Aviation News

Discover the latest in aviation with our recent feature on dailystraits.com, where we delve into all things related to the industry.
Our articles are updated regularly throughout the week, ensuring you stay informed with the most current trends, news, and insights from the world of aviation.
Whether you’re interested in commercial airlines, aerospace innovations, or regulatory updates, our coverage keeps you in the loop with the ever-evolving aviation sector.
This article updates throughout the entire month.

Korean Air Honored

Korean Air was awarded the Friendship Medal by the Government of Mongolia in recognition of its significant social contributions.
Presented by the President of Mongolia, the Friendship Medal is one of the highest honors given to foreign individuals and organizations that have strengthened bilateral relations.
The award ceremony was held on May 29 at the Government Palace in Ulaanbaatar. Notable attendees included Yohan Park, Vice President and Head of China Regional Headquarters, and Ho Young Seo, Vice President and Head of Human Resources Strategy at Korean Air.
Over the past two decades, Korean Air has committed resources to afforestation efforts in the Baganuur District, creating the Korean Air Forest.
This forest acts as a barrier against dust and debris from nearby coal mines and combats desertification. Additionally, Korean Air has equipped seven local schools with computer classrooms and provided volunteer medical services in cooperation with Inha University Hospital.
“We are honored to receive this recognition and remain committed to contributing to the well-being of Mongolia through our various initiatives,” said Yohan Park.

Air Cargo Demand Soars

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data showing strong annual growth in April 2024 global air cargo markets, with demand rising by 11.1 per cent compared to April 2023.
Capacity increased by 7.1 per cent. This marks the fifth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth.
“Air cargo demand started Q2 with a solid 11.1 per cent increase. While many economic uncertainties remain, it appears that the roots of air cargo’s strong performance are deepening. In recent months, air cargo demand grew even when the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) was indicating the potential for contraction. With the PMI now indicating growth, the prospects for continued strong demand are even more robust,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Key factors influencing the market include positive PMIs for global manufacturing output and new export orders, a 1.6 per cent increase in industrial production in March year-on-year, and stable inflation rates across major economies.

April 2024 Regional Performance

Africa: 10.6 per cent demand growth, 18.7 per cent capacity increase.

Asia-Pacific: 14.0 per cent demand growth, 7.8 per cent capacity increase.

North America: 7.0 per cent demand growth, 4.0 per cent capacity increase.

Europe: 12.7 per cent demand growth, 10.3 per cent capacity increase.

Middle East: 9.4 per cent demand growth, 5.7 per cent capacity increase.

Latin America: 11.7 per cent demand growth, 9.8 per cent capacity increase.

Qatar Airways Adds Starlink

Qatar Airways has announced the introduction of Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency Wi-Fi on three of its Boeing 777-300 aircraft by the last quarter of this year. This initiative marks Qatar Airways as the first leading airline in the MENA region to offer complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi, with plans to extend this technology across its entire fleet within two years.
Passengers will enjoy ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi of up to 500 megabits per second per plane, enabling access to streaming, online gaming, and enhanced web browsing. The announcement was made at the Aircraft Interior Expo in Hamburg by Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and Starlink Engineering VP Mike Nicolls.
“This exciting collaboration with Starlink is a testament to our customer-first mindset and commitment to elevating our passengers’ experience to unprecedented heights,” said Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.
Mike Nicolls added, “High-speed, low-latency internet is the future of aviation connectivity, and we’re excited to work with Qatar Airways to start flying Starlink on their fleet by the end of this year.”
Qatar Airways is the largest airline to partner with Starlink, enhancing the onboard experience with cutting-edge technology.

Passenger Demand Up 11 Per Cent

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported an 11 per cent increase in global passenger demand for April 2024 compared to April 2023. Total capacity rose by 9.6 per cent year-on-year, with a load factor of 82.4 per cent.
“Passenger demand has been growing for 36 consecutive months. As we enter the peak northern summer travel season, there is every reason to feel optimistic for a strong summer with airlines offering a wide range of travel options. Ninety-seven per cent of passengers asked in our recent survey said they were satisfied with their last flight. Every part of the travel value chain needs to be focused on maintaining that,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

International Markets

International demand increased by 15.8 per cent, capacity was up by 14.8 per cent, and the load factor reached 82.2 per cent. Domestic demand rose by 4 per cent, with capacity up by 2.1 per cent and a load factor of 82.6 per cent.

Regional Performance

• Asia-Pacific: Demand up by 32.1 per cent, capacity up by 29.3 per cent, load factor at 83.7 per cent.
• Europe: Demand up by 10.1 per cent, capacity up by 10 per cent, load factor at 83.3 per cent.
• Middle East: Demand up by 14.2 per cent, capacity up by 9.9 per cent, load factor at 79.3 per cent.
• North America: Demand up by 6.5 per cent, capacity up by 10.3 per cent, load factor at 81.0 per cent.
• Latin America: Demand up by 14.5 per cent, capacity up by 13.5 per cent, load factor at 84.1 per cent.
• Africa: Demand up by 15.5 per cent, capacity up by 10.4 per cent, load factor at 73.0 per cent.

IATA’s survey also showed 88 per cent agreement that air travel improves quality of life. “This strong endorsement of the power of air connectivity to transform lives and boost economies brings with it a challenge that will also be on the minds of all attending. It is critically important that we achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 so that people can continue to rely on all the benefits of air travel,” added Walsh.

Aviation Leaders Meet in Dubai

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that global airline industry leaders will gather in Dubai, UAE, for the 80th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (June 2-4, 2024).
Hosted by Emirates Airline, the event marks the first time it will be held in the UAE, with over 1,500 participants expected, including industry leaders, government officials, and media.
H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, will deliver the opening keynote speech.
“Dubai’s world-leading connectivity places it at the crossroads of the planet. And it will soon be the center of the airline industry’s leadership as it hosts the 80th IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, highlighted Dubai’s aviation contributions: “In line with this, last year aviation contributed 27 per cent to Dubai’s GDP and supported $37 billion in gross value added.”
The World Air Transport Summit will address critical aviation issues, including net zero carbon emissions by 2050, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and the role of AI in aviation. The event features the CEO Insights Panel with industry leaders from Qantas, Emirates Airline, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic Airways.
IATA will also present the fifth edition of the Diversity and Inclusion Awards, recognizing contributions to improving gender balance in aviation through the 25by2025 initiative.

BA Opens Lagos Lounge

British Airways has unveiled its newly renovated luxurious lounge at Lagos airport after a six-month refurbishment. The 360 square metre space is designed to offer customers a premium experience for dining, relaxing, or working, featuring local art from Akoje Gallery.
Customers can enjoy a self-serve dining area with a selection of Nigerian and British dishes, a newly built bar serving cocktails and drinks, and a quiet room with day beds. The lounge also includes workstations with printing facilities.
Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, stated, “We’re focused on investing in the entire customer journey, not just on board. For many of our customers, lounges are an important part of their experience, and the re-design of our Lagos lounge is a key part of our transformation strategy across our lounges around the world.”
The lounge, open to Club World (business), First, and Silver and Gold Executive Club Members, showcases art from local Nigerian artists curated by Akoje Gallery. Khalil Akar, Co-founder of Akoje Gallery, added, “We are honoured to partner with British Airways and give local Nigerian artists the chance to showcase their talents in the brand-new Lagos lounge.”
British Airways operates daily flights between London Heathrow and Lagos, featuring the 787-10 aircraft.

Star Alliance Adopts Timatic

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Star Alliance have expanded their collaboration with Star Alliance adopting IATA’s Timatic AutoCheck, a travel documentation and verification system supporting contactless travel for its 26 member airlines.
Timatic AutoCheck automates the document checking process, providing tailored instructions for passengers. As passenger traffic is expected to double by 2040, this system aims to optimize airport processes and enhance efficiency.
“Star Alliance is dedicated to enhancing the customer experience. We are delighted to partner with IATA for the Timatic AutoCheck platform, which we believe will not only boost operational efficiency for our member airlines but also significantly improve the customers’ airport experience. As travelers increasingly prioritize seamless journeys with minimum hassle, our adoption of the Timatic platform is a significant step in the right direction,” said Theo Panagiotoulias, CEO, Star Alliance.
“Timatic AutoCheck represents a further milestone in the pursuit of efficiency and convenience within the travel industry. By effortlessly navigating travel regulations, passengers can embark on their journeys with confidence and peace of mind. We are delighted that Star Alliance has chosen to continue our long-standing partnership and keep entrusting IATA Timatic as the source and tool for document compliance check,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
IATA’s Global Passenger Survey indicated that complex visa requirements deter travelers, with 36% discouraged by immigration requirements. The survey also found that 87 per cent of travelers would share their immigration information to expedite airport procedures.
Timatic AutoCheck provides a customer-friendly online solution, enabling airlines and travel agents to ensure travelers meet all immigration requirements before arriving at the airport.

Emirates, Airbus Partner on CBTA

Emirates, Airbus, and IATA are collaborating to deliver a Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) program for the Airbus A350 type rating. This initiative prepares Emirates for the delivery of 65 A350s starting mid-2024, with 256 pilots set to begin training at Emirates’ Training College in Dubai from July 2024.
IATA will design the program, Airbus will provide aircraft-specific knowledge, and Emirates will apply its training expertise. This collaboration aligns with ICAO standards and IATA’s CBTA Guide for Flight Crew Training.
“Combining the expertise of Emirates, Airbus and IATA to design and deliver A350 type rating training is a unique opportunity. Our joint aim is to fully utilize the benefits of CBTA to qualify the pilots on the A350 in the most efficient and effective way possible,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s SVP for Operations, Safety and Security.
“Emirates uses cutting-edge training programs so our pilots are among the most competent flight crew in the world. This commitment enhances passenger safety and comfort, reflecting our unwavering dedication to the highest service standards,” said Capt. Bader Al Marzooqi, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Flight Training.
“The A350 is a state-of-the-art aircraft, which requires equally advanced training solutions. Our partnership with IATA and Emirates ensures that Emirates pilots receive the most comprehensive and effective training,” said Capt. Stéphan Labrucherie, Airbus Head of Flight Training Worldwide.

BA Adds Lapland Flights

London, June 6: British Airways has announced new twice-weekly flights to Ivalo, Lapland, starting on 3 December 2024 from London Gatwick.
Operated by BA Euroflyer, the service will allow travellers to experience winter activities and the northern lights in Finland’s Arctic Circle.
Tom Stoddart, CEO of BA Euroflyer, said, “Our BA Euroflyer network continues to grow, and we are excited for a new addition to our winter schedule, alongside the likes of Innsbruck and Geneva. Lapland is synonymous with winter and Ivalo is blanketed in snow for a large part of the year, so customers can expect a white Christmas, with some red and blue sprinkled in from British Airways for good measure.”
Return flights are available from £345 and will run until 14 February 2025.
British Airways has also launched new daily flights to Larnaca, Cyprus, from 4 November 2024.

Ivalo Flight Schedule

• Tue and Fri
  • BA2860: Departs LGW 08:35, Arrives IVL 14:30
  • BA2861: Departs IVL 15:30, Arrives LGW 17:30

Qatar Airways Expands Flights

Doha, June 7: Qatar Airways has resumed its non-stop flights between Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS).
The airline will operate six weekly flights to Lisbon year-round, starting summer 2024, addressing high seasonal demand.
Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, stated, “As we continue our network expansion in the European market, we are thrilled to welcome back Lisbon to our global network of more than 170 destinations. This addition reaffirms the airline’s dedication to connecting people and places, making international travel more accessible and convenient across our global network.”
Lisbon is now the 47th European destination in Qatar Airways’ network, offering seamless connectivity to more than 170 destinations worldwide, including popular travel spots like Bali, Bangkok, Delhi, Denpasar, Kathmandu, and Male.