New Long-Haul Destinations on Qantas' Radar, Ameriflight to Initiate Drone Deliveries Following FAA Approval, and More
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New Long-Haul Destinations on Qantas' Radar: Seattle, Chicago, and Paris
Qantas is considering extending its ultra-long-haul services to Seattle and Chicago in the US and Paris in Europe. Although there's no confirmation on when these routes could commence, the airline expressed interest in expanding its long-haul network during a recent investor presentation.
The proposed expansion will leverage partnerships with American and Alaska Airlines for US regional market access and is anticipated to boost the airline's presence in Europe.
Qantas is planning to match pre-COVID international capacity by next year and is expecting significant revenue growth from overseas operations. source
JSX Schedules Longest Ever Small Regional Jet Flight
In a surprising move, JSX, a private jet operator, has scheduled the longest flight by a small regional jet, an Embraer 145, for August, covering a record 2,249 miles. The one-off flights from Las Vegas to Westchester and vice versa, will traverse nearly the entire width of the US.
According to JSX, the decision came about due to a group booking opportunity, with the remaining seats being sold off.
Despite the expected discomfort of such a long journey on a regional jet, JSX’s high-quality service and comfortable one-one seating arrangement may render the experience more bearable. source
Air Greenland's A330neo Sidelined after Collision, Resorts to Wet-Leasing
Air Greenland's solitary A330neo jet, "Tuukkaq", has been temporarily put out of service following a collision with a SAS Scandinavian Airlines aircraft in Copenhagen, resulting in wing damage.
Consequently, Air Greenland has turned to wet-leasing capacity to keep its main route between Kangerlussuaq and Copenhagen operational.
During the downtime, they are being supported by Privilege Style from Spain with a B777 and are also leveraging aid from Jettime and Hi Fly. Although repair efforts are underway, there has been no confirmation on when the aircraft will return to service. source
Russia's Aeroflot Returns to Caribbean Skies with Flights to Cuba
Aeroflot, the Russian airline, will resume its service to Cuba starting July 1, operating from Moscow's Sheremetyvo International Airport to Kawama International Airport in Varadero, Cuba.
The route, previously canceled due to sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine, will be flown by Rossiya Airlines, a subsidiary of Aeroflot, using a Boeing 777-300ER.
Initially offering two weekly flights, Aeroflot plans to increase this to three flights per week from September 5. source
Air Canada Teams Up with PAL Airlines to Boost Regional Fleet
Air Canada is collaborating with PAL Airlines to introduce up to six De Havilland Canada DHC-8 aircraft for regional flights in Eastern Canada. The initial step is a Letter of Intent with PAL Airlines, leading towards a final commercial agreement.
The Dash 8-400 aircraft will operate for Air Canada for up to five years. The plan was developed in consultation with Jazz Aviation, Air Canada's long-term regional partner, and it does not affect Chorus financially. source
Nepal Airlines Seeks Buyers for Grounded Planes after Leasing Attempt Falls Short
Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) is in the final stages of evaluating three grounded planes for sale, after attempts to lease them attracted little interest.
The Chinese aircraft — two Xian MA 60 and one Y12E — have been deemed unsuitable for operations due to high insurance and fuel costs, limited passenger capacity, and issues obtaining spare parts.
NAC suffered millions in total losses operating these planes from the fiscal year 2014 to 19. Following decisions not to operate the aircraft and failing to lease them out, NAC is moving forward with the sale process. source
Ameriflight to Initiate Drone Deliveries Following FAA Approval
Ameriflight, a leading US cargo carrier, has obtained FAA approval to integrate drone deliveries into its services, making it the first legacy freight carrier to do so. The carrier will use Matternet's M2 drones and navigational systems for these deliveries.
Initially, the Dallas-based company will transport medical samples and small-batch pharmaceuticals before expanding to larger commercial goods.
The launch aims to establish a fully operational large-scale drone network for commercial delivery to healthcare and e-commerce clients in urban and suburban areas across the US. source
US Navy Approves Collins Aerospace for Full-Rate Production of Air Combat Training Systems
Collins Aerospace has been approved to proceed with full-rate production on US Navy contracts for the Tactical Combat Training System - Increment II (TCTS II) and the Air Combat Training System (ACMI). The systems, featuring both airborne and ground subsystems, will be used at various Navy training ranges.
The TCTS II’s long-range, air-to-air and air-to-ground networking capabilities, which support real-time data exchanges, were confirmed via flight tests on F/A-18 Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler jets.
This system will replace the Navy's legacy ACMI tracking systems, providing a comprehensive solution for various levels of aircrew training worldwide. source
HALO AirFinance Secures Financing for Nauru Airlines' Freight Aircraft Acquisition
HALO AirFinance, a collaboration between GA Telesis and Tokyo Century Corporation, has successfully concluded the financing for Nauru Airlines' 737-800SF freighter aircraft acquisition.
This deal supports Nauru Airlines, the flag carrier of the Republic of Nauru, in expanding its fleet and capabilities, ultimately bolstering the nation's economic infrastructure.
The converted freighter aircraft will remain a key resource for aircraft replacement and expansion in the air cargo fleet. source
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