This Week in Airliner, Airports and Airlines
Falko Announces Delivery of Four Embraer E175 Aircraft to Airlink.
Emirates deepens presence in South Africa and adds fourth daily flight to Johannesburg.
Ethiopian airlines flies to new heights: wins prestigious 'Outstanding Tourism Transportation Award' at Africa Tourism Leadership Forum.
Asia Pacific nations commit to sustainable aviation future at landmark ministerial conference in New Delhi.
Landmark ICAO Symposium highlights the importance of CO2 emissions.
Boeing: Southeast Asia air traffic to more than triple through 2043.
Gary / Chicago International Airport receives formal approvals for new airport traffic control tower.
Glendale woman sentenced to prison for assaulting TSA officer at Sky Harbor Airport.
Worldwide incidents and accidents.
Bonus Video - Four days in Kruger 2021 day four.
AIRLINES, AIRPORTS & AIRLINERS NEWS
FALKO ANNOUNCES DELIVERY OF FOUR EMBRAER E175 AIRCRAFT TO AIRLINK
Falko Regional Aircraft Limited (Falko) has completed the delivery of four (4) Embraer E175 aircraft on lease to Airlink, South Africa's premier independent regional carrier.
The aircraft were delivered on behalf of Falko managed fund, Falko Regional Aircraft Opportunities Fund II (Fund II) with the first two deliveries concluding in Q4 2023 and the final two deliveries in August and September 2024. Airlink now operates E170, E175 and E190 aircraft from Falko's managed portfolio.
"We have successfully delivered four E175 aircraft to leading Johannesburg-based airline, Airlink. The addition of these aircraft into Airlink's fleet marks another significant step by the airline to enhance its regional connectivity and fleet capabilities across Southern Africa, and we are proud to be able to support them in their growth journey." Mark Hughes, Falko's Chief Commercial Officer commented. "The transaction further expands Falko's footprint in Africa, an increasingly important market for regional aircraft. We expect to see significant growth and opportunities in the African aviation market over the next couple of decades as countries look to improve connectivity across and into the continent in a bid to facilitate economic growth."
Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster said: "The leased Embraer E175s from Falko provide us with the flexibility to provide a consistent top-quality onboard service across a wider band of routes across our network. Currently we serve over 45 destinations in Southern and East Africa and we reach markets across the globe through our code-shares and other partnerships with 36 of the world's leading international airlines. The commonality with our other E-jets is also vital for air crew training, flight operations and technical support".
Falko is the world's largest asset manager and aircraft lessor focused solely on the regional aircraft leasing segment. Falko is one of the longest standing and largest managers of regional aircraft globally. Falko's strategy is focused on growing its portfolio of aircraft under management and the continued development of products and services in support of its aircraft lease management activity.
Falko is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chorus Aviation Inc., a company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (Symbol: CHR) and, headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
EMIRATES DEEPENS PRESENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA AND ADDS FOURTH DAILY FLIGHT TO JOHANNESBURG
Emirates, the world's largest international airline, is bringing even more choice, connectivity and premium travel options to Johannesburg, by adding a fourth daily flight on the in-demand route. This follows the recent announcement of the second daily A380 between Dubai and Johannesburg, which launched on 1 September, reaffirming the importance of South Africa on the airline's extensive global network.
The fourth daily service will begin on 1 March, 2025, and will be operated on a three-class Boeing 777-300ER, offering an additional 708 seats in and out of South Africa's largest and busiest international airport every day, broadening options for leisure and business travellers alike. EK767 will depart Dubai at 00:10hrs, arriving in Johannesburg at 06:20hrs; the return flight, EK768, will depart Johannesburg at 10:15hrs arriving in Dubai at 20:15hrs, expanding the airline's schedule to introduce a morning departure from Johannesburg.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said, "South Africa has long been a highly popular destination for both leisure and business travellers connecting to and through Dubai, and the fourth daily flight enables us to better serve the growing demand for travel to and from the market. We'd like to extend our thanks to the South African authorities for their partnership and support in securing this new service, which reinstates the capacity we offered South Africa pre-pandemic, with 49 weekly flights, across three gateways. As we reflect on nearly three decades of operations to the market, we remain committed to driving inbound travel to South Africa, supporting the government as they aim make tourism the leading economic contributor and vehicle for transformation, as well as encouraging more inwards investment to the country."
The fourth daily flight further supports connectivity across Emirates' global network of over 140 destinations, optimising schedules to key destinations including Dubai, Thailand and India as well as European hotspots such as UK, France, the Netherlands and Germany.
Customers taking advantage of the expanded Emirates schedule to Johannesburg can reach a further 60 regional points in Africa via codeshare and interline agreements with four key partners. Emirates and South African Airways first established a codeshare arrangement back in 1997, and it remains one of the oldest partnerships in the airline's history, enabling frictionless, single-ticket travel to and from all three South African gateways, including 12 destinations via Johannesburg. Unlocking greater connectivity, Emirates' codeshare with Airlink opens up a further 44 regional cities, while its interline agreement with Cemair provides access to exclusive leisure points such as Margate and Plettenberg Bay. Similarly, the agreement with FlySafair enables travel to domestic points such as Port Elizabeth, East London and George. These partnerships provide greater connectivity for passengers across Africa to access Emirates' world-class product and service, while also enabling international travellers to seamlessly explore more of Africa.
In addition to enhancing passenger travel, the new flight increases cargo capacity in and out of South Africa, offering 300 tonnes via the belly of the Boeing 777, weekly. Emirates SkyCargo, the airline's freight division, uplifts key commodities, including fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled meat, dairy, seafood and fresh cut flowers, further stimulating the economy and connecting South African businesses with their global customers, quickly, reliably and efficiently. The new flight provides additional opportunities to move goods to key destinations, such as London, Madrid, Kuwait, Hong Kong and, of course, Dubai, via the airline's multi-vertical specialized product portfolio.
In the last 29 years, Emirates has established itself as a long-term partner of South African aviation, tourism and trade, since the inaugural flight to Johannesburg in June 1995. Since then, the airline has scaled operations, increased frequencies and gateways to Cape Town and Durban and served over 20 million passengers to and from the market. In October 2011, Emirates first deployed its flagship A380 to Johannesburg, bringing the airline's world-class products and services to South Africa, and now offers two daily flights from Johannesburg on the iconic double-decker aircraft.
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES FLIES TO NEW HEIGHTS: WINS PRESTIGIOUS OUTSTANDING TOURISM TRANSPORTATION AWARD' AT AFRICA TOURISM LEADERSHIP FORUM
Ethiopian Airlines is thrilled to announce that it has been bestowed with the coveted 'Outstanding Tourism Transportation Award' at the 2024 Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) held in Gaborone, Botswana
This prestigious accolade recognizes tourism transportation organizations that consistently deliver the highest standards of service to travellers while upholding strong sustainability and environmental credentials. The award specifically highlights the most reliable and efficient transportation companies serving all destinations across the African continent, including remote tourism hotspots.
Ethiopian Airlines' triumph is a testament to its unwavering commitment to connecting Africa and the world through a seamless and exceptional travel experience. The airline's extensive global network, coupled with its pioneering initiatives towards sustainability and its dedication to service excellence, played a pivotal role in securing this distinguished recognition.
"We are honoured to receive this prestigious award," said Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. "This recognition validates our unwavering commitment to providing our passengers with the highest quality of service and fostering sustainable tourism across Africa. As a Pan-African and the largest network operator in Africa, our vision has always been to connect Africa to the world, and the world to Africa, and this recognition from ATLF encourages us to set the bar even higher."
The African Travel and Leadership Forum serves as a premier Pan-African platform, fostering dialogue among pivotal contributors to Africa's travel, tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors. This forum facilitates networking, the exchange of insights, and the formulation of strategies to bolster intra-continental travel and tourism, thereby augmenting the brand value of "Destination Africa."
The ATLF Awards are distinguished as the inaugural Pan-African accolades dedicated to acknowledging African-driven innovation, excellence, and transformative initiatives within the travel and tourism sphere. Furthermore, Ethiopian Airlines is at the forefront of promoting tourism across Africa. Through its subsidiary, Ethiopian Holidays, it provides an array of travel packages that are integrated with its vast destination network, thus enhancing the interdependent relationship between tourism and air transport.
ASIA PACIFIC NATIONS COMMIT TO SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUTURE AT LANDMARK MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE IN NEW DELHI
Asia Pacific nations have committed to a landmark shift towards sustainable aviation, enhanced safety and technological innovation in a unanimous declaration adopted at a high-level Ministerial conference in New Delhi. The Delhi Declaration, endorsed by 29 countries, sets ambitious targets for the future of air travel in one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.
In this significant step towards shaping the future of aviation in the Asia Pacific region, Ministers and high-level officials gathered at the Second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation in New Delhi. The Honourable Minister of Civil Aviation of India Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu was elected Chairperson of the conference while Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation of Fiji Viliame Rogoibuli Gavoka was elected as Vice Chairperson.
"This declaration is a roadmap for the future of aviation in one of the world's fastest-growing regions," said ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano. "It demonstrates a collective will to embrace innovation while prioritizing safety, security, and environmental responsibility."
The conference, co-hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Government of India, brought together over 200 delegates, including 12 ministers, 8 Deputy/Vice Ministers and 24 directors general of civil aviation. Their discussions and commitments reflect the region's determination to lead in aviation advancements while addressing global concerns. The presence of the Indian Prime Minister, H.E. Shri Narendra Modi, during the adoption and proclaiming ceremonies of the Delhi Declaration demonstrates that aviation is seen as a critical sector for the economic development of the host country.
A key focus of the Delhi Declaration is accelerating efforts to reduce aviation's environmental impact. This commitment was symbolically underscored by India's initiative to plant 80,000 trees commemorating ICAO's 80th anniversary. The declaration also emphasizes the critical role of accelerating progress towards gender equality in the sector. India leads with 15% of its pilots being women, triple the global average. However, further efforts are needed to ensure gender equity in aviation across the region and to meet the human resource demands of the sector's rapid expansion.
The Declaration outlines several key commitments, including:
• Supporting the implementation of ICAO's global plans for safety, air navigation, and aviation security.
• Accelerating the adoption of new technologies to enhance safety and efficiency.
• Investing in infrastructure to support sustainable growth and emerging aviation concepts.
• Promoting gender equality across all levels of the aviation sector.
• Reducing emissions and other environmental impacts of aviation.
• Enhancing regional cooperation in air traffic management, search & rescue and aviation security.
The Declaration reaffirms support and continues efforts towards realizing the commitments of the prior Beijing Declaration. These commitments come at a crucial time for the aviation industry, which is rebounding from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and facing increasing pressure to address its environmental footprint.
The outcomes of this conference will significantly shape ICAO's work programme and will inform discussions at the upcoming 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly in 2025, where global aviation policies will be refined and adopted.
LANDMARK ICAO SYMPOSIUM HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF ENHANCED COOPERATION ON AVIATION NON CO2 EMISSIONS The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations announce FIATA's endorsement of the IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM). This follows an extensive one-year process of discussions, review, and collaboration between the two organizations.
The ICHM provides standardized procedures for airlines, ground handling agents (GHAs), and freight forwarders, ensuring consistency and efficiency throughout the cargo process. By adopting these standards, freight forwarders, airlines and GHAs will better align their operations, by leveraging their respective expertise to improve efficiency across the supply chain.
"FIATA's endorsement of the ICHM supports IATA's goal of creating a safer, more efficient air cargo industry. Standardization of procedures reduces risks, enhances operational performance, and improves efficiency. Importantly, this brings enormous benefits to the global supply chain and the millions of businesses and people that depend on it," said Brendan Sullivan, IATA Global Head of Cargo.
"FIATA has worked closely with IATA in reviewing the ICHM, providing valuable input to ensure that it addresses the specific needs of freight forwarders of all sizes around the world, including the SMEs. The result is a set of standardized procedures that will enable faster, more efficient processes, while also improving service to shippers. Crucially, FIATA prioritizes safety and security, and this collaboration ensures that these key aspects are embedded throughout the handling procedures. This strengthens mutual recognition across stakeholders, driving operational efficiency, safety, and cost savings throughout the supply chain", said Stéphane Graber, FIATA Director General.
FIATA's endorsement of the ICHM aligns all major players in the air cargo handling process around a single consistent set of global standards. It signals a new era of cooperation between freight forwarders and airlines, underpinned by a shared commitment to operational excellence.
BOEING: SOUTHEAST ASIA AIR TRAFFIC TO MORE THAN TRIPLE THROUGH 2043
Boeing [NYSE: BA] forecasts Southeast Asia passenger air traffic to more than triple over the next 20 years, driven by above global average economic growth and a rising middle class. The region's airplane fleet is also projected to more than triple to 4,960 jets to meet the rising air travel demand, according to Boeing's 2024 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), the company's long-term demand forecast for commercial airplanes and services.
Through 2043, passenger air traffic in Southeast Asia will grow 7.2% annually - well above the 4.7% average annual growth rate globally - according to the CMO.
"With Southeast Asia's economy forecast to have the second-highest growth rate among global regions, rising household incomes will bring new consumers into this aviation market, fueling growth for low cost and leisure business models," said David Schulte, managing director of Boeing Commercial Marketing for Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania.
"Southeast Asia's growing fleet - especially single-aisle airplanes - will play an important role in further connecting the region's island geography and serving travel demand across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly routes to China and Northeast Asia," Schulte said.
Through 2043, Boeing also forecasts:
Airlines in Southeast Asia will expand their share of the Asia-Pacific fleet from 17% to 25%.
To meet long-haul demand, widebodies like the 787 Dreamliner will make up one in five deliveries in Southeast Asia.
The region will need more than 120 new and converted freighters to support increasingly diversified global supply chains as well as growing e-commerce demand.
Southeast Asia operators will need to hire and train 234,000 new pilots, maintenance technicians and cabin crew - more than tripling the region's active personnel.
Southeast Asia's commercial aviation industry continues to focus on improving sustainability. Nearly 1,200 new, more fuel-efficient airplanes will replace aging jets in the region over the next 20 years. Also, as global aviation aims to achieve net-zero by 2050, this region's available bio-based feedstocks can supply approximately 12% of global sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) demand, according to the Boeing-supported SAF feedstock assessment.
New deliveries (2024-2043)
Boeing has published the CMO annually since 1961. As the longest-running forecast of its kind, the CMO is regarded as the most comprehensive analysis of the commercial aviation industry.
GARY / CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT RECEIVES FORMAL APPROVALS FOR NEW AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER
The Gary / Chicago International Airport (GCIA) announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has formally approved the required siting study allowing for the placement of a new Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT).
The existing ATCT at GCIA was constructed in 1972, and while still functional, has become increasingly obsolete and inefficient. Plans to replace the existing ATCT began two (2) years ago in conjunction with the FAA, and this process concluded in early September with the formal approval of the Siting Study Report.
"We are thrilled to receive approval for this critical project, and this significant investment in our airport infrastructure will enhance our air traffic management abilities," said Dan Vicari, Executive Director of the Gary / Chicago International Airport. "The new control tower will not only improve operational efficiency but also provide our dedicated air traffic controllers with the tools they need to manage our skies safely."
The report's approval allows GCIA to immediately begin designing and engineering the new ATCT. The new tower will be approximately 50' taller than the existing tower, and will feature state-of-the-art technology, including advanced radar systems and communication tools, to better support our air traffic controllers in managing increasing flight operations. With air travel on the rise, this project is essential to accommodate future growth while maintaining high safety standards.
Construction is anticipated to begin in Fall 2025 and is projected to be completed by Summer 2026. The project will also create jobs and stimulate local economic growth during the construction phase and beyond.
GLENDALE WOMAN SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR ASSAULTING TSA OFFICER AT SKY HARBOR AIRPORT
Ma'Kiah Cherae Coleman, 20, of Glendale, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Douglas L. Rayes to four months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release for assaulting a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Coleman pleaded guilty to assault on a Federal Officer inflicting bodily injury on 2 April 2024.
On 25 April 2023, Coleman assaulted a Transportation Security Officer at Sky Harbor Airport by grabbing the officer's hair, forcing the officer's head down against a baggage screening area table, and punching the officer in the head several times with a closed fist. Coleman had to be restrained by several other Transportation Security Officers.
In addition to being sentenced to prison, Coleman is banned from traveling by commercial aircraft during the three-year term of her court supervision.
Transportation Security Officers are federal employees who work for the Department of Homeland Security to protect the nation's transportation systems. Their primary role is to screen passengers, baggage, and cargo for terrorism threats. Coleman's actions resulted in the temporary closure of a Sky Harbor Airport security checkpoint while law enforcement responded.
The Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Phoenix Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney's Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
Mozambique, Nacala International Airport (MNC): A LAM flight TM191, a Boeing 737-700, returned to land at Nacala International Airport (MNC) after a loud noise was reported coming from one of the engines.
Greece, Heraklion-N. Kazantzakis Airport (HER/LGIR): EasyJet UK flight U28216, an Airbus A321-251NX, was evacuated via airstairs when the lithium battery of a power bank or an e-cigarette suffered a thermal runaway during boarding. The passenger's hand bag was brought outside and ARFF attended.
Pakistan, Lahore International Airport (LHE): A Fly Jinnah Airbus A320-214, was evacuated using slides after landing at Lahore Airport after the crew received a cargo hold fire/smoke warning alarm in the cockpit. No indication of fire found in the aircraft cargo hold.
