Category: Luxury News (Page 7 of 15)

The Helicopter Company Expands Airbus Helicopter Fleet with Order for 26 aircraft

December 6, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Helicopter Company (THC), established by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) as the first and only helicopter services provider licensed to operate commercial flights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, today announced that it has signed a second purchase agreement with Airbus (OTC: EADSY) Helicopters.

The agreement was signed by Raid Ismail, Chairman of the Board of THC and Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, in the presence of His Excellency Khalid Al Falih, Minister of Investment and His Excellency Franck Riester, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness.

The partnership will contribute to the ongoing expansion of THC’s regional fleet ahead of announcing an exciting new journey as a General Aviation champion, with twenty orders of the newly launched five bladed H145 and six ACH160 models. All aircraft feature cutting-edge technologies and biofuel-compatible engines, marking a significant milestone in developing alternatives to conventional aviation fuels and achieving decarbonization of helicopter flights.

Launching its services in 2019, THC was established by PIF as part of its strategy to activate new sectors in Saudi Arabia that support the realisation of Vision 2030 and generate long-term commercial returns, while meeting the growing demand for luxury tourism and air travel services. THC previously signed an agreement to buy 10 Airbus H125 helicopters to increase access to domestic tourism destinations and provide services such as filming and aerial surveying – and is now further expanding its services with the addition of the H145 and H160 to its fleet.

The purchase agreement forms part of THC’s ongoing strategic regional alliances with industry leaders, including a recent partnership with The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism project. The contract for the provision and operation of a twin engine helicopter, crew and maintenance technicians, facilitates TRSDC emergency medical services (EMS) with alternate configuration change capability for passenger utility transport at TRSDC’s site on the west coast of Saudi Arabia.

Embraer Announces Earning Results for Third Quarter 2021

November 5, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

São Paulo, Brazil, November 5, 2021 – Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) announced the company’s operating and financial information on a consolidated basis in United States dollars (US$) in accordance with IFRS. The financial data presented in this document as of and for the quarters ended September 30, 2021 (3Q21), June 30, 2021 (2Q21) and September 30, 2020 (3Q20), are derived from the unaudited financial statements, except annual financial data and where otherwise stated.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Embraer delivered 9 commercial jets and 21 executive jets (14 light / 7 large) in 3Q21, bringing the year-to-date deliveries to 32 commercial jets and 54 executive jets (36 light /18 large). Following solid sales activity in the period across businesses, total company firm order backlog at the end of 3Q21 was US$ 16.8 billion;

• Revenues in 3Q21 reached US$ 958.1 million, representing year-over-year growth of 26.3% compared to 3Q20, with double digit growth in all segments;

• Excluding special items, adjusted EBIT and EBITDA were US$ 35.7 million and US$ 79.2 million, respectively, yielding adjusted EBIT margin of 3.7% and adjusted EBITDA margin of 8.3%. In the first nine months of 2021, adjusted EBIT margin was 3.8% and adjusted EBITDA margin was 8.9%;

• Adjusted net loss (excluding special items and deferred income tax and social contribution) in 3Q21 was US$ (33.9) million, with adjusted loss per ADS of US$ (0.18);

• Embraer generated free cash flow in 3Q21 of US$ 21.3 million, and in the first nine months of 2021 free cash usage was US$ (160.2) million. The positive free cash flow in 3Q21 represented the first time in more than 10 years the Company generated cash in the usually seasonally weak third quarter. The free cash flow in both periods represented a significant improvement compared to the prior year periods on better profitability and working capital efficiencies, particularly with respect to inventory management;

• The Company finished the quarter with total cash of US$ 2.5 billion and net debt of US$ 1.8 billion;

• Given better-than-expected free cash flow performance over the first nine months of 2021, Embraer is updating its guidance for free cash flow without M&A or divestitures to a range of US$ 100 million or better, from the prior range of US$ (150) million to breakeven. The Company reiterates its other financial and deliveries guidance for 2021 of commercial jet deliveries of 45-50 aircraft, executive jet deliveries of 90-95 aircraft, consolidated revenues in a range of US$ 4.0 to $4.5 billion, adjusted EBIT margin of 3.0% to 4.0%, and adjusted EBITDA margin of 8.5% to 9.5%.

La Compagnie Updates Flight Schedule, Adds Two New Routes From New York to Tel Aviv and Milan

November 2, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Have you heard? Israel recently opened their borders to vaccinated travelers. The best time to try out our 100% business class cabin might well be on your way to Tel Aviv with a short connection in Paris!

Our full flat beds, bistronomy cuisine and free unlimited high speed WiFi onboard will ensure your flight is 100% comfortable.

2 flights per week (departures from NY on Wednesday and Saturday evenings) from December 4th, 2021

NEW YORK NEWARK – TEL AVIV BEN GURION

100% BUSINESS CLASS FROM $1,948 (USD) R/T*

We offer you flexibility on each trip: you can modify or cancel your flight free of charge up to 2 hours before departure.

Our cabin crew looks forward to welcoming you onboard to travel in optimal comfort and safety.

British Airways Selects Collins Aerospace to Upgrade 777 Fleet with Enhanced Club World Experience

October 30, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

WINSTON-SALEM, NC – British Airways (LSE: IAG) has selected Collins Aerospace to upgrade its fleet of Boeing 777 aircraft to the Club World experience for business class passengers.

The agreement includes installation of the popular Club Suite business class seat, the Club Kitchen and a new cabin configuration. Collins will also perform full-cabin integration work – including engineering design, test and approval – along with program management and third-party supplier approvals. Some of the modified aircraft are already flying with the upgrades expected to be complete by the end of 2022. The retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft will be operating from London Heathrow.

The Club Suite is a customized version of Collins Aerospace’s industry-leading Super Diamond business class seat, providing British Airways international passengers with privacy doors, a spacious seat that converts to a fully flat bed and an upgraded inflight entertainment system. Similar to the upgraded cabin on British Airways’ new Airbus A350 fleet, the suites are laid out in a 1-2-1 pattern, allowing all-aisle access for every passenger. This proven design can be tailored to fit different airframes, helping maintain a consistent passenger experience.

The Club Kitchen is an area consisting of galley inserts, chillers and built-in storage for snacks, drinks and other refreshments, allowing passengers the ability to collect self-service snacks and refreshments at their leisure.

Through its Integration and Engineering group, Collins Aerospace has an Organization Designation Authority from the FAA to oversee the certification and Supplemental Type Certificate for the upgrade. Manufacturing of the new suite seats is being completed at the company’s facility in Kilkeel, Northern Ireland, while the new Club Kitchen was designed at the company’s facility in Everett, Washington.

Aircraft, Aircrafts, American Airlines, plane, planes, Livery, Exterior

American Airlines Updates AAdvantage Loyalty Program

October 27, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines (Nasdaq: AAL) is redesigning its award-winning AAdvantage® loyalty program, ridding it of complicated elite qualifying metrics for an easy-to-understand point system that provides multiple ways to earn status. In 2022, AAdvantage members can earn status by flying, using an AAdvantage credit card for purchases or spending with an AAdvantage partner.

Achieving AAdvantage status

For every qualifying AAdvantage mile earned, members will earn one Loyalty Point. Here’s how to earn points:

Members can earn Loyalty Points by flying on American or one of its eligible partner airlines.
You can also earn Loyalty Points when you use an AAdvantage credit card for purchases.
Don’t fly often, no problem. Join fellow AAdvantage members who will earn Loyalty Points every year just by shopping online or dining out.

AAdvantage 2022 status requirements

Status	Loyalty Points
Gold	30,000
Platinum	75,000
Platinum Pro	125,000
Executive Platinum	200,000

Extending status and a chance to double dip

To thank our members for their continued loyalty, American is extending all current members AAdvantage status through March 31, 2022.

And members can also double dip as any qualifying activity earned in January and February will count towards both 2022 and 2023 AAdvantage status. This gives members an extra two months to earn elite status for both years.

In the future, members will qualify for status from March through February, with status valid through March 31 of the following year.

Unlock Loyalty Choice Rewards

Next year, AAdvantage members can unlock Loyalty Choice Rewards, formerly called elite choice rewards. Loyalty Choice Rewards is a menu of rewards awarded to members that earn Platinum Pro status or higher and fly at least 30 flights on American or qualifying partner airlines.

Members can select the Loyalty Choice Reward they value the most, including an Admirals Club day pass, systemwide upgrades or bonus AAdvantage miles. Additional Loyalty Choice Rewards are available to unlock as members accrue more Loyalty Points.

To learn more about the AAdvantage refresh, check out aa.com/newaadvantage.

SWISS Launches New Service for Long Haul Business Class, Adds Taste of Switzerland

September 1, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

For six months from today onwards, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will be offering Business and First Class travellers on its long-haul services from Switzerland selected creations from top Swiss-based chefs who have participated in the airline’s ‘SWISS Taste of Switzerland’ inflight culinary programme over the past few years. The dishes, which are accompanied as usual by Swiss regional wines and speciality cheeses, reflect the broad variety of Switzerland’s cuisine. Of the 70 guest chefs drawn from all the country’s cantons who have been spotlighted on board since the award-winning programme began back in 2002, Silvia Manser, Silvio Germann, Jean-Marc Soldati, Mike Wehrle, Thomas Amstutz, Hans-Jörg and Anja Zingg, Franck Reynaud, Christian Kuchler, Lorenzo Albrici and Rolf Hiltl are currently featured aloft.

Veal tenderloin with black truffle sauce and blueberry slice with Appenzeller beer ice cream in First Class

SWISS First travellers can look forward to two dishes from Mike Wehrle of Bürgenstock Hotels & Resorts: a starter of marinated lobster with pecorino cheese and cauliflower panna cotta, followed by veal tenderloin with black truffle sauce. The choice of main courses further includes sautéed cod with seafood nage and potato and fennel brandade, the creation of Silvio Germann of IGNIV by Andreas Caminada in Bad Ragaz. The SWISS First menu is rounded off by a choice of two desserts which includes a blueberry slice with chocolate crumble and Appenzeller beer ice cream by Silvia Manser of Restaurant Truube in Gais.

First Class guests are further treated to a selection of speciality Swiss cheeses that include an Aletsch Grand Cru from Canton Valais and a Swiss Style 10, which is Switzerland’s homage to Britain’s Stilton cheese. The choice of Swiss wines on offer extends to a Chasselas Clos du Boux 2020 Grand Cru Epesses from Luc Massy of Canton Vaud and a Ligornetto 2018 DOC Ticino red from Luigi Zanini of Canton Ticino.

Beetroot tabbouleh with green pea guacamole and ‘Meat Love’ meatloaf in Business Class

For SWISS Business travellers, the choice of SWISS Taste of Switzerland starters newly extends to a vegetarian option: a beetroot tabbouleh with green pea guacamole from Zurich’s Hiltl vegetarian restaurant, which is offered alongside a Balik salmon sashimi with avocado, cucumber and wasabi vinaigrette by Christian Kuchler of the Taverne zum Schäfli in Wigoltingen. Business Class guests have a choice of main courses, too, which includes a ‘Meat Love’ meatloaf with morel sauce created by Anja and Hans-Jörg Zingg of the el paradiso Mountain Club in St. Moritz. The menu concludes with the sweet delight of a cheesecake with chocolate sponge and citrus fruits by Franck Reynaud of the Hostellerie du Pas de l’Ours in Crans-Montana.

The speciality cheeses on offer to SWISS Business guests include a Passo dello Spluga from the Splügen Alpine Dairy and a Fette Berta by Ueli Moser from the Seeland region. The choice of Swiss wines extends to a Château de Châtagneréaz 2019 Chasselas from Canton Vaud and a Syrah Classique AOC 2019 from the Domaine Jean-René Germanier in Canton Valais.

A new Business Class service concept for a more individual flight experience

SWISS now also offers its Business Class travellers a new and more individualized service concept on all long-haul flights. In addition to the traditional ‘restaurant’ service in which the meals are served one course at a time, guests can now take advantage of a new ‘casual dining’ option in which they receive their starter, main course and dessert together and at a time of their choosing. The new service options, which are introduced today, enable the guest to tailor their inflight experience even more closely to their specific wishes and needs.

In a further innovation, the additional service shortly before landing has been replaced by a new ‘SWISS Bistro’ concept. This consists of a new bistro menu inviting guests to choose from a range of hot items (such as a Swiss prime beef burger with coleslaw salad), cold items and snacks according to their individual tastes and hunger at any time after the main service until shortly prior to landing.

Harbour Air Seaplanes Joins Hahn Air Partner Network

September 1, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Hahn Air welcomes Harbour Air Seaplanes 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 latest Canadian partner via the standard reservation process and issue tickets on the insolvency-safe HR-169 document.

Harbour Air Seaplanes (YB) is a Canadian seaplane airline based at Vancouver Coal Harbour airport in British Columbia. It offers scheduled flights to ten domestic destinations, including Victoria Harbour Airport (YWH), Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome (ZNA) and Tofino Harbour (YTP). Its fleet consists of DHC-2’s, DHC-6-200’s, DHC-6-300 fleet aircraft as well as a Cessna Grand Caravan EX.

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

About Hahn Air Lines

Hahn Air Lines is a German scheduled and executive charter airline and a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Founded in 1994 at the Hahn Airport, which the airline’s name is derived from, Hahn Air Lines is today based at the German airport Dusseldorf (DUS).

Falcon Support AIN and Pro Pilot Rankings

August 30, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Aviation International News (AIN) and Pro Pilot magazines recently released the results of their annual customer support surveys for 2021 for the business jet industry.

For the third consecutive year, Dassault (OTC: DASTY) Aviation was ranked “top” in the AIN survey.

Its industry leading “overall average” score was 8.7 (the highest for any company in the history of the survey), up from 8.3 in 2020. Dassault took top scores in parts availability, parts cost, AOG response, warranty fulfillment, technical manuals, and technical representatives. The company also earned a 9.2 mark for overall aircraft reliability.

Click on the link below to visit the Dassault Falcon Website!

https://www.dassaultfalcon.com/en/Pages/Home.aspx

Beechcraft Denali Moves Closer to First Flight with Successful Ground Engine Runs

August 26, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

WICHITA, Kansas, August 26, 2021 – Textron Aviation today announced it successfully completed initial ground engine runs on the prototype Beechcraft Denali single-engine turboprop powered by GE Aviation’s new advanced Catalyst engine. The ground engine runs, which took place at Textron Aviation’s west campus in Wichita, Kansas, verified the functionality of the fuel system and engine, as well as the interface with the avionics and electrical systems. The testing moves the clean-sheet design aircraft closer to its milestone first flight, which is anticipated by the end of the year.

The Beechcraft Denali is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation, a Textron Incorporated (NYSE: TXT) company.

Watch the new Beechcraft Denali video!

GE Aviation’ Catalyst engine has completed over 2,450 hours of testing and is prepping for a first flight on its Beechcraft King Air flying test bed. The Catalyst engine is a more environmentally friendly engine that burns less fuel than older turboprop technologies. The engine can also use sustainable aviation fuel, which results in lower emissions. The 1,300 shaft horsepower (SHP)-rated turboprop engine eases pilot workload with its single-lever power and propeller control. The Full Authority Digital Engine Controlled (FADEC) engine provides trend monitoring, which allows for on-condition maintenance with no mid-life Hot Section Inspection required.

The Beechcraft Denali development program has achieved several important milestones in recent months. Earlier this summer, GE Aviation Catalyst engine was installed on the Beechcraft Denali prototype airframe and the aircraft was powered on for the first time. Two other Denali flight test articles are also in development. Three additional ground test articles will be used for the airframe static and fatigue tests, and for cabin interior development and testing. The company anticipates certification for the Denali in 2023.

Technological advances
The Denali cockpit features the Garmin (NASDAQ: GRMN) G3000 intuitive avionics suite featuring high-resolution screens and touchscreen controllers. An integrated Garmin autothrottle is now a standard feature, which interfaces with the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) and Flight Management System (FMS) to provide easy speed control throughout all regimes of flight from takeoff to touchdown.

Other standard G3000 features include a 10-inch weather radar, Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS-B), and dual transponders with automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) capabilities, which are compliant with the latest air traffic control requirements.

the Garmin G3000 intuitive avionics suite

The aircraft is equipped with McCauley’s new 105-inch diameter composite, 5-blade, constant speed propeller, which is full feathering with reversible pitch and ice protection. The propeller will undergo a series of certification tests, and several are already underway.

Class-leading passenger experience
The Beechcraft Denali’s flat floor cabin is designed to be the largest in its segment and offers the versatility to easily convert between passenger and cargo configurations. The Denali cabin features a standard seating configuration of six individual reclining seats and offers a nine-place high density seating option.

The aircraft boasts a digital pressurization system maintaining a 6,000-foot cabin altitude at a service ceiling of 30,000 feet. The Denali also offers passengers the convenience of adjusting the cabin temperature and airflow from a climate-control switch panel located on the cabin sidewall.

Denali customers will also enjoy large cabin windows, interior LED lighting, a forward refreshment cabinet and an in-flight accessible baggage compartment. An optional externally serviceable belted lavatory with pocket door enclosure that is located in the rear of the cabin is also available.

QANTAS Unveils Vaccine Reward Mega Prize Campaign

August 23, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

A year’s worth of free flights, Accor hotel stays and bp fuel up for grabs*
Free Qantas Points, Status Credits or $20 flight discount for fully vaccinated Australians
Qantas teams up with Australian singer Tones And I to launch TVC to ‘Be Rewarded’

The Qantas Group is launching its reward campaign for COVID-19 vaccinated Australians to recognise their role in helping the country get out of lockdown.

From tomorrow, fully vaccinated Australian-based Frequent Flyers who are 18 and over will be able to claim their reward through the Qantas App by choosing one of three options:

1000 Qantas points
15 status credits (which help Frequent Flyers move up between Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers)
$20 flight discount for Qantas or Jetstar

Members will then be automatically entered into a mega prize draw to win a year’s worth of flights, accommodation and fuel.

Ten mega prizes will be up for grabs with a winner selected from each state and territory and two mega prize winners as part of a national TV campaign.

Winners of ten mega prizes will receive a year’s worth of flights to take off to more than 60 destinations around Australia, with free accommodation across 345 Ac cor hotels, resorts and apartments (including Sofitel, Pullman, Peppers, Mantra, Mercure, Mövenpick, Novotel and Ibis) and top up their cars with free fuel from any of bp’s 1,400 service stations across the country.

Winners will also be able to take off to any Qantas and Jetstar international destination when borders start to open.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the vaccine rollout was critical for protecting public health and key to breaking the cycle of lockdowns.

Australians can claim their points, status credits or flight discounts and be automatically entered in the mega prize draw by downloading the Qantas App (via the App Store or through Google Play), using their Medicare app to access and upload their COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate and selecting their reward choice. Vaccination certificate information will be deleted upon verification.

Click the link below to read the full story!

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-unveils-vaccine-reward-mega-prize-campaign/

Achieving AAdvantage status

AAdvantage 2022 status requirements

Extending status and a chance to double dip

Unlock Loyalty Choice Rewards

About Hahn Air Lines

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