/ancillaries at real prices (without mark-ups) via the Kiwi.com website, and Kiwi customers will have direct access to their myRyanair account and will receive all Ryanair flight info directly to their email from Ryanair. Kiwi customers will no longer need to complete Ryanair’s customer verification process which unauthorised OTA Pirates’ customers must continue to do.

In addition to these benefits, this deal also allows customers to enjoy Kiwi virtual interline service which allows customers to book connecting flights, but if they miss their connection flight, Kiwi will reaccommodate passengers free of charge on the next available flight.

Ryanair has long campaigned for all consumers to be protected from OTA Pirate overcharges and pricing scams, and an end to fake customer contact and payment info. This approved OTA partnership with Kiwi demonstrates how OTAs can work with Ryanair in a transparent way that eliminates the need for anti-consumer practices while giving Kiwi.com passengers direct access to Ryanair’s low prices with no overcharges or price scams.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Lockheed Martin delivers 75th APY-9 radar for E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

January 29, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Syracuse, New York, January 29, 2024 – Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT), under contract to Northrop Grumman for the U.S. Navy’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, has delivered the 75^th APY-9 radar that provides the U.S. Navy with information dominance through revolutionary sensor capability. More Hawkeyes have been built and delivered than any other AEW platform in the world.

The newest Advanced Hawkeye variant is at the forefront of technological capability, due in large part to Lockheed Martin’s APY-9 radar. The Northrop Grumman-built E-2 has come to be known as the U.S. Navy’s “eyes of the fleet” because of its ability to simultaneously watch over air, land and sea. Any time a Navy carrier has aircraft airborne, there is an APY-9 radar at work, guarding the United States and its allies.

On Time and On Task

The U.S. Navy has funded 80 out of 86 aircraft in the current program of record. Japan has purchased 18 E-2D Hawkeyes and France has purchased three. With U.S. and international demand, the APY-9 is expected to be in production into the late 2020’s, and in modernization and sustainment well into the 2040’s.

Click the link below to read the full press release!

Lockheed Martin APY-9 Radar

Forward-Looking Statements

Eve announces list of eVTOL suppliers

January 29, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Melbourne, Florida, January 29, 2024 – Eve Air Mobility (NYSE: EVEX) has named four additional suppliers for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Thales will supply a proven air data solution, comprising sensors and a computer while Honeywell (NYSE: HON) will supply guidance, navigation and external lighting for the aircraft. RECARO Aircraft Seating will supply the eVTOL’s seats and FACC will supply the horizontal and vertical tail including the rudder and elevator.

Honeywell will supply guidance and navigation products including magnetometers, GPS-aided attitude & heading reference systems, and inertial reference systems built upon decades of engineering and manufacturing experience. These systems will relay and aid the pilots and other onboard systems to ensure safe and efficient flight. The company will also supply external lighting for the aircraft.

Thales will supply a proven air data solution, comprising sensors and computer, which gather critical data such as airspeed, altitude and environmental conditions. The solution then relays the information to pilots and onboard systems to ensure safe and efficient flight in all weather conditions.

RECARO Aircraft Seating, a global supplier of premium aircraft seats for airlines, OEMs and eVTOL aircraft, was selected to design, certify and produce the four passenger seats and one pilot seat for the aircraft. RECARO is widely recognized for product innovation, award-winning customer service and commitment to reliability, efficiency and sustainable practices.

FACC was selected to lead the development and production of the eVTOL’s horizontal and vertical tail including its rudder, elevator and the aircraft’s aileron. FACC is recognized for its production of lightweight components relying on innovative manufacturing techniques and technology.

These new suppliers are in addition to Garmin (NYSE: GRMN), Liebherr Aerospace and Intergalactic that were announced in October and Nidec Aerospace LLC, a joint venture between Japan’s Nidec Corporation and Brazil’s Embraer SA (B3: EMBR3), BAE Systems PLC (London: BAES) and DUC Hélices Propellers which were announced at the Paris Air Show this past summer.

Forward-Looking Statements

Malaysia Aviation Group to add 12 Aircraft in 2024

January 28, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Sepang, Selanger, Malasia, January 29, 2024 – As part of its ongoing fleet modernisation plan, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is set to induct 12 new aircraft in 2024, including its first Airbus 330-900 (A330neo) which is scheduled to arrive in the third quarter of 2024. The Group is looking to receive four of the new aircraft type this year, alongside eight Boeing 737-8 aircraft to support its network growth requirements.

In August 2022, MAG signed Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) with Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Avolon for the acquisition of 20 A330neo aircraft which are scheduled to be delivered through 2028. 10 of the aircraft are directly purchased from Airbus with a back-to-back sale and leaseback arrangement with Avolon, while the remaining 10 are leased directly from Avolon. The acquisition underscores the Group’s steadfast commitment as it seeks to provide modernity and elevate the standards of its service offerings, while ensuring that it can support the post-pandemic growth of the aviation industry.

With the introduction of these new seats, Malaysia Airlines is poised to become the flagship carrier in the world to feature the Elevation seats on the A330 airframe. The A330neo will comprise of 297 seats (28 in Business Class and 269 in Economy Class, of which 24 seats come with extra legroom).

Avelo attends new terminal groundbreaking at Hollywood Burbank Airport

January 27, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Burbank, California, January 25, 2024 — Avelo Airlines was among the attendees at the Los Angeles Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) groundbreaking of the airport’s new terminal last Thursday.

The 355,000 square-foot facility will replace Hollywood Burbank’s current 94-year-old terminal utilized by Avelo and eight other airlines. BUR’s new terminal will have 14 gates, a variety of options for dining and shopping, more space to move about, and an upgraded TSA checkpoint, among other features.

Key speakers included Hollywood Burbank Airport’s Executive Director Frank Miller, President of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority Felicia Williams and Rep. Tony Cardenas, who represents California’s 29th congressional district. Avelo’s Director of Airport Relations Somer Shindler represented Avelo at the ceremony.

Avelo Airlines route map 01/25/2024

Airbus and Tata to set up first helicopter Final Assembly Line in India

January 26, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

New Delhi, India, January 26, 2024 – In a major boost to ‘Make in India’, Airbus Group SE (Paris: AIR) Helicopters has announced that it is partnering with the Tata Group to establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters in the country. The FAL will produce Airbus’ best-selling H125 helicopter from its civil range for India and export to some of the neighbouring countries.

The FAL will be the first instance of the private sector setting up a helicopter manufacturing facility in India, providing a major boost to the Government of India’s ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) programme. Under this partnership, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of Tata Group, will set up the facility along with Airbus Helicopters.

The announcement was made during the two-day visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India as Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26.

The FAL in India will undertake the integration of the major component assemblies, avionics and mission systems, installation of electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel system and the engine. It will also do testing, qualification, and delivery of the H125 to customers in India and the region. The FAL will take 24 months to set up and deliveries of the first ‘Made in India’ H125s are expected to commence in 2026. The location of the FAL will be jointly decided by Airbus and the Tata Group.

Forward-Looking Statements

Archer Aviation and NASA sign Space Act Agreement on EVTOL Technology

January 24, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

New York City, January, 2024 – Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR), a leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, today announced it has signed a Space Act Agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The collaboration will kick off with an initial project focused on studying high-performance battery cells and safety testing targeted for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and space applications.

Archer believes that while the supply chain for electric vehicles in the U.S. is maturing, the supply chain for electric aircraft remains nascent not just here in the U.S., but globally, so this testing will help push progress forward. NASA’s goal is to test Archer’s battery cell and system design and share the results to push the entire AAM industry forward. Maturing battery technology is anticipated to be a key enabling factor for the mass production and adoption of electric aviation.

Archer plans to deliver a high-performing battery pack with leading levels of safety to its Midnight electric air taxi, validating that these cells are tailor made for aerospace applications, including electric vertical take off and landing (eVTOL), electric conventional take off and landing (eCTOL) aircraft and potential usage in space.

Forward-Looking Statements

Lufthansa equips more short and medium haul aircraft with broadband Internet

January 24, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Chat with your loved ones at an altitude of 10,000 meters, shop online while travelling or use the company VPN above the clouds without limits: In future, all passengers travelling on European routes will have the reliable option of using Wi-Fi on board. Deutsche Lufthansa AG (Xetra: LHAG) will therefore continue to equip its short and medium-haul aircraft with broadband Internet on three of its airlines this year. The plan is to fully equip all aircraft in the Airbus A220/320 family (A220, A319, A320ceo, A320neo, A321ceo, A321neo) operated by Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and now also SWISS, in total more than 150 aircraft.

The installation of the system will begin at all airlines from the fourth quarter of 2024 and will be completed after around two years. After Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and Eurowings, SWISS will thus be the next airline in the Lufthansa Group to introduce in-flight internet for its passengers on short- and medium-haul aircraft. Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and Eurowings have been offering their passengers broadband internet on many short- and medium-haul flights since 2017.

New is that Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines are now offering their guests unlimited free messaging on aircraft already equipped with internet access. Travellers can send and receive as many messages as they like on their own smartphone or tablet free of charge during the flight. The prerequisite for using this service is logging into FlyNet with a Miles & More service card number or with an e-mail address registered with the Lufthansa Group Travel ID. For all other onboard Internet packages, such as the faster Premium access, now available from just six euros, the price was reduced by almost 50 per cent at the beginning of the year.

The use of the Lufthansa Group Airlines apps and many services in the FlyNet portal of Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines, in the Wings Connect portal of Eurowings and in future also in the SWISS Connect portal are generally free of charge in all Airbus A220/A320 aircraft equipped with broadband Internet. Depending on the airline, guests can follow their flight live on the moving map, for example, receive information on connecting flights, use the chat assistant for service questions, download e-journals, browse the Worldshop or view the onboard menu.

Forward-Looking Statements

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