Category: Environmental News (Page 17 of 49)

OBB orders another 35 new double-decker multiple units from Stadler

July 10, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) is once again ordering 35 new KISS double-decker multiple units from Stadler Rail AG (SWISS: SRIAF). In addition to 14 trains for long-distance services, Stadler is also supplying 21 KISS vehicles for local transport. The order is part of the framework agreement signed in 2022 for up to 186 double-decker multiple units. Including the first call-off, 76 vehicles were thus ordered. Thanks to its high degree of innovation and generous space, the KISS has impressed customers in 14 countries.

ÖBB and Stadler are continuing the joint replacement of the Austrian local and long-distance transport fleet. Last year, OBB called off 41 KISS double-decker multiple units from a framework agreement for 186 trains. OBB and Stadler have signed the contract for exercising the next option with a volume of around 600 million euros. This comprises a total of 35 new double-decker multiple units, 14 of which are six-car trains for long- distance services and 21 are four-car KISS vehicles for local transport. The deployment of the new trains is planned in stages from mid-2026.

The KISS double-deck multiple units ordered as part of the first call-off in April 2022 will go into assembly on schedule and are scheduled for service in the eastern region as of 2026. For Stadler, it is a great vote of confidence and proof of the good cooperation that OBB is already calling off such a high number of further trains in this project phase.

Maximum capacity for tomorrow’s rail transport

Since 2010, the KISS has been successfully operating as a local or long-distance train with a high passenger capacity from Western Europe to the Caspian Sea – and soon also in the USA. Since the first delivery, 620 double-deck trains have been sold in 14 countries. Under a wide range of climatic conditions, in climates from Silicon Valley to Azerbaijan, from suburban trains to long-distance transport, the KISS cover hundreds of thousands of kilometers every day. Hardly any other double-decker vehicle concept demonstrates such flexibility.

Alstom delivers the first cars to the Tren Maya railway project

July 10, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

July 10, 2023 – Alstom (OTC: ALSMY), global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has completed the delivery of the first train of the Tren Maya project to the Federal Government and Fondo Nacional de Fomento al Turismo (FONATUR). The cars are a depiction of Mexico’s art culture, reflecting the varied colours and textures of the region’s art. These first 4 cars will form the first of the 31 Xiinbal type of trains that Alstom will deliver to the project in different configurations, featuring large panoramic windows to allow passengers to enjoy scenic views.

The first cars departed Alstom’s manufacturing facility in Ciudad Sahagún, Hidalgo, on July 3rd. The four cars were wrapped and transported on special platforms, travelling 1,943 kilometres over five days until they reached the workshop and depot in Cancún. A team of experts has already started the meticulous unloading of the cars, after which they will assemble the cars to form the first train. Once assembled, the trains will undergo exhaustive testing to validate the functionality and safety of the different train components, prior to integration and testing with the rail infrastructure.

The Tren Maya project stands out not only for the latest mobility technologies included in the project but also for its representation of the history and culture of Mexico through the three different train designs. Each car is equipped with air conditioning, ergonomic and reclining seats, video surveillance systems and passenger information screens, with dedicated spaces for luggage storage. Since the floor is flat throughout, passengers with reduced mobility will have full liberty of movement. With these design features, combined with an ability to operate at a maximum speed of 160 km/h, the trains will deliver an efficient means of transport and excellent passenger experience.

These first cars also feature advanced digital technologies such as an automatic train control system (ERTMS) to provide optimal efficiency and high levels of safety and security, Further, Alstom will deploy HealthHub and TrainScanner, its digital solutions for condition-based and predictive maintenance, enabling continuous health and condition monitoring of different train components, signalling and infrastructure to guarantee the maximum reliability and availability of the trains, while optimising the lifecycle costs of each train.

Alstom is expected to complete the full deliver of all 42 X’trapolis trains (219 cars) in the last quarter of 2024.

Airbus inaugurates new Toulouse A320 Family final assembly line

July 10, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France, July 10, 2023 – Airbus (OTC: EADSY) has inaugurated its new A320 Family final assembly line (FAL) in Toulouse during a ceremony attended by French Minister of Economy & Finance Bruno Le Maire, French Transport Minister Clement Beaune, Minister of State for Industry Roland Lescure, and Minister of State for Territorial Collectivities and Rural Affairs Dominique Faure, as well as hundreds of Airbus employees.

A variety of innovations feature prominently in this latest A320 Family final assembly line, with the aim of maximising product quality, efficiency, as well as establishing new standards for health, safety and sustainability. These innovations include digital production control using tablets and smartphones to reduce paper consumption, automated logistics for parts distribution and light-weight robots for joining sections.

Installed in the former A380 “Jean-Luc Lagardère” assembly building, the new FAL started initial operations at the end of 2022 with the delivery of the first fuselage sections. The roll-out of the first aircraft fully assembled in this facility – an A321 – is expected to take place by the end of this year. The industrial site will progressively ramp up operations between now and 2025, directly employing around 700 workers.

Air Inuit Ratifies Agreement to Acquire Three Boeing Next Generation 737-800 Aircraft

July 9, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Fleet Modernization

Air Inuit Ratifies an Agreement to Acquire Three Boeing Next- Generation 737-800 Aircraft to Better Serve the People of Nunavik and Beyond

Saint-Laurent, QC, July 3, 2023 – Air Inuit today announced the ratification of an agreement for the acquisition of three Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft to be added to its fleet as part of its mission to provide world-class passenger and freight service to the people of Nunavik, its Network and beyond. The aircraft will be customized using Air Inuit’s innovative combi configuration solution to provide safe and comfortable passenger service and reliable freight delivery simultaneously.

“The addition of these aircraft to our fleet enhances our capacity to efficiently transport passengers and deliver essential cargo to the communities we serve,” said Christian Busch, President and CEO of Air Inuit. “Acquiring these modern aircraft also supports our airline’s goal of reducing carbon emissions and doing our part in the fight against climate change.”

By eventually replacing the venerable Boeing 737-200 aircraft currently in service, fuel emissions will be cut by nearly 40 per cent.

The three Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft will be fitted with main deck cargo doors to meet requirements at hubs across Nunavik and beyond, which in turn service each of the communities of Air Inuit’s network.

This addition to Air Inuit’s fleet marks a milestone for the airline which was founded in 1978. “We can all be proud of this vital service which is celebrating 45 years of operation in 2023. Once again, Air Inuit is demonstrating leadership as it grows and adapts to the changing needs of the communities it serves,” said Noah Tayara, Executive Chairman of Air Inuit.

“The modernization of Air Inuit’s fleet is part of a broader initiative to fulfil its mission as an instrument of economic and social development which is wholly owned by the Nunavik

Press Release For Immediate Release

people,” said Pita Aatami, President of Makivik Corporation. “This is made possible thanks to important investments by the Inuit of Nunavik.”

The introduction of the three new aircraft will take place gradually over the next 24 months. This fleet modernization project and the growth of the region will require important governmental investments to upgrade Nunavik’s airstrips. Discussions are currently underway with stakeholders to ensure this vision is developed in accordance with the priorities of community members. Further details will be provided in the coming months.

About Air Inuit

Founded by the Inuit of Nunavik in 1978, Air Inuit, a wholly owned subsidiary of Makivik Corporation, was created to provide air connections between Nunavik’s 14 coastal villages and the South, to promote trade and to preserve Inuit culture. With more than 1,000 employees and a fleet of 30 aircraft, the Company is also committed to the development of this immense territory and the prosperity of its people by providing support to various community organizations, cultural events, educational and sports programs, as well as the implementation of employment access programs for Inuit people.

MEDIA INQUIRIES:

Tim Duboyce
Massy Forget Langlois Public Relations c: 514 604-9282
tduboyce@mflrp.ca

6005 boul de la Côte-Vertu Saint-Laurent (QC) H4S 0B1 airinuit.com

Talgo’s Intercity trains enter service in Egypt five months ahead of schedule

July 8, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Madrid, Spain, July 7th, 2023 – Egypt’s National Railway company (ENR) has recently confirmed the entry of the sixth and last Intercity trains into commercial operation for daytime services on the line that connects Alexandria with Cairo and Aswan. With this approval, the delivery of the rolling stock that makes up the fleet supplied by Talgo has been made official more than five months ahead of schedule.

The first train of this project started operating in December 2022. Since then, the rest of the trains have been delivered to the Egyptian operator and have gradually entered service at a rate of, approximately, one train composition per month. The trains, which belong to the Talgo 230 platform for Intercity or Long-Distance services, run at a maximum commercial speed of 160 km/h and have a capacity of approximately 500 passengers each.

The ENR units consist of a diesel-electric locomotive, a technical car and 14 towed passenger cars. The contract, worth 158 million euros, also includes complete maintenance for, at least, eight years, employing local personnel trained by the Spanish manufacturer.

The interior of these trains has been designed based on Talgo’s experience in high comfort long-distance compositions and services, such as the ones supplied for the Mecca-Medina high-speed line in Saudi Arabia. They are equipped with interior air conditioning certified for extreme temperatures, an onboard Wi-Fi platform throughout the train, and infotainment systems with LED screens in each of the first-class seats.

State-owned ENR launched the tender process in August 2016 as part of a project funded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) with the final bidding phase closing in October 2018.

Although Talgo is primarily known for its very high-speed trains that operate at over 300km/h (in fact, it is the company with the highest market share in the competitive Spanish market), it has more than 80 years of experience in the manufacture and maintenance of conventional rolling stock.

Viva Aerobus signs Memorandum of Understanding for 90 Airbus A321neo aircraft

July 8, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Mexico City, July 8th, 2023.- Viva Aerobus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 90 Airbus (OTC: EADSY) A321neo aircraft. This is the third order Viva has completed with the European manufacturer, thus maintaining a single fleet of A320 family aircraft. The airline’s order book has now reached 170 Airbus aircraft which provides flexibility to continue growing and renewing its fleet, upholding it as one of the youngest in the Americas.

The A321neo offers unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50 percent noise reduction, and more than 20 percent fuel savings compared to previous single-aisle generation aircraft, while maximizing passenger comfort with the widest single-aisle cabin and large overhead stowage space.

The GTF engine uses a revolutionary geared fan technology that allows each part of the engine to spin at optimum speed, delivering the highest fuel efficiency and lowest greenhouse gas emissions.

These 90 Airbus A321neo aircraft powered by GTF engines will drive Viva’s domestic and international growth plans. This is particularly important since Mexico is expected to recover the US Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Category 1 rating in the coming months. It is also very relevant given the commercial alliance Viva signed with US carrier Allegiant back in December 2021, which will give more people access to new non-stop air transport between Mexico and the US.

CAF awarded contracts in Italy worth more than 150 million euros

July 8, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Three Italian cities, Cagliari, Naples and Palermo have placed their trust in CAF to make resolute progress in their sustainable urban transport transformation initiatives. The CAF Group will supply electric buses to Cagliari in Sardinia, metro units to Naples and tram units to Palermo, the capital of Sicily. These contracts are testament to CAF’s strong value offer as a supplier of a wide range of zero-emission urban transport solutions. The total of the three aforementioned contracts amounts to a value of over 150 million euros.

Virgin Australia unveils cabin of the future and $110 million fleet-wide aircraft upgrade

July 8, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Saturday 8 July 2023: More than 3,000 Virgin Australia team members and their families will today celebrate the arrival of the airline’s first fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft which touched down on Australian soil last week.

The celebrations, part of a Virgin Australia Family Day at the airline’s Brisbane Hangar, will be hosted by CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka and Boeing’s President of Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, Maria Fernandez, who will welcome team members from across the Virgin Australia business, many who have flown in from interstate to have a first look at the new aircraft.

Fresh from the Boeing factory in Seattle and featuring that new plane smell, the Boeing 737-8 aircraft marks an exciting new milestone in the transformation of Virgin Australia with its fleet renewal program well underway as the airline continues to work towards its net zero emissions target by 2050. The aircraft is one of 33 fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 and 737-10 aircraft Virgin Australia has on order, with more fuel-efficient aircraft set to be delivered in the coming months.

With the arrival of the Boeing 737-8, Virgin Australia has also revealed its highly anticipated new Business Class and Economy cabin interior as well as confirming plans to refresh the interior cabins on the airline’s remaining Boeing fleet, as part of an investment of approximately $110 million to improve the flying experience for customers.

Highlight features of the new Boeing 737-8 cabin interior include:

In-seat power for all Business Class and Economy seats.
Larger overhead lockers, with capacity to stow up to 50 per cent more carry-on baggage (individual guest carry-on luggage limits will not increase).
Wider Business Class seats which also feature leg rests with extendable footrests, storage compartments, tablet/device holders and water bottle holders.
A new Economy seat design, featuring a ribbed backing to elevate comfort and ergonomics.
A personal tablet/device holder for all Economy seats, making it easy to view Virgin Australia in-flight entertainment, movies and TV shows.

Click the link below to see the entire press release!

https://newsroom.virginaustralia.com/release/virgin-australia-unveils-cabin-future-and-110-million-fleet-wide-aircraft-upgrade

DHL EXPRESS OPENS NEW $84.5M HUB IN ATLANTA

July 8, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

DHL (OTC: DHLGY) Express, the world’s leading provider of express shipping services, has announced the grand opening of its Americas region hub based at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). With a focus on sustainability, the $84.5 million investment further strengthens the company’s connections and service capabilities between the U.S. and key global markets, increasing capacity, speeding transit times, and adding resilience to its network.

Spanning 100,000 square feet, the state-of-the-art hub establishes direct connections between 19 cities in the Southeastern U.S. and key global markets, including Europe and major DHL hubs worldwide. Future plans involve adding flight connections to Hong Kong, Mexico, the UK, and Puerto Rico.

The DHL Atlanta Hub also sets new standards for sustainability, generating up to 50% of its on-site energy consumption through 65,000 sq. ft of rooftop solar panels, preventing the release of 380 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. The remaining energy consumed on-site is sourced from renewable sources through Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), guaranteeing zero emissions from electricity consumption. Moreover, the hub employs environmentally conscious features such as LED lights, electric forklifts, dock seals, and rapid rise doors, further minimizing its environmental impact.

The Atlanta hub operates as a fully automated facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology capable of sorting up to 20,000 pieces per hour. To ensure swift clearance of DHL customer shipments, the hub employs in-house Customs brokers and collaborates with on-site U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel. Additionally, DHL implements advanced threat detection and security screening technologies, effectively preventing the entry of illegal and hazardous commodities into its network.

Icelandair becomes new Airbus customer with order for 13 Airbus A321XLR

July 6, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France, 06 July 2023 – Icelandair, the main Icelandic airline based in Keflavik, has placed a firm order for 13 Airbus A321XLR. The order makes Icelandair a new Airbus customer. The airline is also planning to lease four A321LR’s.

With its extra long range, the A321XLR will allow Icelandair to seize new market opportunities. The aircraft will also enable the airline to reduce its operating costs, support its sustainability targets and at the same time offer its passengers the best in cabin comfort.

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step forward from the A320neo responding to market needs for even more range and payload, and creating more value for the airlines. It will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm – 15% more range than the A321LR and with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft, as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise. For passengers, the A321XLR’s new Airspace cabin will provide the best travel experience, while offering seats in all classes with the same high-comfort as on a long-haul wide-body, with the low costs of a single-aisle aircraft. By the end of May 2023, the A320neo Family had accumulated more than 8,750 orders from 136 customers worldwide.

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