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News from July 2024
Southwest Airlines, long known for its consistent profitability in the U.S. aviation market, is facing challenges post-pandemic. The airline's struggles stem from two primary issues: limited flight offerings and a product that no longer meets evolving customer demands.
News and notes from around the web:
Hyatt has announced a new partnership with Under Canvas through its Mr and Mrs Smith collaboration, expanding its luxury glamping offerings. This partnership includes 13 outdoor resorts located in prominent destinations such as Yellowstone National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains.
The U.S. Navy has contracted with Georgia-based Phoenix Air Group to provide air services simulating airborne electronic warfare (EW) threats for naval training exercises. Initially valued at $165 million, the five-year deal will use highly modified Learjet 35/36s to train, test, and evaluate shipboard crew and naval aircraft weapon systems operators.
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Kings Schools is offering a 10% discount on all private pilot courses for the remainder of 2024. The announcement was made during a press briefing at EAA AirVenture on July 25.
Southwest Airlines is set to abandon its long-standing open seating model, transitioning instead to assigned seating and introducing extra-legroom "premium seating" options. This decision comes after extensive deliberation and customer research indicating a strong preference for assigned seats.
The first Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) certification program created by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) was CEIV Pharma. The pharmaceuticals program is also the most popular, with 509 certified entities, including 44 airlines, 270 freight forwarders, 126 cargo handling facilities, and 45 ramp handlers.
Bombardier’s revenues increased by 32% in the second quarter to $2.2 billion, driven by deliveries of 39 business jets, marking a 34% rise from the previous year, the company reported this morning. Additionally, Bombardier’s services business surpassed $500 million for the first time in quarterly results as the Canadian manufacturer benefits from its recent expansion efforts.
GE Aerospace’s Catalyst turboprop engine is meeting and exceeding its targeted performance numbers and is on track for FAA certification by year-end, the company announced this week at EAA AirVenture 2024. The engine powers Textron Aviation’s Beechcraft Denali single-engine turboprop, which is set for certification next year. Both are on display at AirVenture, marking the first time the GE display is hosting the actual engine instead of a mockup.
An advanced airborne 5G connectivity system has been successfully integrated into a Britten-Norman Islander aircraft following a series of demonstration flights. A group of British companies, led by Stratospheric Platforms Ltd. (SPL), a non-terrestrial networks telecoms developer, is developing the technology, with UK OEM Britten-Norman overseeing the design, integration, and demonstration flights.
The American Express® Business Gold Card, previously offering a 70,000 Membership Rewards points initial bonus, now includes an enhanced offer of 100,000 Membership Rewards® points. This bonus is available after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership. Additionally, a Limited Edition White Gold card option has been introduced alongside the existing Gold and Rose Gold designs.
One year ago, a comparison of the passenger experience aboard Air Canada’s Embraer E175s and its new Airbus A220s revealed that the 20-year-old E175 was still performing well. This year, however, on a similar New York-Montreal summer trip, it became evident that Air Canada’s regional jet cabins are beginning to show their age.
The End Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) group has issued a statement summarizing its perspective on the forum it held Monday at AirVenture. The group emphasized the necessity of maintaining access to 100LL while developing a new unleaded replacement. It also reiterated that although an ASTM fuel specification is not mandatory, it would facilitate convincing all stakeholders, particularly those in transportation, storage, and dispensing, of the fuel's suitability.
Talma, a leading airport services company in Latin America and a member of Grupo Sandoval, specifically its subsidiary in Ecuador, has been granted an Approved Maintenance Organization Certificate (OMA 084) by Ecuador's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC). This certification recognizes the organization's operational excellence.
AirAsia Aviation Group and AirAsia X, two of Asia’s largest low-cost carrier groups, have strengthened their partnerships with SITA by adopting SITA Mission Watch to enhance airline operations across seven airlines.
Geoffrey Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of Airlineratings.com, recently reviewed the new Qatar Airways Qsuite Next Gen at the Farnborough Air Show. According to Mr. Thomas, the new business class suite represents a significant advancement over the airline’s current offerings.
Jimmy Graham, an NFL All-Pro tight end who has developed a passion for flying comparable to his enthusiasm for football, has been appointed chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) Young Eagles Program. Since 1992, Young Eagles has introduced over 2.3 million young individuals to aviation through complimentary introductory flights conducted by EAA-member pilot volunteers.
AAR CORP., a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, has signed multiple long-term distribution agreements with Ontic that expand the companies' existing defense and commercial partnerships and enhance service offerings for the U.S. government and worldwide commercial customers.
Southwest Airlines announced plans for redeye flights, premium seats, and assigned seating during their second quarter investor call on Thursday. However, many questions remain unanswered.
Ryanair is set to upgrade its digital flight operations through a multi-year agreement with Boeing, adopting the Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro 5.0 electronic flight bag (EFB) solution. This advanced tool will support Ryanair's Next-Generation 737 and 737 Max fleet.