AAV News in Brief

Nestlé, Lufthansa Systems, IRIS2 Constellation, Astra Tech, Etihad, Emirates SkyCargo, Textron Aviation, DHL Express, Etihad Cargo, Rotate, IATA, Farsound, Hermes Logistics Technologies, Awery Aviation Software, Emirates

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AAV News

another  Singapore Airshow image Neo satellite ImageryNestlé to pilot new Pléiades Neo satellite Imagery: Nestlé will use the very high-resolution images from this cutting-edge technology to help ensure that the trees it has planted in sourcing regions continue to thrive over the long term. This approach will help Nestlé demonstrate the amount of carbon it is removing from the atmosphere through its Global Reforestation Program, a key pillar of its 2050 net zero emissions ambition. The company will first apply the technology in the Ranong and Chumphon provinces of Southern Thailand, where a reforestation project has been ongoing since last year. Pléiades Neo satellites will monitor more than 150 000 shade trees in farms from where Nestlé sources its coffee, over a 20-year period. Shade trees help prevent coffee’s over-exposure to the sun, increase yield and productivity in the long term, while also removing carbon from the atmosphere. Based on this experience, Nestlé will determine whether to expand the approach to other locations around the world. Nestlé has been using the Airbus and Earthworm Starling solution since 2016 to check for the risk of deforestation near its sourcing locations. With Pléiades Neo, Nestlé is upscaling the monitoring service, applying a similar approach to the restoration and regeneration of landscapes.

Lufthansa SystemsSchedule-Management-Solution from Lufthansa Systems: Lufthansa Systems will offer the schedule management solution NetLine/Sched on the basis of its Global Aviation Cloud (GAC) in the future and will thus become the standard within the Lufthansa Group as part of their new contract 1Sched@Cloud. For the Lufthansa Group, the conversion of the airlines from their own IT structures in the operational area to the cloud-based solution NetLine/Sched is a further step towards an IT harmonisation within the Group. NetLine/Sched is an optimisation tool from Lufthansa Systems that supports airlines in all aspects of schedule development and schedule management. This enables them to determine the best schedules for flights with optimal aircraft utilisation, taking into account changes in market conditions without neglecting operational aspects. The migration of Lufthansa Group airlines to the GAC proceeded gradually: The project started already in late May 2022 with the integration of Swiss and Edelweiss. The integration of Lufthansa Airlines, Lufthansa Cargo, Lufthansa CityLine, Air Dolomiti, Eurowings Discover and Brussels Airlines followed in early July 2022. The integration of Austrian Airlines was completed at the beginning of March 2023.

IRIS2 ConstellationEuropean space and telecoms players sign deal for IRIS2 Constellation: A group of European space and telecommunications players have come together to form a partnership to respond to the European Commission’s call for tender related to the future European satellite constellation IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite). IRIS² aims to bring a new secure and resilient connectivity infrastructure to European governments, businesses and citizens. The open consortium will be governed by Airbus Defence and Space, Eutelsat, Hispasat, SES and Thales Alenia Space. The consortium will also rely on the core team of the following companies: Deutsche Telekom, OHB, Orange, Hisdesat, Telespazio, and Thales. Together, they will aim to create a state-of-the-art satellite constellation based on a multi-orbit architecture that would be interoperable with the terrestrial ecosystem. This partnership will set up an integrated best-in-class European space and telecoms team across these companies to leverage the expertise and capabilities in the field of secure satellite communications solutions. The consortium will encourage start-ups, mid-Caps and SMEs to join the partnership, resulting in a more innovative and competitive European space sector where new business models will emerge.

Astra TechAstra Tech partners with Etihad: Astra Tech (Astra), a leading consumer technology holding group based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a partnership with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, that will enable customers to book flights through BOTIM, the MENA region’s leading VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solution, which was recently relaunched as an Ultra app. The partnership was signed today at the Arabian Travel Market, between Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves and Astra Tech’s Founder, Abdallah Abu Sheikh. With this partnership, Astra Tech and Etihad are providing customers with a fresh and hassle-free approach to booking flights. Through the BOTIM GPT module developed by Astra Tech, flights and other travel-related services are integrated into the Botim app, offering a convenient and innovative way for customers to book Etihad flights. The partnership aims to enhance the travel experience for customers by focusing on promotions and financing solutions, underscoring the companies’ steadfast commitment to delivering innovative and customer-focused solutions that meet the evolving needs of today’s travellers. Working together, Etihad and Astra Tech will provide customers with a comprehensive and integrated travel experience that simplifies the process of booking flights and accessing other travel-related services. The integration of flights into the Botim app enables customers to enjoy a more convenient and all-inclusive travel experience, making it easier than ever before to plan their travels.

Emirates SkyCargoEmirates SkyCargo to double its capacity in next decade: Emirates SkyCargo has added two Boeing 747-400Fs to its freighter fleet, showing its strong confidence in the global cargo market in a current environment of volatility. The cargo division of Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is expecting 15 more freighters to join its fleet from announced orders and its freighter conversion program, plus a boost in belly-hold capacity from new passenger aircraft deliveries starting with Airbus A350s in late summer 2024, followed by 777-Xs the year after. Over the next decade, Emirates SkyCargo expects to double its existing capacity, add over 20 new destinations to its freighter network, and offer even more flexibility and services to its customers with a fleet mix of over 300 wide-body aircraft comprising: 777s, 777-Fs, 747-Fs, A350s, and A380s. Secured on a long-term wet-lease basis, the two Boeing 747-Fs complement Emirates SkyCargo’s existing fleet of 11 Boeing 777 freighters, and are currently being deployed to Chicago three times weekly, and to Hong Kong nine times weekly.

Textron AviationTextron Aviation adds technology to Beechcraft Denali cockpit: With customer input at the forefront of its product investments, Textron Aviation announced it is bringing the revolutionary Garmin Emergency Autoland system to its new clean-sheet design Beechcraft Denali single-engine turboprop. The new feature is being implemented into the aircraft’s development and flight test program and will be available as a standard feature at time of entry into service. The Garmin Emergency Autoland system is the world’s first certified system of its kind. It provides a means for the aircraft to land automatically in the unlikely event of pilot incapacitation. A passenger can activate the Emergency Autoland system by pressing a dedicated button in the cockpit. Once activated, the system immediately takes control of the aircraft and informs ATC of the emergency. It then calculates a flight path to the most suitable airport or runway, while avoiding terrain and adverse weather, initiates a stabilized approach and automatically lands the aircraft, bringing it to a stop before shutting down the engine. Textron Aviation is aligning the Beechcraft Denali aircraft certification timing, which is expected in 2025, to the certification timeline for the new Catalyst engine, a product of Avio Aero – part of GE Aerospace. The Denali is the first aircraft powered by the new, more efficient engine.

DHL Express launches GoGreenDHL Express launches GoGreen Plus option for its air cargo product: DHL Aviation, the in-house airline of DHL Express, is launching a new optional GoGreen Plus service for its air cargo product. The new GoGreen Plus service allows customers to reduce the carbon emissions associated with their cargo using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). From June, air cargo customers of DHL globally can choose the GoGreen Plus service for their shipments, with customers being given the chance to tailor the CO2e reduction they want to achieve and the amount of SAF they use. SAF is produced from waste oils and can provide greenhouse gas emission reductions of up to 80 percent over its lifecycle compared with the conventional jet fuel it replaces. DHL Aviation manages 18 own and partner airlines with more than 300 dedicated aircraft fulfilling over 2,400 daily flights to more than 500 airports worldwide. Most of the freight capacity is used for DHL Express’ main product TDI. If any cargo space remains on these flights, DHL Express sells it to customers in the air freight sector. The GoGreen Plus service for air cargo customers will be launched at the Air Cargo Europe Trade Show in Munich. It follows the earlier successful launch of GoGreen Plus for Express courier shipments.

Etihad CargoEtihad Cargo partners with Rotate: Etihad Cargo will empower sales representatives to enhance customer partnerships via customisable smart data accessible through a digital sales tool the carrier is co-developing with Rotate. Etihad Cargo’s customers and partners will benefit from automatically generated, targeted sales initiatives, which will enable Etihad Cargo’s commercial teams and representatives to add value to existing business relationships by utilising past buying data and forecasted trends. Machine learning will enable Sales Cockpit’s algorithms to adapt and adjust based on user feedback, enabling future recommendations to be more targeted to Etihad Cargo’s customers’ needs. The development of Sales Cockpit is the latest step taken by Etihad Cargo in its digitalisation journey, which aims to optimise the customer experience. The carrier is collaborating with Rotate, a Netherlands-based data-driven strategy consultancy with proven cargo expertise, to improve customer service through the enhanced use of data and machine learning. Etihad Cargo’s customers will benefit from the carrier’s representatives gaining a more in-depth understanding of their products, routes and requirements. Using the tailored sales initiatives Sales Cockpit proactively provides, Etihad Cargo will build stronger relationships with the carrier’s partners and customers, sharing insights and suggestions to help Etihad Cargo’s customers achieve their cargo business objectives.

IATA logoIATA: US proposed passenger compensation rule will raise costs but not solve delays: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) criticised the decision by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Biden Administration to raise the cost of air travel by mandating airlines provide financial compensation to travellers for flight delays and cancellations, in addition to their current care offerings. According to the US, the rule will be issued later this year. DOT’s Cancellation and Delay Scoreboard shows that the 10 largest US carriers already offer meals or cash vouchers to customers during extended delays, while nine of them also offer complimentary hotel accommodations for passengers affected by an overnight cancellation. The regulation could raise unrealistic expectations among travellers that are unlikely to be met. Most situations would not be covered by this regulation as weather is responsible for the bulk of air travel delays and flight cancellations. Air traffic controller shortages played a role in last year’s delays and are also an issue in 2023, as the Federal Aviation Administration has acknowledged with its request that airlines reduce their flight schedules to the New York metropolitan area. Runway closures and equipment failures also contribute to delays and cancellations. Additionally, supply chain issues in the aircraft manufacturing and support sectors have resulted in aircraft delivery delays and parts shortages over which airlines have little or no control but which impact reliability.  While the DOT carefully notes that airlines will only be responsible for compensating passengers for delays and cancellations for which the airline is deemed responsible, severe weather and other issues can have knock-on effects for days or even weeks later, at which point it can be difficult to impossible to isolate a single causal factor.

FarsoundFarsound expands USA presence with new Texas facility: Farsound announced the opening of its new state-of-the-art facility in San Antonio, Texas this summer. The expansion will enable Farsound to enhance the services it offers to its customers across the USA. Farsound also operates out of facilities in the UK, Canada, Spain, Japan and Singapore. The new premises in San Antonio will serve as a base for all Farsound’s activities in the Americas, from bespoke MRO supply chain services to aero engine parts logistics. The initial facility will occupy approximately 28,000 square feet of specialist warehousing and office facilities. This expansion follows the appointment of new Farsound President USA, Matt Berkebile, who will be based out of the new facility. Matt will oversee exciting plans for growth across the USA to develop Farsound’s reputation and market reach in the lucrative global MRO and aviation sectors.

HermesHermes, Awery sign deal for software: Hermes Logistics Technologies (HLT) and Awery Aviation Software have announced a partnership agreement and launched a new Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution for airlines. Ushering in a new era for digitalisation in the industry, h2A is the only comprehensive platform to manage all processes across the entire lifecycle of the shipment, from warehousing to flight management and commercial activities, as well as all HR and business processes behind the scenes. Powered by Awery and Hermes, this cloud-based, end-to-end solution will enable airlines to manage, monitor, and automate all aviation business processes and cargo operations on an integrated IT platform.

Emirates DubaiEmirates goes digital, phases out paper boarding passes for flights departing Dubai: Taking a step forward in its drive to offer customers the convenience and assurance of digitally enabled travel journeys, Emirates will require most passengers departing Dubai to use a mobile boarding pass instead of a printed paper version, from 15 May onwards. Passengers checking in at Terminal 3 will receive their mobile boarding pass via email or SMS. Passengers who check in online can load their boarding pass into their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, or retrieve their boarding pass on the user-friendly Emirates App. The checked-in baggage receipt is also emailed directly to passengers, or available in the Emirates App. This initiative will significantly reduce paper waste while simultaneously offering a convenient and speedy digitised check in experience for passengers departing Dubai. It reduces the risk of lost or misplaced boarding passes, giving passengers peace of mind when travelling. Some passengers may still require a physical boarding pass to be printed – for instance when travelling with infants, unaccompanied minors, passengers requiring special assistance, passengers with onwards flights on other airlines, and all passengers travelling on flights to the US.

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