EUROCONTROL signs deal with JAA Training: EUROCONTROL’s Aviation Learning Centre (ALC) and the JAA Training Organisation (JAA TO) have teamed up to formalise a strategic collaboration to enhance aviation learning and better address industry needs by developing joint aviation training programmes. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations looks to build on the core strengths of both organisations, combining EUROCONTROL’s expertise in air traffic management (ATM) with JAA TO’s robust foundation in aviation regulatory training. “Fostering collaboration across the aviation ecosystem and meeting the evolving needs of the industry is central to the work of our Aviation Learning Centre. This new partnership with JAATO will enable us jointly to strengthen our support to European aviation with a new range of high-quality courses, tools and services. Through this MoU, we will maximise synergies and deliver innovative solutions that advance safety and efficiency in our sector,” said Raúl Medina, EUROCONTROL Director General.
Qatar Airways Cargo and Unilode announce partnership: Qatar Airways Cargo, the leading air cargo carrier, and Unilode Aviation Solutions, the market leader in outsourced Unit Load Device (ULD) management, repair, and digital services, announce their partnership for the digitalisation of the airline’s fleet of over 42,000 ULDs. The partnership represents the largest ULD digitalisation programme undertaken by an airline. Qatar Airways Cargo will leverage Unilode’s advanced ULD digitalisation capabilities to gain data-driven insights and real-time visibility into ULD locations, sensory data, and asset utilisation rates. Through Unilode’s digital technologies Qatar Airways Cargo will continue to strengthen its position to be at the forefront when it comes to streamlining operations, optimising resources, increasing revenue opportunities, and boosting performance. The partnership with Qatar Airways Cargo will make sure Unilode’s tag and reader network is further extended to cover the carriage of ULDs on the airline’s global passenger and cargo network. The tag and reader network will be supported by E-ULD, Unilode’s in-house developed mobile app and web portal that enables real-time visibility, and tracking, of ULDs. Unilode’s Enterprise Data Warehouse and customer portal, which provide the airline with enhanced data analytics to improve ULD utilisation and further reduce costs.
Liebherr expands aerospace manufacturing plant in Brazil: Liebherr announced that it will expand the surface area of its production company Liebherr Aerospace Brasil LTDA in Guaratinguetá by 8,000 sqm. The new facility is expected to be operational two years from the start of construction. Over the next 10 years, around €45 million will be invested in the manufacturing site. The expansion will create hundreds of new jobs and thus strengthen the local economy. The production activities will comprise machining and surface treatment of high-precision aircraft components made of aluminum and steel. “We are very happy and looking forward to extending our already well-established aerospace activities in Guaratinguetá,“ said Rogério Gimenez, Managing Director at Liebherr Aerospace Brasil. “The new building will help us to cope with the steep production ramp-up currently experienced by the aerospace industry and to strengthen our long-term competitiveness.” Since 2005, Liebherr Aerospace Brasil produces critical high-tech components for flight control and actuation systems, environmental control and thermal management systems, landing gear systems, as well as for aircraft engines. The company is certified according to the latest standards, e.g. Nadcap, and can rely on an advanced industrial set-up.
Accelya achieves record-breaking day: Accelya, the leading retailing software provider for the global airline industry, today announced a record-breaking day for corporate New Distribution Capability (NDC) bookings on January 7, 2025, alongside a +146% year-over-year growth in corporate NDC volumes for 2024 compared to 2023. This growth reflects the acceleration of modern retailing adoption among airlines and travel sellers, driven by the increasing demand for more seamless, relevant, and dynamic travel experiences. This record-breaking growth reflects the expansion of NDC-enabled airline content across Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and the ongoing post-pandemic resurgence of corporate travel. Corporate travelers are increasingly seeking a balance between productivity, comfort, and cost-effectiveness, with a focus on a seamless experience. They prioritise the ability to easily adjust bookings, select seats, and manage itineraries—features enhanced by NDC that cater to the growing demand for personalisation and convenience. Accelya’s FLX ONE platform—powering over 50% of global NDC transactions and generating more than 30 billion unique offers daily—continues to enable airlines and travel management companies (TMCs) to deliver richer, more relevant content to corporate travellers. By seamlessly managing the entire Offer, Order, Settle, and Deliver (OOSD) retailing process, Accelya is supporting the industry’s transition toward more customer-centric airline retailing.
Chapman Freeborn expands Saudi ops: Chapman Freeborn has expanded its passenger operations in Saudi Arabia, having signed an agreement with AJEX Logistics Services, a Middle East-based company specialising in airport passenger services. The move by the global charterer marks a strategic response to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme which aims to increase annual passenger numbers to 330 million, expanding connectivity to over 250 destinations from 29 airports. “This collaboration aligns with our mission to provide world-class aviation services and reflects our dedication to supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” said Gerhard Coetzee, Vice President Cargo at Chapman Freeborn. “Together, we will drive innovation and excellence in aviation and passenger operations, ensuring that our clients benefit from the best possible service.” Chapman Freeborn’s increased service offering mirrors its commitment to the region after reporting 100 percent growth in its passenger footprint across the Middle East in 2024 and significant investment in personnel throughout the last two years.
CAE inaugurates first Air Traffic Services Training Centre with NAV CANADA: CAE has inaugurated its first Air Traffic Services (ATS) Training Centre, on its campus in Montreal, Canada. As the largest provider of civil aviation training worldwide, CAE trains pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, and cabin crew. Last October, CAE started partnering in the training of air traffic controllers (ATC) and flight service specialists (FSS) with NAV CANADA. “We are thrilled to officially inaugurate CAE’s first ATS training centre in collaboration with NAV CANADA. As an innovator in aviation learning sciences, CAE is perfectly positioned to partner with NAV CANADA and other Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP) to meet the increasing global demand for air traffic services personnel and train the highly skilled professionals they need to manage air traffic safely,” said CAE President and CEO Marc Parent. “This is an extension of CAE’s core mission to make the world safer, and as a pilot, I can attest to the critical importance of the communication between flight crew and the air traffic personnel who play an essential role in the safety of every flight.” The first students began their training at the new facility in October 2024, with CAE aiming to train approximately 500 air traffic professionals by 2028. CAE’s instructors deliver initial training for air traffic controllers and flight service specialists to students coming from across Canada using NAV CANADA’s training curriculum and courseware. NAV CANADA will continue to deliver basic training, all specialty courses, and on-the-job training, with the latter part of Air Traffic Services training solely offered by NAV CANADA.
Avolon completes Castlelake acquisition: Avolon, a leading global aviation finance company, announces the completion of the acquisition of Castlelake Aviation Limited (‘CA Ltd’) from Castlelake L.P.’s aviation platform. The transaction was first announced on 13 September 2024. The acquisition includes a portfolio of 106 aircraft on lease and commitments for 10 new-technology aircraft. Following the acquisition, Avolon’s fleet increases to 1,129 aircraft, including 664 owned and managed aircraft, and commitments for 465 new-technology aircraft. Avolon was advised on the transaction by Clifford Chance and KPMG. Avolon is a leading global aviation finance company connecting capital with customers to drive the transformation of aviation and the economic and social benefits of global travel. Working with 140 airlines in 59 countries, Avolon has an owned, managed, and committed fleet of 1,129 aircraft, as of 31 December 2024.
VVIP Flight Pvt Ltd achieves WYVERN Wingman FBO certification: VVIP Flight Pvt Ltd, a leading provider of premium aviation services, announced its achievement of the WYVERN Wingman FBO Certification, a globally recognised mark of excellence in Fixed Base Operator (FBO)/ Ground Handling services. This certification solidifies VVIP Flight Pvt Ltd.’s commitment to delivering the highest standards of safety, service quality, and operational efficiency in the aviation industry. The WYVERN Wingman FBO Certification is awarded only to Ground Handler/FBOs that successfully meet rigorous benchmarks set by WYVERN, a trusted name in aviation risk management and auditing. This recognition highlights VVIP Flight Pvt Ltd.’s dedication to implementing industry-best practices, ensuring unparalleled customer satisfaction, and maintaining a robust safety culture. Speaking on this milestone, Ms. Nisha Verma, CEO of VVIP Flight Pvt Ltd, said: “Receiving the WYVERN Wingman FBO Certification is a testament to our unwavering focus on safety, service quality, and operational integrity. This achievement reinforces our position as a trusted partner for VVIP and corporate aviation needs. We remain committed to exceeding industry expectations and redefining excellence in aviation services.” VVIP Flight Pvt Ltd.’s comprehensive range of services includes ground handling, FBO services fuelling, concierge services, hangar facilities, and bespoke arrangements for VVIP Flights, Corporate flights, Cargo Flights, Military Flights and medical flights.
Lufthansa Group finalises 41 percent stake in ITA Airways: The Italian airline ITA Airways is a new member of the Lufthansa Group. The Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and Europe’s leading aviation group concluded the transaction. As a result, the Lufthansa Group has a 41 percent stake in the Italian airline ITA Airways. The remaining 59 percent will initially continue to be held by MEF. The two parties had already agreed in May 2023 that Deutsche Lufthansa AG would acquire a minority stake of 41 percent in ITA Airways. The European Commission had recently approved the participation by approving the remedies on 29 November 2024. Other competition authorities outside the EU have since also approved the participation. The first step of the investment was implemented by means of a capital increase of 325 million euros. Options for the acquisition of the remaining shares in ITA Airways have been agreed between the Lufthansa Group and MEF and can be exercised from this year. With the transaction, ITA Airways is part of the Lufthansa Group and will be the group’s fifth network airline.
Singapore Airlines says December capacity rises: The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group’s passenger capacity increased by 7.1% in December 2024 from a year before, while passenger traffic rose by 6.0%. Consequently, the Group’s passenger load factor (PLF) came in at 88.5%, with SIA and Scoot posting monthly PLFs of 88.4% and 89.2% respectively. The two airlines carried a total of 3.6 million passengers, up 7.1% from the year before, and a monthly record for the Group. This brings the total passenger carriage for 2024 to 39.0 million, 12.7% higher than the 34.6 million the Group registered in 2023. Cargo loads rose by 13.6% year-on-year, outpacing the 11.3% expansion in cargo capacity. In addition to the traditional year-end demand, the higher loads were driven by a boost in perishables traffic with China lifting its ban on Australian live rock lobster imports, and strong demand ahead of the Lunar New Year period. Cargo operations posted a load factor of 53.6%, 1.0 percentage point higher year-on-year. During the month, Scoot launched passenger services to Phu Quoc in Vietnam, while SIA resumed direct seasonal services to Sapporo (Chitose) in Japan. At the end of December 2024, the Group’s passenger network0F1 covered 129 destinations in 36 countries and territories. SIA served 80 destinations, while Scoot served 72 destinations. The cargo network1 comprised 133 destinations in 37 countries and territories.
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