Emirates to roll out upgraded Boeing 777s on Riyadh flights: Emirates has announced plans to introduce retrofitted Boeing 777s on its second and third daily flights between Dubai and Riyadh, starting from 30 March and 7 May respectively. The airline aims to offer customers more opportunities to experience its latest generation Business Class seats, as well as highly acclaimed Premium Economy product, making it easier than ever to explore and connect to Dubai and beyond in style and comfort. The planned upgrades to the retrofitted Boeing 777s will make the Kingdom’s capital the first in the Middle East/GCC and among one of the few destinations in the airline’s network to be served exclusively with its latest retrofitted aircraft. The newly refurbished Emirates Boeing 777, featuring the airline’s best-in-class products, was first introduced to Riyadh in October 2024 on flights EK819 and EK820. Following positive customer feedback and demand, Emirates is expanding its Boeing 777 premium products for a better experience in the skies across every cabin class. The airline plans to increase its network of cities served by more of this fleet type in the coming weeks and months. The latest refurbished Emirates Boeing 777s include Premium Economy seats arranged in a 2-4-2 layout, offering enhanced comfort and space. The upgraded Business Class cabin features a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access, providing even more privacy and convenience. Emirates’ refurbished aircraft also boasts First Class suites and a refreshed Economy Class cabin.
IATA CO2 Connect enhanced with SAF accounting: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has enhanced its IATA CO2 Connect emissions calculator to account for carbon emissions reductions related to the usage of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This follows the recent publication of the IATA SAF Accounting & Reporting Methodology which includes specific accounting rules and practices on how to include SAF in per-passenger CO2 data. Initially, CO2 Connect will apply equal per-passenger emission reductions across an airline’s network, meaning that all flights will benefit from an equal (percentage) reduction based on total SAF purchases. In future enhancements, the ability to allocate per-passenger SAF emission reductions to specific routes will be added. “Corporations and individual travellers want to clearly understand how sustainable their flying is. And, particularly if they have invested in SAF, they want to know what impact it is having. By enhancing CO2 Connect with the IATA SAF Accounting and Reporting Methodology we are providing the transparency and accuracy that individuals and corporates demand,” said Frederic Leger, IATA’s Senior Vice President Commercial Products and Services.
Lufthansa Systems enhances airline operations with Lido Flight 4D: Lufthansa Systems is improving airline operations with its Lido Flight 4D Integrated Flight Support (IFS), a next-generation solution designed to enhance dispatcher efficiency, improve situational awareness, and streamline flight operations through intelligent automation. AEGEAN, the Greek flag carrier, is among the first early adopters, going live with the system since November 2024, with more to follow. “Our customers play an important role in developing our solutions. These partnerships allow us to gather valuable insights and help us optimize our cutting-edge solutions,” said Philipp Barzen, Head of Lido at Lufthansa Systems. “As early adopters, the airlines can actively shape Lido Flight 4D IFS. We are confident that the benefits will outweigh the initial effort, paving the way for a more innovative future.” Lido Flight 4D IFS integrates flight planning and monitoring into a single, intuitive system, allowing airlines to manage flights by exception rather than performing repetitive manual tasks. This approach reduces dispatcher workload while improving operational decision-making. The system provides a clear, list-based overview of flight status, exceptions, and alerts, eliminating the guesswork previously required to identify issues such as rejected flights. With improved automation and expanded rule setup options, Lido Flight 4D IFS ensures smoother workflows and more precise decision-making. Fixed parameters contribute to consistent performance, while enhanced mapping capabilities provide better geographical insights. The platform’s seamless data integration enables airlines to optimize their operations and react more effectively to dynamic conditions.
Stratos delivers A330-300 Freighter to MNG Airlines: Stratos announced the delivery of one A330-300 converted freighter on long-term operating lease to MNG Airlines, a private airline based in Türkiye and operating scheduled cargo flights worldwide. The aircraft MSN1510 was recently converted to a freighter on schedule by EFW in Dresden, Germany and is the second aircraft which Stratos has converted and maintained at the facility. “We are delighted to have placed this A330-300P2F with a steadily growing carrier and we look forward to deepening this highly collaborative relationship. As a new customer of Stratos, the MNG team has been great to deal with and we are proud to be a part of this airline’s continued expansion.” Camille Pousseur, Marketing Director at Stratos, said. Sedat Özkazanç, CEO of MNG Airlines stated: “As MNG Airlines, we are very pleased to be partnering with Stratos. The addition of the new A330-300P2F to our fleet marks a major step toward expanding our global logistics network and delivering even more efficient solutions to our customers. We extend our sincere thanks to the Stratos team for their support and look forward to strengthening our partnership for years to come.”
Jettainer launches next generation of IT solution: Jettainer has unveiled the next generation of its cloud-based IT solution. Launched on March 11, JettwareNG improves the user-friendliness of processes with a new design for real-time overviews of airline loading devices and enables faster development of customer features. JettwareNG is the latest version of the in-house developed Jettware platform that combines a refreshed web-based application and offers transparent information about all ULDs in the network including the ULD history with all movements. Thanks to several new APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) the software can be integrated even more quickly and flexibly into existing IT architectures. Customers benefit from a comprehensive dashboard view with the relevant key process indicator to maintain complete information about their loading equipment at all times. A significant enhancement is the mobile web application, JettApp, which is accessible via any browser and no longer requires installation on mobile devices. This improvement reduces IT administration efforts for the customer and Jettainer.
FACC receives Aero Excellence award: By receiving the Aero Excellence Award in bronze for plant 4 in Reichersberg (Austria), FACC is one of only 11aviation companies worldwide to have received the new international award for the highest standards in manufacturing. Aero Excellence was launched in 2023 by the national European aerospace associations in Germany, France and the United Kingdom as a uniform quality standard to further improve the performance and competitiveness of participating companies in the international market. The initiative is supported in particular by industry giants such as Airbus, Safran, Collins Aerospace, an RTX Business and many others. Organisation & Resource Management, Planning & Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Industrialisation & Quality and Manufacturing Excellence are in the foreground – topics that are of high relevance for the aviation industry and that are already deeply anchored in the strategy and corporate culture of FACC. FACC is one of the first eleven companies worldwide to successfully achieve the Aero Excellence bronze status. “As a partner of the international aviation industry, FACC stands for the very highest quality standards. With the award we have now received, we are ensuring that we continue to expand our position as one of the world’s leading aviation companies,” said CEO Robert Machtlinger.
FL Technics expands capabilities Embraer E170/E190 models: FL Technics, a globally recognised provider of MRO solutions and a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, has been granted EASA Part-145 approval for the heavy maintenance of Embraer 170/190 aircraft. Zilvinas Lapinskas, CEO of FL Technics, said: “FL Technics invests in the future and continuity. As an MRO services leader, recognised as a top-heavy maintenance provider for narrowbodies, we are dedicated to transferring our extensive know-how to new capabilities and positioning ourselves to meet our clients’ needs by servicing all types of aircraft. Our next step is to obtain approval for the maintenance of the E2 series of Embraer, a successor to the E170/E190 series.” By providing maintenance for this type of aircraft, the FL Technics team leverages its experience and in-depth expertise in complex structure repairs, combined with an innovative and effective production system, a streamlined and efficient approach to problem-solving, and operational excellence.
Sky Power equips Nimkii 42-S from Sky Canoe with propulsion units: The Nimkii 42-S (N42-s) built by the Canadian UAS-manufacturer Sky Canoe is an unmanned aerial system designed for long-range missions and can cover distances of up to 353 kilometres. Sky Canoe is an Indigenous-owned Canadian company that develops and manufactures advanced, low-emission, long-range unmanned cargo aircrafts. The aircraft are specifically designed for the harsh conditions of northern Canada and offer endurance and reliability, especially in winter conditions. Sky Canoe’s UAS aims to improve the quality of life in Indigenous communities by promoting economic development and local employment opportunities while incorporating sustainability and environmental protection. This includes the faster, safer and more cost-effective delivery of essential goods, food and medical supplies compared to traditional transportation methods. The N42-s UAS has a wingspan of 2.1 meters, a length of 1.5 meters and a height of 0.6 meters. It reaches a speed of 101 km/h, has a flight duration of 3.5 hours and can carry a maximum cargo weight of 9.2 kilograms. These features make the Nimkii 42-S a versatile platform for various applications, including safe and remote monitoring of critical infrastructure, forest fire observation, wildlife management and efficient delivery of cargo to areas with limited infrastructure or small runways or airfields. The Nimkii 42-S is powered by an SP-55 FI TS ROS from Sky Power International. The SP-55 FI TS ROS is a single-cylinder internal combustion engine with a displacement of 55 cm³, which delivers an output of 3.0 kW at 7000 rpm. It has a dual ignition system and fuel injection. With a weight of 2.76 kg without additional components and a torque output of 4.8 Nm at 5500 rpm, it is designed for use in unmanned aerial vehicles.
Embraer conducts structural wing test for New Technologies Demonstration Platform: Embraer announced that it has successfully completed the initial structural fatigue tests of the wing that will be used in its New Technologies Demonstration Platform (PDNT). The innovation project is funded by National Development, Scientific and Technological Funding (FNDCT) – under the support of Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) and Finep, which promotes Brazil’s economic and social development through public funding for Science, Technology and Innovation – and is focused on research and development of low and medium Technology Readiness Levels (TRL). Alltec, Equatorial, Motora, and TecCer are participating as co-executors. The first phase of this project involves the development of unprecedented processes and methods to support analysis in ground test benches (RIGs). The composite wing’s reference model structure utilizes new production techniques and was subjected to progressive loads that exceeded more than 200% of the expected limit. The static loading test was conducted at ACS Aviation, the demonstrator platform supplier and Embraer partner in São José dos Campos, Brazil. The test validated innovative processes, methodologies, and new materials. The next steps include manufacturing the flying laboratory’s fuselage and empennage.
SITA and Orange Business extend partnership: SITA and Orange Business have extended their partnership for another five years, strengthening a collaboration that has been in place since 2001. This renewed five-year agreement provides stronger long-term stability and brings fresh opportunities to make connectivity more agile and efficient for airlines and airports worldwide. SITA continues its partnership with Orange Business to deliver world-class connectivity to the Air Transport Industry (ATI), offering secure, efficient, and resilient networking solutions. As part of this collaboration, both companies are exploring opportunities to bring their differentiated capabilities to create unique ATI relevant digital services and platforms. As well as network services there will also be a focus on areas such as advanced cybersecurity, smart airports/smart cities solutions, and digital transformation tools to the ATI. This paves the way for innovations that could redefine the future of aviation connectivity.
Liebherr signs landing gear overhaul agreement with SkyWest Airlines: Liebherr-Aerospace Saline and SkyWest Airlines based in St. George, Utah (USA) have reached a definitive agreement for landing gear overhaul and systems maintenance on a defined portion of SkyWest Airlines’ Embraer 175-E1 fleet. Program overhauls will commence in 2025 and undergo complete “restoration” in accordance with Embraer’s requirements for continuing intervals of 30,000 flight hours or 12 calendar years. From the first entry into service in 2004, the Embraer 170/175-E1 family aircraft have proven highly successful with over 950 deliveries and current production backlog. Will Dew, Managing Director Commercial at Liebherr-Aerospace Saline, Inc. noted: “We initiated induction lines for the first Americas region overhauls in 2012 and have continuously operated active lines for the complete Embraer E170/175/190/195-E1 family since that time. Over the course of the prior three years, we have undertaken a structural transformation of our MRO activities to establish additional capacity, mature efficiencies, and anchor supply chain resilience within the landing gear product line. In this upcoming phase of overhauls, we welcome SkyWest Airlines as a lead customer that will benefit from this achievement.”
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