Category: Joint Venture News (Page 17 of 34)

Eve Air Mobility and Embraer Announce First eVTOL Production Location in Brazil

July 20, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Sao Jose Dos Campos, Brazil – July 20, 2023 – Eve Air Mobility (NYSE: EVEX) and Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) announced today that the first electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) production facility will be located in the city of Taubaté, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Subject to the final authorities’ approval, the manufacturing plant will be situated on a designated portion of land within Embraer’s existing unit in the city that will be expanded.

The site benefits from a strategic logistical location, offering easy access via two highways and close proximity to a railroad. Another significant advantage is the region’s proximity to Embraer’s headquarters in São José dos Campos and Eve’s engineering and human resources team, which will facilitate the development and sustainability of new production processes, enhancing Eve’s agility and competitiveness.

In May 2022, Eve announced a partnership with Porsche Consulting to define Eve’s eVTOL global manufacturing, supply chain and logistics macro strategy. The two companies have since worked together to research advanced manufacturing and innovation concepts and used their combined aeronautical and automotive expertise to design a concept of industrialization for eVTOL aircraft based on high safety, quality, efficiency and customer focus.

Eve continues to progress in developing its eVTOL. The company also focuses on creating a comprehensive portfolio of agnostic solutions, including a unique Urban Air Traffic Management (Urban ATM) software to optimize and scale Urban Air Mobility operations worldwide.

Maersk expands its global air freight services with new Atlanta strategic air cargo hub

July 19, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Maersk (OTC: AMKBY) is strengthening our promise to customers of integrated, end-to-end logistics solutions by growing our air freight services in a strategic transportation hub. The new Atlanta facility enhances our offering, providing customers with superior supply chain flexibility supported by our expanded regional capabilities in warehousing and transportation. We will be able to leverage this connectivity to bolster our air freight network across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the world.

Located in Atlanta Tradeport’s Foreign Trade Zone, the new air cargo facility enjoys lower duties, reduced processing fees, and quicker movement of goods from the port of Savannah. The site is located just two miles from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and has direct access to interstates I-75 and I-285.

The new Atlanta facility builds on several initiatives designed to bolster Maersk’s air freight services in North America. The company recently opened a new Chicago air freight gateway facility to add more supply chain integration opportunities for customers using Chicago O’Hare International and Rockford International. Prior to that, Maersk also launched a new air freight service with regular flights between South Carolina, Korea, and China operated by Miami-headquartered cargo airline Amerijet International.

Akiem & Alstom sign new framework agreement for 100 Traxx locomotives

July 17, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

17 July 2023 – Alstom (OTC: ALSMY), global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, and Akiem European rolling stock leasing company have signed a framework contract for 100 Traxx Universal multi-system (MS3) locomotives. The firm part of the order includes 65 locomotives. The total amount of the framework agreement is up 500 million euros. Akiem confirms its leadership on the leasing European market and its ambition to contribute to the rail market’s accelerating activities, with major investment on corridors from France to 12 other European countries.

The Traxx Multi-system locomotives benefit from optimised energy consumption and can run both Freight and Passenger operations at a speed of up to 160 kilometres per hour. They will cover operations in 12 European countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia. As a unique feature for multi-system locomotives, a part of them will be delivered with the last mile feature enabling to access ports, terminals or industrial sites without the need of a shunting locomotive.

All locomotives will be equipped with the leading signalling system ATLAS, Alstom’s onboard solution for the European Train Control System (ETCS). This system comes with the broadest coverage of countries and lines, both in ETCS as well as for legacy system operation, and superior two-out-of-three architecture.

Final assembly is planned to take place at the Alstom site in Kassel, Germany. Deliveries of the units are scheduled to take place between 2025 and 2028.

Rex intends to be aerial operator for Australian Antarctic Division

July 15, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Regional Express Group (Rex) has revealed that it has submitted a response to the Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) as a precursor to Rex’s intention to be the next aerial operator of the Australian Antarctic Program.

The Program is the most ambitious ever in AAD’s history and looks at bringing together all the highly specialised aerial operations under one operator’s command. The Program calls for significantly expanded capabilities comprising one large intercontinental passenger jet capability, four intracontinental turbo-prop aircraft able to operate on skis, four twin-engine helicopters which can operate both on land and on the Division’s flagship the RSV Nuyina, plus a significant scaling up of Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) capability for the Division’s operations during the Antarctic Austral Summer (October to March).

Recognising the unique challenges of operating in the Antarctic environment, Rex has assembled an Antarctic Advisory Panel (AAP) comprising the foremost experts in this field with in-depth and practical knowledge of actual aerial operations to the Antarctic as well as design expertise on adapting aerial platforms with skis suitable for landing on unprepared terrain on the Antarctic Continent.

The AAP has guided Rex’s response to the RFI and will spend the next five months preparing the optimal solution ahead of the Request for Tender expected in November this year.

Rex intends to lead a consortium of industry partners that will operate some aspects of the Program that require more specialised expertise.

Rex is Australia’s largest independent regional and domestic airline operating a fleet of 58 Saab 340 and 7 Boeing 737-800NG aircraft to 57 destinations throughout all states in Australia. In addition to the airline Rex, the Rex Group comprises wholly owned subsidiaries Pel-Air Aviation (air freight, aeromedical and charter operator), the Australian Airline Pilot organisation, Australian Aerospace Propeller Maintenance. Rex is also a 50% shareholder of National Jet Express (NJE), a premier Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO), charter and freight operator.

Japan Airlines and Kammui announce Strategic Alliance for Adventure Tourism Market

July 15, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

As compared to more conventional forms of travel, AT has greater per capita consumption and
economic impact for regional development, and is becoming increasingly popular in Europe, the U.S.,
and elsewhere, globally. AT is especially popular amongst wealthy individuals who value the
importance of contributing to the local communities through travel. While demand for AT in Japan has
been growing in line with increases in inbound travel, there remains a shortage of skilled guides and
appropriate infrastructure conducive to welcoming international visitors.

Kammui and Japan Airlines (OTC: JAPSY) has entered a strategic alliance involving various initiatives to enhance AT in Japan
with the goal of developing the market for premium tourism, with a focus on inbound travelers. Kammui
and JAL will leverage their respective strengths to create premium content encouraging travelers to
reconnect to nature in innovative ways and inspire more people to experiences Japan’s nature.

In cooperation with the Japan Adventure Tourism Association (JATO), where JAL belongs as one
of the regular members, and the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), the largest industry
organization in the AT field, JAL and Kammui will work together to develop human resources
capable of promoting AT, with the goal of promoting world-class AT in Japan. The partnership will
focus on developing individuals with the ability to act as leaders in their respective regions and
build and promote networks in each region to enhance AT within Japan.

JAL will start offering Kammui experiences through JAL Dynamic Package, a travel product allowing
customers to combine airline tickets, accommodation, activities, transportation, and other travel
products. JAL will start by offering 8 AT experiences from within Kammui’s selection of more than
300 unique experiences covering a wide variety of regions of Japan. Kammui and JAL are aiming to
offer new value for travelers to Japan allowing them to enjoy authentic once-in-a-lifetime experiences
combining nature and culture.

Mt. Hutt Aviation and 369 Ltd partner to become latest MD helicopters authorized service center

July 15, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

MESA, Arizona, July 14, 2023 – MD Helicopters, LLC, is pleased to announce that Mt Hutt Aviation and 369 Ltd have teamed together to join MDH’s network of Authorized Service Centers (ASC). Together these organizations will increase the level of service and support to MDH aircraft in New Zealand and the surrounding Australasia region. Currently their combined maintenance services include over 40% of the MDH aircraft operating in this region.

With a combined 50+ years of experience maintaining helicopters between each organization, MHA and 369 capabilities include maintenance, avionics, refurbishment, and specialty paint services.

About Mt Hutt Aviation

Established in 2013, Mt Hutt Aviation delivers fleet management support and maintenance between two purpose-built facilities in Canterbury. In addition to maintenance capabilities, MHA offers 24/7 support on time-critical projects as well as on-site engineering and avionics services.

About 369 Ltd

Based in Tauranga in the North Island, 369 is a family operated business with decades of experience working exclusively with the MDH airframe. Their services include maintenance and repair on the full line of civilian single-engine MD Helicopters models.

About MD Helicopters

MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) manufactures high-performance rotorcraft solutions that support operators flying military, commercial, law enforcement, utility, and VIP mission profiles. With thousands of aircraft in service worldwide, MDH has been designing and building aircraft known for their safety, versatility, responsiveness, speed, and reliability since 1947. Our commitment to product sustainment and customer success allows MDH to deliver aircraft unmatched in their performance and reliability. MD Helicopters, LLC is owned by an investment consortium comprised of MBIA Insurance, Bardin Hill Investment Partners LP, and MB Global Partners.

Virgin Atlantic Cargo announces SAFc Program

July 13, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Virgin Atlantic Cargo has announced a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Certificate (SAFc) program, designed to help freight forwarders and shippers manage their carbon emissions whilst demonstrating joint commitment to scaling the SAF industry.

Customers participating in the scheme will contribute to the airline’s purchase of SAF, receiving a SAF certificate for the associated scope 3 emissions reductions. Customers will also benefit from detailed insight into their Scope 3 air freight emissions via Virgin Atlantic Cargo’s own air freight carbon calculator. Developed in-house and independently certified, the calculator uses an industry recognised methodology and Virgin Atlantic’s actual flight emissions data to provide powerful insights to participating customers, enabling them to take action on their carbon footprint.

DB Schenker is the first to participate in the scheme with the purchase of over several thousand tonnes of scope 3 emissions reductions. The global logistics service provider is continuously expanding its SAF based air freight solutions.

The SAFc programme is driven by the airline’s commitment to 10% SAF by 2030 on the pathway to Net Zero 2050. The scheme creates a broader industry coalition that can provide further proof of the demand and support needed to scale a UK SAF industry which is key to decarbonising aviation.

Virgin Atlantic’s first UK SAF supply of 2.5 million litres of Neste Oyi neat SAF delivered into London Heathrow in 2022 is fuelling the programme. This is an important milestone as the airline scales it’s use and commitment to SAF in the UK.

Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Cargo are committed sustainability leaders. The airline operates one of the youngest and fuel efficient commercial fleets across the Atlantic and has over fifteen years of supporting SAF development, including ambitions to fly the world’s first 100% SAF transatlantic flight later this year.

Textron Aviation receives order for five Beechcraft King Air turboprops in support of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

July 12, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Wichita, Kansas (July, 11, 2023) – Textron Aviation (NYSE: TXT) today announced it has been awarded a contract by AvMet International LLC (AvMet), based in Fargo, North Dakota, for one Beechcraft King Air 360CHW (cargo door, heavy weight) and four Beechcraft King Air 260 aircraft. The Beechcraft King Air fleet will support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology program for cloud seeding.

AvMet and its partners Weather Modification International (WMI) and Fargo Jet Center (FJC) will work collaboratively to equip the four King Air 260 aircraft with a Cloud Water Inertial Probe (CWIP), Data Logger with aircraft tracking, and cloud seeding equipment. The King Air 360CHW will be rigged with Cloud Seeding equipment, a research laboratory and an instrument package for studying cloud physics and aerosols.

The aircraft will be modified at WMI’s headquarters in Fargo with sister company Fargo Jet Center LLC (FJC). FJC’s Part 145 Repair Station, which is an authorized service facility for the family of Beechcraft King Air aircraft, teamed with WMI to certify the Federal Aviation Administration approved Supplemental Type Certificate modifications for cloud seeding and atmospheric research equipment. Together, Textron Aviation, WMI and FJC will provide the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology with the newest technologies in cloud seeding and atmospheric sciences instrumentation.

Endless Special Mission Possibilities

When government, military and commercial customers want airborne solutions for critical missions, they turn to Textron Aviation. The company’s aviation solutions provide the high performance and flight characteristics required to address the unique challenges of special mission operations. With unparalleled quality, versatility and low operating costs, Textron Aviation products are preferred for air ambulance, ISR, utility transport, aerial survey, flight inspection, training and a number of other special operations.

United Debuts Wireless Charging Onboard

July 12, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Chicago, Illinois, July 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAL) today introduced a new domestic first class seat that includes a wireless charging station in every arm rest. The new United First® seat – which also features vegan leather upholstery, 13-inch seat back screens and 18-inch tray tables, Bluetooth connectivity, privacy screens and an ergonomist-designed cushion – debuts on its first 737 this month, and customers will continue to see it rollout this summer. The airline expects the new seat to be on 200 domestic planes by 2026, including 737 NG’s, A321neo’s and 737 MAX’s.

Passengers can quickly charge their multiple electronic devices at once with three types of charging docks in each seat – wireless, AC household-style outlet and USB-C. The wireless charger is located in a compartment of the armrest to give the passenger line-of-sight to notifications and free their hands and tray table.

A growing number of customers prefer a two-screen experience where they use a personal device and a seatback screen simultaneously, so United is upleveling the experience. The 13-inch, high-definition screens are Bluetooth capable and include a remote for those unable to reach the touch screen.

Designated space for devices, food, drinks and more make it easier for passengers to enjoy the full experience. A larger, 18 x 8.5 inch tray table features a built-in tablet holder and enough space for most standard laptops. With authentic Italian quartzite cocktail tables and bottle holders between each seat, passengers don’t have to balance gadgets, drinks and snacks on one tray table.

In the large seats upholstered with vegan leather, passengers will experience more privacy with a 11 x 19-inch divider between neighbors, winged headrests and tray tables that deploy from outer armrests to reduce passenger contact. The seat features a 5-inch recline range, adjustable aisle arm rest that lowers completely and an ergonomist-designed seat cushion that sits 1-inch lower to accommodate a wider variety of heights

In addition to installing the new seats, United will update existing domestic first class seats on more than 200 planes by 2025. United First seats on select 737, A319 and A320 aircraft will be redesigned with new seat cushions, vegan leather upholstery and winged headrests.

The announcement marks United’s first update to domestic first class seat design since 2015. The new United First seat was built with a team of experts, including United’s engineering and inflight teams, University of Michigan biomechanics researcher Dr. Matthew Reed and design firm Priestman Goode.

Lufthansa Group, Miles & More enter new Deutsche Bank and Mastercard partnership

July 12, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

In the future, the Lufthansa (OTC: DLAKY) Miles & More Credit Card will be issued by Deutsche Bank. Mastercard remains partner for the cards. In a global tender, both companies prevailed in the bidding process. The switch will take place in mid-2025.

The common goal is to redefine loyalty. Customers will benefit from even more personalized offers and digital applications. In addition, existing card services will be expanded, such as additional insurance services and offers that support sustainable consumer decisions.

The switch to Deutsche Bank as the issuing institution will take place in summer 2025. Those who already have a Lufthansa Miles & More Credit Card do not need to take any action. All existing cards will remain valid until the changeover. Cardholders will be informed in good time about the transition date. The existing services will also remain the same with Deutsche Bank as the new partner. These include, for example, earning award miles on credit card sales, unlimited validity of award miles and the premium insurance package.

Miles & More credit cards were introduced in Germany in February 1999 and are now used in 20 other countries. Users can use their card for purchases at more than 100 million Mastercard acceptance points worldwide and even redeem their miles with MilesPay.

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