Monthly Archives: October 2024

  • 22
    Oct 24
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Elevate MRO Installs Starlink on Bombardier Global 7500

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Starlink installation boosts in-flight connectivity

Elevate MRO, a division of Elevate Aviation Group, has completed the installation of Starlink’s high-speed internet system on a Bombardier Global 7500, enhancing in-flight connectivity for passengers. This development follows the opening of a new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC).

According to Elevate MRO president Jim Slack, this installation positions the company at the forefront of aviation technology. “With Starlink, we’re able to offer a seamless connectivity experience that meets the demands of today’s travelers,” he said. 

Starlink Aviation, a SpaceX subsidiary, provides high-speed, low-latency in-flight internet service with global connectivity. Its download speeds range from 40 to 220 Mbps, allowing multiple passengers to stream content simultaneously while maintaining latency under 99 ms for activities such as video calls, online gaming, and using VPNs.

Starlink is authorized for use over international waters worldwide, while coverage over local territorial waters and land is subject to government approval. As of April 2024, regulatory approval for in-motion aviation service has been granted in more than 80 countries and territories.

Starlink Aviation has supplemental type certificates (STCs) available for 14 aircraft, including models from Airbus, Beechcraft, Bombardier, Embraer, and Gulfstream. More than 30 other STCs are currently in development, with approvals expected for a range of models over the next two years.

  • 22
    Oct 24
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Work Starts on First Production Bombardier Global 8000

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Certification for the new speed and range champ is expected late next year

As the testing program for Bombardier’s new flagship Global 8000 nears completion, the Canadian airframer announced that it has begun construction of the first production model of the ultra-long-range business jet. It will be the first built from the wheels up as an 8000, since modified Global 7500s were used for the test program.

At a press conference Monday morning at NBAA-BACE, Éric Martel, the OEM’s president and CEO, told a standing-room-only audience that the certification of the twinjet—a longer-legged, faster variant of the Global 7500—is expected to go smoothly as it approached 300 hours of testing.

“We do flight testing across the product, so we are extremely happy with the result; the industry’s fastest speed, longest range, lowest cabin altitude, and smoothest ride is coming next year,” he said.

The aircraft, which is expected to enter service in late 2025, will feature a range of 8,000 nm, allowing it to connect city pairs such as Singapore-Los Angeles, Dubai-Houston, and London-Perth, at a top speed of Mach 0.94.

Production of major components is currently taking place at Bombardier facilities in Saint-Laurent, Québec; Red Oak, Texas; and Querétaro, Mexico.

A retrofit kit will be available for Global 7500 customers looking to bring their aircraft to the 8000 standard, a process that will take approximately 10 days in a Bombardier service center, according to Paul Sislian, Bombardier’s executive v-p for aftermarket services and strategy. It will include a larger fuel capacity as well as avionics and engine software changes.

Jean-Christophe Gallagher, executive v-p of aircraft sales and Bombardier defense, noted that the manufacturer is about to reach a milestone for the Global 7500 with its 200th delivery since its certification in 2018, to be followed soon after by the 100th delivery of the Challenger 3500 and the 1,000th delivery of a Challenger 300-series jet.

He noted that the company’s Global 7500 demonstrator, which travels the world showcasing the company’s technology, has racked up an impressive slate of 60 National Aeronautic Association-certified speed records—“records that can only be accomplished with a combination of range, speed, and takeoff performance,” Gallagher said.

  • 21
    Oct 24
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Embraer Reports 33% Jump in Aircraft Deliveries

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41 executive jets delivered in the third quarter

Embraer returns to NBAA-BACE enjoying a strong sales year and continued growth, including a nearly 50% jump in third-quarter business jet deliveries in the third quarter.

In the three months ending September 30, the company delivered 41 executive jets and 16 commercial jetliners, an overall increase of 33% year over year. This compares with 28 executive jets and 15 of its airliners a year ago.

Praetor deliveries in the quarter were notably up, reaching 19. This compares with nine in the same period of 2023. Phenom deliveries improved to 22, compared with 19 a year ago.

For the first nine months, the company has delivered 86 business jets and 42 airliners, up from 66 and 39, respectively a year ago. 

The backlog of Embraer’s Executive Jets business unit reached $4.4 billion during the third quarter, a 3% increase from the same quarter last year but a 4% decrease from the second quarter of 2024.

Embraer reported the results as it prepared to arrive at BACE this week, where it is showcasing its Phenom 100, Phenom 300E, and Praetor 600 business jets. The Brazilian airframer is also touting the expansion of its owned MRO service center network.

As Embraer picks up the pace with business jet deliveries, the company remains focused on sustainability efforts. It flew to NBAA-BACE on sustainable aviation fuel and has committed to NBAA’s “Green Pledge,” which includes reducing printed materials and committing to “sustainable practices” at industry events.

Michael Amalfitano, president and CEO of Embraer Executive Jets, was to participate at the NBAA-GAMA “Climbing Fast” media breakfast on Tuesday, discussing the industry’s mission to reach net zero aviation.

Amalfitano recently spoke about the industry’s challenges in the post-Covid economy at the JetNet IQ Summit in New York last month. “The supply chain is fractured in many ways,” he said. “That talent pool we lost takes time to recover.”

“You’ve got to go to the supplier. We have hundreds of people sitting with suppliers and addressing problems firsthand and resolving it in their space as partners so they can ramp up more quickly to deliver results,” Amalfitano said. “You gotta do the work; it’s not just fairy dust.”

According to Amalfitano, younger people are beginning to take an interest in the industry. He noted that creating opportunities for advancement and fair compensation is key.

“The issue is not about simply hiring. It’s about training and investing dollars in the people so they can become master craftsmen and -women,” he said. “What happened during the pandemic is we lost the best talent in every aspect of aerospace. You have to hire the people and get them motivated, but you have to invest dollars to train them.”

  • 21
    Oct 24
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Wizz Air and Airbus Partner in a Pioneering Sustainable Aviation Fuel Trial to Redefine Industry Benchmarks with Bold Innovation

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Wizz Air, recognized as the world’s most environmentally sustainable airline group by the CAPA Centre for Aviation, has announced its upcoming trial of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in collaboration with Airbus. This initiative positions Wizz Air as a leader in adhering to the EU’s upcoming RefuelEU aviation regulations, which are slated to be enforced in 2025. The collaboration highlights the airline’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions in line with the EU’s Destination 2050 goals.

The RefuelEU aviation regulation, part of the EU’s Fit for 55 package, mandates that fuel suppliers at certain EU airports must offer a minimum percentage of SAF, with this share increasing over time. Airlines will also be required to refuel 90% of their fuel needs from these designated airports. By integrating SAF into its operations, Wizz Air is not only enhancing the efficiency of its Airbus A321neo fleet but also proactively aligning with these upcoming regulations and gauging passengers’ awareness of SAF and related policies.

The trial will include flights on two key routes: Barcelona to Budapest (BCN-BUD) and Brussels Charleroi to Budapest (CRL-BUD). SAF for these flights will be supplied by Cepsa and distributed by World Fuel Services (a World Kinect Company) at each departure airport. The trial, expected to conclude by the end of the year, will utilize the mass balance approach. Wizz Air plans to purchase up to 16 metric tons of pure SAF with a blend of up to 5% SAF at Barcelona-El Prat Airport and up to 18 metric tons of pure SAF with a 10% blend at Brussels Charleroi Airport.

Commenting on the initiative, Yvonne Moynihan, Wizz Air’s Corporate and ESG Officer, said: “This cross-industry collaboration with Airbus is a demonstration of the commitment of the aviation community to reduce emissions intensity. It’s crucial for all actors in the aviation ecosystem to play their part and join forces to reach the industry goal of net zero by 2050. SAF is a key enabler and that is why Wizz Air supports this pioneering EU policy and has made significant strategic investments into SAF as a result. As a proud EU airline, celebrating 20 years of transformative travel this year, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and leading the industry by example with our goal of having 10% of our flights powered by SAF by 2030. Through this project, we are not only testing SAF operations but also gathering insights from our passengers on their awareness of levers to decarbonise aviation. Our valued passengers are key stakeholders in the value chain and their feedback will play a crucial role in shaping our future sustainability initiatives.”

The trial will also feature a passenger survey, inviting Wizz Air travelers to provide feedback on their awareness and perceptions of SAF and aviation sustainability initiatives. The results will be made publicly available, offering insights into changing passenger expectations and helping Wizz Air, along with the broader aviation industry, to refine and strengthen their sustainability efforts.

Julie Kitcher, Airbus’ Chief Sustainability Officer and Communications said: “At Airbus, we are committed to driving the adoption of SAF as an essential element of our decarbonisation strategy. Fuel-efficient aircraft and SAF will provide the majority of the emissions reductions our industry needs to make by 2050, which is why working together – with partners like Wizz Air – to efficiently integrate SAF across airline operations is such an important step to be taking today. We also look forward to the insights from Wizz Air’s upcoming passenger survey. Understanding how flying customers feel about decarbonisation can support the aviation industry’s SAF adoption. We’re pleased to be partnering with Wizz Air during this trial.”

Airbus will collaborate with Wizz Air in this trial, offering technical expertise and support to optimize the use of SAF within the airline’s operations. By taking early steps to integrate SAF and prepare for upcoming regulatory changes, Wizz Air is positioning itself to offer more environmentally friendly air travel options to millions of passengers across Europe.

Local fuel suppliers working with Wizz Air recognize the importance of partnerships like this, as they create industry visibility and build confidence in producers, encouraging the growth of SAF supply to meet the increasing demand from airlines.

Duncan Storey, Senior Vice President, supply and commercial development EMEA, World Fuel stated: “Aligning with the upcoming RefuelEU aviation requirements is an important milestone in our efforts to expand the availability of sustainable fuels. We are supporting Wizz Air’s goals by delivering a consistent supply of SAF to their key European routes, selling 18 metric tons of neat SAF in a 10% blend. Since 2015, we have been actively working to increase the availability of lower-carbon aviation fuels across the globe. Our SAF supply network in Europe includes multiple key locations such as the UK, Germany, and France.”

Marta Cencillo, Head of Sustainable Aviation at Cepsa added: “Cepsa is pleased to participate with Wizz Air in this important initiative to move towards effective emissions reduction ahead of the REFuelEU mandate. As a leading energy supplier to the aviation sector in Spain, we are committed to working with our customers to decarbonize their business and SAF is an immediate solution to help decarbonize flights without the need for changes to aircraft engines.”

  • 18
    Oct 24
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Emirates ramps up fleet refurbishment; adds B777 freighters

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Emirates (EK, Dubai International) has upped its investment in fleet refurbishment programs to USD4 billion to help counter ongoing aircraft delivery delays, according to vice president and chief operating officer Adel Al Redha.

Speaking at this week’s Aviation Future Week event in Dubai, Al Redha said Emirates is increasing the number of B777s and A380-800s it will refurbish to over 200. Since starting the program in 2022, the airline has completed 22 jobs.

Al Redha’s comments coincide with Boeing confirming that first deliveries of its B777X would not occur until 2026. Emirates has thirty-five B777-8s and 170 B777-9s on order. He said Emirates has sought compensation from Boeing due to the delays.

In a statement shared with ch-aviation earlier this week, Emirates President Tim Clark said given the past and present problems with the B777X programme, he “failed to see how Boeing can make any meaningful forecasts of delivery dates.”

Clark also told The Air Current that unless Boeing can secure additional capital through a rights issue, “I see an imminent investment downgrade with Chapter 11 looming on the horizon.” Boeing has since secured credit of USD10 billion from lenders and has also announced plans to issue up to USD25 billion in shares or debt over the next three years in order to address ongoing operational woes.

Emirates undisclosed buyer of additional B777Fs

Despite Emirates’ apparent displeasure with Boeing, Reuters reports it has recently ordered additional B777-200Fs to add to its existing 12-strong fleet. The news agency says Emirates is the undisclosed buyer of some of the B777Fs recently added to Boeing’s public order data. The order, forming part of the 11 additional freighters added to Boeing’s order backlog but not linked to a specific airline, was signed before the OEM announced the latest delay in B777X deliveries.

First A350-900 in November

Regarding Emirates’ sole Airbus order, Al Redha said the first of sixty-five A350-900s is now due to arrive in November and will initially be deployed onto the Dubai – Edinburgh city pair. Service entry was originally slated for August but was delayed until September and then until November.

“The aircraft is in the final stages of testing, and things are going in the right direction,” Al Redha said. “When the aircraft comes, it’s going to take over the Edinburgh flights, and later on, when we receive more of the aircraft we will do more destinations in India and some more in the Gulf.”

  • 17
    Oct 24
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Air taxi growth demands efficient vertiports and traffic control systems

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The demand for air taxis is rising, but regulatory approval and consumer trust remain significant hurdles, analysts warn.

The air-taxi market is predicted to grow exponentially by the end of the decade, but experts have warned that its future depends on a well-planned network of vertiports that would need to be integrated into existing infrastructure and supported by advanced air traffic management systems.

By 2029, the air-taxi market is predicted to grow to $80.3bn from the $4.9bn that it was worth last year, according to Spherical Insights, a market research firm. This market demand is “driven by the need for an alternative mode of transportation and the increasing problem of traffic congestion in metro cities”, a report by Mordor Intelligence said.

  • 17
    Oct 24
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Deutsche Aircraft flies first large aircraft with 100% synthetic fuel

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German OEM Deusche Aircraft became the first company to fly a large aircraft using 100% fully synthetic zero aromatics fuel to both engines when it operated its D328 Uplift flying testbed.

The flight, which took place on 9th October, operated from Oberpfaffenhofen Airport in Germany and used fuel provided by South African chemical company Sasol and is chemically identical to a Power to Liquid (PtL) fuel which can be used to significantly reduce aircraft emissions.

Deutsche Aircraft and Sasol will now investigate the benefits of using 100% zero aromatics PtL to reduce climate impact. PtL can be produced using sustainable CO2, renewable energy, and water in the future, offering the potential to reduce the CO2 balance by up to 95% as well as decreasing non-CO2 effects as part of the CLIM0ART project.

Nico Neumann, Chief Operations Officer at Deutsche Aircraft, remarks: “The CLIM0ART project is another piece of the puzzle in our holistic approach to optimising the environmental impact of our aircraft, with the objective of implementing the latest climate science in our D328eco™, which is currently under development. This achievement not only underscores the potential of synthetic fuels but also highlights the significance of the collaboration between industry and research institutions and the support from the German government in driving meaningful change and contributing to the global aviation value chain.”

In order to produce the fuel Sasol has mastered commercial production of fuel using the Fischer-Tropsch process, a chemical reaction that converts a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen into liquid hydrocarbons.

Regina Pouzolz, Director of Sustainable Flight at Deutsche Aircraft, added: “We want the D328eco to be compatible with zero aromatics PtL produced from renewable and sustainable resources, in addition to any other fuel choice of our customers around the world. I would like to thank the DLR and our fantastic team for their efforts and spirit of collaboration to make this flight happen.

  • 16
    Oct 24
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Delta Air Lines updates MAX 10 delivery schedule

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Delta Air Lines (DL, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson) has announced an updated delivery schedule for its B737-10 order, with the first aircraft now set to arrive at the earliest in 2026.

In its third-quarter 2024 financial report, Delta disclosed that Boeing expects to deliver the first twenty B737-10s in 2026, followed by 80 more thereafter. This shifts the timeline from the original 2025 target. However, Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, noted earlier this year that delays might extend into 2027.

Delta placed an order for 100 B737-10s in 2022, with options for 30 more. Both the B737-10 and the smaller B737-7 are still awaiting certification by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Boeing’s former CEO, Dave Calhoun, suggested earlier this year that this could occur in 2025, but stressed that the FAA will determine the final timeline.

Boeing is also facing multiple problems, including increased regulatory scrutiny and labour disruptions from a strike involving 33,000 workers, which has nearly halted operations while intensifying delivery delays even more. To address its woes, the US planemaker recently announced the offloading of 10% of its workforce, the delay of the B777X, and the halting of the B767-300F program in 2026.

As of September 30, 2024, Delta’s purchase commitments entail 305 aircraft – seventy-four A220-300s, ninety-one A321-200Ns, nine A330-900Ns, eleven A350-900s, twenty A350-1000s, and 100 B737-8s. The carrier has taken delivery of 27 planes so far in 2024, including nine in the third quarter. “We continue to expect our fleet growth to be less than 2% this year with 20 net aircraft additions as half of our new deliveries are replacements,” Daniel Janki, chief financial officer and executive vice president at Delta, said during the airline’s investors call.

Restoring full regional capacity

Janki said Delta expects to resume its full regional capacity in the summer of 2025. Going into 2025, “we’re going to continue to get utilisation out of the fleet and better utilisation out of the regional aircraft [which] will be, by next summer, 100% restored,” he said. Delta’s regional capacity is handled by SkyWest Airlines, Republic Airways, and subsidiary Endeavor Air. In total they operate 317 planes for Delta, including seventeen CRJ700s, 157 CRJ900s, eleven E170s, and 132 E175s.

  • 16
    Oct 24
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Air Serbia and Aviation Academy launch pilot cadet program

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Air Serbia signed contracts with ten promising young pilots who will be trained at the Aviation Academy in the coming period and may potentially be employed by the Serbian national airline after completing their education. This officially launches the pilot cadet program jointly implemented by the Aviation Academy and Air Serbia, which aims to educate ten candidates during the 2024/2025 school year for the needs of the national airline of the Republic of Serbia.

“Our company aims to create better conditions for young professionals and contribute to the development of Serbian aviation together with the Aviation Academy, one of the most important
educational institutions in the field of aviation in Serbia. The pilot cadet program we have jointly launched allows us to potentially employ promising young pilots immediately upon graduation. We believe that this cadet program will enable us to secure a quality and highly qualified flight crew for the future. It will offer young pilots a unique opportunity to start working for their country’s national airline right after finishing the Academy, and through top-notch education, training on state-of-the-art simulators, and continuous support from senior and more experienced colleagues, they will receive the best possible enhancement of their foundational pilot education. We are pleased that the first ten potential new colleagues have signed contracts and joined the cadet program,” said Jiri Marek, CEO of Air Serbia.

By participating in the cadet program, young pilots have the opportunity to receive modern aviation training, and potentially employment upon completion of the program, while Air Serbia has the chance to strengthen its flight crew with candidates selected in the early stages of their education, who are monitored and trained according to the high standards set by the Aviation Academy and the national airline. By training pilots through the cadet program, Air Serbia has returned to a proven effective model, which entails the institution guiding young individuals from their first steps in aviation to employment.

Goran Cvijović, Aviation Academy Director, on behalf of the Aviation Academy faculty, extended their gratitude for the fact that the Serbian national airline will once again, after several decades, train its pilots at the National Aviation Training Centre. “The trust that Air Serbia has placed in us confirms the quality of the professional pilot training model we have developed in recent years through the integration of pilot training and formal vocational education. We are particularly pleased that Air Serbia cadet pilots who begin their education today will not only obtain their pilot certificates but also a diploma as vocational engineers according to the ‘Vocational Engineer of Air Traffic’ curriculum,” said Cvijović.

  • 15
    Oct 24
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Saudi Arabia: A key regional hub for aviation

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Efficiency, reach, and speed are what air routes provide in the world of logistics. Playing a crucial role, they are essential for modern logistics and are invaluable for industries that require the rapid delivery or distribution of goods.   

On Oct. 13, the Global Logistics Forum will host a fireside chat with the General Authority of Civil Aviation, discussing the role of air cargo in Saudi’s vision for global logistics.   

Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is emerging as one of the fastest-growing in the world as the nation seeks to become a regional aviation hub and a major tourist destination. By opening the sector to global operators and investors, streamlining licensing, and introducing new pro-competition policies as part of the Saudi Aviation Strategy, more than $100 billion in aviation investment is being enabled to support Vision 2030’s ambitious, transformative goals. 

A key indicator of the aviation sector’s success is the 7 percent growth in air cargo, reaching 900,000 tonnes, and the record-breaking 112 million passengers achieved in 2023, according to GACA’s 2024 State of Aviation Report.  

This passenger volume was surpassed by a 17 percent increase in the first half of 2024, with the number of flights growing by 12 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching 815,000. With substantial investment planned for tourism resorts and the development of the new airline, Riyadh Air, growth projections remain strong.  

GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej attributes Saudi Arabia’s success to its ability to “deliver integrated logistics solutions that span the entire transport sector, enabled through a unified national strategy and world-leading regulatory incentives for global logistics companies. Saudi Arabia is becoming a global logistics hub with significant expansion of air cargo capabilities already underway, leveraging the Kingdom’s location at the crossroads of three continents and within a five-hour flight of half the world’s population.” This is what sets Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector apart from others. 

The aviation and logistics sectors are inextricably linked, creating a symbiotic relationship that drives trade and commerce. While aviation provides the vital infrastructure for efficient, long-distance transportation of goods, logistics ensures the movement of these goods from their origins all the way to their destinations. 

The inaugural GLF is being held in Riyadh, hosted by the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. It envisions a groundbreaking new global map of trade and supply chains, bringing together logistics ecosystem partners. 

It would be remiss not to mention the current challenges faced by the logistics sector, which finds itself at a critical juncture. Entire industries and societies rely on effective logistics management, and the GLF presents an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and discuss innovative solutions that will pave the way for a sustainable and profitable future. 

Ahmed Al-Hassan is an assistant minister of transport and logistic services in Saudi Arabia. 

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