July 12, 2021 - No. 54 In This Issue : JetBlue Expands Use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel as Part of its Strategy to Achieve Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2040 : AKKA Leverages Its Operations Control Center to Support a Private Aviation Company : Sabre releases new insights into how airline network planning is adapting for travel industry recovery : Sustainable Fuels Will Remain Key Even When Hydrogen Planes Arrive : NIT set to become training centre for Airbus, Boeing in Africa : The Unique Role Boeing’s First-Ever 767-200 Took On : FAA Activates Feature That Cuts Space Launch Airspace Disruptions : Pilot Lashes out at Maintenance Crew; Says Nanjingers are Stupid : Jet Airways Resolution: As Owner Offer Paltry Compensation, Employees Seek Meeting With Monitoring Panel Over Dues : ‘Air rage’ and rusty pilots among the dangers of Covid-19 flying : Experience of a lifetime: Billionaire Branson achieves space dream JetBlue Expands Use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel as Part of its Strategy to Achieve Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2040 JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU) has entered into a new relationship with World Energy and World Fuel Services for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). JetBlue’s LAX flights using SAF started this month. This increase in the airline’s usage of SAF includes 1.5 million gallons of blended SAF a year for at least three years, accounting for approximately five percent of JetBlue’s LAX fuel. Renewable fuel options will play a critical role in the aviation industry’s transition to lower-carbon operations. This is the latest step for JetBlue as the airline works to achieve its ambitious and comprehensive environmental social governance (ESG) targets, including a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Last year, JetBlue became the first major U.S. airline to achieve carbon neutrality on all domestic flying, today primarily through carbon offsets while the SAF industry continues to grow, and lower-carbon technologies to reduce direct emissions. “JetBlue is facing climate change head on and preparing our business for a new climate reality,” said Sara Bogdan, director of sustainability and environmental social governance. “Sustainable aviation fuel is one of the most promising ways to rapidly reduce air travel emissions and help our industry move toward our net-zero goals. We are focused on growing our use of sustainable aviation fuel to replace conventional fossil-based jet fuel in our focus cities as it becomes available. It has not historically had the same policy support as other low carbon fuels and comes at a premium today. We’re excited by the prospect of additional policy support to help grow and scale sustainable aviation fuel, helping to usher in a lower-carbon future for aviation.” This follows JetBlue’s move to fuel flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with SAF with another fuel provider. World Energy, a zero-now solutions provider for transport and the industry’s first commercial-scale producer of SAF, is supplying JetBlue fuel at LAX from its facility in Paramount, Calif. JetBlue is World Energy’s second U.S. commercial airline partner to incorporate SAF into its regular operations. Made from inedible agricultural waste, World Energy’s SAF is certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials to reduce emissions by up to 80 percent per gallon before being blended with petroleum jet fuel. Delivery of the fuel into LAX will be managed by World Fuel Services, JetBlue’s fuel management company. “JetBlue is taking aggressive action utilizing tools available today to deliver on their net-zero carbon emissions goals,” said Bryan Sherbacow, chief commercial officer, World Energy. “Expanding commercial use of sustainable aviation fuel is critical in changing the industry’s carbon outcomes. World Energy is excited to partner with JetBlue in fueling their success in transitioning to a zero-carbon aviation industry.” “We are honored to support JetBlue’s comprehensive sustainability strategy through our steady supply of sustainable aviation fuel,” said Brad Hurwitz, senior vice president – supply and trading, World Fuel Services. “Since 2014, World Fuel Services has delivered more than 22.1 million gallons of cleaner-burning, low-carbon sustainable aviation fuel. With World Energy, we continue to focus on increasing sustainable aviation fuel availability and supply chain efficiency for aviation.” JetBlue views robust oversight of key ESG issues as good for business and for generating long-term value, and recognizes that customers expect clean, efficient, and affordable travel. That’s why JetBlue is helping lead the path in sustainable aviation. LAX is one of JetBlue’s most successful and busiest markets, climbing to 40 flights per day to 23 markets this summer, allowing significant growth opportunities for the airline’s network. With support from Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), JetBlue plans to embark on meaningful expansion at LAX over the next five years – both domestically and internationally into multiple markets with plans to reach about 70 flights per day by 2025. “Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is committed to achieving ambitious sustainability goals, including net-zero carbon emissions and 100% renewable energy for LAX facilities by 2045,” said Justin Erbacci, chief executive officer, LAWA. “We are thrilled that JetBlue is supporting this bold agenda to help combat climate change through the use of sustainable aviation fuel.” JetBlue’s Decarbonization Strategy Carbon neutrality on its domestic flights is just one way JetBlue is preparing for a changing climate and ensuring a more sustainable business for its crewmembers, customers, shareholders and communities. JetBlue’s carbon reduction efforts focus on decreasing emissions through fuel-efficient operations and aircraft, growing usage of SAF, and supporting the next generation of low-emissions aircraft technologies. Earlier this year the airline announced emission reduction targets, including efforts to: Reduce direct emissions: Decrease aircraft emissions 25 percent per available seat mile (ASM) by 2030 from 2015 levels, excluding offsets Increase usage of sustainable energy: Convert 10 percent of total jet fuel to be from blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030 Convert 40 percent of three main ground service equipment vehicle types to electric by 2025 and 50 percent by 2030 JetBlue’s focus on climate leadership – JetBlue’s environmental social governance (ESG) strategy focuses on issues that have the potential to impact its business and the industry in the long-term. Customers, crewmembers and community, as well as stakeholders, are key to JetBlue's climate and sustainability strategy. Demand from these groups for responsible service is one of the motivations to further reduce the airline’s environmental impact. Shareholders, including many crewmembers, have demanded that JetBlue’s ESG strategy benefit stakeholders and the airline’s financial position. Tying ESG to its treasury function, including cash investments and a sustainability-linked loan with some terms dependent on the airline’s ESG scores, further demonstrates JetBlue’s commitment to combat climate change. https://www.kentuckynewera.com/technology/article_dc2fae84-90d1-5e96-a356-3d5c2ad2c82f.html AKKA Leverages Its Operations Control Center to Support a Private Aviation Company AKKA Technologies (Paris:AKA) (BSE:AKA) (ISIN:FR0004180537), a European leader in engineering consulting and R&D services announces its support to San Marino Executive Aviation S.r.l. (SMEA), a private aviation company based in Republic of San Marino, via its Operations Control Center (OCC). AKKA’s Operations Control Center was created in 2018 to provide support to all types of aviation operators. The Group leverages its deep aeronautical expertise in supporting industrial players, to support SMEA in the launch of their operations, and maintenance of their fleet. Thanks to AKKA’s ETOPS1-trained team, and the combined usage of various software such as Jetplanner, Skybook and eWAS, AKKA’s OCC supports SMEA with flight briefing package, flight permits, flight tracking, electronic flight folder, ground handling and fuel coordination services. Pierre-Yves LAZIES, Vice President of Aviation at AKKA France, commented: “AKKA’s Operations Control Center was the first choice for SMEA after a stringent evaluation process thanks to our high-standard packaged services with best-in-class technologies combined with an agile approach. We are leveraging our strong expertise in supporting industrial players in aeronautics, to support smaller airlines in running their operations smoothly.”. Ugur KALKAN, Managing Director SMEA, commented: “We were very impressed by the team and state of the art systems used by AKKA during our visit to AKKA OCC in Toulouse last year. AKKA provided services for our ferry flights in the past and we decided to move the whole operation control of our A330-300s to AKKA. The operation is seamless, and we can focus comfortably on our core business with the knowledge that OCC is in good hands.”. ABOUT AKKA AKKA is a European leader in engineering consulting and R&D services. Our comprehensive portfolio of digital solutions combined with our expertise in engineering, uniquely positions us to support our clients by leveraging the power of connected data to accelerate innovation and drive the future of smart industry. AKKA accompanies leading industry players across a wide range of sectors throughout the life cycle of their products with cutting edge digital technologies (AI, ADAS, IoT, Big Data, robotics, embedded computing, machine learning, etc.) to help them rethink their products and business processes. Founded in 1984, AKKA has a strong entrepreneurial culture and a wide global footprint. Our 21,000 employees around the world are all passionate about technology and share the AKKA values of respect, courage and ambition. The Group recorded revenues of €1.5 billion in 2020. AKKA Technologies (AKA) is listed on Euronext Paris and Brussels – segment B – ISIN code: FR0004180537. For more information, please visit: https://www.akka-technologies.com/ Follow us on: https://twitter.com/AKKA_Tech https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210712005609/en/AKKA-Leverages-Its-Operations-Control-Center-to-Support-a-Private-Aviation-Company Sabre releases new insights into how airline network planning is adapting for travel industry recovery SOUTHLAKE, Texas, July 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, has today released an insightful new whitepaper outlining the pioneering new methodologies it is creating to enable its airline partners to create more holistic, accurate network plans as their focus shifts from short-term planning to long-term recovery. Sabre's latest whitepaper, The Art & Science of Airline Network Planning to Ramp up for Recovery, has been released as the airline industry turns its attention to longer term planning once more, and away from the short-term operational focus that was necessary earlier in the pandemic. "From an aviation perspective, the latter half of 2021 is the time to change our outlook from crisis mode with a focus only on the immediate term to again taking on a more strategic view; analyzing market and fleet adjustments for the seasons and years to come," said Cem Tanyel, Chief Services Officer, Sabre Travel Solutions. "However, shifting from a purely short-term scheduling focus back to a full timeline network planning view will not be easy in the current environment. In addition to difficulties caused by reduced passenger numbers and revenue, and resulting reductions in crew for some airlines, there are additional challenges given that the data airline managers could previously rely on to estimate future demand beyond the next few weeks is no longer reliable." That is why Sabre is developing the robust new airline network planning methodologies described in its new whitepaper. These new methods can leverage its GDS shopping data in conjunction with historical Global Demand Data and Industry capacity data to predict demand in a manner that works effectively even when prior year results become less representative. Using these new approaches, Sabre has developed alternative 2021 schedules and demand estimations that are more reflective of what is likely to occur. The whitepaper sets out: The pioneering new methodologies created by Sabre to take a more holistic view of Airline Network Planning at a time when it is not possible to rely on previous years' data alone. How airlines are now shifting from a purely short-term to a full timeline planning view and why this process is complex as we move towards recovery. Latest industry data that can help airline managers in their decision-making process. Why airlines need to place a deeper focus on segmentation in both the leisure and business segments as we move further into 2021. The destinations and segments that are seeing above average capacity rebound. How Covid-19 has accelerated network planning innovation. "Often it is said that necessity is the mother of invention. This pandemic has driven innovation to an NPS process that has been quite static over the prior decades. Quantitative network planning approaches being developed that leverage technical advances were already under way before Covid-19 but have now become more important to advance. A more complete, innovative process that incorporates segmentation analysis, shopping data and more robust industry schedule outlooks will be the outcome," added Cem Tanyel, who heads professional services, service delivery, consulting and support in his role at Sabre. To see the full whitepaper: The Art & Science of Network Planning to Ramp up for Recovery please click here. About Sabre Corporation   Sabre Corporation is a leading software and technology company that powers the global travel industry, serving a wide range of travel companies including airlines, hoteliers, travel agencies and other suppliers. The company provides retailing, distribution and fulfilment solutions that help its customers operate more efficiently, drive revenue and offer personalized traveller experiences. Through its leading travel marketplace, Sabre connects travel suppliers with buyers from around the globe. Sabre's technology platform manages more than $260B worth of global travel spend annually. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries around the world. For more information visit www.sabre.com.   https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sabre-releases-new-insights-into-how-airline-network-planning-is-adapting-for-travel-industry-recovery-301331527.html Sustainable Fuels Will Remain Key Even When Hydrogen Planes Arrive With much talk about hydrogen planes becoming a reality in the future, where does sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) fit in? The huge investment required to ramp up production and availability of SAF over the coming years could end up being redundant if all airlines switch to hydrogen. However, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) believes that, despite the prospects of a hydrogen plane, SAF will remain a part of the decarbonization solution for many years to come. Does the future hydrogen plane negate the need for sustainable aviation fuel? There’s much talk about sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) at the moment. From new airports working to supply SAF from their bases to airlines operating their first SAF flights, there is a keen ramp-up of attention on this technology as being a route to decarbonizing flying. But with Airbus pledging to bring a hydrogen plane to market by 2035, is this focus on SAF still needed? Surely, if a carbon zero plane is just a decade away, investing huge amounts in creating the infrastructure necessary for SAF is likely to be outdated by the time it’s all complete? Speaking at a recent International Air Transport Association (IATA) media briefing, Director General of IATA and former IAG CEO Willie Walsh noted that, while hydrogen remains a part of the long-term solution, there is still a lot of work to be done. He commented, “Hydrogen is a potential source of improvement for the industry. Airbus has committed to developing a hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2035, and we welcome that. Clearly, what you need to see is for hydrogen to be produced from clean energy. A lot of energy is required to develop hydrogen. So I think there’s more work to be done on hydrogen than there is in sustainable fuels. “If you look at between now and 2035, when Airbus believe they can have a hydrogen-powered aircraft, we believe in that timeframe, up to 2035, credible offsetting is a significant part of the solution, with the addition of more and more scaled production of sustainable fuels. Hydrogen is potentially part of the solution, but I think it’s beyond 2035.” SAF is required to decarbonize the existing fleet Speaking at the same briefing, Sebastian Mikosz, Senior Vice President for Member and External Relations at IATA and former LOT Polish CEO, noted that even when a hydrogen plane arrives, there will still need to be a means of making the existing fleet greener. He said, “Even if the hydrogen plane arrives in 2035, we will still need SAF because the shift of fleet will not be immediate. Airbus announced a mid-range plane while we know that we pollute more on the long-haul. We need to address what is the biggest chunk of our pollution, which is the long-haul, and SAF seems to be the technology for us that is clearly available as we speak. We just need to ramp it up.” Airline fleet renewal is incredibly variable. While some airlines pride themselves on operating you fleets, typically turning aircraft over when they get to around 10 years of age, others are not in a position to do so. Some airlines survive by using older, secondhand planes availing of the cheaper leasing rates of these aircraft. Even if a hydrogen plane does arrive in 2035, chances are the legacy aircraft will be around for 10, 20 years, or more. As such, SAF remains just as relevant in the face of an alternative fuel as it does today. What’s the hold-up? Walsh explained the benefits of SAF and why it’s such a good solution for right now, saying, “Sustainable aviation fuel is what we call a drop-in fuel, so you can use it on existing aircraft and engines – it doesn’t require any modification. The infrastructure is in place as all of the airports because you’re just feeding it into the existing kerosene distribution system.” While it’s not currently possible to operate existing aircraft on 100% SAF, regulations permit airlines to go up to 50% SAF origin fuel. However, most aircraft are flying on 0% SAF, with the European Union only now contemplating a 2% blend mandate, rising over time to 5% and then 7%. So why aren’t airlines using more SAF right now? The issue here is the high price of the fuel. Using SAF makes airlines less competitive because it costs so much more than a fossil fuel-based alternative. That high price is a product of the scarcity of supply – low production rates of SAF means airlines cannot benefit from the economies of scale seen with fossil fuel production. It’s a chicken and egg situation and one that is going to require a mammoth effort to break through. Walsh says that it’s not good enough that producers expect airlines to fund the switch to SAF, and says that fuel companies, who have benefitted so much from aviation in the past, should step up to help them make this environmentally beneficial switch. He commented, “There has to be an incentive to move them to a new platform of technology. Now, that incentive is going to come from the industry because we’re going to demand it. The fuel companies, the oil companies, are clearly interested in continuing to produce kerosene, because they’ve made significant investment in that area. We need them to step up to the mark. “It’s not good enough that these people talk about wanting to achieve carbon neutrality and net zero in 2050. We need them to be part of the solution and therefore, they got to start putting their money and their investments and their focus on sustainable fuels in the same way as they focused on Jet kerosene for many, many years. “I think the critical thing here is that the industry will demand it. Because what will be unacceptable to us is if everybody who benefits from our industry in the wider aviation chain thinks that the airlines will just write a big check. We’re not going to do that. We clearly will pay the price that is necessary, but we expect others to invest and to pay the price as well.” https://simpleflying.com/saf-key-hydrogen-planes/ NIT set to become training centre for Airbus, Boeing in Africa Dar es Salaam. The National Institute of Transport (NIT) may become a training centre for Airbus Aircraft in Africa, it was revealed in Dar es Salaam at the weekend. This comes when NIT has already trained 75 aircraft maintenance engineers since 2015. Speaking shortly after receiving aircraft engineering training equipment as support from the government through the Tanzania Education Authority (TEA) in Dar es Salaam, the NIT rector, Prof Zacharia Mganilwa, said the Institute has been selected to become the Airbus training centre for Africa. “We are looking forward to speaking with Boeing Aircraft so that they can also accord us such a rank,” he said. He said currently a total of 49 students have graduated with a Bachelor’s degrees in Aircraft Maintenance, while 26 more have made it to Diploma level since the establishment of the School of Aviation Technology at NIT in 2015. “A similar course costs up to Sh200 million a year as tuition. But, at NIT, it costs only Sh6 million a year,” he said. Currently, Tanzania has a 60 percent shortage of aircraft maintenance engineers - a shortage that is being filled by expatriates. The Higher Education Students Loans Board (HESLB) supports only 50 percent of the country’s requirements. Prof Mganilwa requested the government to look into the possibility of raising the support - and also to see if the same support could be granted to those studying a Diploma course. He nevertheless thanked the government for granting the requisite practical training equipment to NIT. The planned pilot training programme, he said, would start before mid-2022, pending the arrival of three aircraft that are to be purchased under the Wold Bank-funded East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP). The TEA director general, Ms Bahati Geuzye, said the equipment, which was handed over to NIT for aircraft maintenance engineering practical training courses, cost Sh245.4 million in total. Granting the equipment to NIT is one way to improve the teaching environment at the National Institute in the area of safe air transport. In her remarks, the minister for Education, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Prof Joyce Ndalichako, said the training offered by NIT reflects the vision of the sixth-phase government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, in power since March 19 this year. https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/nit-set-to-become-training-centre-for-airbus-boeing-in-africa-3470460 The Unique Role Boeing’s First-Ever 767-200 Took On The 767 has been one of Boeing’s strongest widebody programs, finding use with airlines over four decades later. But what happened to Boeing’s first even 767-200? The aircraft was never delivered to an airline for commercial service but rather went to the US government. Here’s the unique role the first 767 took on. Takeoff Boeing’s first-ever 767 was aptly registered N767BA. N is the US aircraft registration code and BA is Boeing’s abbreviation and stock ticker. This 767-200 was rolled out on August 4th, 1981, giving the world its first view of the new widebody family. The plane made its maiden flight over a month later, was put through its paces before final approval in July 1982. In many cases, test aircraft usually go to an airline customer for commercial use. For instance, the first 777X (registration N779XW) will go to Lufthansa. However, this time, Boeing opted to keep the plane as a testbed for new engine variants and much more. However, the plane did find a new operator a few years later. Army In the 1980s, the US Army chose the 767 for its Airborne Surveillance Testbed (AST). The Army, Raytheon, and Boeing worked to heavily modify the aircraft to carry infrared sensors that could accurately detect and track intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and later short-range missiles too. Work began on modifying the plane in late 1984, and the modified 767-200 took off for the first time in August 1987. Undoubtedly, the most recognizable feature of the AST 767 was the 86 foot long hump or inverted canoe, known as the copula. This housed the sensors and had two openings that retracted midflight to record information. Creating the copula was no mean feat, requiring a balance of aerodynamics, infrared technology, and military efficiency. Boeing delivered the first testbed at no cost and built it on the platform of N767BA. The plane was housed at Boeing Field in Seattle but actually flew across the US and the world, taking part in test missions and routine surveillance. It comprised an important part of the US Department of Defense’s deterrent missile strategy. Successful N767BA was officially retired in 2003, once the AST program came to a close. Overall, the plane was a success in its goals, achieving a 95% mission success rate over 100 target-viewing tests. Its legacy carries on today through the data is collected for current Boeing missile programs like the Delta II, Arrow, and many others. Due to the heavy modifications and its age, the plane could not be redeployed for another mission. Instead, after 24 years of use, the first-ever 767-200 was retired at Victorville Desert and remains there to this day. https://simpleflying.com/boeing-767-200-first-role/ FAA Activates Feature That Cuts Space Launch Airspace Disruptions Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently activated a new tool that automates the near-instantaneous sending of data regarding a spacecraft's flight route to the FAA's air traffic control system. The Space Data Integrator (SDI) tool will replace a system where much of providing telemetry data about spacecraft to air traffic control managers is done manually. AIN Online said SDI would also automate the supply of vehicle-related telemetry data to the FAA Air Traffic Control Command Center. The new feature will strengthen the agency's capacity to track and manage air traffic during space activities "dramatically." This information comprises the location of the vehicle, its altitude, speed, and any deviations. It also allows the FAA to track the vehicle throughout the flight, allowing them to monitor performance and highlight hazard regions if debris falls from the vehicle. "With this capability, we will be able to safely reopen the airspace more quickly and reduce the number of aircraft and other airspace users affected by a launch or reentry," FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson said in a statement. FAA's Anti-Airspace Disturbance System AVWeb said FAA has already used the anti-airspace disruption technology to control one of the world's largest space launches. According to the FAA, Elon Musk's SpaceX was the first business to share flight telemetry data with the agency, and others have subsequently joined the program, including Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin. This is in reference to SpaceX's recent Transporter 2 rocket launch, which Elon Musk's company launched to space on June 30. However, a problem arose when an errant pilot flew a plane inside the huge exclusion zone set up for space activity. SpaceX chose to cancel the activity to avoid a possible collision or other flying difficulties. The FAA's updated system version, on the other hand, may have prevented the latest SpaceX mishap. However, the latest version of the technology is vital, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said. He explained that various corporations are making the world's airspace busier than before. FAA said there were 45 space launches and reentries last year, which set a new record, and that number is expected to grow to over 70 this year. The agency said other adjustments implemented by the FAA had decreased airspace restrictions from an average of more than four hours to just over two hours for a launch. According to the agency, the Space Data Integrator will lower that even more, but it did not specify a time frame. Other Activities Of FAA The Federal Aviation Administration is also altering its pilot training requirements, Flight Global said. According to the FAA, the reason for this is to make rookie plane operators safer when they fly their first flights. Before instructing new pilots, the FAA announced that instructors must receive a "letter of deviation authority" (LODA). https://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/32221/20210712/faa-activates-feature-that-cuts-space-launch-airspace-disruptions.htm Pilot Lashes out at Maintenance Crew; Says Nanjingers are Stupid A regional Chinese airline is in hot water after one of its pilots poured verbal abuse on ground staff before flying out of Lukou, while in its subsequent statement of apology, the airline used language considered by many to be a further insult to Nanjingers. The incident took place on the morning of 26 June, during the preparations for the departure of flight GJ8803 by Hangzhou-based, Loongair, from Stand 54 at Nanjing Lukou International Airport to Lanzhou in Gansu Province. The airline crew arrived at the aircraft at 10:03, whereupon flight crew immediately initiated the A320’s Auxiliary Power Unit. The altercation occurred when a Juneyao Airlines maintenance staff member, surnamed Han, began an exchange with the captain. An English transcript of part of their conversation, published by aviation portal, Apron (停机坪), as follows. Han: “I’m sorry, Captain, I need take down the storage bag on your left.” Captain: “Why are you so slow?” Han: “We guarantee that preparations begin 1 and a half hours before normal departure time.” Captain: “You are too slow. We never leave the crew to turn on the power themselves. We didn’t even have air conditioning on the plane.” Han: “I’m sorry, captain, but because the plane was here overnight, the engine covers were still in place. And two of us had to push the ladder to get at the pitot tube covers.” Captain: “It took all three of you to do this? … Look what time it is now.” It was then just 10:15, while the aircraft’s estimated departure time was 11:15. Han explained the reasons for the delay in readying the aircraft. Captain: “Your Nanjing guarantee is too poor. Planes here are standing still, while in Hangzhou it has never been so. Nanjing people have bad roots. Are you from Nanjing?” Han: “No Captain, I am not.” Captain: “Then you are polluted by Nanjing and you are inferior in nature.” Cutting words indeed. But that aircrews are such consummate professionals has many baffled at the attitude of the pilot. Others point to the sweltering heat inside the aircraft making the pilot quickly enraged as explanation for his ire. The proverbial oil was then thrown on the fire, when Loongair issued a statement of apology. Therein, the company referred to the people of Nanjing in the informal, much like saying “Nanjingers” (南京人), as opposed to “the respected people of Nanjing” (南京人民). A modified version utilising the latter expression was issued just 20 minutes later. https://www.thenanjinger.com/news/nanjing-news/pilot-lashes-out-at-maintenance-crew-says-nanjingers-are-stupid/ Jet Airways Resolution: As Owner Offer Paltry Compensation, Employees Seek Meeting With Monitoring Panel Over Dues As the resolution plan of Kalrock-Jalan consortium provides for significant haircut in repaying dues to Jet Airways' staff, a staff association has written to the seven-member monitoring committee seeking a virtual meeting to get clarity over the relief to be provided to the employees under the plan. Talking to IANS, Jet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Welfare Association (JAMEWA) President Ashish Mohanty has said that the association first sent a mail seeking a virtual meeting last Monday to the committee, but no response has come so far. "We have written a mail to the committee for a virtual meeting as employees are not legally sound about this offer. We have also asked our lawyer to go through (the details)," Mohanty said. "Gratuity and retirement benefit must be there, but nowhere has it been mentioned in this plan." Mohanty said that if the employees get a meeting with the monitoring committee, the plan, the retirement benefit plans and what lies in the future for the employees can get clarified. The employees of the grounded airline are unhappy with the relief they are being offered which is heavily slashed down from the actual claims. The admitted claims of employees stood at around Rs 1,200 crore, while the consortium has proposed Rs 52 crore to settle their claims. According to employees, the airline owes at least Rs 3 lakh to each employee which may well go up to Rs 85 lakh, while now each employee is being offered a total of around Rs 23,000. The plan proposes to pay each workman of the corporate debtor Rs 11,000 cash, Rs 5,100 cash as medical expenses reimbursement for the parents of the workmen, Rs 5,100 cash as school fee reimbursement for children of the staff, Rs 1,100 would be paid for stationery for children of the staff and a one-time mobile phone recharge of Rs 500. This cash payment will be made out of the contingency fund (Rs 8 crore). Additional amounts, if required, will be utilised out of the proceeds of sale of assets received by the corporate debtor. Now, there is uncertainty among the employees whether to vote in favour of the plan or vote against it and lose whatever relief that is being offered. As per the resolution plan, the employees and workmen would get the relief on if 95 per cent of them vote in favour of the plan. According to people in the know, it would be tough to garner the 95 per cent votes. Mohanty said: "There is also doubt who would be eligible for the voting. Are those who have left the organisation also eligible to vote or only the existing employees are allowed to vote?" Further, employees are now in a dilemma whether to legally contest the resolution plan or go with the "little" relief that is being provided. According to the resolution plan that the proposal for employees and workmen (equity stake in the Corporate Debtor; equity stake in AGSL, cash payment for employees and workmen, IT Assets and Free Tickets) is valid only if at least 95 per cent of the employees and workmen of the Corporate Debtor (as on ICD) support this Resolution Plan by not contesting or challenging its approval by the adjudicating authority (the authority) or its implementation in the manner approved by the authority. "If the above proposal is not accepted by the employees and workmen within 30 days from the Approval Date, then no other creditor will have the right to seek such benefits or any part thereof and such proposal shall stand withdrawn. After expiry of the said period of 30 days from the Approval Date, the equity stake of 0.50 per cent, and cash payments of up to Rs 8 crore currently earmarked for employees and workmen will be given to the AFCs," the NCLT's order copy noted. With the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approval to the resolution plan of Kalrock-Jalan consortium, the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) of Jet Airways has already concluded. The seven-member monitoring committee has been constituted to look into the day-to-day operations and the implementation of the resolution plan. The now-grounded Jet Airways is expected likely to take the skies again within six months from now. On June 22, the Mumbai bench of the NCLT approved the resolution plan of the Kalrock-Jalan Consortium and gave a 90-day time period to the DGCA and the Civil Aviation Ministry to allot the slots. https://swarajyamag.com/news-brief/jet-airways-resolution-as-owner-offer-paltry-compensation-employees-seek-meeting-with-monitoring-panel-over-dues ‘Air rage’ and rusty pilots among the dangers of Covid-19 flying The sudden halt imposed on the aviation industry by the Covid-19 crisis hit the sector hard. In April 2020, two-thirds of the global commercial aviation fleet sat idle on the tarmac, while passenger traffic was down 90% year-on-year. Today, the aviation industry is slowly rebounding, led by domestic travel. As more aircraft return to the skies, a new report from aviation insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) highlights some of the unique challenges airlines and airports face as they restart operations – ranging from “rusty” pilots to insect infestations. It also identifies a number of ways in which Covid-19 is reshaping the sector, driving long-term changes in fleet composition, flight routes and passenger demand. “The grounding of worldwide fleets during the pandemic has represented an unprecedented event for the aviation industry,” said Dave Warfel, a regional head of Aviation at AGCS. “Airlines have worked tirelessly to maintain their fleets and train their crews during this long period of inactivity and, as insurers, we take a keen interest in working with them to understand their plans to return to service. “Challenges will no doubt emerge as the industry readies for takeoff again. Although it is hard to predict in exactly what shape the aviation industry will return, one thing is for certain – it will have changed.” “Rusty” pilots and the return of sightseeing flights Earlier this year, dozens of pilots reported making mistakes – such as taking multiple attempts to land – to NASA’s Aviation Safety Reporting System, with many citing rustiness as a factor on returning to the skies, Allianz said. Airlines and other operators are well aware of the potential for pilot “rustiness” and continue to take steps to manage and mitigate these risks, it said. Major airlines have developed different training programs for pilots re-entering service, depending on the length of absence. “At a time of such unprecedented activity, it is comforting to know that the risk management processes that made airline travel safer than any form of travel prior to the pandemic will continue to drive an unparalleled travel safety environment in the post-Covid-19 world,” said Warfel. However, the return of sightseeing flights in tourism destinations could lead to an uptick in risk for smaller leisure aircraft, including helicopters, particularly if there is an influx of new pilots unfamiliar with the routes and terrain. There have already been a number of fatal accidents involving sightseeing flights in recent years, Allianz pointed out. “Air rage” incidents on the rise The unruly behaviour of aeroplane passengers is increasingly a concern, particularly in the United States, the insurer said. In a typical year, there are around 150 reports of passenger disruption on aircraft. By June 2021 there had been 3,000 according to the Federal Aviation Administration – the majority involving passengers refusing to wear a mask. The report notes that unruly passengers may later claim they were discriminated against by the airline in these cases even when in the wrong – a trend insurers need to stay on top of. Perils from parked fleets Although a large proportion of the world’s airline fleet have been – and are still – parked during Covid-19, loss exposures do not disappear. They change. Parked fleets are exposed to weather events. There have been numerous incidents of grounded aircraft being damaged by hailstorms and hurricanes, Allianz said. The risk of shunting or ground incidents also increases, which can bring costly claims. There were a number of collisions at the start of the pandemic as operators transferred aircraft to storage facilities. More are likely when aircraft are moved again ahead of reuse. Aircraft in storage typically undergo regular maintenance to ensure they are ready to return. However, never has the industry seen so many aircraft temporarily put out of service and the report notes that smaller airlines may face significant challenges when reactivating fleets, given it will be an unprecedented process, Allianz said. Pilot shortage brings risks Odd as it may seem given the impact of Covid-19, the global aviation industry faces a pilot shortage in the mid to long term. The tremendous increase in air travel pre-pandemic – annual air passenger growth in China alone was 10%+ a year from 2011 – meant pilot demand was already outstripping supply. More than a quarter of a million are required over the coming decade. “In less regulated countries, shortages can lead to pilots operating commercial aircraft with limited qualifications and low overall flying time,” said Warfel. “Pilot fatigue is also a known risk among existing pilots that must be properly managed. Fortunately, there is a lot of industry expertise and resources available to assist airlines in building proper fatigue management systems.” Some airlines are building their own pilot pipelines by establishing flight schools. Given the nature of training, flying schools are prone to accidents and claims are becoming more expensive with rising values of aircraft and increased activity. Landing accidents are most common, but insurers have also seen total losses. New generation aircraft bring safety improvements but higher costs A number of airlines have shrunk their fleets or retired aircraft over the past year, as the pandemic hastens a generational shift to smaller aircraft, given the anticipated reduced number of passengers on aircraft in the short-term future. “Newer generation aircraft bring safety and efficiency benefits,” said Axel von Frowein, a regional head of Aviation at AGCS. “However, new materials such as composites, titanium, and alloys are more expensive to repair, resulting in higher claims costs.” Robust performance by air cargo and trend will continue Although passenger travel has been devastated by the pandemic, other aviation sectors have performed more robustly, such as cargo operators. In April 2021, Asia Pacific reported its best month for international air cargo since the pandemic began, thanks to rising business confidence, e-commerce and congestion at seaports, while Latin America to North America freighter capacity grew by almost a third in May 2021 compared to the same two week period in 2019. The report expects air cargo to continue to perform strongly. Business travel – boom or bust? Pre-Covid-19 business travel traffic amounted to $1.5 trillion a year or around 1.7% of global GDP. With many airlines dialling back expectations in the short term, the report asks whether those days are over. New ways of collaboration, such as video calls, proved to be effective and more companies are aiming to reduce business travel to improve their carbon footprint. Therefore, while there will be an initial surge once lockdowns end, many airlines are preparing for a long-term paradigm shift in travelling, with business travel expected to be slow to pick up, said Allianz. However, what speaks for a possible uptick is that some areas of business aviation have proven resilient during the pandemic. Companies that had aircraft continued to use them while many that had never purchased or chartered an aircraft before did so for the first time. Many charter companies thrived. New routes multiply in Europe and Asia Pacific Over 1,400 new air routes are scheduled for 2021 – more than double those added in 2016 – driven by Europe (over 600) and Asia Pacific (over 500), with regional airports set to be the main beneficiaries. Growth in China’s domestic market alone has seen over 200 new routes added – almost the same as the US. “This development reflects the desire of some airlines to experiment in uncertain times, particularly smaller ones,” said von Frowein. “New routes means less congested airspace and congestion at airports which can have a positive impact on risks such as ground handling incidents. However, flying new routes can bring a heightened risk environment.” Insect infestations affecting instrument accuracy There have been a number of reports of unreliable airspeed and altitude readings during the first flight(s) after some aircraft have left storage. In many cases, the problem was traced back to undetected insect nests inside the aircraft’s pitot tubes, pressure-sensitive sensors that feed data to an avionics computer, Allianz said. Such incidents have led to rejected takeoffs and turnback events. Contamination risk increases if storage procedures are not followed. Covid-19 claims impact The report also notes the aviation industry has seen relatively few claims directly related to the pandemic to date. In a small number of liability notifications, passengers have sued airlines for cancellations/disruptions. “Covid-19 has not been a direct driver of aviation claims over the past year,” said Cristina Schoen, Global Head of Aviation Claims at AGCS. “As a result of the significant reduction in commercial airline travel during the pandemic, we saw fewer attritional claims than we would during a typical year. “However, the insurance sector was not immune to larger losses during the course of the pandemic, with different regions seeing tragic accidents, emergency landings and hull losses to name a few. As air travel begins to return to pre-pandemic levels we expect claims volume to rise accordingly.” AGCS analysis of more than 46,000 aviation insurance claims from 2016 to year-end 2020 worth more than EUR 14.5 billion ($17.3 billion) shows collision/crash incidents account for over half the value of all claims. Other expensive causes of loss include faulty workmanship/maintenance and machinery breakdown. https://businesstech.co.za/news/business/503569/air-rage-and-rusty-pilots-among-the-dangers-of-covid-19-flying/ Experience of a lifetime: Billionaire Branson achieves space dream SPACEPORT AMERICA, United States (AFP) - British billionaire Richard Branson flew into space Sunday aboard a Virgin Galactic vessel, a voyage he described as the "experience of a lifetime" -- and one he hopes will usher in an era of lucrative space tourism. "Congratulations to all our wonderful team at Virgin Galactic for 17 years of hard, hard work to get us this far," he said during a live feed as the VSS Unity spaceship glided back to Spaceport America in New Mexico. It reached a peak altitude of around 53 miles (85 kilometers) -- beyond the boundary of space, according to the United States -- allowing the passengers to experience weightlessness and admire the Earth s curvature. The trip proceeded without drama, and touchdown occurred at around 9:40 am Mountain Time (1540 GMT), about an hour after take-off. The mission s success means Branson has beaten fellow billionaire Jeff Bezos in the race to be the first tycoon to cross the final frontier in a ship built by a company he founded. Earlier, a massive carrier plane took off and ascended to 50,000 feet before dropping VSS Unity to complete the rest of the flight using its rocket-powered engine. The spaceplane carried two pilots and four passengers, including Branson. The ship then re-entered the atmosphere, lowered its flexible wings and glided back to the runway. A smiling Branson hugged loved ones after the trip. "It s a beautiful day to go to space," the brash Brit wrote in a tweet earlier where he posted a video of himself biking to the base and meeting with his crewmates, all Virgin employees. He also posted a picture of himself standing in a kitchen with SpaceX boss Elon Musk, who d come to show his support. Several tourists journeyed to the International Space Station in the 2000s, but on Russian rockets. Branson s official role is to evaluate the private astronaut experience to enhance the journey for future clients. Space base Branson, who founded the Virgin Group that today has interests in everything from commercial aviation to fitness centers, is known for his appetite for adventure and has set world records in hot air ballooning and boating. "As a child, I wanted to go to space," the 70-year-old wrote a few days ahead of his trip. He founded Virgin Galactic in 2004, but the dream almost came to an end in 2014 when an in-flight accident caused the death of a pilot, considerably delaying the program. Since then, VSS Unity has successfully reached space three times, in 2018, 2019 -- which included the first crew member who wasn t a pilot -- and finally in May this year. Sunday s flight left from Spaceport America, a huge base built in the Jornada del Muerto desert, around 20 miles southeast of the nearest town, Truth or Consequences. Financed largely by the state of New Mexico, Virgin Galactic is the principal tenant. Paying passengers in 2022? After Sunday, Virgin Galactic plans two further flights, and then the start of regular commercial operations from early 2022. The ultimate goal is to conduct 400 flights per year. Some 600 tickets have already been sold to people from 60 different countries -- including Hollywood celebrities -- for prices ranging from $200,000 to $250,000. And though, according to Branson, "space belongs to us all," the opportunity for now remains the preserve of the privileged. "When we return, I will announce something very exciting to give more people the chance to become an astronaut," he promised. The competition in the space tourism sector, whose imminent rise has been announced for years, has come to a head this month. Bezos, the richest person in the world, is due to fly on July 20 on Blue Origin s New Shepard rocket. Blue Origin posted an infographic Friday boasting the ways in which the experience it offers is superior. The principal point: New Shepard climbs up to more than 60 miles in altitude, thus exceeding what is called the Karman line, the frontier of space according to international convention. Bezos himself wished Branson "best of luck" in an Instagram post. https://dunyanews.tv/en/Technology/610187-Experience-of-a-lifetime-Billionaire-Branson-achieves-space-dream Curt Lewis