Welcome to the newest installment of “The easy Report”! To keep you updated, as usual, we will be summing up major news from the commercial and business aviation world, with many useful links!
This month, the new Falcon 6X, under development by Dassault Aviation in France, won the prestigious International Yacht & Aviation Award for interior design, in recognition of the outstanding level of comfort and roominess offered by ultra-widebody jet.
Moreover, Satcom Direct (SD) announced that it has installed its very own FlightDeck Freedom datalink service on its 2’000th aircraft. SD is a business aviation solutions provider. The FlightDeck Freedom datalink service consolidates flight deck communications, and helps manage flight operations. An impressive milestone indeed!
Embaer announced achieving its 250th business jet delivery milestone in Latin America this month! Embraer’s Phenom jets continue demonstrate the benefits of business aviation, especially in the gloomy COVID-19 era. More companies are purchasing business to save money and time, as well as travel in a more private and COVID-free environment.
Global business aviation movement is trending down by 12% in September! Check the statistical report on business aviation activity around the world, global charter demand and most preferred mission types in the month of September in this link! This report in an interesting one for sure!
Aerion has selected Liebherr air management system to develop and supply the integrated air management system for its new AS2 supersonic business jet. To achieve more efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft operation, one of the key components of the Liebherr air management system will be an electrical air-conditioning pack!
This month, three Australian parties have been shortlisted to construct the terminal of the all-new Western Sydney Airport. The terminal is still in the design stage, and construction is due to begin by the end of 2021 after appointing the winning contractor.
In the industry’s first (virtual) sustainability summit hosted by the Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF Coalition), Jet Aviation, a general maintenance company with Swiss roots globally recognized as a leader in business aviation confirmed its ongoing commitment to sustainable aviation. Read more about recent sustainable efforts introduced at Jet Aviation here!
Moreover, Textron Aviation demonstrated an excellent commitment to sustainability this month, as it announced offering its customers the option to choose an initial tank containing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with delivery of new Beechcraft turboprop, Cessna turboprop and jet aircraft. As part of their service experience, customer of Textron Aviation’s service center in Wichita, Kansas also have the option of refueling with SAF, a cleaner type of fuel used to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and lower the overall carbon footprint of the aviation industry.
Back in July, ZeroAvia completed the first phase of test flights for the first electric-powered commercial-scale aircraft in the world, in ambitious effort to develop a certifiable zero-emissions hydrogen-electric turboprop by the year 2023. This September, ZeroAvia completed the first hydrogen-fueled commercial-grade aircraft flight using their Piper M-class six-seat plane. The aircraft completed a full pattern circuit before landing at the airport, an achievement indeed. The UK government funds ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-fueled program through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI). Cranfield University proudly announced supporting ZeroAvia’s hydrogen electric aircraft flight, which took place at the company’s R&D facility at the university-owned Cranfield Airport.
This September also, Airbus revealed three stunning concepts for the world’s first zero-emission commercial aircraft that could enter service by the year 2035: AirbusZeroE turboprop, AirbusZeroE turbofan, and Airbus ZeroE Blended Wing Body. Each of the concepts, fully reliant on hydrogen as a primary source of power, represents a different approach to achieving zero-emission flight, with different aerodynamic configurations and technological pathways.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) slammed the proposed environment tax in France, stating that it will eliminate over 150’000 French aviation jobs, and fail to decarbonize the aviation sector. Among the series of measures to curb aviation emissions proposed by the Convention Citoyenne pour le Climat (CCC), is an eco-tax on tickets issued in France, attempting to raise over Euros 4.2 billion annually. The IATA stated that not only will the measures lead to massive job losses, but also cost the French economy around Euros 5-6 billion in lost GDP, all to reduce emissions by only 3.5 million tons per year, less than 1% of France’s total emissions!
The aviation industry, as you already know, is gravely suffering with billions of dollars in losses and millions of jobs lost. International borders are still closed in most countries, and where travel is allowed, passengers are obliged to carry out a restrictive 14-day quarantine.
This September, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for universal “systematic” testing of all passengers in attempt to revive the aviation industry, as an alternative to the restrictive quarantine measures. On behalf of airports, the Airport Council International (ACI) World also announced supporting the IATA in its calling, and is currently seeking urgent government action to introduce widespread, coordinated and universal testing of passengers. Some airlines, like Emirates, are already doing so.
To meet the current challenges posed by COVID-19, more than ten boards of airline representatives (BARs) are urging governments to cooperate on developing and implementing an international digital border solution for air travelers. Such efficient, harmonized, non-bureaucratic, transnational electronic solution facilitates the rapid tracing of potential chains of infection, and achieves a smoother and more consistent passenger experience. The representatives stated that the harmonized approach is the only way to eliminate disproportionate border restrictions, and reconstruct air traffic for the benefit of Europe and the entire world.
Air New Zealand announced grounding its Boeing 777 fleet until at least September 2021.
Moreover, Emirates airlines announced that it has made significant progress in COVID-19 related refunds. More than 1.4 million refund requests have been processed to date, totaling about USD 1.89 billion.
Also this month, Etihad Airways announced the introduction of COVID-19 global wellness insurance cover, valid globally for 31 days from the first day of travel. The insurance cover comes part of the new health and hygiene program adopted by Etihad Airways, Etihad Wellness.
On a positive note, in recognition of the health and safety initiatives adopted by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport has earned Airport Council International (ACI) Health Accreditation. Notably, CSMIA is the first airport in India to achieve such accreditation.
That’s about it for September peeps!
Stay tuned for our next installment, The easy Report: October 2020!
