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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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
News and notes from around the web:
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.
Air Canada Aeroplan has announced a new partnership with Lufthansa subsidiary Eurowings, expanding award travel options across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
American Airlines reported a decline in profit for the second quarter, despite announcing record revenue largely attributed to inflation. The airline revised its profit forecasts downward and indicated it would not earn anything in the traditionally strong third quarter.
Deutsche Aircraft has commenced construction of the first D328eco test aircraft, TAC 1. The German manufacturer announced this milestone during the Farnborough Airshow on July 25, following a recent delay in the projected service entry for the re-engined twin turboprop to 2027.
Lyte Aviation has selected H3 Dynamics to provide the hydrogen-electric fuel cell propulsion system for its planned 40-seat VTOL aircraft. Announcing the agreement on July 24, the companies stated they will also collaborate to install H3 Dynamics’ self-contained electrolyzer systems at airports where Lyte expects its Skybus LA-44 to operate.
The F-15QA (Qatar Advanced) aircraft, the most advanced variant of the F-15 Eagle, was showcased at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. This model is based on the F-15SA currently in production for Saudi Arabia and incorporates a fly-by-wire flight control system similar to that of its Saudi counterpart. Additionally, it features Raytheon’s APG-63(V)3 AESA radar, Lockheed Martin's AAS-42 Tiger Eyes infrared search and track system, a redesigned internal wing structure, and two extra wing hardpoints enabling it to carry up to 16 AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles.
One man, affected by Delta's numerous flight cancellations this past week, decided to take matters into his own hands. Stranded at the airport, the Sky Club lounge member found himself out of pocket for a trip he could no longer fully take and without compensation for those expenses. In response, he decided to seek his own form of recompense by consuming Delta's resources equivalent to his incurred costs.
Turkish Aerospace Industries' six-tonne class twin-engine T625 Gökbey helicopter made a notable appearance at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. The light transport/utility helicopter, named "Sky Lord" in Turkish, is designed to serve various roles including cargo transport, ambulance services, search and rescue missions, and VIP transportation.