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Norse Atlantic Airways selects Navitaire Airline Platform to power affordable transatlantic flights

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Start-up airline Norse Atlantic Airways has chosen the Navitaire Airline Platform to launch its affordable transatlantic flights that will operate primarily between Europe and the United States. Via the partnership, Norse Atlantic Airways will use Navitaire’s digital-first reservations and retailing platform New Skies®, integrated day-of-departure, Digital Experience, NDC Gateway, ancillary revenue optimization, and revenue accounting systems. Navitaire, an Amadeus company, provides technology and business solutions to the airline industry, powering over 60 of the world’s leading low-cost and hybrid carriers today.

Norse Atlantic will serve today’s modern value-focused travelers via a fleet of 15 modern, fuel-efficient, and more environmentally friendly Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with plans to provide direct intercontinental flights primarily between the United States and Europe. The carrier recently launched ticket sales between the US and Norway, with the first commercial flight departing Oslo for New York JFK on the 14th June. Operations from London and Paris to the US will be announced soon.

As a progressive new carrier, Norse embodies the future of air travel that relies on the cornerstones of Navitaire’s solutions from inception: open, digital, connected, and powered by data. Navitaire’s digital commerce and digital experience capabilities are tailored for today’s digital pioneers like Norse Atlantic, allowing the carrier to define its model and add features at its own pace. Norse can easily leverage Navitaire’s extensive API suite and proven retailing capabilities to offer bundled or à la carte ancillary services aligned with its brand. The carrier can connect with its industry and business partners using modern technology via Navitaire’s dynamic distribution, including cloud-based NDC-enabled and digital channels.

“We are very pleased to have partnered with Navitaire for such an important part of our new business. As we continue to expand our route network and grow our customer base we are confident that Navitaire can deliver the digital tools that we need to ensure our success,” said Andrew Hodges, Chief Commercial Officer Norse Atlantic Airways.

“We are excited to partner with Norse Atlantic and believe the airline’s affordable transatlantic connections between the U.S. and Europe will appeal to many customers ready to travel,” said David P. Evans, Navitaire CEO. “Our flexible, digital-first solutions will let Norse offer greater choice and value by connecting with today’s digital customers and delivering an on-brand experience with confidence. Navitaire’s platform provides a proven, modular system to help the airline adapt and flex for growth.”

Navitaire’s New Skies reservations solution is a digital, e-commerce-first airline platform with comprehensive retailing, analytics, and passenger personalization tools. The solution is designed for efficiency, using a single record approach that manages both the offer and the order throughout the passenger lifecycle. Real-time data for on-demand decision-making and omnichannel processing are hallmarks of New Skies, which are leveraged extensively by airlines with clear industry leadership in innovation.

May 19, 2022

SKY express partners with leading Delta Air Lines

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The partnership is another milestone for SKY express, offering even greater opportunities for North American travellers and connection to the largest network of destinations covered by SKY express throughout Greece.

Effective from mid-May, Delta customers flying from North America will be able to fly on one of Delta’s daily nonstop services to Athens then connect to one of the 34 unique destinations across Greece operated by SKY express.

Through the strategic agreements with global carriers such as Air France, KLM, Qatar Airways, American Airlines, Cyprus Airways, Condor, El Al, Middle East Airlines as well as Transavia, Emirates, SKY express actively aims to further increase demand and upgrade the quality of the Greek tourist product.

“Greece is one of the most sought-after destinations this summer for American travellers and with trade and tourism flows increasing between our countries, Delta’s partnership with SKY express gives our customers more versatility when it comes to planning the perfect Greek getaway,” said Perry Cantarutti, Delta’s senior vice president Alliances. “Customers will be able to hold a single Delta ticket and check their bags from North America all the way to their final destination, providing customers with a seamless service to some of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean.”

Yiannis Lidakis Commercial Director of SKY express, said: “The agreement with Delta comes as a result of systematic work and discussions and makes us very happy. It is based on the combination of the youngest and greenest fleet and an unrivalled network that will allow travellers across the U.S. to connect to the magical charm of our country.”

May 19, 2022

OASES launches new Maintenance Control Module

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OASES, providers of airworthiness MRO software for the aviation industry, announces the launch of its new Maintenance Control Module.  The new module enables flexible line maintenance planning for aircraft both for enhanced safety and for ensuring improved scheduling.

OASES Cloud customers will be able to access a graphical display of planned work orders, maintenance activity forecasts, and future aircraft flying programmes. Integration with customers’ existing Ops Planning systems allows users to identify and react to changes such as flying programme alterations and materials availability. Rescheduling works orders, and adjusting content as required, ensures tighter cost control and greater operational efficiency.

The module addresses the entire matrix of complex aircraft maintenance logistics issues; the time involved in allocating maintenance time-slots and locations, sourcing materials and tools is significantly reduced and aircraft downtime minimised. Controllers can also visualise the ‘knock-on’ effect of short-notice changes to planning schedules and react appropriately.

Through direct consultation and close collaboration with customers via the OASES Ideas Portal, specific new requirements have been included:

  • Grouping of multiple controls for the same work card
  • Easier work order reassignment of planned defect rectification
  • Checklist revision display for users to confirm current checklist revisions

Adam Frost, Product Manager at OASES, says: “The Maintenance Control Module provides unprecedented levels of awareness for maintenance planners and defect controllers. Through its uncluttered view of short-term maintenance plans, it supports unequivocal focus on making the right tactical decisions; everything that needs to be checked in support of maintenance tasks and processes is available at a glance”.

May 19, 2022

Menzies Aviation extends 15 year partnership with Icelandair in the UK

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Menzies Aviation has renewed its contract with longstanding customer Icelandair to provide a full suite of ground services across four UK airports.

The three-year agreement will see Menzies provide passenger, ramp, cabin cleaning and de-icing services at Heathrow, Gatwick, Glasgow and Manchester airports.

This renewal further strengthens Menzies’ position as a key partner for Icelandair in the UK. They began working together at LHR in late-2006 and expanded to MAN and GLA in 2009 with LGW following in 2016, in line with Icelandair’s expansion in the UK and growing trust in Menzies.

Miguel Gomez, Executive Vice President – Europe, Menzies Aviation said: “We are proud of the strong relationship we have cultivated with Icelandair in the UK, and that we have been chosen by the airline yet again to provide ground services at four UK airports. Our teams have gained a deep understanding of their operations over the past 15 years and look forward to continuing our support of Icelandair over the years to come.”

 

May 19, 2022

StandardAero acquires EB Airfoils to continue expansion of component repair capabilities

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StandardAero has signed an agreement to acquire EB Airfoils, a leading fan blade, compressor blade and vane maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider for the aero-engine and aero-engine derivative markets.

EB Airfoils is a privately held company operating from two facilities located in Palm City, Florida.  With nearly 20,000 square feet of operations and approximately 50 employees, EB Airfoils’ unique capabilities and unequaled expertise, have enabled the company to become one of very few organizations in the world to be granted OEM source approval or source demonstration for the repair and overhaul of fan blades, compressor blades and vanes on leading aero-engine and aero-engine derivative platforms.

“EB Airfoils expands StandardAero’s existing airfoil capabilities at our Cork, Kansas City and Singapore facilities to provide a more comprehensive offering of hot and cold section airfoils with immediate growth for our component repair capabilities for blades, vanes and other cold section component services to our portfolio,” said Russell Ford, Chairman & CEO of StandardAero.

EB Airfoils maintains a leading portfolio of source approvals across Pratt & Whitney, General Electric, CFM International, and International Aero Engines platforms and is in the process of receiving additional approvals through source demonstrations.  The company’s decades of experience and broad range of repair capabilities has allowed it to establish a steady base of recurring business with OEMs, operators and MRO providers.

“This acquisition marks another strategic initiative to continue to expand our worldwide portfolio of MRO and component repair services.  Like StandardAero, customers choose EB Airfoils for its repair quality, quick turn times and prompt customer service,” Ford added.

May 18, 2022

SalamAir launches flights to Bursa in Turkey

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Expanding its network further, SalamAir has announced non-stop flights from Muscat to Bursa from June 16 as the first direct flight between these two cities.

Bursa becomes the third destination SalamAir flies to in Turkey after popular destinations Istanbul and Trabzon, and will now be part of the airline’s popular summer destinations in addition to Phuket, Istanbul, Trabzon, Tehran, Alexandria, Baku, and Sarajevo.

SalamAir will fly to Bursa thrice weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. SalamAir will take off from Muscat at 10:05 AM and arrive at Bursa at 2.05 PM local time. It will take off from Bursa at 2.50 PM and arrive in Muscat at 8.30 PM.

Captain Mohamed Ahmed, CEO of SalamAir, said: “It always gives me great pleasure to welcome new destinations to our network. We are consistently looking at destinations that pose significant interest to our adventurous customers. Our customer feedback and commercial viability are at the forefront of our decisions to offer exciting destination choices.”

“As such, Bursa is the third destination we are introducing in our operations in Turkey. We are sure it will appeal to our frequent passengers to Turkey, mainly Istanbul, because of the proximity between Istanbul and Bursa, which can be easily accessed with an array of ground travel options. Our customers are looking to explore more destinations as part of their leisure travel experience. The charming city of Bursa offers many tourist attractions, from adventure and sightseeing to shopping and the pleasant weather offers an enjoyable holistic experience.”

He continued: “we continue to be highly committed to our expansion plans in prompting Oman and achieving our goals in meeting Oman Vision 2040 while continuing to connect the network better; we are in the process of adding more aircraft to the fleet to serve more destinations and increase frequency whereby offering convenience, greater choice, and while maintaining affordability.”

May 18, 2022

ATR paves way for next generation of its best-selling aircraft

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ATR today announced its plans for the next generation of its best-selling family of regional aircraft by 2030, the ATR ‘EVO’.

The plan foresees advanced design features and a new powerplant with hybrid capability to offer customers the next generation of ATR aircraft. It will encompass innovative technologies to enable significant improvements in performance, economics and sustainability. Incorporating a new eco-design that includes new propellers and enhanced cabin and systems, it will remain a two-engine turboprop that can be powered by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

ATR CEO Stefano Bortoli, said: “Our next generation of aircraft will be a step forward in responsible flying through further incremental innovation. When it enters the market, the new ATR ‘EVO’ will pave the way towards a decarbonised future for aviation. Key benefits include a 20% overall fuel improvement and 100% SAF compatibility. This means that the aircraft will emit over 50% less CO2 than a regional jet when powered by kerosene. When using 100% SAF, its emissions will be close to zero.”

Fabrice Vautier, ATR SVP Commercial, said: “The ATR ‘EVO’ will be even more economical, with double digit operating cost savings achieved in particular through 20% lower fuel burn and 20% overall maintenance cost reduction. This means airlines can serve thin routes more profitably, and communities can benefit from more connectivity, more essential services, and more economic development. Our aim is to continue to offer customers and society ever more inclusive and responsible air transportation.”

Stéphane Viala, ATR SVP Engineering, added: “We have issued a Request for Information to the main engine manufacturers for the development of the new powerplant that will combine existing and future generation engine technology. The ATR ‘EVO’ will feature improved performance in terms of time to climb and an enhanced cabin, with increased use of lighter bio-sourced materials. Recyclability will also be at the heart of our new design.”

In the coming months, ATR will work with airlines, engine manufacturers and systems providers, with the aim to launch the programme by 2023.

May 18, 2022

Ryanair opens first heavy maintenance facility in Ireland at Shannon Airport

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Ryanair has opened its first aircraft heavy maintenance facility in Ireland at Shannon Airport, delivering an investment of €10 million and creating 200 high-skill jobs in the locality, including licensed engineers, mechanics, and support staff.

The Irish LCC will invest €10 million in this state-of-the-art 3-bay facility, leased from Shannon Group, (5,220 m2) which will support the maintenance of Ryanair’s fleet as it grows to 600 aircraft by 2026. This investment resounds Ryanair’s commitment to the mid-west region & Ireland as a whole as it further drives post-pandemic recovery through connectivity, inbound tourism & employment.

The airline has operated from Shannon Airport since 1986, opening its base at the south-western airport in 2005 and carrying over 17 million customers to/from the airport to date.

Ryanair Director of Operations, Neal McMahon, said:

“We are delighted to announce the opening of our new aircraft maintenance facility at Shannon Airport – our first heavy maintenance facility in the country. This facility will create 200 high-skill jobs, demonstrating Ryanair’s continued growth & commitment to Ireland. 

Ryanair creates opportunities for highly skilled engineering jobs, with our industry leading rosters and the youngest fleet in Europe. Shannon is an ideal location with opportunities to attract, train and employ local talent to support this new facility.

This state-of-the-art 3-bay facility represents a significant €10 million investment and will support the maintenance of Ryanair’s fleet as it grows to 600 aircraft by 2026.”

Shannon Group CEO, Mary Considine, said:

“Ryanair’s investment at Shannon is a vote of confidence by them in the future of the airport. Having Ryanair at Hangar 5, one of ten fully occupied hangars on our Shannon Campus, is another significant boost for the region, creating high quality jobs for local aviation specialists.

The resulting jobs and investment are also consistent with our strategic plan to increase economic growth and retain skills and talent in the region. We have a close relationship with Ryanair, with Shannon Airport now having more destinations served by Ryanair than in 2019.”

May 18, 2022

Wizz Air announces its intention to form a new airline in Malta

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Wizz Air announces that based on the ‘Arrangement on Reallocation of Responsibility’ document signed today between the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (“EASA”) and the Malta Civil Aviation Directorate (“CAD”), it intends to file an application for its Maltese subsidiary to be granted an Air Operator’s Certificate (“AOC”) with EASA and an Operating Licence (“OL”) with CAD.

Subject to confirmation of its AOC and OL from the EASA and CAD, Wizz Air Malta may begin operations in October 2022 with Malta-registered aircraft.

Wizz Air Chief Executive Officer, József Váradi said: “We are pleased to announce our intention to establish a new airline subsidiary in Malta. Wizz Air is constantly evaluating the structure of its business and exploring options to establish new AOCs and bases in Europe and beyond. The successful establishment of Wizz Air Malta later this year will help to reinforce our strong position and support our expansion plans in Europe. We look forward to working with EASA and the Maltese CAA to take this application forward.”

Patrick Ky, Executive Director of EASA, said: “This will be a new step in the already well-established cooperation between the Agency, the Maltese Civil Aviation Directorate and Wizz Air. This new set-up, where one group will operate multiple AOCs based in different Member States, but overseen by the same Competent Authority, demonstrates the possibilities available through the transfer of responsibilities to EASA. We are looking forward to working together on the issuance of this brand-new AOC and the subsequent oversight activities.”

Capt. Charles Pace, Director General of the Civil Aviation Directorate Malta, stated: “It is an honour to have Wizz Air as one of the airlines selecting Malta as one of their Principal Places of Business. The team effort and approach of CAD has once again been proven to be a winning formula. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the CEO and Board of Wizz Air for their trust, and I look forward to working with EASA and Wizz Air in issuing the AOC and AOL.”

May 17, 2022

Hartzell Propeller appoints new VP of Engineering and Flight Safety

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Hartzell Propeller, the leading aircraft propeller manufacturer, has implemented an engineering leadership transition. Vice President of Engineering and Flight Safety Bruce Hanke is retiring in July, with his duties being assumed by 21-year veteran GE Aviation engineering leader Doug Washburn, who recently joined Hartzell Propeller.

“Bruce Hanke, with over four decades of engineering and leadership experience, leaves a legacy of many achievements during his 20 years at Hartzell,” said Hartzell Propeller President JJ Frigge. “Bruce’s accomplishments include development of composite-bladed propellers, light weight Bantam and Raptor series propeller systems, compact governors, in-house propeller deice and anti-ice system design and manufacturing, and improvements in the flight safety of Hartzell products,” Frigge added.

“We very much appreciate Bruce’s leadership and are looking forward to Doug Washburn’s contributions in the years to come,” Frigge said. “Doug has a wealth of experience in the design, testing, and certification of aviation components.”

Frigge added, “He spent his first years at GE in testing, with a focus on instrumentation and airfoil vibration, so his background integrates well with Hartzell’s future objectives.” Using an innovative blend of sophisticated engineering analytics, certification skills and world class manufacturing technologies, Hartzell is working closely with many OEMs within emerging industries to fine-tune propeller applications.

“We have dedicated tens of thousands of engineering hours to electric, hybrid and hydrogen powered aircraft since 2019. We continue to make advancements in tooling, manufacturing processes, and lightweighting materials,” said Frigge.

Washburn’s experience at GE Aviation includes numerous engineering management roles with skills in mechanical design, analysis and testing, organizational leadership, project management, fiber optic systems, and team building. He has a Master of Business Administration from Xavier University, both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University. He also holds a Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

May 17, 2022