British Airways and Qatar Airways to extend their Joint Business Partnership

British Airways has made this announcement:

Carriers today announce that they have plans to further extend their Joint Business to offer customers a greater choice of destinations and routing options
News follows British Airways’ return to Doha, with its first flight from Gatwick since the start of the pandemic
This winter, the two airlines are operating up to six daily flights to Doha from London Heathrow and London Gatwick

Today British Airways and Qatar Airways mark the next milestone in their Joint Business Partnership, as they announce their intent to extend their Joint Business.

The news follows British Airways’ relaunch of daily services to Doha, with the airline’s first flight taking off from Gatwick last week, giving customers access to Qatar Airways’ expansive global network with connections from Doha to over 100 destinations across the world.

The flight was operated by a Boeing 777-200ER aircraft featuring three cabins – Club World (business class), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and World Traveller (economy).

This winter, the airlines will jointly operate up to six daily flights between London and Doha – five from London Heathrow and one from London Gatwick.

Following on from this milestone in their partnership, the two airlines announce that they intend to further expand their joint business and offer customers access to more destinations on their respective networks.

The proposed expansion will give customers enhanced access from Europe to popular destinations in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australasia, such as Singapore, Sydney, Colombo and Nairobi. It will also improve access to destinations across Europe such as Amsterdam, Madrid or Dublin.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Expanding our Joint Business with our strategic airline partner, British Airways, is an important milestone in our ambition of providing customers access to the most extensive route network and unrivalled product.”

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: “The launch of our first flight from Gatwick to Doha was an important milestone in our existing joint business with Qatar Airways. The proposed expansion of the joint business will be great news for customers, offering them access to more destinations across the world with seamless connections. We know customers are always looking for more options to connect onto popular holiday hotspots such as the Maldives and Seychelles, and this expansion will allow them to do just that.”

The airlines expect to receive news of any relevant regulatory approvals of their expanded Joint Business proposition in the first half of 2022.

QANTAS goes with Airbus for domestic fleet renewal, will add 20 A321XLRs and 20 A220-300s

QANTAS Airways has made this announcement:

Airbus A320neo and Airbus A220 families selected as preferred aircraft types.
In-principle agreement for up to 134 orders and purchase right options over 10 plus years with deliveries from FY24 onwards.
Combines with existing Jetstar order to give the Qantas Group significant flexibility on timing and aircraft type/size.
Order is expected to be finalized by the end of FY22.

Qantas has selected the Airbus A320neo and Airbus A220 families as the preferred aircraft for the long-term renewal of its domestic narrow-body fleet.

A firm commitment for 40 aircraft – 20 A321XLR (extra long-range) and 20 A220 aircraft – is expected to be placed with Airbus by the end of FY22, following discussions with employees about arrangements to operate the new aircraft types and a final decision by the Qantas Board.

Qantas will also have a further 94 purchase right options[1] on aircraft over a 10-plus year delivery window as its existing Boeing 737-800s and 717s are gradually phased out.

The order is in addition to Jetstar’s existing agreement with Airbus for over 100 aircraft in the A320neo family. Part of this new deal includes combining these two orders so that the Group can draw down on a total of 299 deliveries across both the A320 and A220 families as needed over the next decade and beyond for Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar.

Once finalized, this will represent the largest aircraft order in Australian aviation history.

Financial details of the deal are commercial in confidence but represent a material discount from list prices.

Today’s announcement follows a detailed review by the airline’s engineering, flight operations, customer experience, network, fleet procurement and finance teams. The airline conducted detailed evaluation of the A320neo and B737 MAX families as well as the smaller A220 and Embraer E190/195-E2s.

SELECTED AIRCRAFT

The initial firm order concentrates on the larger, single-aisle A321XLR, and the mid-size A220-300 with purchase right options for the smaller A220-100, giving Qantas a fleet mix that can deliver better network choices and route economics.

The XLR can carry around 15 per cent more passengers on each flight than the airline’s existing B737-800s, making it well suited to busy routes between capital cities like Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Its longer range means it can also be used to open up new city pairs.

The small and medium size A220s provide the Group with flexibility to deploy these aircraft throughout most of its domestic and regional operations. They could be used during off peak times between major cities and on key regional routes to increase frequency.

Both aircraft types will be powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines and will deliver fuel savings of between 15-20 per cent, contributing to the airline’s broader emission reduction efforts.

CEO COMMENTARY

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the airline had called the renewal of its domestic fleet Project Winton after the town where the national carrier was born 101 years ago, because it’s a key strategic decision for the future of Qantas Domestic.

“This is a long-term renewal plan with deliveries and payments spread over the next decade and beyond, but the similarly long lead time for aircraft orders means we need to make these decisions now.

“Qantas is in a position to make these commitments because of the way we’ve navigated through the pandemic, which is a credit to the whole organization.

“This is a clear sign of our confidence in the future and we’ve locked in pricing just ahead of what’s likely to be a big uptick in demand for next-generation narrow-body aircraft. That’s good news for our customers, our people and our shareholders.

“We’ll be having discussions with our people to ensure we have the arrangements necessary to support such a large investment.

“Can I thank Airbus, Boeing, Embraer and the engine manufacturers for the efforts they put into this process. This was a very tough choice to make. Each option delivered on our core requirements around safety, capability and emissions reductions. But when you multiply even small benefits in areas like range or cost across this many aircraft and over the 20 years they’ll be in the fleet, Airbus was the right choice as preferred tenderer.

“The Airbus deal had the added advantage of providing ongoing flexibility within the order, meaning we can continue to choose between the entire A320neo and A220 families depending on our changing needs in the years ahead. The ability to combine the Jetstar and Qantas order for the A320 type was also a factor.

“The A320 will be new for Qantas Domestic, but we already know it’s a great aircraft because it’s been the backbone of Jetstar’s success for more than 15 years and more recently operating the resources industry in Western Australia.

“The A220 is such a versatile aircraft which has become popular with airline customers in the United States and Europe because it has the capability to fly regional routes as well as longer sectors between capital cities.

“The combination of small, medium and large jets and the different range and economics they each bring means we can have the right aircraft on the right route.

“For customers, that means having more departures throughout the day on a smaller aircraft, or extra capacity at peak times with a larger aircraft. Or the ability to start a new regional route because the economics of the aircraft make it possible.

“We have some exciting plans for the next-generation cabins we’ll put on these aircraft, which will offer improvements for passengers that we’ll share in coming months.

“Importantly, these aircraft will deliver a step change in reducing fuel burn and carbon emissions compared with our current fleet, which gets us closer to the net zero target we’ve set,” added Mr Joyce.

AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS

Note: Aircraft information has been sourced from manufacturers’ websites. Specifications are indicative only and not reflective of the specifications of any potential aircraft order by Qantas.

Airbus A320 family

Includes the Airbus A320neo and A321neo
A320neo seats – from 150 to 180 for a two-class configuration. 6,300km range
A321neo seats – from 180 to 220 for a two-class configuration. 7,400km range
A321XLR seats – from 180 to 220 for a two-class configuration. 8,700km range
The A320neo family offers fuel improvements of 14 per cent from A320ceos
50 per cent quieter than the A320ceos
Pratt & Whitney GTF™ (PW1100G-JM) engines

Airbus A220

Specifically designed for the 100-150 seat market
More than 20 per cent lower fuel burn per seat than B717s, half the noise footprint, and decreased emissions
Up to 6,390km range
Pratt & Whitney GTF™ (PW1500G) engines

[1] Purchase right options provide the Qantas Group with a firm price and preferred access to delivery slots with
flexibility to match deliveries to demand.

Delta spotlights strengthened competitive advantages and brand momentum

Delta Air Lines today presents its plan for leading the air travel industry through the next phase of the recovery, powered by an intense focus on customers, the strength of its trusted consumer brand and its values-based, people-centric culture of service.

The airline is presenting its strategic priorities at its Capital Markets Day for the investor community, hosted at the New York Stock Exchange in New York City.

“It’s clear that the pandemic stress-tested the people of Delta in unprecedented ways, and our competitive advantages not only endured but were strengthened throughout the crisis,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s CEO. “Delta is outperforming the industry, and our path forward to leading the next phase of the recovery is taking shape thanks to the incredible work of our 75,000 people worldwide.”

During the event, senior leadership will discuss how Delta is expanding its platform to create value over the long term. Highlights from the day will include:

Competitive Advantages: Delta’s actions during the pandemic further strengthened its competitive advantages and enhanced its position as a trusted consumer brand
Industry Leadership: Delta is leading the industry operationally and financially by demonstrating agility, operational excellence and discipline
Brand Preference: Delta continues to elevate the customer experience through its best-in-class service and by investing across the travel ribbon, enhancing brand preference and loyalty
Earnings Power: Delta expects to deliver meaningful profitability in 2022 on its path to improved earnings power beyond pre pandemic levels by 2024
Financial Foundation: Delta’s top financial priority is restoring its financial foundation, with a focus on efficiency and cash generation to achieve investment grade metrics by 2024

“As our profitability improves, we are focused on reducing debt and strategically investing to build on our leadership position,” said Delta CFO Dan Janki. “We have a compelling strategy that we believe will allow us to exceed 2019 financial performance, deliver industry-leading margins and generate significant cash to de-lever the balance sheet over the next three years.”

Delta’s financial targets will be discussed in greater detail at the event, and include the following:

Financial Targets:

	2022	2023	2024
ASMs (vs. 2019)	~90%	~100%	100%+
Total Adjusted Revenue (ex-Refinery)	–	–	> $50B
NF CASM (vs. 2019)	Up 7% to 10%	Up Low to Mid-Single Digits	Up Low Single Digits
Fuel ($ / gallon)	$2.20 – $2.30	$2.20 – $2.30	$2.20 – $2.30
EPS	–	–	> $7.00
Gross Capital Expenditures	~$6B	~$5B to $5.5B	~$4.5B to $5B
Free Cash Flow	–	–	> $4B
Adjusted Net Debt	–	–	~$15B

Additional Metrics and Assumptions:

2024 operating margin in mid-teens
2024 operating cash flow > $9B
2024 adjusted debt / EBITDAR between 2.0x and 3.0x
2024 ending liquidity between $5B and $6B
2024 ROIC in the mid-teens

“As we look ahead, our priorities are strengthening our trusted consumer brand, restoring our financial performance and building a better future for our people and our planet,” Bastian said. “Our ambition is to transcend the industry and create significant long-term value for our people and our owners. As reconnecting the world becomes more important than ever, we are accelerating our path to reshape and redefine air travel.”

Delta also issued an investor update, raising December quarter financial guidance. The airline now expects to generate an adjusted pre-tax profit of ~$200 million in the December quarter.

Capital Markets Day will begin at 8:15 a.m. Eastern Standard Time and includes presentations from Bastian and Janki as well as Delta President Glen Hauenstein and President-International Alain Bellemare. It also will feature a Q&A with Bastian and Stephen J. Squeri, Chairman and CEO of American Express, in which they will discuss the growing value of the partnership between the two companies in the recovery and beyond.

American Airlines to restart daily flights from Munich to Charlotte

Munich Airport has made this announcement:

Starting tomorrow, the US carrier American Airlines will fly from Munich to Charlotte for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic in March last year.

The long haul Boeing 777-200 aircraft will arrive in Munich daily at 6:55 a.m. and take off again at 10:30 a.m. heading to the United States. Charlotte, in the U.S. state of North Carolina, is one of American Airlines’ largest hubs with numerous onward connections within the United States. With the comeback of American Airlines, all carriers which offered flight connections to North America before the pandemic are back on the start line in Munich.

The number of destinations is back to pre-crisis levels as well. Currently, travelers can reach eleven U.S. destinations and three cities in Canada nonstop from the Bavarian capital.

PLAY announces its first routes to the United States

PLAY has announced its first routes to the United States which will permit service to Europe via Keflavik:

PLAY, a low-cost airline operating flights between Iceland and Europe, announced today service in the United States, with the first flights to Europe taking off in spring 2022.

Starting today, travelers can book tickets from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to 22 European destinations including London, Paris, Berlin, Copenhagen, Dublin, Brussels, Stavanger, Trondheim, Gothenburg, and more.

Flight service from Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) will begin on April 20, 2022, and service from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) will begin on May 11, 2022.

Transportation costs and associated fees represents 54% of spending on trips to international destinations for American passengers. PLAY offers a streamlined, no-frills service without costly features such as magazines, Wi-Fi, and entertainment, allowing travelers to pay less and “play more.” Rather than spending on travel extras, PLAY passengers can instead allocate their budget on the meaningful experiences, dining, and excursions that make a trip memorable — or even add a stop to another destination along the way.

To date, PLAY has flown more than 87,500 passengers across Europe with an on-time arrival rate over 96%.

Qatar Airways Cargo extends its thanks and gratitude, plans for 2022

Qatar Cargo issued this statement:

“As 2021 draws to an end, Qatar Airways Cargo looks back on another eventful year. The American author and activist, Sharon Weil sums up the experience of the past 12-19 months best: ‘Navigating change is the new stability’. Qatar Airways Cargo has forged ahead with its strategic focus on growth, sustainability, and digitalization in the face of uncertainty, and we are thankful to also draw our stability from the support our dedicated customers and employees have shown and continue to show on a daily basis. We know that Qatar Airways Cargo would not be able to navigate the many challenges and changes in our industry so successfully without you. For this, we thank you”, Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo of Qatar Airways Cargo, extends his appreciation in a corporate communication.

The year in figures

January to November 2020 saw a tonnage growth of 3.78% in chargeable weight over the same period in 2019 while January to November 2021 saw an even higher growth of 13.42% over the same period last year. Qatar Airways Cargo transported 1,574,705 tonnes between January to November 2021… A significant part of the tonnage continued to be medical equipment, PPE, and critical supplies to combat the pandemic, including free medical aid to India at the height of the crisis there in April and May. So far, more than 500,000 tonnes of medical cargo have flown on board of Qatar Airways Cargo since the start of the pandemic. Among these, 500 million COVID-19 vaccines were transported throughout its network, out of which more than 72 million doses were flown under UNICEF’s COVAX program, Qatar Airways Cargo signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UNICEF in February this year, covering 5 years of vaccine transport support.

Having received CEIV Pharma certification at the end of last year, Qatar Airways Cargo concentrated its efforts in further enhancing its Pharma product and industry presence. In June, it introduced Envirotainer’s Innovative Releye® RLP container, offering customers high-level yet cost-effective, sustainable cargo protection. In July, Qatar Airways Cargo became a member both of Pharma.Aero as well as the Cool Chain Association, in its endeavor to collaborate in defining the highest standards in the shipment of valuable pharma goods and ensuring sustainability in transportation by avoiding integrity deviations leading to medical or food wastage. Qatar Airways Cargo transported close to 72,000,000 kg of pharmaceuticals between 1 January 2021 to 30 November2021 – with a revenue increase of 8% compared to the previous year During the same period, the airline transported close to 280,000,000 kg of perishables, an increase of 16% in revenue over the previous year.

All other products also saw positive growth in 2021, as the Qatar Airways passenger network began to resume operations once more to previously suspended destinations.

Network and fleet growth

The year began with a world premiere, as Qatar Airways Cargo took delivery of three brand new Boeing 777 freighters on a single day, bringing its total freighter fleet count to 34 freighters: two Boeing 747-8 freighters, 26 Boeing 777 freighters, and six B777-300ER mini freighters. Services to Saudi Arabia were resumed in January, for the first time since 2017, and Qatar Airways Cargo soon appointed General Sales Agents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Arab Republic of Egypt. In October, it increased its presence across Central Eastern Europe with the appointment of a new GSSA for Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Qatar Airways Cargo served over 60 freighter destinations in 2021, and together with Qatar Airways’ passenger or bellyhold cargo network of over 140 destinations,, the airline welcomed new destinations to the network this year, Almaty in Kazakhstan and Odesa in Ukraine being the most recent new destinations launched.

Its solid network and consistent high-level service earned Qatar Airways Cargo three awards – Cargo Operator of the Year at the ATW Airline Awards, and Cargo Airline of the Year as well as Air Cargo Industry Achievement Award at Air Cargo Week’s World Air Cargo Awards.

Investments in our future

Sustainability comes in many forms. In February, the second chapter of Qatar Airways Cargo’s WeQare sustainability program “Rewild the Planet”, was launched, and in May a moving film tribute depicted the incredible journey of seven rescued lions from the Ukraine to South Africa. Not only is Qatar Airways Cargo currently planning the next complex and emotionally intense “Rewild the Planet” move, but it is also preparing to launch Chapter 3 of WeQare. More details will be disclosed early next year.

In November, Qatar Airways became the first carrier to join the IATA CO2NNECT platform, launching a new voluntary carbon offsetting program for air cargo shipments. The first carbon neutral air cargo shipments were flown in cooperation with Qatar Airways Cargo’s launch customer, Kuehne+Nagel, on November 1, 2021.

Preparing a digital future, today

Qatar Airways Cargo underwent extensive digital enhancement during the year. In January, together with CHAMP Cargosystems and Agility, it completed the first phase of the IATA ONE Record pilot to showcase the initiative’s benefits and feasibility of defining a common API (Application Programming Interface) for all electronic platforms in use along the entire supply chain: This aims to standardise air cargo data exchange protocol for better data quality, control, transparency, and ease of connectivity. In a similar vein, in March, IATA launched its Enhanced Partner Identification and Connectivity (EPIC) platform to support the digitisation of the global air cargo supply chain. Qatar Airways Cargo provided key input during the project’s pilot phase and meanwhile 32 airlines, 94 freight forwarders, and other industry stakeholders have joined the growing community which will eventually bring about total digital transformation of the industry.

Throughout the first half of the year, Qatar Airways Cargo rolled out its capacities on the Freightos WebCargo third party eBooking platform, first across few selected countries in February, then throughout the European region in June, followed by the United States of America. in July, and finally the rest of the world in August, offering customers a real-time pricing and booking platform.Also in February, Qatar Airways Cargo became a premium member of Validaide, enabling its customers to make informed decisions on selecting the optimum routing for their time and temperature sensitive pharma shipments. Later, in August, Qatar Airways Cargo and WiseTech Global implemented a direct data connection to extends CargoWise’s direct airline integrations and improve digital data interaction.

The year ahead

“Digitalization will continue to be a core focus in 2022, since it is a major enabler in ensuring quality, speed, efficiency, excellent customer service, and flight safety. The latter will be further supported by our Unit Load Device (ULD) fleet rollover to Safran’s new, Fire Resistant Containers. We will continue to invest in the quality of our products, in our unrelenting push for highest quality standards in our industry, and will continue to collaborate with our customers, partners, and staff, to deliver true value to the market. For us at Qatar Airways Cargo, it is not enough to be the largest cargo airline; our mission is to be the world’s best cargo airline” Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo of Qatar Airways Cargo, outlines.

Top Copyright Photo: Qatar Airways Cargo Boeing 777-FDZ A7-BFG (msn 42299) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 956142.

Qatar Airways aircraft slide show:

Qatar Airways aircraft photo gallery:

The WestJet Group opposes re-introduction of blanket air travel advisory

The WestJet Group is expressing its strong opposition to the travel advisory issued by the Government of Canada. The targeted advice outlined is not based on science and data and significantly undermines aviation’s proven safety record in response to COVID-19. These measures are a setback in Canada’s progress and its successful transition from relying on blanket advisories and policies.

“Air travel is the most tested and protected consumer activity in Canada, every person travelling internationally is tested on average twice throughout their travel journey,” said Harry Taylor, WestJet President and CEO. “As the only fully-vaccinated air travel sector in the world, WestJet is calling on the government to publicly share the travel related COVID-19 data that has been used to re-impose the advisory and advice targeted towards fully-vaccinated Canadians and the travel and tourism industry.”

International travel standards and policies should be harmonized, yet Canada’s travel measures remain firmly out of step with border policies enacted across the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States. The advisory announced today, contradicts WHO’s guidance that states blanket travel bans will not prevent the international spread of COVID-19 and adversely affect lives and livelihoods. The Government of Canada should continue to focus on vaccinations and testing, as the pathway for safe and fully-vaccinated international air travel must be preserved.

“Since the onset of the pandemic, we have safely flown more than seven million guests and air travel has been commended for its commitment to safety. Fully-vaccinated Canadians should not be singled-out for choosing to take part in a safe activity,” continued Taylor. “Travel bans, restrictions and blanket advisories are devastating to the continued economic recovery of our country and place tens of thousands of recently recalled Canadian travel and tourism jobs at risk. We are very concerned today’s announcement will create unnecessary disruption and chaos in advance of the holiday travel season.”

Since the onset of the pandemic, The WestJet Group has responded to COVID-19 to ensure the safety of all. The airline has implemented its own measures in response to the pandemic including a zero-tolerance mask policy, enhancing health and safety measures, suspending sun flights and implementing the airline’s mandatory vaccination policy for employees and air travelers.

aha! adds Spokane, will add Palm Springs on January 3, 2022

aha! powered by veteran ExpressJet Airlines is excited to become part of the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene region with its inaugural nonstop flight to Reno on December 15, 2021. The inaugural flight begins aha! service between Reno-Tahoe International Airport and Spokane International Airport.

Flight Schedule
Through Jan. 3, 2021, flights operate each Monday, Wednesday and Friday departing Spokane International Airport at 3:15 p.m. PT arriving in Reno-Tahoe at 5:14 p.m. PT. Reno to Spokane flights depart at 12:25 p.m. PT and arrive at 2:24 p.m. PT. Beginning Jan. 6, flights will operate each Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday departing Spokane at 2:55 p.m. and arriving Reno at 4:54 p.m. Return flights will depart Reno at 12:05 p.m. and arrive Spokane at 2:04 p.m.

In other news, aha! has extended its bookable flight schedule through May 31, 2022.

aha! current route system includes three weekly flights between Reno-Tahoe and:

Bakersfield, Calif.
Eugene/Springfield, Ore.
Eureka/Arcata, Calif.
Fresno/Yosemite, Calif.
Medford/Ashland, Ore.
Ontario/Los Angeles, Calif.
Pasco/Tri-Cities, Wash.
Redmond/Bend, Ore.

Future aha! scheduled flights will include:

Spokane, Wash. (begins Dec. 15, 2021)
Palm Springs, Calif. (begins Jan. 3, 2022)

aha! plans to announce service to additional cities in 2022 offering travelers in the western United States the opportunity to enjoy exciting, short vacations to Reno and Lake Tahoe.

The quick, nonstop flights aboard ExpressJet 50-seat Embraer ERJ145 regional jets.

Top Copyright Photo: aha! – ExpressJet Airlines Embraer ERJ 145LR (EMB-145LR) N839HK (msn 14500829) ONT (Michael B. Ing). Image: 956014.

aha! aircraft slide show:

aha! aircraft photo gallery:

Behind the Scenes: Building American’s Airbus A321neo aircraft at Mobile, Alabama

American Airlines pulled the curtains back to show the construction of it new Airbus A321neo at Mobile, Alabama:

We recently took delivery of our 50th Airbus aircraft assembled in Mobile, Alabama. To commemorate the occasion, we’ll be sharing a five-part series to give you a behind-the-scenes look at how our A321neos are assembled.

Part 1: By sea, land and air

It’s before sunrise at the Port of Mobile in Mobile, Alabama, on a humid June morning. The Mobile Express cargo ship is in port, enjoying a much-needed rest after a 13-day journey covering more than 4,500 miles that began in St. Nazaire, France. On board are components for one of American’s newest Airbus A321neo aircraft, arriving for assembly at the Airbus U.S. Final Assembly Line.

Part 2: When two become one

It’s time to start putting the pieces of this 146-foot-long puzzle together. It takes more than 3,000 rivets and two days to join the front and rear fuselage sections. Even with all the modern technology that goes into aircraft production, hand-held tools are used to ensure precision assembly. Watch our Airbus A321neo take shape in the second in a series of five videos documenting the assembly of American’s A321neo.

Part 3: Getting our wings and a tail

Today, the neo earns her wings! The fuselage moves down the line and the wings are attached. With the addition of sharklets and LEAP-1A engines, the A321neo is 15% more fuel efficient than previous generation aircraft. The tail is also installed, giving the neo her first splash of red, white and blue. American’s A321neo is almost ready to take to the skies in the third video detailing her assembly.

Part 4: Interior design

As the Airbus A321neo continues to take shape, we move inside and focus on creature comforts. From lightweight galleys to spacious Airspace XL overhead bins, things on the inside are coming together – it’s just a matter of time before neo takes to the skies. Watch the fourth video in a series chronicling the assembly of American’s A321neo.

Part 5: Dress to impress

Before taking the runway, our new Airbus A321neo gets dressed to impress. It’s no easy feat, either. It takes 125 gallons of paint and eight days to get runway ready. Any guesses as to how many colors there are in American’s livery? Find out in the last video in our series documenting American’s A321neo assembly.

*Note: These videos were filmed before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Electra Aero and flyv to reinvent regional air travel in Europe with on-demand hybrid-electric eSTOL planes

Electra Aero made this announcement:

A new generation of cost-efficient hybrid-electric aircraft is making on-demand regional air travel commercially feasible. Electra.aero, a US-based clean aviation technology company and flyv, a German company creating On Demand Air Mobility solutions, have partnered to develop a revolutionary customer-centric air mobility solution that leverages the economic advantages of Electra’s sustainable flight technology to offer travelers the quickest, most cost-effective route between locations in underserved regional travel markets in Europe.

Passengers will fly on Electra’s hybrid-electric, ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL)aircraft, a fixed-wing plane that uses a unique combination of proven blown lift technology, hybrid-electric power, and distributed propulsion to operate on runways as small as 100×300 feet. The quiet, piloted plane delivers substantially lower emissions and operating costs than conventional aircraft. Batteries are recharged mid-flight, eliminating the need for ground charging infrastructure and enabling quick flight turnaround in diverse environments. The flyv service will initially operate between airports and eventually provide point-to-point intercity travel, taking full advantage of the Electra eSTOL’s ability to take off and land in places previously inaccessible by flight.

flyv is a novel airline focused on regional air mobility. In lieu of a traditional hub and spoke network, the flyv scheduling platform uses a proprietary algorithm to optimize the daily flight schedule based on paid bookings and operational constraints. flyv will provide customers a guaranteed fixed travel timeframe to their destination at the point of booking, and exact itinerary details prior to departure.