Airlines, Airports and Airliners News 10 to 16 Jan 2022
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STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY SÉRGIO FRANÇA DANESE, AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE FEDERATIVE REPUBLIC OF BRAZIL, ON THE OCCASION OF THE IMPOSITION OF THE BADGES OF THE ORDER OF THE SOUTHERN CROSS TO MR. RODGER FOSTER, CEO OF AIRLINK
As you may know, the beautiful celestial image of the Southern Cross, which we share with South Africa and all countries in this beautiful hemisphere, is present in every symbol that relates to the Brazilian sovereignty and identity, starting with our flag.
For Brazilians, the Southern Cross relates directly to our soul, our place in the world, our history and our vision of life.
This is the highest symbol of recognition and gratitude that the Brazilian government awards exclusively to foreign citizens who have proven to be active and committed friends of Brazil, the Brazilian people and their institutions.
It is most proper and fitting that it be now awarded to Rodger Foster, a friend and a committed associate of longstanding of Brazil's in the area of civil aviation, especially in his position as CEO of Airlink, by far the largest user of Brazilian Embraer airplanes in the whole of Africa.
Embraer, created as a state and now a private owned company of which the Brazilian government keeps a "golden share", is not only a great accomplishment of the Brazilian air industry, but also one of the flagships of modern Brazil.
It is a truly Brazilian institution, one of which we are so proud as Brazilians that I do not hesitate to say that, for Brazilian diplomats who represent their country abroad, our history is divided between a time before Embraer was created and a time after, with Embraer as that flagship of ours.
Originated in the 1960s as a deliberate effort to endow the country with an air industry that would help us respond to the challenges of integrating and defending a territory of continental proportions, Embraer now bears testimony of our technological and industrial capacity.
It grew to what it is today - the third largest civil aircraft builder in the whole world - thanks to the confidence that its many partners entrusted it, making it possible that thousands of Brazilian built aircraft daily crisscross the aerial routes in the whole world, transporting millions of regional, national and international passengers.
Airlink and its leadership, of which Rodger is both head and a symbol and example, are among the air companies that trusted Embraer and the Brazilian air industry as their tools for operating a successful and growing network of national and international air transport.
We are proud to see a prosperous and promising South African company operating and growing well beyond South African borders as a truly African airline, at a time when the whole continent embarks in a consistent effort of integration and modernization. Through its aircraft, Brazil is proud to be a part of those accomplishments.
Rodger is part of that recent history and, as I said, a symbol of his company, an inspiration to all its dedicated workers, a leadership that is helping Airlink fly beyond limits in African skies and - who knows - maybe in other continents' skies not far from now.
And, of course, by awarding this national decoration to Rodger, Brazil wishes to salute and pay tribute to all of Airlink's team, the people who literally fly this company into a promising future.
Dear Rodger,
The badge you have just been awarded reads "Benemerentium praemium", which simply means "an award for merit". And the rules governing the National Order of the Southern Cross state that it is awarded to foreigners "as a token of gratitude and recognition for those who have rendered significant service to the Brazilian nation".
You did it, you do it, and you will keep doing it, I am sure, in the interests of your company and your country, looking for excellence and performance in your field of activity. But also making real the promise that our countries' friendship brings to our peoples - to better their lives.
Now, we ask you to wear that badge proudly and with the certitude that, in doing your job remarkably, you are also doing a great deal in fostering those wonderful relations that our countries enjoy, a truly South Atlantic partnership and, most of all, a beautiful friendship between two brotherly peoples in Africa and South America.
Please accept my heartfelt congratulations and thanks, Rodger! And thank you all.
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Interim Board of South African Airways welcomes the publication of the first part of the Report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, as handed to President Cyril Ramaphosa on 4 January 2022.
The SAA Interim Board was appointed on 8th December 2020. This Board and its Executive Management is constituted by professionals who were specifically selected on the basis of their non-association with the past of SAA. The principle focus of the board of SAA is to guide, advise and oversee the strategic management of the carrier as it emerges out of business rescue towards a sustainable and profitable future. This is underpinned by a driving ethos of safety and professionalism that always puts the customer first. This is also being done as SAA prepares to play a vital role ahead of the formal acquisition by a strategic equity partner.
The Commission's report is of particular interest to the Board and management as Chapter 1 deals with South African Airways and its associated companies. The Board has fully supported the Commission during its work and are currently reviewing the report systematically.
Guided by appropriate legal counsel, the Board will cooperate with, and support law enforcement agencies in their pursuit of prosecutions, and where necessary, will institute internal investigations and disciplinary processes with the aim of cleaning the company of all vestiges of its shameful past as exposed in the Commission Report.
Consonant with its fiduciary responsibility and legal obligations under the Public Finance Management Act, the Board will take whatever actions required to recover any assets lost or monies misappropriated from SAA.
As it remains focused on the current and future strategic vision of the business, the Board commits that the findings and recommendations of the Commission will be immediately implemented throughout all levels of the company. This, it is believed, will foster a culture of transparency, accountability and ethical conduct within the SAA group.
In the meantime, the Board is looking forward to the finalisation of Part III of the report, which will include a summary of the Report as a whole.
Brussels Airlines will be offering more intercontinental flights for next summer. On June 11, 2022, Brussels Airlines will start flying again between Brussels Airport and West-African destinations Conakry (Guinea) and Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), with three weekly flights. The Belgian airline also increases its presence in West and East Africa with extra flight frequencies to five destinations. Furthermore, Brussels Airlines also plans to fly daily again to New York. This growth is possible thanks to the 9th long haul aircraft the airline has added to its fleet. All flights are bookable as of immediate on brusselsairlines.com and via travel agencies.
Brussels Airlines clearly aims for growth in Africa, the airline's most important market. With an additional Airbus A330 joining its fleet, the Africa expert of the Lufthansa Group will expand its offer to West and East Africa.
On June 11, 2022, West-African destinations Conakry and Ouagadougou, previously closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis, will be reopened. Flights to Ouagadougou (flight number SN255) will be offered on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, departing in Brussels at 11.05 GMT with a scheduled arrival at 15.05 GMT in Ouagadougou airport. Flights from Ouagadougou to Brussels Airport (SN256) leave on the same days, at 21.30 GMT to arrive in Brussels the following morning at 05.05, offering connecting possibilities to the airline's network in Europe and the U.S.
The first flight to Conakry is scheduled on Saturday June 11 as well, with flight number SN205. SN205 from Brussels to Conakry will be operated on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with a departure at 11.00 GMT. SN206 from Conakry to Brussels will leave on the same days at 18.50 GMT and is scheduled to arrive in Brussels at 05.05 GMT, offering connection options to the entire Brussels Airlines network.
Next to the addition of Conakry and Ouagadougou to the Brussels Airlines network in West Africa, flight frequencies to Banjul, Lomé and Monrovia will increase this summer to five flights for each of these routes. Frequencies to East African destinations Entebbe and Kigali will be increased to respectively seven and five times weekly.
As of mid-June, Brussels Airlines will fly daily to New York, after connecting the East Coast destination 4 times weekly in 2021. Flights to Washington D.C. will be operated five times weekly during the summer season, allowing connections between Africa and the US via Brussels Airport.
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Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Atlas Air Worldwide has announced an order for four 777 Freighters. The order, placed in December, rounds out a record-setting 2021 for Boeing's freighter family including new-production and converted models. Boeing has forecast that the global freighter fleet will grow by 70% in the next 20 years, with freight carriers such as Atlas Air supporting a rapidly expanding global e-commerce business and evolving supply chains.
"We are excited to expand our fleet and service offerings for our existing and prospective customers with these four new 777s. With the best team in the industry as well as our focus on innovation and prudent fleet management, Atlas is serving the evolving needs of the global supply chain and delivering value for our customers," said John W. Dietrich, Atlas Air Worldwide president and CEO.
Boeing's market-leading 777 Freighter is the world's largest, longest-range and most capable twin-engine freighter, with the lowest trip cost and highest reliability of any large freighter. With a range of 4,970Nm (9,200km), the 777 Freighter can carry a maximum revenue payload of 102 tonnes (224,900 lb), while reducing fuel use and CO2 emissions compared to prior airplanes. This capability and exceptional efficiency translate into significant savings for cargo operators, with fewer stops and associated landing fees.
"We are honoured that Atlas Air Worldwide, as a global leader in airfreight, has once again selected to grow with Boeing and our freighter family. These new 777 Freighters provide Atlas with more capacity, fuel efficiency and operational flexibility for its customers," said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "As air cargo demand continues to grow, we're confident that the efficiency, capability and flexibility of our freighter family will meet customer needs now and in the future."
Through November, Boeing had surpassed the previous freighter record including 80 orders for new production freighters and more than 80 orders for converted models. The company announced full-year 2021 orders and deliveries on January 11.
Atlas Air currently has 14 777s and is the world's largest operator of 747 Freighters, with 49 in its fleet. These two models, in particular, are designed to partner seamlessly, enabling operators to transfer tall and outsized cargo loads easily between the two on 3-meter (10-foot) tall pallets. The cargo and passenger carrier also operates a fleet of 767 and 737 airplanes.
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defence products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact.
A wholly-owned Airbus subsidiary, Airbus Atlantic, a global player in the aerostructures field, was officially established on 1st January 2022. The new company groups the strengths, resources and skills of Airbus's sites in Nantes and Montoir-de-Bretagne, the central functions associated with their activities, as well as the STELIA Aerospace sites worldwide.
This unification is part of the transformation project announced in April 2021, aimed at strengthening the value chain of aerostructure assembly within Airbus's industrial setup, this activity being considered as core business. It marks the intention to gain competitiveness, innovation and quality for the benefit of Airbus's programmes of today and tomorrow.
As such, Airbus Atlantic will be an essential element in the group's value chain and will play a key role with regard to the aerostructure supply chain, with more than 500 direct suppliers (flying products) and more than 2,000 indirect suppliers (general procurement products).
At the heart of Airbus, Airbus Atlantic aims at meeting the great challenges linked to a sustainable aviation industry, pioneering new technologies", said Cédric Gautier, CEO of Airbus Atlantic. "Our first mission will be to ensure the satisfaction of all our customers and to establish new standards of excellence in terms of quality and operational efficiency. I have full confidence in the talent, enthusiasm and commitment of the Airbus Atlantic teams to write this new chapter of our history with success."
With 13,000 staff in 5 countries and 3 continents and an estimated business volume of around 3.5 Bn euros, Airbus Atlantic is the world number two for aerostructures, world number one for pilot seats and ranks in the top three for Business Class and First Class passenger seats, which continue to be marketed under the STELIA Aerospace brand.
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Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Allegiant Air has announced an order for 50 737 MAX jets, with options for 50 additional airplanes. In Boeing's first U.S. ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) deal, Allegiant selected two models - the 737-7 and 737-8-200 - in the 737 MAX family, which provide the lowest seat-mile costs for a single-aisle airplane and high-dispatch reliability.
"Our approach to fleet has always been opportunistic and this exciting transaction with Boeing is no exception," said Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., Allegiant chairman and CEO. "While the heart of our strategy continues to center on previously-owned aircraft, the infusion of up to 100 direct-from-the-manufacturer 737s will bring numerous benefits for the future - including flexibility for capacity growth and aircraft retirements, significant environmental benefits, modern configuration and cabin features our customers will appreciate."
With commonality and improved fuel efficiency, the 737 MAX family enables airlines to optimize their fleets across a broad range of missions. The 737-7 provides low-operating costs that enable carriers to open new routes with less economic risk while the larger 737-8-200 offers added revenue potential and is right-sized for ULCC market expansion. Compared to Allegiant's current fleet, the new 737 models will reduce fuel use and carbon emissions by 20%.
"We are thrilled that Allegiant has selected Boeing and the 737 MAX as they position themselves for future growth, improved efficiency and operational cost performance." said Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO. "This deal further validates the economics of the 737 MAX family in the ULCC market and we're excited to stand alongside Allegiant as they integrate these new airplanes into their fleet."
Boeing and Allegiant will partner on entry-into-service support, enabling a smooth transition as the carrier adds the 737 into its operation. Allegiant will also utilize a suite of Boeing Global Services digital tools to further enhance operational efficiency. Allegiant currently operates a fleet of 108 Airbus A319 and A320 airplanes.
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defence products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact.
Iraqi Airways, the national carrier of Iraq, has taken delivery of its first out of five A220-300 aircraft from Mirabel, Canada. Upon entry into service, Iraqi Airways will become one of the first airlines to operate the A220 in the Middle East region.
With the A220, Iraqi Airways will benefit from the aircraft's exceptional technical, economic and environmental performance. Iraqi Airways' A220-300 features a modern and highly comfortable dual-class cabin that seats 132 passengers; 12 in business class and 120 in economy class. The state-of-the-art aircraft will play an integral part of Iraqi Airways fleet renewal and modernization plan.
The A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market and brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney's latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines. Featuring a 50% reduced noise footprint and up to 25% lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, as well as around 50% lower NOx emissions than industry standards, the A220 is a great aircraft for regional as well as long distance routes operations.
As of the end of November 2021, over 180 A220s had been delivered to 13 operators, from Asia, North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East - proving the great versatility of Airbus' new generation single-aisle family member.
As of 13 January, KLM will be adding 0.5% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for flights departing from Amsterdam. In addition, KLM will offer its customers the option of purchasing an extra amount of sustainable fuel. In this manner, KLM aims to stimulate the market for SAF. The face of travel is set to change in the future and SAF will play an essential role in this regard. In addition to fleet renewal and further innovation within the company and sector, KLM is committed to bringing about an energy transition.
Thanks to our customers who participate in the Corporate and Cargo SAF Programme, KLM already has a relatively substantial share of the global SAF market today. Yet with a share of 0.18% in 2019, it is still less than 1% of our total fuel consumption. We realize that the 0.5% standard admixture on passenger tickets is a very small step, but an important one in the right direction and we hope other airlines will follow soon. We will have to work with all parties around us and come up with rock-solid solutions and innovations to further open the market for SAF.
The CO2 emissions of SAF that KLM currently purchases are at least 75% lower than those of fossil kerosene. That is why, in the short term, SAF is the most important means of drastically reducing CO2 emissions, thus contributing to making aviation more sustainable. The costs for the sustainable fuel variant are at least four times higher and production is lagging behind. By increasing demand, KLM hopes to further develop the market for SAF so that supply is scaled up and sustainable fuel ultimately becomes cheaper.
Effective 1 January 2022, France will introduce a compulsory SAF admixture percentage. This is not yet compulsory in the Netherlands. Within Europe, there is a proposal to achieve a compulsory SAF proportion of 2% by 2025 for all flights within and from Europe. KLM and its partners in the Clean Skies for Tomorrow coalition previously announced that it is their ambition to achieve a worldwide SAF proportion of 10% in 2030. To this end, KLM has now decided to start adding more SAF voluntarily.
In addition, Air France-KLM, KLM and Air France have committed themselves to the CO2 reduction trajectory drawn up for the aviation sector by the Science Based Targets initiative. This will ensure that KLM's objectives are in line with the targets of the UN Climate Agreement signed in Paris (net zero in 2050). Increased utilisation of SAF is a key factor in achieving these targets.
The 0.5% SAF proportion will supplement the SAF that is already being blended for customers who have joined KLM's Corporate and Cargo SAF programmes. A surcharge for the additional SAF will be added to the ticket price. This means KLM passengers will automatically contribute to the purchase of sustainable fuel. The surcharge will vary from 1 to 12 euros per ticket, depending on the distance flown and the seat booked (economy or business).
KLM will use this contribution to finance a standard 0.5% SAF admixture on all flights from Amsterdam.
For individual passengers who wish to further reduce the footprint of their flight, we have expanded our CO2ZERO service with an option to purchase an additional quantity of SAF. This option will be available in addition to our existing compensation alternative to support a reforestation project with Gold Standard certification. Reforestation is a way in which CO2 emissions can be compensated outside the aviation industry. With the additional purchase of SAF, a passenger contributes to less use of fossil kerosene and thus to a direct reduction of CO2 emissions as a result of flying. Again, KLM will use the entire amount raised to purchase SAF to boost global SAF production.
In 2011, KLM conducted the world's first commercial flight on blended biofuel. In February 2021 we operated a commercial flight with an admixture of sustainable synthetic fuel. For SAF, KLM focuses on all technologies side by side: based on used cooking oil, forestry residues and sustainable synthetic fuel. KLM is currently purchasing relatively large volumes of SAF and has signed various purchase agreements with suppliers. This will guarantee the standard 0.5% admixture for flights departing from Amsterdam and will enable KLM to meet additional demand generated by passengers via the CO2ZERO programme, as well as demand generated by partners in KLM's Corporate SAF Programme and the Air France-KLM-Martinair Cargo SAF Programme, thereby contributing to KLM's efforts to achieve its CO2 reduction targets.
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Avelo Airlines, which became America's newest mainline airline in nearly 15 years when it took flight last April, has announced that it raised $42 million in Series B funding. This second-round offering increases Avelo's invested capital base to over $160 million.
Avelo raised approximately $125 million in January 2020. The Series B shares sold at a significant premium to the original Series A shares. "The incremental capital we've raised is a significant vote of confidence in Avelo's initial momentum and the enormous opportunity ahead of us," said Avelo Founder, Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy. "This additional capital significantly bolsters our already strong balance sheet and enables the acceleration of Avelo's growth trajectory in 2022 and beyond."
An investment fund managed by Morgan Stanley Tactical Value (MSTV) invested an additional $30 million beyond their Series A investment. With this additional significant investment, MSTV is now by far Avelo's largest shareholder.
"The Morgan Stanley Tactical Value Investing Team is pleased to partner up once again with Avelo Airlines on their recent capital raise," said Tom Cahill, Managing Director and Co-Head of Morgan Stanley Tactical Value, and an Avelo board member. "Andrew and the rest of the Avelo team have done a terrific job in growing the business under unique circumstances. Avelo's recent launch of service from its Tweed-New Haven base is just the latest company success and with the additional capital in place positions Avelo for an even more exciting future."
This second-round offering was primarily funded by Series A shareholders including Levy, board members (or the entities they represent) and members of management, who collectively invested more than $34.7 million.
Levy added, "The personal investments made by Avelo's management team and board members exemplify the internal belief in Avelo's potential. I also want to thank Tom Cahill and Morgan Stanley Tactical Value for their significant investment in Avelo. Avelo would not be possible without their confidence and backing."
Avelo initiated service on April 28, 2021, from its first base at Los Angeles' Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). The airline - which offers a convenient, affordable, and caring experience - currently serves 19 popular destinations across the U.S. with Boeing Next-Generation (NG) 737 aircraft. Avelo launched its East Coast base at Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) on November 3, 2021, connecting Southern Connecticut and six popular Florida destinations.
"I am extremely proud of Avelo's public debut and initial performance amid the unprecedented challenges that confronted the U.S. airline industry in 2021," continued Levy. "Our Customers want reliability, convenience and affordability - Avelo is delivering all three. As we head into 2022, I am very bullish about the next exciting stage in Avelo's journey."
Singapore Airlines Selects Airbus A350F To Renew Freighter Fleet
Singapore
15 December 2021 - Singapore Airlines (SIA) has signed a Letter of Intent with Airbus to purchase seven A350F freighter aircraft, with options to order another five aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, when SIA will become the first airline to operate this new generation widebody freighter aircraft.
The agreement includes a swap with 15 A320neo and two A350-900 passenger aircraft that are in the SIA Group order book. This allows SIA to manage its capital expenditure, while continuing with the essential freighter renewal programme.
The A350F can carry a similar volume of cargo as the Boeing 747-400F, which it will replace in the SIA fleet. It burns up to 40% less fuel on similar missions to provide better operating economics and boasts a longer range that offers greater flexibility in aircraft deployment. The A350F is powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engine.
Renewing the freighter fleet reflects SIA's continued investment in the air cargo segment, which is a core business for the company. SIA has bolstered its cargo capabilities over the last few years, especially in key segments such as e-commerce, fresh produce and pharmaceuticals. Adding the A350Fs will reinforce SIA's leading position in the sector, while strengthening Singapore's position as a global air cargo hub.
The deal also supports the SIA Group's sustainability goals and its commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Operating a young fleet of modern aircraft is the most immediate and effective way for airlines to materially lower their carbon footprint. Replacing the 747-400Fs with the A350Fs would cut SIA's carbon emissions by around 400,000 tonnes annually, based on current operations. As the A350Fs and the other new-generation aircraft that are in its order book enter into service, the Group's future fleet will remain one of the youngest in the industry.
Mr Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: "This agreement with Airbus reinforces SIA's position as a leading global air cargo carrier, while advancing our sustainability goals. It also ensures that we are prudent with our capital expenditure and adjusts our passenger aircraft order book to give us the flexibility needed to navigate uncertainties in the recovery trajectory. The A350Fs will replace our seven 747-400F freighters, with the options providing the ability to adapt our requirements to future demand in the cargo market.
"The pandemic has underscored the importance of investing in the cargo business, and bolstering the SIA Group's diverse revenue streams. Air cargo also plays a vital role in keeping open global supply chains, especially to transport essential goods during these times. SIA has worked closely with our partners in Singapore and around the world to deliver items such as vaccines, personal protection equipment as well as food supplies and we will continue to support such efforts."
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