Florian Kruse, CEO of Evia Aero (left) and William Hynett, Chief Executive at Britten-Norman (right)
Evia Aero, a pioneering German company dedicated to transforming European travel through sustainable and carbon-neutral aviation, has signed a letter of intent with Britten-Norman to purchase 15 new Britten-Norman Islander aircraft.
The 15 Islander aircraft acquired from Britten-Norman will commence delivery at the beginning of 2027. These aircraft will subsequently be converted to zero-emissions platforms powered by hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion systems.
In addition to the aircraft purchase, the collaboration includes the redesigning of the Islanderโs interior for a next-generation passenger experience. The new interiors will combine increased passenger comfort and functionality, as well as ensuring compatibility with sustainable aviation technologies.
The partnership aims to set new benchmarks for regional travel by providing practical, zero-emissions aircraft fuelled by green energy generated on-site at regional airports. The approach supports Evia Aeroโs strategy to implement sustainable, point-to-point regional air routes connecting European economic hubs, offering passengers a climate-neutral and time-saving alternative.
This agreement underscores a shared vision for the future of aviation that balances economic growth and environmental sustainability. Through innovation and strategic partnerships, Evia Aero and Britten-Norman are paving the way for a greener, more efficient future for regional air travel.
Florian Kruse, CEO at Evia Aero commented:
โWe are fully committed to the Britten-Norman Islander. The aircraft fulfils all the skills we need as an operator for short-haul flights. It is important to us to use a product that is already in use worldwide and has proven itself. With a revised customised cabin design, we will make the aircraft available to our customers.โ
William Hynett, Chief Executive at Britten-Norman, said:
โWe are proud to partner with Evia Aero in this groundbreaking endeavour. The adaptability of the Islander aircraft, combined with our commitment to a green future, provides us an opportunity to lead the way in sub-regional, zero-emission aviation.โ
Delta soars into Centennial year with game-changing innovations at CES 2025
Delta ushered in its 100th anniversary with a larger-than-life presence at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. Spearheaded by a first-of-its-kind keynote delivered by CEO Ed Bastian at Sphere, Deltaโs appearance at the tech event commemorated a century of groundbreaking aviation milestones and the airlineโs commitment to innovation, all powered by people.
Delta @CES 2025
Deltaโs announcements to kick off its centennnial year:
โNew marvels like AI, the digital revolution and sustainable technology are giving us incredible tools to transform the travel experience,โ said Bastian during the keynote. โBut amid the wonder of new technology, weโve always understood that the entire point of innovation is to lift people up.โ
From partnership announcements and visions of the future of travel to immersive experiences and a musical performance from multiple GRAMMY Award winning music icon Lenny Kravitz, relive all of Deltaโs best moments from CES 2025.
OPENING DAY KEYNOTE
As a buzz of excitement filled Sphere, Deltaโs presence at CES was undeniable, drawing a crowd of thousands of attendees. The keynote began with a moving, in-person monologue by awarding-winning actress Viola Davis, whose poignant words set the tone for what was to come. The audience was then taken on a fully immersive flight journey, with Bastian being joined on stage throughout the keynote by Delta people and industry leaders to showcase the new technology and partnerships that will be part of Deltaโs next 100 years.
DELTA CONCIERGE
USING MODERN TECHNOLOGY TO DRIVE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
For the second act of the keynote, Bastian was joined by Qualtrics Co-Founder & Chairman Ryan Smith and Delta flight attendant Jeanie Brady to discuss how customer feedback shapes the future of travel, teeing up the introduction of Delta Concierge.
Built into the Fly Delta app, Delta Concierge is a digital tool that uses generative AI to create seamless and personalized moments while making a customerโs journey easier โ almost like a personal assistant.
The always-on, AI-powered โDelta Conciergeโ promises personalized, contextual insights and experiences to help customers connect to their journey more meaningfully at every step. New partnership with Uber, advancements with Joby, shine light on โmulti-modalโ travel future.
CREATING NEW MODES OF SEAMLESS TRAVEL
Bastian also outlined a multi-modal future of travelโwhere a single customer itinerary will be connected from start to finish through deep partner integrations. Sharing the stage with Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, Bastian announced a new partnership with the transport company that will allow customers to link their Uberand SkyMiles accounts and earn miles for eligible rides and deliveries.
To further lean on the ecosystem of connected travel, Delta Concierge will also connect with Jobyโs electric air taxi service that promises to transform the travel experience with home-to-airport transportation in the years ahead.
REIMAGINING THE ONBOARD EXPERIENCE
To enhance its world-class onboard experience, Delta is introducing a groundbreaking cloud-based in-flight entertainment system. This new platform builds on the personalized Delta Sync experience that was launched in 2023 for SkyMiles Members, paving the way for expanded content offerings and collaborations with brands our customers know and love, like YouTube.
Alongside YouTube Chief Business Officer Mary Ellen Coe, Bastian announced a new partnership with the YouTube that will allow SkyMiles Members to enjoy their favorite creators, podcasts and music artists ad-free while onboard most flights with Delta Sync Wi-Fi and Delta Sync seatback as part of their in-flight entertainment.
THE FUTURE OF FLYING
As Delta continues to expand as an international airline, itโs the companyโs responsibility to continue increasing the worldโs access to travel. Thatโs why Deltaโs partnership with Airbus is so vital. Today, Delta operates more Airbus jets than any other airline in the world, so it was only fitting that for the final act of the keynote, Bastian was joined by Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Officer and Communications at Airbus, for a fireside chat to discuss the steps the companies are taking together to build a better world for the next 100 years.
Introduced during the fireside chat, a new partnership with Airbus UpNext will position the worldโs leading aircraft manufacturer and its largest operator at the forefront of advancing next generation aviation technologies to revolutionize the future of flying.
Announced during Deltaโs CES 2025 keynote, Delta will be a key partner with Airbusโ UpNext innovation lab; Airbus to also invest in scaling the production of sustainable aviation fuel through Minnesota SAF Hub.
Bastian and Kitcher were also joined by WAYE Founder Sinead Bovell to imagine how the aviation industry and travel experience might evolve to be more sustainable and adapt to customer needs in the coming decades.
THE ATTENDEE EXPERIENCE
Audience members at Sphere were in for a treat as multiple GRAMMY Award winning music icon Lenny Kravitz put on an exclusive performance after the commencement of the keynote.
But Deltaโs presence at CES went far beyond the main stage, with the airline kicking things off at 6 a.m. on Jan. 7 in the grandest way imaginable: transforming Sphereโs exterior โ the Exosphere โ into 360-degree, vibrant worlds representing the many destinations the airline connects its customers to. At night, Deltaโs activation shifted to feature five planes representing the evolution of aviation over Deltaโs 100-year history.
In Sphereโs Atrium, CES ticket holders were able to explore an interactive, pre-show exhibit prior to the keynote, all designed to celebrate Deltaโs 100-year history.
Delta Through the Years
Inspiring Delta employee stories and company artifacts showcased the history of aviation.
Virtual Pilot Training Experience
Attendees got a glimpse of what itโs like to fly at 30,000 feet, guided by Delta Pilots.
Delta Locals
Guests got to preview Delta Locals, a new travel planning platform from Delta that uses new platforms and emerging technology.
โDeltaโs appearance at CES is a testament to the strength of our brand and the exciting future ahead,โ said Chief Marketing Officer Alicia Tillman. โThis was an opportunity for attendees to experience who we are in a new and unforgettable way. As we look toward the next century, weโre committed to creating more moments that inspire and allow us to enrich our customer connections while continuing to spotlight and celebrate our incredible Delta people.โ
Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, proudly inaugurated its first wide-body operations with the arrival of the Airbus A330-200 today. This historic milestone marks a significant expansion for the airline, which began its journey in 2000 with a modest fleet of two aircraft. At the special event held at Velana International Airport to celebrate this landmark achievement, the President of the Maldives, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, graced the occasion with his presence along with the Vice President, Hussain Mohamed Latheef, several government dignitaries, and senior officials. The arrival of the Airbus A330-200 marks a historic milestone for Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, as it embarks on its first wide-body operations. This addition to the airlineโs fleet marks a significant milestone in its 25th year of service, expanding its capacity to connect the Maldives with more international destinations and travellers worldwide.
At the event, Island Aviation Servicesโ Managing Director, Mr. Ibrahim Iyas, emphasised the significance of the new aircraft in the companyโs growth strategy and its impact on the Maldivesโ tourism industry. He stated, โWith the introduction of our very first wide-body aircraft, we are now poised to expand our international flight capacity, open new routes, and connect the Maldives to long-haul destinations. This transformative step will not only strengthen our position as a global airline but also play a pivotal role in boosting the Maldivesโ tourism sector by making our islands more accessible to travellers from around the world.โ
The new Maldivian A330-200 aircraft will offer three cabin classes, providing seating for 264 passengers. The aircraft will feature 18 seats in Business Class, 36 in Premium Economy, and 210 in Economy Class, ensuring a comfortable journey for all travellers. This aircraft will enable the launch of direct flights to three major cities in China: Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, enhancing the global connectivity of the airline. This expansion is expected to provide a substantial boost to the Maldivesโ tourism industry, attracting more visitors from China and beyond.
With the introduction of the wide-body Airbus A330-200, Maldivian is set to significantly enhance its long-haul flight capabilities. The airline plans to further expand its routes to key destinations in Europe and South Africa. The increased passenger capacity and extended range of the new aircraft will allow the airline to better serve its international routes and meet the growing demand for travel between the Maldives, China, and key tourist destinations.
An airshow featuring Maldivianโs Dash-8, DHC-6 Twin Otters, and ATR aircraft was held at Velana International Airport during the event, showcasing the airlineโs current fleet. The airshow was visible from various locations in Malรฉ and Hulhumalรฉ. In addition, the airshow was followed by the announcement of an exciting photo and videography competition. Participants have the chance to win exciting prizes, including 5-star resort stays and international and domestic flight tickets. This airshow aims to engage the community and celebrate the airlineโs milestone in a creative and interactive way.
To continue the celebrations, a festival named โMaldivian Haveeree Ufaaโ is being organised for the public on January 11th. With the full participation of the airlinesโ staff, this event will feature interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and engaging activities designed to highlight the airlineโs offerings and achievements. The festival aims to foster a sense of community and pride among the public and employees alike as the airline celebrates this significant milestone.
52.7 Million Passengers Served โ A 15% Increase Over 2023
Highest-Ranked Middle Eastern Airport for Connectivity
Hamad International Airport achieved significant milestones in 2024, serving 52.7 million passengers, a 15% increase compared to the previous year. The airport continues to strengthen its role as a key global hub for airlines and passengers. Aircraft movements also rose to 279,000, marking an 10% year-on-year increase, while a total of 2.6 million tonnes of cargo handled, a rise of 12% compared to the previous year. Additionally, the airport managed 41.3 million bags, reflecting a 10% increase in baggage handling efficiency.
According to the Airport Council International’s “ACI” Airport Industry Connectivity Report 2024, Hamad International Airport was the highest-ranked airport in the Middle East for connectivity, providing passengers some of the best connection options through its award-winning facilities.
Local Market Expansion
In 2024, Hamad International Airport welcomed over 4 million travellers every month, reflecting its capacity to manage high volumes efficiently. Local passenger traffic grew by 16% – for the first time faster than transfer traffic – driven by Doha’s increasing appeal as a tourist destination and the joint-efforts with Qatar Tourism to attract charter services. Notably, the airport handled over 12 million point-to-point passengers.
Airline Partnerships and Regional Traffic Insights
The airport expanded its global network in 2024 to 197 destinations, with 55 total airlines operating from Hamad International Airport, including new airline partners like China Southern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Japan Airlines, Garuda Indonesia and Akasa Air. Its hub carrier Qatar Airways added numerous destinations to its network including Osaka, Hamburg, Lisbon and Toronto.
Passenger volumes showed strong growth across both eastern and western markets. Traffic to China surged by 87%, while emerging markets in Asia, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, also demonstrated robust growth. Mature European markets, including the UK, Germany, Spain, and France, achieved double-digit growth, reinforcing the airport’s global appeal.
Hamad Ali Al-Khater, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, commented: “Our record-breaking achievements underscore our vision of establishing Qatar as a premier global hub for connectivity, commerce, and tourism. These results highlight our operational efficiency, consistent pursuit of innovation, and unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional passenger experience, which has once again earned us the Skytrax World’s Best Airport Award in 2024”.
“November and December 2024 witnessed Hamad International Airport’s point-to-point passenger volumes surpassing those during the FIFA World Cup 2022, highlighting Doha’s rising prominence as a premier destination. As we commemorate our 10th anniversary, we are dedicated to the next chapterโenhancing infrastructure by adding more gates for passenger convenience before mid-2025, fortifying global partnerships, and contributing to Qatar’s economic growth”.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now accepting West Virginia-issued mobile driver licenses (mDLs) at checkpoints with digital ID readers nationwide.
Travelers who have downloaded the West Virginia Mobile ID app to their smart phone can use that for identity verification during the screening process in lieu of handing over a physical photo ID and boarding pass to the TSA security officer at the entry to the checkpoints at West Virginia International Yeager Airport and Huntington Tri-State Airport and other airports nationwide.
West Virginia has made the mobile ID available to all state residents at no additional cost. First make sure that you have been issued a license, permit, or non-driver ID card by the state. Then just download the West Virginia mobile ID app to add it to your smartphone.
Travelers who want to take advantage of this new capability will find that their West Virginia mobile ID is a convenient option when going through the security process. Travelers should always carry an acceptable form of ID such as a card or passport.
West Virginia residents can use their TSA approved Digital ID for identity verification at dozens of airports where TSA has credential authentication technology units. These units are equipped with digital ID readers and a camera that captures a real-time photo of the traveler to match the face of the person with the face on their ID. After the TSA officer clears the person into the checkpoint, the photos are deleted.
The units are also able to verify that an individual is ticketed for air travel that day, so the traveler does not need to show a boarding pass to the TSA officer, although a boarding pass is needed to present to the airline gate agent.
West Virginia is now the 14th state that offers digital IDs with interoperability with TSAโs credential authentication technology. The other states offering mobile driverโs licenses are Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Puerto Rico and Utah. TSA digital ID readers also accept the Google ID Pass. TSA is activating additional digital ID readers at airports nationwide in the coming weeks.
TSA continues to integrate new technologies into its identity verification process. Read more about these programs at www.tsa.gov/digital-id.
Southwest Airlines Co. and BBAM today announced the sale and leaseback of 36 Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The aircraft will be owned and leased to Southwest Airlines by Incline Aviation III, the third in BBAM’s flagship aviation investment fund series.
Steve Zissis, President and CEO of BBAM, said: “We are excited to partner with Southwest Airlines, one of the world’s most admired and awarded airlines, on this landmark sale-leaseback transaction. The transaction underscores BBAM’s commitment to delivering tailored fleet financing solutions and certainty of execution to our airline partners. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Southwest Airlines.”
Tammy Romo, Executive Vice President and CFO of Southwest Airlines, said: “This transaction is part of our ‘Southwest. Even Better.’ transformational plan introduced in September at Investor Day. By opportunistically monetizing surplus value from a portion of our existing all-Boeing 737 fleet, Southwest is generating significant cash to drive fleet modernization and offset capital expenditures in support of our capital allocation strategy. We are very pleased to partner with BBAM, one of the world’s leading aircraft lessors, on this transaction.”
For further information regarding this transaction, please refer to the Southwest Airlines Form 8-K filed with the SEC today.
We’ll offer the most nonstop destinations ever this summer from Alaska’s largest city along with daily Portland-Fairbanks service; other new nonstops begin this week across our network
For the first time this summer, Alaska Airlines is connecting Anchorage to both Detroit and Sacramento with seasonal nonstop flights, as well as resuming nonstop service between Fairbanks and Portland. Weekly, roundtrip flights to and from Detroit and Sacramento begin on June 14, 2025 โ which adds up to 15 nonstop destinations between Anchorage and the Lower 48 and Hawaii, the most we’ve ever served in the summer. We’ll start flying the Fairbanks-Portland route on May 15, 2025. Tickets can be purchased now at alaskaair.com.
“Our new routes provide guests with more options than ever to vacation this summer in the great state of Alaska,” said Kirsten Amrine, vice president of network planning and revenue management at Alaska Airlines. “The nonstop flights from Detroit and Sacramento will put travelers right in the heart of Alaska by skipping a layover, and Portlanders can enjoy nonstop service to Fairbanks.”
“Summer is a tremendous time to visit The Great Land of Alaska with our long, warm days, tremendous culture and adventure, and amazing wild Alaska seafood,” said Marilyn Romano, regional vice president of Alaska at Alaska Airlines. “There’s so much to do around Anchorage, and the city is a perfect jumping-off point to venture out to communities across the state, as well as hopping on a cruise. For Alaskans, we now have even more nonstop destinations to visit family and friends this summer.”
New nonstop routes
City Pair
Start Date
End Date
Frequency
Aircraft
Anchorage โ Detroit
June 14
Aug. 16
Saturday
737
Anchorage โ Sacramento
June 14
Aug. 16
Saturday
737
Fairbanks โ Portland
May 15
Aug. 19
Daily
E175
Here are the 15 nonstop destinations we’ll fly between Anchorage and the Lower 48 and Hawaii this summer: Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, New York JFK, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle.
We’re also launching a variety of new seasonal routes this week across our network with nonstops from Sacramento to the warm, sun-filled destinations of Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico; Orlando and Tucson. We also now fly nonstop for the winter season between Boise and Orlando โ home to major theme parks โ in addition to our new service linking New York JFK and Puerto Vallarta.
Start of new service this month
City Pair
Start Date
End Date
Frequency
Aircraft
Sacramento โ Los Cabos
Jan. 6
April 21
5x/week
737
Sacramento โ Tucson
Jan. 6
April 21
Daily
E175
Sacramento โ Orlando
Jan. 6
April 21
4x/week
737
Portland โ New Orleans
Jan. 6
May 14
Daily
737
Boise โ Orlando
Jan. 7
March 23
3x/week
737
New York JFK โ Puerto Vallarta
Jan. 8
April 20
4x/week
737
Sacramento โ Puerto Vallarta
Jan. 11
April 19
Weekly
737
Kansas City โ Cancun
Jan. 18
Aug. 9
Weekly
737
Kansas City โ Puerto Vallarta
Jan. 25
April 5
Weekly
737
St. Louis โ Puerto Vallarta
Jan. 25
April 5
Weekly
737
Alaska’s elevated travel experience offers a blend of comfort and caring service for a seamless journey, including no change fees, the most legroom in First Class* and Premium Class, and the most generous Mileage Plan with the fastest path to elite status. For inflight entertainment, our guests can enjoy hundreds of free movies and TV shows streamed to their devices. Our mainline flights are enabled with streaming-fast satellite Wi-Fi available for purchase, the option to pre-order from a range of fresh meal selections and power outlets at every seat to charge devices.
*Out of any U.S. legacy airline excluding lie-flat seats
You must be logged in to post a comment.