GA Telesis signs deal for 23 aircraft from Spirit Airlines: GA Telesis announced it has signed a definitive purchase agreement and secured the necessary corporate approvals to acquire 23 used Airbus A320ceo and A321ceo aircraft from Spirit Airlines, Inc. The aircraft, powered by V2527-A5 and V2533-A5 Select-One jet engines, were manufactured between 2014 and 2019, marking the company’s largest-ever acquisition of non-leased aircraft of similar vintages. This strategic acquisition significantly bolsters GA Telesis’ fleet portfolio, enhancing its ability to meet increasing global demand for narrow-body aircraft. The company will market these aircraft to its extensive global customer base for continued commercial airline operations. Recently, the company announced the acquisition of several on-lease aircraft from Avolon and in addition to the Spirit transaction has over 20 aircraft in its acquisition pipeline to close over the next few months.
SmartLynx Airlines receives Foreign Air Transport Operator Certificate in US: SmartLynx Airlines has received the Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC) granted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States of America (USA). The certification allows the airline to begin operations to, from, and within the United States. The received Certificate acknowledges that SmartLynx aircraft registered under Latvian AOC (Air Operator Certificate) is compliant with the high standards and regulations of the United States. With the certification received, SmartLynx will now be able to support airlines that operate cross-continental full charter and ACMI flights to and from this destination. Edvinas Demenius, CEO of SmartLynx Airlines: “Air Operation Certificates are part of our infrastructure. It is crucial for an airline, especially ACMI, to have access to different regions. The USA is the biggest and one of the most regulated aviation markets in the world and being able to provide our services there brings a lot of value to the airline and boosts our competitiveness. Approximately a third of our fleet operates under Latvian AOC. Therefore, this step allows us to expand our operations and gives more flexibility.”
Rotortrade sells H135 to Motorflug for German Federal Police: Rotortrade announced the successful completion of a transaction involving the sale of a pre-owned H135 helicopter, sourced from Malaysia, to Motorflug GmbH. The aircraft will now serve as part of the fleet for the German Federal Police, with its specific configuration making it the optimal choice for their operational needs. Rotortrade managed the sourcing of the H135, which was identified as the best fit for the client’s requirements. Motorflug additionally handled the necessary upgrades, including avionics and painting, to ensure the helicopter was fully customized to meet the end client’s specifications. The negotiation process began in Q1 2023 and was led by Haris Dzanan, Rotortrade’s Sales Manager for Central & Eastern Europe. Thanks to close collaboration between Rotortrade and Motorflug, the helicopter was successfully delivered in Q3 2023.
ADB SAFEGATE and Adacel combine efforts: ADB SAFEGATE announced an MoU with Adacel, aimed at pursuing advanced integrations between their respective portfolios. This dynamic collaboration will enhance air traffic control efficiency and safety through the synergy of ADB SAFEGATE’s OneControl, Integrated Controller Working Position (ICWP), and Adacel’s REVAL Digital and Remote Tower platform, simulators, and ATM systems. ADB SAFEGATE’s comprehensive airfield technology and airport operations experience aims to provide an innovative digital tower platform to enhance operational efficiency and safety. This MoU is forged to harness multiple joint synergies with our shared customers and prospects worldwide. Particularly in Asia, ADB SAFEGATE and Adacel are cooperating exclusively on a pivotal IDTS (Integrated Digital Tower System) program by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to revolutionise air traffic management by leveraging digital solutions to meet the increasing demands of Singapore’s aviation sector. This collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to advancing aviation technology and innovation on a global scale.
IATA to offer digital currencies in settlement systems: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that it will offer digital currencies in the financial settlement systems it operates for the aviation industry. The first digital currency to be offered is the digital Renminbi, which will be available in the China Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) by the end of 2024. IATA is also examining the potential to offer other digital currencies in its settlement systems based on the needs and requirements of the industry. In July 2024, IATA added the Renminbi Offshore (CNH) currency to its IATA Currency Clearance Service (ICCS), bringing the total number of currencies handled by the service to 74. The ICCS is IATA’s global cash management system. It enables airlines’ treasurers to repatriate their sales funds worldwide to their preferred nominated currencies. This results in an accelerated and improved working capital management and reduced foreign exchange risks.
KlasJet to place Boeing 737 with Congo Airways: KlasJet will lease a 737 to Congo Airways on a six-month contract from November until the end of April 2025. Congo Airways previously partnered with KlasJet for a four-month contract in 2023. The airline had operated two Airbus A320s, which have remained grounded for engine maintenance. The 737 involved in this partnership will operate domestic flights within Congo, based at Kinshasa Ndjili International Airport (FIH). KlasJet is part of the Avia Solutions Group family, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, with a fleet of 214 aircraft. The group also provides a range of aviation services including, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), pilot and crew training, ground handling, as well as a variety of associated services. Supported by 12,000 aviation professionals, the group operates worldwide.
SriLankan Airlines joins BARIG: SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, is a new member of the Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG), which is advocating the interests of national and international airlines operating to and from Germany. With a fleet of 24 Airbus aircraft, SriLankan Airlines, member of the oneworld alliance, operates flights to 114 destinations in 62 countries. This includes three non-stop flights a week from Frankfurt to Colombo, the capital of the South Asian island country. “Sri Lanka is a popular tourist destination that welcomes more than 100,000 guests from Germany alone every year,” says BARIG Chairman and Executive Director Michael Hoppe, who has already visited this very interesting country for the first time back in 1992. “We are looking forward to the exchange and collaboration with this renowned airline.” Sharadha Senevirathne, Country Manager Germany of SriLankan Airlines states: “BARIG’s collaboration with authorities in the political and economic spheres as well as key players in the German aviation industry, is crucial. We are therefore pleased to be a part of this airline association, particularly since BARIG engages in many topics that are important for the efficient and future-oriented development of the aviation industry.”
Piper M700 FURY wins EASA, ANAC and CASA Type certifications: Piper Aircraft announces today that the M700 FURY has received type certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Brazil’s Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC), and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Australia, including approval for flight into known icing (FIKI) and unpaved surfaces. Customers in these regions have been eagerly awaiting these certifications to take delivery of their aircraft, with deliveries beginning this month. The M700 FURY is the fastest single-engine aircraft in Piper’s history, offering a maximum cruise speed of 301 knots and a range of 1,424 nautical miles. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-52 engine, this cabin-class turboprop combines exceptional performance with advanced features; including the HALO Safety System with Garmin’s Emergency Autoland, and FIKI making it ideal for both private owners and operators. “The EASA, ANAC, and CASA certifications are significant milestones for the M700 FURY,” said John Calcagno, President & CEO of Piper Aircraft. “These approvals reinforce our commitment to delivering a world-class aircraft with exceptional performance, safety, and versatility to key international markets.”
Airbus delivers first A321XLR to Iberia: Spanish flag carrier Iberia has taken delivery of its first A321XLR, becoming the launch operator of the world’s newest single-aisle aircraft. The aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, will be operated by Iberia on a number of regional flights across the airline’s European network before its first transatlantic mission from Madrid to Boston later in November. The newly delivered A321XLR to Iberia seats 182 passengers in a two-class layout with lie-flat business class seats with direct aisle access. Boasting the new Airspace cabin, the aircraft will provide passengers with long haul comfort in all classes. The XL bins provide 60% more luggage capacity for a more relaxed boarding experience for passengers and cabin crew. In addition, in-seat connectivity is available for passengers at every seat, and the latest lighting system enhances the overall passenger experience. The first A321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022. This was followed by an extensive test programme involving three test aircraft. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A321XLR aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% SAF. Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.
Finnair unveils new short-haul cabin on Embraer 190: Finnair has pulled back the curtain on its new short-haul cabin, as the airline continues to invest in its onboard experience. The carrier’s first refurbished aircraft, the Embraer 190 registration OH-LKH, returned to service this week, from Exeter Airport in the UK, where the work took place. As part of the refit, the Nordic airline has introduced new seats, lighting, and other touches to the aircraft, to bring it in line with the warm, comforting colours introduced on Finnair’s long-haul aircraft and lounges at Helsinki Airport. The new cabin will offer customers the choice of two new seats, with the total number of seats remaining at 100. Customers seated in rows 1-9, often dedicated to Finnair’s Business Class cabin, can enjoy newly designed seats with recline functionality and increased cushioning for improved onboard comfort. Those travelling in rows 10-25, dedicated to Finnair’s Economy cabin, can also enjoy a new seat design aimed at maximising comfort on short hops across Europe, alongside other new features including the addition of LED lighting throughout the cabin. Finnair’s latest investment will see seven of its E190 aircraft refurbished this winter, with the remainder of the fleet of 12 aircraft having been completed by spring 2026.
Morocco signs cooperation agreement with Embraer: The Moroccan government has agreed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Embraer to launch potential joint projects in the Moroccan aerospace industry, across areas in commercial aviation, defence and urban air mobility. The MOU further acknowledges the mutual desire to strengthen and expand cooperation and investment between the Federal Republic of Brazil and the Kingdom of Morocco, around forging increased Atlantic cooperation across two role models of the Global South. The agreement, between The Moroccan Government and Embraer, was signed by the Minister of Industry and Trade, Mr. Ryad Mezzour; the Minister Delegate to the Head of Government, in charge of Investment, Convergence and Evaluation of Public Policies, Mr. Karim Zidane; the Managing Director of the Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency, Mr. Ali Seddiki; and Embraer Commercial Aviation President and CEO, Mr. Arjan Meijer. The parties have identified business opportunities, with excellent potential to bring mutual benefits in the short and long term to both Embraer and Morocco. The agreement covers opportunities in commercial aviation, defence, and urban air mobility, providing a framework around which to build an integrated sourcing ecosystem in Morocco, fostering innovation and economic growth and contributing to job creation and the development of local skills.
New foreign exchange partner at BNE: Brisbane Airport announced its new foreign exchange partnership with Prosegur Change. Prosegur Change will provide an array of premium, market leading services featuring the latest in smart digitalisation. This includes state-of-the-art ATMs dispensing up to ten major currencies, Transaction tablets, online eCommerce platform, prepaid Travel Money Card, LED displays, cash-to-cash machines and cash today machines. Prosegur Change’s CEO Sacha Zackariya said “We are thrilled to be bringing our brand to Brisbane Airport at such an exciting time. As the airport evolves to meet the demands of the future, we look forward to becoming a part of this vibrant journey and delivering a unique experience to travellers from around the world.” The arrival of Prosegur Change will be complemented by the introduction of an array of new travel essentials, food and beverage and specialty concessions following a Request for Proposal (RFP), which invited top-tier retail operators to bid for over 32 premier opportunities within the International Terminal. Announcements relating to the remaining successful new partners are set to be made in the coming weeks. The retail refresh and expansion comes as Brisbane Airport embarks on the $5 billion Future BNE transformation of the airport, which includes upgrades to both terminals, planning for Terminal 3, as well as landmark industrial and commercial developments.
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