Number 61 – 05 August 2024

“You’ve got to take the initiative and play your game. In a decisive way, confidence is the difference.” Chris Evert

Getting over the jet lag

In my mind there is no doubt that airliners are the ideal incubators for all types of airborne diseases and having recently returned from Oshkosh, unfortunately many of the South African group are either mildly affected or in some cases severely affected having caught another round of Covid 19 again. From what I have read it appears that the dreaded pandemic is far from over and I sincerely believe that by locking us all up in 2020 when the pandemic hit the world was a grave error, because the human body has the ability to repair itself given time and rest. So, this year many of the Oshkosh visitors have been affected not only by the four long haul flights and the resulting jet lag, but also due to what they caught on these flights home. To everyone who has come down with ‘something’, I wish you a speedy recovery.

Oshkosh AirVenture South African Camp / Interviews

ACSA responds to media reports on biometric movement control system

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has noted media reports on the delays in processing passengers at King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) linking these to the biometric and digital identity technology. ACSA would like to state that the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and the Border Management Agency (BMA) are implementing a Biometric Movement Control System (BMCS) at the immigration and emigration areas in three of ACSA’s airports. The system went live in 2022 at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) and Cape Town International Airport.

We can confirm that the BMCS, which was introduced at KSIA in the last few weeks, has been experiencing post-implementation challenges, causing long queues in the immigration areas. The BMA’s technical team is working on improving the situation by, amongst others, increasing the bandwidth to ensure the system remains online and reducing the manual processing of passengers. ACSA and BMA apologise to passengers for the delays and inconvenience caused.

Furthermore, the media has been reporting on IDEMIA on behalf of BMA, which was already implementing the BMCS. It is public knowledge that ACSA published a Request For Proposal (RFP) for the Automated Border Control (ABC) project, e-Gates and single token for a period of 60 months as part of ACSA’s biometric and digital identity technology programme.

A year prior to the publishing of the RFP, ACSA engaged in industry research to develop specifications including BMA appointed French multinational technology company, IDEMIA. This exercise sought to understand the BMCS system and its functionality as it was the system which ACSA’s ABC eGates would have to integrate. This is a normal and acceptable practice, especially when an organisation intends to procure a system of this magnitude and technical complexity.

Having followed a prudent procurement process, the contract to the value of R115-million was awarded to IDEMIA. It required that at least 30% of the contract value be subcontracted to a South African, black-owned Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME) and / or Qualified Small Enterprise (QSE). As such, the winning bidder had a teaming agreement with a local company called InfoVerge as its black-owned EME / QSE partner (B-BBEE partner) for purposes of complying with EME / QSE requirements in the RFP. However, ACSA became aware of an impasse between the two business partners IDEMIA and InfoVerge and engaged both companies with a view to foster an amicable resolution and in the interest of delivering on the contract. ACSA was satisfied that the two business partners would work together in the delivery of the required services. Despite ACSA’s efforts, the two business partners could not reach an amicable resolution. This resulted in InfoVerge approaching the High Court Gauteng Local Division (High Court), seeking relief to set aside ACSA’s decision to award the tender for the provision of Automated Border Control project to IDEMIA.

It is important to categorically state that the matter is a contractual dispute between InfoVerge and IDEMIA and there is no allegation of irregularities regarding ACSA’s procurement processes in the current legal proceedings before the High Court. ACSA can indicate that the allegations being made in the media are not true and will be tested in the court of law. The matter is sub judice and ACSA is fully cooperating with the legal processes. Further, as the matter relates to issues pertaining to B-BBEE, IDEMIA and InfoVerge are advised to refer the matter to the B-BBEE Commission, an entity within the administration of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), which is empowered to consider matters pertaining to B-BBEE Act.  B-BBEE Commission | Department of Trade & Industry – Department of Trade and Industry Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Commission (bbbeecommission.co.za).

Notwithstanding the current challenges, ACSA is excited about the prospects of the biometric and digital identity technology that is being procured. The technology will redefine the airport experience in South Africa and is expected to be rolled out across the ACSA airport network in 2026. It will streamline immigration processes, reduce transaction times, enhance security and passenger experience.

ACSA has finalised a future-proof technology solution, with the first phase set for delivery in November 2024. While the technology is still in the planning phases, we are confident that, once fully rolled out across the ACSA airport network, the BMCS system will facilitate seamless connections of passengers to their next destinations, opportunities and goals.

Soutpansberg airshow and aviation event

By Charlie Hugo

This was our second visit to the far north of South Africa to attend an enjoyable weekend of aviation and fun. The Soutpansberg (Vliegklub) hosted its first full airshow in 2023 and followed this in 2024 with another aviation carnival. Their event is more than an airshow, although this is a large part of the weekend and more of a weekend enjoying the camaraderie of fellow aviators. The SPB Vliegklub provided camping facilities for those who wished to fly-in and shoot the breeze, relaxing amongst some of the most hospitable and friendly likeminded aviators. Around twenty tents and caravans were located on the perimeter of the airfield with ablution facilities for the brave souls who camped. For those who wished to have a more pampered environment, plenty accommodation was available at many of the guests houses in Louis Trichardt which catered for all tastes. A shuttle service provided transportation for the pilots, whilst nothing was too much to ensure that all were comfortable. About 15 additional day visitors flew in on the Saturday morning to join in in the festivities.

The airshow, well managed by Kieth Fryer and Adriane Leigh-Visser of Airboss SA ran a slick and safe airshow and adapted to the bumps in the road smoothly (flat wheel on one of the Harvard’s due to a puncture). Most of South Africa’s top aerobatic pilots and teams were in attendance to wow the crowd with the high energy displays. The South African Air Force, whose premier operational base Air Force Base Makhado, is located a virtual stone’s throw away from Louis Trichardt airfield contributed with a BAE Hawk display (repeated in the afternoon) and a SAAB Gripen flypast to close the day’s airshow. Oh yes, the Gripen raised goose bumps on the arms of the aviation enthusiasts with not one, but two supersonic runs over the airfield and with a follow up in your face flypast. The sheer feeling of the power of that Volvo engine in the Gripen was awesome. The sound of freedom. The Puma Energy Flying Lions closed a most enjoyable airshow with their signature dusk display in the setting sun over the Soutpansberg mountains. Brian Emmenis, along with the Capital Sounds team provided commentary for the event and then it was party time with two live bands providing an evening’s entertainment to all. A full report will appear in the September edition of African Pilot magazine.

10 August
Pietermaritzburg airshow Oribi airport
Contact E-mail: sally@creativespacemedia.co.za Tel: 011 467 3314

17 August
EAA Chapter 322 breakfast fly-in to Fly-in Estate
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

17 August
Pilotinsure Heli fly-in to Krugersdorp airfield
Contact David Le Roux E-mail: David@pilotinsure.co.za Cell: 073 338 5200

17 August
Marekanelo airshow Rustenburg airfield
Contact Lesego Serekwane E-mail: sculpturevents@webmail.co.za Cell: 066 256 7302

17 & 18 August
SAC North West regionals at Klerksdorp airfield
Contact Quintin Hawthorne E-mail: pak02496@pixie.co.za

21 August
National Aviation Gender Summit KZN venue
Contact South African Civil Aviation Authority

24 August
SAPFA Speed Rally at Groblersdal airfield
Contact David le Roux E-mail: david@pilotinsure.co.za Cell: 073 338 5200

31 August
Virginia airshow – Durban
Contact E-mail: sally@creativespacemedia.co.za Tel: 011 467 3314

September

2 to 5 September
Egypt International Airshow
Contact Yasmine Nasr E-mail: yasmine.nasr@arabianworldevents.com

3 to 5 September
Commercial UAV Expo Las Vegas, USA
Website: www.expouav.com
Contact Carl Berndtson E-mail: cberndtson@divcom.com

6 September
Children’s Flight at New Tempe airfield, Bloemfontein
Contact Felix Gosher E-mail: felixgosher@gmail.com Cell: 066 1919 4603 

7 September
RV annual fly-in to Kitty Hawk airfield
Contact Frank van Heerden E-mail: frankvh@mweb.co.za Cell: 082 656 7253

7 September
Bethlehem airshow
Contact Khotso Motsoeneng matsoenegkhotso01@gmail.com Cell: 073 909 5409

7 September
SAA Museum Society Specialised Tour limited to nine adults
Contact E-mail: events@saamuseum.co.za  Cell: 076 879 5044

7 & 8 September
4 X 4 Outdoor Show at Zwartkops Raceway, Pretoria.
Contact Alan Carwood E-mail: alan@4X4outdoorshow.co.za

9 to 12 September
ICAO’s first Advanced Air Mobility Symposium ICAO headquarters Montreal, Canada
African Pilot will be attending this symposium as a delegate of the SACAA

10 & 11 September
Aerospace and Test Development Show Toulouse, France.
Contact: Tom Enders: tom.eames@markallengroup.com

14 September
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA auditorium
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

14 September
SAPFA Speed Rally finale venue TBA
Contact David Le Roux E-mail: David@pilotinsure.co.za Cell: 073 338 5200 

16 and 17 September
Aviation Africa 2024 Sandton Convention Centre 
Contact Email: info@aviationafrica.aero

18 to 22 September
Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition at AFB Waterkloof
Contact Nakedi Phasha E-mail: expodir@aadexpo.co.za

20 & 21 September
EAA Silver Creek breakfast pancake fly-in at Silver Creek Gorge
Contact Sean Cronin E-mail: sean@glutek.co.za

24 & 25 September
DroneX Trade show and Conference at Excel London
Website: https://www.dronexpo.co.uk/

28 September
West Coast airshow at Saldanha airfield
Contact Clive Coetzee Cell 084 614 1675

28 September
Great Train Race at Heidelberg airfield
Contact Christopher Van E-mail: chrisvan@rocketmail.co.za

Airbus delivers first C295 to Angola

The Angolan Air Force has taken delivery of the first of three new C295 military transporters from Airbus. The C295W (T-214) was ferried from the Airbus manufacturing facility in Seville, Spain, over several days, arriving in the Angolan capital on 25 July. In April 2022 Airbus announced that Angola had ordered three C295 aircraft. Two of these aircraft will be specifically equipped for maritime surveillance. The two C295s configured as Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) will play a key role for Search and Rescue (SAR), control of illegal fishing and borders, support in case of natural disasters and intelligence-gathering missions, amongst other missions. They will be equipped with the Airbus-developed Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) mission system as well state-of-the-art sensors.

A growing number of countries in Africa have acquired the C295, including Algeria (six), Egypt (24), Equatorial Guinea (two on order), Mali (two), Gabon (one), Burkina Faso (one), Ivory Coast (one), Ghana (three) and Senegal (one delivered, one on order). In total, ten countries (including one undisclosed customer) operate or have ordered 44 aircraft in Africa and these aircraft have reached more than 100 000 flight hours since 2005.

Families file a lawsuit against EAA for 2023 midair

The families of pilots killed in a midair collision of a helicopter and gyrocopter at AirVenture in 2023 have filed a lawsuit against the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) alleging the accident was the result of the organisation not following published FAA procedures for the airspace. The accident happened on 29 July 2023, when both aircraft were operating in the EAA’s ‘Fun Fly Zone,’ (FFZ), which consists of a grass runway in the ultralight display area of the EAA AirVenture show grounds at Wittman Field (KOSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In the area were ultralights, light planes, powered parachutes and trikes, hot-air balloons, homebuilt rotorcraft and light sport aircraft (LSA).

NTSB: Rule violation contributed to fatal midair collision at EAA AirVenture

The FFZ was created by the EAA within the Class D airspace that is KOSH, beginning at the surface and extending to 2,500 feet agl. The accident involved a collision between a Rotorway 162F helicopter and an ELA Eclipse 10 gyrocopter. The gyrocopter was in the traffic pattern and made a 360-degree turn, colliding with the left side of the helicopter as it was on the base leg for landing. The pilots participating in the FFZ are required to be briefed by the FFZ officials on the rules and procedures for operating in the FFZ. One of those rules is that no 360-degree turns are permitted in the pattern.

According to the final report on the accident published by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on 16 May the probable cause of the accident was ‘the failure of the gyroplane pilot to see and avoid the helicopter while manoeuvring in the traffic pattern. Contributing to the accident was the gyroplane pilot’s performance of a prohibited manoeuvre in the traffic pattern.”

The complaint was filed by Milwaukee-based firm Cannon & Dunphy S.C., which is representing Margaret Peterson, wife of helicopter pilot Mark Peterson and Patricia Volz, wife of Thomas Volz, who was a passenger on the helicopter. The pair were on a demo flight at the time of the accident. According to the complaint,  the EAA ‘did not have an FAA waiver, letter or authorisation of memorandum of understanding to alter the flight rules affecting Class D airports. ‘The FAA purported to waive some of the requirements for Ultralight and Homebuilt Rotorcraft to arrive and depart from the Ultralight / Homebuilt Rotorcraft field in a NOTAM (a notice containing specific information),’ the complaint read. ‘Specifically, the FAA authorised an arrival and departure procedure to be used during AirVenture 2023 but did not authorise any continuing operations for the Ultralight / Homebuilt Rotorcraft field.’ It was noted that pilots wishing to operate in the FFZ were required to attend a daily preflight briefing in which they would learn about flight rules and procedures they were required to follow.

The complaint alleges that gyrocopter pilot Eric Bruce made several illegal 360-degree turns despite being repeatedly warned not to by EAA officials and per the complaint by other pilots participating in the FFZ and yet the EAA continued to allow him to fly. According to the complaint, ‘defendant Bruce elected to fly in EAA’s FFZ on Thursday, 27 July 2023, Friday 28 July 2023 and 29 Saturday July 2023 and attended a daily briefing on each of those days before flying, signed the attendance sheets and received a wrist band confirming he had attended the briefings before flying.’

Per the EAA rules for the FFZ, if a pilot observed another aircraft getting too close, they were to do a ‘go around’ and leave the pattern then re-enter to fly the pattern to return for landing. The pattern was kept at 300 feet to keep the smaller, slower aircraft away from the larger and faster airplanes using Runway 27.

A video of the accident shows both aircraft at an altitude of approximately 300 feet when they collided. The helicopter flown by Peterson hit the ground inverted and caught fire. The gyrocopter also came down hard and Bruce and his passenger were seriously injured.

The complaint suggests ‘the EAA cannot by law arrogate to itself the power to establish a separate ‘airport within an airport’ and the rules were not and could not be made mandatory by the EAA without authority from the FAA, which was never granted.’ However, according to the lawsuit, these rules were discussed at a daily pilot briefing which pilots who desired to use the EAA FFZ during the specified times were required to attend.

The complaint suggested that in addition to failing to get proper clearance and approval from the FAA, the EAA failed to properly and sufficiently enforce its flight safety rules and to provide proper and sufficient air traffic control during the event to instruct pilots who may deviate from the rules to immediately cease and desist and despite knowing that Bruce had violated the rule by performing a 360-degree turn, allowed him to continue to fly. ‘EAA’s negligence, as alleged, was a cause of the subsequent midair collision on 29 June 2023 between Bruce’s gyrocopter and Mark’s helicopter, which resulted in the deaths of Peterson and Voltz,’ it said. The lawsuit called for a 12-person jury trial. When asked for its perspective, the FAA said it does not comment on pending litigation.

The NTSB final report published 16 May listed the probable cause of the accident as pilot error.  When reached for comment, the EAA replied, “EAA is aware of the lawsuit and extends its condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the mid-air collision that occurred on 29 July 2023. EAA denies any negligence and refers all interested persons to the investigation and conclusions reached in the final report of the[NTSB published 16 May 2024.” Last month, EAA spokesperson Dick Knapinski said that the organisation had made procedural changes in the FFZ for EAA AirVenture 2024, which included a ‘one strike, you are out’ rule that would not tolerate pilots who did not fly by the rules. If a pilot is observed breaking the rules they are not allowed to fly.

Airbus revenues and deliveries up but earnings down in first half of 2024

Airbus announced its financial results for the first half of 2024 which ended on 30 June 2024. The Toulouse-headquartered aerospace giant also revealed its order and delivery summaries for the period, showing strong growth across all its markets. Airbus’ adjusted earnings before interest and tax fell to €1,391m ($1,502m) from €2,618m ($2,827m) in the same period in 2023. According to the company, the substantial decrease in earnings was down to charges recorded in Airbus’ Space Systems business equating to €989m ($1,068).  Meanwhile, the EBIT related to Airbus’ commercial aircraft activities decreased to €1,954m ($2,110m) from €2,256m ($2,436m) in the same period in 2023, a drop which the company puts down to deliveries being reduced as the plane maker ‘invests and prepares for the future.’ Consolidated revenues increased 4% overall year-on-year to €28.8 billion ($31.1bn) against €27.7 bn ($29.9bn) in 1H23, reflected in part by the number of commercial aircraft deliveries completed during the period plus a higher volume of business being won by the Airbus Defence and Space division.

“The half-year financial performance mainly reflects significant charges in our space business. We are addressing the root causes of these issues,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. “In commercial aircraft, we are focused on deliveries and preparing the next steps of the ramp-up, while addressing specific supply chain challenges and protecting the sourcing of key work packages.”

Orders and deliveries: Gross commercial aircraft orders fell to 327 in the period versus 1,080 aircraft in H123, with the net number of orders bottoming out at 310 aircraft after cancellations. However, the company’s order book remains healthy with 8,585 commercial aircraft orders outstanding as of June 2024.  A total of 323 commercial aircraft were delivered during the period, slightly up from the year-on-year total of 316 in 1H23. This total comprised 28 A220s, 261 A320 family, 13 A330s and 21 A350s. 

The company’s ramping-up of the A220 series continues with a view to reaching a monthly production rate of 14 aircraft by 2026. Meanwhile, Airbus has amended its A320 family production rate trajectory due to ongoing supply chain delays with the target production rate of 75 aircraft per month not being met until 2027. In terms of widebody aircraft, the company continues to target a monthly production rate of four A330s in 2024 and to reach a rate of 12 for the A350 by 2028. The company is still on target to deliver 770 new commercial aircraft during 2024. 

Airbus Helicopters registered 233 net orders in 1H24 compared to 131 units in the same period in 2023. This includes an order for up to 44 H225s for the German Federal Police. Airbus Helicopters deliveries totalled 124 units for the period versus 145 units in 1H23, with revenues ‘broadly stable year-on-year’, said the company. The division’s EBIT decreased to €230 million ($248.4m) from €274m ($296m) in the same period in 2023), reflecting a lower overall aircraft delivery rate.

Elsewhere, orders for Airbus Defence and Space products by value reached €6.1 billion ($6.59bn), a slight increase over the €6 billion ($6.48bn) recorded in 1H23. Revenues at Airbus Defence and Space increased by 7%, while the division delivered four A400M military planes to customers during the period, an increase of one aircraft over the same period in 2023. Adjusted EBIT at Airbus Defence and Space totalled -€807 million (-$872m) versus a gain of €78m ($84.2m) in 1H23, reflecting the €989m ($1,068m) of charges mainly linked to the updated estimates for completions in its Space Systems division.

First batch of F-16 fighters handed over to Ukraine

The Ukrainian Air Force has received its first F-16 fighter jets, a long-awaited addition to its military arsenal. The delivery marks a significant milestone in Ukraine’s defence capabilities. On 10 July 2024, during a NATO summit in Washington, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the first F-16s would be handed over to Ukraine within a few days and this promise has been fulfilled. Bloomberg first reported the aircraft’s arrival, which was later confirmed by the Associated Press. Citing a source close to the matter, The Times said that the Netherlands had supplied six jets to Ukraine.

The delivery is part of a broader initiative led by the Netherlands and Denmark, which are spearheading an international coalition to supply Ukraine with US-designed fighter jets. Kyiv has long requested modern Western aircraft to counter Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022. Denmark and the Netherlands have each pledged to provide 19 and 24 fighter aircraft, respectively. Norway has also committed to offering 22 F-16 Block 10/15 airframes, while Belgium has pledged to deliver 30 F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv.

The US will equip at least a dozen F-16 fighter jets with modern missiles and other advanced weaponry before transferring them to Ukraine. These F-16 fighters will be capable of deploying a wide range of bombs and missiles, making them suitable for various mission profiles in Ukraine. However, the success of these missions will depend on the training received by the pilots. Initially, the role of the fighters may be limited to defending Kyiv and other large Ukrainian cities from Russia’s cruise missiles, such as the Kalibr and the Kh-22, as well as the Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drones.

The storage and safe operation of the F-16 fighters is also being challenged, with the Russian Air Force intensifying bombing raids on Ukrainian air bases. In an interview with RFE/RL, Ukrainian Air Force Chief of Aviation, General Serhiy Holubtsov, explained that some fighters will remain abroad. “There are a certain number of aircraft that will be stored at secure air bases, outside of Ukraine, so that they are not targeted here,” Holubtsov said. “This will be our reserve in case of need for replacement of faulty planes during routine maintenance.” The Ukrainian Air Force also deploys decoy aircraft at its bases to divert fire away from its actual aircraft and help deplete Russian missiles.

July system outage chaos cost airline $500M says Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastia

The CEO of Delta Air Lines, Ed Bastian, claims that the system outage last month that crippled businesses around the world cost the carrier $500 million.  On 31 July, Bastian told CNBC’s ‘Squawk Box’ that Delta Air Lines had ‘no choice’ other than to seek damages in wake of the chaos that ensued.

The half a billion-dollar figure is not only based on lost revenue but also ‘tens of millions of dollars per day in compensation and hotels’ in the following days. “We have to protect our shareholders. We have to protect our customers, our employees, for the damage, not just to the cost of it, but to the brand, the reputational damage,” Bastian said.

On 29 July 2024, it was reported that Delta hired the services of prominent US lawyer David Boies to seek damages from cyber-security firm CrowdStrike and Microsoft, although it is understood that no lawsuit has been filed yet. Companies and airlines were left struggling to function on 19 July 2024, after a software update by CrowdStrike caused Microsoft Windows to crash.  Delta appeared to suffer more heavily than any other airline in the United States (US) and was forced to cancel more than 5,000 flights as a result of the outage.  According to CNBC, Delta’s systems that designate flight crews to aircraft could not keep up with the changes and caused additional problems for the airline. Ryanair, Vueling Airlines, IndiGo, Ajet, SpiceJet, Air India Express, Transavia France, Turkish Airlines and Akasa Air confirmed that they were also affected by the outage.

United States DOT serves notice to airlines on passengers’ rights

On 31 July Secretary of the US Department of Transportation (DOT) Pete Buttigieg sent a letter to the heads of the 10 largest airlines in the US reminding them of their obligations to make cash refunds to passengers. The letter went out on the heels of a court ruling that afforded airlines at least a temporary respite from what the airline lobby called ‘irreparable harm’[ from another DOT mandate to airlines to clarify passenger information on ticket surcharges for baggage and schedule changes, so called ‘junk fees’ that have become a target of the Biden administration. Buttigieg responded to the airlines’ legal action: “The airline industry lobby is trying to tie this up with lawsuits, but we will not back down from protecting passengers. Airlines are simply wrong to argue that merely having to disclose their fees would ‘irreparably harm’ them. This is common sense,” he said.

On the issue of airlines’ obligations on refunds, Buttigieg wrote in the letter: “As we emerge from the air travel disruptions caused by the global technology outage earlier this month and the busy summer travel season continues, I want to ensure there is clarity and a shared understanding when it comes to the rights of air travellers and the obligations of US and foreign airlines. The operational challenges of this month have served as a reminder of the importance of passenger protections, which now include a legal requirement to clearly and proactively inform customers about their right to a refund and provide prompt cash refunds when consumers do not opt to accept travel alternatives following a cancellation or major delay.”

A US DOT press release summarised the department’s expectations that airlines ‘clearly and proactively’ inform passengers of their right to a refund when a flight is cancelled or significantly changed. In addition, cash refunds, rather than vouchers or credits, must be dispensed automatically. Airlines are required to ‘make it easy’ for passengers to rebook at no charge and receive meals, hotel accommodations and / or transportation to / from hotels during ‘controllable disruptions.’ Finally, if a passenger decides to accept a voucher or credit, that credit must remain in effect for at least five years.

New report projects aviation insurance premiums will reach 20-year high

A new report from insurance provider Allianz Commercial says gross written insurance premiums for the aviation sector are projected to reach a 20-year high of more than $8 billion in 2024. According to the insurance provider, airlines will contribute approximately 35% of the premiums, while general aviation is expected to account for 47%. Allianz says the surge in premiums comes as 2024 air traffic is anticipated to reach a record high, growing by 10.4% year over year, predominantly driven by the Asia-Pacific and North American regions.

The report highlights that most of the value in aviation insurance claims comes from collisions, crashes and issues with defective products, which together account for 85% of total claims. Contributing factors to rising premiums include an increase in aircraft repair costs due to higher labour rates, increased prices for aircraft parts and inflation. The report also mentions that the transition to next-generation aircraft continues to impact claims especially with engine disassembly and repair costs. In addition, a growing shortage of aircraft mechanics and less experienced technicians could influence future claims, potentially leading to higher repair costs and increased risk, according to Allianz.

Stuck Boeing Starliner completes thruster testing on orbit

A Boeing spacecraft responsible for returning two NASA astronauts to Earth has contended with an array of issues that have extended its stay on the International Space Station from eight days to nearly two months. Over the weekend, though, engineers conducted a test that could be critical in bringing home NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner, a semi-re-usable spacecraft under a multibillion-dollar contract with NASA for Commercial Crew rotation missions to the ISS underwent a hot fire test on Saturday intended to evaluate the capsule’s reaction control system (RCS) thrusters. The vessel is in the midst of its crewed flight test (CFT), which is intended to be its final mission before NASA certifies it for service.

On its way to the orbital laboratory, five of Starliner’s RCS thrusters failed to perform as expected which, coupled with a series of helium leaks, has led NASA and Boeing to keep the spacecraft at the ISS for further testing both on the ground and in orbit. The issues are traced to the spacecraft’s service module, which, unlike the semi re-usable crew module, will be jettisoned and lost at the end of the mission.

Starliner had already undergone one on-orbit hot fire test in June. According to Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew programme, all thrusters, except for one which has been shut down, performed at 80 to 100 percent during that test. Stich in July said the space agency continues to hold that assessment. However, it appears the test was not satisfactory for NASA and Boeing, which last month began hot fire ground testing at White Sands Test Facility Test Facility in New Mexico. The campaign is using an identical thruster to recreate the cadence of Starliner’s thrusters during its docking with the ISS, which engineers believe is the manoeuvre that caused the issue.

As part of those evaluations, officials suggested there could be a second hot fire test of Starliner on orbit, which came to fruition Saturday. With Wilmore and Williams inside the spacecraft, teams fired 27 of the service module’s 28 RCS thrusters one at a time. The test showed that all thrusters are back to preflight levels, firing at 97 to 102 percent of peak thrust according to Boeing. In addition, engineers confirmed that helium leak rates remain stable and that the spacecraft has more than enough fuel for its return trip.

Boeing predicted that a flight test readiness review will take place by the end of this week, following which teams will select a return date. Wilmore and Williams will also participate in two undocking simulations during the week in preparation for their homecoming. In July the astronauts gave their first Earth-to-orbit update since arriving at the ISS, saying they are in good spirits and have been in contact with their families.

NASA gears up for 21st ISS resupply mission

Scheduled to take-off this weekend, ANASA mission to deliver a wide variety of cargo to be used in experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS), including microorganisms, stem cell-printing machines and even balloons. The mission, Cygnus NG-21, is the space agency’s 21st commercial ISS resupply mission using the uncrewed Cygnus capsule built by contractor Northrop Grumman, which took over the spacecraft’s development after acquiring manufacturer Orbital ATK in 2018. Cygnus spacecraft have completed nine missions under the company’s Commercial Resupply Services Phase Two (CRS-2) contract with NASA and are scheduled for missions through 2026 after the agreement was extended in 2022. The total value of the CRS-2 contracts, which were also awarded to SpaceX and Sierra Space, is capped at $14 billion.

Cygnus’ 21st flight is targeted to launch at 11h28 EDT on Saturday from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The spacecraft is called the S.S. Richard ‘Dick’ Scobee in honour of the astronaut who died while commanding the Space Shuttle Challenger. Cygnus will arrive at the orbital laboratory on Monday, where NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick will use the ISS’ robotic arm to capture it with NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps serving as backup.

Carrying more than 8,200 pounds of supplies, the uncrewed spacecraft will launch atop SpaceX’s reusable Falcon 9 rocket for the second time after Northrop Grumman’s supply of Antares rockets, which rely on parts from Russia and Ukraine, was exhausted. After docking to the ISS for six months, in January the expendable capsule will depart the space station and burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.

NASA will host a prelaunch media session on Friday followed by launch coverage on Saturday and arrival coverage on Monday, all of which will be on the agency’s website, app and YouTube channel. The Cygnus capsule will carry research materials that will directly support experiments under NASA’s ISS Expeditions 71 and 72.

For example, one test will use a penny, hex nut and balloons to demonstrate centripetal force in microgravity. Researchers will also use special machines to produce human tissue and stem cells, test the effects of spaceflight on DNA and study the movement of gas and liquid through a filter in zero gravity. In total, the spacecraft will carry nearly 2,800 pounds worth of materials for scientific investigations, as well as 95 pounds worth of spacewalk equipment and two CubeSat satellites to be deployed from the ISS. According to Northrop Grumman, to date Cygnus spacecraft have delivered more than 138,000 pounds of equipment, science experiments and supplies to the space station.

AutoFlight’s eVTOL aircraft completes cross-Yangtze River flight

On 1 August AutoFlight’s two-tonne eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft completed its inaugural cross-Yangtze River flight. The journey began at the Nanjing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) base in Pukou District, Nanjing, where the aircraft took off, flew over the Yangtze River, circled along the river and then returned to the base. The flight covered a distance of 25 kilometres and took ten minutes. This flight marked the first cross-Yangtze River journey by an eVTOL weighing over one tonne, offering a glimpse into the future of low-altitude travel and cultural tourism in the historic city of Nanjing.

As a key transportation hub on the Yangtze River, Nanjing is one of China’s major economic centres. Despite several bridges spanning the Yangtze River, the natural barrier still affects some cross-river travel. For instance, the 5.5 km straight-line distance between Nanjing UAV Base and Yuzui Wetland Park requires a 20 km drive that takes 25 minutes. However, an eVTOL aircraft can cover this distance in just five minutes, cutting travel time by 80%.

Nanjing, an ancient capital of the Six Dynasties, is known for its scenic spots but also its traffic congestion. During holidays, traffic delays around popular attractions can make travel ten-times slower than normal. The introduction of eVTOL aircraft offers a solution, easing road congestion while providing tourists with aerial views of the historic city, enhancing both convenience and the sightseeing experience. Despite the presence of 29 central cities along the Yangtze River, many areas remain hard to reach. eVTOL cross-river flights provide an efficient and convenient travel solution, transforming the Yangtze from a natural barrier into a thoroughfare.

AutoFlight’s Prosperity is equipped with a pure electric propulsion system, has a maximum take-off weight of 2,200 kg and features a five-seat cabin design. Its ‘lift and cruise’ wing configuration allows for vertical take-off, similar to a multi-rotor aircraft or helicopter. Once in-flight mode, it transitions to fixed-wing flight for horizontal cruising. With its versatility in take-off and landing, efficiency, convenience and environmental safety, it stands as an ideal choice for air-taxis. The eVTOL aircraft will be utilised for point-to-point air travel within cities and intercity areas, with the objective being to ultimately offer pricing similar to ground-based car services.

Scottish Islands to trial drone deliveries with Speedbird Aero’s DLV-2 UAS

Speedbird Aero is pleased to have had our DLV-2 multi-role UAS aircraft selected for new trial connecting Isle of Islay and the Isle of Jura in Scotland. The new drone trial is led by the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), in collaboration with Skyports Drone Services, Argyll and Bute Council and Royal Mail. The Speedbird DLV2 aircraft was chosen as it offers superior payload capacity and advanced technology to optimise air logistics. With its cutting-edge technology, the Speedbird DLV2 is expected to revolutionise the delivery landscape, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas. The success of this trial could mark a significant milestone in the evolution of logistics and transportation, showcasing the incredible possibilities that modern technology holds for the future.

Canada advances drone traffic management with phase 2 trials

A consortium led by AeroVision Canada, Inc., along with principal partners ANRA Technologies and ClearSky Connect, has been selected by Transport Canada, the Canadian aviation authority and NAV CANADA (the Canadian air navigation service provider) to deliver a Phase 2 trial of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Traffic Management (RTM). The first phase of RTM trials concluded in 2022 and provided many observations to advance RTM in Canada and inform the aims of future RTM activities. This Phase 2 effort will further refine and evaluate the requirements for RTM services for future commercial operations in a suburban environment.

AeroVision is the project lead and RPAS service provider that will conduct trial operations in the Halifax area with a combination of use cases, including RPAS package delivery while using RTM services. “We assembled a team that will provide technologies to advance the development of performance and safety assurance requirements identified in the Transport Canada and NAV CANADA Concept of Operations,” said Trevor Bergman, CEO of AeroVision Canada. “Our team will deliver services that are key to establishing an RTM system for Canada, starting in the Halifax region and has the support of local government.”

This trial aims to prove theoretical concepts for developing an RTM system and provide Transport Canada with the resulting data to inform the performance level requirements for RTM service provisions. “As advancements in drone technology continue to redefine aviation, air traffic management must also evolve for the safe and successful integration of RPAS into Canadian airspace,” said Ryan Coates, Executive Director of the RPAS Task Force at Transport Canada. “Continued collaboration between industry, the ANSP and government will help us understand the capabilities and limitations of state-of-the-art technologies and provide vital information for developing sound safety rules and regulations.”

“The second phase of trials will offer crucial experiential learning for the development of the Canadian RPAS Traffic Management system, enhancing the safe integration of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems,” said Alan Chapman, co-chair of the Trials Executive Steering Committee (TESC) and Director of RPAS Traffic Management at NAV CANADA. “Integrating third-party services and capabilities with NAV CANADA’s centralised services, will ensure airspace safety while collaboratively advancing new use cases, including those that require Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.”

ANRA Technologies will be the lead RTM Service Provider (RTSP), leveraging its international experience and ability to integrate its traffic management system with its Flight Information Management Service (rFIMS) for a complete, end-to-end RTM system. “ANRA was there at the beginning when RPAS traffic management research started in 2015. We are finally seeing the first indications of a move towards commercialisation,” said Amit Ganjoo, Founder and CEO of ANRA. “We are proud to be selected as a consortium partner supporting Transport Canada’s and NAV CANADA’s pursuit of RTM.”

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