Tag: domestic (Page 2 of 15)

Air New Zealand signs for two ATR 72-600’s plush options

August 25, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France August 25, 2023 – National flag carrier Air New Zealand (OTC: ANZLY) and world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, today announced the signature of a firm order for two brand new ATR 72-600 plus options for two more. Deliveries are scheduled for the second half of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. Air New Zealand will then operate the fourth largest ATR fleet worldwide.

These additional aircraft will support the airline’s growth, further strengthening its network across New Zealand. The lowest-emission regional aircraft on the market, these brand new ATR’s will be equipped with PW127XT engines, delivering an additional 3% fuel burn reduction compared to previous engine version, enabling a 45% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to similar-size regional jets.

About Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand’s story started in 1940, first taking to the skies between Auckland and Sydney on a flying boat. Known for its warm Kiwi hospitality, today the airline has 104 operating aircraft ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320’s to ATR’s and Q300’s. Air New Zealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, Asia, the Pacific Islands and the U.S., and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. Air New Zealand has a particular focus on sustainability and its Sustainability Framework helps guide the airline’s efforts in tackling some of New Zealand’s and the world’s most complex challenges.

U.S. Army awards Airbus contract for helicopter modernization

August 21, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Arlington, Virginia – The U.S. Army awarded Airbus (OTC: EADSY) a $27.8 million contract to upgrade the Army National Guard Security & Support Battalion Mission Equipment Package (MEP).

Upgrades to the MEP expand the UH-72A Lakota’s capabilities to conduct day and night operations by providing an advanced moving map, enhanced digital interfaces, new monitors, an airborne mission management system and other system improvements.

MEP equipped UH-72As are specifically designed to execute National Guard operations across a range of missions including domestic operations, counter-drug and border security.

The Army contract will retrofit up to 50 Security & Support Battalion aircraft deployed throughout the United States. There are currently 107 in the fleet.

These aircraft will be modified at Airbus’ Columbus, Mississippi helicopter production facility, where more than 480 UH-72A and UH-72B Lakota, based on the H145, have been delivered to the US Army since 2006.

The contract will be managed by Airbus U.S. Space & Defense. Operating under a Special Security Agreement, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. offers world-class satellite, laser communication, rotor, and fixed wing solutions to meet the most complex U.S. defense, security, space, and intelligence requirements.

First Qantas Group A220 on assembly line as Australians invited to help name new fleet

July 15, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

The Qantas Group’s (OTC: QABSY) first Airbus A220 aircraft has started construction, marking a key milestone for the Group as its fleet renewal program ramps up.

The aircraft’s major airframe components, including the centre and rear fuselage, are coming together at Airbus’ production facility in Mirabel, Canada, with the first of 29 aircraft expected to arrive in Australia before the end of the year. As the first A220 to be operated in Australia, the aircraft will undergo regulatory approvals, airport readiness and training activities before it joins the QantasLink fleet in early 2024. QantasLink has also commenced training its pilots to operate the new aircraft.

The next generation A220s will gradually replace QantasLink’s Boeing 717 fleet which operate routes across Australia.

The first QantasLink A220 will operate flights between Melbourne and Canberra, with subsequent aircraft to be deployed to other parts of the regional and domestic network. With double the range of the 717, the A220 is also expected to open up new domestic and short-haul international routes as more aircraft enter the fleet.

With production now in full swing, the Qantas Group is calling on Australians to help name its fleet of new A220s, based around the theme ‘native wildlife’.

From today, Australians can nominate up to six names via a dedicated page on qantas.com. A shortlist will then be released so the public can vote for their favourites before the final names are revealed.

Qantas ran a similar competition to name its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet with iconic Australian names in 2017, with more than 10,000 submissions received.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the production milestone marked an important step in the renewal of the airline’s fleet.

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.

DHL supply chain invests 500 million euros in focus on Latin America

July 13, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

In view of the global trend of omni-sourcing, DHL (OTC: DHLGY) Supply Chain, the world’s leading logistics company and part of DHL Group continues its strategic investments into emerging markets and fast-growing economies.

Today, DHL Supply Chain announces a landmark investment of €500 million into the strategically located Latin American markets. These investments made until 2028 are supposed to strengthen DHL’s operations in Latin America. Projects include decarbonizing the domestic fleet through greener alternatives; building, developing and retrofitting its real estate assets and warehouses in the market; as well as significant investments into new technologies, robotics and automation solutions intended to improve workplaces whilst at the same time making operations more effective, flexible and resilient for customers. The investment is part of DHL Supply Chain’s strategic investment plan to further strengthen logistics capabilities in high-demand sectors, such as: Healthcare, automotive, technology, retail, e-commerce, among others.

With the investment into its Latin America infrastructure the DHL Supply Chain is now complementing a long-standing history of strategic investments, acquisitions, and partnerships in the region. Not only the geographical proximity to large consumer markets in North America make the region a springboard to accelerate further growth, it is also the regions own booming sales markets which make it attractive for industries to invest and therewith request additional logistics support.

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.

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.

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.

Stadler wins ATM’s new tram order for Milan, Italy

July 5, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Stadler and Azienda Transporti Milanesi S.p.A. (ATM) have signed another framework agreement for the supply of up to 50 TRAMLINK trams for the city of Milan. In a first call-off, ATM has ordered 14 high-capacity vehicles that will be financed with the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) fund. The fourteen vehicles will be delivered before 30 June 2026.

The medium-capacity TRAMLINKs are similar to the tramways to be delivered under the framework agreement signed in 2020 and that Stadler is currently manufacturing. They have three modules and are about 25 m long. ATM has already ordered 60 out of the 80 vehicles covered by this framework agreement. The first unit arrived in Milan on 1 December 2022 and, currently, is performing tests on the city’s tram network.

The high-capacity version of the TRAMLINKs is based on the above but features five modules and a length of 35 m. They are bi-directional and have an attractive open interior equipped with two specific areas for wheelchair users. The barrier-free low floor and four doors per side allow passengers to board and alight easily and quickly thus reducing stopping time. In addition, the innovative bogies allow the trams to run smoothly in the narrow curves. This significantly reduces noise to the benefit of passengers and residents.

Particular attention has been paid to the safety of passengers, drivers and pedestrians. The ergonomically designed driver’s cab maximizes the driver’s visibility. Additionally, the TRAMLINK is equipped with an anti- collision device that can intervene when it detects a potential collision situation with pedestrians, cars or other obstacles. No blind spot cameras guarantee the security throughout the whole vehicle. The excellent dynamics as well as the high levels of safety and comfort improve the travel experience.

Alstom India set to onboard 700 young engineers under flagship Young Engineering Graduate Program of 2023

July 4, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Bengaluru, India, 4 July 2023 – Alstom (OTC: ALSMY) , global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, launches its flagship Young Engineering Graduate Program (YEGP) 2023 with a target to onboard 700 young graduate engineers in India over the next two months. This is the highest ever intake under this initiative in the country. YEGP is a key element of Alstom’s India hiring strategy since 2015, aimed at developing young engineers talent for Indian and global business needs. Out of 700 hires, 58% are women engineers in line with the company’s gender diversity focus. Further, the campus hiring has been done from 54 universities across 26 states ranging from several Northeastern states to Gujarat and from Jammu & Kashmir to Kerala in tandem with Alstom’s regional diversity promise. There is a 2x increase vis-à-vis 30 hires from the last year (2022) from the North-eastern states alone.

The 14 days program focuses on providing an immersive and engaging experience to all the YEGs, while helping them get a better understanding of Alstom’s business, operations and functions through close interactions with the leadership team. The candidates are being onboarded as Graduate Engineer Trainees & Post Graduate Trainees will be enabled through structured induction, technical, functional and on the job trainings. They will be taking up roles such as, Application Engineers, Train Control Engineer, Train Design Engineer, Testing & Commissioning Engineer etc. and will be working across Alstom’s six manufacturing facilities and four engineering centers catering to domestic and international markets.

Since its inception, more than 1800 engineering graduates have been recruited under this program in partnership with leading technical/engineering colleges and universities across India. In terms of engineering disciplines, the hires come with engineering specializations in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, Computer Science, Industrial, Mechatronics, etc.

Alstom has also retained its place as the first and only organisation in India to be certified as a Top Employer in the mobility sector consecutively for the third time this year. This is a testament to Alstom’s continued commitment towards creating a better workplace through excellent people practices. To ensure the integration and development of its young recruits, the company counts on a strong internal learning culture. Alstom India is leading globally in terms of learning hours. Through Alstom University, an online learning management system, employees can learn about various subjects for their desired roles at their own pace.

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