U.S.-based aircraft lessor Azorra marks a milestone with the delivery of its inaugural A220-300, sourced from Airbus’ Mirabel facility in Quebec, Canada. Destined for lease to Utah’s Breeze Airways, this aircraft signifies the commencement of Azorra’s fleet, which includes an order of 22 A220-300s. Such a move underscores the A220’s adaptability in the regional airline sector.

Beyond its commendable cabin experience, the A220 significantly reduces airline operating costs and environmental footprint. With a 25% decrease in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per seat compared to prior models, it stands as the premier choice for the 100-150 seat market. Employing cutting-edge aerodynamics, advanced materials, and Pratt & Whitney’s latest GTF™ engines, the A220 offers a 50% reduction in noise pollution and approximately 40% lower NOx emissions, surpassing industry benchmarks. Moreover, like all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is already equipped to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with plans for full SAF compatibility across the fleet by 2030.

Boasting a non-stop range of 3,600 nautical miles or 6,700 kilometers, the A220 perfectly aligns with Breeze Airways’ objective to offer uninterrupted service on underserved U.S. routes.

Breeze Airways, having received 23 A220s directly from Airbus’ Mobile, Alabama, assembly plant by April 2024, further solidified its commitment with an order for an additional 10 A220-300s earlier this year. This raises Breeze’s total firm orders for the aircraft to 90, ranking it as the third largest global customer for the A220. Furthermore, Breeze plans to transition to an all-A220 fleet for its commercial operations by the close of 2024.

With nearly 330 A220s delivered to 20 airlines spanning five continents, the aircraft stands out for its operational versatility across regional and long-distance routes.

As of April 2024, over 100 million passengers have flown on the A220, traversing more than 1,400 routes and 440 destinations worldwide. The aircraft’s dominance in the small single-aisle market is reaffirmed by orders from approximately 30 customers, totaling over 910 A220s.

During the upcoming winter season, Iberia plans to enhance its flight capacity between Madrid and Buenos Aires by 50%, solidifying its operations from the previous summer.

The airline will introduce three additional weekly flights, bringing the total to 21 per week, a significant increase from the 17 offered last winter. This expansion provides customers with more flexibility, with a choice of 21 weekly flights between Spain and Argentina.

Moreover, the majority of these flights (19 out of 21) will utilize the A350 aircraft, renowned as Iberia’s largest and most advanced model. With a seating capacity of 348 passengers and a three-cabin setup (Business, Economy, and Premium Economy), the A350 boasts improved efficiency, featuring a 35% reduction in fuel consumption compared to similar aircraft models.

In another exciting development, Iberia is facilitating cultural exchange between Madrid and Buenos Aires. As part of the 15th anniversary celebration of Tango being recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, Iberia is hosting four tango lessons at Espacio Iberia, its temporary venue on Gran Vía, 48. The inaugural session, held on May 16, featured a performance by Visit Buenos Aires and a cocktail reception featuring traditional Argentine products.

Pegasus Airlines, a premier budget airline in Europe, has introduced a new non-stop service linking the capitals of Ankara and Dublin. The inaugural flight from Ankara Esenboğa Airport to Dublin Airport is set to take off on July 3, 2024, with single-trip tickets starting at €69.99. This route will operate three times weekly.

The schedule has flights leaving from Ankara Esenboğa Airport at 09:50 on Wednesdays and Sundays, and at 10:00 on Fridays, arriving at Dublin Airport. Return flights from Dublin to Ankara are planned for 13:25 on Wednesdays and Sundays and 13:35 on Fridays.

Founded in 1990 and transitioning to a budget-friendly model in 2005 under ESAS Holding, Pegasus is renowned as Türkiye’s top low-cost carrier. The airline champions affordable travel for all, utilizing a fleet of modern aircraft to ensure cost-efficient and comfortable journeys. With the slogan “Your Digital Airline” introduced in 2018, Pegasus now serves 138 destinations across 53 countries, including 35 domestic and 103 international routes. The airline also facilitates connections through Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen, covering regions such as Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Pegasus is committed to innovation in digital travel solutions and sustainability, striving for a cleaner, more equitable future.

Effective immediately, Alaska Airlines introduces its latest daily nonstop route connecting our Seattle hub to Toronto Pearson International Airport, marking our debut in this vibrant city and expanding our Canadian network to six destinations.

Travelers in Toronto can immerse themselves in the city’s diverse cultural offerings or seamlessly connect to various Eastern Canadian destinations and beyond through our partnership with Porter Airlines, our 30th global airline partner. Destinations include Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax, and St. John’s, offering travelers an array of options to explore.

“There are so many opportunities with our new service between our hometown airport and Toronto, from tremendous leisure travel options to connecting a pair of key business regions in North America,” said Kirsten Amrine, vice president of revenue management and network planning for Alaska Airlines. “Toronto has a lot to offer. And for our guests looking to venture into other areas of Eastern Canada, Porter Airlines can take them there with its signature onboard service.”

Situated along the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto stands as Canada’s largest city. Visitors are greeted with limitless opportunities, from the vibrant energy of its bustling downtown and charming, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods to its picturesque parks, storied past, and a culinary scene as diverse as its population, offering a plethora of dining and entertainment options.

“We are very excited to welcome Alaska Airlines to Toronto Pearson. Their service to Seattle will provide much-needed capacity to the market and enhance customer choice,” said Kurush Minocher, Executive Director, Customer Experience and Airline Relations, Greater Toronto Airports Authority. “Last year, over a third of passengers traveled between Toronto and Seattle, and we’re delighted to enable this service for thousands of passengers while simplifying travel to the West Coast, Alaska and Hawaii.”

“Alaska continues to add international options for travelers out of SEA Airport, providing a wide array of unique, adventurous experiences,” said Lance Lyttle, SEA Airport Managing Director. “Ease of access throughout the continent brings Eastern Canada closer with more competition.”  

Introducing the latest nonstop service between Seattle and Toronto

Porter Airlines inaugurated new routes to Toronto from two major West Coast hubs in January: Los Angeles and San Francisco.

In addition to these new connections, we also serve a variety of destinations across Canada, including Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Vancouver, and Victoria. Although Toronto is a recent addition to our Seattle itinerary, our history of linking Eastern Canada with the West Coast dates back to the early 90s, when we operated nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Toronto.

At Alaska Airlines, we pride ourselves on offering a premium travel experience for our passengers. As the leading airline on the West Coast, we provide unrivaled comfort with the most spacious seating in First Class* and Premium Class, along with a host of benefits including no change fees, diverse fare options, and the industry’s most rewarding loyalty program, Mileage Plan. With over 30 global partners, travelers can enjoy seamless connections and earn miles faster than ever. Furthermore, our commitment to West Coast cuisine ensures that our guests can savor local flavors while in the air.

Booking with us is now simpler than ever, as guests can purchase tickets and accrue Mileage Plan miles directly through our website, alaskair.com. Onboard entertainment is equally impressive, with a vast selection of free movies and TV shows available for streaming to personal devices. For those who prefer to stay connected, high-speed satellite Wi-Fi is available for purchase, and our pre-order meal service offers a range of delicious options to satisfy any palate. Moreover, every seat on our mainline flights is equipped with power outlets, ensuring that passengers can stay charged throughout their journey.

Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator program is putting thirty-six cutting-edge technologies to the test, with a particular focus on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability within aircraft cabin interiors, a notoriously complex area for recycling. The company is set to commence trials this month, utilizing a 777-200ER (Extended Range) for the purpose.

Here’s a breakdown of the key areas being addressed:

1. Airport Operations: Assessing technologies such as single-engine taxi capabilities and digital taxi clearances, aimed at curbing fuel consumption and bolstering safety through reduced pilot workload.
2. Airport Noise Reduction: Quantifying the advantages of flight operation procedures like steeper glide slopes and continuous descent approaches, with the goal of mitigating community noise pollution, cutting fuel usage, and lowering emissions.
3. Waste-Reducing Materials: Introducing lighter, recyclable, and more durable materials for floor coverings and ceiling panels, with both components incorporating 25% bio-based resin, thus contributing to waste reduction efforts.
4. Noise and Weight Reduction: Implementing cabin insulation improvements for better noise reduction and climate control, along with fabric-covered acoustic panels for the bulkhead and galley, aiming to simultaneously reduce noise and weight.
5. Future Cabin Concepts: Exploring innovative concepts such as seats equipped with sensors to detect occupancy during critical phases of flight, thus enhancing safety and reducing crew workload. Additionally, introducing touchless water conservation lavatories and galley technologies to streamline cabin service and minimize food waste.

“The Boeing ecoDemonstrator program helps us make tangible improvements to our products – allowing us to reduce the environmental impacts of flying, improve the in-flight experience and strengthen the safety of our airplanes,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We’re grateful for the many partnerships within aviation and beyond who help us turn the seemingly impossible into reality.”

“The ecoDemonstrator program is among our most iconic flight demonstrators, having tested 250 technologies since it first took flight in 2012,” said Brian Moran, Boeing Chief Sustainability Officer. “This year’s testing of various cabin interiors aims to help solve for the portion of our airplanes that is not reusable or recyclable while also reducing fuel use and crew workload.”

Four of the cabin technologies will be showcased at the 2024 Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany, running from May 22 to May 24. Since its inaugural flights in 2012, nearly every iteration of Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator program has operated on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This year, the program’s flagship aircraft will soar using a blend of 30% SAF and 70% conventional jet fuel.

Boeing stands as a premier global aerospace entity, specializing in the development, manufacture, and servicing of commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems. Serving customers across more than 150 nations, Boeing holds a position as a leading U.S. exporter, harnessing the capabilities of a diverse global supplier network to drive economic growth, sustainability, and community welfare.

United Airlines premiered a fresh onboard safety video featuring over a dozen United staff delivering precise, user-friendly demonstrations of essential safety protocols. Shot within a life-sized contraption inspired by airplanes, the video boasts a unique concept aimed at engaging even the most seasoned travelers. Initiated in June 2023, the video’s creation drew inspiration from the synchronized efforts of United’s teams guaranteeing the airline’s safety standards. Beginning May 25, the new video will premiere on specific aircraft and gradually extend to the entire fleet throughout the summer.

“Safety is the foundation of everything we do at United,” said Sasha Johnson, Vice President of Corporate Safety for United. “Safety starts with being prepared. We have ongoing, rigorous safety training for our crews. And we also make sure our customers know what to do in the event of an emergency. We are proud that our new safety video empowers passengers by giving them information and clear instructions.”

United collaborated with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to craft a safety video from October 2023 to March 2024, when it received final approval. This process involved several checkpoints, including thorough reviews of the storyboard and script prior to filming, ensuring adherence to FAA regulations.

United’s Latest Safety Video: A Numerical Overview

Take a look at our newest video titled “Safety in Motion,” featuring a captivating journey of a ball navigating through a sequence of airplane-inspired setups. United staff demonstrate vital safety protocols as the ball travels through various elements such as chutes, a snack cart, seatbelts, windows, seats, directional signage, and beyond. Delve into the behind-the-scenes footage for an exclusive glimpse into the making of this unique presentation.

“The safest safety video is one that passengers actively watch. Our creative concept was inspired by the idea of connection and the many moments of any given day that our employee work groups have to connect to be able to get thousands of flights off the ground and to their destinations safely,” said Maggie Schmerin, Chief Advertising Officer for United. “We worked across the airline to ensure our new safety video clearly and succinctly communicates critical information in a way passengers can’t help but watch – no matter their age, background or experience traveling.”

United Airlines produced 171 tailored versions of their safety video to suit their 8 distinct aircraft models, accommodating 20 different seating arrangements and available in 18 languages. The endeavor spanned ten months, commencing with creative development in June 2023, followed by filming in October of the same year. Five months were then dedicated to editing and translating the video before receiving FAA approval in March 2024.

The video features a Rube Goldberg machine with 12 unique components through which a ball travels. It involved the collaboration of 17 employees from various departments within the airline, including flight attendants, pilots, customer service agents, ramp service personnel, tech operations specialists, network operations center staff, and reservations team members. Over 1,000 real dominoes were used in the production.

Adding to the video’s charm is the inclusion of “Rhapsody in Blue,” a century-old song by George Gershwin that has been a consistent element in United’s safety videos over the years. The intricate camera production for the video was executed through a collaboration between United Airlines, their creative agency of record, 72andSunny, production partner 1stAveMachine, and renowned director Karim Zariffa.

Safety Training Investments United

“Ensuring Passenger Safety” exemplifies crucial safety protocols enforced by the FAA across all U.S. airlines, pivotal for passenger well-being during emergencies. United Airlines showcases authentic employees in the instructional video, who regularly undergo updated training sessions throughout their tenure with the company. For instance, pilots undergo simulator training with instructors and evaluators every nine months, while flight attendants renew their qualifications every 18 months.

United recently inaugurated a new 150,000 square-foot edifice at its Flight Training Center in Denver, further enhancing the world’s largest facility of its kind. With a total of eight buildings spanning over 700,000 square feet of training space, the Flight Training Center now boasts 52 state-of-the-art full-motion flight simulators, augmenting training capacity for the airline’s 17,000 pilots.

Moreover, last year, United expanded its primary Inflight Training Center in Houston, incorporating new classrooms, additional cabin and door trainers, and a cutting-edge aquatic center for practicing safe plane evacuations in water scenarios.

Since 2020, United has mandated pilots to engage in annual Pilot Professional Development training, surpassing FAA requirements and industry standards. This comprehensive, day-long, interactive session involves all pilots, not solely captains, and integrates real United case studies to foster self-awareness, confidence, mentoring, and leadership skills. Collaborating closely with its Flight Training, Flight Standards, Aviation Safety teams, and ALPA, United ensures a curriculum entirely focused on safety.