Harmonizing Air Travel Policy | Anuvu Finalist for Crystal Cabin Awards | Gogo Financial Report | Boeing News | OneWeb Personnel Changes

Global Policy Will Remove Headaches From International Travel

Led by Saudi Arabia, the Harmonizing Air Travel policy will transform the traveler experience by creating a single, trusted source of information on entry requirements for international travelers 

• The global aviation policy has been developed in cooperation with the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
• The Harmonizing Air Travel policy seeks to boost the recovery of the global aviation sector
• The policy framework was unveiled at the Kingdom’s inaugural Future Aviation Forum and will be formally presented at the 41^st ICAO General Assembly later in 2022

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced the Harmonising Air Travel policy, a framework that will make international travel simpler, easier and more enjoyable by removing the confusion over travel requirements currently discouraging millions of people from booking flights.

Designed in cooperation with the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the proposed framework will eradicate international travel confusion for passengers, carriers and governments by creating a single, clear, up-to-date online resource setting out requirements for entry to all participating countries.

The policy will be submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) General Assembly with the objective of receiving approval from Member States in October of this year.

GACA President HE Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Duailej said: “The pandemic exposed how disconnected the world really is. Our research shows that many people chose not to travel in 2021 – and will not travel in 2022 – because of confusing health requirements to get from country to country.  We are delighted to launch the Harmonizing Air Travel policy, a proposed framework that will unify and strengthen our industry by enabling it to navigate future health crises.

“Aviation is the lifeblood of the global economy, and it is crucial to safeguard it from future disruption. The Harmonizing Air Travel policy framework demonstrates the leadership role Saudi Arabia is taking to ensure that the sector thrives in the years to come.”

According to recent YouGov research, currently 32 percent of Americans, 47 percent of people in the Gulf, 40 percent of people in Italy and 40 percent of people in the UK say confusion over health requirements will prevent them from traveling in 2022.

The policy will create a harmonized international reporting mechanism for health crises using purpose-built digital communications tools, world-class governance and coordination processes, and a system that will facilitate universal compliance, such as a globally-recognized Digital Health certificate.

As a result, travelers will have access to clear guidelines and requirements needed to get from origin to arrival. The universal platform will be able to integrate all existing international aviation and government-to-government health crises communication systems.   

The Harmonizing Air Travel policy white paper was launched at the inaugural Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh. Hosted by GACA, global leaders, aviation heads and regulators convened to find solutions to the sector’s greatest challenges – including passenger experience, sustainability and business recovery post-COVID.  

Saudi Arabia aims to become the Middle East’s pre-eminent aviation hub. Its’ transport and logistics sector, a major pillar of the Vision 2030 economic transformation plan, is undergoing rapid development. The Kingdom aims to generate 356 billion SAR – or just under $100 billion USD – in investment into its aviation sector by 2030.

Anuvu Named A Finalist In The Crystal Cabin Awards 2022

Anuvu, a provider of high-speed connectivity and entertainment solutions for demanding worldwide mobility markets, announced that it has been named a Crystal Cabin Awards finalist in the category IFEC & Digital Services in partnership with Southwest Airlines for its new, ground-breaking connectivity solution enabling airlines to deliver the high-speed in-flight internet passengers’ demand.

“It’s an honor to be named a finalist in the prestigious Crystal Cabin Awards and highlighted among leading industry solutions that elevate the passenger experience as showcased in the free Wi-Fi trial currently underway with Southwest Airlines,” said Mike Pigott, Executive Vice President of Connectivity at Anuvu. “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Southwest Airlines for over a decade.”

“This recognition represents Anuvu’s commitment to innovation and marks their newest technology solution that will enhance the inflight connectivity experience for our passengers.” said Tony Roach, VP of Customer Experience and Customer Relations at Southwest Airlines..

The Crystal Cabin Awards, an initiative of cluster Hamburg Aviation, is presented in eight categories: “Cabin Concepts”, “Cabin Systems”, “Health & Safety”, “IFEC & Digital Services”, “Material & Components”, “Passenger Comfort”, “Sustainable Cabin”, and “University”. For each category, the 28 expert members of the jury select three finalists, who are invited to pitch their concepts to the jury in person at Aircraft Interiors Expo. The winners of the 2022 Crystal Cabin Award will be announced at a gala dinner in Hamburg on the evening of June 14.

Gogo Announces Record First Quarter Results and Updates 2022 Guidance

• First Quarter Revenue of $92.8 million, up 26% Year-over-Year, Net Income from Continuing Operations of $22.2 million, and Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾of $42.8 million also up 26% Year-over-Year
• Gogo 5G on Track for Commercial Launch in the Second Half of 2022

• Record total revenue of $92.8 million increased 26% compared to Q1 2021 fueled by strong growth in both service and equipment revenue.
  • Record service revenue of $70.7 million increased 19% compared to Q1 2021 and 2% compared to Q4 2021.
  • Equipment revenue of $22.1 million increased 52% compared to Q1 2021 and decreased 4% compared to Q4 2021.
• Total ATG aircraft online (“AOL”) reached 6,526, an increase of 11% compared to Q1 2021 and 2% compared to Q4 2021.
  • Total AVANCE units online grew to 2,699, an increase of 42% compared to Q1 2021 and 8% compared to Q4 2021. AVANCE units comprised more than 41% of total AOL as of March 31, 2022, up from 32% as of March 31, 2021.
• Average Monthly Revenue per ATG aircraft online (“ARPU”) of $3,321 increased 8% compared to Q1 2021 and 1% compared to Q4 2021.
• Net income from continuing operations increased to $22.2 million from a net loss of $5.9 million in Q1 2021, primarily due to lower interest expense and higher operating income compared to the prior year period, as well as a loss on settlement of convertible notes of $4.4 million recognized in Q1 2021.
  • Basic earnings per share from continuing operations was $0.20. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $0.18.
• Record Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ of $42.8 million increased 26% compared to Q1 2021 and 8% compared to Q4 2021.
• Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations of $17.9 million in Q1 2022 decreased from $24.6 million in the prior year period primarily due to the timing of interest payments.
  • Free Cash Flow⁽¹⁾ was $8.8 million compared to $23.9 million in the prior year period due to the timing of interest payments and an increase in capital expenditures primarily tied to Gogo 5G.
  • Cash and cash equivalents totaled $152.8 million as of March 31, 2022 compared to $145.9 million as of December 31, 2021.

“Given the continued unprecedented demand for connectivity in business aviation coupled with the strong performance of our supply chain management team, we have increased our projection for ATG equipment unit shipments to 1,300 in 2022, up nearly 50% year over year versus prior expectations for 25% growth,” said Oakleigh Thorne, Chairman and CEO of Gogo.  “We remain on track for commercial deployment of our 5G ATG network in the second half of 2022.”

“Strong first quarter results and our increased 2022 guidance provide a solid foundation for generating significant Free Cash Flow growth in 2023 and beyond,” said Barry Rowan, Gogo’s Executive Vice President and CFO.  “Our financial performance and continued de-leveraging also create the flexibility for strategic investments to further enhance our growth and return of capital to shareholders over time.”

Boeing Names Northern Virginia Office Its Global Headquarters; Establishes Research & Technology Hub

• DC-area location is close to Boeing’s global customers and stakeholders
• Boeing will develop a research & technology hub in Virginia to harness and attract engineering talent; hub to join the company’s global engineering network

Boeing announced that its Arlington, Virginia campus just outside Washington, D.C. will serve as the company’s global headquarters. The aerospace and defense firm’s employees in the region support various corporate functions and specialize in advanced airplane development and autonomous systems. In addition to designating Northern Virginia as its new headquarters, Boeing plans to develop a research & technology hub in the area to harness and attract engineering and technical capabilities.

Also from Boeing:

Lufthansa Group Selects New 777-8 Freighter, Orders Additional 787s

• Lufthansa Group becomes first European customer for the 777-8 Freighter
• Orders additional 787s and 777 Freighters
• Industry’s most capable and fuel-efficient twin-engine airplanes will help Group reach its target of halving CO2 emissions across its network by 2030

Boeing and the Lufthansa Group announced the airline group will continue its strategic decision to strengthen Lufthansa Cargo with an order for seven 777-8 Freighters, the industry’s newest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine freighter.

The Group has also placed a new order for two 777 Freighters to add to its cargo fleet, providing extra cargo capacity in the near-term until the delivery of its first 777-8 Freighter.

In addition, the Lufthansa Group continues to accelerate the modernization of its long-haul passenger fleet with a new purchase of seven 787-9s. The order for more 787s brings Lufthansa Group’s total order book for the 787 Dreamliner to 32 firm orders. The Group also is a launch customer for the 777X passenger airplane, with 20 firm orders.

“The continuous modernization of Lufthansa Group’s long-haul fleet is one of our top priorities. Therefore, we are very pleased to further invest into the newest generation of Boeing aircraft. The purchase will complement our existing orders and further reduce our operating costs, enhance fuel efficiency and provide state-of-the-art customer experiences. Moreover, the purchase highlights our commitment towards enhancing sustainable aviation,” said Dr. Detlef Kayser, Member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG.

Boeing launched the new 777-8 Freighter in January and has already booked 34 firm orders for the model. With advanced technology from the new 777X family and proven performance of the market-leading 777 Freighter, the 777-8 Freighter offers the highest payload and the lowest fuel use, emissions and operating cost per tonne of any large freighter.

“With the selection of our newest freighter, Lufthansa continues its long history of firsts with Boeing airplane programs, becoming the first European customer for the 777-8 Freighter,” said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “With the investment in the 777 and 787 fleet, the Lufthansa Group will operate the most advanced, fuel-efficient twin-engine airplanes in the industry. Each of these airplanes reduces emissions by 15 to 25% compared to previous models with a noise footprint up to 50% smaller than their predecessors, helping to advance the Lufthansa Group’s sustainability objectives.”

The 777-8 Freighter is ideally suited for operators creating a more sustainable and profitable future. With nearly identical payload and range capabilities, 30% better fuel efficiency and emissions and 25% better operating costs per tonne, the 777-8 Freighter will be the ideal choice as operators replace aging freighters later this decade.

The 2021 Boeing Commercial Market Outlook projects a 70% increase in the global freighter fleet by 2040, including approximately 450 new large widebody freighters such as the new 777-8 Freighter and 777 Freighter. First delivery of the 777-8 freighter is anticipated in 2027.

Built with lightweight composite materials and powered by advanced engines and a suite of environmentally progressive technologies, the 787 family has an airport-noise footprint that is 60% smaller than the previous generation of airplanes, making it ideal for Lufthansa Group airport communities.

OneWeb Expands Mobility Team With Senior Aviation and Land Appointments

• New business aviation role for Jason Sperry
• Drew Brandy leads Land mobility
• Mobility Marketing role for Nick Maynard

OneWeb, the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications company, has strengthened its Mobility team under VP Mobility Services Ben Griffin with a trio of experienced professionals – in the UK and USA. OneWeb is ramping up its work to deliver high-speed, unparalleled low latency, reliable connectivity across all mobility platforms, including commercial and business aviation, land and marine.

OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation of over 600 satellites will connect people everywhere, on land, at sea and in the air. Its ambition is to facilitate “a connectivity experience that is limited only by the users’ imagination, not the available bandwidth.”

“I’m very pleased to be adding to my team with these three stellar professionals,” said Ben Griffin, OneWeb VP Mobility Services. “Together, we are working on some exciting strategies and partnerships that will disrupt the mobility connectivity market for years to come. We are focused on driving these forward and sharing our news over the next few months.”

Jason Sperry appointed Director – Business aviation

Jason Sperry joins OneWeb as Director, Business Aviation, based out of Melbourne, Florida.  Sperry brings a wealth of experience from the IFC service provision perspective, including significant satellite provider insight spanning both GEO and LEO technologies.

At OneWeb, Jason is responsible for delivering fibre-like connectivity solutions to business jet owners, operators, and end users – passengers and crew alike.

He joins from SD (Satcom Direct), where for the past six years he was Director, Strategy and Business, having joined the business in 2016 as director of product management (hardware).

Graduating from the Florida Institute of Technology with a degree in engineering, his career initially centered on engineering and avionics hardware. At OneWeb, Jason will combine his technical experience with strong commercial aptitude to understand the needs of OneWeb’s partners, delivering solutions which are commercially and technically innovative.

Drew Brandy – Director, Land Mobility

Drew Brandy joins OneWeb as Director, Land Mobility after 13 plus years with Inmarsat, latterly as Senior VP Maritime, progressing from VP Strategy and Development.

Based out of London, Drew will be responsible for setting and executing OneWeb’s land mobility portfolio strategy, working closely with the mobility team members.  He brings considerable experience having worked with several large telecom operators in business and corporate strategy in both North America and Europe.  Brandy holds an Honors Degree in Sociology and Communications from York University, Canada and an MBA from Henley Management College.

Nick Maynard – Marketing Director, Mobility

Stepping up from an initial consultancy role over the past 14 months, Nick Maynard becomes full-time Marketing Director (Mobility), based out of the UK.  Maynard brings over 25 years’ relevant experience in marketing and communications working out of the UK and UAE, supporting several blue-chip aviation companies – inhouse and with agencies OglivyOne and Carlson.

Most recently, he served nearly 10 years with Honeywell Aerospace in marketing and comms, latterly as Channel Partner Marketing Manager, building relationships for Honeywell’s valued suppliers around the world.

“What OneWeb is doing is transformational and game changing.  I am pleased to be able to help play a part in our goal to connect business aviation.  Inflight connectivity has become ever more important in business aviation, a sector which is sophisticated, technologically advanced, personalized, secure – bringing family, friends and colleagues together in the most efficient way.” – Jason Sperry.

“Everyone is talking about OneWeb and the significant change its solutions will bring.  I’m looking forward to leading the land mobility team and working closely with mobility colleagues to innovate connectivity and bring improved safety and sustainability through connectivity to trains, buses, trucks and so many other use-cases.” – Drew Brandy.

“Joining OneWeb, I am working alongside a motivated and talented team committed to realizing the mission of connecting people everywhere, on land, at sea and in the air. This matters because OneWeb’s global spaced-based communications network has the power to connect the most remote businesses and communities on Earth. We’re bridging the digital divide, providing the opportunity for people everywhere to realize their full potential” – Nick Maynard