ACI EUROPE today engaged with the government of Türkiye to review and address the challenges faced by the country in sustainably developing air connectivity to further contribute to its economy and global positioning.

Meeting with his Excellency Mr Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, the Director General of ACI EUROPE, Olivier Jankovec pointed to the impressive expansion of Turkish aviation over the past years.

Accordingly, total air connectivity in Türkiye has reached record levels, having expanded by +24% when compared to pre pandemic (2019) levels — far outperforming the European average, which still needs to recover ( 14%).

In this regard, the performance of iGA Istanbul Airport is clearly standing out, with the Turkish hub now ranking number 1 in Europe for direct air connectivity, up from the 5th position back in 2019.

Jankovec stressed how these developments are significantly contributing to the Turkish economy, considering that every +10% increase in air connectivity yields +0.5% gain in GDP per capita along with a +1.6% increase in jobs. In effect, the Turkish airports and the connectivity they enable contribute €47.2 billion to the country’s GDP and support close to 500,000 jobs.

However, Jankovec also raised a number of issues that need to be addressed to safeguard and reinforce aviation’s role as a critical engine of economic and social development in Türkiye — in particular when it comes to the vital tourism sector.

Chief amongst these issues is allowing more airlines to fly into Türkiye: “Airports around the world are focused on diversifying their airline portfolios to maximise their potential in terms of route development and connectivity.

“However, this requires more liberal approaches from Governments regarding traffic rights for all airlines, which regulate the extent to which they can access airports and plan their networks.

“In this context, it would be helpful if the Turkish government could reconsider its position on this matter, moving away from protectionist policies and instead adopting open skies principles. Failing to do so will only hinder wider economic benefits, to the disadvantage of the Turkish people”.

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Honeywell has been selected by Deutsche Aircraft, a German aircraft manufacturer, to supply its Primus HF-1050 high-frequency (HF) radio system for the recently debuted 40-seater D328eco turboprop.

The HF-1050 is designed to deliver global voice communications, leveraging its unique features to enhance reliability and performance for operators worldwide.

The selection of the HF-1050 supports Honeywell’s alignment of its portfolio to three compelling megatrends: automation, the future of aviation and energy transition.

As a high-frequency system, the HF-1050 enables seamless communication over vast distances with built-in technology that reduces background noise, ensuring clearer transmissions between pilots and air traffic controllers.

Flavio Michio Osanai, EMEAI Vice President, Business & General Aviation Sales at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Deutsche Aircraft and support the D328eco program.

“Deutsche Aircraft’s selection of the HF-1050 underscores our commitment to the future of aviation and reinforces our focus on delivering reliable, cutting-edge avionics solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers and their passengers.”

Honeywell avionics are already widely deployed on in-service D328 aircraft such as the Dornier 328-100 and Dornier 328-300.

The selection of the HF-1050 builds on Honeywell’s longstanding relationship with Deutsche Aircraft and highlights its continued support for the Dornier fleet.

Patricia Ferrari, vice president of supply chain at Deutsche Aircraft said: “We are pleased to partner with Honeywell to bring this proven communication technology to the D328eco.

“The HF-1050 system will offer operators a modernised aircraft that is equipped with reliable, long-range communication capabilities that will contribute to more efficient flights across the globe.”

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Phoenix Aviation Capital, a full-service aircraft lessor, and AIP Capital today announced the acquisition of one Boeing 787-9 aircraft on long-term lease with American Airlines from ORIX Aviation.

This marks the first transaction between Phoenix and AIP Capital with ORIX. The aircraft acquired by Phoenix, bearing manufacturers serial number 40646, is a 2018 vintage Boeing 787-9 powered by GEnx engines.

Mathew Adamo, Managing Partner at AIP Capital who also serves on the board of Phoenix said: “We are pleased to have concluded this inaugural transaction with ORIX Aviation.

“We appreciate ORIX’s professional manner and collaboration throughout this transaction, and we look forward to building upon this successful partnership in the future.”

James Meyler, CEO at ORIX Aviation said: “We are delighted to have successfully completed our first transaction with AIP Capital and Phoenix Aviation Capital.

“We look forward to working closely again with both in the future.”

Gibson Dunn acted as transaction counsel to Phoenix and AIP Capital.

O’Melveny acted as transaction counsel to ORIX Aviation. KPMG advised Phoenix and AIP Capital on tax matters.

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On the occasion of the COP29 side event co hosted by ACI EUROPE and Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the global airport industry marked a new milestone on its accelerated journey to decarbonisation.

More than 600 airports across the globe are now actively engaged in CO2 management as part of the industry’s carbon standard, Airport Carbon Accreditation.

Delegates participating in the 29th United Nations Climate Change conference in Baku have travelled through an accredited airport, with Heydar Aliyev International Airport being the first airport in the subregion to hold Level 2 certification within the programme.

Opening the event at COP29, Olivier Jankovec, ACI EUROPE director general said: “Passing the milestone of 600 accredited airports is yet another achievement on our way to fully decarbonise airport operations.

“Airport Carbon Accreditation has actually been on an uninterrupted upward trend since its inception back in 2009 — when just 17 airports had joined the programme.

“This speaks volumes about the extent to which airports have been embracing climate action and delivering tangible carbon reductions into the millions of tonnes annually.

“This ultimately reflects how airports globally are putting sustainability at the core of their business. I warmly congratulate Azerbaijan’s capital airport for joining our climate action community and for being pioneers in their sub region”.

“At the same time, we are acutely aware that more needs to be done to address aviation’s overall impact on the climate.

“As a hard to abate sector, we need more support from Governments and global institutions in our common quest to become the green transport mode of choice. Airports stand ready to play their part in this transformation”.

Samir Rzayev, president of Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL), the operator of Baku Airport said: “Receiving the Level 2 certification under the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme from Airports Council International is a significant acknowledgment of our efforts in environmental sustainability.

“We view environmental protection not only as a strategic goal but also as a responsibility to future generations.

“This achievement motivates us to further enhance our efforts, including reaching the Optimisation level and implementing even more advanced technologies and initiatives in the field of sustainable development”.

The momentum for airport climate action keeps accelerating both in terms of sheer numbers of carbon accredited airports and the level of ambition.

Globally, 18 airports today hold Level 5 certification, by operating net zero facilities for emissions under their control whilst pursuing full decarbonisation across upstream and downstream emissions by 2050.

The addition of Level 5 to the Airport Carbon Accreditation framework announced at COP28 in Dubai last year pushed the bar of airport carbon management to new heights, constituting the only such industry led framework for net zero achievement at global level across all sectors.

Justin Erbacci, director general of ACI World commented: “Airports are true to their word on climate action — this fact was again showcased in full force today at COP29.

“Against a backdrop of a challenging political landscape for climate action, there is a need to collectively reaffirm our direction to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Aviation brings tremendous benefits for our society and economy.

“Airports and their stakeholders must continue addressing their carbon footprint whilst safeguarding aviation’s unique role in driving prosperity and enhancing resilience to climate impacts.

“We eagerly look to States around the world to deliver supporting frameworks to make ICAO’s Long Term Aspirational Goal achievable”.

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Aviation is a tool to connect people across different cultures and abilities worldwide, and every company in air travel must work to expand the accessibility of passenger air service so more people can experience the miracle of flight comfortably.

The need to provide equal access to air travel is such an important and shared value that both United Nations conventions and the European Parliament have created laws aimed at ensuring airlines accommodate persons with disabilities.

Both UN and EU laws frame regulations concerning passengers with disabilities in terms that grant these passengers rights, meaning that violations of these provisions would constitute discrimination.

Despite these laws, airlines and airports occasionally make headlines that lead to government hearings and media scrutiny regarding discrimination.

Aviator Airport Alliance, a full-range provider of aviation services at 15 airports across the Nordics and part of the Avia Solutions Group family, ensures airlines can accommodate persons with disabilities daily as part of their behind-the-scenes work in airline operations.

Kjell Mathisen, Corporate Training Manager at Aviator, outlines the details of what goes into ground handlers’ efforts to provide accessibility.

Mathisen says: “When we meet or assist a passenger with a disability the most important thing is respect; everyone should be able to access and fly comfortably, and we work to increase accessibility in several ways.

“There isn’t a single person who works to make these accommodations; we all work together to provide the best travel experience.”

Mathisen explains that there are multiple stages of training on various tasks to enhance accessibility. There are different levels of detail and quality of customer service instilled in each stage to address passenger needs.

Every staff member at Aviator receives additional training specific to serving passengers with disabilities, and Aviator uses agreed-upon international guidance to develop this training for airport passenger service and ramp agents.

Mathisen says: “Our training to accommodate persons with disabilities comes from organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), as well as other regulations and recommendations, which provide which provide a code of conduct we must follow.

“This global standard is reinforced by local regulations and an understanding of best practices we have developed through our experience to ensure passengers receive what they need to fly.”

While IATA and other regulators and organizations such as ECAC set a universal standard for training, Aviator, as a full-range service provider, works with several airlines at each airport, with each having different procedures. Mathisen notes that passengers with disabilities inform airlines when they need accommodations such as wheelchair transport.

“We receive information on the services required within hours, or sometimes only just in-time before every flight, and occasionally, there is no information provided at all,” he says. “We must always be ready to adjust and cater to passenger needs.”

Beyond passenger service, Aviator also supports those with disabilities on the ramp, as wheelchairs and mobility devices are stored in the aircraft’s cargo bay. Mathisen states that ground handlers handle all types of mobility devices several times daily.

Mathisen says: “When equipped with batteries, mobility devices are regulated as dangerous goods, requiring special regulations and treatment for their flights.

“This is why we train everyone to understand and share a culture where accommodating and handling these devices is important, ensuring there is no single point of failure.”

Mathisen adds that some airports the company handles passengers with disabilities more frequently.

Mathisen says: “We see increased traffic and offer more accommodations at our stations where there are large hospitals, such as university or specialist hospitals.

“Many passengers fly to access medical care at this hospital, and we definitely see an uptick in service required, so it’s important that we can provide this connection to medical care.”

Mathisen adds that the carriers will also see increased traffic at its other stations related to leisure trips, where the ground-handler and airport service provider’s accessibility helps make vacations possible.

Regardless for reason for the trip such as traveling for leisure, medical care, reunion, no matter the circumstance, Mathisen emphasizes his concern for the experience of passengers with disabilities, training Aviator staff to be flexible and provide the best accommodations.

“This is an opportunity to build a relationship with our passengers, and we use the increased interaction we have with passengers to foster a positive relationship through this customer service.”

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Embraer and PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Indonesia based aerospace company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at growing collaboration in commercial aviation.

The MoU was signed at the Indonesia-Brazil CEO Forum, chaired by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil in the presence of several Indonesian figures including Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Special Presidential Envoy of the Republic of Indonesia Hashim Djojohadikusumo and Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) Anindya Bakrie.

Embraer and PTDI will conduct joint studies to evaluate partnership opportunities in commercial aviation, in areas such as engineering and the supply of aerostructures.

The collaboration framework will be guided by rigorous commercial and technical standards, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and business objectives.

This agreement represents a significant step in advancing aerospace collaboration between Brazil and Indonesia, fostering technological innovation and industrial partnerships across emerging economies.

Gita Amperiawan, president director of PT Dirgantara Indonesia said: “As Indonesia’s premier aerospace manufacturer, PTDI has strong ambitions for Indonesia.

“We look forward to developing this collaboration and tapping on Embraer’s 55 years of expertise and knowledge, which will boost our capabilities, particularly in the commercial aviation sector.”

Rodrigo Silva e Souza, vice president of marketing for Embraer Commercial Aviation said: “We are excited about this growing relationship between Embraer and Indonesia’s PTDI.

“Indonesia is one of the fastest growing aviation markets globally and we see areas where both parties can harness the strength of its expertise, enhance Indonesia’s aerospace capabilities and expand its air connectivity.”

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On Tuesday, 12 November 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an immediate NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), restricting U.S. civil aviation from flying within Haitian airspace below 10,000 feet for a minimum of 30 days.

The decision follows a string of violent incidents where multiple U.S. airline aircraft were hit by gunfire.

At least seven Spirit Airlines flights were reportedly struck, along with a JetBlue and an American Airlines flight.

Although no injuries were reported, the FAA’s swift action reflects the escalating risks in the region.

The restriction exempts aircraft operating under U.S. government orders.

Additionally, Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince has suspended operations, impacting both commercial and civilian travel to Haiti.

This is not the first such incident; just last month, a United Nations helicopter was hit by gang gunfire, forcing a return to the airport, though, fortunately, no injuries occurred.

Since March, politically-backed gangs have increasingly seized control in Haiti, overthrowing the Prime Minister, releasing thousands of prisoners, and shutting down Port-au-Prince’s airport.

For residents and travellers, the hope for restored safety remains dim as armed groups continue to dominate the capital without significant intervention.

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Falko has announced the acquisition of two Embraer E170 aircraft from Azorra, a U.S.-based commercial aircraft lessor with a portfolio of regional, crossover and widebody aircraft.

The aircraft are on lease to American Airlines and subleased to Envoy Air, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group.

The aircraft have been acquired for Falko’s managed fund, Falko Regional Aircraft Opportunities Fund II (Fund II), which already leases three CRJ700 aircraft to American Airlines.

Mark Hughes, Falko’s chief commercial officer comments: “We are delighted to announce this transaction with Azorra.

“We would like to thank the Azorra team for their collaboration on the deal and look forward to working with them on further opportunities.

“As well as increasing Fund II’s exposure to a major US airline, the transaction increases the number of E170s to eight in Fund II’s portfolio and to sixteen across Falko’s whole portfolio.

“Demand for the E170 aircraft type remains strong, particularly in the North American region with the aircraft type being scope compliant and well suited to providing connectivity to secondary airports and on feeder routes to major hubs in the U.S.”

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Deutsche Aircraft, a German aircraft manufacturer, has announced the appointment of Reinhard Schwaiger and Carlos Castro as the new Sales Directors for their global sales team.

Reinhard and Carlos will play a role in implementing the global sales strategy for the 40-seater D328eco regional turboprop aircraft in key markets worldwide.

Reinhard Schwaiger brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Deutsche Aircraft.

He has spent the past 12 years working in international sales and key account management, responsible for aircraft sales, services and simulators at Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH in Austria and recently serving as Sales Director at Blackshape S.p.A. in Italy.

Reinhard’s expertise lies in working with institutional clients, including government contracts and military operators across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia. He has successfully managed projects for private clients and built strong industry networks.

Carlos Castro brings over 15 years of experience in the aerospace sector to his new role as Sales Director at Deutsche Aircraft.

Throughout his career, Carlos has held technical consultancy roles, served as director of customer services, and worked as a business development manager in aerospace and defence.

Carlos is currently the coordinator of the DGLR-Virtual International Group, a PMI-certified project manager and a member of AIAA.

Anastasija Visnakova, VP sales & marketing at Deutsche Aircraft, is enthusiastic about these seasoned professionals joining the sales team. “The addition of Reinhard and Carlos to our exciting sales team is a testament to Deutsche Aircraft’s commitment to expanding its global presence and strengthening sales efforts within key markets.

“With their extensive knowledge and technical expertise, both Reinhard and Carlos will be instrumental in positioning our D328eco as a premier solution for regional airlines and operators around the world.”

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Boeing and Avia Solutions Group today announced its first order with the company for 40 737-8s, with the potential to order 40 more later.

Avia Solutions Group has 11 air operator certificates (AOC) including Avion Express, Smartlynx, Klasjet, Air Explore, BBN, Ascend Airways and Skytrans among others.

These AOCs operate year round in over 60 countries on behalf of various scheduled airlines and tour operators.

Gediminas Ziemelis, chairman of Avia Solutions Group said: “As the world’s largest ACMI provider, carrying over 35 million passengers annually for our clients, we have committed to a strategic approach of expanding our capacity to meet our customers’ seasonal needs, and our first order with Boeing is a key pillar of this.

“This is a proud moment for all of us at Avia Solutions Group and is testament to the fact that Avia Solutions Group is now entering a clear phase of sustained growth.

“These 737 MAXs will enhance the fleets of our airlines, giving their customers both operational flexibility and greater fuel efficiency.”

The 737-8 is the market’s most versatile single-aisle airplane, capable of operating profitably on short- and medium-haul routes.

This flexibility is crucial for an ACMI operator like Avia Solutions Group, enabling it to provide additional capacity to airlines during peak travel periods or support operations during unexpected aircraft or staff outages.

Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing said: “ACMI providers such as Avia Solutions Group offer important, flexible capacity to meet the dynamic demand in our industry, and we are honoured Avia has selected Boeing airplanes to help meet that demand from its customers.

“By choosing the 737-8, Avia Solutions Group is aligning with its customers’ plans to operate increasingly fuel-efficient fleets that improve the passenger experience.”

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