Singapore’s SATS to become No #1 global air cargo handler with purchase of Worldwide Flight Services

©Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) to be acquired by SATS

Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS) has announced it has agreed to purchase Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) for US$ 1.14 billion in cash from an affiliate of U.S. private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management. SATS will raise US$797 million in equity to fund the purchase and the deal will transform SATS into the largest global air cargo handler with a current market value of US$3 billion. Its principal shareholder is Tamask Holdings, as Singapore state investor, which has provided an irrevocable undertaking to vote in favour of the transaction. The two combined entities will create a company with the immediate capability Read more

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Embraer delivers 1700th production E-Jet to KLM Cityhopper

KLM Cityhopper Embraer E195-E2 jet ©Embraer

Embraer has reached a new milestone on the E-Jet programme, the delivery of the 1700th production aircraft. The Aircastle-leased E195-E2 was handed over to KLM Cityhopper at a ceremony at Embraer’s facility in São José dos Campos. E-Jets have enjoyed global success in the fleets of 150 airlines and leasing companies from more than 50 countries since the first aircraft entered revenue service in 2004. The E195-E2 is part of a family of advanced-generation E-Jets that offer the quietest, lowest polluting and most fuel-efficient aircraft in the under 150-seat market. The E195-E2 is Embraer’s largest commercial aircraft with seating for Read more

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WestJet expands fleet with order of up to 64 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft

Canadian carrier WestJet has ordered 42 Boeing 737-10s with options for an additional 22 jets ©Boeing

WestJet is strengthening its commitment to the Boeing 737 MAX family with an order for 42 737-10s and options for an additional 22 jets. The 737-10 will enable the Canadian carrier to undertake an ambitious network expansion and meet its long-term sustainability goals. “The 737-10 will be a game changer, with one of the lowest costs per seat among mid-range aircraft. This will foster our low-cost positioning and affordability for Canadians,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer. “In addition, with its lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions, the 737-10 will further improve the environmental footprint of our Read more

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‘Wings of Change Europe’ to focus on rebuilding competitive European air transport system

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the Wings of Change Europe conference will focus on rebuilding a competitive European air transport system as the industry looks to its post-pandemic future. Europe is recovering strongly but challenges remain. The industry’s resilience is being tested by the US$50 billion (£45 billion) in losses the region’s airlines experienced during COVID-19 (2020-2022) and a return to pre-pandemic demand that is not expected to occur until 2024. Meanwhile, the operating environment is made more challenging with growing costs, a proliferation of regulatory initiatives and the drive towards net-zero emissions. “Europe needs strong air connectivity Read more

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Sabena technics acquires Héli-Union Group

©Sabena technics has completed the acquisition of the Héli-Union Group

Sabena technics, supported by its shareholders Sagard, BPI France and Towerbrook, completes the full acquisition of the Héli-Union Group and strengthens its position as a key player in the military helicopter maintenance sector. The acquisition of Héli-Union is fully in line with the Group’s strategy to build a leading European player in the market for the supply and maintenance of helicopters. This strategy, initiated ten years ago through organic growth then accelerated in 2020 – thanks to the acquisition of Aeromecanic in Marseille-Marignane- is now taking on greater scope with the creation of a helicopter division, which will represent a Read more

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Cebu Pacific chooses Airinmar to provide warranty management and value engineering support services

AAR subsidiary Airinmar, a leading independent provider of component repair cycle management and aircraft warranty solutions, has signed a new services agreement with Philippines-based low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific. Airinmar will provide Cebu Pacific with a full suite of support services covering both aircraft warranty management and value engineering. Warranty management services will include the identification, claim and recovery of the multiple airframe, engine and component warranty entitlements provided by airframe manufacturers and their suppliers. Value engineering services will include cost oversight to ensure compliance with Cebu’s contracted component repairs and to minimise component out-of-scope flight-hour repair charges. The services provided Read more

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Rex finalises purchase of National Jet Express

On September 30, Rex has finalised the purchase of National Jet Express ©Rex

Rex has announced that it has bold plans to grow and transform its latest acquisition into Australia’s premier Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO) operator, signalling a major expansion into Queensland and the Northern Territory. This follows the completion of the purchase of National Jet Express (NJE) on September 30, the regional services arm of Cobham Aviation Services Australia, focusing on FIFO activities. In anticipation of the surge in demand for NJE’s services, Rex is looking to immediately lease another two De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 NextGen (NG) aircraft to add to its fleet. The company will continue to invest in new aircraft and Read more

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AerFin appoints Tom Crawford as new Chief People Officer

Tom Crawford

AerFin has announced that Tom Crawford has joined the company to serve in a newly established role as Chief People Officer (CPO). As CPO, Crawford will be responsible for developing and implementing the company’s people strategy, ensuringthat people, culture and organisational plans are aligned to the organisations core values. Together with his team, he will develop an innovative people agenda which is designed to underpin AerFin’s commercial ambitions. Crawford brings exceptional experience across all facets of human resource strategy and development. For the last decade, he has been consulting and supporting businesses to help them improve their commercial performance through Read more

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Embraer’s Eve and BLADE India announce partnership for Indian UAM ecosystem development

Rendering of BLADE eVTOL vehicle ©Embraer

FlyBlade India (BLADE India) is a joint venture involving Hunch Ventures, a privately held New Delhi investment firm and BLADE India, an offshoot of Blade, the technology-powered urban air mobility (UAM) platform while Eve is an accelerated start-up for the UAM ecosystem backed by Brazilian planemaker Embraer. The two have announced a joint venture whereby BLADE India has agreed to purchase 200 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles from Eve, together with service and support, and Eve’s Urban Air Traffic Management (UATM) software solution. Initially, companies plan to collaborate on a three-month pilot project connecting passengers using helicopters. As Read more

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Air India and Willis Lease Finance ink multiple ConstantThrust® engine sales and leasebacks

Air India has signed definitive sale-and-leaseback agreements with Willis Lease Finance (Willis Lease) for 34 CFM56-5B engines installed on its Airbus A320-family fleet. The engines will be covered under Willis Lease’s ConstantThrust® programme, which will deliver significant reliability and cost savings versus a traditional MRO shop visit programme. This is the first ConstantThrust® sale-and-leaseback agreement for aircraft engines by any Indian carrier. Under the sale side of the transaction, Willis Lease will purchase 34 engines powering 13 Airbus A321 aircraft and four Airbus A320 aircraft from Air India. Through its ConstantThrust® programme, Willis Lease will provide replacement and standby spare Read more

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