Tag: Regional (Page 3 of 18)

US-Bangla Airlines boosts ATR fleet availability with Global Maintenance Agreement

July 17, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France, 17 July 2023 – Largest private Bangladeshi carrier US-Bangla Airlines and world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, today announced the signature of a Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA) to further optimize the airline’s maintenance costs and boost the reliability of its fleet of eight ATR 72-600’s. The five-year pay-by-the-hour contract covers the repair, overhaul and pooling services of Line Replaceable Units, along with the availability and maintenance of propellers and leading edges.

Mohammed Abdullah Al Mamun, Managing Director of US-Bangla Airlines said: “Reliability, on-time performance, customer experience and safety are of paramount importance to US-Bangla. As US-Bangla celebrates its 9th Anniversary there is no better time to announce that we are strengthening our cooperation with ATR through this Global Maintenance Agreement. We are hopeful that this partnership will further optimise the reliability of our ATR fleet while reducing operating costs – creating a win-win partnership. Both our teams have worked relentlessly to innovate a commercial model which we hope will stand the test of time and be a new benchmark in aviation”

For over 25 years, the ATR GMA has been significantly boosting regional airlines’ operations and reducing maintenance costs through improved parts availability, advice on maintenance practices, troubleshooting and insightful engineering analysis.

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.

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.

Sky High Aviation Receives First of Two Embraer E190 Jets

June 1, 2022 / WIL BALDWIN

São José dos Campos, Brazil, June 1, 2022 – Sky High Aviation, an airline based in the Dominican Republic, has taken delivery of its first Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) E190 passenger jet. This makes the air carrier the only E-Jet operator based in the Caribbean. The first of two E190s being provided by regional aircraft lessor, TrueNoord, arrived last week at Las Americas José Francisco Peña Gómez airport after transition works were completed at Embraer’s MRO facility in Macon, Georgia, USA. The second E190 is to be delivered to Sky High later this month.

The addition of the E190s will bring a new level of comfort for passengers and open new international routes from the region. Sky High currently operates a fleet of two 50 seater Embraer ERJ 145s flying to 10 island destinations in the Caribbean. The E190s have been configured in a comfortable dual-class layout with 98 seats and will serve Sky High’s existing destinations as well as opening new international routes to the United States, Central and South America.

Juan Chamizo Alonso, President of Sky High Aviation, said, “It’s a huge differentiator for us to be the only operator in the region with E-Jet capability, and a great way to celebrate our first 10 years of operations. The addition of the larger, more modern and capable E190 is the next step in our development and our offering to our customers. The E190 is the perfect aircraft to help manage demand in peak times, as well as to open and maintain the international routes essential for our continued development as a leading Caribbean operator.”

Court Rules in Favor of SBB for 286 Regional Service Units

May 25, 2022 / WIL BALDWIN

In October of 2021, Stadler was awarded the contract for 286 single-deck multiple units. The Federal Administrative Court confirms the award of the contract to Stadler, and has dismissed Alstom’s appeal.

Together with its subsidiaries Thurbo and RegionAlps, SBB is procuring 286 single-deck multiple-unit trains for regional transport. Stadler was awarded the contract for this order. The unsuccessful bidder, Alstom, appealed against this decision to the Federal Administrative Court. The court has now dismissed the appeal. This court decision confirms that SBB complied with the requirements of procurement law and the equal treatment of bidders during the tendering procedure. After signing the contract, Stadler can start building the 286 multiple units for regional transport.

The legal proceedings initiated by Alstom have an impact on the delivery of the vehicles. The first trains will now not enter service until 2026 instead of December 2025 as originally planned. The new trains will gradually replace the following rolling stock until 2034:

at SBB: Domino, Flirt (first generation)
at Thurbo: articulated railcars
at RegionAlps: Domino and Nina

The newly procured vehicles will help all three railway companies to implement their planned improvements to services as well as the service expansion projects planned by the Confederation and the Cantons.

STARLUX Launches Widebody Fleet with First Airbus A330neo

February 21, 2022 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France February 21, 2022 – Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines has taken delivery of its first widebody aircraft – an A330-900. It is the first of 26 Airbus (OTC: EADSY) widebodies set to join the airline’s fleet, comprising eight A330neo and 18 A350’s.

The A330neo aircraft and one A350 are being acquired on lease from ALC, while the airline has 17 A350s on direct order with Airbus. Benefiting from the A330neo’s unbeatable operating economics and award-winning Airspace cabin, the aircraft will feature a two-class cabin with 28 business class seats and 269 economy class seats.

The A330neo joins an existing fleet of seven single-aisle A321neo at the airline, and will complement the airline’s network by flying regional routes from Taiwan to the wider Asia-Pacific.

At the same time, STARLUX has also signed up for the computer-based ACE (Airbus Cockpit Experience) Suite training solution. Using a “learning by discovery” approach, STARLUX’s flying crew will be able to use the ACE Trainer that simulates a 3D Cockpit environment with guided lessons and free play.

ACE Suite offers an efficient learning process that also provides customers with significant time savings off high-level devices training. Users can enjoy better knowledge retention and continuous skills reinforcement. ACE Suite is approved by EASA and in line with ICAO regulations.

American Airlines to Expand Embraer Fleet

February 18, 2022 / WIL BALDWIN

São José dos Campos, Brazil, February 15, 2022 – American Airlines has signed a firm order with Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) for three new E175s. The aircraft will be operated by American’s wholly owned subsidiary, Envoy Air. With deliveries to be completed this year, Envoy’s fleet of E175s will grow to over 100 aircraft by the end of 2022. The contract value is USD 160.2 million at current list prices and will be included in Embraer’s 2021 fourth quarter backlog.

“Reaching the century mark of 100 E175s with American Airlines and Envoy is truly a moment to savor. We thank American Airlines and Envoy for their sustained partnership with Embraer, which began back in 1998,” said Mark Neely, Vice President Sales and Marketing for The Americas, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “It’s hard to exaggerate the impact this hardworking aircraft has every day, delivering essential connectivity across the US market. The E175 is the backbone of the US regional network, with over 600 aircraft sold, and 86% market share since 2013.”

“Our incredible journey with Embraer began almost 25 years ago with the ERJ 145. Our partnership continues to grow today with the E175s, the core of our fleet. Not only are our customers happy with the aircraft, but the jet’s outstanding performance has allowed us to continue to provide excellent service to American Airlines,” said Pedro Fábregas, President & CEO of Envoy. “We look forward to receiving these three new aircraft later this year as we continue to expand our growing network.”

Stadler to Deliver up to 504 Tram Trains to German Austrian Project Consortium

January 17, 2022 / WIL BALDWIN

Stadler has been awarded the largest contract in the company’s history with a total volume of up to four billion euros: it has won an international tender held jointly by six transport companies from Germany and Austria for up to 504 vehicles as part of the VDV Tram-Train project. In addition to vehicle production, the framework agreement also includes a maintenance contract lasting up to 32 years. Part of the framework agreement is a fixed order quantity of 246 CITYLINK vehicles representing a volume of around 1.7 billion euros. There is also an option to order up to 258 more vehicles.

The award of the contract marks the beginning of a long-standing partnership between Stadler and the project consortium, consisting of Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe (VBK), Albtal-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft (AVG), Saarbahn Netz, Schiene Oberösterreich, the State of Salzburg and Zweckverband Regional-Stadtbahn Neckar-Alb. Over the next ten years, Stadler will produce 246 CITYLINK vehicles for the six operators. The first four vehicles will be delivered to the Saarbahn in 2024.

All vehicles will be supplied in a three-part design. The length of the vehicles, the number of doors, the boarding and coupling height as well as the configuration of the CITYLINK versions will vary depending on the delivery location and the customer. All the vehicles will have certain features in common: they will be fitted with an HVAC system for the passenger compartments and driver’s cab, and have spacious multi-purpose areas with two wheelchair spaces that can be flexibly configured. The tram-trains will be individually equipped to suit the place of use. For example, the vehicles for the Albtal-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft will have a toilet as well as facilities for cycle racks, while Schiene Oberösterreich has opted for luggage racks as an extra feature.

Providing one type of vehicle for six operators is unusual. “On the project team, we spent hours developing a common set of specifications. We defined a standard with up to five further versions to meet the operator- specific requirements such as boarding height, coating and place of use,” explains the overall project manager Thorsten Erlenkötter from Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe.

Stadler Sets Guinness Book of Records with FLIRT Akku Battery Only Train Journey

December 31, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

The three unit FLIRT Akku used for the record journey has been developed by Stadler since 2016 as a local CO2 neutral mobility solution for the climate-friendly operation of unelectrified railway routes. The vehicle was approved by the German Federal Railway Office and introduced to the public for the very first time in 2018. Ever since when the FLIRT Akku test carrier has travelled around 15,000 kilometers in battery only operation, before setting the world record for a regional train journey in battery-only mode without additional charge now.

Climate friendly bestseller FLIRT

The first Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train was developed in 2002 at the request of the Swiss Federal Railways SBB for the Zug city railway. Ever since the unit was put into service, the FLIRT has turned into an international bestseller with over 2,000 vehicles sold. These vehicles are being operated in 20 countries in virtually all climate zones, from the equator to the polar circle, with 528 of them operating in Germany alone. The single-decker regional and intercity multiple unit convinces with its flexibility in the process. The trains are configured for normal and broad gauge tracks, with top speeds of 160 to 200 km/h. Thus, the FLIRT can be customized to any individual client requirements in terms of its drive technology, number of seats, passenger flow and interior design. The lightweight aluminum construction and common components help to keep the operating, energy and maintenance costs low. Besides electric, diesel or bi-modal drives, the FLIRT is also available with climate-friendly battery and hydrogen propulsion.

With the FLIRT Akku train sets, Stadler has developed a so called BEMU (battery-electric multiple unit) that will run as both a classic EMU (electric multiple unit) under overhead contact cable or battery-operated on un-electrified routes. This makes it optimal for partly electrified routes that currently still need to be served with diesel trains. Stadler had already won the first green technology tender in Germany and sold 55 FLIRT Akkus to NAH.SH, the Schleswig-Holstein Local Transport Association in 2019. In November 2021, another order for 44 vehicles followed from Deutsche Bahn Regio. In addition Stadler is also building the first hydrogen-powered FLIRT for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) in the USA.

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