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News from July 2024
Lufthansa Technik had a mixed economic picture after the first half of the year. While the global market leader in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) once again achieved a record result for the period from January to the end of June thanks to a very strong second quarter, the company is also experiencing strong pressure on the aviation industry as a whole.
Teleport and Wiremind signed a SKYPALLET implementation contract on June 1, 2024, following a successful Proof of Concept trial. The stepwise roll-out of the original SKYPALLET software version is now underway, with a subsequent SKYPALLET Version 2 deployment phase planned as soon as the product is launched later this year.
Starting August 1, 2024, Air France, in collaboration with Mediawan, will offer a new episode of the French animated series "Miraculous™" exclusively on its long-haul flights. This initiative aims to provide young travelers and their parents with unique in-flight entertainment.
Neste will provide up to 1 million gallons (3,000 metric tons) of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel to United Airlines for use at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in the U.S. through the end of 2024.
Air France has welcomed over 9,000 accredited guests representing more than 150 nationalities on board its aircraft for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As an official partner of the event, Air France has been preparing for weeks to accommodate sports delegations, media, and fans.
In his initial question and answer session with employees after assuming the role of CEO at American Airlines, Robert Isom emphasized the importance of stringent cost control. Two and a half years ago, amid disappointing second-quarter earnings and projections of no profit in the third quarter, Isom highlighted that while revenue issues are fixable, he takes pride in their cost management.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for June 2024 global passenger demand with the following highlights:
Boeing announced today it has named former Rockwell Collins executive Kelly Ortberg as its new president and CEO. The appointment follows a monthslong search to replace Dave Calhoun, who announced earlier this year he would step down by year-end. Board Chair Larry Kellner also stated he would not stand for reelection.
Bell Textron Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), announced today the signing of a purchase agreement for a SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopter with the Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Interior. This acquisition marks the establishment of the agency’s first helicopter unit, intended to support medical transport, citizen evacuation, and assistance during natural disasters and incidents.
Before the pandemic, Southwest Airlines was profitable for 47 consecutive years—navigating through the economic challenges of the 1970s, deregulation, the aftermath of 9/11, and the Great Recession. While other airlines faced bankruptcy multiple times, Southwest was esteemed by the market as a well-managed and popular company.
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Pete Buttigieg, sent a letter yesterday to the heads of the 10 largest airlines in the country, reminding them of their obligations to provide cash refunds to passengers. The letter followed a court ruling that temporarily relieved airlines from a DOT mandate requiring clarification on ticket surcharges for baggage and schedule changes—referred to as “junk fees” by the Biden administration.
Coach passengers can sometimes upgrade to business class to Asia on American Airlines for as little as $350. Delta has that beat, offering upgrades on flights from Europe to the West Coast for as little as $299.
News and notes from around the internet:
The Lee County Board of Port Commissioners has appointed Steven C. Hennigan, C.M., A.C.E., as the executive director and CEO of the Lee County Port Authority as of July 30, 2024. In his new role, Hennigan will oversee the administration, operations, and development of Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Page Field (FMY) in Fort Myers, Florida.
Transport Canada and NAV Canada have selected a consortium to conduct Phase 2 trials of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Traffic Management (RTM). The consortium, led by AeroVision Canada, includes principal partners ANRA Technologies and ClearSky Connect.
Certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) aims to improve the handling and transport of perishable products to ensure food safety, as well as reduce food waste and loss along the supply chain. This Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) certification program is known as CEIV Fresh.
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced that Michael Whitaker, administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), will be a featured speaker for the Opening Keynote Session on October 22 at the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas.
The White House announced on Tuesday, July 30, a new round of FAA airport modernization grants totaling $427 million for 245 separate airport-related infrastructure projects in 39 states. The grants are part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Grant program, which includes $25 billion in terminal expansions, baggage system upgrades, runway safety enhancements, and air traffic infrastructure upgrades.
Sporty’s Pilot Shop has announced a partnership with Champion Aerospace as an authorized distributor. The arrangement enables Sporty’s to offer Champion’s oil filters and spark plugs.