TOMORROWS TRANSPORTATION NEWS TODAY!

Tag: July (Page 1 of 5)

Rex Group member to take delivery of 9th De Havilland Dash 8-400NG

National Jet Express (NJE), a member of the Rex Group, will shortly take delivery of another De Havilland Dash 8-400NG ‘Next Generation’, fitted with 82 seats.

This will be the ninth Dash 8-400NG to join the NJE fleet and the second to be deployed to support and grow NJE’s long term contract with BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) after starting operations for the mining giant on 1 July, 2023.

It will enter service in October and operate additional flights to the mining community of Moranbah in the Bowen Basin, 1000 kilometres north of Brisbane.

NJE is also in the advanced stages of negotiation for two further contracts in the mining and construction industries, which are expected to see Dash 8-400NG services expand across other areas of Queensland.

JetBlue Announces Record and Payment Dates for Additional Prepayment to Spirit Stockholders of August 2023

New York, NY, August 15, 2023 – (BUSINESS WIRE) – As previously announced, in connection with the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 28, 2022 the “Merger Agreement”, by and among JetBlue Airways Corporation (NASDAQ: JBLU), Sundown Acquisition Corp., and Spirit Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: SAVE), JetBlue has set August 25, 2023, as the record date for the August 2023 prepayment to Spirit stockholders of $0.10 per Spirit share (the “August 2023 Additional Prepayment”), with payment of the August 2023 Additional Prepayment to occur on August 31, 2023. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Spirit stockholders as of the August 25, 2023, record date will be entitled to receive the August 2023 Additional Prepayment.

Norse Atlantic reports 85% load factor and continued strong summer demand for July

Arendal, Norway, July 10, 2023: During July, Norse Atlantic Airways (NORSE.OL) recorded an aggregate load factor for the month of 85%, an increase of two per centage points compared to the previous month and the fifth month in row that the company has recorded an increase in load factor. Norse Atlantic Airways operated a total 524 flights, an increase of 173 flights compared to the previous month. 62.5 per cent of operated flights arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time. The company operated 100 per cent of scheduled flights for the third consecutive month. Norse Atlantic carried 150,621 passengers in July, an increase of 53,594 compared to the previous month.

Norse Atlantic Airways announced the launch of new direct flights connecting Paris to Miami from 11th December 2023 and Berlin to Miami from 15th December 2023 as part of its upcoming winter schedule. With the addition of these new routes, Norse Atlantic Airways continues to strengthen its position as a leading carrier for European passengers seeking affordable winter sun destinations.

During the month Norse Atlantic surpassed the milestone of one million booked passengers since the launch of ticket sales in April 2023.

Swiss Trains between La Chaux-de-Fonds and St-Imier are running again

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) reports after the severe storms that hit the La Chaux-de-Fonds region on Monday, July 24, 2023, the repair work is still ongoing. Since Saturday morning, July 29, 2023, the trains between La Chaux-de-Fonds and St-Imier have been running according to the timetable again.

The forecast for traffic to be restored between La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle is now set for Saturday morning 19 August.

CSX and SMART-TD Partner to Deliver Enhanced Conductor Training

Jacksonville, Florida, July 31, 2023 – CSX (NASDAQ: CSX) and the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers — Transportation Division (SMART-TD) announced they are partnering to extend CSX’s conductor training program to five weeks from the previous four-week regimen to provide new hires with additional hands-on experience prior to beginning on-the-job training (OJT).

The extra week of training at the CSX Training Center in Atlanta will focus on performing tasks in a field setting to increase trainees’ exposure to railcar switching scenarios, radio communication, securement of equipment, brake tests and other fundamentals of the conductor’s role. Hands-on application of these skills begins in the third week of training, and the additional week will reinforce trainees’ comfort level by providing multiple opportunities to perform the tasks while operating on first and second shifts.

CSX developed the extended training program in consultation with the SMART-TD, which represents its train crew employees. After completing their five weeks at the Atlanta Training Center, new conductors begin up to five months of OJT at their hiring location, where they learn the physical characteristics and job assignments of their designated territory.

United Adds 127 Nonstop Flights for 2023 College Football Season

Chicago, Illinois, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – United (Nasdaq: UAL) today announced the addition of 127 new, nonstop flights to help college football fans cheer on their favorite teams at 30 games this season.

Last year, more than 50,000 fans flew United to some of the most iconic college football towns across the country. This year, the airline will continue to help fans get to games to cheer on teams including Wisconsin, USC, University of Michigan, Penn State and more.

In addition to the airline’s special schedule, United is partnering with USC Trojans quarterback and 2023 Heisman Award Winner Caleb Williams for a name, image, likeness (NIL) agreement to hype up college football fans in United’s advertising and social media. He’ll appear in a variety of United advertising and social media spots during the season as well as post to his own account.

The airline has added more flights and will be flying larger planes to select cities for the following games:

  • Sept. 2: Tennessee State University @ University of Notre Dame
  • Sept. 3: Louisiana State University @ Florida State University
  • Sept. 9: University of Texas-Austin @ University of Alabama
  • Sept. 9: University of Nevada, Las Vegas @ University of Michigan
  • Sept. 9: University of Cincinnati @ University of Pittsburgh
  • Sept. 9: University of Notre Dame @ North Carolina State University
  • Sept. 16: Northwestern University @ Duke University
  • Sept. 16: University of Washington – Seattle @ Michigan State University
  • Sept. 23: Ohio State University @ University of Notre Dame
  • Sept. 23: University of Arkansas @ Louisiana State University
  • Sept. 23: University of Mississippi @ University of Alabama
  • Sept. 23: University of Iowa @ Penn State University
  • Sept 23: University of Oklahoma @ University of Cincinnati
  • Sept. 30: Louisiana State University @ University of Mississippi
  • Sept. 30: University of Notre Dame @ Duke University
  • Oct. 7: University of Arkansas @ University of Mississippi
  • Oct. 14: University of Southern California @ University of Notre Dame
  • Oct. 14: University of Arkansas @ University of Alabama
  • Oct. 14: Louisiana State University @ Auburn University
  • Oct. 14: Ohio State University @ Purdue University
  • Oct. 14: University of Iowa @ University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Oct. 21: University of Tennessee @ University of Alabama
  • Oct. 21: Penn State University @ Ohio State University
  • Oct. 28: University of Pittsburgh @ University of Notre Dame
  • Oct. 28: Ohio State University @ University of Wisconsin
  • Nov. 4: University of Notre Dame @ Clemson University
  • Nov. 4: Louisiana State University @ University of Alabama
  • Nov. 11: University of Michigan @ Penn State University
  • Nov. 11: University of Pittsburgh @ Syracuse University
  • Nov. 18: University of Georgia @ University of Tennessee
  • Nov. 18: Wake Forest University @ University of Notre Dame

Tickets are on sale now in the United app or at United.com

Alstom and partners inaugurate first REM segment in Montreal Canada

July 28, 2023 – The Groupe PMM consortium led by Alstom (OTC: ALSMY), Groupe des partenaires pour la mobilité des Montréalais, participated in the inauguration hosted by its customer, CDPQ Infra, of the first segment of Réseau express métropolitain (REM), a new automated urban rail system, which connects Brossard on Montreal’s South Shore with Montreal’s Central Station. Upon completion, REM will be one of the world’s largest automated transport networks – 67 kilometres long with 26 stations – connecting downtown Montreal to the South Shore, the North Shore, the West Island and Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, it will provide rapid service with trains arriving every 3 minutes 45 seconds during peak hours and operate 20 hours a day. 

Groupe PMM provided REM with a complete driverless, automated metro system, including rolling stock and signalling, and will operate and maintain the entire 67-kilometre system for 30 years. The first segment, between Brossard and Montreal’s Central Station, spans 17 kilometres and includes five (5) stations equipped with a system of platform screen doors installed by Alstom, a first in Quebec. Eighty (80) Metropolis metro cars will be operated on this segment, which will enter commercial service on July 31st.

The event was held in the presence of Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, François Legault, Premier of Quebec, Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montreal, Charles Émond, President and CEO of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Jean-Marc Arbaud, CEO of CDPQ Infra, Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Chairman and CEO of Alstom, Michael Keroullé, President of the Americas region for Alstom and Jean-Michel Morvan, Director of the Groupe PMM consortium.

Under the terms of the contract, Groupe PMM will supply 212 Alstom Metropolis metro cars (106 two-car trainsets), Alstom’s Urbalis GoA4 (Grade of Automation 4) driverless and automated communications-based train control (CBTC) solution, and Alstom’s Iconis control centre solution, as well as platform screen doors, Wi-Fi connectivity, cybersecurity, depot equipment and 30 years of operations and maintenance services, including HealthHubTM for predictive maintenance and fleet management. Groupe PMM is also responsible for train and system integration tests.

U.S. Airlines to Support NASA-Boeing Sustainable Flight Demonstrator Project

OSHKOSH, Wis., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and NASA will collaborate with U.S. airlines to advise the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator (SFD) project and development of the X-66A research aircraft. As part of a new sustainability coalition, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines will provide input on operational efficiencies, maintenance, handling characteristics and airport compatibility.

NASA and Boeing also unveiled the new X-66A livery today at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

The X-66A will test the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) airframe configuration and will be built from a modified MD-90 aircraft at a Boeing facility in Palmdale, Calif. It is NASA’s first X-plane focused on helping achieve its goal of net-zero aviation greenhouse gas emissions.

When combined with expected advancements in propulsion systems, materials and systems architecture, a single-aisle airplane with a TTBW configuration could reduce fuel consumption and emissions up to 30% relative to today’s domestic fleet of airplanes.

The U.S. airlines will offer feedback throughout the project, including:

  • Design: Airline participants will share feedback on sustainable operations and airport compatibility. While the X-66A will have a wingspan of 145 feet, the TTBW design could be used by airplanes of different sizes and missions and may benefit from folding wing tips to accommodate existing airport infrastructure.
  • Simulation and lab testing: Airline pilots will have a chance to experience the X-66A through a flight simulator and assess the vehicle’s handling characteristics.
  • Flight testing: Airline operations and maintenance teams will assess the X-66A as modifications are made to the airplane. Flight testing is slated for 2028 and 2029 out of NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base.

Canadian Government orders 4 new Airbus A330 MRTT’s

Getafe, Spain / Ottawa, Canada – 25 July 2023 – The Government of Canada has awarded Airbus (OTC: EADSY) Defence and Space with a contract for four newly-built Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft (MRTT) and for the conversion of five used A330-200s in a quest to strengthen Canada’s continental defence capabilities. The current contract has an order value of approximately CAD $3 billion or 2.1€ billion (excluding taxes).

Known as the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC), this new fleet of aircraft will replace the ageing CC-150 Polaris (A310 MRTT), operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The existing A310 fleet is being used to perform air-to-air refuelling operations, military and personnel and cargo airlift, medical evacuations, as well as strategic transport of Government of Canada officials.

The newly-built A330-200s will be assembled at the A330 aircraft Final Assembly Line in Toulouse, France. Scheduled to enter into conversion at A330 MRTT facilities in Getafe, Spain, in mid-2025, the first MRTT will be delivered to the RCAF in 2027. 

Under the agreement, the A330 MRTTs will be equipped with both the hose and drogue and a boom as refuelling options, cybersecurity solutions and countermeasures. All of them could be installed with the also included Airbus Medical Evacuation kit solution, consisting of 2 Intensive Care Units and additional stretchers.

The contract covers a full suite of training services including the most advanced training devices such as the Full Flight Simulator to prepare and maintain crew readiness as part of the modernisation of the Canadian Armed Forces’ air operational training infrastructure.

Following an open procurement process, in April 2021, Airbus was selected as the only qualified supplier for the CC-150 tanker replacement. With 76 orders from 15 customers and able to carry up to 300 troops, the A330 MRTT accumulates 90 percent market share outside the U.S.A. and more than 270,000 flight hours. As a mature platform, the aircraft has been proven in combat in theatres of operations like the Middle East and the Eastern Flank in Europe, with interoperability, mission success and availability rates as highlights of its performance.

Alstom and RAILPOOL sign a contract for 50 Traxx Universal locomotives

July 24, 2023 –  Alstom (OTC: ALSMY), global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, and RAILPOOL, one of Europe’s leading rail vehicle leasing companies, have signed a contract for 50 Traxx Universal multi-purpose locomotives. The contract is valued at up to 260 million euro.

The Traxx Universal multi-purpose locomotives can be operated for freight and passenger corridor services. Characterised by both high reliability and flexibility in combination with an optimised power consumption, the locomotives are a proven solution for efficient cross-border operations. Extended maintenance intervals allow for less interventions to ease operational planning, reduce costs and increase availability. The locomotives will cover operations in eight countries, namely Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, Luxemburg and Poland.

The engineering of the locomotives will be done at the Alstom site in Mannheim, Germany, while final assembly is planned to take place in Kassel, Germany. Other sites involved are Wroclaw, Poland (carbody shell production), Siegen, Germany (bogies production), and Zurich, Switzerland (project management).

« Older posts