Thompson Aero Seating’s VantageSOLO launched on JetBlue: JetBlue unveiled a reimagined version of its Mint experience featuring a bespoke version of the VantageSOLO from Thompson Aero Seating: the world’s first fully flat bed for single-aisle aircraft. The new seats are part of JetBlue’s first major design overhaul of Mint, which will launch on the airline’s London flights this summer. A smaller layout will debut on a limited number of flights between New York and Los Angeles in 2021. An entirely customised version of Thompson Aero Seating’s original Vantage seat, JetBlue’s Mint suites on its current Mint aircraft have been so successful since their introduction in 2014, that JetBlue has entrusted Thompson Aero Seating as its partner for this next evolution of its Mint product. The VantageSOLO was originally conceived by creative design agency Factorydesign for AIX 2015. Since then, it has been developed by Thompson Aero Seating specifically in response to the rapidly emerging medium- to long-range market now being serviced by a new generation of single-aisle aircraft.
Kazan Helicopters gets OK for Ansat Internet system: Kazan Helicopters has received approval from the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) to equip Ansat helicopters with the Mku30 satellite communication system. This option will provide helicopter passengers with high-speed Internet access during the flight. The Ku band satellite communication system, created by MOST Satellite Systems, provides up to 2 Mbit/s Internet access at the coverage area of the Yamal satellites. Mku30 allows to provide uninterrupted transmission of large amounts of data during flights, organize on-board video conferences and stream high quality video in real time. Data transfer to passengers’ mobile devices is provided using a Wi-Fi access point. The first Ansat helicopter, equipped with the new Mku30 satellite communication system, was presented at the 53rd International Paris Air Show in 2019.
Rex enhances long-term Sabre PSS deal: Sabre announced the enhancement of its long-term SabreSonic passenger solutions suite (PSS) agreement with Rex (Regional Express), providing enhanced IT capabilities to support the carrier’s ambitious domestic and regional expansion plans. Rex already serves 60 destinations across all Australian states and has now bolstered its agreement with Sabre in order to quickly seize opportunities brought about by a domestic traffic increase. Having recently taken delivery of the first of six Boeing 737s as it gears up to begin flying Melbourne to Sydney in March 2021 and to Brisbane from Easter, Rex needed to bulk up its technology solutions to be able to execute its new business model while working to a tight time-to-market schedule.
AJW Group opens new warehouse in EU: AJW Group has opened a new 35,000 sq. ft warehouse in Milan to primarily support easyJet’s EU operations as part of the recently signed complete supply chain solution contract. The new EU facility located adjacent to Malpensa airport, Milan, holds significant inventory of over 10,000 lines of stock across 3,000 part numbers of rotable, repairable and C&E items. With 30 staff delivering a 24/7/365 operation and operating under easyJet’s part 145 approval, the EU network will be fully supported by a bespoke logistics service from this new facility. Despite global travel restrictions and numerous local lockdowns, AJW has succeeded in implementing the project on schedule, with physical infrastructure, IT and recruitment completed, and further training ongoing. The facility was added to easyJet’s MOE in December 2020 and the stock transition was performed throughout December and early January.
SATENA optimises fleet support with ATR GMA: ATR and SATENA announce the signing of a Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA) contract covering onsite stock, Standard Exchange, Line Replaceable Unit repair and propeller blades. SATENA is an existing ATR operator but this is the first time they have chosen ATR’s GMA for their fleet support. Owned and managed by the Colombian Air Force, SATENA provides essential connectivity throughout the country, providing links to communities and economies, supporting growth and development. For 20 years, through the GMA, ATR has contributed to reducing operators’ maintenance costs and boosting their operations.
ST Engineering launches anti-microbial for interiors: ST Engineering has launched Plasma ResoShield, an anti-microbial coating solution with fusion resonance technology that fully meets aviation requirements. The technology is able to neutralise pathogens before they land on surfaces coated with Plasma ResoShield, and its innovative neutralising capability also promises high-impact protection lasting up to a year upon application. ST Engineering is the first to bring to the aviation industry a cabin interior anti-microbial solution that incorporates fusion resonance technology, giving more options to operators looking to disinfect and keep their cabin interiors safe through a robust and lasting solution. Apart from being non-corrosive, non-flammable and non-toxic, Plasma ResoShield has anti-bacterial and deodorising properties that help to improve the cabin air quality for a more pleasant flight.
Cebu Pacific introduces new check-in baggage policy: Cebu Pacific (CEB) has introduced a new policy for handling oversized checked baggage. Beginning 1 February, CEB will be implementing a new policy setting a size limit for check-in baggage at 39 inches (approx. 99 centimetres). Luggage with this dimension will be easier to fit in the conveyor belt, and will in turn, result in smoother operations, making the journey faster and more convenient for all passengers. Check-in baggage that exceeds the 39-inch (99 cm) limit on any one side will be classified as an oversized bag, and guests will be charged PHP 800 (approx. S$22) for domestic flights, and PHP 1,300 (approx. S$36) for international flights. This additional fee is brought about by the manual process required to transport the bag to the baggage loading area. Some examples of oversized baggage are music equipment, motorcycles, and televisions.
Teleport awarded licence for freight: Teleport, the logistics venture of airasia digital, has been granted as a forwarding agent by the Malaysian Customs Department. Teleport is now able to digitally enable customs clearance for any shipper or recipient for its bulk or e-commerce delivery services. Utilising technology that was built to replace the traditional manual processes of competitors, Teleport can now provide Customs Department with accurate, fast and reliable declarations on all types of shipment. They can also advise shippers and recipients with regards to customs requirements for cross border shipments as Teleport acts as a digital forwarder between customers and the Malaysian Customs Department.
GEODIS completes its acquisition of PEKAES: GEODIS has finalised its acquisition of PEKAES after obtaining regulatory approval. This transaction consolidates GEODIS’ network in Poland and Eastern Europe. “We are pleased to welcome PEKAES’ customers, employees and management to the GEODIS Group,” announced Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS. “This acquisition, in a target region for the Group’s development, is a major step towards reaching the goals laid out in our “Ambition 2023” strategic plan. GEODIS now has an increased presence in Europe’s third-largest logistics market, offering Polish companies tremendous international opportunities.” The acquisition expands GEODIS’ operations in Poland, as well as in the German market – Poland being an integral part of the German production chain – and in Central Europe as a whole.
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