Monthly Archives: January 2025

  • 30
    Jan 25
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Airbus shuts down Beluga fleet amid rising challenges

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In a bold move marking the international aviation industry, Airbus has announced the termination of its Airbus Beluga Transport subsidiary, marking the end of service of the iconic Beluga aircraft. This decision has led to the suspension of all flights and the loss of 75 jobs. Thus, the termination of the unique whale-like shape aircraft’ s operations has changed the aviation landscape.

Unique whale-like shape and considerable challenges

Airbus has suspended all flight operations of its subsidiary Airbus Beluga and will shut down the unit returning the A300-600ST Belugas to the AOC of Airbus Transport International (ATI). The last flights took place on January 17, 2025. It was also operated  by F-GSTB  from Bordeaux Mérignac to Toulouse Blagnac.

The Airbus Beluga, which is popular for its big volume capacity and unique whale-like shape has been a vital addition to the  Airbus fleet since its appearance in 1995. Initially, it was designed to transfer large aircraft parts between manufacturing sites across Europe.  Particularly, it was wide enough to transfer two full-size super-puma helicopters.  It also started replacing its first generation of planes with the more advanced version Beluga XLs based on the A330 in 2019. In 2022, the latter repurposed the previous jets launching AiBT with four planes offering to transport oversized cargo for customers in aerospace, energy, aid sectors and military.

However,  the company has faced significant obstacles in managing the Beluga fleet. The Airbus company stated that there has been a significant shift in particular areas towards using maritime transport despite the increasing  demand for global air freight. Nonetheless, that was not the main reason for shutting the unique Airbus Beluga Transport business. Specifically, a spokesperson stated:

“AiBT is not ending operations because of changes in the air freight market. The main challenge was the significant operational difficulties” since the plane demanded specially trained teams and loading equipment.

Airbus decision for the Beluga business

The fleet’s manufacturer did not disclose the reasons behind the operator’s termination. Though, he mentioned the main cause was the economic factor. The medium and long-term future of the aircraft also remains uncertain.  The extend to which ATI will be operating the Beluga depends on the future planning. Notably, the company’s spokesperson mentioned:

We confirm that the decision has been taken to terminate the Airbus Beluga Transport business for outsized cargo missions. All flights operated by the BelugaST fleet are suspended as of now. The closure project has just started and it is too early to predict a completion date. One of our main priorities during this time is to support our employees during the social process

As Airbus closes this chapter of its fleet one wonders: How will the shut down of the iconic Beluga influence the global aviation sector?

  • 30
    Jan 25
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Atlantic Jet Partners Buys Component MRO Specialist

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Pompano Beach, Florida-based Atlantic Jet Partners has added more MRO capability to its offerings with the acquisition of Great Lakes Turbines. Based in Holland, Ohio, Great Lakes Turbines specializes in OEM-approved turbine engine component repair, fabrication and machining, and aircraft interior refurbishing.

The acquisition strengthens the services provided by Atlantic Jet Partners family companies, including Sky Aviation Holdings, Sky Aircraft Maintenance, SkyVue Avionics, Aerospace Design & Compliance, Aerodyne Engine Repair & Maintenance, Sky Aviation Insurance Services, Sky Flight Air, and TBO Extension. Adding Great Lakes Turbines also supports Atlantic Jet Partners’ efforts to become more vertically integrated.

Great Lakes is a Part 145 repair station and specializes in welding and fabrication, painting and coatings, cold and thermo-spray processes, tool and equipment design and fabrication, non-destructive testing, conventional and CNC programmable machining and manufacturing, and finishing and cleaning. Atlantic Jet Partners said it will invest in building improvements, office equipment, and tooling “required to run a high-quality manufacturing and FAA repair center.”

“This acquisition represents a pivotal step in our strategic growth planning, allowing us to offer a broader range of services and innovative solutions to our clients,” said Joe Rizzo, COO of Atlantic Jet Partners. “Great Lakes Turbines’ maintenance and repair capabilities with the enhanced ability for CNC machining will complement our existing capabilities, ensuring we continue to lead in the aviation industry.”

  • 27
    Jan 25
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Salus Aviation partners with MD Helicopters to establish service center in Nevada, USA

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Strategically located, the Nevada facility will serve both existing and new MD Helicopters customers in the USA

Salus Aviation has announced a new service center agreement with MD Helicopters. This collaboration will establish Salus Aviation as the sole approved service center in Nevada by providing extensive hangar and field maintenance services, in addition to supplying parts and accessories for MD Helicopters’ aircraft.

Alongside the Nevada facility, Salus Aviation also operates service centers in Auckland and Queenstown, New Zealand. The expanded network allows Salus Aviation to provide a full range of maintenance services, including dynamic component overhauls (available only in New Zealand), installations, repairs, and the supply of genuine MD Helicopter parts.

“We are thrilled to expand our service offerings in Nevada with the addition of the MD Helicopters service center,” said Greg Edmonds, CEO of Salus Aviation. “This partnership supports our continued growth and enables us to meet the increasing demand for MD Helicopters’ aircraft across the US, ensuring operators have access to the reliable, world-class support they need.”

MD Helicopters’ Service Center Network Manager, Randy Langefeld, commented: “We are excited to welcome Salus Aviation to our US service network. Their extensive experience in aviation maintenance, strong customer relationships, and skilled workforce will play a key role in delivering exceptional service and maintaining the high standards of excellence that define MD Helicopters.”

Last year, Salus Aviation signed a purchase agreement for an H145/BK117 D-3 helicopter.

  • 22
    Jan 25
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ATR Aircraft Now Certified for Starlink High-Speed Internet

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ATR, the global leader in regional aircraft manufacturing, has achieved a significant milestone with the certification of Starlink high-speed internet for its ATR 72 aircraft by EASA.

This development brings a new level of connectivity to regional air travel, ensuring passengers can enjoy a seamless internet experience akin to their home networks while in the skies.

The Starlink system, engineered by SpaceX, leverages a low-Earth orbit satellite constellation to provide broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, gaming, video calls, and more. This revolutionary technology has been successfully tested on ATR’s 72-600 aircraft, paving the way for its retrofit availability on ATR 72-500 and 72-600 models through a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) developed by PMV Engineering.

Air New Zealand Takes the Lead

Air New Zealand is set to be the launch customer for Starlink-equipped ATR aircraft, with plans to introduce the service on its domestic routes in 2025. According to Nikhil Ravishankar, Chief Digital Officer at Air New Zealand, “maintaining seamless internet connectivity will transform the travel experience for customers.” This innovative move aligns with the airline’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance passenger satisfaction.

Enhanced Travel and Safety Features

In addition to providing passengers with unmatched internet connectivity, the system offers benefits for flight operations. Pilots will gain access to real-time aviation weather services, enabling safer and more informed decision-making during flights. The compact antenna design, optimized for the ATR’s aerodynamic profile, ensures minimal impact on the aircraft’s performance.

Global Impact on Regional Air Travel

The introduction of Starlink on ATR aircraft is expected to generate strong interest across global markets, including Europe, the United States, Asia-Pacific, and Japan, where the demand for in-flight connectivity continues to rise. As part of its HighLine collection, ATR also offers complementary high-end cabin solutions, including USB sockets at every seat and in-flight entertainment systems, creating a fully connected cabin experience.

Collaboration Driving Innovation

This achievement highlights ATR’s dedication to meeting evolving passenger expectations while staying ahead of industry trends. Daniel Cuchet, Senior Vice-President Engineering at ATR, emphasized the company’s vision of excellence and innovation: “Starlink opens up a new era for ATR, offering unparalleled levels of comfort and passenger experience in the regional market.”

As ATR operators worldwide prepare to adopt this transformative technology, the future of regional air travel promises to be more connected and convenient than ever.

  • 16
    Jan 25
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Saudi Arabia’s flyadeal to order ten A330neo

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Saudi low-cost carrier flyadeal (F3, Jeddah International) will soon place an order for ten A330-900N aircraft, according to Reuters. As previously reported in ch-aviation, the airline had decided to place a widebody order but was undecided about the type. Aside from a single wet-leased A330-200, flyadeal has exclusively relied on Airbus narrowbodies to date.

flyadeal is expected to place the order within weeks, which will also include options for another ten A330s. If placed, the order represents another blow for Boeing, whose B787-9 type was under consideration but reportedly ultimately dropped.

In September 2024, Ibrahim Al Omar, director general of Saudia Group, which operates Saudia (SV, Jeddah International) and flyadeal, discussed expansion plans and said the group hoped to have 300 aircraft at its two carriers by 2032. Aside from the A330-200, wet leased from Jordan Aviation, flyadeal currently operates eleven A320-200s and twenty-five A320-200Ns. According to the data, it also has orders for eighteen A320-200N and thirty-nine A321-200N.

Meanwhile, local low-cost competitor flynas (XY, Riyadh) signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus in July 2024 for fifteen A330neo and 75 incremental A320neo family aircraft. The MOU also included options for 15 more A330neo and 55 more A320neo aircraft.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals include increasing the number of airline passengers moving through the country to 300 million annually, including 100 million inbound tourists, and expanding connectivity to over 250 destinations from Saudi Arabia’s 29 commercial airports.

  • 13
    Jan 25
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2024 – Who won the battle of the OEMs?

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2024 was a year of recovery for aircraft OEMs who all continued their post-pandemic recovery but for Boeing in particular there was also the recovery from several years of very high-profile production problems with their 737 Max and 787 range.

The 2024 Farnborough Airshow threw up some decent orders which boosted sales and several record-breaking orders throughout the year, making it a healthy year for the aircraft manufacturing industry but who did best?

Airbus

Airbus has cemented its position of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer in recent years with its best-selling A320neo range proving popular across the globe so what do the 2024 results show us for the Toulouse, France based OEM.

Highlights for Airbus included orders for 100 aircraft order from Air India, 70 aircraft from Cebu Pacific and a 31 aircraft order from Japan Airlines.

Airbus is vital to the UK economy with the wings being made at Airbus’ Broughton North Wales facility.

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Boeing

Boeing has had a tough year with ongoing production problems affecting its 737 Max and 787 product lines. This was compounded in Washington State by a 5 week strike by Boeing employees which saw production grind to a halt and a massive revenue loss by the OEM.

That being said though, Boeing did achieve a substantial amount of orders for its 737 Max, 787 and 777X product lines despite the latter having its delivery date pushed back by another year.

Highlights for Boeing included a 200 aircraft order from Pegasus Airlines and a 35 aircraft order from ACG.

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Embraer

The Brazilian OEM will never compete with Airbus and Boeing for numbers but its E-Jet range has proved popular with regional and short-haul airlines and its deliveries went up 14% compared to 2023.

Highlights for 2024 include Virgin Australia signing for eight E190-E2 jets.

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  • 10
    Jan 25
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airBaltic Completes First Starlink Test Flight

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AirBaltic has completed a successful flight test of SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet system on its Airbus A220-300 aircraft.

AirBaltic has completed a test flight of SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet system on its Airbus A220-300 aircraft.

The certification flight, departing from the airline’s hub in Riga, Latvia, evaluated both the Starlink aero terminal and internet connection performance.

This critical test represents a major step toward obtaining European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification.

A First in Europe

“We’re revolutionizing air travel with this breakthrough,” says Martin Gauss, AirBaltic’s President and CEO.

“As Europe’s first airline to offer complimentary Starlink internet, we’re proud to enhance our passengers’ travel experience.”

“This high-speed connection will benefit travelers across our entire network and beyond, setting a new standard for in-flight connectivity in the European aviation sector.”

Gauss emphasized the significance of collaborating with Starlink. “Working with SpaceX’s Starlink team has been remarkable. Their satellite constellation, operating in low-Earth orbit, will provide our passengers with the fastest in-flight internet available.”

“Adding Starlink to our modern Airbus A220-300 fleet aligns perfectly with our innovative approach to passenger comfort and technological advancement.”

The airline is currently pursuing a Supplemental Type Certification (STC) with Starlink, pending EASA approval. Installation of the cutting edge system on AirBaltic’s Airbus A220-300 fleet is scheduled to begin in early 2025, marking a significant upgrade to the airline’s service offerings.

Once the implementation is complete, the airline’s entire A220-300 fleet will feature Starlink connectivity. It will offer passengers high speed internet access throughout their journey without complicated login procedures or additional fees.

This enhancement supports AirBaltic’s commitment to providing superior passenger experience and maintaining its position as a technology leader in European aviation.

Starlink has established itself as a global connectivity pioneer, serving users across 118 countries and all seven continents. The service now connects over 4.6 million users worldwide, demonstrating its rapidly growing influence in the telecommunications sector.

Since launching its commercial aviation service last year, Starlink has demonstrated superior performance through its low Earth orbit satellites, positioned significantly closer to Earth than traditional satellite systems.

The advanced system delivers impressive speeds up to 500 Mbps with minimal latency, transforming the in flight experience.

This exceptional performance enables passengers to enjoy activities previously impossible during flights, including online gaming, VPN usage, and other data-intensive applications. It effectively brings home like internet connectivity to the skies.

Starlink provides revolutionary high speed internet access worldwide through its pioneering low Earth orbit satellite constellation. The service supports streaming, gaming, video calls, and various online activities that demand consistent, high speed connectivity.

As a SpaceX creation, Starlink benefits from the company’s extensive spacecraft and orbital operations expertise, making it the world’s most sophisticated broadband internet system.

This technological achievement represents a significant leap forward in global connectivity solutions, particularly for aviation and remote locations.

  • 10
    Jan 25
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Garuda invests $25.8mn in MRO; Citilink to revive fleet

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Garuda Indonesia (GA, Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta) has participated in a rights issue conducted by subsidiary PT Garuda Maintenance Facility Aero Asia Tbk, though not with cash. Instead, it provided IDR418.28 billion rupiah (USD25.8 million) in non-cash deposits, primarily hangars and supporting facilities.

A January 3 Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) filing shows that Garuda Indonesia handed over three hangars, annex buildings, and other supporting assets, including machinery and access roads, to its subsidiary. In return, it is entitled to receive 9,093,245,600 Series B shares valued at IDR25 (USD0.0015) each, giving the total share package a total nominal value of IDR227.33 billion (USD14 million).

Garuda Maintenance Facility Aero Asia, trading as GMF AeroAsia, is a major Southeast Asian MRO business that Garuda Indonesia spun-off and listed on the IDX in 2017. However, the flag carrier retains a 89%-plus shareholding.

In the filing, Garuda Indonesia said the transaction would improve operational efficiencies and increase “the strategic value of assets through management by entities that have special competencies.”

In related news, another Garuda subsidiary, Citilink (QG, Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta), wants to have all its aircraft back in service by the end of 2025. Last week, Citilink President Director Dewa Kadek Rai told Jakarta journalists that his focus was on getting 19 grounded aircraft back in the air.

“Our focus this year is to make all of the aircraft serviceable so that by the end of the year, all of our aircraft will be able to fly, namely 56 aircraft,” he said. “Currently, we have 75 routes and 49 destinations. If our target is to service all aircraft, we will increase the frequency on existing routes, and there will be additional routes, especially to eastern Indonesia where we currently do not have many frequencies.”

  • 06
    Jan 25
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Japan Airlines Begins a New Era Retiring the Legendary 777-300ER on the Tokyo to London Route and Introducing the Revolutionary Airbus A350-1000 for Unmatched Comfort and Efficiency

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Japan Airlines marks a new milestone retiring the iconic 777-300ER on the Tokyo-London route, replacing it with the cutting-edge Airbus A350-1000 for superior travel.

Japan Airlines (JAL) has officially retired the iconic Boeing 777-300ER from its international operations on the Tokyo Haneda (HND) to London Heathrow (LHR) route, marking the conclusion of an era for this long-serving aircraft.

Starting January 2, 2025, the route will be operated by the advanced Airbus A350-1000, reflecting JAL’s commitment to modernizing its fleet with next-generation aircraft. The Boeing 777-300ER, which joined JAL’s lineup in 2004 as a successor to the Boeing 747-400, became a flagship model for the airline’s long-haul routes, including key destinations like New York (JFK) and London (LHR).

Between 2004 and 2009, JAL added 13 Boeing 777-300ERs to its fleet. The last international flight for the aircraft, operated by JA739J, took place on January 1, 2025. Designated as flight JL43, it departed Tokyo Haneda at 10:01 AM local time and landed at London Heathrow at 2:56 PM local time, completing its 14-hour and 25-minute journey. This final mission featured JAL’s “W84” cabin layout, accommodating 244 passengers: 8 in First Class, 49 in Business Class, 40 in Premium Economy, and 147 in Economy.

Although retired from international routes, the Boeing 777-300ER will continue to serve JAL on select routes, including major destinations like Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, and Sydney, as well as various Asian and domestic flights.

The introduction of the Airbus A350-1000 offers several benefits, including enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced noise, in line with JAL’s environmental sustainability initiatives. As part of its fleet renewal strategy, the airline is transitioning to the A350 to meet growing passenger demand on routes to Europe and North America while minimizing its environmental footprint.

By 2025, JAL plans to have 11 A350s in operation, progressively expanding their deployment across high-demand routes such as Paris and key cities on the U.S. West Coast. This move underscores the airline’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art services and maintaining seamless connectivity for its passengers.

  • 03
    Jan 25
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Delta Retains its Place as Most On-Time North American Airline

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Delta Air Lines retains its spot as North America’s most punctual carrier in 2024, winning Cirium’s Platinum Award for Operational Excellence for the fourth year running.

Delta Air Lines has maintained its position as North America’s most punctual carrier in 2024. It earned Cirium’s prestigious Platinum Award for Operational Excellence for the fourth year running.

This award celebrates airlines that consistently deliver on-time flights while managing complex operations and minimizing passenger disruptions, setting a gold standard in the aviation industry.

The achievement marks a significant milestone as Delta enters its 100th year of service, demonstrating the airline’s enduring commitment to excellence across generations.

Consistency in a Challenging Era

The carrier’s consistency in maintaining high operational standards has become increasingly noteworthy. This is particularly notable in an era where air travel faces numerous challenges, from weather disruptions to staffing shortages.

John Laughter, Delta’s Executive Vice President and Chief of Operations gave comment on the recent accolade. “Receiving Cirium’s recognition again highlights our team’s dedication to operational excellence,” he said.

“Reliable, safe operations form the foundation of Delta’s growth and represent our century-old brand promise.” This commitment to reliability has become particularly crucial as air travel continues to recover and expand post-pandemic.

Performance Statistics

The airline’s performance statistics paint a compelling picture. 83.46% of Delta’s 1.7 million flights arrived on schedule in 2024, demonstrating remarkable consistency across its vast network.

This performance surpassed both North American and global industry standards of 76.37% and 83.04% respectively.

Delta outperformed its nearest North American rival by 2.53%, a significant margin in an industry where fractions of a percentage can represent thousands of passengers. Cirium considers flights “on-time” when they arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled time.

Mike Malik, Cirium’s Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the significance of Delta’s achievements. “Through continuous investment in their workforce, operations, and technology, Delta Air Lines continues to set industry standards for operational excellence.”

“It shows others how to deliver outstanding travel experiences.” This investment strategy has proven particularly effective in maintaining service quality while adapting to changing market conditions.

2024 Awards and Accolades

Throughout 2024, the airline has garnered numerous accolades across various aspects of its operations.

J.D. Power ranked it highest in First/Business and Premium Economy Passenger Satisfaction, reflecting the carrier’s dedication to providing superior service across different cabin classes.

The Points Guy named it the best U.S. airline, considering factors such as customer service, route network, and overall value proposition.

Perhaps most notably, Delta achieved a unique distinction as the only airline included in Fortune’s ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ list, highlighting its commitment to employee satisfaction and workplace culture. This recognition is particularly significant as it demonstrates that Delta’s operational excellence is built on a foundation of engaged and satisfied employees.

The airline’s success in maintaining high standards across multiple areas of operation – from punctuality to customer service and employee satisfaction – has earned it the title of America’s most awarded airline.

Looking Forward

As Delta celebrates its centennial year, these achievements reflect its level of current success. They also serve to position the airline strongly for future growth and continued leadership in the aviation industry.

Looking ahead, Delta’s consistent performance and multiple recognitions suggest a promising future as the airline. It continues to set benchmarks for operational excellence and customer service in what is an increasingly competitive aviation sector.

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