AIM Altitude delivers its 123rd ship set for Emirates A380: AIM Altitude has delivered its 123rd ship set of the Emirates A380 interior, including the iconic horseshoe bar, to Airbus in Hamburg. The final ship set in this series, the momentous occasion marks a 15-year milestone in the relationship between Emirates and AIM Altitude, one set to continue for many years to come. The A380 interior has seen many iterations over the years, with a major refresh occurring for the 100th ship set. Neil Taggart, vice president and general manager of AIM Altitude, part of AVIC Cabin Systems (ACS), said: ‘This long and continuous association with Emirates is evidence that the design of the A380’s lounge bar has reached classic status whilst retaining its freshness and continuing appeal to passengers. The synergy between design and aircraft has proved quite remarkable”. As confirmation of the strong links between AIM Altitude and Emirates, it was Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates, who opened AIM Altitude’s new headquarters and state-of-the-art cabin interiors facility at Bournemouth Airport in 2016; a time that coincided with the celebration of the 100th ship set of the A380 interior.
Pelican BioThermal expands role for Dominic Hyde: Pelican BioThermal announced Dominic Hyde will take on the role of vice president of Global Services. In this role, Hyde will expand his responsibilities to all global services, including the worldwide service network and the rental programs, Crēdo on Reserve and Crēdo on Demand. Since joining the Pelican BioThermal team, Hyde successfully expanded the company’s Crēdo on Demand rental program by growing global drop points, service centres and network stations supporting rental programmes to more than 100 locations. In addition, he has increased staff numbers and has instigated key appointments to support customer demand and growth. Hyde remains at the forefront of operations as part of the company’s ongoing support to the global pandemic response.
Textron Aviation names first Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 European customer: Textron Aviation announced Geneva-based private jet charter company DALaviation Switzerland as the first Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 customer in Europe. The largest Citation jet in the light jet segment, the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 will support DALaviation Switzerland as the company continues to increase its customer base throughout Europe by delivering an elevated passenger experience. The Citation CJ4 Gen2 will be the third addition to DALaviation Switzerland’s business jet fleet, which includes a Cessna Citation CJ2+ and a Citation CJ1. “The CJ4 Gen2 is the ideal aircraft for charter operators like DALaviation Switzerland that seek to provide customers with total cabin comfort, first-class flight experience and flexibility – all backed by the most comprehensive service network in the industry,” said Tom Perry, vice president of Sales, EMEA, Textron Aviation. “With the addition of the CJ4 Gen2 to its fleet, DALaviation Switzerland will be able to serve more customers who will have access to a greater number of destinations across Europe, due to the aircraft’s best-in-class range of 1,926 nautical miles (3,567 km). We are proud to support DALaviation Switzerland as the operator continues to deliver exceptional aircraft charter services in Europe.”
Shandong Airlines implements Sabre’s fares management solution: Sabre announced that Shandong Airlines has successfully implemented its fares management solution to support the China-based airline’s efforts to drive revenue optimization and accelerate recovery as it looks to launch new services and increase frequencies during summer 2021. Shandong Airlines, which is owned by Shandong Airline Group, is now using Sabre AirVision Fares Manager and its Contract Manager capability to manage millions of the airline’s fares, and proactively sense and respond to changing market conditions, while optimising and publishing fares and rules with minimal latency. With an extensive domestic network and serving destinations across Asia, Shandong Airlines has plans to launch 26 new services and to increase frequencies on 13 existing services during the 2021 summer season.
Qatar Airways Privilege Club launches partnership with Grab: Qatar Airways Privilege Club announced it has set up a new partnership with Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp platform that offers a wide range of on-demand services, including mobility, food, package and grocery delivery services, mobile payments and financial services. Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can now convert their Qmiles to GrabRewards points and vice versa, giving them more ways to use their well-earned Qmiles. Through this partnership, one Qmile can be converted into one GrabRewards point and used to pay for Grab rides or orders, opening up a world of exciting deals and benefits on Grab’s everyday services. Privilege Club members can also convert 1,200 GrabRewards points into 100 Qmiles, further enabling members to reach their travel goals and enjoy an array of exclusive benefits, including flight rewards, cabin upgrades, extra baggage, Cash + Qmiles, and more.
ALSIM sells second ALSIM AL42 to ATO Learn To Fly: The ATO Learn To Fly, based in Melbourne, Australia, has purchased a second ALSIM AL42 flight simulator for its Diamond Airline Academy programme. The AL42 is the exact replica of the Diamond DA42, built using genuine aircraft parts and equipped with the Garmin G1000 avionics suite. Learn To Fly is one of the largest flight schools in Melbourne, Australia. They offer flight training courses to local and international student pilots from beginner level all the way through to commercial pilots, advanced ratings and endorsements, and airline interview preparation. LTF has the largest fleet of Diamond DA40, Diamond DA42, and Sling 2 aircraft in the Australian state of Victoria.
dnata streamlines ground handling with Hermes: Ground handler dnata Singapore has begun implementation of Hermes Logistics Technologies (HLT)’s New Generation (NG) Ecosystem (Hermes NG) at Changi Airport. The scalable cloud ecosystem, which includes the Hermes 5 Cargo Management System (CMS), NG Business Intelligence (BI) and Datalakes, Hermes Track&Trace and additional apps, will support dnata’s ongoing digitisation drive. Hermes NG will help to streamline workflows, provide greater transparency across the handling process, and improve data sharing for all sections of the supply chain. Hermes NG data can be used with Artificial Intelligence and machine learning algorithms to help decision making and optimise business and handling processes. dnata Singapore handles over 6,000 tonnes of cargo a week at its 32,000 square metre facility at Changi Airport.
Recaro Aircraft Seating integrates SL3710 and BL3710 into hybrid layout: Recaro Aircraft Seating (Recaro) has integrated its SL3710 and BL3710 into a hybrid layout on TAP Air Portugal’s (TAP) new Airbus fleet. TAP was the first announced customer for SL3710 seat, and their A320 is the first Airbus aircraft to be equipped with the Economy Class seat. TAP took delivery of its new A320 in April and entered into service on 18 May. In an effort to maximise efficiency, Recaro collaborated with TAP on the hybrid seat configuration of the SL3710 and BL3710. As the first customer that has selected the SL3710, TAP was heavily involved in the research and development phase of the new economy class seat. Weighing in at 8 kilograms, the seat is the lightest in its class. The ergonomic backrest concept developed by Recaro allows for maximum comfort for passengers of all sizes. To ensure seamless integration, TAP chose to outfit the SL3710 in the same colours as the Recaro BL3530 and SL3510 aircraft seats that are currently flying on TAP aircraft.
HAECO completes Airbus A330F C-check: HAECO Hong Kong, a member of the HAECO Group, announced that it has completed its first Airbus A330F C-Check for Air Hong Kong. The aircraft is one of five A330 freighters that Air Hong Kong has introduced to its fleet to meet growing cargo demand. Based in Hong Kong, the freighter airline currently operates nine Airbus A300-600F and five Airbus A330-200/300F. This redelivery marks another significant milestone in the relationship between the two companies and reaffirms HAECO Hong Kong as the leading maintenance service provider for customers based in Hong Kong. The close partnership between HAECO and Air Hong Kong dates back to 2004 when HAECO began providing light maintenance services for the Air Hong Kong fleet. In addition, HAECO provides an array of services including comprehensive technical assistance, certificate of release to service (CRS) and AOG support for Air Hong Kong. HAECO Hong Kong currently holds approvals from multiple authorities around the world for all major and commercial aircraft types. The MRO will continue to ensure the highest standards in terms of safety, quality, and on-time performance to provide best-in-class aircraft maintenance services for customers worldwide.
BAA Training Expands Further in Spain: BAA Training has established an MRO in Spain called Avia Repair based at Lleida-Alguaire International Airport. After a certification process, it will start providing maintenance, repair and overhaul services to BAA Training itself at the beginning and other corporate clients in the future. This type of service will be third in the mix of services BAA Training already provides in Spain. The academy has a long record of carrying out flight training in its two bases – at Lleida-Alguaire International Airport and Castellón Airport – under the scope of the Ab Initio School. It has also recently opened a simulator Training Centre in Barcelona that is fully functional. Avia Repair Co has started looking for qualified engineers and mechanics to join the company and plans to recruit at least 10 employees in 2021 alone.
IndiGo opts for CFM LEAP-1A engines for A320neos: IndiGo announced that it has selected CFM International LEAP-1A engines to power its fleet of 310 new Airbus A320neo, A321neo, and A321XLR aircraft. This agreement includes 620 new installed engines and associated spare engines, as well as a multi-year service agreement. In 2019, IndiGo selected LEAP-1A engines and signed a long-term service agreement for engines to power 280 A320neo family aircraft. This new agreement, therefore, secures the LEAP-1A engine and its long-term service agreements for a total of 590 IndiGo A320neo family aircraft. The airline is currently operating seven A320neo and 15 A321neo with LEAP-1A engines. This agreement will secure LEAP-1A engines and service agreements for its A320neo family aircraft to be delivered from 2023 onwards.
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