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Next Step for New Generation Interislander Ferries

May 28, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

KiwiRail is taking the next step to procure a new generation of Cook Strait ferries which will increase the capacity on this vital transport link, and increase its resilience.

A Request for Proposal (RFP) to find a preferred shipyard to build two new ships for the Interislander is being issued today, the next step in the procurement process.

“The new ships will strengthen and enhance the vital transport link between the North and South Islands and represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the Cook Strait crossing,” Group Chief Executive Greg Miller says. The ferries are extensions of State Highway 1 and the Main Trunk Line across Cook Strait, linking road and rail networks between the two islands.

Currently, Interislander operates a fleet of three ferries, moving some 800,000 passengers and up to $14 billion worth of road and rail freight between the North and South Islands each year.

The $400 million contribution in Budget 2020 has enabled KiwiRail to go out to international tender to build the new ships, which are intended to arrive for service in 2024 and 2025. When the ferries are delivered, it will be over 25 years since New Zealand last introduced a brand-new purpose-built ferry to its fleet.

The $400 million towards the ferries and KiwiRail’s infrastructure at the ports in Wellington and Picton builds upon a $35 million-dollar investment in last year’s Budget for ferry design and procurement work.

The two new ferries will be technologically advanced, have significantly lower emissions, a greater carrying capacity – including rail wagons – and provide an enhanced visitor experience, Mr Miller says.

“On behalf of New Zealanders, we are grateful to the Government for enabling this acquisition,” says Mr Miller. “It is exciting to issue this RFP, to move the project forward and to find a shipyard to partner with KiwiRail to deliver the ships to our specifications, quality and timeline requirements.”

“Only overseas shipyards have the ability to build ferries of the size and standard needed for the Cook Strait. However, the project also involves new infrastructure including terminals, linkspans, and marshalling yards which will create numerous Kiwi jobs in Picton and Wellington. Community engagement has already begun in Picton for the proposed new terminal there.

“We are engaging our Interislander staff in the design of the ferries to ensure the ships are not only great for passengers, but also for those who work on them.

“Our new ferries and the associated port infrastructure will provide greater resilience for this crucial link that unites our country and will serve New Zealand for the next generation and beyond.”

British Airways Suspending Flights from London Gatwick

March 31, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

LONDON, March 31 (Reuters) – British Airways said it is temporarily suspending flights from Gatwick Airport in southern England, Britain’s second busiest airport, due to the coronavirus.

BA’s boss warned earlier in March that the airline was in a battle for survival and would have to cut jobs and park planes.

“Due to the considerable restrictions and challenging market environment, like many other airlines, we will temporarily suspend our flying schedule at Gatwick,” a BA spokesman said.

BA said it will contact affected customers. The airline continues to operate some flights from its main hub at Heathrow.

Parent company IAG said flying capacity would be down 75% in April and May.

Rival airline easyJet said on Monday that it had grounded its entire fleet.

Gatwick Airport said last week it would shut one of its two terminals on Wednesday.

(Reporting by Sarah Young)

Delta to Suspend Los Angeles to Sydney Service March 18 Through mid-April

March 16, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Following self-quarantine restrictions issued by the Australian government, Delta is temporarily suspending service from Los Angeles to Sydney beginning March 18 through April 11.

The last flight from L.A. to Sydney will depart Tuesday, March 17. The last flight from Sydney to L.A. will depart Thursday, March 19.

See here for a list of all current schedule changes.

CHANGING YOUR FLIGHT

Delta has waived change fees for customers traveling to, from or through Australia through May 31. Additional details are available on delta.com.

To help address customers with immediate travel needs, Delta is asking those who do not have travel in the next 72 hours to wait and contact the airline closer to their trip. Customers can also change or cancel a flight anytime before their travel date using My Trips on Delta.com.

To provide even more flexibility, any Delta ticket expiring in March or April is being extended to enable rebooking and travel until Dec. 31, 2020. If you’re not able to adjust your plans in time and don’t make your flight, your ticket number automatically becomes an unused eCredit within 24 hours that can be used to rebook a flight in My Trips or with Delta Reservations.

CAPPED FARES

To ensure customers can travel with financial peace of mind, Delta will cap fares to and from all destinations Delta serves throughout the U.S. and Canada through March 31. These fare caps are in place in all cabins, from Delta One to Main Cabin.

PROVIDING A SAFE AND CLEAN ENVIRONMENT 

Delta’s highest priority is to ensure the health and safety of customers and employees. The airline is regularly disinfecting check-in kiosks, ticket counters, gate areas, jet bridges, and more multiple times a day. More information on our cleaning procedures can be found here. 

SWISS to Switch Berlin Service to New Brandenburg Airport

March 10, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

SWISS will operate all its Berlin services to and from the city’s new Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) from 8 November 2020. The SWISS reservation system has already been reconfigured.

From 31 October 2020 onwards, flight operations in Berlin will relocate from the present Tegel Airport to the city’s new Brandenburg Airport (BER). The migration should be completed within the following week. Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will commence its new operations to and from Berlin Brandenburg on 8 November. The first SWISS arrival at the new airport will be flight LX974 at 08:45, and the first SWISS Berlin Brandenburg departure will be flight LX975 to Zurich at 09:30.

The SWISS reservation system has already been reconfigured to reflect the planned move. Customers who book a flight to Berlin for travel on or after 8 November will be shown not Tegel (TXL) as their destination but the new Berlin Brandenburg (BER). Customers who have already booked such flights will be notified and rebooked. According to current plans, the arrival and departure times of the SWISS flights concerned will remain unchanged, as will the number of frequencies on the route.

Access to new lounge for SWISS travellers, too

Business Class travellers on Lufthansa Group airlines, Frequent Travellers, Senators, Star Alliance Gold Status Members and HON Circle Members can look forward to a particular highlight at the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport: the Lufthansa Lounge. The 1,600-square-metre facility, which is located in the Main Pier North of Terminal 1, offers separate senator and business sections in which visitors can relax, freshen up or work in calm surrounds. The new lounge also features a panoramic windowfront giving exclusive views out over the apron area and of the Berlin skyline beyond.

Boeing Reveals its U.S. Army Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft Design

March 3, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Agile, purpose-built and designed for the Army’s evolving missions

Boeing [NYSE: BA] is offering the U.S. Army an agile, fully integrated, purpose-built system for the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) prototype competition.

Boeing FARA is designed to meet the Army’s current mission needs while evolving as technologies and missions change. The thrust compounded single-main rotor helicopter boasts a six-bladed rotor system, a single engine, tandem seating and a modular, state-of-the-art cockpit with a reconfigurable large area display and autonomous capabilities.

“We’re offering more than a helicopter – we’re offering an affordable and fully integrated system for the Army, the mission and the future. We’ve blended innovation, ingenuity and proven rotorcraft experience with extensive testing and advanced analysis to offer a very compelling solution,” said Mark Cherry, vice president and general manager of Boeing’s Phantom Works.

The fly-by-wire design leverages more than 65 years of rotorcraft experience, proven advanced and additive manufacturing technology, and product commonality driving down risk and costs. The system will provide seamless capability within the Army ecosystem to include Long-Range Precision Fires and air-launched effects.

“We listened to the Army, assessed all alternatives, and optimized our design to provide the right aircraft to meet the requirements,” said Shane Openshaw, Boeing FARA program manager. “We are offering a very reliable, sustainable and flexible aircraft with a focus on safety and the future fight.”

FARA will fill a critical gap in Army aviation for an advanced light attack and reconnaissance capability, previously held by the now-retired Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior.

For more information about Boeing FARA and its features, visit www.boeing.com/FARA.

Bombardier Celebrates Introduction of the final New Generation Rollingstock in Queensland, Australia

January 29, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Fleet of 75 six-car commuter trains, designed and engineered locally in Australia, are already increasing transport capacity and ridership in Queensland
With 70 per cent of Queensland’s future population growth targeted in the South-East region, the NGR fleet will bring a significant capacity increase to meet the growing demand for rail services

The last of 75 trains enters service in Queensland, Australia

Mobility technology solution provider Bombardier Transportation recently celebrated the introduction into passenger service of the final New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) train for the Queensland Government. In addition to delivering the 75 commuter trains, Bombardier will also maintain the entire fleet at its Wulkuraka maintenance centre near Ipswich, Queensland for a period of 32 years.

“Our highly efficient commuter cars have been performing well, providing passengers in Queensland with a safe and comfortable ride. Bombardier is providing mobility solutions through its NGR and Gold Coast projects, helping the Queensland Government deliver its economic and public transportation development programs,” said Wendy McMillan, President, South East Asia and Australia, Bombardier Transportation.

She added, “This significant milestone of the last NGR train delivery in Queensland was achieved thanks to close collaboration between Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Queensland Rail, Bombardier and our partners. Bombardier has created more than 2,000 local jobs across the industry and supply chain throughout this project.”

The trains have been rigorously tested and commissioned to the highest requirements of TMR and Queensland Rail at the Wulkuraka maintenance facility. In addition, they have travelled more than eight million in-service kilometres and conducted over 150,000 passenger journeys since the first trains started service in December 2017.

Last year, Bombardier Transportation signed a contract for $335.7 million AUD with the Queensland Government to deliver modifications to the NGR trains currently being introduced to the South-East Queensland rail network. Bombardier is leading the Qtectic consortium contracted to deliver the NGR project and will undertake the work to upgrade the trains in line with the government’s revised design specifications with an industry partner. The NGR core project team led by TMR, Queensland Rail and Bombardier Transportation worked closely together with the disability sector to ensure the upgraded trains meet the needs of all Queenslanders. Queensland’s train fleet will be one of the most accessible in the country once the upgrades are complete.

Bombardier has been investing in Australia for more than 70 years. As a trusted rail industry partner with over 1,000 local employees, Bombardier designs, engineers, manufactures and maintains rolling stock across Australia, along with providing signalling, rail equipment, asset management and through-life support to customers and operators.

New Seattle NHL Franchise Picks Alaska Airlines as a Founding Partner

January 16, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

3D model of the New Arena at Seattle Center from NHL.com

The new Seattle NHL Franchise has picked Alaska Airlines as one of the professional hockey team’s founding Partners, as well as the official airline of the team, the companies announced today.

Under the sponsorship agreement between the SeaTac-based airline and the National Hockey League expansion team, the new Seattle Center arena’s main door and lobby area will be named the Alaska Airlines Atrium, featuring a giant Alaska sign and colors.

The arena atrium is part of the $950 million venue’s south side, and will serve as the main entrance for the facility.

Atlas Air Lands El Al As New Customer

January 8, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

El Al Israel Airlines is outsourcing operation of its main freighter route between Tel Aviv and Liege, Belgium, to Atlas Air Inc. under an extended charter arrangement.

Atlas, an aviation services company headquartered in Purchase, N.Y., said Tuesday it is leasing El Al a Boeing 747-400 all-cargo aircraft, operating it with its own crew and providing maintenance and insurance (ACMI) beginning this month.

El Al, a new customer for Atlas, is experiencing strong growth in demand across its freight network, according to the announcement. The Israeli carrier sells the space on the plane and covers expenses such as ground handling, landing fees and fuel.

No terms of the commercial cooperation were disclosed, but ACMI deals typically run for one to three years.

Click the link for the full story!

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/atlas-air-lands-el-al-164407972.html

Latécoère Enters Into Agreement to Acquire Bombardier’s Electrical Wiring Interconnection System Business in Querétaro

January 1, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Latécoère to acquire EWIS activities and related assets as well as a skilled workforce specializing in harnessing and electrical sub-assemblies in Querétaro
Agreement promotes long-term relationship with Latécoère and supports the optimization of Bombardier Aviation
Bombardier continues to produce major structures at its high-tech main campus in Querétaro, including the aft fuselage for the Global family of jets

Latécoère and Bombardier announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement, whereby Latécoère will acquire Bombardier’s electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS) assets in Querétaro, Mexico. The two companies also concluded a long-term supply agreement that will see Latécoère supply Bombardier with electrical wiring interconnection systems.

The transaction is subject to customary conditions and approvals and is expected to close in the first half of 2020.

Approximately 700 skilled employees are dedicated to the manufacture of EWIS at Bombardier’s facility in Querétaro. Under the long-term supply agreement, Latécoère will continue to supply the EWIS for all Bombardier Aviation platforms, including Global, Challenger and Learjet aircraft from the current location to support Bombardier’s requirements. The annual turnover of the business is anticipated to be around USD 80 million.

“This acquisition reflects our willingness to emerge as a leading player in the global consolidation movement in the aeronautics sector,” said Yannick Assouad, CEO of Latécoère. “We keep deploying our manufacturing footprint on an international scale with a strong desire to strengthen our presence in the areas closest to our customers,” she added.

“This agreement exemplifies Bombardier’s focus on streamlining its activities to foster a strong and efficient aviation franchise,” said Paul Sislian, Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aviation. “With Latécoère’s reputation for excellence, this new partnership will result in a winning combination for both our companies.”

Under the terms of the transaction, Latécoère will pay Bombardier a cash consideration of USD 50 million. The transaction further supports Bombardier Aviation’s transformation and sharpens the company’s focus on its core manufacturing capabilities. The skilled employees who manufacture the main harnesses and electrical subassemblies in Querétaro will bring years of experience and value to Latécoère. The sale will not impact the remainder of Bombardier’s operations at its Querétaro site, which will continue to produce major structures for Bombardier aircraft, such as the aft fuselage for the Globalfamily of business aircraft – including the company’s flagship Global 7500 jet – the most complex aircraft component manufactured in Mexico.

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.

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CAPPED FARES

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