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Air Canada became the first airline globally to bring Disney+ Originals to the skies through its in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. The airline’s latest collaboration with Disney, an internationally recognized brand, offers customers even more opportunities to enjoy original programming for all ages while onboard. It also marks Air Canada’s most recent investment in its family-focused travel experience, adding critically-acclaimed and exclusive Disney+ Originals such as the first three episodes of Loki Season 1 and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
“We are thrilled to bring Disney+ Original series and films to our inflight entertainment, further solidifying our expansive range of leading content. Families with kids and enthusiasts alike will enjoy watching familiar favourites and exciting new Originals from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. Taking in a Disney+ Original is a great way for our global customers to start or end their journey with us,” said John Moody, Managing Director, Product Design at Air Canada.
Beginning this month, customers will be able to enjoy a selection of episodes from beloved Disney+ Original series that include Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, Cars on the Road and Zootopia+, as well as Original movies such as Disenchanted and Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Recent other family-focused Air Canada collaborations with Disney have included the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida themed in-flight safety video launched for the summer travel period, a special Walt Disney World Resort in Florida themed children’s room at Toronto Pearson’s Transborder Maple Leaf Lounge, and a special aircraft livery celebrating the launch of Disney and Pixar’s acclaimed movie Turning Red, with more to come.
This year, Air Canada was named by Skytrax as the world’s most family friendly airline at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards, Best Family-Friendly Airline in North America for the fifth consecutive year and Best Family-Friendly International Airline for the fourth consecutive year at the Wherever Awards.
Air Canada was also recognized by Global Traveler as Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment for the fifth consecutive year, and by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) with the Passenger Choice Award for Best Entertainment in North America, earlier this year. With 420+ movies, 1,000+ TV episodes, 130+ music albums, podcasts and more, customers can enjoy the best programming from boarding to landing. All content onboard Air Canada’s inflight entertainment equipped aircraft is complimentary for all customers.ADVERTISEMENT

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Boeing will show its market-leading commercial, defense and services portfolio at the 2023 Dubai Airshow, with its new wide body 777-9 jet appearing in the flying display. The company also will demonstrate the state-of-the-art F-15QA (Qatar Advanced) fighter, the first time the digitally advanced Qatar Emiri Air Force F-15 has performed at an air show.
As a strategic sponsor of the airshow’s Aerospace 2050 conference, Boeing will highlight its commitment and actions towards a more sustainable aerospace future and support of the aviation industry’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
“We’re proud to again join the Dubai Airshow and share some of our most advanced products and services with customers, suppliers, partners and aviation enthusiasts attending from around the globe,” said Dr. Brendan Nelson AO, president of Boeing Global. “We will also focus on our investments in technology and other actions to reduce industry emissions ahead of the U.N. Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 28) in Dubai.”
For media planning, Boeing will offer these events during the airshow:
Boeing Commercial AirplanesADVERTISEMENTFrom November 13-15, Boeing’s widebody 777-9 flight-test airplane will perform in the flying display and be on static display. The world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, the 777-9 is based on the industry’s most successful twin-aisle family – the 777 – with advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner. The jet can seat 426 passengers with a range of 13,510 km (7,295 nautical miles).Customer displays will include 787-9 Dreamliners from Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, an Emirates Airlines 777-300ER (Extended Range), a SAUDIA 787-10 Dreamliner and an Air India Express 737 MAX.Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newest carrier, will display a Boeing-owned 787-9 in its new indigo livery, inspired by the colors of the sky at dusk.On Nov. 14, Darren Hulst, vice president of Commercial Marketing, will present the 2023 Middle East Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) and a product overview. The Boeing CMO is the industry’s most comprehensive market analysis.Boeing Defense, Space & Security
The superior capability of Boeing’s Advanced F-15QA fighter jet will be on display as the aircraft performs in aerial demonstrations.Boeing will feature the T-7A Red Hawk Advanced Pilot Training System simulator, giving visitors a glimpse into the revolutionary ground-based training system, connecting simulators to real training jets.Global defense customers will display several Boeing aircraft including the F-15E, KC-46A Pegasus, P-8A Poseidon, AH-64 Apache and CH-47F Chinook.Boeing Global Services:
Boeing will showcase services for government and commercial customers including digital, sustainment, modifications, parts and training solutions.The company will highlight in-country partnerships providing on-the-ground support for defense platforms as well as digital capabilities enabling the future of efficient commercial aviation operations.Sustainable Aviation:
On Nov. 13, Sheila Remes, vice president of Environmental Sustainability, will join a panel at the Aerospace 2050 forum to discuss Boeing and industry efforts to decarbonize aviation.On Nov. 14, Brian Moran, vice president of Global Sustainability Policy & Partnerships, and Jim Hileman, chief engineer and vice president of Sustainability & Future Mobility, will discuss Boeing’s Cascade Climate Impact Model, a data-modeling tool that provides actionable insights towards decarbonization.Innovation and Technology
Boeing-led Aerospace Xelerated is a strategic partner of the Vista 2023 startup hub at the Dubai Airshow and plays a key role in mentoring emerging aerospace technology companies. Its participation includes:Highlighting 10 portfolio companies supported by the UAE’s Tawazun CouncilBoeing’s Applied Innovation team, which is dedicated to bringing startup innovation and technology of startups into Boeing products and services, and seven portfolio companiesVisit the Boeing Exhibit 1005 to learn more about the company’s capabilities through the lifecycle of several customer-focused products

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Qatar Airways embodies commitment to sustainability and innovation with Expo-themed livery and enhanced in-flight experiences
Attending the reveal were H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie; Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker; President of Ashghal, H.E. Dr. Engr. Saad Ahmed Al Mohannadi; Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer; and Secretary-General of Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha, Engr. Mohamed Ali al-Khouri
Doha, Qatar – Qatar Airways is proud to welcome the new Expo 2023 Doha livery to its fleet and commemorate its role as the Official Strategic Partner for the landmark event. The unveiling represents a celebration of Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport’s (HIA) readiness to host a global gathering focused on environmental awareness, strengthening their positions as strategic partners in the journey towards a sustainable future.
The aircraft, an A330-300 adorned with the Expo 2023 Doha livery, was unveiled by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, at Hamad International Airport.
The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including President of Ashghal, H.E. Dr. Engr. Saad Ahmed Al Mohannadi; Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer; Secretary-General of Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha, Engr. Mohamed Ali al-Khouri; in addition to the senior management of Qatar Airways and the Expo team.ADVERTISEMENTMinister of Municipality, His Excellency Mr. Abdulla bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, added: “Expo 2023 Doha is a beacon of Qatar’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental progress. With esteemed partners like Qatar Airways, we are poised to deliver an Expo experience that resonates globally and inspires positive change.”
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We welcome all countries to Expo 2023 Doha, which represents a continuation of our inspiring journey filled with innovation, collaboration, and pioneering solutions. The arrival of the Expo 2023 Doha aircraft at Hamad International Airport symbolises our commitment to fostering a sustainable and innovative future as enshrined in Qatar’s national vision.”
Secretary-General of Expo 2023 Doha, Engr. Mohammed Ali Al Khouri, stated: “Qatar Airways has consistently demonstrated its commitment to sustainability through its various global initiatives. As a testament to this commitment, we are honoured to take part of the unveiling of our Expo 2023 Doha livery. This milestone not only represents a celebration of our joint efforts but also serves as a powerful symbol of our ongoing environmental stewardship in the region.”
As part of its substantial contribution to Expo 2023, Qatar Airways will feature the “Qatar Airways Garden,” an impressive pavilion highlighting engaging activations designed to illustrate the Expo’s theme of “Green Desert, Better Environment”.
Qatar Airways will also offer an enriched in-flight experience from 11 October 2023, featuring curated beverages and an exclusive à la carte menu spotlighting Qatari farm-sourced ingredients, along with Expo-themed in-flight entertainment. This includes a dedicated Expo channel offering over 30 gardening-related shows, ensuring a memorable horticultural experience in-flight.
Expo 2023 Doha, will run from October 2023 to March 2024 at the scenic Al Bidda Park, and is anticipated to draw around three million international visitors. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the six-month event will feature a diverse array of experiences including beautiful gardens, enlightening talks, art, cuisine, and a special emphasis on innovative approaches to combat desertification.

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Finnair is taking part in Plan International’s #GirlsTakeover campaign, where girls step into the shoes of political, social and economic leaders as part of the UN’s International Day of the Girl celebrations.
At Finnair, 17-year-old Siru Nuutinen will take over the role of CEO Topi Manner and work with Finnair’s Executive Board on 9 October. The takeover is part of campaign by Plan International, a children’s rights organisation that seeks to raise awareness about discrimination against girls and, at the same time, highlighting their potential.
“In recent years, we have seen growth in the importance of companies as socially responsible actors. At Finnair, we strongly believe in a diverse and equitable society, which is why we wanted to join Plan’s initiative,” says Manner. 
The theme for the takeovers is equality in working life. Globally, girls still have fewer opportunities than boys to get an education, to access decision-making positions and earn equal pay. There is also room for improvement in equality in working life in Finland.
At Finnair, the campaign focuses not only on the position of girls but also on the broader theme of equality and diversity. Updated objectives and actions will be published during the takeover.ADVERTISEMENT“We have long enjoyed a multicultural and diverse working environment. However, after long years of crisis, now is a good time to update our goals and restart the systematic actions to achieve a more equitable and inclusive workplace,” says Manner. “We want to be an attractive employer also in the future, and by working with Siru, we believe we can get good ideas on how to concretely advance equality and inclusion”.
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan strives for a just world, working together with children, young people, supporters and partners. Plan has been operating in Finland since 1998.

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Aviation Day 2023, a signature conference for the global aviation industry, kicked off in Hong Kong. Co-hosted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), the two-day event held at AsiaWorld Expo was attended by more than 1,000 aviation industry professionals from around the world.
aul Chan, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government; Jack So, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK); Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA; Fred Lam, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK; Wan Xiangdong, Chief Pilot of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC); Lam Sai-hung, Secretary for Transport and Logistics; Victor Liu, Director-General of Civil Aviation of Civil Aviation Department; and airline representatives attended the kick-off ceremony.
In his welcome address, Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of HKSAR Government said, “The future is bright for Hong Kong as an aviation hub, and this is manifested not just in the sunny economic outlook of the Greater Bay Area, but also a flurry of far-sighted infrastructural developments. The Government, together with the Airport Authority, are transforming our airport into an “Airport City”, under which the HKIA will be developed into a node of various economic activities with aviation as its core business, making our airport a new engine which will propel the growth of Hong Kong and the GBA as a whole. The Government is also striving to establish Hong Kong as an aircraft leasing and services hub by providing tax concessions so as to attract more aircraft leasing companies to come to Hong Kong; and supporting manpower training for the aviation industry as well as welcoming talents from abroad with expertise and experience in the industry to join us.”
Jack So, Chairman of AAHK, remarked, “It is my great pleasure to welcome industry participants from all over the world to this event. Like the rest of the world, Hong Kong airport has had three difficult years because of the pandemic. We kept our confidence not only in keeping the airport open, but also building for the future with our Three-runway System expansion project. With the expansion, HKIA’s capacity will be increased by 50%, ready to serve up to 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo annually.”
Wan Xiangdong, Chief Pilot of CAAC, also gave the keynote speech of the conference.ADVERTISEMENTAviation Day 2023 features speeches and panel discussions by some of the industry’s top leaders, sharing insight on topics including new opportunities for air travel and air cargo in the Greater Bay Area, new technology trends in the aviation industry, and more. One of the highlights is a tour of HKIA during which the airport’s new facilities, services, technologies and latest developments will be introduced.

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Ethiopian Airlines, Boeing and ThinkYoung have launched the STEM School, an initiative designed to equip young individuals and teachers in Ethiopia with the necessary skills for better employment opportunities. The program focuses on underprivileged African youth especially women, fostering their pursuit of higher education in STEM with a focus on aviation.
The STEM School will be hosted at the Ethiopian Airlines Aviation University, leveraging the expertise of the flagship carrier of Ethiopia. This collaboration ensures that students and teachers will benefit from the extensive knowledge and resources of the fastest growing Airline in Africa, enhancing their educational experience and providing them with real-world insights.
Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mesfin Tasew said about the program: “We are delighted in our collaboration with Boeing and ThinkYoung to launch the STEM School initiative, which helps Ethiopian youths to succeed in education and in their future careers, primarily in aviation fields, and to become the next generation of innovators. We believe in going at a compatible pace with the speed of technology and being prepared for future demands. This cooperation and initiative will develop young people to meet the future needs of the fast-growing Ethiopian aviation industry.”
A comprehensive, immersive program spanning six weeks, the STEM School will provide over 300 hours of classes and hands-on training. The program will welcome 24 students in grades 11-12 from different regions of Ethiopia. 50% of students will be girls. The students will learn the basics of STEM, coding and programming as well as soft skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. Job shadowing at Ethiopian Airlines will allow students to experience various STEM-related roles and improve skills gained during the program. The students will have an opportunity to meet with the professionals from Ethiopian Airlines who will mentor them during their individual projects. This internship also has the added benefit of providing professional recommendations, resume-worthy experience, and networking opportunities.
Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye and Africa commented, “The partnership between Ethiopian Airlines, ThinkYoung, and Boeing embodies a perfect blend of leadership in African aviation, global aerospace innovation, and educational excellence. This synergy will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the STEM School, facilitating the creation of a steady talent pipeline to support growing commercial aviation in Ethiopia.”ADVERTISEMENTAnbessie Yitbarek, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Sales and Marketing vice president in Africa added, “We value our partnerships with Ethiopian Airlines and trusted NGOs that in the long run help boost the economy in Ethiopia and beyond by developing and attracting local talent. We are proud of the community work we do in Africa and believe in developing the skills and encouraging young people to consider the aviation industry for their studies and careers.”
Another portion of the partnership is the Teacher Training Program. 24 educators from Ethiopia will attend a teaching workshop to improve their ability to teach advanced STEM concepts. After one week of training the teachers will return home with a kit they can use in their classrooms.
Andrea Gerosa, founder of ThinkYoung Africa said, “ThinkYoung is honored to join forces with Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines in introducing our transformative STEM School program, aimed at supporting Ethiopia’s commitment to addressing skills gaps, particularly in the field of STEM education. Together, we want to create a lasting impact on the lives of Ethiopians, empowering them with the essential education and skills needed to not only adapt but thrive in the ever-evolving digital future.”

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PARIS AIR SHOW—Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, has announced more than 800 GTF engine orders and commitments, including spare engines, since the beginning of 2023.Airlines and lessors who have announced orders include Azorra, CALC, Carlyle Aviation Partners, Binter, Croatia Airlines, LATAM Airlines, Qantas Airways, United Airlines and Volaris. In total, more than 10,000 GTF engine orders and commitments have been placed by more than 90 customers worldwide.
“The GTF engine offers unmatched economic and environmental benefits, and these latest orders are a testament to the value it delivers to customers,” said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. “The GTF Advantage engine will extend this lead while providing more thrust and higher durability. As we increase time on wing and resolve supply chain challenges, GTF engines will continue to drive reductions in operating costs, new routes and revenue, and progress towards meeting the industry’s sustainability targets.”
Since entering service in 2016, GTF-powered aircraft have saved airlines more than 1.2 billion gallons (nearly five billion liters) of fuel – and the planet over 12 million metric tons of carbon emissions. GTF engines currently power over 1,600 aircraft and have accumulated more than 23 million engine flight hours of experience across nearly six million flights, carrying an estimated 860 million passengers to their destinations. GTF engines power the Airbus A220 and A320neo families and the Embraer E-Jets E2 family, including E190-E2 and E195-E2 model aircraft.

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Xiamen Airlines, Airbus in tie-up to advance sustainable development

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On June 21, Xiamen Airlines and Airbus announced a strategic partnership focused on sustainable development during the Paris Air Show. The partnership aims to enhance collaboration in advancing sustainability within the civil aviation sector.
Both parties are committed to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering the long-term growth of the aviation industry.The partnership was initially discussed at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Istanbul, Turkey. During the meeting, Xiamen Airlines chairman Zhao Dong and Airbus chief commercial officer Christian Scherer engaged in discussions leading to the concept of forming the partnership. Subsequently, the two companies signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to solidify their intentions, which had been earlier established at the 14th Airshow China held in Zhuhai in 2022.
The MoC encompasses several areas of collaboration, including the expanded adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) across test, freight, and commercial flights, exploration of innovative solutions and technologies to enhance fleet fuel efficiency, reduction of emissions, and mitigation of noise levels, collaborative implementation of eco-friendly travel initiatives to encourage low-carbon transportation, fulfillment of corporate social responsibilities, nurturing of talent development in emerging technologies and sustainability expertise, and strengthening of cooperation in the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) realm.
“Sustainability has not only become a global consensus but has also emerged as a new trend in the aviation industry, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the sector,” said Xiamen Airlines chairman Mr. Zhao. “Over the years, Xiamen Airlines has consistently pursued sustainability with a particular focus on green development, social responsibility, and corporate governance. We look forward to deepening our partnership with Airbus to advance the industry’s green, low-carbon transition.”
“We are thrilled with the prospect of collaborating with Xiamen Airlines in creating a sustainable future for the aviation industry,” stated Xu Gang, global executive vice president of Airbus and CEO of Airbus China. “Although the airline just joined the Airbus fleet family earlier this year, we share a vision and ambition for spearheading sustainability in the aviation sector, making us crucial strategic partners.”ADVERTISEMENT Xiamen Airlines has consistently demonstrated its active participation in and support of the UN SDGs. The airline’s commitment to the SDGs was highlighted when it became the sole Chinese airline to join the UN Global Compact in late 2022. This significant milestone followed an agreement signed with the UN in 2017, affirming their dedication in promoting the SDGs on a global scale. In May 2023, the airline successfully accomplished mainland China’s inaugural commercial A321neo flight utilizing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in collaboration with Airbus and China Aviation Oil. The milestone marked an important step towards promoting sustainability within the aviation sector. Building upon this achievement, the company aims to further develop its sustainability alliance, fostering a more environmentally friendly and promising future for the entire industry.

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