This Week in Airliner, Airports and Airlines
TSA PreCheck® reaches milestone with 20 million members.
Top 20 busiest airports in the world confirmed by ACI.
Ethiopian Airlines honoured with prestigious President's Lifetime Achievement Award as it celebrates 25 years of services to the US.
Top 20 busiest airports in the world confirmed by ACI World.
Cathay Group orders the A330neo.
Cathay is investing over HK$100 billion to strengthen Hong Kong's international aviation hub status.
Biden-Harris Administration announces $636 Million in grants to improve airport infrastructure.
Virgin Australia orders eight Embraer E190-E2s.
Worldwide incidents and accidents.
Bonus Video - AirVenture 2024 Istanbul Türkiye to Chicago USA
AIRLINES, AIRPORTS & AIRLINERS NEWS
TSA PRECHECK® REACHES MILESTONE WITH 20 MILLION MEMBERS
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced its TSA PreCheck® Trusted Traveler program surpassed 20 million active members, setting a new record for the program that launched in December 2013. This brings the total number of vetted airline passengers for DHS Trusted Traveler programs, which includes U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Global Entry expedited screening, to over 40 million.
“More travellers than ever are using TSA PreCheck because of its value, ease and efficiency,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “TSA PreCheck continues to be one of our most innovative risk-based security solutions, providing the benefit of shorter wait times of under 10 minutes, greater checkpoint efficiency and improved security. Additionally, the cost of TSA PreCheck continues to go down for both new enrolments and renewals. The consistent growth of the TSA PreCheck program is a testament to its popularity and success.”
TSA PreCheck enables low-risk travelers to enjoy a secure and efficient screening experience at more than 200 airports without compromising security standards. TSA's wait time benchmarks for TSA PreCheck lanes are under 10 minutes and under 30 minutes for standard lanes. TSA PreCheck members are able to wear their shoes, belts and light jackets through screening, and they may keep their laptops and 3-1-1 liquids in their carry-on bags.
TSA PreCheck is available for eligible travellers when departing from a participating airport or when connecting on domestic flights after returning to the U.S. from an international airport. Travellers who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or U.S. lawful permanent residents may apply for TSA PreCheck and are able to pick any enrolment provider based on cost, location and additional benefits. Costs for enrolment vary by provider.
TOP 20 BUSIEST AIRPORTS IN THE WORLD CONFIRMED BY ACI
Airports Council International (ACI) World has today published the latest ACI World Airport Traffic Dataset, confirming the top 20 busiest airports in the world in 2023.
The dataset's key findings confirm total global passenger traffic for 2023 was close to 8.7 billion, driven by a continued resurgence in international traffic. This segment was propelled by several factors, including the anticipated benefits from the reopening of the Asian markets and a growing inclination towards travel despite macroeconomic conditions.
ACI World Director General and CEO Luis Felipe de Oliveira said: “The dataset findings indicate that the demand for air travel is as strong as ever. International passenger traffic has now almost fully recovered from the pandemic, and the regional disparities are gone. China's reopening fuelled much of 2023's strong growth and has propelled Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport back into the Top 20. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport continues to lead the way, but the revival of Middle East and Asia-Pacific hubs is the standout takeaway from 2023 figures.
“Air cargo has decreased slightly year over year, but it is important to remember that the sector is recalibrating from the historic highs of the past few years. Cargo traffic is concentrated in the hub airports and Hong Kong retains its top spot.
“However, whatever position in the rankings an airport occupies, each is integral to the communities it serves. Airports are resilient, adaptable and support social and economic development. ACI World continues to advocate for airports worldwide to ensure their societal benefits are enjoyed by as many people as possible.”
ACI World collects airport traffic every year through its global network of airport operator members, investors, and aviation stakeholders. The dataset reveals airport passenger, cargo, and aircraft movement rankings for over 2,700 airports across more than 185 countries and territories. It allows users to filter through accurate and reliable numbers that can be segmented on a regional, national, and airport level and by traffic type.
Final figures indicate that 2023 global total passengers are close to 8.7 billion, representing an increase of 30.6% from 2022 or a recovery at 94.3% from pre-pandemic results (2019).
The confirmed 2023 global total passenger figure represents a remarkable 99.99% accuracy to the figure predicted in the ACI World Annual Traffic Forecast 2023-2052 in February 2024, highlighting the reliability of ACI World's statistics and forecasting.
The top 20 airports representing 16% of global traffic (1.41 billion passengers), witnessed a gain of 26.4% from 2022 or a recovery of 96.8% from 2019 (1.46 billion passengers in 2019). Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is at the top of the 2023 rankings followed by Dubai International Airport and Dallas Forth Worth.
After reaching the top of the rankings in 2020, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport went down to 58th position in 2022 but regained 12th spot in 2023. Eight airports from the top 20 rankings are in the United States. Almost all have significant domestic passenger shares (between 70% and 95% domestic traffic).
The biggest jump in the top 20 rankings was recorded by Incheon International Airport. The airport improved its ranking from 99th position in 2022 to take 20th spot in 2023.
Air Cargo
Air cargo volumes are estimated to have decreased -1.8% year over year (-4.9% versus 2019), finishing close to 115 million tonnes in 2023.
Air cargo traffic is more concentrated among the main airports. Air cargo volumes in the top 20 airports, representing around 42% (47.9 million tonnes) of the global volumes in 2023, dropped -3.2% in 2023 year over year but kept a gain of +1.6% vs 1 million tonnes in 2019.
The decline can be attributed to the ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global trade and supply chains.
Hong Kong remained in top spot, followed by Memphis and Shanghai Pudong.
Aircraft Movements
2023 global aircraft movements were close to 96 million, representing a gain of 12.6% from 2022 results or a recovery of 92.8% vs pre-pandemic results (2019).
The top 20 airports, representing close to 11% of global traffic (10.5 million movements), witnessed a gain of 12.2% from their 2022 results or a recovery of 95.3% on their 2019 results (11 million movements in 2019).
Eleven airports from the top 20 rankings are in the United States.
ATL is at the top with 776,000 movements, representing a recovery of 85.8% from its 2019 results (904,000 movements in 2019).
Chicago O'Hare is in 2nd place after leading ATL in 2018 and 2019, followed by DFW.
The biggest jump in the top 20 rankings was recorded for PVG. The airport improved its ranking from the 83rd position in 2022 to 18th in 2023.
Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world's airports, is a federated organization comprising ACI World, ACI Africa, ACI Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, ACI EUROPE, ACI Latin America and the Caribbean and ACI North America. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. As of May 2024, ACI serves 814 members, operating 2110 airports in 169 countries.
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES HONOURED WITH PRESTIGIOUS PRESIDENT'S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AS IT CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF SERVICES TO THE US.
Ethiopian Airlines, the leading aviation group in Africa and a rapidly expanding global airline brand, has been distinguished with the US President's Lifetime Achievement Award. This accolade recognizes the airline's outstanding contributions and dedicated service to communities in the United States.
The award, signed by the US President Joseph R. Biden, was presented to Ethiopian Airlines during the 8th Annual Galla Dinner, hosted by the Black IAM organization at the Hilton Atlanta Airport Hotel. Ethiopian Airlines continues to set industry standards for excellence, reinforcing its commitment to connecting cultures and fostering international collaboration.
“Our commitment to excellence and the spirit of unity has been the driving force behind our services for almost eight decades. This accolade is not only a recognition of our past efforts but also a bright beacon for the future, guiding us towards even greater heights in service and connectivity," said Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “The President's Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our employees, partners, and stakeholders”.
As Ethiopian celebrates this remarkable achievement, it reaffirms its pledge to enhance its services and strengthen its ties with the US community. As member of the America's TSA PreCheck® program, Ethiopian will continue to innovate and expand its customer experience, ensuring that passengers enjoy unparalleled travel experiences.
The award acknowledges Ethiopian Airlines' unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions to the US community over the past 25 years. The airline has also been actively involved in community outreach programs, including supporting educational initiatives, sports, healthcare projects, and cultural exchanges.
Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is one of the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the continent's largest airline brand. In its seventy-eight years of successful operations, Ethiopian has become the continent's leading carrier, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion's share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian's fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and Bombardier Dash 8-400 double cabin.
Ethiopian is also pursuing multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15- year strategic plan Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world.
Ethiopian has been champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax's 'Best Airline in Africa Award' for seven consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years.
CATHAY GROUP ORDERS THE A330NEO
Hong Kong's Cathay Group has placed a firm order with Airbus for 30 A330-900 widebody aircraft. The order follows a thorough evaluation by the airline under its mid-size widebody fleet renewal programme.
The newly-ordered aircraft will enable Cathay to modernise its earlier generation A330-300 fleet and expand its operations on high capacity regional routes. The aircraft will also offer flexibility to serve longer range destinations. As with all A330neo aircraft, the fleet will be powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines.
Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer said: “As Cathay completes the final stretch of its rebuilding journey, we are turning the page to modernisation and growth, both in terms of scope and quality. We are delighted to announce this new order for state-of-the-art A330neo aircraft. This substantial investment reflects not only our immense confidence in Hong Kong's leading international aviation hub status, but also represents our commitment to fostering our home city's ongoing development.”
“The A330 is an aircraft type that has been serving Cathay Pacific well for nearly 30 years. These new aircraft will principally serve our regional destinations in Asia, while also providing the flexibility to serve longer-haul destinations as required. The improved fuel efficiency of these A330neos, together with their high standards of comfort, will enable us to further elevate the experience we provide for our customers while also contributing towards our goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft said: "This latest order from Cathay, one of the world's most experienced A330 operators, is a major endorsement of the latest generation A330neo. It is the natural successor for existing A330 fleets, bringing the highest levels of technical and operational commonality, and significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions. In addition, the award-winning Airspace cabin provides a whole new flight experience.”
“At Cathay, the A330neo will become the backbone of its regional widebody operations, with the versatility to operate on longer routes. Together with its A320 Family and A350 fleets, the airline will be able to take full benefit from the unique synergies of the latest generation Airbus product line.”
The A330-900 is capable of flying 7,200 nm / 13,330 km non-stop and features the award-winning Airspace cabin, offering a superior flight experience. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330neo is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with the aim to increase this to 100% by 2030.
At the end of July, the A330 Family had won 1,805 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide, with 1,469 aircraft in service on long, medium and short haul routes around the world.
CATHAY IS INVESTING OVER HK$100 BILLION TO STRENGTHEN HONG KONG'S INTERNATIONAL AVIATION HUB STATUS
The Cathay Group (Cathay) has committed more than HK$100 billion in investments over the next seven years as part of its bold strategy to further elevate its customer experience, and strengthen Hong Kong's international aviation hub status riding on the Three-Runway System. This encompasses major investments in its fleet, cabin products, lounges, and digital and sustainability leadership as it sets its sights on growing for its customers, its people and its home, Hong Kong.
Cathay Group Chair Patrick Healy said: “With the Three-Runway System soon to propel Hong Kong's aviation sector into a new age, the coming years are going to be an incredibly exciting time for Hong Kong and for Cathay with ample new opportunities to grow.
“As the city's home airline, we are a key contributor towards the future success of the Hong Kong international aviation hub. Our substantial investments further demonstrate our unwavering commitment to fostering Hong Kong's ongoing economic development.
“With over HK$100 billion being invested in our fleet, cabin products, airport lounges and more, we are firmly turning the page and embarking on a bold new strategy for the future, not just in scope but also in quality. Cathay is entering an exciting new era underpinned by our determination to become one of the world's greatest service brands.”
This investment includes today's announcement of Cathay's purchase of 30 Airbus A330-900 aircraft with the right to acquire an additional 30 aircraft in future. These new regional widebody aircraft are expected to be delivered from 2028, and will join the Cathay Pacific fleet principally serving destinations in Asia.
Cathay now has more than 100 new-generation aircraft in its delivery pipeline, with the right to acquire over 80 additional aircraft in future. With orders covering narrowbody, regional widebody, long-haul widebody, and large freighter aircraft, these investments promise to modernise and expand Cathay's fleet, taking it to the next level. Furthermore, the enhanced fuel-efficiency they provide will play an important role in reducing carbon emissions and helping Cathay achieve its carbon net-zero by 2050 goal.
BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES $636 MILLION IN GRANTS TO IMPROVE AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced more than $636 million for 320 grants in 46 states and American Samoa to improve our nation's airport infrastructure
“From passenger travel to cargo operations, the Biden-Harris Administration continues to make our aviation system safer, more accessible, and more resilient through initiatives like the Airport Improvement Program,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Thanks to this latest round of funding, passengers across the country will benefit as we make airports from Rhode Island to American Samoa more modern and efficient.”
This fourth round of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants fund a variety of projects such planning, airport safety improvements, airport development, and airport noise compatibility grants.
“This $636 million investment helps airports across the Nation sustain and improve critical infrastructure to advance the safest, most efficient airport system in the world,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E.
Examples of airports receiving grants include:
$24.2 million at Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, New York: The grant funds a runway rehabilitation to improve airfield safety.
$16.3 million at Philadelphia International Airport in Pennsylvania: This grant funds a runway rehabilitation to improve safety.
$15.7 million at Detroit Willow Run Airport in Michigan: This grant funds taxiway construction.
$15 million at Ellison Onizuka Kona International at Keahole, Hawaii: The grant funds a runway rehabilitation.
$14.8 million at Pioneer Field in Valdez, Alaska: The grant funds the expansion of a snow removal equipment building.
$14.5 million at Muhammad Ali International in Louisville, Kentucky: This grant funds the reconstruction of taxiways.
$9.2 million at Rhode Island T.F. Green International in Warwick: This grant funds the construction of aircraft parking.
$4.2 million at San Diego International in California: This grant funds the reconstruction of taxiways.
$755,000 at Fitiuta Airport in American Samoa: This grant funds the reconstruction of runway lights.
The Airport Improvement Program receives approximately $3.3 billion in funding each year.
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA ORDERS EIGHT EMBRAER E190-E2S
Virgin Australia has placed a firm order with Embraer for eight E190-E2 small narrowbody aircraft, as part of its fleet renewal plan. The order will see the E190-E2, the world's most fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft with the lowest noise emissions, complement the airline's larger narrowbodies and replace its long-serving Fokker fleet. The order will be reflected in Embraer's Q3 backlog and deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025.
The announcement event will be attended by the Deputy Premier of Western Australia and Treasurer, Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Rita Saffioti. Virgin Australia's E190-E2 fleet will be based in Perth and operated by Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA). The aircraft has a flying range of around six hours and is powered by Pratt & Whitney's PW1900G engines.
“When the new E190-E2 enters service from October 2025, it will become the first new aircraft in the WA charter market this century,” said Jayne Hrdlicka, Virgin Australia Group CEO. “The E190-E2 is the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its segment and will reduce emissions by about 30 per cent compared to the outgoing F100. These aircraft also feature significantly lower noise profiles and enhanced passenger comfort.”
“When the E190-E2 joins the fleet from late next year it will predominantly operate charter flights for VARA, bolstering its position as a leading operator in the WA charter market.
“This is a huge vote of confidence by the Virgin Australia Group in our charter business and the WA market.”
“The E2 is a game changer,” said Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “We are excited to welcome Virgin Australia to the Embraer family and look forward to seeing our best-in-class E2 - renowned for comfort, quietness, and low emissions - take the Airline to even greater heights.”
Building upon the first-generation E-Jets' 20 years of operational excellence, the E190-E2's enhanced aerodynamics, novel wing design, and new technologies deliver significant improvements in carbon emissions and fuel burn. It has been certified to fly with blends of up to 50% SAF and has demonstrated through test flights the engine's operability with 100% SAF.
South Sudan, Malakal Airport (MAK/HJMK): A Bombardier DHC-8-311Q Dash 8 suffered an accident on landing at Malakal Airport (MAK). Unconfirmed reports suggest it lost both main gear wheel sets after striking a dam on departure from Maban Airstrip. The flight continued to Malakal with the main undercarriage extended (without the wheel sets). A belly landing was carried out at Malakal.
USA, between Charlotte, NC and Tampa, FL: American Airlines flight AA2905, an Airbus A321-231, encountered severe turbulence injuring two flight attendants.
Brazil, near Vinhedo, SP: Voepass Linhas Aéreas flight PTB2283, an ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-500), was destroyed when it crashed near Vinhedo, São Paulo. All 58 passengers and 4 crew members perished in the accident. Online videos show the aircraft in a fully developed spin with little to no forward speed before it impacted a residential area and burst into flames. The flight had departed Cascavel Airport, PR (CAC/SBCA) at 14:58 UTC, bound for São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport, SP (GRU/SBGR). The aircraft climbed to a cruising altitude of FL170 until ADS-B data show the aircraft entering a sudden sharp descent at 16:21 UTC. In the area of the accident a SIGMET was active with severe icing between FL120 and FL210. "SBCW SIGMET 9 VALID 091530/091930 SBCW - SBCW CURITIBA FIR SEV ICE FCST WI S2024 W05806 - S2204 W05801 - S2221 W05549 - S2359 W05525 - S2349 W05440 - S2418" Both the flight data and cockpit voice recorder were recovered. Last occurence : the aircraft experienced hydraulic problems and a tail strike during landing on runway 10 at Salvador International Airport (SBSV), Brazil, on 11 March 2024 resulting in structural damage to the tail. Flight #PTB2290 from Recife completed the landing without further incident. The ATR was transported to Riberato Preto for extensive repairs until it resumed normal passenger operations on 9 July.
