Airbus Targets 13,000 New Hires Globally, Lufthansa Unveils City Airlines, and More
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Here are the exciting aviation industry updates for today. Let’s get started.
Airbus targets 13,000 new hires globally amid A320neo production boost
Airbus is ramping up production and hiring staff to meet the demand for its A320neo-family single-aisle jets.
The European planemaker aims to increase production from 45 aircraft per month to 75 by 2026. Airbus is set to hire 13,000 employees globally, with 3,500 staff in Germany for the second consecutive year to support the production increase, decarbonization efforts, and industrial systems.
As part of its recruitment strategy, Airbus has launched social media campaigns highlighting its commitment to developing zero-emission hydrogen-powered planes by 2035. Read more
Qatar Airways unveils network expansion with new destinations and increased frequencies
At the ITB Berlin press conference, Qatar Airways announced a major network expansion, unveiling over seven new destinations for 2023, including Chittagong, Juba, Kinshasa, Lyon, Medan, Toulouse, and Trabzon.
The airline will also resume flights to 11 destinations and increase frequencies for 35 locations. The summer 2023 schedule will have over 655 weekly flights.
The airline has reactivated some A380s due to A350 fleet challenges but sees no long-term future for the aircraft. Read more
Autonomous aircraft on the horizon to combat pilot shortage in New Zealand?
New Zealand is facing a pilot shortage, which has led to an interest in autonomous passenger planes.
International civil aviation authorities are already preparing for the arrival of such aircraft, while several startups are working on their integration into airspace.
The New Zealand CAA is aware of the technology and sees it as a solution to the ongoing pilot training shortage.
Autonomous aviation company Xwing and Californian company Pyka are focusing on self-flying cargo planes, while Boeing has expressed confidence in autonomous passenger aircraft.
Although the technology is rapidly developing, it will likely be some years before such systems are in routine use in New Zealand or abroad. Read more
Lufthansa unveils City Airlines for short- to medium-haul routes
Lufthansa is set to launch its new subsidiary, City Airlines, as an updated version of Lufthansa CityLine.
Registered in Munich, City Airlines will operate short- to medium-haul domestic and international routes, utilizing aircraft like the A319.
The schedules are expected to feed Lufthansa's Frankfurt and Munich hubs. The move comes after Lufthansa lost passengers to rival carriers in recent years.
City Airlines aims to replace budget subsidiary Eurowings on many prime business routes, maintaining Lufthansa branding while providing a more economical operation. Read more
Cirium's Airline routes tool: A game-changer for assessing aircraft demand and network development
Cirium has launched the groundbreaking Airline Routes tool, which uses satellite-based flight tracking data to comprehensively analyze airlines' routes by identifying the actual flights and aircraft types flown.
This industry-first tool empowers businesses to make informed decisions by pinpointing aircraft demand, network growth or reduction, and potential opportunities or risks.
As part of Ascend Profiles, the premium tool visually represents airline and lessor profiles, facilitating quick and accurate due diligence on airline portfolios. Read more
Indian government aims to support booming air travel with major infrastructure investments
India plans to invest billions in aviation infrastructure to accommodate surging air travel demand. The Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, announced growth initiatives including new airports, increased regulatory personnel, and flying schools.
By 2025, the government will spend $11.88 billion to enhance regional connectivity through airport construction and modernization.
Scindia expects passenger capacity at major airports to more than double in four years, with Indian carriers' fleet size also growing significantly. To address aircraft shortages, India will utilize more "wet leasing,". Read more
Global emissions caps may affect airlines as early as 2024, trade group warns
According to a leading trade group, airline traffic is anticipated to trigger global emissions caps as early as 2024.
The United Nations-led Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) aims to cap emissions from international flights at 85% of 2019 levels.
With electric and hydrogen aircraft still unproven and sustainable aviation fuel scarce and expensive, airlines are purchasing carbon offsets in projects such as tree planting. IATA says airlines could start buying carbon offsets as early as 2024. Read more
American Airlines loses appeal to reclaim airport slots from Delta Air Lines
American Airlines lost a court appeal to have the European Union cancel two airport slots, previously given up to Delta Air Lines in 2013 for antitrust approval during its merger with US Airways.
The EU Court of Justice dismissed American's arguments, ruling that Delta met its obligation to use the slots regularly at Heathrow and Philadelphia airports, thus allowing them to keep the slots in perpetuity. Read more
Airbus and Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation join forces for medical missions with eVTOL aircraft
Airbus Helicopters and the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation have partnered to explore the potential of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for medical missions in Norway.
The collaboration aims to reduce emergency response times and enhance the performance of the country's Emergency Medical Services.
The partnership will create a roadmap for integrating eVTOLs alongside conventional helicopters, potentially expanding to international cooperation.
The focus will be on complementing existing assets with eVTOLs for tasks like transporting medical specialists or organs. Read more
Boeing and Shield AI collaborate to advance AI-driven autonomous aircraft in defense sector
Defense technology startup Shield AI and aerospace giant Boeing have entered into a partnership to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous capabilities for warfighters.
The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding to explore strategic collaboration in these areas for current and future defense programs.
Shield AI will provide its Hivemind AI pilot system, which can enable drone and aircraft swarms to operate autonomously without GPS, communications, or human pilots.
The partnership aims to integrate Boeing aircraft with Shield AI's pilot system, potentially redefining the capabilities of large crewed and uncrewed aircraft. Read more
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