It’ a strange time in aviation at the moment....
Summer schedules have started, so route announcements have dried up. Some stories rumble on but there’s still topics worthy of a mention.
BA - has announced plans to introduce new real-time apps in a bid to better predict adverse weather. Currently its teams rely on manually produced weather reports generated earlier that day. The two new apps will access real-time data provided by technology firm The Weather Company and will be used by pilots and flight planning teams.
Pilots will be able to access “comprehensive insights into weather conditions along flight paths both before departure and while in the air” using the Guidor app, while the carrier’s Integrated Operations Control will have access to the WSI Fusion app which will work in conjunction with the Guidor technology. to help them give precise information on weather changes. BA said that it was the first UK airline to introduce the apps, which will enable them to “assess the impact of weather changes in real-time to better plan and adapt flight paths, making more operationally efficient decisions”. The new technology follows introduction of a new Electronic Aircraft Maintenance (eLog) system earlier this year, replacing the old paper-based system. This the immediate transfer of data from the aircraft to engineers, “meaning any required parts can be pre-ordered to help to resolve issues more quickly”.
Global Airlines – I’ve said very little about the ambitions of this all-A380 carrier, but maybe it’s time to look at how far they’ve got towards starting flights. There’s been media criticism of Founder, James Asquith’s attitude when asked probing questions. Key management positions have been filled. Pilot training overseen by HiFly. Fleet will consist of 4 aircraft. The paper airline is currently working with Airbus to confirm the arrangements and approvals to fly its first aircraft to a European facility in the coming weeks. 9H-GLOBL will then undergo refurbishment and overhaul work before entering service in the coming months. However, there seems to be more effort being concentrated on partnerships for “lesser” services. Amenity kits already in place, food and beverage service agreed, partnership agreed with Amex, complimentary chauffeur service for First and Business passengers. With so much cynicism around its launch, will this airline ever get off the ground (sorry!).
SAS – recently announced it would leave Star Alliance at the end of August. With Air France-KLM taking a stake in the Scandinavian carrier, it’s logical to also now be part of Sky Team.
Scoot – first carrier in Southeast Asia to take delivery of E190-E2. In fact, it’s the first airline in Singapore to take aircraft from Brazil.
ITA – recently took delivery of 4 Airbus in one week. An A330-900 owned by ITA Airways, as well as leased A321neo, A320neo and A220-100. Recent A220 deliveries have enabled the Italian carrier to ramp up its services to and from LCY, with the introduction of a fourth daily LIN service and the new FCO route. The average fleet age is now 8.4 years.
In other news…
MAN – recently published details of the most confiscated items at Security. In one day, 284 lighters were seized. Other items removed from passengers include darts, scissors, corkscrews, hacksaws and toy guns. There was even a hammer and small blow torch used by chefs. On the liquids side it’s the usual suspects of soft drinks, shower gel, shampoo and alcohol.
Jet2 – in what is considered a return to their spiritual home, the announcement of the new base at BOH still came as a surprise to many. The main competition comes from Ryanair with year-round and seasonal routes. TUI also operates a number of seasonal routes; easyJet 2 popular ski destinations. Jet2 has come a long way since it started as all-cargo Channel Express, retaining the callsign to this day.
Boeing – and the problems continue. A new whistleblower has come forward, highlighting the poor safety culture. At least Boeing and Airbus have reached an agreement on how Spirit AeroSystems will be managed. The latter only interested in the facilities which manufacture their parts. There is also a suggestion that Boeing ignored a government report, placing them at risk of criminal action.
And finally…
Qantas – recently celebrated the return to service of A380 VH-OQA, after a year’s storage in AUH. Their first Superjumbo, named Nancy-Bird Walton, was no doubt welcomed by the crew of QF32.
FR24 – recently announced updates to its layout, introducing enhanced aircraft identification and new airport/airfield markers. Further options are available depending on your chosen subscription level.
BHX – a recent rare visitor caused quite a stir amongst spotters. Korean Air 777 a special charter for F1 teams returning to their Oxfordshire bases after the Japanese Grand Prix. Of course, the drivers would return to their tax haven homes in private jets!
Information courtesy of Business Traveller, Simple Flying, Qantas
Images courtesy of
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