Tag: safe (Page 2 of 5)

Air New Zealand Updates Covid-19 Alert Levels Following New Cases in Auckland

February 14, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that New Zealand is going back into lockdown following reports of 3 new Covid-19 cases in the south Auckland area. Following the press release earlier today, Air New Zealand (OTC: ANZLY) is asking that customers traveling to and from Auckland check they are eligible to travel under the new Alert Level 3 restrictions. Customers travelling from Alert Level 2 regions on our services are able to transit through Auckland on their way to other Alert Level 2 regions.

Food and beverage service onboard domestic flights had already been suspended in response to the latest community cases and this suspension will remain in place until further notice. Water is available on request on all flights.

From tomorrow, Air New Zealand’s Auckland lounges and valet parking will close. Due to capacity restrictions under Alert Level 2, the maximum number of people able to access the airline’s lounges in other regions is capped at 100.

While the country is at elevated Alert Levels, Air New Zealand will be taking extra precautions to keep its staff and customers safe. Air New Zealand front line staff and cabin crew will be wearing masks and gloves and customers are required to continue to wear face coverings onboard.

Customers with existing bookings between Monday 15 February and Sunday 21 February who wish to rebook to travel before Sunday 7 March will have any fare difference waived, and customers can call the contact centre to arrange this.

In addition to this, customers who hold a ticket for a domestic flight scheduled to depart up until 30 March 2021 and no longer wish to travel are able to opt in for credit and can do this via the airline’s online booking tool. Customers who are unable to manage their booking online do not need to contact Air New Zealand immediately or prior to their flight’s departure – assistance will be provided at a later date to find an alternative flight option or a credit note can be arranged.

The Air New Zealand contact centre and social media team are currently experiencing very high demand and the airline is grateful to customers for their patience while it works through these changes.

For the latest information, customers can check the Air New Zealand COVID-19 Hub and travel alerts page.

Aerial photography of the Pilatus PC-24, owned by Skytech, flying over Douglas Lake west of Asheville. Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) Asheville NC USA

Pilatus Aircraft Offers PC-24 With 10-Seat Commuter Interior

February 12, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

A first PC-24 with high-utility 10-seat commuter configuration has been delivered to a customer in the western United States, allowing the Super Versatile Jet to prove yet again how it is an excellent fit for the widest of mission profiles.

Pilatus now offers a commuter configuration for up to ten passengers, delivering a safe, efficient, private, cost-effective corporate travel solution for company employees. Each seat is installed with a quick-release mechanism allowing easy cabin reconfiguration for all transportation requirements.

Passengers and cargo transport

The PC-24’s payload capacity of 1,134 kilogrammes and standard large cargo door enable operators to load large, bulky items that no other business jet is capable of carrying with such flexibility. The cabin features a private lavatory which can be serviced from the exterior. Unlike many other light and midsize jets in this category, the lavatory seat is not used as a passenger seat: the loss of comfort for the passenger is simply too great.

Seat pitch in the commuter configuration varies from 34 (86) to 40 inches (102 centimetres). Each seat features a side storage compartment and cup holder as well as one USB charging port. On top of that, four 115-volt power outlets in the cabin enhance in-flight productivity. The PC-24’s entirely flat floor also adds to comfort on long trips.

Sikorsky Continues Legacy With Latest Contract to Build Presidential Helicopters

February 10, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

STRATFORD, Conn. Feb. 10 – Continuing its 63-year legacy of providing safe and reliable transportation for the president of the United States, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), is under contract to manufacture a total of 23 VH-92A® Presidential Helicopters for the U.S. Marine Corps. Sikorsky is on schedule to deliver the next generation presidential helicopter later this year.

The award announced February 5, 2021 by the U.S. Navy for five aircraft is the final lot of VH-92A presidential helicopters set to deliver in 2023. Sikorsky’s highly skilled workforce is completing final modifications on 12 of the production aircraft at its manufacturing facility in Stratford, Connecticut and Owego, New York.

The VH-92A will transport the president and vice president of the United States and other officials. Sikorsky brings unmatched experience and a proven track record to this mission having flown every U.S. commander-in-chief since President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The VH-92A, also called a “White Top” due to its notable white and green livery, will continue this legacy for decades to come.

The VH-92A program ensures long-term affordability and maintainability by utilizing the FAA certified Sikorsky S-92 aircraft which has industry leading reliability and availability. The S-92 aircraft is modified for the VH-92A mission based on government-defined requirements. The S-92 fleet surpassed 1.7 million flight hours in 2020 and averages 14,400 hours of safe flight per month.

Air New Zealand Aircrew to Overnight in Honolulu, Hawaii

January 4, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

As part of ongoing efforts to reduce the COVID-19 risk to aircrew, Air New Zealand will re-route its North America flights to allow aircrew to overnight in Honolulu rather than Los Angeles or San Francisco.

From Monday 11 January, aircrew on all cargo flights between New Zealand and the United States will overnight in Honolulu. North America passenger services will be routed via Honolulu from 2 February.

The changes mean flights from New Zealand will make a brief stop in Honolulu to change crew before continuing onto Los Angeles or San Francisco. Aircrew operating into those ports will then remain airside and operate the return flight to Honolulu where there will be a further crew change to operate back to New Zealand.

Re-routing North American flights through Honolulu means aircrew can overnight in a lower risk destination while still maintaining vital connections into North America.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran says operating in a pandemic means the airline is constantly assessing the risks to its people and operation.

“While it’s important to keep trade routes open and passenger services operating for our customers, looking after our people is our first priority.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has helped us to move so quickly in re-routing our flights, from officials in New Zealand and the United States, to our ground partners and our teams who have worked through the holiday break to make this happen.”

Air New Zealand has worked closely with the unions representing aircrew to progress these operational changes rapidly for the safety and wellbeing of those aircrew operating into high risk destinations.

The airline also continues to work closely with the Government and Ministry of Health officials on safe travel protocols to protect employees, customers and the community.

Air New Zealand currently operates eight cargo and two passenger and cargo services per week between New Zealand and Los Angeles in addition to four cargo services between New Zealand and San Francisco and one cargo service from Australia to North America. Customers will not be able to end their journey in Honolulu. The airline will be contacting cargo customers and passengers affected by the changes in flights directly.

Leading the Way for the Future of EGNOS

December 11, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Airbus-led consortiums have recently won a series of contracts to shape the future of EGNOS, the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service. EGNOS enhances Galileo and GPS signals to provide augmented safety of life services.

EGNOS V3, set to replace the current version, is already being developed by a consortium of 20 European companies led by Airbus. It will enable ‘Category I’ automatic landing of aircraft – with the flight crew supervising – in weather conditions where it would otherwise be dangerous or impossible to operate.

To prepare EGNOS V3 Evolutions, the European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded a new study contract to Airbus. The focus is on the use of the augmentation service for stringent operations like Category II approach and landing under very low visibility conditions going beyond the current EGNOS V3 performance requirements.

Preceding this, Airbus has been conducting an innovative study under the ESA NAVISP Programme to assess the potential of sensor fusion techniques, for aviation applications demanding stringent performance requirements aiding operations under low visibility conditions. The study assesses the fit and the benefits of this approach to the Positioning Navigation & Timing (PNT) requirement adherence, in particular for the Satellite Navigation.

In addition, Airbus, together with European partners, has won a series of contracts from the European Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency (GSA) and ESA to extend EGNOS service use for the safe operations of railways. The resulting projects are:

– CLUG (Certifiable Localisation Unit with GNSS): GNSS could prove a game changer for the European railway network by enabling a significant reduction of trackside equipment and by improving localisation performance. This project is performing mission analysis/needs identification and a preliminary feasibility study of an on-board localisation unit.

– GREET (GNSS for the Railway EnvironmEnT) ESA recently awarded Airbus a study for the development of a railway GNSS receiver chain to support the testing and validation of integrity concepts, algorithms, and techniques for receivers in railway environment.

– EGNSS-R (European GNSS for Rail): Rail signaling systems are used to safely control traffic in order to prevent train collisions. The project aims to define a new GNSS augmentation service for improved rail signaling, along with an implementation roadmap.

Volaris reports September 2020 traffic results, operating at 84% of 2019 capacity levels

October 6, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

MEXICO CITY, /PRNewswire/ — Volaris (NYSE: VLRS and BMV: VOLAR), the ultra-low-cost airline serving Mexico, the United States and Central America, reports September 2020 preliminary traffic results.

Volaris is well positioned for a continuing post Covid-19 traffic recovery and is regaining capacity at a fast pace, due to its strong ultra-low-cost business model focused on the VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) and leisure segments in the domestic and US-transborder markets. Volaris also continues to see success from its efforts to convert first time flyers through its bus switching marketing campaigns in Mexico.

In September 2020, capacity measured by ASMs (Available Seat Miles) was 84.2% compared to the same month of last year. Demand measured by RPMs (Revenue Passenger Miles) was 75.6% of last year. This represents an increase of 2.4% versus August 2020. Volaris transported a total of 1.3 million passengers during September 2020, an increase of 4.1% versus August 2020. Booked load factor for September 2020 was 74.4%, an increase of 1.8 pp versus August 2020. No shows were back to normal levels.

Click the link below for the full story with financials!

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/volaris-reports-september-2020-traffic-013900973.html

Embraer awarded ANAC and FAA Certification for Synthetic Vision Guidance System

September 29, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Embraer today announced that the Synthetic Vision Guidance System (SVGS) for the midsize Praetor 500 and super-midsize Praetor 600 business jets was awarded certification by both the civil aviation authority of Brazil, Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC), and the civil aviation authority of the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Embraer is the first OEM to receive SVGS certification approval.

The SVGS provides pilots with a dynamic perception of position, trend, and motion, facilitating the transition to utilizing visual references and enabling the safe completion of more missions during inclement weather and lower ceiling approaches. The system allows pilots to operate the aircraft to a decision height of 150 feet (SA-CAT I), as opposed to the regular decision height of 200 feet, increasing operational efficiency and allowing access to several airports during inclement weather and lower ceiling approaches. The SVGS can be used with or without the Head-Up Display (HUD) and is now available for new aircraft and fully retrofittable on all Legacy 450, Legacy 500, Praetor 500, and Praetor 600 aircraft at any Embraer Owned or Authorized Service Center.

“At Embraer, we are committed to continuously improving our already industry-leading products to deliver the ultimate experience in business aviation. Just two months after certifying the electric pocket door and making the HEPA filter standard, we are proud to certify another Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 innovation,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “Thanks to our unparalleled engineering team and world-class partnership with Collins Aerospace, Embraer is proud to offer business aviation’s first Synthetic Vision Guidance System on the Praetor 500 and Praetor 600, further solidifying their position as the most disruptive and technologically advanced midsize business jets in the market.”

Independent of the Embraer Enhanced Vision System (E2VS), the SVGS is an optional addition to the acclaimed Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion flight deck on the Praetor 500 and Praetor 600. The SVGS can be installed either with or without E2VS, delivering even greater flexibility and safety options. When installed alone, SVGS allows for enviable situational awareness, without the investment required for E2VS. When installed together, the aircraft’s operational efficiency is further improved, allowing for even better utilization of the Praetor’s unparalleled short runway performance.

Alstom Delivers Guadalajara Urban Transportation Network Line 3

September 14, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

– Inauguration of a landmark mobility project for the State of Jalisco in Mexico

Alstom has officially delivered Line 3 of Guadalajara urban transportation network, a new line expected to carry around 230,000 passengers daily. The line covers nearly 21 kilometres, covering 18 stations through the cities Zapopan, Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque. It will be operated by the local operator SITEUR (Sistema del Tren Eléctrico Urbano – Urban Electric Train System).

In 2014, Alstom was selected by the federal Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT – Communication and Transportation Ministry) to provide an integrated system for the Guadalajara network extension. The project, representing a nearly €330 million investment (with €240 million for Alstom), will enhance mobility services for residents across the State of Jalisco, providing significant social and economic benefits.

“Line 3 is designed to be 100% accessible to all, with spaces for people with disabilities inside the cars and dedicated infrastructure at all stations. The line is an example of a modern, inclusive transport system that offers passengers a reliable, safe and comfortable travel experience while remaining environmentally sustainable,” said Maite Ramos, Managing Director of Alstom Mexico.

“We congratulate everyone involved in the inauguration of this very important project for Jalisco. Without a doubt, it will greatly benefit all the State’s residents, changing the way they travel and improving their lifestyle. Alstom’s efficient work to carry out this project saw the company’s experience and commitment contribute to improving the quality of life of residents and proposing complete safety in their travel,” said Manuel Gomez Parra, General Director of Railway and Multimodal Development of the SCT.

The 2014 contract included the supply of 18 Metropolis trains, communication systems, the high-voltage and traction substations, and traffic control systems based on Urbalis 400, Alstom’s CBTC system. The trains are equipped with air conditioning, video surveillance, and passenger information systems.

With these projects, Alstom reaffirms its commitment to continue to lead the way to greener and smarter mobility around the world, developing and commercializing integrated systems that provide the sustainable foundation for the future of transportation.

Alstom has been present in Mexico since 1968, with the development of the first metro line in Mexico City. Since then, it has been an important ally for the development of mobility and urban connectivity, as well as the economic growth of the states of the country where it operates. For 52 years, Alstom has pioneered the introduction of metros and its maintenance in Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara. In addition, the company has developed signalling systems and maintenance services for trains and infrastructure for the main railway companies in the country.

Amtrak and Penndot to Restore Daily Keystone Service

July 4, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

New safety initiatives will continue to be in effect for customers and employees

In coordination with state partners at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, beginning Monday, July 6, Amtrak is partially restoring full-length Keystone Service (New York – Philadelphia – Harrisburg) with one roundtrip between Harrisburg and New York in response to anticipated increased demand. Keystone Service train 640 will operate through to New York and train 653 will originate in New York and operate through to Harrisburg.

Modified Keystone Service includes nine weekday roundtrips and six roundtrips on weekends. Aside from the one additional roundtrip being added to New York, other Keystone Service trains will continue to temporarily operate between Philadelphia and Harrisburg only. Pennsylvanian (Pittsburgh – Philadelphia – New York) service was previously fully restored in June and includes one daily roundtrip operating normally between New York, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Amtrak continues to take extra steps to keep train travel safe, including limiting bookings to less than half of capacity to maintain ample space for physical distancing onboard trains. All trains will be reserved to allow for physical distancing. Ticketing is now available on Amtrak.com, on Amtrak mobile apps or by calling 800-USA-RAIL.

“We are dedicated to doing everything possible to return service safely. We want everyone to feel comfortable as they navigate this new normal,” said Amtrak President and CEO Bill Flynn.

In addition to aggressive steps to disinfect stations and trains, additional Amtrak measures deliver a New Standard of Travel by including the following:

Face coverings: As part of Amtrak’s ongoing commitment to protect customers and front-line employees in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Amtrak is requiring that all customers in stations, on trains and Thruway Buses wear face coverings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of simple cloth face coverings or masks to slow the spread of the virus and prevent transmission.
Limiting bookings: We are limiting bookings on most trains to allow for more physical distancing in seating areas. Individuals traveling alone may use the seat next to them for personal belongings, while friends and family members will easily find seats together.
Air quality: All Amtrak trains are equipped with onboard filtration systems with a fresh air exchange rate every 4-5 minutes.
Cashless service: As an added measure to ensure the health and safety of our customers and employees, we are temporarily accepting only cashless payments in stations and on trains.
Physical distancing: Signage has been displayed at our busiest stations to indicate safe distances in high customer traffic areas such as waiting rooms, ticket offices, base/top of escalators, lounge entrances, etc. In addition, clear protective barriers have been installed at stations where there were no barriers.

‘Consumers Can Fly With Confidence and Safety Today’

June 9, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

In a recent appearance on the “Conversations with Mike Milken” podcast, Delta CEO Ed Bastian shared with the Milken Institute founder how the global airline is providing a safe travel experience for customers and employees, while also moving toward recovery amid the worldwide pandemic.

“In my opinion, consumers can fly with confidence and safety today,” he said. “We are taking the same measures towards the personal safety of our customers on board our planes, just as we do the flight safety of the experience.”

Bastian continued to highlight the many steps being taken to give customers confidence when traveling, including electrostatic spraying, back-to-front boarding, capping load factors at 60 percent and requiring masks for employees and customers.

“The reason I go through all those steps is that security and safety is in our DNA,” Bastian shared. “That’s the core of our franchise.”

The May 21 interview, which aired June 4, is part of Milken’s pandemic podcast series featuring notable industry leaders and medical experts. A replay of the complete interview is available.

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