US July 4th Weekend Witnessed Record Business Jet Activity, Economic Demise of 50-Seat Commercial Aircraft, and More
Aviation news brief July 7
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US Independence Day Weekend Witnessed Record Business Jet Activity
The Independence Day holiday period in the United States recorded a surge in business jet activity, with an 11% increase compared to 2022, and 48% higher than pre-pandemic 2019.
The report by WINGX also highlights that business jet activity remained flat during the week of the 26th, an improvement over June's 5% drop from the previous year. Globally, business jet activity for June was 5% lower than in 2022, but 21% higher than in 2019.
European business jet activity, however, lagged behind, experiencing a 7% decrease from June 2022. source
TIME 2023 to Highlight Role of SMEs in Net Zero Aviation Goals
The World Tourism Network (WTN) plans to discuss the significance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in achieving net zero carbon emissions in aviation at its 2023 summit in Bali.
Strategies such as replacing jet fuels with Sustainable Aviation Fuels, exploring electric and hybrid-electric aviation, and enhancing aircraft design and air traffic management are being considered.
Carbon offset projects are also important for remaining emissions. Furthermore, transparency is emphasized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which plans to issue annual Track Zero reports using the Net Zero Tracking Methodology to monitor progress towards decarbonization. source
European Court Holds Airlines Liable for Inadequate In-Flight First Aid
Europe's top court has ruled that airlines could be held accountable for providing inadequate first aid during flight incidents. This decision came after an Austrian Airlines passenger sued the carrier for damages due to aggravated injuries from a hot coffee accident, claiming that the inadequate first aid provided exacerbated his injuries.
The ruling emphasizes that a sequence of intrinsically linked events leading to harm should be considered a single 'accident' under the Montreal Convention, thus making airlines liable. source
The Economic Demise of 50-Seat Commercial Aircraft
Commercial aircraft with 50 seats or fewer have become economically unfeasible due to changing airline strategies and higher pilot wages. Originating in the mid-1990s, the 50-seat regional jet was popular for offering faster, smoother flights, and was expected to generate more revenue.
However, airlines have realized the economic advantages of larger planes, as the cost per seat is significantly lower. This shift, combined with the fact that pilot wages have increased regardless of the plane's size, has made smaller jets financially unsustainable.
These factors indicate a potential phase-out for 70 and 90-seat regional jets, further impacting the role of regional carriers. source
Airbus Adds Intelsat and Panasonic to HBCplus Inflight Connectivity Program
Airbus has named Intelsat and Panasonic Avionics as Ku-band managed service providers (MSPs) under its Airspace Link HBCplus inflight connectivity program, following the inclusion of Inmarsat and SES for Ka-band service in 2022.
The program allows MSPs with GEO constellations to integrate their chosen LEO operators, like OneWeb, into their Ku service. The move aims to simplify the process of getting inflight connectivity products on board for airlines. source
Embraer Demonstrates E195-E2's Robust Performance
Embraer showcased the E195-E2 jet's performance in hot and high-altitude conditions in Uzbekistan, aiming to demonstrate its suitability for Central Asia's demanding environment.
Over two days, the jet, part of Embraer's E2 family, was evaluated by Uzbekistan Airways, airport operators, and government officials. Uzbekistan's geographical challenges necessitate versatile, efficient, and reliable aircraft for its tourism and infrastructure development.
The event allowed local carriers to familiarize themselves with the aircraft, ask questions, and participate in demo flights. source
Amsterdam Court Approves Flight Reduction at Schiphol Airport
Amsterdam's appeals court has ruled that the Dutch government can instruct Schiphol Airport, one of Europe's busiest, to decrease its flight numbers from 500,000 to 460,000 annually.
The decision overturns a previous court ruling and considers the interests of local residents who have expressed concerns about noise pollution. Despite potential further appeal to the Dutch Supreme Court, Schiphol has accepted the ruling, emphasizing its commitment to becoming "quieter, cleaner, and better." source
Financial Woes Mount for Western Global Airlines with New $750k Lawsuit
Western Global Airlines is facing a $750,000 lawsuit from Radiant Global Logistics over unpaid invoices for the delivery of aircraft parts. This litigation adds to the financial struggles of the Florida-based cargo carrier, which has been hit hard by a downturn in the air cargo business and a heavy debt burden.
Notably, its contract with Amazon has ended, major ratings agencies have downgraded its debt to junk status, and its aging fleet of aircraft requires costly maintenance.
Western Global is reportedly considering various restructuring options, including bankruptcy, as it grapples with a range of legal and financial challenges. source
Incentivized Routes Could Propel Norway's Shift to Electric Aviation
The Institute for Transport Economics (TØI) in Norway has proposed the launch of a subsidized public service obligation route using electric aircraft to connect Førde and Bergen, kickstarting the country's shift towards net zero aviation.
Despite no national target, the Norwegian government supports the shift to electric aviation as part of the EU's net zero commitment. TØI advocates clear objectives, economic incentives, and extended contract periods for these routes to boost industry confidence.
The proposed route could commence around 2028 or 2029, with public funds suggested for airport charging infrastructure setup. source
Amazon Air Ends Partnership with Silver Airways
Amazon Air has severed its partnership with regional carrier Silver Airways, which had been operating five ATR72-500 turboprop planes on small feeder routes since November 2021.
Amazon, transitioning to a regional fulfillment model, has found that truck line hauls can match the performance of short-haul air transport at lower cost, with minimal impact on customers.
Amazon Air continues to increase its flight activity, even as e-commerce sales stabilize post-pandemic, and has not indicated if it will replace Silver Airways. source