Tag: Red (Page 1 of 2)

Fiji Airways wins APEX award for best entertainment & best seat comfort in South Pacific

November 12, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

November 10, 2023 – Fiji Airways is closing off the airline award season on a high with two prestigious accolades in the APEX Passenger Choice Awards for 2024.

The National Airline has been honoured with the coveted awards;

Best Entertainment in the South Pacific
Best Seat Comfort in the South Pacific

This is the first time that Fiji Airways’ inflight entertainment offerings have been recognised, while the airline has won Best Seat Comfort for the second year in a row.

The company has recently added award-winning blockbuster titles from Disney and HBO to its inflight entertainment content providing more than 840 hours of content, offering guests the most comprehensive and immersive experience in the South Pacific region.

In addition, Fiji Airways has also introduced wellness content such as meditation and breath work to help guests arrive at their destination relaxed and rejuvenated.

Moreover, the airline also offers complimentary full flight Wi-Fi browsing in Business Class, 15 minutes complimentary text Wi-Fi in Economy Class, and more attractive Wi-Fi purchase plans on their A350 and 737 MAX fleet. Which means that passengers flying between the United States and Australia/New Zealand via Nadi, will have the most comprehensive Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity experience offered by any airline flying the region.

The company attributes its recognition for Best Seat Comfort in the South Pacific for two years running to the fact that it has one of the youngest and most modern fleet in the world.

The four flagship Airbus A350’s, which service medium and long haul flights, feature Collins Aerospace Super Diamond full lie-flat seats, offering extra comfort with generous bedding and amenities for Business Class guests. A turn down service which includes a mattress, duvet, blanket and pillow is a favourite for guests on long haul flights.

The airline remains focused on inspiring and motivating travellers by offering unparalleled service, ensuring passenger satisfaction, and creating unforgettable moments.

Dassault’s Falcon 6X receives EASA and FAA certification

August 22, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Saint-Cloud, France, August 22, 2023 – Today, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued the type certificate for the Dassault (AM.PA) Falcon 6X, followed by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

These certifications conclude a more than two-year-long test campaign during which 1,500 flight hours were logged worldwide. It is a significant step on the path to entry into service for the Falcon 6X, with the first units undergoing final completion.

The Falcon 6X is the most spacious, advanced and versatile twinjet in the long-range business jet segment. It has been recognized with various design awards, including the Red Dot Award and the International Yacht & Aviation Award.

Air Force Awards Boeing 5-year Contract for Continued Aircraft Guidance and Navigation Repair

February 9, 2022 / WIL BALDWIN

HEATH, Ohio, Feb. 8, 2021 — Boeing (NYSE: BA) will continue to provide the U.S. Air Force with guidance and navigation repair work on a variety of aircraft under a 5-year, $91 million sole-source contract.

The company has serviced components for aircraft including the B-2 Spirit, B-52 Stratofortress, E-3 Sentry and F-15 Eagle at the Boeing Guidance Repair Center in Heath, Ohio, since 1996.

The Boeing Guidance Repair Center is responsible for maintaining the readiness and modernization of guidance and navigation systems for U.S. nuclear-capable platforms, as well as non-nuclear capable guidance and control systems, electronics and radio frequency systems, and platform processors. In addition, the center is home to assembly, integration and test activities for several Boeing production programs, including the KC-46 tanker, T-7A Red Hawk and the MQ-25 unmanned aircraft system.

The Helicopter Company Expands Airbus Helicopter Fleet with Order for 26 aircraft

December 6, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Helicopter Company (THC), established by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) as the first and only helicopter services provider licensed to operate commercial flights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, today announced that it has signed a second purchase agreement with Airbus (OTC: EADSY) Helicopters.

The agreement was signed by Raid Ismail, Chairman of the Board of THC and Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, in the presence of His Excellency Khalid Al Falih, Minister of Investment and His Excellency Franck Riester, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness.

The partnership will contribute to the ongoing expansion of THC’s regional fleet ahead of announcing an exciting new journey as a General Aviation champion, with twenty orders of the newly launched five bladed H145 and six ACH160 models. All aircraft feature cutting-edge technologies and biofuel-compatible engines, marking a significant milestone in developing alternatives to conventional aviation fuels and achieving decarbonization of helicopter flights.

Launching its services in 2019, THC was established by PIF as part of its strategy to activate new sectors in Saudi Arabia that support the realisation of Vision 2030 and generate long-term commercial returns, while meeting the growing demand for luxury tourism and air travel services. THC previously signed an agreement to buy 10 Airbus H125 helicopters to increase access to domestic tourism destinations and provide services such as filming and aerial surveying – and is now further expanding its services with the addition of the H145 and H160 to its fleet.

The purchase agreement forms part of THC’s ongoing strategic regional alliances with industry leaders, including a recent partnership with The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism project. The contract for the provision and operation of a twin engine helicopter, crew and maintenance technicians, facilitates TRSDC emergency medical services (EMS) with alternate configuration change capability for passenger utility transport at TRSDC’s site on the west coast of Saudi Arabia.

Moving Egypt, A Modern Rail System That Will Transform Everyday Life

November 1, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Siemens (OTC: SIEGY) Mobility unit will install a comprehensive rail system that will feature the first ever high-speed, electrified main and freight rail line that will transform transportation in Egypt. The initial 660 km line will connect the port cities of Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea to Marsa Matrouh and Alexandria on the Mediterranean and will provide efficient, safe, and affordable transportation for all Egyptians, as well as goods across the country. The Egyptian government has an ambitious plan to invest heavily in a reliable and sustainable 1800 km state-of-the-art rail network that will establish Egypt as a regional leader for transportation and provide an additional boost to the economy.

The 660 km line connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean will create a Suez Canal type of link on the tracks. The connection will transport up to 30 million people per year and save up to 50 percent travel time. The electrified line will cut carbon emissions by 70%, in comparison to the current car and bus transportation. Siemens Mobility will deliver its Velaro high-speed trains, Desiro High Capacity regional train sets, and Vectron freight locomotives.

Delta Contributes $100,000 to American Red Cross Haiti Earthquake Relief Effort

August 17, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Delta Air Lines will contribute $100,000 to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts in Haiti following a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the country on August 14.

The affected region is home to more than 800,000 people. This donation enables the global Red Cross network in its efforts helping families impacted by the earthquake. The Haitian Red Cross with the support of the global Red Cross Red Crescent network are leading efforts to aid families, including providing first aid and helping with search and rescue efforts.

This contribution is in addition to the $1 million grant to the American Red Cross as an Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) partner.

The American Red Cross is Delta’s longest-standing non-profit partner, and the partnership has allowed the airline, its customers and employees to help people in need around the world since 1941. For more information on the services of the Red Cross, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org.

Dassault Aviation Adds Third Falcon 6X to Test Program

July 4, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

A third Falcon 6X recently took flight and joined Dassault Aviation’s flight test campaign, moving the new long-range extra widebody twin a step closer to anticipated certification in 2022.

Falcon 6X s/n 003 is fitted with a full interior and will be used for cabin design validation. The aircraft completed a two-hour maiden flight from Dassault’s Bordeaux-Mérignac final assembly plant to its Istres flight test facility on June 24, climbing to Flight Level 400 and accelerating to a cruise speed of Mach 0.85. The first 6X flew on March 10 and the second on April 30.

Aircraft no. 3 is outfitted with the Falcon 6X’s award winning interior, including in-flight entertainment and communications systems. In addition to testing this equipment, the aircraft will be used to evaluate environmental features and temperature control and validate cabin acoustics systems, which alongside those on the ultra long-range Falcon 8X trijet are expected to be the industry reference.

A fourth aircraft will also be equipped with a full cabin interior, currently being installed in Mérignac. It will conduct a two-month global endurance flight campaign intended to ensure that all 6X systems are fully mature upon entry into service.

Production of additional units is in full swing, with aircraft no. 10 scheduled to be on the final assembly line by beginning of July. The Falcon 6X has received several prestigious design awards, including the Red Dot prize for premium cabin design. The aircraft was recognized this month as the “Best of the Best” in aviation by the Robb Report luxury-lifestyle magazine, which noted: “Dassault’s newest aircraft pairs size with technology to create an award-worthy new class of business jet.”

Boeing Begins T-7A Red Hawk Advanced Trainer Production

February 23, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 23, 2021 — A new era in aircraft design and build has begun as the first U.S. portion of the T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer has officially entered the Boeing [NYSE: BA] jet’s state-of-the-art production line.

The training jet, designated the eT-7A Red Hawk by the U.S. Air Force because of its digital heritage, was fully designed using 3D model-based definition and data management systems developed at Boeing during the last two decades. The T-7A Red Hawk employed the digital engineering and design of the Boeing T-X aircraft that went from firm concept to first flight in just 36 months.

The Advanced Pilot Training System also incorporates leading-edge ground-based live and virtual simulators to give students and instructors a “real as it gets” experience.

In September 2018, the U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $9.2 billion contract to supply 351 advanced trainer aircraft and 46 associated ground-based training simulators. Saab is teamed with Boeing on the trainer and provides the aft fuselage of the jet.

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

Siemens Mobility SignsMoU to Install Egypt’s First High-Speed Rail System

January 17, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Agreement comprises a rail system with a network of around 1000km – first being a 460km project valued around 3bn$
Turnkey Engineering, Procurement and Construction project including 15 years of services
Siemens Mobility to provide high-speed and regional trains, locomotives, rail infrastructure, system integration and other services

The National Authority for Tunnels, a governmental authority under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport of Egypt, and Siemens Mobility have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) – together with the local companies Orascom Construction S.A.E. and The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.) – to design, install and commission Egypt’s first ever high-speed rail transportation system. Additionally, Siemens Mobility will be providing maintenance services. The agreement comprises a rail system with a network of 1000km, with the first being a 460km high-speed line. The order value of this initial high-speed line is around 3bn$.

The MoU was signed by Essam Waly, Chairman of Egypt’s National Authority for Tunnels, and Michael Peter, CEO Siemens Mobility, in a meeting on January 14, 2021 in Cairo. This was witnessed by His excellency, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, His excellency, Minister of Transport Egypt Kamel Al Wazir, as well as Siemens CEO Joe Kaeser and Siemens Deputy CEO Roland Busch.

The first 460 km long high-speed line will connect the vastly developing cities of El-Alamein on the Mediterranean Sea to Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea, while also passing through the New Administrative Capital. The line will also be operable for freight transport purposes which will further foster economic growth in the region.

Siemens Mobility is the global leader in high-speed rail operations and is one of the leading companies in the Egyptian mobility market since the 1960s. The company has also extensive experience in delivering high-speed rail projects in the Middle East and Africa region.

As a leading global rail turnkey project provider with a proven track record of delivering projects on time, Siemens Mobility integrates its portfolio elements and delivers complete rail systems reliably and from one single source. So far, the company has successfully completed around 50 turnkey projects all over the world – delivering many ahead of schedule. Latest projects include the Extension of the Blue Line metro in Bangkok finished last year and the Copenhagen Light Rail project.

For further information about Siemens Mobility, please see: www.siemens.com/mobility

All Aboard! Book Premium Rail Travel with Qantas Points

December 9, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Qantas Frequent Flyers can now earn and use points on premium train trips around Australia including The Ghan, Indian Pacific and the Great Southern – marking the first time Classic Reward Seats have been offered on the ground.

From today, members can use points to book Classic Rail Reward seats or earn 1 point per $1 spent on Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions journeys.

Journey Beyond offers extended overnight rail holidays that traverse some of Australia’s most picturesque and iconic landscapes such as the Red Centre, Blue Mountains and east coast. The all-inclusive high-end expeditions include bespoke menus inspired by the places the trains travel through and the opportunity for guests to explore beyond the tracks with immersive Off Train Excursions before returning to their onboard accommodation and world-class hospitality.

Qantas Loyalty CEO, Olivia Wirth said at a time when Australians are planning domestic holidays more than ever the partnership with Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions provides even more choice for frequent flyers to use their Qantas Points.

“Ninety per cent of our members want to use their points for travel so the ability to explore the country by rail is an exciting alternative for frequent flyers and a real drawcard for our program,” Ms Wirth said.

“Whether members are redeeming points on flights, hotel bookings, holiday packages or now rail travel, we’re always evolving and innovating to meet the needs of our 13 million members and help bring them closer to their next dream trip.”

Journey Beyond Chief Executive Officer, Chris Tallent said the announcement reflected a coming together of two great Australian brands.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Qantas Frequent Flyer and provide people who love to travel with greater value when they choose a premium rail holiday experience,” Mr Tallent said.

“Like Qantas, Journey Beyond is in the business of taking people to incredible places across the country and curating unique experiences that forge lasting memories.

“As the first travel partner to offer Classic Reward Seats outside of flights, with the launch of our ‘Classic Rail’ Rewards, we look forward to growing our partnership with Qantas and sharing the joy of travel with our guests.”

Bookings are now available for rail travel next year with the Great Southern’s second season being extended by two weeks into February and the once-a-week Ghan service becoming a twice-weekly service from May to August. Work is currently underway to see the Indian Pacific return with its weekly journeys from mid-February.

Qantas Frequent Flyers can earn 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent on all Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions or use points to book twin and single Gold Cabins on The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern starting from 100,000 Qantas Points.

More information and bookings are available here.

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