Aviation is getting even more futuristic, with VR (Virtual Reality) making its way into ground service training. The pioneering use of the technology by Baltic Ground Services Group in Lithuania will help to bridge the gap between theory and field practice. With hyper-realistic graphics and sound effects, the program will help to speed up training and improve the quality.

HondaJet Delivery in Hawaii

Our friends at Honda Aircraft have made their first HondaJet delivery to Hawaii. The two aircrafts, bought by Wing Spirit, will be used to service inter-island charters for the 1.4 million residents and 10 million visitors to the beautiful islands. Company COO and VP Sal Miwa highlighted the aircrafts performance and comfort as a key reason for the choice.

Boeing 737 Max Grounding Continue to October

The grounding of 737 Max’s across the world is expected to continue until October this year. The delay has been further compounded by an additional chip failure discovered during the recertification process. Boeing hopes to remedy the issues – software updates according to them – by September for recertification by the FAA. Boeing have also pledged $100 million to supporting families and communities affected by the 2 fatal crashes 737 Max crashes.

This Weeks Why Fly Private

Airlines including British Airways and Virgin are being called out for their ‘no-show’ fees when passengers miss the first leg of their journey. In many cases, the return leg of a journey is also cancelled, leaving passengers to pay up to 3,000 Euros for an additional flight. Consumer watchdog Which? and the CAA is calling for changes to clauses by airlines.

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Knockout Name

Louisville Airport, Kentucky has a new name, commemorating it’s most famous resident – Muhammad Ali. Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport was unveiled with a new logo on June 6th by Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and Lonnie Ali, wife of Muhammad Ali. With 3.9 million passengers traveling through the airport each year, it’s a great way to continue the legacy of the heavyweight champion and humanitarian.

Boeing takes to the seas

We’re used to seeing Boeings crossing the skies, but if you’re traveling to Bahrain get ready to see something new – a 70 meter long Boeing 747 sunk in the Persian Gulf. The jet, part of an underwater theme park stretching 100,000 meters off the Bahraini coast is set to open this August. Divers can expect a unique site including art sculptures, with the reef expected to mature over the years. The aircraft has been stripped of all potential pollutants, including wiring and glues to create an inviting and long-lasting environment for marine life.

New Aeronautics Merger

United Technologies and Raytheon have agreed a merger that will see a $74 billion powerhouse that will bring together aircraft engines, parts, avionics, interiors, missiles and cyber technology. The union will aim to reduce Research and Development costs, develop cyber protection for connected aircraft and artificial intelligence for commercial travel. The new company will be known as Raytheon Technologies Corporation.

Vista Global Holdings Expands

Vista Global Holdings (VGH), group owner of VistaJet, Vista Lease, XOJET’s and now Jetsmarter has completed its acquisition of the per-seat charter broker and app. The merger aims to bring the Jetsmarter technology to all aspects of Vista companies. The deal, first announced in April and now passed by competition watchdogs is set to widen Vista’s access to an estimated $11 billion on-demand private charter market.

Big Data in Aviation

The Internet of Things has shaped the consumer world and now it’s starting to influence businesses, including aviation. Described as the ‘Industrial Internet of Things’, the idea is based on the power of smart machines collecting real time data and analytics to help improve inefficiencies in a business. With the help of Honeywell, Cathay Pacific reduced delays and cancellations by 30%. Collecting data from 1.6m flight records and 13,000 APU reports, they were able to create a predictive model that forecast parts failing up to 3 days before failure.

This week’s Why Fly Private

Another reason to travel private – this week a flight leaving Manchester Airport in the UK was delayed by 8 hours when a passenger mistook the emergency door for the toilet door, triggering the emergency evacuation slide. The Pakistan International Airways flight arrived in Islamabad seven hours late and caused further delays to other flights leaving Manchester Airport.

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