Category: Travel news (Page 10 of 174)

Solaris to deliver 105 more electric buses in Milan, Italy

December 28, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Solaris, a subsidarary of Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (Madrid: CAF), has concluded a new contract with the Italian transport operator ATM Milano for the supply of another 105 electric buses. The customer has in this occasion decided to purchase 18 metre long Urbino articulated units, to be delivered starting in the first half of 2025.

The relationship between Solaris and ATM in Milan began in 2014. Since then, the Italian operator has placed orders for some 500 vehicles. In fact, since 2018, Solaris has only supplied zero-emission vehicles to Milan, making the Milan-based company one of the European operators with the largest number of Solaris zero-emission vehicles. The success of this type of projects demonstrates the confidence of the Lombardy capital’s transport authorities in the CAF Group and confirms the Milanese operator’s intention to completely phase out diesel buses from its fleet by the end of 2030.

The chosen vehicle is the electric Urbino 18, a bus equipped with Solaris High Energy batteries with a total capacity of 700 kWh, which can be recharged either via pantograph or by plugging in. It should also be noted that the customer will be implementing a city infrastructure optimisation plan, which will allow the vehicles to be regularly recharged by means of chargers placed at strategic points along the route, thus guaranteeing virtually unlimited driving autonomy throughout the day.

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.

Virgin Galactic launches into 2024with January commercial flight window

December 28, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Orange County, California – Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE)* today announced the ‘Galactic 06’ flight window will open January 26, 2024. This will be the Company’s 11th spaceflight to date and will follow a year of unprecedented human spaceflight achievements that included six suborbital spaceflights in six months. Four private astronauts from three different countries will journey to space on Virgin Galactic’s sixth commercial spaceflight.

The private astronauts onboard the ‘Galactic 06’ mission will include:

Astronaut 023 – Private Astronaut from Ukraine and Las Vegas, United States
Astronaut 024 – Private Astronaut from Texas, United States
Astronaut 025 – Private Astronaut from Austria
Astronaut 026 – Private Astronaut from California, United States

The Virgin Galactic crew will include:

VSS Unity Commander CJ Sturckow and pilot Nicola Pecile
VMS Eve Commander Michael Masucci and pilot Dan Alix

Watch the 2023 Virgin Galactic Year In Review video below!*

*Forward-Looking Statements

Azul announces $200M credit facility to finance engine maintenance

December 28, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Sao Paulo, Brazil, December 26, 2023 – Azul S.A. (NYSE: AZUL), the largest airline in Brazil by number of flights and cities served, announces that its subsidiaries Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras S.A. (“ALAB”) and Azul Investments LLP have received approval to access a new US$ 200 million secured credit facility. The facility will be used to finance engine maintenance of ALAB’s Embraer and Airbus fleet, performed by GE Celma Ltda. (a subsidiary of GE Aerospace). The Brazilian Guarantees Agency – ABGF (Agencia Brasileira Gestora de Fundos Garantidores e Garantias) was the rapporteur. The Export Financing and Guarantee Committee – COFIG (Comite de Financiamento e Garantia das Exportacoes) approved the transaction under the conditions presented by ABGF.

About Azul

Azul S.A. offers 1,000 daily flights to over 160 destinations. With an operating fleet of over 180 aircraft and more than 16,000 Crewmembers, the Company has a network of 300 non-stop routes as of September 2023. Azul was named by Cirium (leading aviation data analysis company) as the most on-time airline in the world in 2022, being the first
Brazilian airline to obtain this honor. In 2020, Azul was awarded best airline in the world by TripAdvisor, first time a Brazilian Flag Carrier earns number one ranking in the Traveler’s Choice Awards. For more information, please visit www.voeazul.com.br/ir

Forward-Looking Statements

Airbus delivers first aircraft from new final assembly line in Toulouse, France

December 28, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France, December 27, 2023 – Airbus Group SE (Paris: AIR) has successfully delivered its first Airbus A321neo assembled at its newest A320 Family Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse.

The A321neo, which will be operated by Pegasus Airlines, the leading low-cost carrier (LCC) in Turkey, is the first delivery from Airbus’ latest state-of-the-art production facility. Located in the former A380 “Jean-Luc Lagardere” building, the assembly line reflects Airbus’ commitment to modernise and meet the growing global demand for the A321neo, which now accounts for nearly 65% of Airbus’ A320 Family order backlog.

Pegasus Airlines’ current Airbus fleet stands at 93 aircraft, including 6 A320ceo, 46 A320neo and 41 A321neo. The airline also has 68 A321neo’s on order.

The delivery of the aircraft to Pegasus Airlines marks the start of the ramp-up of the new Toulouse FAL, which together with the other A320 Family FALs in Hamburg, Germany, Mobile, Alabama, USA, and Tianjin, China will contribute to Airbus’ objective of producing 75 A320 Family aircraft per month in 2026.

Forward-Looking Statements

South African Airways expands partnership with SunExpress

December 26, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Johannesburg, South Africa – South African Airways (SAA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SunExpress (a joint venture of Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines), to support the national carrier’s operations with four aircrafts in the 2024/2025 financial year.

The MoU is an add-on to the current six-month damp lease agreement, which was started in October this year and include the lease of two Boeing 737-800’s as well as maintenance and cockpit crew. The MoU was signed by SunExpress CEO Max Kownatzki and SAA CEO Prof. John Lamola at a joint press event in Johannesburg, on Thursday, 14^th December 2023.

In addition to plans to increase the number of damp lease aircraft, SAA and SunExpress are currently exploring options for a multi-year reciprocal capacity support and further cooperation with regards to maintenance, training and commercial support.

Bombardier announces firm order for 12 Challenger 3500 jets

December 26, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Bombardier Inc (OTC: BDRBF) has announced that the company received a firm order for 12 Challenger 3500 aircraft. The transaction for the firm order is valued at US$326.4 million based on list prices. The customer has chosen the super-midsize market leader for its outstanding performance, refined cabin and sustainably minded features.

The Challenger 3500 jet offers an unmatched in-flight experience to meet and exceed the expectations of the most discerning travelers. The aircraft’s flawless design provides an unparalleled cabin experience and elevates passengers’ comfort with Bombardier’s revolutionary Nuage seats and cutting-edge cabin technology. With an industry-leading dispatch reliability of over 99.8%, as well as outstanding range and runway performance, the Challenger 3500 aircraft offers the ultimate package, with access to the most remote locations while delivering Bombardier’s signature smooth ride from takeoff to landing.

Deliveries are set to begin in the second half of 2025.

Forward-Looking Statements

Hyatt Unbound Collection debuts Hotel Fluela Davos in the Swiss Alps

December 25, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Chicago, Illinois – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H), one of the world’s fastest-growing hospitality brands, announced today the opening of Hotel Flüela Davos, marking the latest development in Hyatt’s portfolio growth in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and the newest addition to The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand. Hotel Flüela Davos joins three existing Hyatt hotels in Switzerland and signals Hyatt’s continued commitment to growing its luxury brands in sought-after destinations in Europe.

Located in the heart of Davos, and against the backdrop of the majestic “Magic Mountain,” the hotel is a story-worthy symbol of Swiss heritage. Built at a time when stagecoaches were the primary mode of travel for merchants and postal services, Hotel Flüela extended its hospitality to weary travelers – a tradition that endures to this day. For 155 years, this cherished landmark has been an essential part of Davos’ journey from a secluded Alpine village to a world-renowned mountainside health resort and spa town, and eventually to a thriving global hub for business and leisure. Today, Hotel Flüela Davos offers worldly independent travelers Swiss Alpine comfort in a captivating luxury setting.

Forward-Looking Statements

Hahn Air partners with Air Moana

December 25, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Hahn Air welcomes Air Moana in its leading partner portfolio. Its flights are available in major GDSs under the Hahn Air Technologies X1 code. Travel agents in 190 markets worldwide can book the domestic airline from French Polynesia via the standard reservation process and issue tickets on the insolvency-safe HR-169 document.

Air Moana is a domestic carrier based at Papeete Faa’a Airport (PPT) in French Polynesia. It was founded in 2021 and it currently serves seven destinations with a fleet of two ATR72-600 aircraft.

More information about Air Moana and other Hahn Air partners is available under Partner Carriers.

Boom Supersonic selects Honeywell Anthem integrated flight

December 25, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Boom Supersonic, the company building the world’s fastest airliner, has selected the Honeywell International (Nasdaq: HON) Anthem integrated flight deck for its Overture aircraft. As part of the agreement between the two companies, Honeywell’s next-generation flight deck and its modular avionics platform will be incorporated into Overture.

The Honeywell Anthem flight deck will be tailored for Overture’s specific mission requirements, helping to enable exceptional situational awareness and enhanced safety. The advanced avionics interface provides continuity to Overture pilots from initial simulator-based flight training through to actual flights. Honeywell successfully completed the first flight of its Anthem integrated flight deck using its Pilatus PC-12 test aircraft in May 2023, paving the way for Federal Aviation Administration certification.

As a pioneer in integrated modular avionics, Honeywell has successfully matured multiple generations of flight deck technology. Honeywell’s unmatched expertise in the development and certification of large and complex avionics systems provides a foundation for the development and certification of a new generation of integrated avionics onboard Overture.

Forward-Looking Statements

Ethiopian Airlines and Citigroup Sign $450M Loan Agreement

December 25, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, today announce a landmark USD $450 million loan agreement that will finance five new Boeing (NYSE: BA) aircraft: three Boeing 737-8 and two Boeing 777F Cargo.

The loan will be secured against the value of the five planes and has been arranged exclusively by Citigroup (NYSE: C) Corporate Banking and Export Agency and Finance teams. It is guaranteed by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM).

The five new aircraft will bolster Ethiopian Airline’s fleet to 150 in total and delivery of all the aircraft will be completed in the U.S. state of Washington in December. The new arrivals will help Ethiopian serve all its destinations by accelerating its expansion throughout the world and will further bolster Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services’ position as Africa’s largest cargo network operator. Ethiopian Airlines has ambitions to grow its fleet to over 270 aircraft by 2035.

Forward-Looking Statements

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