This Week in Airliner, Airports and Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines Received AFRAA's Airline of the Year - Global Operations Award.
SAA reports steady financial gains for FY 2022/23 at AGM.
LIFT does it again - claims two new awards for best domestic airline and best cabin crew.
TAAG begins gradual transfer of commercial passenger flights to Aiaan on November 10 with Cabinda route.
Bombardier's Global 7500 business jet soars to new heights, continues record-setting pace with 75 speed records.
Jetcraft Commercial delivers two Dash 8-400 aircraft to Air Panama.
DFW Airport Breaks Ground on Terminal F.
Embraer wins international award for business excellence.
Worldwide incidents and accidents.
Bonus video - Douglas DC3 Dakota
AIRLINES, AIRPORTS & AIRLINERS NEWS
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES RECEIVED AFRAA'S AIRLINE OF THE YEAR - GLOBAL OPERATIONS AWARD
Ethiopian Airlines Group, the continent's leading airline, has been awarded as “Airline of the Year - Global Operations” for the 8th time, at the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) 56th Annual General Assembly & Summit held in Cairo, Egypt.
The AFRAA annual award recognizes excellence in global service delivery, innovation, and competitiveness in airlines, individuals, and service providers in the African aviation industry. Ethiopian Airlines was specifically recognized for its outstanding performance, demonstrated by impressive profitability for the financial year ending June 2023, exemplary cooperation with other carriers, advancements in cargo services across the continent, and an extensive route network that connects Africa to the rest of the world.
In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew passionately stated, “Receiving the Airline of the Year - Global Operations award from AFRAA is not merely an accolade; it is a powerful affirmation of the commitment and resilience of our team. This award mirrors our unwavering mission to enhance Africa's connectivity and fuel economic growth. At Ethiopian Airlines, we don't just fly; we connect dreams, cultures, and opportunities.”
He added, “I wish to extend my deepest appreciation to our management and staff, whose relentless efforts fuel our success, as well as to AFRAA and our fellow airlines for acknowledging our hard work.”
Unrivalled in Africa for its operational efficiency and success, Ethiopian Airlines has continued offering customers convenient global connectivity and an enhanced travel experience. With its unwavering commitment to excellence, the airline is poised for continued growth and innovation in the aviation sector. Ethiopian Airlines has consistently demonstrated its commitment to servicing the continent by expanding its network, investing in state-of-the-art aircraft, and providing world-class customer service.
The airline has played a vital role in promoting trade and tourism, connecting various African nations and fostering stronger economic ties with destinations around the globe. This latest accolade from AFRAA solidifies Ethiopian Airlines' reputation as a benchmark for quality in the African aviation sector and reflects its ongoing strides toward contributing to the continent's growth and integration.
The 56th AFRAA Annual General Assembly and Summit that was held on 17 - 19 November 2024 in Cairo is the biggest aviation Summit in Africa and attended by Chairmen and CEOs from African airlines, ICAO, IATA, AFCAC, civil aviation authorities, airport companies, air navigation services providers as well as aircraft and engine manufacturers, component suppliers, and many other service providers.
SAA REPORTS STEADY FINANCIAL GAINS FOR FY 2022/23 AT AGM
The Interim Board of South African Airways SOC Limited (SAA) presented the results of the business' performance for the financial year 2022/23 at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at Airways Park at the OR Tambo International Airport Precinct, attended by the shareholder representative, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy.
The airline, together with its subsidiaries, posted a net profit of R252 million. Total revenue increased by 183%, from R 2.0 billion the prior year, to R5.7 billion.
The financial year 2022/23 is the first fiscal period of commercial operations since SAA exited business rescue and restarted operations in September 2021.
SAA airline operations turned a prior year's negative EBIDTA of R1.0 billion into a positive R277 million.
This positive 2022/23 performance is particularly notable given the challenging global aviation environment at the time and the then uncertainty around the future of SAA with a strategic equity partner. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual Report 2023 notes tough economic times for air transport worldwide, with the pressures of post-Covid recovery, persistently high interest rates, the war in Ukraine, and the highest oil (and therefore jet fuel) prices impacting airlines' sustainability.
SAA operated between 6 to 8 aircraft during the financial year, serving only up to 9 destinations.
Since then, a prudent fleet expansion plan has seen the number of operated aircraft double, and seven more aircraft rented for delivery during the financial year 2025/26. The first intercontinental route to Sao Paulo, Brazil was only launched in October 2023.
Since the period ended in March 2023, the airline has increased its routes to 16, including the achievement of the launch of Perth, Australia. Earlier this year, SAA announced additional frequencies to Harare, Lusaka, Lagos, Accra, Mauritius Kinshasa and Perth. The national flag carrier also introduced a new route, to a second destination in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lubumbashi.
In the process, SAA has been a conscientious creator of jobs. Including the subsidiaries, Air Chefs catering, and SAA Technical aircraft maintenance facilities, the size of the staff has steadily grown from 800 to the current total number around 2000, which includes 140 pilots.
“These pleasing results of the 2022/23 financial year are emblematic of the hard and careful work that went into the relaunching of SAA as a reliable airline and globally admired brand. This has put SAA on a path to financial sustainability without reliance on the fiscus” says SAA Interim CEO Professor John Lamola.
“We have now entered a period of consolidation of the current route network and fleet strategy and are looking to the next phase of quantum growth as SAA renews its fleet to elevate its customer offering, open more intercontinental routes, and pursue its environmental sustainability goals,” adds Lamola.
LIFT DOES IT AGAIN - CLAIMS TWO NEW AWARDS FOR BEST DOMESTIC AIRLINE AND BEST CABIN CREW
LIFT is on a winning streak, as the airline has just bagged another two awards in 2024, this time from the World Luxury Travel Awards, for best Domestic Airline Africa and Cabin Crew Southern Africa.
The news was announced over the weekend, at two awards ceremonies held in Bali and Ireland on 16 and 19 October, respectively. The World Luxury Travel Awards winners are voted by the public and are awarded to travel establishments across a range of diverse categories. The awards are presented on a country, regional, continental and global basis.
“We're proud to be adding another award to our collection,” says Charlene Meltz Head of Marketing of LIFT. “It's been a fantastic year of recognition, which means so much to all our staff at LIFT. Special thanks go to our amazing crew, who go above and beyond to provide exceptional service to all our passengers; this goes to show their efforts do not go unnoticed!”
The win follows LIFT bringing home a global award earlier this year, at the prestigious 2024 World Airline Awards in the United Kingdom. Hosted by Skytrax, The World Airline Awards are wholly independent and impartial, and LIFT was the youngest airline in Africa to have won a World Airline Award.
Meltz adds, “This marks our fourth award this year, rounding up our successful fourth year in the industry. We appreciate the recognition, which acknowledges our obsession around customer service and our commitment to South Africans.”
The World Luxury Travel Awards were established in 2020, and offer international recognition for achievements in the global travel industry. Over 100 000 international travellers vote each year.
TAAG BEGINS GRADUAL TRANSFER OF COMMERCIAL PASSENGER FLIGHTS TO AIAAN ON NOVEMBER 10 WITH CABINDA ROUTE
AAG, Angolan Airlines announces the start of the gradual transfer of its commercial passenger operations from 4 de Fevereiro International Airport to the New Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN), with the aim of offering a more efficient and modern service to its passengers. This transfer process, regulated by Executive Decree, begins on November 10 with flights on the Luanda-Cabinda-Luanda route.
The choice of Cabinda as the first route to be transferred is based on the fact that this is the domestic destination with the highest volume of passenger and cargo traffic, with flights in the morning, afternoon and evening, which will allow AIAAN's different teams and operational systems to be activated permanently.
In order to provide greater flexibility and convenience of service to its customers, TAAG will offer four daily frequencies to Cabinda, with departures and arrivals exclusively from and to Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, and the flights will be operated with a Dash 8-Q400 aircraft, with capacity for 74 passengers.
Later, during the month of December, TAAG will incorporate the routes in the Eastern region (Dundo, Saurimo and Luena) and Soyo into the flight schedule from AIAAN, and progressively, in the first quarter of 2025, complete the transfer of the other domestic and international connections.
The phased approach to the transfer of TAAG's commercial passenger flights to AIAAN follows international best practices in aviation change management, ensuring a safe, efficient transition focused on the continuous improvement of customer service.
TAAG is committed to ensuring that this transition takes place smoothly, placing operational safety as a priority, as well as continuity of services, to ensure that passengers' full travel plans are met.
By starting with the Cabinda route, the company is seeking to ensure that its operation at the new airport gets off to a solid and safe start, allowing it to optimize processes and offer passengers a positive and reliable experience.
Access to Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport will be ensured by the Luanda Railway (CFL), by the company Transportes Colectivos Urbanos de Luanda (TCUL) as well as through the use of its own vehicles or private shuttle services and personalized cabs.
In order to keep its customers informed at all times, TAAG has a multi-channel communication strategy in place, which includes the call centre service, sms, emailing, website, digital platforms, a network of partner agencies and its own offices.
BOMBARDIER'S GLOBAL 7500 BUSINESS JET SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS, CONTINUES RECORD-SETTING PACE WITH 75 SPEED RECORDS Bombardier recently announced that its industry-leading Global 7500 business jet has soared to new record-setting heights, adding to its already impressive speed record performances with more than 75 records in the books - a truly incredible accomplishment. The new records include Miami to São Paulo, Tokyo to Los Angeles, Tokyo to San Jose, Jeddah to London and Los Angeles to Auckland. These accomplishments build on earlier records, including an 8,225 nautical mile flight in October 2019 from Sydney, Australia to Detroit, Michigan, the longest flight ever recorded in business aviation.
“These blazing new speed records continue to show that the Global 7500 is the proven, undisputed leader in its category and the business aircraft with amazing performance, bringing our customers to far-flung destinations quickly and reliably,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Defence. “What's even more impressive about these records is they are flown as part of routine aircraft movements, including some missions that have passengers onboard. We have on more than one occasion been thrilled to have customers and prospects be aboard for the record setting city pairs.”
The Global 7500 features a top speed of Mach 0.925 and a baseline range of 7,700 nautical miles (14,260 km), making it the ultimate record-setting time machine. The impressive performance attributes of the aircraft were on full display with some of the new records, including Tokyo to Hong Kong in just 3 hours and 40 minutes; New Delhi to Tokyo in just 7 hours; and Los Angeles to Auckland in 11 hours and 55 minutes.
The aircraft's unique Smooth Flex Wing is like an in-air shock absorber, designed with a sophisticated slats and flap system that generates exceptional lift on take-off and approach, maximizing aerodynamic efficiency and boosting performance while improving safety and offering the industry's smoothest ride. It also reduces fuel burn, lowers emissions and produces excellent short-field and high-speed performance - the type of journey its discerning customers expect.
And while the Global 7500 sets the bar high when it comes to performance, it's also an exquisite home office in the sky - a productive business tool offering customers all the accoutrements of their preferred work environment.
The incredible attributes of the Global 7500 aircraft will be enhanced even more with the introduction of the Global 8000 (2) aircraft, announced in 2022. Bombardier's flagship for a new era is anticipated to have an industry-leading range of 8,000 nautical miles and a top speed of Mach 0.94, making it the ultimate all-in-one business aircraft. It is also expected to have a low cabin altitude of less than 2,900 feet when flying at 41,000 ft.
Manufacturing for Bombardier's Global 8000 aircraft is currently underway at Bombardier manufacturing sites in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, and the program is progressing to plan toward entry into service in 2025.
In anticipation of the planned entry-into-service of the Global 8000 business jet, an upgrade is currently available for purchase by existing Global 7500 aircraft customers through one of Bombardier's aircraft service centres. Benefits of the upgrade will include enhancing the aircraft's top speed, increasing its range and providing passengers with exceptionally low cabin altitudes.
JETCRAFT COMMERCIAL DELIVERS TWO DASH 8-400 AIRCRAFT TO AIR PANAMA
Jetcraft Commercial, the commercial division of the global aircraft trading firm Jetcraft, is announcing the delivery of two Dash 8-400 turboprops* to Panama-based regional carrier, Air Panama.
These are the first Dash 8-400s to join Air Panama's fleet and will be deployed on both domestic and international routes, enhancing the airline's capacity to serve growing passenger demand across Central America. The deal follows Jetcraft Commercial's acquisition of 19 Dash 8-400s from Horizon Air, and several successful deliveries to other companies.
Richard Libby, VP Sales, Jetcraft Commercial, says: “The Dash 8-400 is a versatile aircraft, perfectly suited to operations in the Americas, and we expect its value to remain strong. This dual delivery to Air Panama demonstrates Jetcraft Commercial's expertise in efficiently structuring deals that align with the specific needs of our clients, while opening new aviation opportunities.
“We're proud to support Air Panama, having used our leading position in the Dash 8-400 market to swiftly respond to their requirements as the airline embarks on its next phase of growth.”
Eduardo Stagg, CEO, Air Panama, says: “Jetcraft Commercial has played a key role in supporting our fleet expansion, allowing us to strengthen our network and meet rising demand. The Dash 8-400's fuel efficiency and reliability make it a perfect fit for both our domestic and regional operations, helping us optimize our services while enhancing the overall passenger experience.”
Jetcraft Commercial's ability to match the right aircraft with market needs highlights the relevance of the Dash 8-400, as airlines continue to focus on regional connectivity and the growing need for fuel-efficient, short-haul solutions.
DFW AIRPORT BREAKS GROUND ON TERMINAL F
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) today celebrated the beginning of construction on Terminal F - the airport's sixth terminal and the first new construction of an entire terminal at DFW since 2005. Airport officials and project partners gathered to celebrate the official groundbreaking at the site of the new terminal, which will feature a double-loaded concourse with 15 gates and modernized customer amenities.
“The new Terminal F will expand the airport's footprint with state-of-the-art facilities that align with our first-in-class customer experience and operation as we support the historic rise in air travel to and from the North Texas region,” said Sean Donohue, DFW's Chief Executive Officer. “By utilizing modular construction techniques that we first pioneered with the High-C Gates, we will deliver Terminal F using technology at a scale that's unique among airport development projects.”
“I am excited to see the momentum continue at DFW Airport with the start of construction on Terminal F,” said Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson. “This new terminal will be another important gateway to our thriving city, enhancing and growing connectivity to and from Dallas. I'm thrilled to watch this monumental project come to life and expand one of Dallas' greatest assets as we prepare for even more historic growth in air travel and throughout our region.”
“Terminal F is another transformational milestone for DFW Airport, Fort Worth and our region that will expand our ability to grow and enhance the experience for our community and visitors,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. “As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, we are excited to prepare for the future with DFW Airport, further connecting the DFW Metroplex with the world. We look forward to supporting a bigger and better DFW Airport that will bring even more opportunities for our communities and travellers.”
“Terminal F has a key role in preparing for more historic growth on the horizon for both DFW Airport and the North Texas community,” said DeMetris Sampson, Chair of DFW Airport's Board of Directors. “This new terminal will allow the airport to continue discovering new ways to care for our customers, inspire the future of travel, fuel our community with more jobs and create opportunities for businesses in our region.”
DFW's $1.6 billion Terminal F program will deliver an all-new experience for customers, featuring a 400,000-square-foot concourse. An expansion of Terminal E is also included in the program that will add more than 100,000 square feet of new check-in, security and baggage claim facilities dedicated to customers flying to or from Terminal F. Customers using Terminal F will check in at Terminal E and connect between both facilities with a quick one-terminal transfer via the airport's Skylink system, which will welcome a new station above Terminal F when the terminal is anticipated to open in 2027.
Terminal F has been strategically designed for the future, setting DFW up for the ability to expand Terminal F with additional gates and other supporting facilities. Combined with other ongoing expansions in Terminal A and Terminal C, DFW's extensive construction programs are set to deliver 24 net new contact gates to prepare the airport and its airline partners for continued growth.
EMBRAER WINS INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR BUSINESS EXCELLENCE
Embraer has won the 6th edition of the Global KAIZENTM Award, a prize for the best practices in business excellence that promote efficiency gains and greater value generation for society. This is the first time that a Brazilian company is ranked in first place.
The announcement was made today at a ceremony held in São Paulo, Brazil, by the Kaizen Institute. The judging panel evaluated companies from 15 countries that apply sustainable improvement principles and practices through the Kaizen method, a Japanese philosophy that believes that everything can be improved through small, continuous changes that achieve major transformations.
“This award is a great recognition of the efforts of all our employees who strengthen Embraer's culture of excellence every day,” said Luís Carlos Marinho, Executive Vice President of Operations at Embraer. “We are very honoured by this unique achievement that demonstrates that we are working with effective foundations to build a sustainable future.”
Embraer secured a nomination to compete for the Global KAIZENTM Award after winning the regional edition of the award in the “Excellence in Quality” category earlier this year.
Since 2007, Embraer has followed the Lean philosophy as a business strategy that spreads its Enterprise Excellence Program (P3E) principles, concepts, and practices. This program is responsible for leading transformations in an integrated way, paving the path for the entire company to make big steps in improving its processes. This system of excellence aims at safety first, quality always, and deliveries on time-all at the best cost.
South Africa, Lanseria International Airport (FALA): Safair flight FA474, a Boeing 737-800, suffered a bird strike on departure from Lanseria International Airport. This caused issued with the no.2 engine, forcing the crew to divert to Johannesburg-OR Tambo International Airport.
Congo Democratic Republic: A Congo Airways Boeing 737-800 suffered a ground collision with a Compagnie Africaine d'Aviation's Airbus A320 on the apron of Kinshasa-N'Djili Airport (FIH).
Russia, near Kolomna, Moscow Region: An Azimuth Sukhoi Superjet 100-95B was at FL230, 98 km southeast of Moscow when the crew declared a Mayday, requesting an emergency descent to 10,000 ft. The crew's decision to return to the departure airfield was due to depressurization of the aircraft. It requested the use of fuel in the holding area within two hours. Landing in normal mode.
Canada, Vancouver International Airport (YVR/CYVR), BC: A Cargojet Boeing 767-338ER cargo plane, suffered a runway overrun after landing on runway 08L (9,941 ft) at Vancouver International Airport (YVR/CYVR), British Columbia. The nose landing gear collapsed. Preliminary information indicates that the flight crew had declared PAN PAN prior to landing reporting flaps problems, and that they would land at a higher speed than normal. ADS-B data suggests the airplane landed with a groundspeed of 173 knots, and overran the end of the runway by 1880 ft.
Russia, near Babchitsy, Novgorod region: After takeoff from Pulkovo, a Rossiyaat Sukhoi Superjet 100-95B at an altitude of 9,400 metres a message about the failure of the automatic flight control system appeared on the EWD warning display in the cockpit. The crew agreed with the dispatchers to descend to an altitude of 8,500 meters. But during the further flight, one of the three inertial systems (namely the second one - IRS2), the data from which is fed to the flight management system (FMS), failed. The aircraft commander decided to return to the departure airport. The landing approach to Pulkovo was carried out using vectoring. But 46 km before the runway, at an altitude of 2,700 meters, the other two inertial systems (IRS1 and IRS3) failed. And the electronic fly-by-wire control system (FBWCS) switched to Direct Mode. The pilots immediately announced the PAN-PAN signal, reporting to the dispatchers about the failure of the navigation system. The weather conditions allowed a visual approach, and eight minutes later the Superjet made a safe landing at Pulkovo.
Lithuania, 1,3 km N of Vilnius International Airport (VNO/EYVI): A DHL Boeing 737-476 (SF), EC-MFE, was destroyed when it collided with terrain while on approach to runway 19 at Vilnius International Airport (VNO/EYVI), Lithuania. One pilot was killed. The second pilot and two passengers survived with unspecified injuries. A residential building caught fire as well. The Vilnius Approach controller had cleared the flight for an ILS Z approach to runway 19 and instructed the crew to descend to 2700 feet and report when established on the ILS.At 4nm from touchdown, the flight was instructed to contact Vilnius Tower at "118.205" with the '2' being hardly readable. This was read back by the flight a "118.05". This was the last transmission from the flight. Both Vilnius Tower and Vilnius Approach then attempted to contacted the flight without getting a response. Preliminary ADS-B data suggests the aircraft overshot the runway centreline during the right-hand turn to final approach. It became lined up about 1 nm past the Final Approach Point (FAP) for the ILS runway 19 approach, about 5,4 nm short of the runway threshold. The aircraft impacted terrain about 0,8 nm short of runway 19.
