Tawazun approves offset programme with Pilatus Aircraft: Tawazun Economic Council and Swiss-based Pilatus Aircraft have entered into an offset agreement under which, Strata Manufacturing, the advanced composite aero structures manufacturing company wholly-owned by Mubadala Investment Company PJSC, will add a further three composite work packages for the PC-24 aircraft models by the beginning of 2021. Under the agreement, and over a period of seven years, Pilatus will award Strata three additional work packages for the PC-24 – the world’s first Super Versatile Jet: two for autoclave manufacturing of pylon fairings, bullet fairings and tail cones, and one, for the first time in the UAE, to manufacture aerospace class hot press composite parts. The agreement is a fulfilment of the Tawazun Economic Program’s obligation that aims to generate high economic value and create social and strategic benefits to the UAE.
Cessna Citation CJ3 series cements best-selling light jet legacy: Textron Aviation marked the delivery of the 600th aircraft from the Cessna Citation CJ3 family, the industry’s best-selling light jet series. The milestone Cessna Citation CJ3+ was delivered to an unnamed customer in North America. “Since joining the Citation family, the Citation CJ3 series has proven to be an incredible performer for customers around the world with the connectivity, price, range and efficient operation that puts it at the top of its category,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. “The CJ3+ remains a strong performer due to its versatility as COVID-19 limitations have prompted customers to look for alternatives to commercial travel.” This aircraft features a fresh air system to keep cabin air clean, bringing fresh air from outside into the aircraft through the engines. The engines compress and heat the air eliminating pathogens and germs. The air is then cooled and enters the cabin as cold or warm air, depending on passenger preference. The single-pilot Citation CJ3+ delivers exceptional performance, G3000 avionics and high-speed internet capabilities.
Singapore Airlines picks Salesforce: Singapore Airlines (SIA) has selected Salesforce to develop and implement a new customer case and knowledge management system for the airline. This new system, 1Point, will be deployed across SIA’s contact centres and customer feedback handling units globally from late 2021. As a dynamic case management tool, 1Point offers a contextual and holistic view of customer interactions through a single interface. SIA’s service agents will no longer need to toggle between multiple systems to retrieve customer data, up-to-date information on products, services, policies and procedures, and perform transactions. Its case management and guided workflows will also be integrated with SIA’s in-house artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities. 1Point will help to enhance the travel experience by supporting consistent and more personalised service across various ground-based customer touch points. Service agents will have access to the relevant information, including those related to each customer’s previous interactions, at every step. This facilitates quicker decision-making, and allows them to pre-empt a customer’s needs more efficiently.
ARCA galley system addresses new industry demands: AIM Altitude is addressing many of the industry demands to build back greener following the global pandemic. ARCA is an efficient galley system that offers enhanced hygiene whilst giving back space to airlines and increasing sustainability. ARCA redefines the future of aircraft service with a new boxed meal system. Rather than crew having to handle open meal trays packed with loose components, ARCA consists simply of a hot meal-pack and an accompanying boxed cold meal-pack, which nest securely together. The majority of the contents are safely sealed away in the box. This has significant benefits for hygiene, passenger confidence and minimising the risk of transmitting infection. The ARCA meal-pack boxes double as closing waste-containers. This was originally intended to aid recycling and divert waste from landfills – still a hugely important element – but since the pandemic, this also has the advantage of reducing crew contact with left-over food and used utensils. AIM Altitude is part of AVIC Cabin Systems (ACS) a global alliance of cabin interiors specialists. ARCA can be retrofitted with minimal reconfiguration. Its architecture seamlessly integrates into the existing airframe and central crew areas are easily configured so familiarity and efficiency are not compromised. Common inserts such as ovens, coffee makers and water boilers can still be used.
Cargo iQ to increase reach and coverage in 2021: Cargo iQ will increase its reach and coverage in 2021, testing new trucking milestones as part of its mission to measure 100 of shipments along its Master Operating Plan (MOP), members heard at its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM). The group, which aims to create and implement quality standards for the worldwide air cargo industry, is working on new rules to prevent “unreportable” shipments along the MOP, Cargo iQ’s Route Map following the end-to-end journey of air cargo shipments. Cargo iQ will also focus on further engagement with independent forwarders to grow take-up of its Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Solution aimed at forwarders who work with member airlines on a small-scale or regional basis. It enables a Route Map and status updates to be made available to the forwarder for individual consignments in line with the common business practices and milestones set out in the MOP. “The last year has proven that the air cargo industry can rise to the occasion, now we should learn from what we have just been through and move from ambition to lived reality,” said Henrik Ambak, chairman of Cargo iQ and senior vice president, Cargo Operations Worldwide, Emirates SkyCargo.
Riga Airport joins A-CDM: Riga Airport has joined more then 30 European airports employing A-CDM (Airport Collaborative Decision Making) procedures that allow for significantly improving service quality and safety for airspace users and passengers. The introduction of A-CDM, which was a joint effort of the air navigation service provider state joint stock company “Latvijas gaisa satiksme” (LGS) and Riga Airport, ensures timely exchange of accurate information between the airport operator, aircraft operators, ground handling services, air traffic controllers and other parties involved from flight planning until the aircraft lands on the runway. This allows to schedule take-offs with greater precision and reduce waiting times for passengers, especially during peak hours. Furthermore, A-CDM allows airlines to reduce their costs for resources and fuel related to waiting times prior to take-off and preparing aircraft for flight. Reducing the inexpedient operation of aircraft engines also reduces environmental pollution and noise.
ASL Airlines Belgium signs deal with AFI KLM E&M: AFI KLM E&M and Belgian airline operator ASL Airlines Belgium have signed an agreement to extend their component support contract covering a fleet of 5 Boeing 747-400F and 747-400ERF. The range of services to be delivered by AFI KLM E&M includes component repairs, dedicated pool access, as well as logistics and line maintenance support. Moreover, ASL Airlines will rely on AFI KLM E&M’s operational expertise. By signing this contract renewal, the two companies are extending a long standing cooperation, started in 2006 for a fleet of two aircraft. The new contract signing includes three additional aircraft into the ASL Airlines Belgium fleet. ASL received its 5th Boeing 747-400freighter in October 2020. ASL Airlines Belgium operates worldwide using Boeing 737, 757 and widebody 747-400(ER)F freighters on scheduled and charter flights under its own brand and for major express integrator customers. The global network includes major hubs in China and the United States.
CPaT announces Air Tanzania contract: CPaT Global announced it has been awarded a new contract by Air Tanzania for the provision of distance learning solutions, including Aircraft Systems courses, Interactive Diagrams, Aircraft Procedures, CPaT’s General Subjects library, and Invent, CPaT’s new, software development platform. Air Tanzania will use CPaT’s curriculum to train on the A320, Q300, Q400, and B787 fleets. Air Tanzania, the national airline of Tanzania, is based in Dar es Salaam with its hub at Julius Nyerere International Airport. ATCL was established in 1977 following the dissolution of East African Airways and has also been a member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) since its inception. ATCL is a government-owned airline with a total of eight aircraft in its fleet: Four Dash 8-Q400, two Airbus A220-300, and two Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. There are plans to integrate the Dash 8-Q300 that is in maintenance into the current fleet taking the total to nine aircraft by June 2021. An additional Dash 8-Q400 and two more Airbus A220-300s are expected to be delivered by July 2021, taking the total number of aircraft to 12.
Scoot awarded Diamond Status in global airline health safety audit: Scoot has been awarded Diamond status in the APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying global audit of airlines, becoming the first low-cost carrier (LCC) in the world to be accorded this highest attainable standard. The audit was jointly conducted by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), one of the world’s largest international airline associations, and aviation strategy firm SimpliFlying. Assessing the health safety measures adopted by Scoot in response to the COVID-19 pandemic against a 58-point checklist across 10 stages of the customer journey, the review spanned check-in and other pre-departure processes, inflight measures as well as postflight. Campbell Wilson, Scoot’s CEO, said, “Scoot is committed to providing customers with the highest level of confidence when they travel. Since the start of COVID-19, we have enhanced procedures and implemented measures across the customer journey, ranging from increased cleaning and distancing, deploying contactless check-in[1] and inflight ordering, and trialling of digital pre-departure test verification tools amongst other initiatives. Scoot is proud to be the world’s first LCC to receive the highest Diamond status, and we’re heartened by this affirmation of our efforts to safeguard the health and safety of our customers and staff.”
Singapore Airlines migrates to Sabre Crew Manager solution: Sabre announced that Singapore Airlines has successfully migrated to Sabre’s new generation Crew Manager solution. This latest implementation builds on Sabre’s longstanding and valued relationship with Singapore Airlines and means that Singapore’s national flag carrier can now take full advantage of Sabre’s advanced crew planning, tracking, management and recovery ecosystem at a time when crew management is more complex than ever before. Singapore Airlines, together with its subsidiary SilkAir, is now able to quickly and efficiently manage and track all crew operations from one holistic, real-time crew management system, enabling more effective communication and decision-making.
HAECO Cabin Solutions obtains FAA certification: HAECO Cabin Solutions, a business unit of the HAECO Group specialised in aircraft seating, interiors and cabin reconfiguration, has successfully obtained FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO) certification for Vector Light, the newest member of its Vector seating line, setting a new benchmark in weight and comfort onboard single-aisle aircraft. The Vector Light catalogue features a wide range of selectable options for enhanced passenger convenience, as well as offering airlines choice with two dedicated versions: recliner seat, or fixed-recline seat. Further optimised to achieve the highest possible reliability and a great ease of maintenance, Vector Light supports airline operations and reduces total costs of ownership.
Aviator Airport Alliance expands deal with Finnair: Aviator Airport Alliance, a provider of aviation services at 15 airports across the Nordics and a family member of Avia Solutions Group, has expanded its partnership with Finnair, providing services at Helsinki airport. The service agreement too effect on 1 April and will expand the company’s previous de-icing partnership with the airline to now provide ground handling services for Finnair’s Airbus fleet traffic, including all long-haul operations. Aviator will provide Finnair fleet of Airbus 319/320/321/330/350s aircraft with ramp handling services, such as luggage and freight handling and aircraft servicing at Helsinki airport, as well as towing services for the airline’s Airbus and Embraer (E190) fleets. Additionally, in March 2021, the companies signed a new agreement which includes handling of left behind and damaged luggage in baggage sorting area and will be included in Aviator’s arrival service department.
VistaJet takes delivery of new aircraft: VistaJet announced additions to its state-of-the-art infrastructure with the delivery of the first two of its Global 7500 aircraft, ready for commercial availability, and the order of 10 new Challenger 350 planes, from long-standing partner Bombardier. VistaJet is the first company to provide a fleet of Global 7500 aircraft, unlocking the world with the largest and longest-range business jet. The 7500 is a game-changer, and with VistaJet’s unparalleled network and technological capabilities, it will join the best ecosystem to operate at its peak — opening an extended world of non-stop air mobility for Members, in the very best comfort and space. Up to 12 Global 7500 aircraft are planned to join the VistaJet fleet over the next two years. The Challenger 350 order, the majority of which are expected to be delivered through 2022, is on the back of growing and urgent demand from corporates and executives who are interested in the super-mid segment — VistaJet has seen a surge of nearly 50 percent in corporate interest globally since July 2020. The award-winning Challenger 350 aircraft is an integral offering in VistaJet’s super-midsize range, which is driving the higher demand with new and existing customers. It is consistently one of the best-selling businesses jets among charter operators and corporate flight departments across the globe and offers several unique benefits. The Challenger 350 and Global 7500 new additions will bring VistaJet’s global fleet to over 90 aircraft providing access to 187 countries, with regional flying in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, including domestic flights within India.
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