Tag: Eco (Page 2 of 2)

Hokkaido Air Company Takes Delivery of 1st ATR 42-600

December 18, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Japanese regional operator starts fleet replacement with eco-responsible turboprop aircraft

World number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR today delivered the first of two ATR 42-600 aircraft to Hokkaido Air System Co., Ltd (HAC), a JAL Group Company. This delivery marks the first step in HAC’s replacement of its Saab 340 fleet. The delivery of this aircraft will ensure that essential regional air connectivity in Hokkaido can continue.

The ATR 42-600 will offer HAC increased capacity for the same operating costs – generating opportunities for the airline to increase revenues. It will also provide HAC’s passengers with a modern, comfortable cabin featuring latest generation 18”-wide seats as well as more space for luggage in the overhead bins.

Tetsu Ohori, Chief Executive Officer of HAC said: “Today is a long-awaited day for us at Hokkaido Air System, and becomes a memorable day, marking a new chapter in our history. We have so many tourists who enjoy the fantastic ‘Mother Nature’ of Hokkaido. In winter, the great nature turns her face with severe cold and heavy snow. Even under such hard conditions, this ATR 42 will perform well and make our new business a success. I’m really looking forward to showing this wonderful aircraft to everyone in Hokkaido as soon as possible.”

ATR Chief Executive Officer Stefano Bortoli remarked: “Our aircraft makes perfect sense for the Japanese market. Japanese passengers, who are known to demand the very best in terms of comfort and eco-responsibility, will appreciate both the aircraft’s reduced emissions and modern comfortable cabin. This, plus the unbeatable economics and the need to maintain essential regional connectivity in Japan demonstrates why we are increasing our presence in the country.”

ATR’s market estimates forecast that around 900 30-50 seat aircraft will soon need to be replaced as older and inefficient aircraft come to the end of their lives. The ATR 42-600 is part of ATR’s unique family of regional aircraft, including the ATR 72-600, the ATR 42-600S (Short Take-Off and Landing) and the ATR 72-600F, the only brand new regional freighter. Together, they represent the ideal and modern solution to ensure that essential connectivity is maintained for local communities all over the world, while flying sustainably, emitting up to 40% less CO2 compared with regional jets.

About Hokkaido Air System Co., Ltd
Established on 30 September, 1997, Hokkaido Air System began operations on 28 March.1998, with Japan Airlines (57.3%), Hokkaido government (19.5%), Sapporo city (13.5%) as major shareholders. Hokkaido Air System operates three aircraft (SAAB340B-WT) and 26 daily departures on five routes; between Sapporo-Okadama and Rishiri/Kushiro/Hakodate/Misawa, Hakodate and Okushiri, based in Sapporo-Okadama airport.

Air Canada’s First Airbus A220-300 Takes to the Skies

December 15, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

The first A220-300 for Air Canada has successfully completed its inaugural test flight from the Mirabel A220 final assembly line in Canada. The first of 45 aircraft for Air Canada is scheduled to be delivered to the Montreal-based airline in the coming weeks.

With its first A220 commercial flight in early 2020, Canada’s flag carrier will become the first airline in Canada to operate the Canadian-designed and -built A220. It will also become the first carrier in North America to fly the A220-300 variant.

Air Canada is planning to use the A220 on various domestic routes in Canada as well as to the United States. The A220’s unequalled performance and range capability will enable the airline to serve new markets, such as Montreal to Seattle and Toronto to San Jose, connecting the carrier’s main hubs to the West Coast, as of Spring 2020.

Benefitting from the latest technologies, the A220 is the quietest, cleanest and most eco-friendly aircraft in its category. Featuring a 50% reduced noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft, 20% lower fuel burn per seat and 50% lower NOx emissions than industry standards, the A220 is a great aircraft for neighbourhood airports.

Around 100 A220s are currently flying with six operators on routes in Asia, America, Europe and Africa, proving the great versatility of Airbus’ latest family member.

Alstom to Construct the New Metro for the Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence

November 27, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Alstom is to carry out the renewal and automation of Marseille metro for the sum of 430 million euros financed by Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence. As part of this contract, Alstom will develop, supply and install the operating system and equipment for the automatic operation of the network’s two lines. Alstom will also commission 38 new rubber-tyred metros (4 cars) and modernise all the audiovisual passenger information inside the stations. The new trains are scheduled to enter service in early 2024.

The trains will run in semi-automatic mode with drivers until mid-2025 on line M2 and until 2026 on line M1, before switching to full automation.

“It is a great honour for us to contribute to modernising the mobility offer of Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence. Our metro experts are already at work on several of our French sites to get started quickly with developments,” says Jean-Baptiste Eyméoud, Senior Vice-President France at Alstom.

The new trains, based on Alstom’s rubber-tyred metro solutions, will incorporate the latest technological developments to increase comfort, availability, accessibility and passenger information, as well as facilitate maintenance.

Each 4-car train, 65 metres long and in “boa”[1] configuration, will be able to carry up to 500 passengers[2]. The sleekly designed trains will feature large bay windows, a highly efficient air conditioning system and modern passenger information systems, providing a pleasant on-board experience. Alstom called on Marseille designers Ora-ïto and Fabien Bourdier for the design and the sound conception of the new trains.

Three designs were proposed to the Metropole Aix-Marseille-Provence, which chose to set up an Internet consultation to give residents the opportunity to give their opinion on the design they would like to see selected.

The new metros for Marseille are environmentally friendly and will be eco-designed, enabling them to be 96% recoverable at the end of their lifespan. They will consume 25% less energy than the metros currently in service, thanks in particular to electric braking (up to 0 km/h), LED lighting and other optimisations.

For the automation system, Alstom will provide its Urbalis 400 solution, already deployed on more than 1,500 kilometres of metro lines worldwide. The Marseille metro will benefit from a proven, continuously improved system (on-board computers equipped with the latest technology, vital computers that are over 99% available, beacon tracker, etc.).

Alstom currently equips 25% of the CBTC[3] metro automations in service (60 lines, including 28 fully automated lines).

In total, more than 400 people in France will work on this project, including more than 60 in Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence. Jobs will also be generated at our suppliers in France, but also in the Métropole for the installation and deployment of the signalling system.

Alstom will draw on the excellent skills of six of its French sites: Aix-en-Provence for the project management, Valenciennes for the design, interior layout, assembly, tests and validation of the trains, Ornans for the engines, Le Creusot for the bogies, Villeurbanne for the on-board electronics, passenger information, predictive maintenance and signalling system equipment, and Saint-Ouen for the coordination of the artistic design, development and integration of the signalling system.

Hyatt Announces Plans for New Hyatt Place and Hyatt House in Ho Chi Minh City

November 22, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

The first dual-branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House project in Southeast Asia is expected to open in 2023

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Xuan Mai Sai Gon Construction Investment Joint Stock Company (“Xuan Mai”) to develop a 300-key Hyatt Place Saigon, District 7 and 250-key Hyatt House Saigon, District 7 in one of Ho Chi Minh City’s largest districts. Planned for completion in 2023, the new hotels will be Hyatt’s first dual-branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotel project in Southeast Asia and will also mark the entry of the Hyatt House brand in Vietnam.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191121005818/en/

The Hyatt Place brand combines style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully designed guestrooms featuring distinct zones for sleep, work and play, and free flowing social spaces. Hyatt House hotels are designed to welcome guests as extended stay residents seeking the conveniences of home in modern, apartment-style suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas.

“We are delighted to be working with Xuan Mai to develop Hyatt’s first dual-branded select-service hotel project featuring the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House brands in Southeast Asia,” said David Udell, group president, Asia-Pacific, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. “Whether guests are looking for short term or extended stay accommodations, the location of Hyatt Place Saigon, District 7 and Hyatt House Saigon, District 7 will put them in the heart of an up-and-coming residential, commercial and entertainment district that is well connected to Ho Chi Minh City’s Central Business District.”

The new Hyatt Place Saigon, District 7 and Hyatt House Saigon, District 7 will be integral to Eco Green Saigon, an iconic 34-acre mixed-use development, which will also include residential units, office space, event space, and a primary school. Eco Green is strategically located eight miles (13 kilometers) from the Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the busiest airport in Vietnam, three miles (five kilometers) from District 1, Ho Chi Minh City’s Central Business District, and less than two miles (three kilometres) from Phu My Hung New Urban Area comprising of office developments, high end residences and schools, as well as the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Hyatt Place Saigon, District 7 will consist of 300 rooms, a café, a bar serving coffee and cocktails, a lobby lounge, and three meeting rooms, as well as an outdoor pool and fitness center. Hyatt House Saigon, District 7 will predominantly cater to guests looking for longer term accommodations, and will consist of 250 rooms divided into studios and one-bedroom suites, a bar, a lobby lounge, one meeting room, as well as an outdoor pool and fitness center. Once completed, the 69-story tower housing both hotels will be one of the tallest buildings in Ho Chi Minh City.

“With this signing, Hyatt is set to more than triple its brand presence in Vietnam over the next few years, and we are delighted to now offer locals and travelers additional accommodation options across the country, as well as have an opportunity to further solidify Hyatt’s brand presence in Ho Chi Minh City,” said Patrick Finn, Senior Vice President – Development, Asia-Pacific, Hyatt. “This project also presents Hyatt with an ideal opportunity to launch the Hyatt House brand in Vietnam’s gateway city that has the potential to be a catalyst for further Hyatt Place and Hyatt House developments in the country.”

“Hyatt Place Saigon, District 7 and Hyatt House Saigon, District 7 is expected to be the center piece of the Eco Green Saigon development in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s largest district,” said Mr. Bùi Khắc Sơn, a member of the board of Xuan Mai Sài Gòn. “This is our first hotel project and we are excited to introduce guests to the first dual-branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House project in Southeast Asia, and furthermore, collaborate with Hyatt, a globally recognized company with extensive hospitality knowledge.”

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Alstom Begins Delivery of New Regional Trains to Veneto and Liguria in Italy

November 13, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Alstom has delivered the first Coradia Stream “Pop” trains destined for operation in Italian regions of Veneto and Liguria. The trains are part of the framework agreement signed in 2016 between Alstom and Trenitalia for a total of 150 new medium-capacity regional trains. Veneto will receive a total of 31 trains, Liguria 15. Deliveries will continue at a rapid pace into 2020.

14 Coradia Stream trains are already in passenger service in Emilia Romagna, the first region to have placed a firm order under the 2016 agreement.

The new trains are part of a wider relaunch plan initiated by Trenitalia (FS Italian Group) to develop regional transport. This plan foresees a total investment of around €6 billion for 600 new trains, lead to the renewal of 80% of the fleet within 5 years. Due to the number of trains and its value, it is an unprecedented project for Italy.

The Coradia Stream, dubbed “Pop” by the Italian customer, is a single-deck electric multiple unit (EMU) designed for regional lines. It represents the latest generation of the Coradia family of trains. It can transport 300 passengers seated, has a top speed of 160 km/h, and offers easy accessibility thanks to its low floor. Designed to be eco-friendly, Coradia Stream consumes 30% less energy than previous train generation.

“Over the past 15 years, more than 412 regional trains have been designed, produced and put into commercial service by Alstom in Italy. To these figures, we will gradually grow the Pop fleet. We are proud to have been chosen by Veneto and Liguria, and to support Trenitalia in this major project to improve regional and intercity transport throughout the country,” said Michele Viale, Managing Director of Alstom in Italy and Switzerland.

The Coradia Stream trains are manufactured by Alstom in Italy. Project development, most of the manufacturing and certification are performed at Alstom’s site in Savigliano (CN). Design and manufacturing of the traction systems and other components takes place at the Sesto San Giovanni (MI), and the on-board signalling systems are delivered by the Bologna site.

Air Lease Corporation Announces Lease Placement of Six New Airbus A321neo Aircraft with China Airlines

October 28, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

LOS ANGELES, October 24, 2019 – Today Air Lease Corporation (“ALC”) (NYSE: AL) announced long-term lease agreements with China Airlines (Taiwan) for six new Airbus A321neo aircraft. The aircraft will deliver to the airline beginning in 2021 through 2022 from ALC’s order book with Airbus.

“We are honored to have been chosen by China Airlines to provide their first six new A321neos in their single-aisle fleet transformation,” said John L. Plueger, Chief Executive Officer and President of Air Lease Corporation. “The A321neo will provide significantly expanded capabilities which will benefit China Airlines and its passengers far into the future.”

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release 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.

About Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL)

ALC is a leading aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. ALC routinely posts information that may be important to investors in the “Investors” section of ALC’s website at www.airleasecorp.com. Investors and potential investors are encouraged to consult the ALC website regularly for important information about ALC. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, ALC’s website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release.

About China Airlines

Founded in 1959, China Airlines employs more than 12,000 people worldwide and operates a fleet of 111 aircraft, making it the largest airline by size and frequency of service in Taiwan. China Airlines is also one of the 19 SkyTeam Alliance member airlines. China Airlines offers passengers access to an extensive global network of more than 14,500 daily flights to 1,150 destinations in 175 countries. China Airlines is continuing to promote superior aviation safety as well as eco-friendly, innovative and attentive services that provide travelers with the perfect travel experience. Recent major international and domestic awards received by China Airlines include: 7/7 Safety Rating from AirlineRatings in Australia, the Taiwanese civil aviation industry’s top “Golden Flyer Award,” “Best of the Best” Red Dot Award, iF Design Award, Good Design Award from Japan, “Best Airline of the Year,” “Best Airline in North Asia,” “Best Business Class Seat Design” and “Best Premium Economy” from the U.S.-based Global Traveler, “Top 10 Premium Business Class” and “Top 10 Economy Class” from the DesignAir, PAX International reader survey’s winner in the “Outstanding Food Service by a Carrier – Asia” category, and the APEX Award for Publication Excellence for the inflight magazine “Dynasty.”

Lucid Motors Hires Former Tesla Production Executive

July 1, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

July 1 (Reuters) – Lucid Motors said on Monday it hired Tesla Inc’s former vice president of production at its Freemont factory, Peter Hochholdinger, as vice president of manufacturing.

The Newark, California-based electric carmaker in April also named Peter Rawlinson, former chief engineer of Tesla’s Model S, as its chief executive officer.

Lucid, which has more than $1 billion investment from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, was founded in 2007 as Atieva by Sam Weng and Bernard Tse, a former vice president of Tesla.

The company positions itself as being less of a direct competitor to Tesla than with luxury car makers such as Audi or BMW, Rawlinson had said.

Hochholdinger, a former production executive at Volkswagen AG, left Tesla last week after three years with the company. At Tesla, he was tasked with improving production for Tesla’s luxury Model S sedan and Model X sport utility vehicle as well as helping build a cost-effective manufacturing program for the Model 3 sedan.

He was the latest high-profile executive to leave Tesla in the past two years, as the automaker struggles to ramp up production of Model 3, which is seen as crucial for its long-term profitability.

Rawlinson said Hochholdinger’s experience in manufacturing would help the company in launching Lucid Air and other future models.

Tesla is expected to report its second-quarter delivery and production numbers this week.

(Reporting by Vibhuti Sharma in Bengaluru; Editing by James Emmanuel)

World of Hyatt Adds Alila Hotels And Resorts

June 26, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Alilas Villas Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia

Addition of Alila Hotels provides World of Hyatt loyalty members even more places to earn and redeem points and connect to exclusive experiences across distinct hotels and resorts

CHICAGO (June 25, 2019) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) today announced the introduction of Alila Hotels into the World of H yatt loyalty program beginning June 25, 2019. This program expansion allows World of Hyatt members to enjoy more unique stay options, the ability to earn and redeem points and enjoy in-hotel benefits at 16 participating Alila properties located throughout Asia, Southwest Asia and the U.S. This program addition quickly follows Hyatt’s November 2018 acquisition of Two Roads Hospitality and its recent integration of the Thompson Hotels and Joie de Vivre brands, with the Destination Hotels brand set to follow later this year.

16 Alila hotels are joining World of Hyatt beginning June 25, 2019 through July 16, 2019, including:

Ventana Big Sur – an Alila Resort – Big Sur, California (June 25)
Alila Solo – Solo (Surakarta), Central Java, Indonesia (June 25)
Alila Seminyak – Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia (June 25)
Studios at Alila Seminyak – Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia (June 25)
Alila Ubud – Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia (June 25)
Alila Villas Uluwatu – Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia (June 25)
Alila Villas Koh Russey – Koh Russey, Sihanoukville Province, Cambodia (June 26)
Alila Bangsar – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (June 26)
Alila Manggis – Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia (June 26)
Alila SCBD – Jakarta, Java, Indonesia (June 26)
Alila Diwa Goa – Salcette, Goa, India (July 15)
The Diwa Club by Alila – Salcette, Goa, India (July 15)
Alila Jabal Akhdar – Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman (July 15)
Alila Fort Bishangarh – Jaipur, Rajasthan, India (July 16)
Alila Anji – Anji, Zhejiang, China (July 16)
Alila Wuzhen – Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China (July 16)

“Following the additions of the Thompson Hotels and Joie de Vivre brands into World of Hyatt, we are thrilled to introduce Alila as the next former Two Roads brand to join the loyalty program,” said Amy Weinberg, senior vice president, World of Hyatt. “Alila is an award-winning brand known for its combination of innovative design and eco-luxury in unique locations, set apart by an unprecedented level of private space, crafted artisanship, personalized hospitality, and bespoke journeys. We are looking forward to offering our World of Hyatt members the opportunity to discover even more unique destinations and exclusive experiences at these remarkable properties while enjoying the rewards they’ve come to expect from World of Hyatt.”

Following the completion of the Alila Hotels integration on July 16, 2019, more than 40 hotels across the Thompson Hotels, Joie de Vivre and Alila brands will have joined World of Hyatt in many new destinations including Zihuatanejo, Mexico, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, and more.

Exclusive Alila FIND Experiences

Additionally, as part of the Alila brand integration, World of Hyatt members will be able to participate in uniquely crafted, authentic experiences at participating Alila hotels and resorts through the FIND experience platform, all of which will align with Hyatt’s three landmarks of wellbeing: Feel, Fuel and Function. Available for members to redeem using points, these specially curated experiences will be focused on enhancing mind and body, through offerings like the Balinese Beauty Ritual at Alila Seminyak, Seminyak, Indonesia; Journey to Gastronomy at Alila Villas Uluwatu, Uluwatu, Indonesia; Payangan “Private Bali” Trekking to explore rice terraces and riverside views at Alila Ubud, Gianyar, Indonesia; and Snorkeling the Blue Lagoon in Bali at Alila Manggis, Karangasem, Indonesia.

Exclusive World of Hyatt Member Offer

To celebrate, members can earn 2,000 Bonus Points for their first qualifying stay exploring each of the new brands for a total of up to 8,000 Bonus Points, plus a free night when they experience all four brands this year. Eligible stays at participating hotels begin once each property participates in World of Hyatt and are valid through December 31, 2019. No registration is required. Full terms for these offers are below. These offers are combinable with other program offers, and are part of World of Hyatt’s continued commitment to increasing rewarding offerings for its global members.

To learn more visit worldofhyatt.com/ne wbrands.

Guests can join World of Hyatt for free online at worldofhyatt.com, via a Global Contact Center or at any Hyatt hotel or resort worldwide.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and /or one or more of its affiliates.

Fiat Chrysler Signs EV Charge Point Deals with Enel, Engie

June 14, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

FILE PHOTO: A Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) sign is seen at its U.S. headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan

MILAN (Reuters) – Carmaker Fiat Chrysler (FCA) has signed an agreement with European utilities Enel and Engie to help offer its customers charging points for electric vehicles (EV) it is planning to roll out.

FCA, which is lagging rivals in developing electrified vehicles, said last June it would invest 9 billion euros ($10 billion) over the next five years to introduce hybrid and electric cars across all regions.

Last month, the Italian-American carmaker proposed a merger with French rival Renault in part to share the costs of developing a new series of electric cars. Merger talks collapsed earlier this month.

In a statement, FCA said the main aim of its partnerships with Enel and Engie was to be able to offer private and public charging stations to support the sales of its soon-to-be-launched fully electric Fiat 500 BEV and plug-in hybrid Jeep Renegade PHEV.

“We are assembling an eco-system of partners, products and services across multiple markets to meet and exceed the rapidly evolving expectations of our customers for electrified vehicles,” FCA Chief Executive Mike Manley said.

The deal also includes developing services such as apps to allow clients to locate public charging points.

Enel, through its Enel X unit, will work with FCA in Italy, Spain and Portugal, while Engie will work with the carmaker in 14 other European markets.

(Reporting by Stephen Jewkes; Editing by Mark Potter)

United Airlines Makes Historic Eco-Friendly Commercial Flight

June 5, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Historic “Flight for the Planet” combines the use of biofuel, zero-waste measures and carbon offsets to significantly minimize impact on the environment.

CHICAGO, June 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — United Airlines, a longstanding leader among all global carriers in environmental sustainability, made history today – World Environment Day – with the departure of the Flight for the Planet, the most eco-friendly commercial flight of its kind in the history of aviation. On the Flight for the Planet, United became the first known airline to demonstrate all of the following key actions on a single commercial flight: utilization of sustainable aviation biofuel; zero cabin waste efforts; carbon offsetting; and operational efficiencies.

United is using the Flight for the Planet to evaluate key measures of flying as sustainably as possible using the airline’s current technology, resources and fuel-saving procedures. The flight departed from gate B12 at United’s hometown hub of Chicago O’Hare for its “eco-hub” in Los Angeles, where sustainable aviation biofuel has helped power all the airline’s flights from the Southern California hub since 2016.

“The historic Flight for the Planet showcases United’s philosophy of working together to find new and innovative ways to lead us into a more sustainable future,” said Scott Kirby, United’s president. “As an airline, we see our environment from a unique perspective every day and we know we must do our part to protect our planet and our skies.”

The Flight for the Planet further illustrates United’s commitment to its bold pledge to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2050.

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