Eurowings aims for more sustainability on board

Eurowings made this announcement:

Germany’s largest holiday airline will be offering a new, more sustainable catering concept on board in the future. Eurowings is increasingly taking the sourcing of products into account and is focusing on a more intensive cooperation with suppliers of sustainable, preferably regional products.

“Avoiding plastic waste is another important part of our more sustainable in-flight product. By 2025, 100 percent of our plastic packaging and in-flight products will be made from renewable or recycled materials” said Lorenza Maggio, Vice President of Customer Experience & Marketing at Eurowings.

Eurowings already uses wooden stirrers and cardboard cups instead of their plastic alternatives, and largely does without cellophane packaging in its Wings Shop offerings.

Also high on the agenda: reducing the amount of food waste. To achieve this goal, Eurowings has decided, among other things, on an exceptional campaign: the airline is introducing a “Happy Hour” on the last flight of each day. Guests will be able to purchase fresh food such as sandwiches or snacks at a 50 percent discount. With the help of artificial intelligence, Eurowings will acquire data from each flight and continuously adjust the loaded amounts to the actual demand in order to reduce waste.

As part of Lufthansa Group, Eurowings has also committed to reducing its carbon emissions to 50 percent compared to 2019 by 2030 and to becoming carbon-neutral on board and on the ground by 2050. But sustainability does not stop at carbon emissions. Social and societal issues are another important part of Eurowings’ sustainability strategy. Accordingly, the airline also considers social sustainability in the selection of its cooperation partners and products on board.

More choices and sustainability in the Wings Bistro

Eurowings passengers will have a wider selection of vegan and vegetarian snacks and meals in the Wings Bistro going forward โ€“ vegan rolls with selected regional ingredients, for example.

Eurowings has been successfully cooperating with the companyย “share”ย for several years now. With each bottle of water purchased on board, passengers invest in clean drinking water supply for people in Zimbabwe or Kenya. New on board: theย “Lemonaid”ย brand โ€“ each lemonade purchased not only supports fair trade, but also social projects in the countries where its ingredients are originally grown. For those who prefer to enjoy a hot beverage, Eurowings now also offersย “ChariTea”ย brand organic tea. As before, the tried and testedย “bring your own cup”ย concept remains in place โ€“ passengers who bring their own cup not only reduce the use of plastic, but also receive a 50-cent discount on the drink they ordered.

New sustainable products in the Wings Shop

Withย “STOP THE WATER WHILE USING ME!”,ย Eurowings has found another partner that meets strict sustainability criteria for manufacturing its products: the climate-neutral skincare range does not use any synthetic ingredients or animal testing. The purchase of a product supports the “Good Water Projects”.

Passengers will also findย “Bracenet”ย on board: high-quality, upcycled bracelets which are handcrafted in Hamburg from old fishing nets recovered from the ocean.

Beyond this, Eurowings passengers have the opportunity to make an active contribution on board by donating one euro that directly benefits the aid organizationย “help alliance”ย when they purchase a meal or product. Each donation provides two children with a full, healthy meal at school each day.

Eurowingsโ€™ commitment to more sustainability does not end with the products offered on board. It can also be seen in the production of the new bistro and shop cards: in addition to a shiny new design, they are also more eco-friendly and are made of 100 percent FSC-certified recycled paper. The carbon equivalents emitted during production are completely offset.

Mammoth Freighters announces its launch customer for its 777 freighter: Cargojet Airways

Mammoth Freighters LLC has announced that Cargojet Airways Ltd. is the launch customer for its new 777-200LR freighter with the signing of a sales agreement for two initial 777-200LRMF freighters. Cargojet has additional options for two 300ERMFs and two additional 200LRMFs.

MSN 29747, the prototype (conformity) article for certification, will be the first aircraft delivered to Cargojet. The aircraft is expected to begin the conversion process in mid-2022 with delivery to Cargojet in the second half of 2023.

Cargojet is Canadaโ€™s leading provider of time sensitive premium air cargo services to all major cities across North America, providing dedicated ACMI and International Charter services and carries over 25,000,000 pounds of cargo weekly. Cargojet operates its network with its own fleet of thirty-one (31) aircraft.

The addition of Mammothโ€™s 777-200LRMF freighter completes the Cargojet fleet profile. The Mammoth 777 is tomorrowโ€™s freighter today; a fuel efficient, heavy lifting, high-volume, long-range aircraft operating with clean, efficient, and reliable GE90-110/115B engines.

The new Flybe to relaunch in 2022, based in Birmingham

Flybe shut down all operations on March 5, 2020 leaving passengers stranded.

The defunct company was acquired by Thyme Opco.

The reborn carrier now intends to restart operations in 2022, this time based in Birmingham.

Birmingham Airport issued this statement:

One of Britainโ€™s newest commercial airlines in several decades, Flybe Ltd, has announced that Birmingham Airport will be its new company headquarters and first new crew base.

Amongst one of the first UK airlines to be certified by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) since Brexit, Flybe will serve key regions across the UK and EU with operations scheduled to begin in early 2022. Birmingham Airportโ€™s Diamond House will be the location of the companyโ€™s new HQ and Operations Centre, in a move that is expected to create approximately 200 direct* new jobs in the Birmingham and West Midlands region over the next three years, with an estimated additional 400 direct jobs to be created nationwide during that same time frame.

Flybe CEO Dave Pflieger said: โ€œWe are thrilled to be partnering with Birmingham Airport (BHX), the City of Birmingham, and the Mayor of West Midlands to make BHX the location of our new headquarters and first crew base. It was an ideal choice for us due to its great people and highly skilled workforce, its central UK location, and the fact that Birmingham Airport is a global travel hub where local and connecting customers have access to over 150 worldwide destinations. Todayโ€™s announcement marks the culmination of over 12 months of dedicated hard work by all involved, and it would not have been possible without the support of the CAA and the UK Government.โ€

Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands, said: โ€œIt really is such brilliant news that Flybe is coming back as a commercial airline, and even better that it has chosen Birmingham to house its new headquarters.

โ€œNot only does this mean better domestic and international connectivity for our region as well as local jobs and opportunities being created here, but itโ€™s yet another show of faith in the West Midlands with businesses choosing to commit to our region as we recover from the pandemic.

โ€œFlybeโ€™s choice highlights the strength of the aerospace sector in the West Midlands and the talent pool available, and I wish Dave and his team all the very best ahead of their official launch early next year.โ€

Nick Barton, Chief Executive, Birmingham Airport, added: โ€œFlybeโ€™s announcement that Birmingham has been chosen to become the headquarters for its launch next spring is fantastic news for our regionโ€™s connectivity needs, and it will bring with it some great new employment opportunities. Daveโ€™s vast experience in managing start-up airlines and turnaround situations, coupled with the recovery of the Midlandsโ€™ economy post-Covid, means that Flybeโ€™s return to the skies from Birmingham is a shot in the arm for our airport as well as West Midlands businesses and communities. We look forward to working with Dave and his team in preparation for next spring and to launch such a well-known brand here in Birmingham.โ€

The launch of Flybe is expected to not only enhance essential regional connectivity in the UK and create many valuable airline industry jobs, but also help restart many local economies as they rebound from the pandemic. This, in turn, should contribute to additional growth in the Midlands and assist with new and ongoing efforts to level-up the country.

Pflieger added that โ€œI also want to emphasize that a key area of focus from day one for Flybe will be environmental sustainability and ensuring we do everything possible to reduce our carbon footprint and GHGs. Our entire fleet will be comprised of the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400, which is a fast turboprop powered aircraft that can complete short journeys almost as quickly as a regional jet, but with lower CO2 emissions. In addition, we will also be partnering with local community charities and partners who are focused on the environment as well as other causes which align with our corporate goals and values.

โ€œAs for whatโ€™s next, please stay tuned. We plan to provide more information in the coming weeks and months about ticket prices, new routes and destinations, and other important news that will help customers visit loved ones, get away for a weekend, and get out on business trips. This is an incredibly exciting time for us, and we look forward to sharing more updates in the future.โ€ย 

Todayโ€™s news follows the April 2021 sale of the business and assets of Flybe Ltd (in Administration, now renamed FBE Realisations Ltd) to Thyme Opco Limited (now renamed Flybe Limited).

*Based on industry data, it is estimated that an additional two indirect and induced jobs are created for every direct airline job.

Previously on April 14, 2021 Flybe issued this statement:

The Joint Administrators of the company previously known as Flybe Limited, now FBE Realisations 2021 Limited (in Administration), Simon Edel, Alan Hudson, Joanne Robinson and Lucy Winterborne of EYโ€™s Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy team, have on 13 April 2021 completed the sale of Flybeโ€™s business and assets to a new company affiliated with investment adviser Cyrus Capital. The new company previously known as Thyme Opco Limited, will now be renamed โ€œFlybe Limitedโ€.

This announcement marks the successful completion of the asset purchase agreement, which was signed on 19 October 2020, and includes the transfer of Flybe jobs, as well as assets and other parts of the business to the buyer.

Simon Edel, Joint Administrator and EY-Parthenon Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy (TRS) Partner said: โ€œCompletion of the sale of Flybe is positive news for local communities previously served by Flybe. The launch of a new Flybe will enhance regional connectivity across the UK and create new job opportunities within the airline industry. Flybe stands to make an important contribution to local economies as they rebuild after the pandemic and as restrictions ease to allow an increase in air travel.โ€

A Flybe Limited spokesperson added: โ€œWe are extremely excited to announce the conclusion of almost six months of dedicated hard work by the great team at Flybe, the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the European Commission, and the many others who made this announcement possible. Todayโ€™s news represents a critical first step in our mission to accomplish the first-ever rescue of an insolvent British airline.

โ€œSubject to further success with vaccinations and relaxation of travel restrictions, we plan to launch a new and much improved Flybe sometime this Summer on many of our former routes where there remains a critical need for a strong, reliable, and customer-focused airline. While our company will initially be smaller than before, we intend to grow, create valuable jobs, and make significant contributions to essential regional connectivity in the UK and EU.โ€

The Joint Administrators were appointed on 5 March 2020 following the significant disruption to the airline industry caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the Administration, Flybe was a UKbased independent regional airline in the UK carrying around eight million passengers a year between 81 airports across the UK and the rest of Europe.

Flybe (1st) aircraft slide show:

Flybe (1st) aircraft photo gallery:

Enerjet relaunches as Lynx Air, Canadaโ€™s newest airline

Lynx Air (Lynx) has announced its arrival as Canadaโ€™s newest ultra-affordable airline, on a mission to make Canadian air travel accessible to all, with low fares, a fleet of brand-new Boeing 737 aircraft and great customer service.

Lynx will adopt the ultra low-cost carrier model, which has revolutionized air travel across Europe and the United States, offering low fares, flexibility and choice. The airline has selected Calgary as its headquarters and plans to announce routes and schedules soon.

Merren McArthur has been named CEO and President of Lynx, bringing a wealth of aviation experience to the role. She has served as CEO of ultra low-cost carrier Tigerair Australia, CEO of Virgin Australia Regional Airlines and founding CEO of Virgin Australia Cargo.

“We are excited to bring competition and choice to the Canadian aviation market at a time when Canadians are yearning for the opportunity to fly again, whether it be to see friends and family or to take a long-awaited holiday,โ€ McArthur said. โ€œWe have created an ultra-affordable fare structure which is focused on simplicity, transparency and choice. Our ร  la carte pricing will empower passengers to pick and pay for the services they want, so they can save money on the trip and spend where it counts โ€“ at their destination.”

Lynx will operate a fleet of Boeingโ€™s newest 737 aircraft, featuring leading-edge fuel-efficient technology. The airline has firm orders and lease agreements in place for a total of 46 aircraft over the next seven years to meet anticipated demand. The first three Boeing 737s will arrive in early 2022.

Lynx Air (Lynx), formerly Enerjet, is Canadaโ€™s newest ultra-affordable airline. Headquartered in Calgary, Lynx is on a mission to make air travel accessible to all, with low fares, a fleet of brand-new Boeing 737 aircraft and great customer service.

Lynx is a privately owned Canadian airline with the financial backing and industry expertise required to transform the Canadian aviation landscape.

Ibom Air purchases ten Airbus A220 aircraft

Akwa Ibom state government owned airline in Nigeria, Ibom Air has signed a firm order for ten (10) A220s at the Dubai Airshow.

The signing was done by Mfon Udom, the chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, and Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International in the presence of the Akwa Ibom state Governor, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.

Nigeria, with the largest population in Africa and the largest GDP, offers substantial growth potential in both domestic and regional travel. The A220 is therefore the ideal choice for a full range of services from very short-haul segments to intra-continental air routes.

Ibom Air currently operates two A220s. The airline flies to Uyo, Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. The purchase of the new A220s will enable the airline to continue on its growth path, offering new routes across not just Nigeria, but to the west African region and to Africa at large.

Singapore Airlines expects to resume Boeing 737 MAX flights this year

From Reuters:

“Singapore Airlines Ltd expects to resume Boeing Co 737 MAX flights before the end of the year, a senior executive said on Tuesday, in a positive sign for the model’s return in Asia.

The city-state’s aviation regulator approved 737 MAX flights in September.”

Above Copyright Photo: Joe G. Walker.

American Airlines plans to open new Austin Admirals Club

American Airlines will break ground soon on a new 15,000+-square-foot Admirals Club at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). The lounge can seat more than 250 customers, making it the largest airport lounge in Austin, Texas. Construction on the new lounge, which will be near Gate 14, will begin next year.

The inspiration for the lounge is taken from the city itself, reflecting the urban fabric of Rainey Street, Austin Parks, local art and music. Customers can get a taste of the Austin vibe throughout their experience in the Admirals Club. Once open, customers will also be entertained by local musicians.

Inspiration used in designing the new AUS Admirals Club. Rendering is subject to change as design strategy is not yet final.

The existing Admirals Club will remain fully operational while the new club is being constructed. More information, including the opening date, will be shared at a later date.

Americanโ€™sย Admirals Club loungesย are membership-based lounges that include access to more than 60 Admirals Clubs and partner lounges worldwide. Customers traveling on an American Airlines or oneworld allianceยฎ ticketed flight may also purchase a day pass to an Admirals Club. Admirals Club lounges feature complimentary amenities like food and beverages, Wi-Fi, digital magazines and newspapers as well as services like personal travel assistance, business centers and kids rooms.

Growth in Austin

American, the largest airline in Texas, continues to expand in Austin alongside the regionโ€™s exponential growth. Over the last year, American has added more than 25 new nonstop routes to and from Austin and its partnerships with airlines like British Airways, JetBlue and Alaska Airlines have provided even more ways to connect from Austin to around the world.

Delta is ready to welcome up to 5.6M customers during Thanksgiving travel period

Delta Air Lines has made this announcement:

Theย Thanksgiving holiday period is expected toย returnย toย levels not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic, with Delta anticipating up to 5.6 million passengers from Nov. 19-30.

To supportย customers,ย Delta has increasedย staffing levels across the operation including inย customer service and reservations, and new flight attendants have graduated to accommodate the growing number of flights being restored.

The anticipated volumeย representsย a nearly threefold increase over the pandemic-battered 2020 season (2.2 million passengers). U.S. leisure travel hasย fully recovered to 2019 levelsย as vaccination rates climb.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving Day is expected to be the busiest day of the period, matching the single-dayย post-downturnย record ofย 520,000 set this past Sunday.

In addition to a busy domestic schedule, Delta has seen a 450% increase in international point-of-sale bookings in the six weeks between the U.S. border reopening on Nov. 8 and the date it was announced. Many international flights are expected to operate with high passenger volume throughout the following weeks.

American to cut 27 routes, mostly from New York

American Airlines is planning to cut 27 routes in early 2022, mostly serving New York City according to The Points Guy:

Routes to be cut:

From Boston:

Raleigh-Durham effective January 4, 2022

From Charlotte:

Champaign/Urbana, IL effective April 5, 2022

Toledo effective April 5, 2022

From Chicago (O’Hare):

Charlottesville, VA effective April 5, 2022

From New York-LaGuardia:

Asheville effective March 27, 2022

Bangor effective January 4, 2022

Boston effective January 4, 2022

Charleston, SC effective January 4, 2022

Martha’s Vineyard effective June 17, 2022

Myrtle Beach, SC effective June 2, 2022

Nantucket effective June 17, 2022

Orlando effective January 4, 2022

Pensacola effective May 5, 2022

Philadelphia effective January 4, 2022

Portland, ME effective January 4, 2022

Savannah effective June 3, 2022

Traverse City, MI effective June 2, 2022

From New York-JFK:

Liberia, Costa Rica effective April 5, 2022

Montreal effective January 4, 2022

San Antonio effective January 4, 2022

San Jose, Costa Rica effective April 5, 2022

Toronto (Pearson) effective January 4, 2022

From Philadelphia:

Baltimore effective April 5, 2022

Charleston, WV effective April 5, 2022

Ottawa effective April 5, 2022

From Phoenix:

Vancouver effective April 5, 2022

Calgary effective April 5, 2022

Akasa Air orders 72 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes to launch service in India

Praveen Iyer, chief commercial officer, Akasa Air; James McBride, Boeing sales director; John Bruns, Boeing vice president, Commercial Sales & Marketing, India & Southeast Asia; Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president, Commercial Sales & Marketing; Aditya Ghosh, co-founder, Akasa Air; Vinay Dube, chief executive officer, Akasa Air, and Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and chief executive officer, after Akasa Air ordered (72) 737 MAX airplanes to build its fleet. (Boeing Photo)

Boeing and Akasa Air, a brand of SNV Aviation, today announced the new Indian carrier has ordered (72) 737 MAX airplanes to build its fleet. Valued at nearly $9 billionย at list prices, the order is a key endorsement of the 737 family’s capability to serve the rapidly growing Indian market.

Akasa Air’s order includes two variants from the 737 MAX family, the 737-8 and the high-capacity 737-8-200. Providing the lowest seat-mile costs for a single-aisle airplane as well as high dispatch reliability and an enhanced passenger experience, the 737 MAX will ensure Akasa Air has a competitive edge in its dynamic home market.