Tag: Europe (Page 6 of 25)

Textron Launches Data Communications Program to Support Legacy Hawker 4000 and Cessna Citation Sovereign Aircraft

August 18, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

WICHITA, Kan. (Aug. 18, 2021) – Textron Aviation and Honeywell Aerospace are developing an exclusive program for Hawker 4000 and Cessna Citation Sovereign aircraft equipped with the Honeywell PRIMUS EPIC integrated cockpit to allow pilots to communicate more easily with air traffic controllers and utilize the most current Data Link services offered in North America and Europe. The aircraft upgrade is expected to be available in mid-2022.

Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker customers receive factory direct support, maintenance and modifications by Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, through a global network of service and part centers, mobile service units and 24/7 1CALL AOG support.

Future Air Navigation System (FANS) Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) and Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN) Protected Mode CPDLC (PM-CPDLC) replace the traditional voice communications used by pilots and controllers with data/text messaging for many standard operating procedures, allowing pilots to communicate with air traffic control with the touch of a button. This increases pilot heads-up time, frees up VHF voice communication bandwidth for more critical communications, and significantly reduces voice readback errors. CPDLC is similar to SMS text messaging used on your personal cell phone but uses prescribed text messages that enable pilots and air traffic controllers (ATC) to quickly and accurately request and authorize clearances and flight plan changes.

The FANS 1/A+ and Protected Mode CPDLC program features:

Ease of operation by quickly and accurately loading complex instructions into the aircraft flight management system with the push of a button
Support for future FAA Next Gen Data Com capabilities
Trajectory-based operations
Improved re-routing of aircraft around severe weather events and traffic congestion
Prioritized departure clearances that can save several minutes of wait time before takeoff

Aircraft operating in continental Europe will also be able to use PM-CPDLC to obtain equivalent benefits of ATC prioritization, delay avoidance, and optimal flight durations.

Textron Aviation’s collaboration with Honeywell on this project enables a cost-effective solution for customers for modernizing the Data Link capabilities of these important aircraft and reduces the certification and installation time. As the original equipment manufacturer of the aircraft, Textron Aviation can offer the OEM-certified upgrade to the PRIMUS EPIC avionics suite that maintains the system integrity as originally certified. Installation can be completed at any domestic or international Textron Aviation service center.

ADAC Luftrettung Takes Delivery of First Two Five Blade Airbus H145 Helicopters

August 17, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

ADAC Luftrettung, one of Europe’s biggest Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) operators, has taken delivery of its first two five-bladed H145s. Furthermore, the German HEMS operator will upgrade its current fleet of 14 four-bladed H145s to the five-bladed rotor system.

ADAC Luftrettung operates more than 50 Airbus helicopters from their 37 stations throughout Germany. In June, an ADAC H145 was the first HEMS helicopter to fly with sustainable aviation fuel.

The new version of Airbus’ best-selling H145 light twin-engine helicopter was unveiled at Heli-Expo 2019 in Atlanta. This latest upgrade adds a new, innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission H145, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design will also ease maintenance operations, further improving the benchmark serviceability and reliability of the H145, while improving ride comfort for both passengers and crew. The helicopter’s high-mounted tail boom and wide opening clam-shell doors facilitate access to the H145’s spacious cabin.

Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class.

Today, Airbus has more than 1,470 H145 family helicopters in service around the world, logging a total of more than six million flight hours. For HEMS alone, there are more than 470 helicopters of the H145 family conducting air rescue missions worldwide.

Aeromexico Announces Nonstop Service Between Guadalajara and Madrid, Spain

August 10, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Starting December 15, Aeromexico will offer nonstop service between Guadalajara and Madrid with three weekly flights. This route represents a 21% growth in its total monthly seat capacity between Mexico and Spain, and the possibility of serving more Aeromexico Cargo customers.

The route will be operated with its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, and customers will be able to travel nonstop from Guadalajara to Spain, making their travel experience more comfortable. This service is in addition to the 14 weekly flights that the airline operates from Mexico City to the Spanish capital, a route that has more than 60 years of operating. For the launch, Aeromexico will offer introductory fares starting at USD 599 in Economy Class and USD 1999 in Premier Class.

Aeromexico recently announced the acquisition of new state-of-the-art aircraft, whose deliveries began last June. With this, Mexico’s global airline will continue to increase its connectivity network, offering a cutting- edge service with the highest safety standards and modern, efficient, and less polluting aircraft.

Aeromexico Cargo can serve 41 airports in Mexico and multiple international destinations in the U.S., Canada, Central, and South America, Asia, and Europe.

Indian Ocean Based Air Austral Becomes First French A220 Operator

July 28, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Mirabel, Canada – The first of the three A220s for Air Austral, France’s La Reunion Island-based airline, has been delivered from the Airbus A220 Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Mirabel, Canada. The second and third aircraft are expected to join the Air Austral fleet in the coming days.

Airbus is delighted to welcome Air Austral as a new Airbus customer and operator. This A220 will be the first of the type to be operated by a French airline in the Indian Ocean region.

Air Austral has selected the Airbus A220-300 as part of its medium and short-haul fleet modernisation plan in order to boost its operational efficiency, offering an enhanced passenger experience in a comfortable two-class cabin layout with 132 seats: 12 in business class and 120 in economy-class.

Bearing the airline’s distinctive livery representing La Reunion Island’s beautiful landscapes, Air Austral will strengthen its regional network with three A220-300s, flying on routes between La Réunion Island and Mauritius, Mayotte, Seychelles, South Africa, Madagascar, and as far as India.

Powered by latest-generation geared turbofan engines, Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G, the A220 is the quietest and most eco-friendly aircraft in its category. The aircraft features a 50% reduced noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft, 25% lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions per seat as well as 50% lower NOx emissions than current industry standards.

To date over 160 A220s have been delivered, operating routes in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa, proving the great versatility of Airbus’ new generation single-aisle family member.

Small Ship Cruise Line Windstar Resumes Operations in Tahiti for Vaccinated Guests

July 17, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Seattle, Washington, July 16, 2021 – U.S. headquartered small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises has resumed cruising this week in French Polynesia/the Islands of Tahiti with vaccinated guests + crew aboard the line’s 148-passenger Wind Spirit sailing ship. Half of the line’s six yacht fleet is now back in the water cruising.

To celebrate Wind Spirit’s return, the line has added free drinks to its already enticing bundled pricing.

Windstar offers a convenient Air + Hotel package from Los Angeles International Airport that includes the round trip Air Tahiti Nui flight from Los Angeles, pre-cruise accommodations and a post-cruise day room, ground transfers in Tahiti, and a seven, 10, or 11 night boutique cruise in French Polynesia. Now on cruise vacations including air and hotel booked during the promotional period ending July 30, 2021, guests also receive the promise of a free beverage package (with unlimited select spirits, wine, beer, cocktails, and minibar items), guaranteeing an extra Mai Tai or three beneath a palm tree. If guests don’t imbibe, they can alternately choose shipboard credit to put towards other experiences, like a relaxing onboard spa treatment or shore excursions such as SCUBA diving, reef snorkeling, or even harvesting Tahitian black pearls.

Windstar typically sails year-round from Tahiti, where cruises take place on Wind Spirit, a 148- guest motorized sailing yacht specifically designed for the region and capturing the South Pacific trade winds in its billowing sails. However, Windstar’s reimagined, new all-suite Star Breeze yacht carrying 312 guests will begin sailings in the region on September 19 and will remain on a limited engagement in Tahiti until March of 2022, giving guests a unique chance to sail on the larger, more amenity-intensive yacht in gracious ocean view 277 square feet suites. Windstar offers guests a complimentary private event on their Tahiti cruises: a private beach party and locally sourced feast on one of Bora Bora’s tiny motus, followed by a kinetic fire-dancing performance. It is available on all sailings/both yachts.

Windstar is returning to operations in a phased manner, with its fleet of six yachts debuting on various dates through November, while requiring vaccines of all passengers amongst a host of health and safety precautions including testing, social distancing, masks, and high-tech air filtration. On June 19, Windstar’s Wind Star yacht resumed revenue operations in Greece, and on July 10, Windstar’s Star Breeze began sailing in the Caribbean, both with vaccinated guests and crew.

Windstar has plans to resume sailing on the following yachts in 2021 with vaccinated guests + crew:

Wind Surf – August 8, 2021 – Mediterranean

Star Legend – September 4, 2021 – Northern Europe

Star Pride – November 3, 2021 – Caribbean

For more details on Windstar Cruises, visit www.windstarcruises.com

Cessna Citation Longitude Achieves EASA Certification

July 13, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Textron Aviation today announced its flagship Cessna Citation Longitude super-midsize business jet achieved certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), clearing the way for customer deliveries to begin in the region.

The Cessna Citation Longitude super-midsize business jet is designed, produced and delivered by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company.

The largest jet in the Cessna Citation lineup, the Longitude was designed with business and return on investment at the forefront, with the lowest direct operating cost of any super-midsize jet. Capable of flying from Geneva to Dubai or Rome to New Delhi, the Longitude offers class-leading comfort, the quietest cabin in class, and advanced connectivity for those focused on staying productive in the air.

As a clean-sheet aircraft, the Longitude was designed with innovation front of mind, and a cabin experience shaped around customer input and a broad range of mission capabilities.

The Longitude is backed by Textron Aviation’s extensive global customer service network, providing customers with direct access to nearly 3,000 expert employees, including service representatives offering maintenance, inspections, parts, repairs, avionic upgrades, equipment installations, refurbishments and other specialized services.

Emirates Restarts Passenger Services to Mauritius as Island Nation Reopens

July 11, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Emirates has announced it will restart passenger services to Mauritius this summer with two weekly flights from 15 July, as the island-nation gradually re-opens its borders to international tourists. To serve market demand, the airline has also announced it will deploy its iconic Emirates A380 aircraft to Mauritius starting 1 August. Fully vaccinated travellers can enjoy a relaxing and safe getaway in a list of pre-approved COVID-19 safe resorts across the island.

Emirates’ flights to Mauritius will operate on Thursdays and Saturdays. Starting from 15 July, the route will be served utilising a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, and from 1 August, utilising the Emirates A380 aircraft. Emirates flight EK 701 will depart Dubai 2:35hrs and arrive in Mauritius at 9:10hrs local time. The return flight will operate on Fridays and Sundays. Emirates flight EK 704 will depart Mauritius at 23:10hrs and arrive in Dubai at 5:45hrs local time, the following day.

Emirates flights to Mauritius can be booked on emirates.com, via travel agents or Emirates Sales Office.

The Emirates A380 experience remains a favourite amongst travellers for its spacious and comfortable cabins and the airline will continue to expand its deployment in line with the gradual return in demand. Emirates currently operates the A380 to New York JFK, Los Angeles, Washington D.C, Toronto, Paris, Munich, Vienna, Frankfurt, Moscow, Amman, Cairo, and Guangzhou.

From white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and luscious landscapes – Mauritius remains one the most popular holiday destinations, attracting travellers across the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. Emirates passengers can also enjoy other Indian Ocean destinations, as the airline offers 28 weekly flights to Maldives and seven weekly flights to Seychelles.

Travellers can also book with Emirates Holidays and enjoy tailor-made packages at world-class hotels and resorts across the island. For more information, click here

Norway’s First P-8A Poseidon Rolls Out of Boeing Paint Shop

July 10, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

The first P-8A Poseidon aircraft for Norway today rolled out of the paint shop in Renton, in Royal Norwegian Air Force livery. Norway is one of eight nations to have acquired the P-8A as their new multimission maritime patrol aircraft.

Recently, the air force revealed the names of its five P-8A Poseidon aircraft: Vingtor, Viking, Ulabrand, Hugin and Munin. The names are inspired by Norse mythology and continue a tradition of almost 80 years that started when the names Vingtor, Viking and Ulabrand were used on Norway’s PBY-5 Catalina maritime patrol aircraft in 1942. Since then, other maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Force have carried those names, including its current P-3 fleet, which will be replaced by the P-8.

Norway’s first P-8A aircraft – Vingtor – will now return to the factory floor to be prepared for flight testing. First flight is scheduled for later this month, and mission systems will be installed on the aircraft after that.

Delta counts down to Croatia flight launch

June 29, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Delta is counting down to the start of its new service to Dubrovnik on Friday, July 2, offering U.S. travelers more opportunities to reclaim the joy of travel this summer in one of Europe’s most intriguing nations.

Croatia is the first new European country to which Delta will begin service since the start of the pandemic. Its customers are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to discover the country. The airline will operate four weekly nonstop services between Dubrovnik and New York-JFK, with departures on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Flights are operated in conjunction with Delta’s European partners Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic.

Data from the World Travel and Tourism Council reports that tourism represents 25 percent of Croatia’s GDP. Pre-pandemic, the number of U.S. tourists to Croatia was on the rise, with more than 550,000 visitors in 2018 – a 23 percent increase over 2017, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Meanwhile, the Croatian Bureau of Statistics reported that 10 percent of all visitors to Dubrovnik came from the U.S. in 2019, which is the second-largest source market.

Customers flying from Croatia can connect at Delta’s JFK hub to more than 30 cities across the U.S. within four hours of arrival, enabling them to reach their final destination the same day. The service also provides cargo opportunities for freight forwarders to conveniently transport goods between the nations.

In line with local entry guidelines, all customers must show proof of full vaccination status, have a negative PCR test or proof of recent COVID-19 recovery before boarding in the U.S. While the U.S. is open to visitors from Croatia, Delta recommends that customers check entry requirements before travel. Details are available on the Delta Discover Map on delta.com. The airline continues to offer more flexibility than ever to plan and rebook tickets with an industry-leading travel credit extension for all tickets expiring in 2021 and all tickets purchased in 2021 through Dec. 31, 2022.

Helvetic Airways Receives Its First Embraer E195-E2

June 24, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Helvetic Airways of Switzerland received the first of four new E195-E2 aircraft today at the Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) facility in São José dos Campos. Helvetic will receive three further E195-E2’s by the end of next month, July 2021.

Helvetic ordered 12 E-Jet E2’s in 2018 to support its fleet renewal initiative: 8 E190-E2’s (already in service) and four E195-E2’s (converted from the original E190-E2 order). The airline also holds purchase rights for an additional 12 aircraft. The Helvetic fleet also includes four first-generation E190’s. When the three remaining E195-E2’s are delivered, the carrier will have a fleet of 16 E-Jets.

With Embraer, the airline has developed a fleet providing maximum flexibility to deploy its 134-seat E195-E2’s, 110-seat E190-E2’s, and 112-seat E190’s across its European network. Thanks to the common crew type rating for all E-Jets, Helvetic can seamlessly schedule the three different E-Jet models to satisfy variations in demand, maximizing operating economics.

Speaking at the delivery event broadcast to Helvetic employees in Europe, Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation said, “With the new E195-E2, Helvetic builds on its reputation as one of the most environmentally committed airlines in Europe. Not only does the aircraft burn 25% less fuel than its predecessor, its noise footprint is 65% smaller. The E2’s are great news for communities near airports.”

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