Airline, Technology, Organisations & Operators,

easyJet has today announced the completion of its fleetwide retrofit, which has seen Airbus’ Descent Profile Optimisation (DPO) state-of-the-art technology now fitted on all of its aircraft, alongside Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) for compatible, newer aircraft in the easyJet fleet.
Descent Profile Optimisation (DPO) is a fuel-saving initiative which updates the Flight Management System (FMS) to enable consistently more efficient descents by allowing the aircraft to remain in the cruise phase longer and removing the ‘level-off’ stage at the bottom of the descent, which reduces carbon emissions. While Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) works in tandem with DPO to reduce noise.
The multi-million-pound retrofit programme, announced last year, is an integral part of the airline’s roadmap to reach net-zero by 2050. It will help easyJet achieve considerable and permanent carbon emission reductions in the short-term by enabling more optimised descent trajectories.
As well as saving on fuel burn and ultimately enabling carbon reductions – Descent Profile Optimisation (DPO) which is complementary to Continuous Descent Approach (CDA)* will also help in minimising noise which not only benefits the airline and its customers but also the airports and surrounding communities as a result of tighter noise regulations that are starting to be enforced.
Commenting on the completion of the DPO and CDA retrofit programme, Captain David Morgan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet said:ADVERTISEMENT“While this is one initiative of many outlined in our roadmap to net-zero, it provides a permanent CO2 saving and forms another step on the way to us realising our net-zero target.
“While technologies like DPO and CDA are the best solution for more optimised descent trajectories in the here and now – more needs to be done by governments and policymakers to ensure that our airspace is modernised, including implementing Single European Sky, so that this state-of-the-art technology can be used to its full potential.”
Nicholas Chretien, Senior Vice President of Sustainability & Environment at Airbus added:
‘Airbus is happy to accompany easyJet in its decarbonisation journey. Thanks to Airbus technologies, easyJet seamlessly upgraded their fleet with Descent Profile Optimisation; illustrating our ambition to work with our airline partners. These innovative solutions developed at Airbus enable airlines to increase fuel savings and reduce emissions during operations.”
easyJet continues to work with stakeholders and public authorities across Europe to advocate for the modernisation of airspace, including projects such as the Single European Sky and the UK’s airspace modernisation programme. For example, the Single European Sky has stated an ambition to deliver 10% carbon emissions savings from European aviation.
easyJet is also one of the founding members of the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) 3 Joint Undertaking, an institutionalised European public-private partnership, to accelerate the delivery of the Digital European Sky.
easyJet was also the first airline evaluation partner for IRIS, a ground-breaking air traffic management programme, led by global satellite communications leader Inmarsat, together with the European Space Agency and Airbus, that is set to pave the way for more efficient air traffic management by enabling systems that minimise flight delays, save fuel and help reduce the environmental impact of air travel.

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Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company, has joined the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) payment orchestration platform to facilitate travel to sub-Saharan Africa. With this integration, airlines across the world are able to process payment from customers through cards, bank transfer, mobile money, alternative payment methods and other payment modes available on Flutterwave.
IATA Financial Gateway (IFG) is an omni-channel payment orchestration and management platform fully dedicated to the airline industry and has been designed to allow airlines to receive local payments from local markets through all their distribution channels. IATA has some 290 international airlines; this partnership enables them to easily expand their operations in Africa while receiving bookings and payments from customers in Africa using local and international payments methods.
Airlines and travel agencies can use Flutterwave via IFG to accept many forms of payment from customers when booking airline tickets. Instead of having to manage multiple complex connections to payment service providers in Africa, IFG offers a single global connection, with full end-to-end control on payment and settlement processes and seamless integration with ticketing systems and distribution channels.
Global airlines looking to collect local currencies through cards and indigenous methods of payments will find this integration useful, as it makes payments seamless for their millions of customers in Africa and other markets where Flutterwave operates.
Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, Flutterwave CEO & Founder, said, ADVERTISEMENT“According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Africa is set to become one of the fastest growing aviation regions in the next 20 years with an annual expansion of nearly 5%. How can we further accelerate this growth? One way is to ensure airlines can easily set up operations across the continent and seamlessly receive payments from their customers. This partnership with IATA solves the problem of payments for global airlines venturing into Africa. We hope that this encourages more global airlines to expand into Africa.”
Muhammad Albakri, IATA’s Senior VP, Financial Settlement and Distribution Services, said, “The IATA Financial Gateway supports the availability of new payment options in many markets. We welcome Flutterwave’s participation to bring secure and innovative payment methods to airlines, travel resellers and the traveling public in Africa.”

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Airline operations are carefully planned and orchestrated, and a reliable operation is one that’s constantly moving. Because when an airline stops, it means our aircraft and crews stop — and importantly, it means our customers stop. It means it can become increasingly more difficult to return to normal operations.
American Airlines has developed cutting-edge technology that keeps customers moving when severe weather impacts our larger hubs. The Hub Efficiency Analytics Tool (HEAT) dynamically moves our flight schedules around to ensure that customers, crews and aircraft keep moving when weather threatens to disrupt our schedule.
Developed in-house at American, HEAT optimizes data about weather, how full our flights are, customer connections, and gate availability, as well as any air traffic control or crew constraints. Then, an advanced algorithm weighs this data and shifts arrivals and departures around at the hub. The incredible experts at our Integrated Operations Center (IOC) — the nerve center of our operation — use HEAT to help us avoid the most severe weather impacts and keep our operation running, while getting customers on their way faster during severe weather.
“HEAT is an innovative tool and part of our irregular operations playbook that will only get smarter with use,” said Timothy Niznik, American’s director of IOC Analytics. “Each time we run HEAT, we analyze the results, and incorporate those findings so we can continue to improve the strategies and technology that help keep our operation moving.”
Since its initial deployment last year, HEAT has prevented nearly 1,000 flight cancellations across our network.ADVERTISEMENT“HEAT allows me to optimize our flight timing in inclement weather to provide a better experience for our customers and crews — it’s a game changer,” said Bob Shirley, an American dispatcher, air traffic control coordinator and a member of the team who developed the tool.

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Boeing and CAE have signed an agreement through which CAE will become a Boeing Authorized Training Provider and the first to offer Boeing’s Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) curriculum. With this arrangement, Boeing and CAE will expand accessibility to high-quality, innovative flight training to commercial aviation customers worldwide.
“This partnership expands our competency-based flight-training capacity to better meet the needs of our customers worldwide,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO, Boeing Global Services. “By sharing data, leveraging digital capabilities, and providing greater accessibility and affordability, Boeing and CAE are enhancing global aviation safety.”
The shift to CBTA methodology in pilot training focuses on developing and evaluating skills, knowledge and behaviors essential for pilots to operate safely and efficiently in a commercial air transport environment. Boeing’s implementation of CBTA leverages digitally-advanced tools and fleet operations data to customize training to each individual, and helps pilots efficiently respond to in-flight challenges. The first CAE locations to adopt Boeing’s curriculum will be in India, with expansion anticipated into additional global markets. Boeing is implementing the CBTA curriculum through its global training campuses in Seattle, Miami, London-Gatwick, Shanghai, and Singapore, as well as at customer locations worldwide.
“As a Boeing authorized training provider, CAE will leverage its expertise and global network to expand access to high-quality training on Boeing commercial aircraft and give pilots the skills and knowledge they need for peak performance in the flight deck,” said Marc Parent, CAE’s President and CEO. “Boeing and CAE are working together to enhance aviation safety, and this agreement ensures more pilots worldwide are ready for the moments that matter.”
Boeing and CAE have a long-standing relationship spanning commercial and defense programs. CAE is an integral supplier of Boeing commercial aircraft training devices and provides training and operational support solutions on defense platforms.ADVERTISEMENT

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SkyDrive Inc. a leading Japanese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer headquartered in Toyota City, Japan, announced at Paris Air Show 2023 on June 19 that the company had signed a basic agreement with Suzuki Motor Corporation for cooperation in manufacturing “SKYDRIVE” eVTOL aircraft
SkyDrive will establish a wholly owned subsidiary (hereinafter “the manufacturing subsidiary”) for the purpose of manufacturing its eVTOL aircraft “SKYDRIVE.” With Suzuki, the manufacturing subsidiary will utilize a production facility owned by the Suzuki Group in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, and aims to start building the SkyDrive “SKYDRIVE” eVTOL aircraft by spring of 2024. Suzuki will also cooperate with the manufacturing subsidiary in securing human resources and making other preparations for the start of manufacturing. More specific terms and conditions will be agreed upon through ongoing discussions.
The “SKYDRIVE” eVTOL aircraft, to be built at Suzuki’s production facility, is a three-seat, electric-powered lightweight aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
Comment by Toshihiro Suzuki, Suzuki Motor Corporation President “We are excited to cooperate with SkyDrive as we ambitiously work towards creating valuable products that contribute to the realization of a world where people use the sky for their daily transportation.”
Comment by Tomohiro Fukuzawa, SkyDrive Inc. CEO “At Suzuki, all manufacturing activities are based on a concept, ‘Smaller, Fewer, Lighter, Shorter, and Neater,’ and SkyDrive is developing lightweight air mobilities. Suzuki and SkyDrive have been collaborating since March 2022 and we are very excited that SkyDrive will utilize the production facility of Suzuki to build our eVTOL ‘SKYDRIVE.’ In our pursuit to consistently manufacture safe and high-quality aircraft for the world, we are grateful for the valuable know-how we will learn from Suzuki, a global leader in automobile mass production. Suzuki and SkyDrive will work closely towards the shared goal.”ADVERTISEMENT

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Digitrips – owner of leading French multi-product travel platform MisterFly – has introduced a flexible booking option for travel agencies and tour operators, enabling them to offer fully refundable airline tickets to their customers.
The new Flexy option by Digitrips empowers B2B customers to make any flight booking flexible for any reason, up until one day before departure.
Initially launched in 2019 for white label partners, the ancillary service has proved to be a strong sales enabler post-pandemic, with an attachment rate which rose from 7% pre-pandemic to 20% in 2023.
Digitrips therefore improved its ancillary service to fit travel agencies’ and tour operators’ specific needs and made it available to its B2B clients in early 2023. The functionality will now enable tour operators and travel agencies to offer their own clients a very competitive, full-flexibility service on any plane ticket, enabling them to develop their business.
Emilie Dumont, CEO of Digitrips, said: “As passengers demand added flexibility, our Flexy option stands ready to provide travel agents and tour operators with a seamless and efficient way to offer unrivalled convenience and peace of mind to their travellers.ADVERTISEMENT“We’re delighted to be able to offer a new functionality that elevates the traveller experience and caters to the ever-changing consumer expectations, all the while delivering significant cost savings for our valued travel agency and tour operator partners.”

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MagLev Aero – an aerospace leader with more than 20 issued patents underpinning a breakthrough propulsion platform that will enable the next generation of ultraquiet electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft – will present at the highly anticipated Paris Air Mobility conference, co-located at the Paris Air Show, with a speaker session on Tuesday, June 20 at 1:45 p.m. CEST. The milestone event will mark MagLev Aero’s public debut following its recent emergence from stealth and unveiling of its proprietary propulsion technology.
“We’re honored to have been invited to speak at the Paris Air Mobility event, and I’m thrilled to reveal the breakthrough propulsion technology we have been working so diligently and passionately on for the past few years in stealth,” said Ian Randall, co-founder and CEO of MagLev Aero. “We’ll be leading an important discussion on Urban Air Mobility, and how our proprietary MagLev HyperDrive™ platform will enable a new generation of eVTOL designs that are dramatically more quiet, efficient, safe, sustainable and emotionally appealing to the mass market. I’m eager to hear from our peers and work together to advance the urban transportation landscape.”
At Paris Air Mobility, MagLev Aero’s leadership team will explore the critical challenge of eVTOL operating noise and the necessity for a new generation of propulsion that achieves ultra-low noise operation, particularly during takeoffs and landings, which may need to occur deep into communities close to where people live, work and play. This breakthrough is vital for gaining public acceptance and ensuring widespread accessibility to urban air transportation.
MagLev Aero’s innovation enables a large rim-driven circular rotor that maximizes efficiency and control for ultra-quiet vertical lift and high-speed cruise. The MagLev HyperDrive™ platform leverages the magnetic levitation suspension principles found in high-speed maglev trains, using a magnetic bearing to support a many-bladed rim. Permanent magnets in the passive electrodynamic suspension, combined with segmented motor control, enable highly redundant and highly efficient distributed electric propulsion around the perimeter of the rim drive. This allows the MagLev HyperDriveTM propulsor to safely operate with high hover lift efficiency and lower blade loading at slower speeds, as well as reduced noise levels during hover, surpassing traditional helicopters and multi-rotor eVTOLs.
“The eVTOL industry has achieved many important milestones in the pursuit of urban air mobility.  MagLev Aero’s breakthrough technology is poised to extend these successes with a ground-up designed electric propulsion platform that is purpose-built for ultra-low noise in vertical takeoff and landing, as well as cruise, and will allow industrial design that provides for a compelling user experience,” said Rod Randall, MagLev Aero’s co-founder and chairman. “We believe our HyperDriveTM innovation applies to a variety of sizes, configurations and use cases, and we look forward to working with OEMs and other partners to bring our technology to market.”ADVERTISEMENTMagLev Aero has attracted support from prominent technology investors and industry leaders, including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Material Impact, Stage 1 Ventures, Grit Capital and Moai Capital, as well as several other strategic partners. MagLev Aero’s unique business model prioritizes propulsion, allowing its platform to be integrated into various aircraft concepts and eVTOLs. This approach opens up possibilities for new and innovative applications and industrial design elements.

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Revealed at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, Ethiopian Airlines, the fastest-growing airline brand globally and the continent’s largest airline brand, will offer advanced, high-speed inflight broadband to passengers onboard its upcoming Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with GX Aviation provided by Inmarsat, recently acquired by Viasat, and selected through the Airbus Airspace Link HBCplus programme.
As one of the launching airlines for inflight connectivity (IFC) through Airbus’ HBCplus programme, Ethiopian Airlines will benefit from a more streamlined, efficient order process that will ensure its latest aircraft meet the rapidly growing passenger demand to stay connected while flying. 
Inmarsat’s latest Passenger Experience Survey found out that 97% of respondents use their personal devices on flights for entertainment, such as streaming movies and TV shows, keeping up with work, and to stay in touch with family and friends. In addition, 82% of passengers are more likely to rebook with an airline that offers quality inflight Wi-Fi.
The first of Ethiopian Airlines’ Airbus A350-1000 aircraft is set to be delivered in the Third Quarter (Q3) of 2024, with passengers able to benefit from GX Aviation’s world-class connectivity technology. This supports the airline’s Vision 2035 Strategy which focuses on expanding its fleets, enhancing its passenger experience and maintaining its leading position in the airline industry.
Regarding the new service, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said, “As we endeavour to maintain our position as Africa’s number one and among the leading airlines globally, we know one of the key success factors is giving our passengers the best possible onboard experience. Connectivity is a crucial part of our services and products; and bringing Inmarsat’s best-in-class GX Aviation service to our passengers, as part of Airbus’ HBCplus programme, is a major step forward. We want to give our passengers the possibility to stream, surf, and chat from thousands of feet in the air, no matter where their route or destination is. Inmarsat’s seamless, truly global inflight connectivity will be vital to deliver this. We look forward to a very successful partnership with Inmarsat and Airbus, now and in the years to come.”ADVERTISEMENTNiels Steenstrup, President, Inmarsat Aviation, said: “We were selected as the first managed services provider (MSP) for the Airbus HBCplus programme last year, with a scope that includes connectivity, digital portal services and ISP capability. The fact that we have already been selected by two leading airlines is a great achievement and we are excited about delivering our award-winning GX Aviation inflight broadband to Ethiopian Airlines’ passengers starting from next year. This will enable them to stream videos, browse the internet, shop online, enjoy social media and more, all from the comfort of their seats and using their personal devices.”
Andre Schneider, Airbus VP Cabin and Cargo Programme said: “We are delighted that Ethiopian Airlines has selected our agnostic and flexible high-bandwidth connectivity solution – HBCplus. This is further endorsement from our valued airline customers of the confidence they place in Airbus to devise and integrate enhanced inflight capabilities for their passengers to experience. Airspace Link HBCplus provides satcom based off-board connectivity for the Airspace Link open ecosystem, available both in linefit and retrofit. Initially encompassing Ka-band services, it will enable the airline to connect to a choice of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), in this case with Inmarsat – via a new certified terminal and antenna built as part of the aircraft.”
Powered by Inmarsat’s Global Xpress satellite network, GX Aviation delivers world-class connectivity on every aircraft, on any route, and for every passenger. Airline customers will also benefit from seven more Inmarsat satellite payloads entering service by 2025, increasing its Ka-band network fleet to 12.
This includes two Inmarsat-6s, both of which have already launched, followed by two payloads in highly elliptical orbit, enabling the world’s only commercial mobile broadband service for flights in higher latitudes and across the Arctic. This delivers uninterrupted connectivity on high-elevation routes. Three additional satellites will then launch in geostationary orbit, adding further speed, capacity, and resilience.

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