Dnata wins easyJet contract in Zurich: Dnata has won a multi-year ground handling contract with easyJet at Zurich Airport (ZRH) in Switzerland. The partnership will see dnata provide its full range of safe and reliable passenger, ramp and baggage services to the low-cost carrier. dnata’s dedicated team will contribute to an excellent travel experience for an estimated 640,000 passengers on easyJet’s 3,800 annual flights. The new contract expands the collaboration between the two parties in Switzerland, with dnata providing all de-icing services for the airline in Zurich since 2022. Dnata currently operates at two Swiss airports, ZRH and Geneva Airport (GVA), providing a range of ground handling and cargo services to more than 30 airlines with 1,100 customer-oriented employees. In the financial year 2023-24, dnata’s team assisted a total of eight million passengers and moved over 90,000 tonnes of cargo in Geneva and Zurich. Dnata also announced it has been awarded a multi-year contract by Royal Jordanian Airlines at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. Dnata will provide its full range of safe and reliable passenger, ramp and baggage services to the Jordanian flag carrier, which operates a daily service between JFK Terminal Eight and Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman. Dnata’s dedicated team will contribute to a quality travel experience for 125,000 passengers on Royal Jordanian’s 360 annual flights. The contract expands the existing partnership between the two parties in the USA, with dnata already providing its full range of ground handling services to the airline in Detroit (DTW) since 2019.
Broward Aviation Services acquires CFM56-5A engine: In a move to increase its engine assets base, Broward Aviation Services (BAS) has acquired a CFM56-5A engine with long LLP life remaining. With disassembly now complete, all components are undergoing MRO at specialist workshops in the US, Europe and Asia. This niche market engine is particularly relevant for operators of A320 family aircraft, but with parts commonality applicable to the 7B engine it also suits the 737NG. Dennis Amaty, Co-founder and president, confirms that the company is actively pursuing a range of opportunities supported by ample funding to complete deals. BAS is targeting further acquisitions to support the growth ambitions for the business and plans to tear down three more assets in 2024, with a clear target of four/five in 2025, and more in 2026. This will augment their expanding spare parts division, including a new facility which is about to open in Shannon, Ireland, and will comprise the complete array of overhauled components including LLPs, fan blades, HPT and HPC blades.
STACK.AERO partners with Azzera: STACK.aero, developer of the digital workflow platform BOS, Business Operations System, is partnering with Azzera, a leader in aviation sustainability solutions, to enable advanced carbon emission management for BOS users and their customers. The integration will facilitate direct access to the Azzera CELESTE B2B Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform to calculate aircraft and journey greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; track, assess and manage sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) uplift, including book and claim options; and purchase carbon credits through the Azzera marketplace. To confirm compliance with different international industry mandates, STACK.aero customers will also have the option to generate relevant retirement certificates. BOS users will be able to simultaneously manage the commercial process and related carbon management through a single-user interface. This will empower charter brokers, operators, and corporate flight departments to present customers with the opportunity to offset emissions from the start of the trip request lifecycle. The CELESTE marketplace hosts over 12 million offset projects, enabling users to confidently mitigate carbon emissions by purchasing credits authenticated through the Azzera Impact Scoring System. This validates each project’s financial and technical credentials before inclusion in the marketplace.
Norse Atlantic Airways expands Swiipr solution to US hubs: Norse Atlantic Airways has started using Swiipr’s digital passenger compensation payments system at the John F Kennedy International, Miami International and Los Angeles International airports. It will shortly be expanding this to include the Harry Reid International Airport when it begins direct services between London Gatwick and Las Vegas later this month. The Norwegian airline is the third carrier to integrate with the travel paytech company in the US, which earlier this year secured £6 million in Series A funding to help drive the company’s next phase of growth. There are now 28 airports across the US where airlines that have integrated with Swiipr are able to deliver real-time compensation and light refreshment vouchers, as well as goodwill gestures to inconvenienced passengers. Norse partnered with Swiipr in May this year for its European operations. Via the partnership, passengers whose flights are delayed or disrupted while travelling on Norse are provided with digital funds via a payment wallet.
New ALSIM AL250 simulator at Newark’s new Air and Space Institute: ALSIM announced that the AL250 simulator, recently purchased by Lincoln College Group, is now installed in the Air and Space Institute at Newark. Unveiled in June, this new training facility prepares students for careers in the aviation industry. The facility houses an Airbus A318 aircraft and several state-of-the-art simulators, including the AL250 equipped with the Engineering Pack. The AL250 simulator addresses initial phase of training needs (PPL, CPL, IR/ME) and is SEP/MEP re–configurable simulator certified as an EASA FNPT II. In addition, it offers both classic and glass cockpit for each flight model at the simple flick of a switch. This device has been extremely well received since its creation and more than 100 of these have already been installed and are in successful operation worldwide. The ALSIM Engineering Pack empowers engineering students to be completely independent to design and test aircraft models on the ALSIM AL250 simulator. Integrated within MATLAB and Simulink, it offers nearly 4,000 editable variables for endless possibilities.
SITA tapped by VINCI Airports for work in Brazil: SITA has been chosen by the Amazon Airport Concessionaire, which operates seven airports as part of the VINCI Airports Network, to implement the SITA Airport Management solution at Manaus Airport; Porto Velho Airport; Rio Branco Airport; Boa Vista Airport; Cruzeiro do Sul Airport; Tabatinga Airport; and Tefé Airport. In addition, the airport group has renewed an ongoing agreement with SITA to continue providing the same service at Salvador Bahia Airport. The systems will be available to passengers starting from the second half of this year. SITA Airport Management is a multi-airport solution that helps airport managers and airlines efficiently manage flight operations, optimize fixed and mobile resources, such as check-in counters, baggage reclaim carousels, and manage mobile resources, meaning the staff that works during the aircraft turnaround at the airport. The solution also facilitates collaborative decision making. The technology can enable a reduction in fuel consumption by reducing the amount of time the aircraft’s engines are running, limiting idling. The airports will also incorporate the “SITA Operations Manager,” which stores all data related to flight operations and applies business rules according to airport operational procedures; “SITA Fixed Resource Manager,” which optimizes the usage of resources by the airport and the flight operations; and “SITA Information Display System” modules into the solution, which provide passengers with accurate and timely data on flights through fully customisable displays throughout the airport.
Rotortrade and Petroleum Air Services sign cooperation deal: Rotortrade, the global leader in the pre-owned helicopter industry, has announced a new strategic cooperation with Petroleum Air Services (PAS), Egypt’s leading civilian helicopter operator. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the growth of PAS’s fleet and operational capabilities. As the civilian helicopter operator in Egypt, PAS plays a vital role in supporting the country’s oil and Gas industry, emergency medical evacuation services, both within Egypt and internationally. The company operates a fleet of 31 helicopters, including Bell, Leonardo, and Airbus models. Under this business relationship, Rotortrade will provide PAS with a comprehensive range of services, including helicopter sales, remarketing, market intelligence, and asset valuations. Rotortrade’s extensive relationships with helicopter and engine manufacturers will be instrumental in delivering innovative solutions that support PAS’s growth objectives.
Avion appointed partner for Simnest Aviation in APAC: Hungarian fixed-base simulator manufacturer Simnest Aviation and Dutch Full Flight Simulator manufacturer and flight training centre operator Avion, have entered into an agreement where Avion – Gen24 will be the exclusive sales and service partner for Simnest Aviation in the APAC region. Following 20 successfully installed and certified type-representative simulators in Europe, Simnest Aviation decided in 2023 to expand to APAC countries, which it formalised with its presence as an exhibitor at last year’s APATS in Singapore. At this year’s event, Simnest Aviation took another significant step towards achieving its Asian goals. The Hungarian simulator manufacturer has appointed Avion, which will soon open its new training centre in Mumbai, as its exclusive sales and service partner for the Asia Pacific region, further strengthening its presence there. After completing the necessary training, Avion’s staff will install Simnest’s simulators and provide support for simulators installed in the region. Additionally, Avion has also ordered a Simnest A320 FNPT II APS MCC simulator for its new flight training centre in Mumbai. This marks another milestone for Simnest Aviation in the Asian market, as this will be their first simulator in the APAC region. Avion’s new high-fidelity fixed-base FSTD will be used both as a demonstration device to support sales activities and to conduct training courses that don’t need the highest qualified Level D Avion Full Flight Simulators.
TP Aerospace signs contract with MGA: TP Aerospace has signed a new long-term Brake For Less (BFL) program with Turkey-based airline Mavi Gök Airlines, (MGA). This partnership will see TP Aerospace supply serviceable brakes in support of MGA’s full B737NG fleet. “We are delighted to enter into this long-term agreement with MGA and provide a growing airline, with great significance in the Turkish aviation industry, with the highest standards of service and expertise in the field.”, says Philip Broskov Hansen, Global Programs Director. The new BFL program is planned to launch immediately and will mainly be serviced from TP Aerospace’s MRO facility in Hamburg, Germany. MGA is a Turkey based airline, established in March 2007, that has grown rapidly and become a significant player in the Turkish aviation market. MGA continues to expand its operations and fleet, making this partnership with TP Aerospace a crucial step in their growth strategy.
KlasJet reconfigures ACMI aircraft for Business Class: KlasJet is upgrading its fleet to add Business Class configuration for its ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) operations. These cabin updates will make KlasJet one of the world’s only ACMI providers with twin-class configuration in its aircraft. As part of these upgrades, KlasJet expects to reconfigure its 737-800 to offer 12 business class seats, and a further 162 in economy. As opposed to simple additions of dividers for improvised business class, KlasJet’s new business class will feature twin seating on either side of the aisle, providing additional space and comfort for each passenger. KlasJet currently operates seven 737 next-generation aircraft in its ACMI fleet that are supported by six 737 specifically configured for luxurious VIP travel. The charter service and ACMI provider is currently placing aircraft across the world ahead of increased market demand. Fleet availability is subject to customer needs, and the company is working to maximize its flexibility for its customers.
GE Aerospace joins AI Safety Consortium: GE Aerospace, one of the aviation industry’s top AI patent holders, has signed on as a member of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) AI Safety Institute Consortium (AISIC). The AISIC was established earlier this year, with the goal of bringing together AI developers in industry, government, academia, and civil society organizations to develop guidelines and policies to promote the safe and responsible use of AI. Paul Ardis, Technology Manager for AI & Computer Vision Technologies for GE Aerospace’s Research Center, who will lead GE Aerospace’s participation on the Consortium, says AISIC’s mission is perfectly aligned with the company’s rigorous governance practices around AI developments, stating, “In everything GE Aerospace does, it’s always safety first and our approach to new AI developments is no different. We have a robust AI Board in place that already is thinking through and has established guiding principles around how we develop and deploy AI in the safest, most responsible ways.” Ardis noted that GE Aerospace applied a lean + digital mindset that always emphasises safety first to guide AI developments. Over the past decade, GE Aerospace has more than doubled its investment in AI technology, positioning the company as one of the top AI patent holders within the aviation industry. Today, GE Aerospace is using AI to enhance everything from engine monitoring and part inspections to delivering insights for our airline customers to enable predictive maintenance measures and new ways to optimise fuel efficiency and safety.
Volar Air Mobility and Etihad Aviation Training sign MoU: During the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) event in Montreal, Volar Air Mobility and Etihad Aviation Training LLC (EAT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in the field of advanced electric aircraft operations. The agreement aims to optimise the use of both parties’ capabilities and expertise through the exchange of information and joint initiatives in areas of mutual interest, advancing the UAE’s aviation sector. The MoU focuses on research and development (R&D) in electric aircraft operations, innovative sustainability projects, and regulatory engagement with UAE authorities. This collaboration aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 agenda, promoting advanced air mobility solutions that contribute to the nation’s sustainability goals. Paolo La Cava, CEO of Etihad Aviation Training LLC, said, “This MOU underscores our commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the aviation industry. Our partnership with Volar Air Mobility will enable us to explore new avenues for advanced electric aircraft operations, aligning with the UAE’s vision for a sustainable future.”
StandardAero provides CFM LEAP-1B support to Corendon Airlines: StandardAero has signed a non-exclusive agreement with Turkish operator Corendon Airlines to provide CFM International LEAP-1B engine services in support of the carrier’s fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Corendon joins the growing list of operators to rely on StandardAero’s new LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) line established at its San Antonio facility in Texas. StandardAero has already inducted Corendon’s first LEAP-1B engine, for a Continued Time Engine Maintenance (CTEM) shop visit. In addition to the LEAP-powered MAX fleet, Corendon also operates Boeing 737-800 jets powered by CFM56-7B engines. This new agreement extends StandardAero’s existing relationship with Corendon on the CFM56-7B. In addition to establishing MRO capability for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B at its San Antonio facility, StandardAero is also industrialising new engine component repairs for the LEAP family through its Component Repair Services (CRS) division’s network of locations, and its Repair Development Center of Excellence. To date, StandardAero’s CRS team has industrialized more than 230 component repairs for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B.
ZeroAvia completes $150 million Series C financing: ZeroAvia announced that it has extended its Series C financing to a total of $150 million, with a £20 million investment from Scottish National Investment Bank coming alongside recent investments from American Airlines, International Airlines Group (IAG) and ITOCHU Corporation. The round was co-led by Airbus, Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital and NEOM Investment Fund (NIF), with UK Infrastructure Bank joining as a cornerstone-level investor, and with strong support from existing shareholders including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Horizons Ventures, Ecosystem Integrity Fund, Summa Equity, Alaska Airlines, Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund and AP Ventures. This is the bank’s first investment in hydrogen-based technology and the sustainable aviation sector and will bolster the burgeoning aerospace supply chain in Scotland as ZeroAvia looks to create a manufacturing facility in the country. ZeroAvia has already extensively flight tested a prototype of its first ZA600-engine aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft at its UK base, and the application for certification is underway with the CAA. The company has also performed advanced ground tests in the US and UK for the key building block technologies for the ZA2000 system, including cryogenic tanks for LH2 and proprietary high-temperature PEM fuel cell and electric propulsion systems. ZA2000 will support up to 80-seat regional turboprop aircraft such as the ATR72 and the Dash 8 400. The company is also selling its component technology, including electric motors and fuel cell power generation systems, to other electric aviation innovators.
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