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Spirit Airlines, once known for its low fares and significant fees, is undergoing a major shift in its business model. The airline, which had been a leader in the industry for its profitability and rapid growth, is now moving towards offering bundled fare options and introducing a first-class service.
French electric aircraft developer Aura Aero will open its first U.S. facility at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. During last week’s Farnborough Airshow, the company announced its plans for a 500,000-sq-ft manufacturing and assembly plant at the school’s research park in Daytona Beach.
The opening of the Summer Olympic Games on Friday in Paris has provided a boost to private aviation in the host city. According to industry data tracker Argus International, the majority of this traffic was directed to Le Bourget Airport (LFPB), which saw more than a 34% increase in arrivals last week compared with the same period last year. Of the 705 business aircraft arrivals, there were 189 ultra-long-range, 145 large, 83 super-midsize, 64 midsize, and 40 very light jets, as well as 14 twin-engine and 50 single-engine turboprops.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced today, July 30, that it has authorized the first commercial drone flights without visual observers. The authorization covers Dallas-area airspace and applies to Zipline International and Wing Aviation. These companies are now permitted to deliver packages while maintaining separation of their unmanned aircraft using technology provided by Unmanned Aircraft System Management (UTM).
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the use of a parachute-equipped drone for operations over gatherings of people without requiring waivers. This marks the first such approval for drones, with the key feature being the parachute developed by Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions. The parachute is integrated into DJI M3D or M3TD drones, allowing them to fly over people without restriction.
Later this year, United Airlines will have the largest airline fleet in the world and is on track to surpass 1,000 mainline aircraft in the first quarter of 2025. The airline has already claimed to be the world’s largest carrier by seat miles, though not by passengers or departures, due to its long-haul-focused route network.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data indicating a strong performance in global air cargo markets for June 2024.
French-based Aura Aero, which describes itself as a “pioneer in low-carbon aviation,” has announced a partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) to open its first U.S. facility later this year. The 500,000-square-foot manufacturing and assembly complex will be part of ERAU’s Research Park. The announcement was made today during the biennial Farnborough Air Show in the U.K.
Aircraft jacks specialist Tangye is set to unveil new lightweight and portable jacks at stand C68 during the GSE Expo Europe in Lisbon. The new offerings include a 40-tonne model and an enhanced 100-tonne jack designed for handling larger aircraft. Tangye jacks are integral to services provided by many line maintenance, ‘aircraft on ground,’ and MRO companies.
Flight Data Systems and Canada West Avionics have secured a Part 25 approved model list supplemental type certificate (AML-STC) for the installation of the Sentry cockpit voice recorder (CVR) with recorder independent power supply (RIPS) in various aircraft models.
In April, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a new rule mandating airlines and ticket agents to fully disclose all add-on costs for baggage, changes, and cancellations upfront at the first instance of displaying itineraries and fares. The rule also requires airlines to automatically and promptly refund passengers when services like checked baggage and Wi-Fi are not delivered as promised.
Cosmopolitan Las Vegas has integrated its Identity loyalty program into MGM Rewards, simplifying the reward system for its members. Previously, Cosmopolitan had its own loyalty scheme and a partnership with Marriott, which MGM also maintains.
Neste and HELLENiQ Energy have collaborated to deliver blended Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to HELLENiQ Energy's facilities in Thessaloniki. This marks the first time that blended SAF is supplied to Greece in bulk using ships for transport.
Insurance underwriter Worldlink Specialty and Oneglobal Broking have introduced a liability insurance solution tailored for third-party contractors and consultants in the U.S. aviation and aerospace sectors. On Monday, the companies announced the new AeroPro product that addresses a gap in liability coverage for clients performing tasks such as aircraft development work or valuations.
Big Island Jet Center is celebrating a significant milestone in its operations, having sold its one millionth gallon of fuel this July. This achievement comes within seven months of the FBO’s grand opening and before the completion of its permanent terminal, which is expected to be finished in Q3 2025.
The U.S. Court of Appeals has temporarily blocked a rule from the Department of Transportation (DoT) that mandates upfront disclosure of airline fees and final travel costs for consumers. According to a report by Reuters, the court ruling halts the new DoT rule pending a full review. This development is considered a significant setback for the Biden administration's efforts to enhance consumer protections regarding so-called "junk fees" associated with ticket pricing.
West Star Aviation’s interior specialists are recognized for their creativity and talent in the aircraft interior design industry. They are attuned to both industry trends and customer preferences, particularly in the segment of aircraft interior design.
KES and KLM conducted their first live test of Dynell’s DHM 090 model hydrogen GPU on an aircraft at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in July.
Air ambulance provider AirCare1 has received recognition for its safety management system (SMS) under the FAA voluntary program. The Phoenix-based organization emphasized that safety risk management is a cornerstone of its operations and stated it chose to implement the voluntary program ahead of the Part 135 mandate to demonstrate its commitment to safety.
John Wayne Airport released its monthly statistics for June 2024, showing a decline in passenger numbers compared to the same period last year. The total number of passengers decreased by 9.1%, from 1,059,614 in June 2023 to 963,531 in June 2024. Year-to-date figures also reflected a drop of 4.7%, with passenger numbers falling from 5,810,721 in 2023 to 5,536,445 in 2024.