News Wings

Category: Aviation

  • Ado Sanusi, Aero Contractor’s MD, resigns

    Ado Sanusi, Aero Contractor’s MD, resigns

    The Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, has resigned.

    Sanusi confirmed this on the telephone to the Punch correspondent on Wednesday.

    According to Sanusi, his resignation took effect on December 31, 2020.

    “There is a time for everything. There is a time when I joined Aero and there is a time I am leaving. I thank God for the contribution I made in Aero and I am happy I finished successfully,” he added.

    Captain Sanusi started his flying carrier at Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria where he obtained Commercial Pilot Licence and a National Diploma in Aeronautical Sciences, according to information from his LinkedIn page.

    He then went to the United States where he advanced his education and obtained his Air Transport Pilot Licence, Certified Flight and Ground Instructor’s license.

    He worked for Kabo Air, a local airline as a Senior First Officer and then proceeded to ExxonMobil as Captain and flight Safety Officer.‌

    He then joined Virgin Nigeria as a Captain on the B737 Classic.

    He later became the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.

    He joined Arik as a Captain on the Boeing 737-NG and became a Trainer, Chief Pilot, DFO and SVP Operations/DMD of the biggest airline in West and Central Africa, a position he held till 13th February 2017. He served as the CEO of Aero Contractors Nigeria Ltd for close to four years.

  • AIB to intensify efforts to ensure excellent service delivery in 2021

    AIB to intensify efforts to ensure excellent service delivery in 2021

    The Accident Investigation Bureau Nigeria (AIB-N) has urged its members of staff not to relent in pursuing excellence while delivering the Bureau’s mandate of investigating air accidents with the aim of ensuring continuous safety of air transport in Nigeria.

    The Commissioner of the Bureau, Engr. Akin Olateru who implored the AIB staff while delivering a speech in celebration of the New Year, 2021, stated that he was pleased with the Bureau’s performance in the year 2020 despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and gave accolades to the staff for their various contributions.

    Olateru however said that they must all intensify their efforts to continuously build a world class and enviable institution while ensuring that focus, diligence and integrity remain their watchwords as they carry out their various duties.

    He also encouraged intra-department and inter-department cooperation and teamwork within the organisation as each unit is important to the success of the organisation.

    “Self-evaluation and self-improvement are also very important, as this is essential in ensuring everyone has a better understanding of the role they play within the organisation and how they can improve themselves to ensure continuous excellence in their service delivery, as required by our industry,” he added.

    The Commissioner, assured that personnel development and welfare, as well as the refinement of our procedures and processes will remain a priority to his administration.

    “It is my view that job satisfaction, equity and fairness are pivotal to high quality service delivery,” he said.

    In relations to the pandemic, Olateru reiterated that the crisis is yet to be over and advised everyone to be mindful and respectful of the relevant protocols, to stay safe, healthy and productive, as he wished them a safe, healthy and prosperous 2021.

  • Travel Restrictions: FG Releases Passport Details Of 100 Banned Passengers

    Travel Restrictions: FG Releases Passport Details Of 100 Banned Passengers

    The Federal Government has published the passport numbers of 100 travellers, who failed to undergo the mandatory COVID-19 test after returning to Nigeria.

    Details of the passports were published by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 on Saturday.

    “Based on Presidental authority, travel restrictions are placed on the following passports due to non-compliance to the mandatory Day 7 post-arrival COVID-19 test,” the communique read.

    It said the restrictions started from January 1, 2021, and would last till June 30, 2021.

    The PTF also confirmed that the affected passengers have been notified and will be prevented from out of the country during the period.

    The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, had earlier in the week said the affected travellers would be published before the end of the week.

    Nigeria has recorded over 85,000 COVID infections including more than 1,200 associated fatalities, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

  • Airports: FAAN strengthens COVID-19 protocols, urges passengers to comply

    Airports: FAAN strengthens COVID-19 protocols, urges passengers to comply

    …sets up compliance monitoring team

    As the world grapples with the second wave of the dreaded Coronavirus pandemic, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has stepped up measures to ensure the safety of travelling passengers and other airport users across the nation.

    From the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Port Harcourt International Airport, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and others within its network, the Authority is not leaving any stone unturned to ensure safe and secure facilitation of travellers.

    In a press release, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, GM Corporate Affairs notes that, across the airports, car parks have been rearranged for seamless pick-up and drop off to avoid congestion. We have also created new drop off zones for passengers with reduced mobility.

    “Operational and directional signages have also been conspicuously remarked at both the airsides and landsides to make movements easier for airport users and to promote social distancing protocols”.

    “Additionally, we have intensified the process of disinfecting all baggage before entering the terminals, as well as enhanced temperature screening of all passengers and staff using infrared scanners. We have also separated access entry points for passengers and staff to reduce congestion and improve on facilitation”.

    The Authority will like to use this opportunity to advise all travellers and airport users to strictly abide by all laid down travel protocols and also reiterate that only passengers will be allowed into the terminals.

    A compliance monitoring team has been constituted for each of our airports to drive total compliance.

  • Emirates SkyCargo transports first batch of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for Dubai Health Authority

    Emirates SkyCargo transports first batch of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for Dubai Health Authority

    Emirates SkyCargo has notched yet another milestone by flying in COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Pfizer BioNTech to the UAE for the first time for the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). 

    The vaccines were transported from Brussels on Emirates flight EK 182 on 22 December 2020, arriving at Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 22.15 local time.

    HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Group said: “Emirates is proud to be transporting the first batch of Pfizer vaccines for COVID-19 into the UAE for the Dubai Health Authority. Our healthcare ecosystem has played an absolutely critical
    role in every step of the fight against COVID-19. I would like to thank everyone who has worked unceasingly over the last year to protect the lives of those most vulnerable against the disease. In recognition of their immense contribution for the wellbeing of everyone in the UAE, it has been our honour to transport these vaccines free of charge on our flight”.

    Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo said: “At Emirates SkyCargo we are doing our part to join Dubai’s efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the effective management of the pandemic by Dubai’s visionary leadership, the city has retained its
    position as a global logistical hub for connecting vital cargo including PPE, medical supplies, vaccines, food and other essential items”.

    Emirates SkyCargo has set up the world’s largest airside hub dedicated to distributing COVID-19 vaccines and we stand ready to support not just Dubai, but countries around the world, including markets with limited cool chain infrastructure with our advanced capabilities.

    By transporting COVID-19 vaccines across our extensive network, we look forward to helping people around the world get back on their feet after the devastating impact of the pandemic”.

    On arrival at DXB, the containers with the vaccines were unloaded on priority from the aircraft and then taken to Emirates SkyCargo’s dedicated pharma facility Emirates SkyPharma to await clearance for delivery.

    Emirates SkyCargo is no stranger to transporting vaccines and other temperature sensitive pharmaceutical cargo. The carrier has more than two decades experience in transporting pharmaceuticals on its aircraft and has set up state of the art EU GDP certified facilities dedicated for storing and handling pharma cargo in Dubai.

    Emirates SkyCargo has also established a global Pharma Corridors programme working with ground handlers and local airports at major pharma origin and destination
    stations for enhanced cool chain protection. The current pharma network covers over 30 cities across the world including Brussels.

    More recently, Emirates SkyCargo has set up the world’s largest dedicated airside storage and distribution hub for COVID-19 vaccines in Dubai with the capacity to store up to an estimated 10 million doses of vaccine at the 2-8C temperature range at any one point of time. 

    With its advanced infrastructure, extensive network and modern all wide-body aircraft fleet, Emirates SkyCargo can transport COVID-19 vaccines rapidly and securely from manufacturing locations to destinations across six continents. Emirates SkyCargo has already commenced distribution of COVID-19 vaccines from a range of manufacturers and geographies.

  • Emirates strengthens commercial team with key management movements

    Emirates strengthens commercial team with key management movements

    Emirates has announced several key movement and rotations to its commercial team, both in its Dubai hub and across key
    markets in the Far East, West Asia and Africa.

    The changes place five seasoned Emirates commercial managers in key positions across the Emirates network to support its commercial strategies as the airline responds to shifting market dynamics and navigates the complex challenges posed by the global pandemic. 

    The rotations also demonstrate the depth of UAE National talent within the global commercial team, due in large part to the exposure they are given across the airline’s network.

    With effect from January 1st, 2020, Afzal Parambil, currently Regional Manager West Africa, will take on the role of Regional Manager South Africa, Paulos Legesse, currently Manager Ivory Coast, will become Manager Nigeria, Christophe Leloup, currently Manager Senegal, will become Manager Kenya; while Cathrine Wesley, Country Manager Ghana, will support Ivory Coast in addition to her current role; Arpit Behl, Country
    Manager Guinea, will support Senegal in addition to his current role.

    Similarly, Satish Sethi, currently Country Manager Philippines, will become Manager Japan;  Salem Ghanem Al Marri, currently Manager Japan, will return to Dubai to the airline’s Strategic Planning department; Jaber Mohamed, currently Area Manager Taiwan, will become Country Manager Philippines; Saeed Abdulla Miran, currently Manager Bangladesh, take on the role of Area Manager Hong Kong; Sultan Alriyami, currently an Outstation Manager, will become Area Manager Taiwan; Mohamed Alhammadi, currently a Commercial Manager, will become Manager Bangladesh.

    Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer said: “As Emirates works through the complexities of this challenging period, we are sharpening our focus further and placing extremely capable leaders with diverse experiences to help drive commercial initiatives that stimulate demand and maximize revenue opportunities and margin performance. I am also proud of our UAE Nationals, who are well-placed to support the commercial organization at this critical time, as we continue to build sustained momentum, restore our network foothold, and ramp up our operations to position the airline for a strong recovery.”

    The airline continues to create opportunities for UAE Nationals to grow professionally and build a well-defined career path so that they can play pivotal roles within the organization.

    Through the commercial outstation programme, UAE nationals gain experience in support roles, and are eventually groomed for leadership positions at Emirates outstations. 

    The programme is underpinned by role rotations, providing UAE nationals the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and experience to ensure a strong talent pipeline across the Emirates Group’s global businesses.

  • British Airways Makes Emergency Landing After Co-Pilot Falls Unconscious

    British Airways Makes Emergency Landing After Co-Pilot Falls Unconscious

    British Airways flight BA640 from London to Athens on 26 December was forced to make an emergency landing in Zurich after the first officer fell unconscious in the cockpit.

    The co-pilot of the Airbus A320neo (registered G-TTNM) had complained about feeling unwell halfway into the flight, forcing the captain to turn the plane around and return to Heathrow, reported MailOnline and The Independent.

    However, the captain was forced to make an immediate landing in Switzerland as the condition of the co-pilot deteriorated rapidly.

    The flight landed at Zurich without any incident. The First Officer was taken to hospital in Zurich but later released after a check-up. The aircraft eventually left for its original destination nearly six hours later. It reached Athens with a delay of eight hours.

    A spokesperson for the British Airways said: “The safety of our customers and crew is always our top priority and our teams looked after customers before they carried on their journey to Athens yesterday evening.”

    The first officer has reportedly recovered. However, the airline has so far not disclosed the cause of the pilot’s illness. “The first officer simply felt unwell,” said the spokesperson

  • Emirates earns five-star rating from its customers

    Emirates earns five-star rating from its customers

    Emirates has received the APEX 2021 Five Star Global Official Airline RatingTM, based on feedback from passengers that was independently collected by APEX via its partnership with TripIt, and validated and certified by an external auditor to ensure that all ratings were made by genuine travellers who had flown on the airline they were reviewing.

    Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer said: “We are delighted to receive this recognition from our customers. It reflects all of our efforts to provide our customers with a safe and enjoyable flight experience.

    He added: “In the past months, Emirates has constantly reviewed and proactively adapted our products and services to comply with regulatory protocols, and we’ve also kept our eye on innovation. In line with our strategy and our leaders’ vision, Emirates continues to invest in
    enhancing our customer proposition and product. In recent months, we’ve brought to market several innovative services to offer our customers even more confidence, comfort and convenience, and seamless travel.

    These were not simply a response to the pandemic, but also part of our DNA and long-term strategy to earn our customers’ trust and loyalty, and maintain our lead in the industry.

    “With independently verified passengers serving as the final judges, Emirates continues to set the highest echelon bar of airline experience by winning the APEX Official Airline Ratings™ Global Five Star rating
    every single year without fail,” APEX CEO Dr. Joe Leader stated.

    “Emirates’ ability to continue to advance the gold standard of customer care, even against the headwinds of a pandemic, demonstrates the airline’s non-stop focus upon positive guest engagement. I have experienced Emirates’ economy, business, and first-class products with heartfelt admiration for every service class backed seamlessly by the Emirates ice in-flight engagement system.”

    Emirates continues to lead the industry in restoring travel confidence. It was the world’s first airline to offer free COVID-19 medical cover for all customers and this was later extended to a full multi-risk insurance cover; and it has modified its services onboard and on the ground to introduce enhanced bio-safety protocols while continuing to offer its signature experiences like the Emirates lounge and onboard Shower Spa.

    Emirates also recently launched its fully-integrated biometrics facilities at Dubai airport, and self-service check-in and bag drop facilities that further reduces contact and eases the customer journey
    on the ground.

    The airline has so far received 2 new A380 aircraft this year, the most popular aircraft and flying experience amongst Emirates customers. The next Emirates A380 aircraft, fitted with the airline’s first ever premium economy cabin, is scheduled for delivery before end December.

    Emirates has resumed passenger services to nearly 100 destinations. For more information on travel requirements, Emirates’ current network and
    its comprehensive health and safety measures, visit Emirates’ COVID-19 information hub.

    The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ were created based on neutral, third-party passenger feedback and insights gathered through APEX’s partnership with TripIt® from Concur®, the world’s highest-rated travel-organizing app. Using a five-star scale, nearly one million flights were rated by passengers across more than 600 airlines from
    around the world. The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ were independently certified by a professional external auditing company.

  • NCAA reels out penalties of $3,500 fine for new travel rules

    NCAA reels out penalties of $3,500 fine for new travel rules

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to foreign airlines operating into Nigeria from the UK and South Africa that failure to adhere strictly to the new travel rules will attract penalties.

    The Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 over the weekend issued new travel rules for passengers on direct flights from the UK and South Africa due to the variance of coronavirus discovered recently in these two countries.

    The penalties are says a fine of $3,500 for each passenger boarded and who fails to meet the new travel measures recently announced by the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19.

    In a letter to all foreign airlines operating into the country from the United Kingdom and South Africa, the NCAA also notes that airlines will bear the burden of returning non-Nigerian defaulting passengers to point of embarkation for non-compliance to the new rules.

    “Punitive measures shall be taken against airlines who fail to comply with this All Operators Letters.  The punitive measures shall include but not limited to the following:

    “(i) Airlines shall be fines $3,500 (Three thousand five hundred dollars) for each defaulting passenger. (ii)Airlines may be required to return non-Nigerian defaulting passengers to point of embarkation. (iii) Repeated non-compliance by any airline will lead to the suspension of the airline’s approval/permit to fly into the country.”

    The letter signed by the Director General, NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu and addressed to all Country and Accountable Managers of all foreign airlines also  made it clear that airlines who continues to flaunt these new rules will have their permit or approval to fly into Nigeria suspended.

    The letter stresses the PTF requirements that all local and foreign operators flying in and out of Nigeria from the United Kingdom and South Africa must ensure their passengers present Pre-departure permit to fly, a QR Code generated  from Nigeria international travel portal and a documentary evidence of a Negative Covid-19 PCR test result done within 96 hours of boarding.

    “Thee new rules are applicable to scheduled and non scheduled flights from the United Kingdom and South Africa”.

    “Passengers must present the following two documents in order to be allowed to board their flights to Nigeria: (a) Pre-departure permitto fly/ QR code generated from the Nigeria International travel portal (https://nitp.ncdc.gov.ng) showing evidence of payment for the post arrival day 7 COVID-19 PCR test and (b) Documentary evidence of a Negative COVID-19 PCR result done within 96 hours(4days) of boarding from verifiable laboratory or health facility.”

    “On arrival in Nigeria, passengers will be received and processed separately by public health authoritiesAll passengers will be required to self isolate for 7 days after arrival followed by COVID-19 PCR testPassengers with a post arrival Negative COVID-19 PCR result can exit self isolation and further management.”

  • Emirates aids Dubai’s position as a Global Golfing hub

    Emirates aids Dubai’s position as a Global Golfing hub

    Dubai has yet again captured the attention of the golfing world with high profile competitions like the DP World Tour Championship and ‘Race to Dubai’, the European Tour’s season ending finales. Golf’s very best players and rising stars convened in Dubai for one of the game’s most prestigious prizes. As Official Airline of the event, Emirates has been providing critical air transport links to support the players, organizers and the entire golfing community to safely resume international sports action on the ground, and cater to the millions watching the broadcasted event around the world.

    Dubai’s public and private sector stakeholders, including Emirates, have partnered to put in place the frameworks to resume leisure and sporting events and ensure the safest possible environments for participants and fans alike, because nothing can replace the excitement of experiencing live sports, music and cultural events.

    As a result, the DP World Tour Championship was the first attended international sporting event in Dubai, drawing in over 6,000 spectators. Over 40% of the event attendees came from outside of the UAE, the majority of whom chose to fly with Emirates to Dubai. The international attendance also demonstrates Dubai’s continued appeal in attracting visitors for major sporting events, as well as its status as one of the world’s most dynamic golf destinations.

    Additionally, Emirates carried over 500 European Tour players, caddies, event organisers, international sports and golf media, and others directly involved in the running of the golfing finale. The airline also transported sporting and other equipment as well as PPE items for the event.

    Emirates Cabin Crew participated in the socially-distanced prize presentation with the winners, along with HH Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council and Patron of the DP World Tour Championship and European Tour.

    In addition to the DP World Tour Championship, every year, Emirates sponsors over 40 major sporting, music and cultural events that support Dubai’s economic and tourism growth goals, and drive its appeal as a world-class event hub.

    The next events on Emirates’ busy calendar include the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Tournament, Emirates sponsored football club matches, Emirates Team New Zealand participations in Americas Cup World Series as well as the Dubai World Cup, to name a few. On the golfing front, Emirates will also be supporting a number of international European Tour events set to take place in 2021 including the Hong Kong Open, Portugal Masters, Open de France, Scandinavian Mixed, Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, ASI Scottish Open, D+D Czech Masters, BMW PGA Championship, Italian Open and the Nedbank Golf Challenge.

    The airline continues to work on growing its hard-earned relationship with sports fans. Earlier this year, when many countries were under strict lockdown, Emirates joined hands with its sponsorship partners to engage with communities around the world through campaigns and initiatives that let people know they are not alone, providing information, motivation, inspiration, and entertainment.

  • Unions in FAAN to embark on protest rally next week Monday 21st December over Airport Concession

    Unions in FAAN to embark on protest rally next week Monday 21st December over Airport Concession

    Unions in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN are gearing up to embark on a protest rally from Monday next week, 21st December, 2020 across airports in the country over the proposed planned concession of the four major airports in the country.

    This action will no doubt disrupt flights operations and gradual relative peace so far enjoyed since the resumption of flights and opening of airports.

    The leadership of the unions, the National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, ANAP and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN, in a joint statement say they had no choice but to embark on the protest rally due to the insistence of the Minister of Aviation to concession the four major airports in the country.

    They also added that since the minister was yet to respond to questions begging for answers, they had no choice but to activate their plan B which is the protest rally.

    The unions have therefore directed all their members in the nation’s 22 airports managed by the Federal Government to begin the protest rally midnight on Monday 21st.

    They listed issues to form part of the protest to include, “the immediate payment of all outstanding cooperative deductions, immediate payment of 13th months allowances and settlement of pension deductions”.

    Others are “payment of palliative to staff who worked during the Covid-19 lockdown, payment of leave grant, stoppage of all forms of employment into the organization until concession issues are resolved, immediate repair of the Murtala Mohammed Airport Access gate facilities to improve and maximize revenue collection and No to any form of revenue points concessioning by FAAN Management”.

    The union leaders urged FAAN workers nationwide to remain alert and mobilise for the protest.

  • United Airlines pledges 100% Green by 2050

    United makes bold environmental commitment unmatched by any Airline; Pledges 100% Green by Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions 100% by 2050

    United will meet this ambitious goal by making industry-leading investments in new technology and sustainable fuels – not from buying carbon offsets.

    United Airlines is taking its most ambitious step yet in leading the fight against climate change: pledging to become 100% green by reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 100% by 2050. United, which in 2018 became the first U.S. airline to commit to reducing its GHG emissions by 50% by 2050, will advance towards carbon neutrality by committing to a multimillion-dollar investment in revolutionary atmospheric carbon capture technology known as Direct Air Capture – rather than indirect measures like carbon-offsetting – in addition to continuing to invest in the development and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). 

    With this unprecedented announcement, United becomes the first airline in the world to announce a commitment to invest in Direct Air Capture technology.

    “As the leader of one of the world’s largest airlines, I recognize our responsibility in contributing to fight climate change, as well as our responsibility to solve it,” said Scott Kirby, United’s chief executive officer. 

    “These game-changing technologies will significantly reduce our emissions, and measurably reduce the speed of climate change – because buying carbon offsets alone is just not enough. Perhaps most importantly, we’re not just doing it to meet our own sustainability goal; we’re doing it to drive the positive change our entire industry requires so that every airline can eventually join us and do the same.”

    Investment in Direct Air Capture Technology

    Rather than simply taking a conventional approach to decarbonization by relying solely on the purchase of carbon offsets, United intends to make a multimillion-dollar investment in 1PointFive, Inc., a partnership between Oxy Low Carbon Ventures, a subsidiary of Occidental (NYSE:OXY), and Rusheen Capital Management. 

    1PointFive’s mission is to curb the rise in global temperatures by physically removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air using Direct Air Capture technology licensed from Carbon Engineering.

    Direct Air Capture technology is one of the few proven ways to physically correct for aircraft emissions, and can scale to capture millions and potentially billions of metric tons of CO2 per year. 

    The captured CO2 will then be permanently, safely and securely stored deep underground by Occidental, a process certified by independent third parties. The commitment – the first to be announced in the aviation industry – will help 1PointFive build the first industrial-sized Direct Air Capture plant in the United States. 

    A single plant is expected to capture and permanently sequester one million tons of CO2 each year, the equivalent of the work of 40 million trees, but covering a land area about 3,000 times smaller.

    Investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel

    With up to 80% less lifecycle carbon emissions than conventional jet fuel, sustainable aviation fuel is the fastest and most effective way United is reducing its emissions.

     Among all airlines globally, United holds more than 50% of all publicly announced future purchase commitments to using SAF and has the longest history of using SAF of any U.S. airline. 
    Last year, United renewed its contract with Boston-based World Energy, agreeing to purchase up to 10 million gallons of cost-competitive SAF. United has used this SAF to help sustainably power every flight departing its Los Angeles hub since 2016.

    Additionally, United has invested more than $30 million in California-based sustainable fuel producer Fulcrum BioEnergy, which remains the single largest investment by any airline globally in a sustainable fuel producer.

    Since 2016, United has used the most SAF of any airline globally and has flown:·   26 million passengers on flights powered with a SAF blend·   44 billion passenger-miles on flights powered with a SAF blend·   215,000 flights powered with a SAF blend.

    United’s Commitment to the Environment

    United’s commitment to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050 represents yet another leadership position the airline has taken to reduce its impact on the environment. United’s significant environmental achievements include:·   Becoming the first airline globally to incorporate SAF in regular operations on a continuous basis, marking a significant milestone in the industry by moving beyond test programs and demonstrations to the everyday use of low-carbon fuel in ongoing operations.

    . In 2019, we committed $40 million toward an investment initiative focused on accelerating the development of SAF and other decarbonization technologies
    ·   Operating the Flight for the Planet in 2019, which represented the most-eco-friendly commercial flight of its kind in the history of commercial aviation·   Becoming the first airline to fly with Boeing’s Split Scimitar winglets, which reduce fuel consumption by an additional 2% versus standard winglets; United is the largest Scimitar winglet operator today, with nearly 400 aircraft equipped with these winglets·   Becoming the first U.S. airline to repurpose items from the carrier’s international premium cabin amenity kits and partnering with Clean the World to donate hygiene products to those in critical need·   Eliminating non-recyclable plastic stirring sticks and cocktail picks on aircraft and replacing them with a more environmentally friendly product made of 100% bamboo·   Continuing to replace its eligible ground equipment with cleaner, electrically powered alternatives, with nearly 45% of the fleet converted to date.

    United’s Award-Winning Eco-Skies Program

    United’s award-winning Eco-Skies program represents the company’s commitment to the environment and the actions taken every day to create a more sustainable future. 

    Earlier this month, the Carbon Disclosure Project named United as the only airline globally to its 2020 ‘A List’ for the airline’s actions to cut emissions, mitigate climate risks and develop the low-carbon economy, marking the seventh consecutive year that United had the highest CDP score among U.S. airlines.

    In 2017, Air Transport World magazine named United its Eco-Airline of the Year for the second time since the airline launched the Eco-Skies program. 
    Additionally, United ranked No. 1 among global carriers in Newsweek’s 2017 Global 500 Green Rankings, one of the most recognized environmental performance assessments of the world’s largest publicly traded companies.

    For more information on United’s commitment to environmental sustainability, visit united.com/ecoskies.

  • IATA Unveils Key Design Elements of IATA Travel Pass

    IATA Unveils Key Design Elements of IATA Travel Pass

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) unveiled key design elements of the IATA Travel Pass.

    IATA Travel Pass is a mobile app to help travelers easily and securely manage their travel in line with any government requirements for COVID-19 testing or vaccine information.

    “Testing is the immediate solution to safely re-open borders and re-connect people. And eventually this is likely to transition to vaccination requirements. In either case, a secure system to manage COVID-19 testing or vaccination information is critical. The IATA Travel Pass is a solution that both travelers and governments can trust. And it is being built with data security, convenience and verification as top priorities,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

    IATA emphasized these priorities with three critical design elements:

    Putting travelers in control of their personal information for top level data security and data privacy. The IATA Travel Pass stores encrypted data including verified test or vaccination results on the mobile device of the traveler. The traveler controls what information is shared from their phone with airlines and authorities. No central database or data repository is storing the information. By keeping travelers 100% in control of their information, the highest standards for data privacy are ensured. IATA Travel Pass is also built on the highest standards of data protection laws, including General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR).

    Technically, the app is being built in accordance with Self-Sovereign Identity* (SSI) principles. The IATA Travel Pass is scheduled for release early in the first quarter of 2021 for Android and for iPhone. For iPhone it will use the “Secure Enclave” features of Apple devices and a similar security encryption technology for Android. ​​

    Global standards recognized by governments to ensure verified identity and test/vaccine information.

    a. Verified identity: A government issued ePassport is used to verify the identity of the user. It also serves to create a digital representation of the user’s passport to allow the information to be sent electronically in a secured way that is linked to their verified identity. The key to this are global standards developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) which match biometric passport data and a selfie taken by the user. This creates a Type 1 digital travel credential (a verified digital identify**) in line with ICAO standards.

    b. Verified test results or vaccine information: Currently the main vaccination requirement for entry into some countries is for yellow fever. Under the International Health Regulations, this is managed by the “yellow card” or International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis. The World Health Organization (WHO) is developing digital standards that will make these vastly more secure and will dramatically reduce fraud. When ready, the IATA Travel Pass will be able to accommodate such new global standards.

    Until a COVID-19 vaccine is widely available to the general public, the priority is on COVID-19 testing. Laboratories have well-established safety standards for managing and verifying test results to individuals. IATA is partnering with selected and established laboratories to securely link their test results with the verified identity of the IATA Travel Pass holder.

    Convenience and biosafety will be enhanced with integration into contactless travel processes. The ICAO CART recommendations for biosafety include the use of contactless travel processes to reduce the risk of virus transmission when documents need to be exchanged in the travel process.

    The industry has been developing contactless travel processes as part of a One ID transformation program for several years. The IATA Travel Pass digital identity management module uses the well-developed principles of One ID (which are, in turn, based on ICAO standards). For the passenger this means that the IATA Travel Pass will also unlock the potential for convenient contactless travel processes from check-in to boarding. As such, while the need for COVID-19 information verification may eventually disappear when we overcome the pandemic, IATA Travel Pass, however, will remain as a bold step forward in the implementation of contactless travel.

    IATA research amid the COVID-19 crisis (September 2020) shows that contactless processes will be popular with travelers:
    70% of passengers had concerns about handing over their passport, phone or boarding pass to airline agents, security staff or government officials at the airport
    85% of travelers said that touchless processing throughout the airport would make them feel safer, and
    Already 44% of travelers said that they are willing to share personal data to enable touchless process, up significantly from 30% in June.
    Interoperable Solution

    IATA is developing the IATA Travel Pass in four independent modules that can interact with each other. These modules will cover registries for regulatory entry requirements and labs/test centers, verified certificate issuance, digital identity and the possibility for passengers to share their tests results along their journey via their mobile device. Open standards enable the modules to be used as one solution or to complement capabilities being developed by other solutions providers.

    “We are building the IATA Travel Pass with one aim—to help reconnect our world safely. IATA has brought advancements in global standards like e-ticketing and mobile boarding passes to consumers in all parts of the world. This unique capability demonstrates that we can work with industry and governments to re-shape travel processes based on global standards. We are confident that we can deliver a complete solution with IATA Travel Pass. And we are building the IATA Travel Pass so that other solutions serving the same industry re-opening goal can also benefit from it. We want airlines to have a competitive marketplace with the widest range of options that meet their specific needs,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President, Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security.IATA’s Timatic offering is a foundational element of the IATA Travel Pass. For decades it has provided reliable entry requirement information to airlines and travellers. Integrating Timatic into the IATA Travel Pass entry requirements registry model brings with it an established process for the global collection, verification, updating and distribution of this information.

  • Air Peace wins Aviation Company of the Year Award

    Air Peace wins Aviation Company of the Year Award

    … Onyema named Most Admired CEO

    In its characteristic show of vibrancy, West and Central Africa’s foremost airline Air Peace has clinched the Aviation Company of the Year Award under the Sectoral Awards Category at the prestigious Nigerian Business Leadership Awards, NBLA, 2020, organised by BusinessDay Newpaper. In the same vein, the Chairman/CEO of the leading airline, Mr Allen Onyema, also bagged the Most Admired CEO of the Year under the Global Awards Category of the NBLA.

    Receiving the awards on behalf of Onyema, the Ground Operations Manager, Mr Ayodeji Adeyemi, expressed gratitude to the organisers of the awards for finding Air Peace and its CEO worthy of the recognition.

    He emphasised that Air Peace would continue to lift Nigerian skies to greater heights by demonstrating superior excellence in the provision of best-in-class flight services. Adeyemi added that Onyema is a philanthropist and a visionary leader whose commitment to Nigeria’s development is not in doubts and has exemplified this quality on different occasions.

    According to the organisers of the awards, the decision to nominate Air Peace for the “Aviation Company of the Year” award was informed by the airline’s track record as Nigeria’s leading aviation company. Air Peace has significantly contributed to shaping the future of the Nigerian aviation industry by driving excellent service delivery and supporting local capacity building.

    Similarly, while explaining why Allen Onyema was chosen as the Most Admired CEO of the Year, the organisers said that the astute aviator has won the admiration and affection of millions of Nigerians due to his sustained commitment to national development, and willingness to make significant contributions to important national causes. “The ‘Most Admired CEO of the Year’ award is a testament of Mr. Onyema’s image as the ideal model of a business leader”, the organisers asserted.

    The annual Nigerian Business Leadership Awards (NBLA) by BusinessDay, a respected business-focused newspaper, has become a bellwether for identifying and celebrating best performing business leaders and businesses in Nigeria.

  • Holidays: Airpeace assures passengers of multiple flights schedule, adequate seats

    Holidays: Airpeace assures passengers of multiple flights schedule, adequate seats

    Air Peace, has assured customers that it has made adequate preparations to effectively service all its routes during the Christmas season, especially South East and South-South destinations.

    The airline said some of its aircraft ferried abroad for maintenance have started returning and would be deployed to those destinations currently underserved to ensure that it meet the travel demand of its customers.

    Air Peace assured all passengers who are yet to get flights for their trips during the Christmas season that the airline has the capacity to airlift them to their respective destinations.

    The airline therefore urged travellers not to worry as it is yet to roll out its Christmas schedule, which would ensure that every route is effectively serviced.

    The assurance was contained in a statement signed by the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Toyin Olajide who said that more aircraft would be deployed to all destinations with high passenger demand.

    “It has come to our notice that a lot of South- South and South East bound passengers are frustrated at the lack of available airline seats for their trips this Yuletide season and have become apprehensive as a result. We wish to assure them that Air Peace shall provide enough flights to accommodate all who wish to travel. We are yet to roll out our Christmas schedule as our planes have started arriving the country from maintenance checks abroad.

    “We shall be rolling out multiple flight schedules for the season from the 16th of December for the following destinations: Enugu, Owerri, Asaba, Uyo, Calabar, Port Harcourt and Benin. We assure our teeming Passengers of top-notch service and safe trips,” Mrs. Olajide said.

    Many airlines announced that their flights have been fully booked to the Eastern and South South destinations so more aircraft are needed for travellers yet to book their flights to have the opportunity to do so and Air Peace, which has the highest number of operating aircraft, is poised to come to the rescue with the deployment of more airplanes.