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      Amerijet opens new branch office in Port of Spain, Trinidad

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      Amerijet International Airlines, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Amerijet Caribbean Express Ltd., opened a new branch office in Port of Spain, Trinidad, on March 28, 2023
      Amerijet Caribbean Express Ltd. has been successfully operating at the Piarco International Airport for over 22 years. Recent legislation passed by the government of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago to encourage foreign direct investment will eventually allow for the establishment of special economic zones. In anticipation of the legislative change, Amerijet is moving forward with its expansion plans, focusing on hiring skilled and experienced labor in Trinidad & Tobago. Trinidad’s proximity to the United States, common language, and close time zone will allow the new Amerijet branch office to handle various financial and management functions and report directly to Miami’s headquarters.
      “Amerijet made a strategic and targeted investment. We see great opportunities to continue the growth of our Shared Services Center into the future. Since the start of our air cargo operation in 1991, we have provided Trinidad with uninterrupted service for the past 32 years using a third-party handling company prior to investing in our subsidiary Amerijet Caribbean Express in 1995. Our airline has grown from one B727-100 to a fleet of 23 B767 and B757 freighters. Today, we serve Trinidad with a minimum of four flights per week; we employ more than 20 people at the Piarco International Airport, and we have built amazing business and personal relationships over the years,” said Joe Mozzali, Amerijet’s CFO. “We appreciate our customers here in Trinidad, and we will continue supporting and investing in the region. We are here to stay and to grow with our customers; the sky is the limit.”

      Amerijet’s Director of Revenue Accounting, John Hagan, will manage the Trinidad branch office. John joined Amerijet in mid-2021 and has been actively engaged in several areas of Amerijet’s Finance and Accounting Departments, in addition to implementing new systems and processes to streamline these functions and prepare for scalability. “Following a review of different locations, we identified Trinidad as the ideal location for a regionally located service center. We wish to grow our longstanding relationships with the local government, our loyal customers, and we see the potential of hiring skilled and committed people to build the solid foundations for the continued growth of Amerijet,” said John Hagan.ADVERTISEMENTThe Shared Services Center in Port of Spain consists of 54 individual workstations covering seven distinct departments, with four management offices and two conference rooms. Two independent internet service providers have been contracted to supply seamless connectivity between the Shared Services Center and Amerijet’s Miami headquarters.
      The opening of the Shared Services Center is the latest example of Amerijet’s commitment to streamlining processes and creating best-in-class services for its customers. As Amerijet continues to pursue and execute its growth strategy in the region, the Shared Services Center will integrate and collaborate seamlessly with its worldwide offices.

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      BAE Systems and Heart Aerospace to collaborate on battery for electric airplane

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      BAE Systems and Heart Aerospace to collaborate on battery for electric airplane

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      BAE Systems, a leading aerospace and defense company, and Heart Aerospace, a Swedish electric airplane maker, announced a collaboration to define the battery system for Heart’s ES-30 regional electric airplane.  The battery will be the first-of-its-kind to be integrated into an electric conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) regional aircraft, allowing it to efficiently operate with zero emissions and low noise. 
      “Our industry-leading solution builds on decades of expertise delivering technologies and systems needed to progress sustainable transportation,” said Ehtisham Siddiqui, vice president and general manager of Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems. “We are delighted to collaborate with Heart Aerospace on the innovative battery system for its electric airplane.”
      The program will leverage more than 25 years of BAE Systems’ expertise in electrifying large, heavy-duty industrial vehicles. Today, the company has over 15,000 power and propulsion systems operating in service across the globe. Work on the program will be conducted at the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Endicott, New York. 
      “BAE Systems’ extensive experience in developing batteries for heavy-duty ground applications, and their experience in developing safety critical control systems for aerospace, make them an ideal partner in this important next step for the ES-30 and for the aviation industry,” said Sofia Graflund, chief operating officer at Heart Aerospace. “We look forward to decarbonizing air travel together.”
      The ES-30 airplane will be powered by four electric motors, and has an all-electric range of 200 kilometers, an extended reserve hybrid range of 400 kilometers with 30 passengers and ability to fly up to 800 kilometers with 25 passengers.  ADVERTISEMENTThe ES-30 will also have a cost-effective and scalable upgrade path as future battery technology matures. The battery upgrade roadmap allows for increased usable energy at the same weight, resulting in longer flight durations and expanded route options. 
      Heart Aerospace has a total of 230 orders and 100 options for the ES-30, along with letter of intent for an additional 108 airplanes.

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      Wharf Hotels’ 11 Properties Make Global Hotel Alliance’s Green Collection

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      Wharf Hotels’ 11 Properties Make Global Hotel Alliance’s Green Collection

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      Hong Kong headquartered Wharf Hotels, a hospitality group with hotel operations spanning mainland China, Hong Kong and the Philippines, announced 11 of its 16 properties have been brought under Global Hotel Alliance’s (GHA) Green Collection. The Green Collection features independent mid-scale to high-end hotel brands in the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, which are deeply committed to protecting people and the planet.
      Wharf Hotels’ 11 properties – under the Marco Polo Hotels and Niccolo Hotels brands – listed in the Green Collection include Marco Polo Parkside, Beijing; Marco Polo Lingnan Tiandi, Foshan; Marco Polo Wuhan; Marco Polo Xiamen; Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel; Marco Polo Plaza, Cebu and Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila.  The group’s Niccolo Hotels in Changsha, Chengdu Chongqing and Suzhou are also acknowleged.
      “Being in GHA’s Green Collection is an additional recognition of our sustainability efforts, and at Wharf Hotels, we are proud of our inroads into reduction, replacement and renewal,” said Wharf Hotels President Thomas Salg.  The Green Collection coherently aligns with our group values and we will continue making decisions and implementing effective initiatives, which are not detrimental to the environment and communities in which we operate.”
      “Across GHA’s 800 properties from 40 brands, located in 100 countries around the globe, there are some world-class examples of practices and initiatives with a positive environmental and social impact, and we are incredibly proud of these efforts, which we celebrate with the launch of Green Collection,” said GHA CEO Chris Hartley.  “By launching Green Collection, we are reiterating our alignment to the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs), which guide the development of the hospitality industry for a more sustainable future,” Hartley added.
      Properties in the Green Collection are taking action in line with Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) guidelines, which encompass the implementation of effective sustainable planning; maximising social and economic benefits for local communities; enhancing the cultural heritage of destinations where they operate; and reducing negative environmental impact.  Every property in the Green Collection has attained at least one globally recognised certification from leading entities including EarthCheck, Green Growth 2050, Green Key, and Green Globe.ADVERTISEMENTSince opening, Marco Polo Lingnan Tiandi, Foshan has been fulfilling its environmental obligations.  It aims to reduce its total water consumption by 20% by the end of 2024 through two bathroom fixtures –– low-flow faucets, and low-flow and dual flushing.  Up to 30 per cent and 40 per cent, per flush, of water consumption can be saved from each initiative respectively.  Six months ago, the hotel took their commitment to the environment one step further by converting a minimum of 70 per cent kitchen grease, from dish washing machines and kitchen sinks, to fertiliser.
      Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel is striving to reduce its electricity consumption by 15 per cent by 2030.  The implemented measures are intended to be as far-reaching within the property itself and encompass switching off lighting on non-occupied guest floors; installing LED lighting, motion sensors and timer controls.  Additionally, the speed of each guestroom fan coil unit is set on low mode and at 22 degrees Celsius to prevent the generation of moisture.
      Marco Polo Wuhan has set an optimistic target to conserve 1,825 kilowatts of electricity annually.  Last year the hotel made the move to retrofit its lighting, replacing 35-watt spotlights and 200-watt light strips with seven-watt energy saving spotlights and eight-watt light strips.
      Niccolo Changsha has forged ahead with energy saving measures since opening in October 2018.  These range from recovering steam condensate for boiler use; reusing the condensed water; periodically cleaning the water tank; as well as installing water metres for zone management and supervision.  The hotel is also reaping the energy-saving benefits of new technology such as infrared sensors on lighting, and elevator software programming to achieve energy efficiency.
      Most notably, the hotel aims to – by the end of 2024 – reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 601,577 kilotonnes; reduce energy consumption by 30 per cent or save 523,860 gigawatt-hours; reduce water consumption by 30 per cent or save 28,879 mega litres; as well as save 48,838 mega litres of gas.
      To celebrate the launch of the Green Collection, GHA DISCOVERY is giving back to the causes important to members and its hotel brands.  For every Green Collection hotel booking made on www.ghadiscovery.com or the GHA DISCOVERY mobile app before the end of April 2023 and completed by 31st July 2023, GHA will donate US$5 to the charities it supports as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility Programme, which includes Environmental Protection, Healthcare & Wellbeing, Children & Youth Programmes, and Animal Welfare.
      About Wharf Hotels
      Hong Kong SAR-based Wharf Hotels, a subsidiary of The Wharf (Holdings) Limited, operates 16 owned and/or managed hotels under Marco Polo Hotels and Niccolo Hotels in Hong Kong, Mainland China and the Philippines.  Niccolo Hotels was added to the group’s portfolio in 2015 as the luxury brand and encompasses five contemporary chic hotels –– The Murray, Hong Kong; Niccolo Changsha; Niccolo Chengdu; Niccolo Chongqing and Niccolo Suzhou.
      Marco Polo Hotels’ 11 international deluxe hotels in established locations within Hong Kong, Mainland China and the Philippines reflect the philosophies of their namesake and adventurer – Marco Polo, and invite guests to explore, discover and experience a destination.  Wharf Hotels is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance.  Visit wharfhotels.com.

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      Travel expert shares top money-saving hacks for booking your Easter getaway

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      Travel expert shares top money-saving hacks for booking your Easter getaway

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      Despite the cost of living crisis continuing to tighten budgets for families across the nation, getting away is still a top priority for Brits, with a recent study finding 73 percent are unwilling to give up their staycation this year.
      In light of this, Jess Twitchin, CEO and Founder of QuirkyAccom.com, shares her top tips for how to book a budget-friendly holiday and save money this Easter…
      Check in mid-week
      As most people tend to book their holidays for the weekend, prices are often higher from Friday to Sunday. But by booking mid-week, you can often find lower rates and better deals on accommodation, as well as enjoy a quieter and more peaceful experience.
      However, be sure to check with your accommodation provider beforehand since they may have set check-in days.ADVERTISEMENTSeek out last-minute deals
      When hotels, guesthouses, or holiday cottages have unsold rooms or cancellations, they often offer discounts to fill them.
      By booking at the last minute, holidaymakers can take advantage of these discounts and enjoy a more affordable holiday.
      Now is the prime time to secure a last-minute deal this Easter break. Booking two weeks prior to the desired date can often earn you a 20 percent discount on unsold accommodation.
      Be sure to remain open-minded when looking for last-minute deals and remain flexible on location, property type and dates for maximum savings.
      Venture off the beaten track
      The UK is home to diverse landscapes with each region having its own rich cultural history. But it can be easy to overlook all this country has to offer.
      Visiting less popular destinations is a great way to save money and avoid crowds.
      Popular tourist hotspots will inevitably be expensive and crowded, especially during peak periods. By choosing a less popular destination, you can often find lower prices on accommodation, food and activities.
      Holidaymakers can also have a more authentic and peaceful experience exploring a lesser-known area. Heading away from the top tourist traps is not only cheaper but provides unique and diverse experiences, with travellers able to discover hidden gems and local secrets that are not mentioned in guidebooks.
      Go big to save big
      Hiring a larger holiday home among multiple families can be a great way to enjoy a more affordable and enjoyable holiday experience.
      Holiday in larger groups enables costs to be shared across more people, making it cheaper for individuals overall. Guests can also typically enjoy more amenities and facilities in larger properties, such as large dining areas and kitchens, spacious outdoor areas and even pools, saving families money on entertainment costs.
      You may also find larger properties have the most last-minute availability during peak seasons, so keep an eye out to snag a deal.
      Visit free attractions
      Accommodation, travel and food costs can quickly add up when booking a staycation. But families will also need to factor in entertainment expenses which may push budgets over the edge.
      Fortunately, the UK has many free attractions that are perfect for families, such as museums, parks, and galleries. By planning ahead and researching free attractions in the area you are visiting, you can create a fun and varied itinerary that won’t break the bank.Step away from the usual tourist haunts and venture into the local area to get a taste of what it’s like to be a local without a hefty price tag. Simply exploring your surroundings is the best way to find hidden gems without burning a hole in your wallet.
      Look for dining-out deals
      It’s natural to want to treat yourself while away. But dining out every night is a sure way to blow through your holiday budget if you’re not careful.
      Look for vouchers or coupons online to save money without compromising on luxury. Many restaurants and cafes offer discounts or special deals through their websites or social media channels. You should also talk to your accommodation provider who may be partnered with local businesses that offer discounts to guests.

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      Accor to propose appointment of Anne-Laure Kiechel as independent director

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      The Board of Directors of Accor has decided to submit the appointment as Director of Ms. Anne-Laure Kiechel at next General Shareholders’ meeting to be called to approve the 2022 financial statements and which will be held on 17 May 2023, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Company’s registered office.
      Ms. Anne-Laure Kiechel is a graduate of HEC and the University of St. Gallen (Switzerland) and also holds a degree in mathematics. She started her career in 1999 at Lehman Brothers, initially working in capital markets. In 2007, she became Senior Banker in Paris for French companies, advising them on M&A and financing transactions. Then, she joined the investment bank Rothschild & Cie in the financing advisory team, advising companies in France and internationally on capital structure, rating and financing issues. She was appointed as managing partner of Rothschild & Cie in 2014, at which time she dedicated herself to the government advisory business. At the beginning of 2019, Ms. Anne-Laure Kiechel leaves Rothschild to create her independent structure: Global Sovereign Advisory. Ms. Anne-Laure Kiechel was Chairwoman of the Campaign Committee of the Sorbonne University Foundation from 2020 to 2022. She has been a member of the United Nations Committee for Development Policy since1st January 2022.
      Ms. Anne-Laure Kiechel will share with the Board of Directors her extensive knowledge of international geo-economic and financial issues. If this proposed appointment is approved by the Shareholders’ meeting, Ms. Anne-Laure Kiechel would qualify as an independent director.
      The Board of Directors also decided to propose the renewal of the term of office of Mr. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Iris Knobloch, Vice-Chairman of the Board and Senior Independent Director, and Mr. Bruno Pavlovsky, Chairman of the Appointments and Compensation Committee.

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      Bullish Chinese Keen on Longer Holidays, Slow Travel and Spending More

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      Almost nine in every 10 mainland Chinese say they miss traveling abroad. This, coupled with economic optimism, bodes well for a strong rebound of what was once the world’s largest outbound travel market.
      “Outbound Rebound: The Return of Chinese Travellers”, the latest industry report presented by global marketing agency Finn Partners and professional research consultancy Consumer Search Group indicates that mainland Chinese travellers intend to boost their pre-pandemic pace of overseas travel this year.
      A survey was conducted from 10 – 24 January 2023, just days after the China government lifted international travel restrictions after three years. The 20-minute-long questionnaire gathered valuable findings from over 2,000 affluent Chinese in first-, second- and third-tier cities in mainland China, and Hong Kong. The respondents’ average annual household income is over RMB 1.4 million (USD 209,000), with purchases of luxury travel and products in the past 12 months. All respondents have travelled overseas prior to the pandemic.
      “We already know that there is a strong eagerness and urge to travel after years of border restrictions in China,” said Jenny Lo, Managing Partner for China of Finn Partners. “We conducted this in-depth study to identify the changes in behaviours, needs, decision-making and expectations of affluent travellers, offering insights to better address the Chinese outbound travel market that is anticipating a faster-than-expected revival”.
      Whet the WanderlustAbout one in two affluent Chinese travellers are making plans for at least five trips in 2023. On average, they are planning to make 5.9 trips this year, up from 5.6 trips in 2019. While the 26- to 36-year-old demographic shows the most significant increase in number of trips, younger affluent Chinese travellers aged 21 to 25 years continue to be the most frequent travellers.ADVERTISEMENTAside from more frequent leisure trips, a majority want to stay longer per trip. 72% plan to holiday from six to over 10 days in 2023 — bringing the average duration per trip to 8.7 days, versus 8.4 days in 2019. Indulgence in longer vacations is prevalent in the 21 to 25 age group.

      Ready to Splurge on LuxuryThe affluent segment plans to increase spending by 15% to RMB 102,500 (USD 15,299) in 2023, 22% more than the budget set aside by Hong Kong travellers. The increase in travel budget is more evident in the 36+ age group, as well as those from Tier-1 cities. Meanwhile, the well-heeled segment (survey respondents in the top 20% percentile) is willing to spend an average of RMB 284,000 (USD 42,388).
      More than one third of affluent Chinese travellers plan to fly in first or business class, while one in two choose to stay in upscale or luxury hotels on their next leisure trip.
      Take it Slow, Experience is PriorityGone are the rushed, major attractions-packed tours as the affluent Chinese evolve from tourists to travellers. Over 70% of respondents desire slow, recuperative travel over an itinerary filled with activities. Travellers plan to immerse themselves like locals (58%), take more road trips (56%), take better care of themselves (56%), and attend more events (51%) in their future holidays.
      Eight out of ten travellers are more willing to pay for experiences over tangible products, particularly those from Tier-3 cities (86%). This points to the growing potential of authentic and personalised travel experiences, where one savors the local sights, sounds and culture.
      “What we are seeing among more affluent and experienced travellers are different mindsets and habits. We are seeing less desire for a frenetic pace of travel and itineraries that are deliberate. Millennials and Gen Z are more laid-back, they prefer experiences where they can interact with locals in meaningful and authentic ways,” said Simon Tye, Executive Director of Consumer Search Group.

      Good Experience Drives LoyaltyThe survey confirms that Chinese travellers long to revisit destinations where they had positive experiences and fond memories, after missing out on travel for more than three years. They are keen to repeat the good times and pleasant experiences hence prioritise all-time favourite destinations including Japan, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, the United States, New Zealand and Canada.
      Affluent Chinese travellers also tend to choose hotel or resort brands where they had good personal experiences in the past. Star-ratings and positive word-of-mouth also carry great potential for repeated visits.
      Live to Eat but Bask in NatureWhile culinary experience remains a strong driver of leisure travel, 60% of travellers consider natural scenery as their first priority, especially among those aged 36+ (69%).
      Chinese outbound travellers are also keen to incorporate wellness in their holidays (56%), with one-third prefer experiences including camping, hiking, outdoor adventures and cultural immersion. While shopping remains popular among them, interest in this activity wanes over younger age groups.
      Hotel Brands Influence Destination ChoicesThe majority of travellers decide on a destination first before making hotel choices, but this decision process is declining. Instead, hotel brands are becoming a deciding factor in destination choice, especially among Gen Z travelers, with 26% plan their vacations around locations where their favorite hotel brand has a property.
      The expectation on the roles of a hotel or resort has also expanded. With Chinese travellers being keen to engage and build social connections on the road, they hope to meet and interact with new people in the accommodation they stay in, shifting their preference towards community-minded and design-centric hotel properties, where there is a sense of conviviality, impeccable hospitality, and aesthetics.
      Business Travel ReturnsMainland Chinese expect to resume their pre-pandemic level of international business travel this year, at an average of 2.1 trips — consistent with optimism towards post-pandemic recovery. While globally, business travel is facing a slower return amidst economic concerns, work-related trips from China are expected to rebound on the back of client servicing needs, internal engagements, conferences and industry events.

      Staycations to StayEven as there is strong sentiment to travel overseas, “staycations” are also becoming more popular, with 80% planning to continue domestic travel, while 31% expecting to take four to 10 staycation trips in the next 12 months.
      “This augurs well for domestic tourism which has grown tremendously over the past three years. With the government pump-priming development of attractions and experiences across China, we anticipate that domestic tourism will continue to be in demand even as international outbound travel continues to pick-up,” added Lo.
      The “Outbound Rebound: The Return of Chinese Travellers” report also provides in-depth insights into other areas of interest, including key factors influencing decision-making, satisfaction levels of destinations, the value of loyalty memberships, the consumer decision journey, among others. The full copy of the report is available for download from https://www.finnpartners.com/news-insights/

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      easyJet expands popular Twilight Bag Drop service to Edinburgh

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      Scotland’s largest airline easyJet has expanded its popular Twilight Bag Drop service to Edinburgh airport. Available for the first time today, the free service provides customers on early morning flights with the option to drop their bags off the evening before, saving time for their journey through the airport on their day of travel by skipping bag drop and heading straight to security. It is expected to be especially popular with thousands of families who are travelling with easyJet for their Easter holidays next month.
      The service will be available to all customers on early morning flights departing before 1200 at Edinburgh, which represents around 40% of all flights departing from the airport, and bags can be dropped between 1600 and 2100 the day before they fly.
      Customers will now be able to simply drop their bags off the evening before their flight during quieter times and to make it easier, just one family member or one customer on the booking is able to drop the bags off for the whole group if they wish.
      Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, commented:
      “We are always looking for ways to make travel even easier for our customers, so we are really pleased to be introducing our free Twilight Bag Drop service at Edinburgh from today. We know the service is already very popular with our customers flying from London Gatwick, Bristol and Manchester and by introducing this in time for Easter, thousands of families set to fly with us on their holidays from Scotland can now benefit by dropping their bags with us at airport the night before, for a quicker and easier journey.”ADVERTISEMENTAdam Wilson, Chief Operating Officer at Edinburgh Airport said:
      “Providing options for passengers is a key strand to our overall offering to make the journey through the airport as smooth and efficient as possible – that’s a view shared by our partners at easyJet and it’s been great to work closely with them to bring the Twilight service into operation.
      “We know a lot of customers will welcome the ability to check-in bags the night before their flight, meaning they can arrive at the airport in the morning, head straight to security and start their trip that little bit quicker.”
      easyJet now offers Twilight bag drop services to its customers across four of its key UK airports:  London Gatwick, Bristol, Manchester, and now Edinburgh.
      To find out more visit www.easyjet.com/en/help/baggage/cabin-bag-and-hold-luggage.

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      A321XLR programme completes second cold-weather testing campaign

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      This week the A321XLR development flight-test aircraft (“FT3”, MSN11080) dedicated to the cabin returned from its four-day cold-weather ground testing at Iqaluit in northern CanadaA few weeks earlier, one of the other A321XLR test aircraft (“FT2”, MSN11058) made a similar visit to Iqaluit. On that initial occasion the mission was to test the operation of the hydraulics and other systems at extreme cold temperatures – after an overnight soak at minus 40 degrees Centigrade.
      Ground testing the water and waste system“The objective of this most recent cold-weather campaign was to validate the aircraft operation in cold weather for ground operations,” says Tuan Do, Lead Flight Test Engineer.
      He notes: “This time around we tested the cabin water and waste system – which required the temperatures inside the unheated cabin to ‘soak’ at below -15 degrees Centigrade overnight. To this end, several cold soaks were conducted over successive nights with the doors left open, while the outside temperature was around minus 20 degrees Centigrade.
      In each case different heating and insulation configurations were applied for subsequent comparative analysis by the engineering department.”
      As part of this, a new ‘cold weather option’ available for A321XLR operators, was tested in real conditions for the first time – it adds heaters to ensure the system doesn’t freeze-up overnight. The tests also validated the ‘standard aircraft’ configuration – ie. without the optional package activated – and a weight-saving opportunity configuration, with less insulation.ADVERTISEMENTOf course, every airliner cruises at high altitudes where the outside temperatures are much lower. However, inside the cabin the water and waste systems operate in above zero temperatures. This is why ground testing (in a completely powered-down state) is specifically called for – so that the ambient environment inside the cabin and below the passenger deck, where many systems are located, can cold-soak at sub-zero temperatures.

      Hydraulics, oil and electrical system testing at -40 degrees Centigrade“During our first five-day visit to Iqaluit a month ago, when we powered-up the aircraft in the morning, we would ‘wake-up’ the hydraulics, electrics, and other systems and see how long it took to operate the aircraft and get it ready for taxiing and takeoff.”
      “There were also some flights to validate the landing gear operation in very cold temperatures. Notably, the A321XLR features an uprated landing gear – to support the higher maximum take-off weight of the aircraft (whose MTOW is 101 metric tonnes, vs 97 tonnes for the A321LR). Consequently, the shock-absorbers on this new variant are designed to handle higher loads compared with those on the other A320 Family members.
      The test objective was to check the ‘weight-on-wheels’ signal, so the aircraft knows when the main landing gear shock absorbers are compressed or extended.
      “There are many systems on the aircraft which depend on the weight on wheels signals to tell them whether the aircraft is in flight or on ground. So during our first visit to Iqaluit we verified how the weight-on-wheels function is affected by the physical changes in the main landing gear, and how shock absorber stiffness is affected by cold temperatures,” recalls Tuan.
      Another design feature of the -XLR related to hydraulics which needed to be evaluated in the cold environment were new hydraulic lines which pass through Rear Centre Tank, located aft of the Landing Gear bay. “Our design office colleagues wanted us to check that the routing of the pipes did not significantly affect the hydraulic temperatures and operations after warm-up of the aircraft,” notes Tuan.
      Other cold weather challenges, applicable for any aircraft, include ensuring that hatches don’t freeze shut, or that the systems in general don’t freeze up – not only the water pipes, oil and hydraulics systems, but also the electrical system, especially batteries. “Batteries don’t hold as much charge or provide as much power output when they are at low temperatures. Meanwhile, oil and hydraulics become very viscous at very low temperatures which makes it hard to move flight control surfaces around and drive pumps etc. So you need to heat the aircraft up and its pipework to be able to operate the aircraft,” explains Tuan

      Human challengesThe challenges behind the cold weather campaign also include human ones,” he notes. “We have maintenance and ground support teams who need to prepare and configure the aircraft, and check everything outside. They need to have the right clothes and equipment compatible with operations outside. But even with those provisions, the wind-chill factor is so strong in Iqaluit that it’s difficult. You can only work for a limited time outside, so we have shifts to ensure that nobody stays outside for too long.”
      On-site Airbus for its part, had brought a team of more than 30 people. These included: six flight crew – pilots, flight test engineers, and a test-flight engineer; a cabin specialist engineer; a maintenance team – comprising mechanical specialists, electrical specialists, quality inspectors; instrumentation specialists; systems design specialists; technical photographers; as well as an operations colleague to oversee the logistics for the overall journey.
      The human challenges are not simply on-site in Iqaluit, rather, they begin much earlier. The flight-test engineers will have agreed the test requirements with the design engineers’ office several months in advance, and from that will have prepared the campaign mission plan together with the mission flight-crew and ‘test-flight’ engineer colleagues. Together they determine how they need to configure the aircraft inside and out, when to start taxiing and then take-off, and what the ambient and systems temperature conditions should be etc. They will sequence all the testing and planning of the campaign, and of course, ensure that the whole mission is conducted safely.

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