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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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

This week at APEX in California, we thought we would give our readers a peak at a product that would make their group experiences safer. And so, we contacted Web Barth, a long-time industry expert and asked him if we could provide a bit more information about a product that will make a trade show much safer – a face mask with some unique characteristics. The product that Web features is presently being used by flight crews and flight attendants  on Jordanian, and other Middle Eastern airlines.We were curious to know more and asked Web to tell us a little bit about the patented masks he will introduce to our industry this week during APEX. Since we knew little about his product,  Fine Guard Masks, we asked why his product has been developed for aviation: “Our particular brand the BreatheEasy Mask™ combines a very thin 99,9% protective material designed for athletes with the comfort of their conventional and popular ear loop design. This product is fully and patented with an international patent by a company called LIVINGUARD® of Switzerland, and as you might guess, I hunted for a product that would help anybody who flies on a plane!” We next had to ask how his masks differ from others available in today’s marketplace and he told IFExpress: “The reason being, the patented technology of the mask is a coating on the fibers of the fabric, which causes it to maintain a positive charge. Interestingly, this solution protects from any kind of airborne virus Covid, SARS, the flu, HIV, Delts Variant, Ebola, etc.“

IFExpress asked Web what different technology was featured in the BreathEasy and he told us: “Interestingly, this product is fully and patented on international patent by a company called LIVINGUARD® of Switzerland. My client has an exclusive manufacturing license with LILVINGUARD. We at VirExit have exclusive marketing and sales representation for all airlines and airports in the world. You can find Fine Guard masks available on Amazon today. They have sold about 10  million masks in 100 different countries.”

What You May Encounter The Next Time You Fly

All of us know that we will experience many changes in the travel process as ‘non-essential’ air travel opens again. But what will it look like? And what are the airports and airlines doing to make the process safer? And is it sustainable over time? These are all questions that we have asked ourselves and have heard voiced from other industry pundits as well. So, let’s take a look at what has been, and or is being, implemented throughout the travel journey in the U.S.A. at this time.

Airports:

The safety, health and well-being of travelers is always a priority at any airport. But with COVID-19 cleaning and disinfecting have certainly been stepped up. For example, at our local airport, Seattle Tacoma International, they have increased the frequency of cleaning with medical-grade products with an emphasis on high-touch areas and over 250 hand sanitizer stations have been added throughout the terminal. The Seattle Port Authority says that they have spent 5,270 hours cleaning and disinfecting each week and have “spritzed, sprayed, and dispensed over 1,010 gallons of hand sanitizer, more than 4,500 ounces of disinfecting spray and 1,135 containers of sanitizer wipes. “And we are certain other airports are following similar safety and disinfecting procedures.

Airports are also working on quickly converting bathrooms that aren’t already touch less to new fixtures for paper towels and automatic soap dispensers, as well as, faucets that are sensor-based and toilets with automatic flush features.

Every two hours the security checkpoints are being cleaned while deep cleaning and sanitizing TSA bins occurring after hours. Airports are also adding electrostatic sprayers that dispense a mist onto surfaces for an even coating of disinfectant that kills germs, such as COVID-19, in an effort to disinfect surfaces more often.

Plastic protective barriers that buffer interactions between travelers and airport employees are also common place, much like what we are experiencing in grocery stores, drug stores, etc.

In an effort to observe social distancing, decals are found on the floor throughout the facility at check-in counters, self-serve kiosks, baggage drop, baggage claim and throughout the TSA process. Travelers are also expected to wear a face covering throughout any touch points, to meet Center for Disease Control (CDC) requirements.

The Gate:

There are decals to remind people to observe 6 feet (2 meters) of social distancing during interactions with customer service representatives and other passengers. Seats in the gate area may be blocked in an effort to adhere to social distancing.  Overhead monitors and screens often contain reminders about this as well. And plastic barriers are in place at customer service desks.

Boarding Procedures:

Currently, many airlines have already started testing new methods of boarding in an effort to reduce the amount of cross passenger contact and observe social distancing.  Passengers are asked to stay seated until their row is announced, and many airlines are boarding in smaller groups, back –to-front.

But compared to the aircraft itself, which has well circulated air as long as the engines are running, the boarding procedure and area is poorly ventilated with passengers in close proximity to one another. Boarding is the riskiest part of air travel right now, at least from a COVID-19 perspective. Just think back to the crowded queue where we have historically been smashed together like sardines at the gate, on the jetway, and en-route to our seat prior to take-off.

There are some deceptively simple solutions that in the long run may change the way we board. Over the years, boarding order has typically started with anyone needing extra assistance (small children, the elderly, etc.), followed by higher status flyers on down to those of us traveling in steerage. It is not only an inefficient and time-consuming process, but it is a stressful one as well. Passengers lined up like they are on a commuter train, bumping into one another, hoisting bags into overhead bins, or walking up and down looking for available bin space is something we have all witnessed and experienced. Let’s face it; this is a COVID-19 droplet cross contamination haven.

In a poorly ventilated area like the jet bridge, packing people in close proximity even while wearing facemasks is a highly risky scenario and is needlessly dicey when there are better ways to accomplish the boarding procedure.

A few changes could include the following: boarding from the back of the aircraft forward; boarding window seats first, followed by the middle seats, then aisle seats. Organizing these sections in small groups in the gate area before sending them down the jetway takes time and space but could definitely lead to a new and improved boarding process. Another scenario that could reduce the number of people each traveler comes into contact with is boarding from both the aircraft nose and the tail of the aircraft, but this has its own set of organizational issues and would require a group of passengers loading from the tarmac via a set of mobile stairs, etc. Whichever changes to the boarding procedure an airline elects to implement there will assuredly be a learning-curve by both the ground crew and the passengers themselves, so it may be a good thing that load factors aren’t too high as these new strategies are put into place.

A total 180-degree approach to carry-on luggage could also make the process far more efficient and reduce the number of touchpoints as well. By promoting and rewarding checked luggage there would be fewer gate-side check-ins, less shifting and shuffling of overhead bags, and a faster loading process overall.

As biometrics become more prevalent the use of scanners to match your face with your identity will further reduce the contact between ground staff and travelers. This will also speed up the process as the amount of time spent fumbling for boarding passes and/or mobile phones will be eliminated. The biometric software needs some tweaks, but it is well on its way as it is already being utilized for some border control entry points.

The Aircraft:

Planes are equipped with hospital-grade HEPA filters that typically remove 99.95% of airborne particulates.

The air flows from the ceiling to the floor and creates completely new air in the cabin 20 to 30 times an hour so the air filtration systems cycle outside air onboard every 3 minutes. If you want more filtered air, be certain to open your personal air vent after you’re seated – that air is filtered for your seat only. Studies have shown that due to the frequency of air circulation, cabin air filtration is comparable to what is found in hospitals.

Airlines are requiring their guests to wear face coverings throughout any touch points and during the flight experience except when consuming food or drink. Most airlines have masks available for passengers in case they don’t have them.  If travelers refuse to wear a face mask they will be denied boarding and, in many cases, given the opportunity to reschedule their flight. Details about these requirements are provided to passengers in their pre-trip communications.

For the time being, some airlines are providing travelers more space and flexibility in order to achieve social distancing onboard by blocking off all middle seats on large aircraft and aisle seats on smaller aircraft.

In the U.S.A. all airline employees and business partners who cannot maintain six feet of social distance during interactions with travelers or co-workers, including pilots, flight attendants, and customer service representatives.

Aircraft Cleaning:

Airlines are continuing to use disinfectants that use high-grade, EPA registered disinfectants to sanitize critical touch points like tray tables, seat belts, overhead bins, armrests and lavatories, etc.

New cleaning techniques and equipment are being implemented by many airlines to reduce the already low risk of onboard transmission often include the following: 1) Electrostatic disinfectant sprayers, which emit a safe, high grade EPA cleaning solution that sanitize the overhead bins, armrests, tray tables, seatbelts, lavatories, etc. 2) between flights, dedicated cleaning crews cover the most critical areas using the high-grade EPA disinfectant. They also clean the pilot/flight attendant spaces. 3) Individual hand sanitizer wipes are available onboard.

With all of the procedures in place, it is beginning to feel like air travel is perhaps safer than it ever has been – at least from a COVID-19 perspective! One thing is for certain, these changes will continue to be tailored over time and they are most likely here to stay for the foreseeable future.

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Other News

• The worst year in aviation history? This Year! So says IATA – How about $84 Billion! IATA – Industry Losses to Top $84 Billion in 2020 And, World Bank says coronavirus to shrink 2020 global output by 5.2% – Reuters
• And airlines are promoting physical distancing – here is jetBlue’s promotion
• This may be the future of flying (great pix) – I flew on a $2 million ‘personal’ private jet that needs only one pilot and saw why it could be among the most in-demand jets for post-pandemic travel
• If you like the turbulent flow technology, this is your video – “Turbulent Flow is MORE Awesome Than Laminar Flow”. Yes, they discuss airplane wings too! Turbulent Flow is MORE Awesome Than Laminar Flow – YouTube And watch the promo video at the end – you will learn something.
• You might not want to watch this, but you will learn something – How to crash an airplane – Nickolas Means | The Lead Developer UK 2016 – YouTube The pilots were incredible and this video is one of the best we have ever linked in IFExpress!
• And if you must travel, the folks at IATA have a map that you can zoom in on and check out the Coronavirus Travel Regulations – worldwide here – IATA – International Travel Document News
• With the digitization of books, online reading (and book education) is really a good deal. Check out these 13,414,823 online books: and yes, they are free, we think? Home – Springer

Honeywell working to protect people returning to work and public places with individual personal protective equipment kits

Phoenix, AZ | June 2, 2020–Honeywell is helping provide a safer and healthier travel experience with new Honeywell Safety Packs designed to better protect airline passengers and crew while flying.

Abu Dhabi | May 3, 2020-Wizz Air, the largest low-cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe and Europe’s greenest airline*, announced today five new routes from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). The routes will connect the capital of United Arab Emirates with Budapest and Bucharest from June 2020 and with Cluj-Napoca, Katowice and Sofia from September 2020, subject to aviation activities being resumed in the respective countries. Wizz Air becomes the first European Low Cost carrier to launch flights to Abu Dhabi.

This announcement supplements the agreement in March formalising the establishment of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi as a local airline based in Abu Dhabi in partnership between ADQ and Wizz Air. It is Wizz Air’s first airline established outside of Europe, and is expected to begin operations later this year.

It is intended that Wizz Air will focus on establishing routes to markets in which Wizz Air has existing, high growth operations, namely Central and Eastern and Western Europe, as well as the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and Africa, over the long run.

Shareef Al Hashmi, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, commented: “Wizz Air’s new routes to Budapest, Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Katowice and Sofia highlights our commitment to connecting Abu Dhabi with the most sought after global destinations. These new routes positively reflect the industry’s resilience and its capability to continue pushing forward with bold plans that will stimulate consumer demand and the sustained recovery of the aviation market. As our newest landing partner, we welcome Wizz Air and its first routes with open arms as we get set to facilitate the carrier’s exciting Abu Dhabi expansion plans. Visitors from Hungary, Romania, Poland and Bulgaria can look forward to enjoying our modern terminal facilities with a unique brand of Arabian hospitality before seamlessly heading out to experience the UAE’s thriving capital city, Abu Dhabi.”

József Váradi, CEO of Wizz Air Holdings said: “Today’s announcement underpins our long term dedication to bringing low fares combined with a high quality onboard experience to ever more customers in Abu Dhabi. I am delighted that our operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport will begin in June, subject to lifting the travel bans, connecting the capital of the United Arab Emirates with five major cities of Central and Eastern Europe as Budapest, Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Katowice and Sofia. We are convinced that our passengers will appreciate the convenient flight schedules, the easy online booking system and the wide range of tailor-made travel options Wizz Air offers. Wizz Air’s mission feeds into Abu Dhabi’s diversified economic strategy as we continue to stimulate traffic by creating demand to the benefit of growing Abu Dhabi’s touristic and economic diversity. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board our young, green and ultra-efficient fleet, while we pay extra attention to the health and well-being of our passengers and crew.”

Abu Dhabi is Wizz Air’s newest destination, attracting many passengers from five major cities of four biggest countries of Central and Eastern Europe. These services will be the first direct routes between the capital of the United Arab Emirates and Budapest, Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Katowice and Sofia adding an almost 220 thousand seat capacity to the airline’s Abu Dhabi network per year. Flights are already on sale and can be booked at wizzair.com from as low as EUR 59.99**. In the case of travel bans, imposed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, impacting the start date of the flights, the passengers with bookings for the affected flights will have a chance to rebook for a later date, get full cash refund or 120% of the value of the booking in WIZZ Credit that can be used for purchase of WIZZ flights and services.

Safety measures

As passenger and crew safety has always been Wizz Air’s top priority, the airline has recently announced several additional measures to support physical distancing during boarding and enhanced cleanliness on board. The measures are easy to follow and help ensure the most sanitary conditions.

The airline asks passengers to handle bookings online where possible, including online check-in, baggage drop-off as well as opting in for contactless payment during onboard purchases. Wearing masks onboard is obligatory for crew and passengers, thus all are reminded to travel in masks.

The aircraft is thoroughly cleaned several times a day and is disinfected overnight, the crew will also handout sanitizing pads to passengers at boarding as well as will observe seat distancing for passengers on flights where the load factor allows. 

Wizz Air is also launching a special information campaign to inform passengers about current development in the context of COVID-19 and provide useful tips for a safe journey.

Chicago, IL | March 18, 2019– We know lives depend on the work we do, and our teams embrace that responsibility with a deep sense of commitment every day. Our purpose at Boeing is to bring family, friends and loved ones together with our commercial airplanes—safely. The tragic losses of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Lion Air Flight 610 affect us all, uniting people and nations in shared grief for all those in mourning. Our hearts are heavy, and we continue to extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board.

Safety is at the core of who we are at Boeing, and ensuring safe and reliable travel on our airplanes is an enduring value and our absolute commitment to everyone. This overarching focus on safety spans and binds together our entire global aerospace industry and communities. We’re united with our airline customers, international regulators and government authorities in our efforts to support the most recent investigation, understand the facts of what happened and help prevent future tragedies. Based on facts from the Lion Air Flight 610 accident and emerging data as it becomes available from the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 accident, we’re taking actions to fully ensure the safety of the 737 MAX. We also understand and regret the challenges for our customers and the flying public caused by the fleet’s grounding.

Work is progressing thoroughly and rapidly to learn more about the Ethiopian Airlines accident and understand the information from the airplane’s cockpit voice and flight data recorders. Our team is on-site with investigators to support the investigation and provide technical expertise. The Ethiopia Accident Investigation Bureau will determine when and how it’s appropriate to release additional details.

Boeing has been in the business of aviation safety for more than 100 years, and we’ll continue providing the best products, training and support to our global airline customers and pilots. This is an ongoing and relentless commitment to make safe airplanes even safer. Soon we’ll release a software update and related pilot training for the 737 MAX that will address concerns discovered in the aftermath of the Lion Air Flight 610 accident. We’ve been working in full cooperation with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Transportation and the National Transportation Safety Board on all issues relating to both the Lion Air and the Ethiopian Airlines accidents since the Lion Air accident occurred in October last year.

Our entire team is devoted to the quality and safety of the aircraft we design, produce and support. I’ve dedicated my entire career to Boeing, working shoulder to shoulder with our amazing people and customers for more than three decades, and I personally share their deep sense of commitment. Recently, I spent time with our team members at our 737 production facility in Renton, Wash., and once again saw firsthand the pride our people feel in their work and the pain we’re all experiencing in light of these tragedies. The importance of our work demands the utmost integrity and excellence—that’s what I see in our team, and we’ll never rest in pursuit of it.

Our mission is to connect people and nations, protect freedom, explore our world and the vastness of space, and inspire the next generation of aerospace dreamers and doers—and we’ll fulfill that mission only by upholding and living our values. That’s what safety means to us. Together, we’ll keep working to earn and keep the trust people have placed in Boeing.

Dennis Muilenburg
Chairman, President and CEO
The Boeing Company

United Kingdom | December 2018 — STG Aerospace Gains FAA certification for the Airbus liTeMood. STG Aerospace announced this morning that it had received FAA certification for the Airbus liTeMood LED lighting solution for the A320 family. This follows on from the successful EASA certification received in August 2018.  The Airbus lighting solution received its certification from the FAA on 16 October 2018 for Airbus A318, A319, A320 and A321 models.

Sean O’Kell, DOA Head of Design, STG Aerospace said: “It has been an incredible achievement for our team to get our liTeMood solution to this point,” The project has been supported by our engineering, supply chain, programme and certification teams, as well as EASA and the FAA, so a huge thank you to everyone involved.”

STG Aerospace Airbus liTeMood  is a dynamic and configurable full colour, plug-and-play, programmable retrofit lighting solution. It’s available for retrofit on single and twin aisle Airbus aircraft. The affordable plug-and-play system works with both classic and enhanced CIDS, installed in under 6 hours (A320) and requires no changes to aircraft wiring or control systems.

For a full list of certifications please navigate to our Certifications page.

Las Vegas, Nevada | October 11, 2017–Satcom Direct (SD), the business aviation connectivity provider, has signed an agreement with FlightSafety International, to offer its certified cabin crew training course, aeroCNCT, through the global training organization. The agreement confirms the course will be included in the FlightSafety International training program by the end of 2017, with first students expected to qualify in Q1 2018.

aeroCNCT is the industry’s only Crewmember Network and Connectivity Training certification which supports industry professionals working with, or responsible for, connectivity during flight.  Designed and developed with input from crew members the material uses real world experiences to give crew members the confidence to tackle problems relating to applications and connectivity on personal devices during flight. It also covers internet and connectivity familiarization, network basics, flight operation preparation, data management fundamentals, use of applications, and troubleshooting tips.

The two-day course will be delivered by qualified FlightSafety instructors, who are supported by the SD training team. The addition of the course to the curriculum strengthens, and expands, the existing relationship between SD and FlightSafety International, which already offers the certified SD aeroIT course, developed for IT, management and aviation networking professionals. The accredited course, available through FlightSafety International since the start of 2017, has qualified approximately 50 professionals.  Throughout 2018, both the aeroIT and aeroCNCT professional development courses will become available  at more FlightSafety Learning Centers.

In addition, the SD Cabin Communications course, a basic familiarization program that has been delivered at FlightSafety’s Savannah Learning Center for more than five years, will now be available at the organization’s Dallas and Farnborough facilities by the end of the year.

“Connectivity is an essential part of any flight as principals and customers always expect systems to work. aeroCNCT was designed to demystify the network and give cabin crew the skills, vocabulary and confidence to support passengers and principals while flying. The certified course adds value to any crew member’s résumé, and hence the industry, so we are delighted that it will now be available to an expanded audience via FlightSafety International,” says Mark Mata, director of training, SD.

“Further expanding the Satcom Direct Cabin Communications training we offer demonstrates FlightSafety’s commitment to work directly with industry experts to ensure the best possible training for our Customers who use these systems,” said Steve Gross, Senior Vice President, Commercial.

Candidates attending FlightSafety International can use the organization’s event-based credit system to access the course. Those who successfully complete the aeroCNCT exam, developed with CompTIA to maintain industry standards, will achieve a professional credential. The proctored exam can now be completed at select FlightSafety facilities as well as PearsonVUE testing centers worldwide, or at SD headquarters in Melbourne, Florida. The aeroCNCT certification is valid for three years, and can be renewed via online or classroom training, similar to other cabin crew certifications from SD and it’s training partners.

EASA-certified navigation data can also be used for drones and training

Raunheim, Germany | October 5, 2017– Lufthansa Systems today announced that it is expanding its portfolio of navigation solutions with Lido/SkyData. This solution consists of ARINC 424 data and includes navigation information such as airports, heliports, taxiways and runways, waypoints, navaids, airspaces and airways, and flight procedures. The data is updated every 28 days and is available both as a one-time purchase or by subscription. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified the data production standards for Lido/SkyData with a Type 1 Letter of Acceptance (LoA).

“Lido/SkyData is a new data service for diverse aviation applications which goes beyond the conventional navigation solutions for airlines,” said Igor Dimnik, Director Strategy and Market Development Lido/Navigation at Lufthansa Systems. “After launching Lido/SurfaceData for avionics manufacturers – the winner of the German Mobility Award – we continue to pursue a strategy of expanding our navigation portfolio with an eye to the future and taking unmanned aircraft into account as well. This enables us to address new customer groups.”

Lido/SkyData contains all ARINC 424 data in an open format so that it can be used for a wide variety of applications, including software solutions for creating simulation environments in-flight simulators or navigation solutions for drones. The data can also be used with flight planning systems from any manufacturer. The open format ensures data compatibility, enabling the data to be tailored individually to the customer’s IT system and applications.

Lido/Navigation solutions are being used by more than 200 airlines and customers of all sizes and business models, including low-cost, network, cargo and charter airlines. Based on regular exchange with customers, Lufthansa Systems continuously optimizes its solutions and works on innovative products that expand its portfolio.

• Next generation safety solution will be offered to airlines on popular A320 and A330 families
• Landmark agreement positions SwiftBroadband-Safety as a Light Cockpit Satcom solution on single-aisle aircraft and reinforces Inmarsat’s leadership in cockpit safety communications
• Opens up provisioning of Inmarsat’s digital aviation safety applications, including continual positional awareness for flight tracking and the ‘Black Box in the Cloud’

United Kingdom | June 30, 2016– Inmarsat, the world’s leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, announced today that its SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S) service has been selected by Airbus as a cockpit communications solution for the A320 and A330 aircraft families.

In a landmark agreement, SB-S will feature in the popular Airbus A320 single-aisle and A330 wide-body families. The advanced IP-based broadband communications platform will be available with equipment from Cobham’s AVIATOR S series, as selected by Airbus, to deliver next generation services for the global aviation industry.

SB-S will mark a paradigm shift in aviation safety and efficiency. Using Inmarsat’s global L-band satellite network, it delivers much faster data and voice communications due to its unprecedented speed and capacity, which are several orders of magnitude greater than cockpit communications systems in the market today.

These advanced capabilities will transform the quality and security of cockpit communication and information shared between pilots, air traffic controllers and airlines, with Inmarsat’s satellite technology also ensuring consistent, high-speed global coverage for SB-S.

Airlines around the world will also benefit from a myriad of new digital applications never before available, including continual positional awareness for flight tracking, flight data streaming (also known as ‘Black Box in the Cloud’), and electronic flight bag applications for pilots, such as graphical weather for improved situational awareness.

The selection of SB-S by Airbus reinforces Inmarsat’s status as the world’s leading provider of satellite safety services, serving around 95% of the world’s long-haul aircraft.

The inclusion of the A320 family will also position SB-S as an advanced Light Cockpit Satcom solution on single-aisle Airbus aircraft, marking an exciting new era for the aviation industry. The selection was possible as SB-S is delivered via advanced airborne equipment that addresses factors which have traditionally impacted demand in the single-aisle market, such as size, weight and cost. Around eight out of ten commercial aircraft in the world are single-aisle.

Captain Mary McMillan, Inmarsat Aviation’s Vice President, Safety and Operational Services, said: “We are delighted that Airbus has selected SwiftBroadband-Safety for its A320 and A330 aircraft families. This is testament to SwiftBroadband-Safety’s ability to deliver an always on, always secure cockpit solution for the digital age, with expanded connectivity and reliability.

“Inmarsat has been delivering critical safety information to the world’s airlines, private jet operators and government agencies for over two-and-a-half decades. In the past, these services were almost exclusively utilised by airlines travelling in areas not served by traditional radar, such as routes over the ocean or remote locations. However, with growing aircraft congestion and the need for increased data security, Inmarsat is engineering a new generation of satellite communication services to provide a wider range of benefits.

“SwiftBroadband-Safety will introduce unprecedented new capabilities, allowing airlines to significantly improve flight safety operations and provide a more efficient service to passengers. Airlines also benefit from continuous monitoring of aircraft performance and fuel usage.”

Inmarsat’s partner Cobham SATCOM has been selected by Airbus to provide the equipment that delivers SB-S service onboard the A320 and A330 aircraft families. The equipment, known as the AVIATOR 200S and 700S, will provide a seamless connection between the aircraft cockpit and Inmarsat’s extensive global satellite network. Under Cobham’s contract with Airbus, the equipment will be fitted onto the aircraft from 2018.

Kim Gram, Vice President of Aero Satcom at Cobham Satcom, said: “Inmarsat has made an immense contribution in the forward progression of our industry, from the development of the original idea of smaller and lighter satcom hardware, continuing its influential work in industry standardization groups, to the ultimate deployment of services on its global satellite network.”

United Kingdom | January 20, 2016– Following certification by the FAA and EASA, operators of Airbus A320 Family aircraft are now able to upgrade the emergency floor path marking to the latest version of STG Aerospace’s market-leading saf-Tglo® photoluminescent system, SuperSeal UltraLite (SSUL).

First launched in 1995 and with continuous evolutions ever since, saf-Tglo® stores and simultaneously emits light and marks the way to the emergency exits after a short charging period. Requiring no power source, saf-Tglo® is a low cost, maintenance free solution for emergency floor path lighting and features a unique fully-sealed design that eliminates fluid ingress and can reduce maintenance costs by up to 80% compared to other systems. Now installed on over 10,000 aircraft operating for over 300 airlines worldwide, saf-Tglo® is the market leading photoluminescent floor path marking system.

The latest generation SSUL incorporates all the fundamental design features of earlier saf-Tglo® designs and is 70% lighter and 17% brighter, helping to reduce airline fuel costs and making it the highest performing system of its kind. Already specified as line fit by numerous aircraft manufacturers and retrofitted on many aircraft in the aftermarket, SSUL is already installed and flying on A320 aircraft.

Featuring a reduced depth profile to suit modern light weight carpets, SSUL is the narrowest, lightest and most discrete floor path marking solution available and is manufactured in one-piece lengths that can be easily cut to fit and sealed during installation. In addition, carpet edges can be concealed with the OverCarpet™ housing option with a hinged-wing design that removes the need for carpet binding, saving further cost.

Marcus Williams, Global Sales and Marketing Director for STG Aerospace, commented: “SSUL builds on the outstanding success of our saf-Tglo® product range. Securing EASA and FAA approval for the successful Airbus A320 Family now allows operators of these aircraft to install the latest next-generation emergency exit lighting solution helping to save significant costs, both operational and maintenance, compared with electrical systems.”

The A320, the first Airbus single-aisle aircraft, was launched in March 1984 with the first deliveries in March 1988. The A320 Family was soon extended to include the A321, the A319 and the A318. Continuing to set industry standards for comfort and operating economy on short to medium-haul routes, the A320 pioneered the use of digital fly-by-wire flight control systems, as well as side-stick controls, in commercial aircraft. There are currently over 6000 Airbus A320 Family aircraft in service with some 5000+ further aircraft on firm order.

Find out more about saf-Tglo® by visiting www.stgaerospace.com/saftglo

United Kingdom | January 11, 2016– STG Aerospace, the pioneering aircraft cabin lighting company, is delighted to announce that Icelandair has selected its next generation saf-Tglo® SuperSeal UltraLite® (SSUL) photoluminescent floorpath lighting for its 767 aircraft, becoming the first 767 operator for this newly certified system.

A long-standing customer of STG Aerospace, Icelandair is already in the process of upgrading its 757 fleet from saf-Tglo® SuperSeal Lite® (SSL) to the new SSUL version. Highly regarded for its outstanding performance on a growing network of transatlantic routes, Icelandair has also signed a commitment to purchase 12 737MAX aircraft which Boeing will deliver factory-fitted with SSUL in 2018. This decision to ensure commonality across its fleet both now and into the future is a clear sign of Icelandair’s confidence in STG Aerospace’s ability to deliver both innovation and reliability in lighting its aircraft’s cabins.

saf-Tglo®, first introduced by STG Aerospace in 1995, is installed on 10,000 aircraft worldwide and is the system of choice for 300+ global airlines. SSUL, is the highest performing photoluminescent floorpath marking system available, is 17% brighter than its SSL predecessor and 70% lighter, helping to reduce airline fuel costs even further. With its one-piece design, it can be quickly cut to length and sealed during installation, a process that can be easily carried out by an airline’s own engineering team.

SSUL’s reduced profile makes it an optimal match for modern light weight carpets and with over 300 colour options and a unique carpet pattern matching service available, enables airlines to achieve not only a pleasing aesthetic but one that co-ordinates with their corporate branding without reducing safety. In addition, carpet edges can be concealed with the OverCarpet™ polycarbonate housing option that features a hinged-wing design and removes the need for carpet binding, reducing costs and enhancing the appearance of the cabin.

Thordur Sigfusson, Icelandair’s CVE Structures and Interior & Program Manager, commented:
“After working with STG Aerospace for some 13 years, we have come to appreciate not only the high reliability and low maintenance cost of their lighting systems but also the innovation they bring to their product development. So, having made the decision to introduce two Boeing 767s to complement our fleet of 757s, it was an obvious choice to equip them with the latest saf-Tglo® version, SSUL”.

Marcus Williams, STG Aerospace’s Global Sales and Marketing Director, added:
“We’re delighted that Icelandair, an airline with which we have an excellent, long-standing relationship, will be our launch customer for SuperSeal UltraLite® on the 767 platform, adding to their current retrofitting of the 757 fleet. Their decision is a validation of their trust in saf-Tglo® and further evidence that our ongoing programme of product development is truly meeting customer needs.”