In its hydrogen research project, Rolls-Royce today announced the achievement of yet another significant milestone, a first for the entire world of industry.

In order to power a variety of aircraft, including those in the narrow-body market sector, starting in the mid-2030s, Rolls-Royce and its partner easyJet are dedicated to being at the forefront of the development of hydrogen combustion engine technology.

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In collaboration with the German Aerospace Centre Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) and the UK’s Loughborough University, Rolls-Royce has now successfully demonstrated a crucial engine technology that represents an important step forward in the development of hydrogen as an aviation fuel.

Tests on a Pearl 700 engine running on 100% hydrogen at DLR in Cologne have demonstrated the fuel’s ability to burn at circumstances that correspond to maximum take-off thrust.

The development of effective improved fuel spray nozzles to regulate combustion has been essential to that accomplishment. Given that hydrogen burns significantly hotter and faster than kerosene, this required considerable engineering problems to be overcome. A novel method that gradually blends air with hydrogen to control the fuel’s reactivity allowed the new nozzles to regulate the flame location. The operability and emissions of the combustor met expectations, which is a positive outcome for Rolls-Royce.

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Before the final full-pressure combustor tests were conducted at DLR Cologne, the individual nozzles were initially examined at intermediate pressure at Loughborough’s freshly renovated test facilities and at DLR Cologne.

The hydrogen program’s combustion component is now well understood as a result of these recent tests, but work is still being done on the systems that will deliver the fuel to the engine and combine those systems with an engine.

As Rolls-Royce and easyJet get ready for the next phase of testing, a full gas hydrogen ground test on a Pearl engine, they will now take the lessons learned from the Boscombe Down tests and apply them to the technologies tested at Loughborough and DLR. The next step will be a comprehensive ground test of a Pearl engine using liquid hydrogen; easyJet and Rolls-Royce both want to eventually fly with the technology.

Korean Air has announced a $25 million commitment to the California Science Centre, along with a retired Boeing 747 aircraft, to establish the Korean Air Aviation Gallery at the planned Samuel Oschin Air and Space Centre.

The Gallery will feature a diversified exhibition of around 20 aircraft, including a Boeing 747 airliner fuselage that will serve as the Gallery’s centerpiece. A model of the Wright Brothers’ 1902 Glider, a Harrier T4 jump-jet, and a historic F-100 Super Saber will also be visible at the Gallery.

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“The Los Angeles area has welcomed our airline, and it’s an honour to give back to this great community,” said Chairman Walter Cho of the airline. “Los Angeles was Korean Air’s first U.S. destination, and we’re honoured to be a part of its aviation history.” This facility will offer educational possibilities and, ideally, motivate young people to become more interested in aviation and its impact on society.”

Cho stated that the 747 exhibit will highlight the famous aircraft’s groundbreaking technology and continued significance. In a theatre on the plane’s main deck, visitors may witness the plane’s huge scale and stunning design, as well as take a simulated journey from Los Angeles to Seoul.

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Other hands-on experiences include a Wind Tunnel exhibit, which allows visitors to explore in a wind tunnel lab to learn about the forces that propel planes, and a Design-a-Plane display, which provides a one-of-a-kind instruction in aircraft design and engineering.

“We are deeply grateful to our colleagues at Korean Air for their tremendous generosity and partnership in creating a world-class science learning experience that will not only benefit the children and youth of our shared Los Angeles community but will inspire visitors from around the world,” said Jeffrey Rudolph, President and CEO of the California Science Centre.

• Tokyo Haneda (HND) moves up 20 spots from 2019 to rank #2 among Asia Pacific Megahubs.
• Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Incheon International (ICN) rank #1 and #2 respectively among the Top 25 Low-Cost Megahubs.
• AirAsia and All Nippon Airways dominate the share of flights at the top two Asia Pacific airports.

OAG, the world’s premier data platform for the global travel industry, today announced the release of Megahubs 2023, the market’s official list of the world’s Top 50 most internationally linked airports.

Seven airports in Asia Pacific are among the Global Top 20 Megahubs. The most connected of these is Kuala Lumpur (KUL), which climbed to #4 from outside the Top 10 in 2019, followed by Tokyo’s Haneda (HND) at five.

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Southeast Asia is home to five of the region’s Top 10 Megahubs, including Incheon International (ICN) at #3, Bangkok International (BKK) at #4, and Singapore Changi (SIN) at #5. AirAsia operates 34% of flights from Kuala Lumpur (KUL), the region’s main hub.

Asia Pacific tops the Top 25 Low-Cost Megahubs rankings, with 13 airports. South Asia has the biggest share of LCC capacity of any area, at 63%, followed by Southeast Asia at 53%. Kuala Lumpur (KUL) ranks first, with 11,188 low-cost connections to over 100 destinations.

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According to Mayur Patel, Head of Asia Pacific, OAG, “the resurgence of Asia Pacific airports reflects their key position as hubs for some of the world’s busiest routes, like the air corridor between Fukuoka and Tokyo Haneda, which has become the third busiest in the world.” The Asia Pacific region’s strategic importance is confirmed primarily by the amazing rise of these airports.

A reciprocal interline agreement between Emirates and SriLankan airlines has been signed to improve connectivity for both carriers’ passengers. Through Colombo and Dubai, the collaboration will allow travellers to reach new locations on each other’s networks while using a single ticket and benefiting from convenient luggage transfers.

As a result of the interline cooperation, travellers flying on Emirates can now pick from 15 regional destinations served by SriLankan Airlines via Colombo. Tickets are now available for travel beginning immediately.

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Along with Gan Island in the Maldives, the interline network now has two new Indian destinations—Madurai and Tiruchirapally—so that passengers can travel conveniently on a single ticket while taking advantage of a liberal baggage policy and hassle-free baggage check-through to their final destination. Additional destinations in the Far East and South Asia include Cochin, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Malé, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Guangzhou, Seoul, and Tokyo.

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Passengers on SriLankan Airlines will also gain access to Emirates’ extensive global network and connections to 15 additional Emirates-operated locations. The interline network connects locations in the US, Russia, Africa, and the Middle East. Customers of SriLankan can fly on Emirates to a number of US destinations, including New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, and Houston, and Bahrain, Amman, Dammam, Medina, Cairo, Muscat, Nairobi, Moscow, and Tel Aviv.

Travel itineraries can be booked immediately on emirates.com, srilankan.com and preferred online and offline travel agencies.  

Beginning on October 29, 2023, Vistara, India’s premier full-service airline and a joint venture of Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, will offer daily nonstop service between Delhi and Hong Kong. On this route, the airline will fly its A321neo aircraft with a three-class layout. Bookings for the flights are gradually becoming available through all available channels, including the Vistara website, mobile app, and travel agencies.

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“We are pleased to add Hong Kong to our rapidly expanding global network,” stated Mr. Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer of Vistara. India continues to send a lot of business travelers to Hong Kong, one of the most important financial and commercial centres in the world. Additionally, it has been a highly well-liked vacation spot for Indian visitors. With the inclusion of Hong Kong, we can now provide our clients with direct access to and from three of the biggest financial capitals in the world: London, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

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Introductory all-inclusive, round-trip fares

Schedule of flights to/from Hong Kong effective 29 October 2023

All customers who qualify and can obtain a visa and enter both countries according to the regulations set forth by the relevant governments will be accepted by Vistara. When making reservations, Vistara highly advises clients to review and comprehend these policies.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will resume nonstop flights between Singapore and Brussels, Belgium’s capital, on April 5, 2024, after a 20-year hiatus.

SIA will fly to Brussels four times per week using the long-haul model of its Airbus A350-900s, which has 253 seats in three cabin classes: 42 in Business Class, 24 in Premium Economy Class, and 187 in Economy Class.

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Flight SQ304 will depart Singapore for Brussels at 2355hrs (local time) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, subject to regulatory permission. The return section, operated as flight SQ303, will depart Brussels for Singapore at 1210hrs (local time) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

The inclusion of Brussels brings the number of European destinations in the SIA network to 13, indicating the airline’s commitment to improving connectivity to this important region.

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Brussels, in addition to being the capital of Belgium, is also the home of the European Union (EU) and is known as the EU’s capital city. The city also houses the Benelux secretariat and the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). It has the highest GDP per capita in Belgium and is the most densely populated city in the country. Because of its unusual geographical location, Brussels is a perfect crossroads for rail, road, and air travel, earning the city the moniker “The Crossroads of Europe.”

Flight Schedules

Air Peace, West Africa’s largest airline, has placed a definite order for five Embraer  E175 aircraft. This strategic decision represents a significant step forward and is consistent with Air Peace’s ongoing fleet modernization strategy.

This acquisition is in line with Air Peace’s goal of becoming the operator of Africa’s largest and youngest fleet of aircraft. It confirms Air Peace’s commitment to improving domestic and regional network connections and opens the stage for additional regional expansion. The 88-seater aircraft will begin deliveries in 2024. The order is worth US$288.3 million at list price.

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“This is another important step in helping to realise our ambition to connect the entire Nigeria with the entire African continent, while also feeding passengers into long-haul flights from our Lagos hub,” said Mr Allen Onyema, Chairman and CEO of Air Peace. The acquisition allows us to continue delivering on our ‘no-city-left-behind’ programme because connection is what our passengers, as well as Africa, demand. The agreement also sets the way for Embraer to provide direct support for the establishment of local maintenance capabilities in Nigeria.”

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Air Peace is already an operator of Embraer’s newest and largest jet, the E195-E2, and these smaller aircraft will complement the airline’s existing fleet, allowing it to dynamically adapt capacity to demand, protecting yields and route viability.

“Air Peace’s strategic and innovative approach has assisted them remain a driving force in West African aviation success.” As an E2 operator, it makes sense for them to expand their ERJ145 fleet, giving passengers additional seats and luxury with the E175. The shared cockpits of the E1 and E2 fleets also reduce aircrew costs and management.

At Mumbai Airport on Thursday, a chartered jet carrying six passengers and two crew members experienced a runway excursion because of heavy rain and poor visibility. About 40 flights to and from the city were delayed as a result of the incident, which affected Mumbai’s whole aviation network.

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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said that the VSR Ventures Learjet 45 VT-DBL, which was flying from Vizag to Mumbai, “was involved in a runway excursion while landing on runway 27 at Mumbai airport.”

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The pilots and the passengers both suffered injuries and were admitted to the hospital, according to sources, despite the fact there were no casualties officially reported in the incident.

An airport senior officer who was explaining the situation stated, “The plane bumped, swung, and skidded on the runway. The private plane swung and moved backward after it landed on Runway 27 instead of moving towards Juhu as is customary. It caused the plane to flip 180 degrees and change course. He said that during the incident, the jet crashed.

After safety checks and approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the runway has been cleared of debris, and regular operations have resumed.

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