Airbus A320 series return for LCY
Aviation Club dates
BBGA Annual Conference
British airport statistics
Britten-Norman orders
Bulgaria and Romania in Schengen
Concorde goes supersonic (followed by Boom)
Digital passports
Farnborough International Space Show
Israel flights
London Thames tunnel to finally open
Lotus news
Lumo to expand?
No stopping at Ashford
Riyadh Air delay
Ryanair London expansion
Stansted in 2025
UK Passport Control
Wi-fi for turboprop airlines
Wizz Air woes
Airbus A320 series return for LCY
London City Airport (LCY) could welcome back the Airbus A320 series. The airport has applied to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for the operation of the latest A320neo suitably modified. LCY says it has a capacity of up to 180 passengers.
The application is specifically asking the CAA to approve a new flight procedure (RNP AR) which would alter the approach angle for this aircraft at each runway end. The current approach angle limits the type of aircraft that use the airport.
The New York A318 service was withdrawn at the start of the pandemic in 2020. www.btnews.co.uk/article/5361 This link dates from 2012.
www.londoncityairport.com
Aviation Club dates
The London-based Aviation Club UK (TNU’s Editor-in-Chief was a founder member in 1990) has published a provisional diary for 2025.
Wednesday 19 February: RAC, Pall Mall
Anko van der Werff, CEO, SAS
Wednesday 30 April: Royal Over-Seas League, St James's. This is also the Club AGM
Turkka Kuusisto, CEO, Finnair
Wednesday 25 or Thursday 26 June: Royal Over-Seas League, St James’s
Club lunch
Wednesday 17 or Thursday 18 September: QE2 Conference Centre
Club lunch
Wednesday 5 or Thursday 6 November: Royal Over-Seas League, St James's
Club lunch
Wednesday 10 December: Club Christmas lunch
Dina Ben Tal Ganancia, CEO, El Al
The Young Aviation Professionals’ (YAP) reception dates can be found on the Club website with the first event on Wednesday 19 February from 18:00-20:00 at the Cannon Street offices of CMS.
www.aviationclub.org.uk
BBGA Annual Conference
The British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA) Annual Conference and AGM will take place Tuesday 11 March. No London venue has been given "for security reasons". A special motivational speaker will be Roger Black MBE, the former British Olympian.
BBGA is headed by Chairman, Aoife O' Sullivan, a specialised aviation lawyer, with CEO Marc Bailey, who has led the organisation since 2010. It represents about 180 companies, including airports, corporate flight departments and aeroplane manufacturers.
The full outline agenda is now available. Drones will again be a topic as will be a subject entitled Science and NetZero.
It is of course subject to change but here is a link to the agenda.
www.eventleaf.com/e/BBGA-Conference-25#ss
https://bbga.aero
British airport statistics
The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) publishes around the 17/18 of each month the actual number of passengers transiting British airports, backdated six weeks, ie December 2024 will be seen in mid-February. Whilst some airports are quick to publish their figures soon into the month, Heathrow and the MAG Group (East Midlands, Manchester and Stansted), are fast out of the blocks, others somewhat more reluctant.
The November 2024 stats gave an overall growth of 8% over November 2023 with 20.22m passengers in total. This compares with 19.96m for November 2019. The March TNU will give the full numbers for 2024. The numbers will no doubt be spoken about at the Airports UK annual dinner, once again at the Grosvenor House on 18 March.
CAA statistics November 2024
CAA statistics November 2019
Britten-Norman orders
Now again based at its original Isle of Wight home Britten-Norman has announced orders for four new BN2B-26 Islander aircraft for the Falklands Island Government.
Also confirmed is a commitment for 15 aircraft for Evia Air, a German company that is focussing on sustainable aviation, with planned deliveries from the beginning of 2027. These will subsequently be converted to zero-emissions platforms powered by hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion systems. In addition to the aircraft purchase, the collaboration includes the redesigning of the Islander’s interior for a next-generation passenger experience. The new interiors will combine increased passenger comfort and functionality, as well as ensuring compatibility with sustainable aviation technologies.
www.evia-aero.com/en/company
Bulgaria and Romania in Schengen
Starting from 1 January 2025, Romania and Bulgaria have officially become the newest members of the Schengen Zone, bringing the total number of the European Union’s (EU) borderless area countries to 29. They are already members of the single market zone.
It is now possible to drive from Romania to the French coast without passing through any border controls. In line with the agreement, land border controls between Hungary and Romania, and between Romania and Bulgaria, will also be kept in place for at least six months to address threats to public order and security. Bulgaria has no access to any country with borders to other EU partners.
It follows the approval of the EU ministers to permit full membership of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Zone from the beginning of 2025, confirmed at the meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council that took place on 12 December 2024.
https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/bulgaria-and-romania-join-schengen-area-2025-01-03_en
Concorde goes supersonic (followed by Boom)
On 1 October 1969, Concorde 001 broke through the sound barrier for the first time. In its service life it could carry 100 passengers.
The airliner cruised at 36,000ft, approximately 75 miles, and then reached Mach 1.05 (805mph) for nine minutes before slowing back to its subsonic speed.
A little over a year later, the aircraft flew twice the speed of sound, at Mach 2 (1,350mph) in November 1970. It had been upgraded with Olympus 593B engines, to allow it to fly at Mach 2 for longer distances.
Now 54 years later the US Boom prototype has followed, on Tuesday 28 January, Mach 1.10 from the Mojave Air and Space Port (MHV). The former (and last) Concorde fleet Captain Mike Bannister supplied commentary.
Due to be airline introduced by the end of the decade the Boom Overture will accommodate 64 to 80 passengers at Mach 1.7 for up to 4,890 miles, putting Miami well within range.
https://boomsupersonic.com
Digital passports
The UK Government plans to introduce a digital passport available on smartphones by 2027, paving the way for it to be accepted for international travel.
However, it is a two-way exercise as the destination country will also be required to accept the iPhone wallet.
Finland was the first country to digitise its passport. Finns are able to use their smartphones for travel to the UK as part of a pilot programme.
The digital wallet will be launched with the driving licence and a veteran’s card, but is planned as a hub for all government credentials including birth certificate, national insurance number, power of attorney, marriage and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificates and rights to work or rent.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-blueprint-for-modern-digital-government/a-blueprint-for-modern-digital-government-html
Farnborough International Space Show
This year is not what the aviation industry calls a Farnborough Year (The Farnborough International Air Show alternates with Paris which this year is 16-22 June). However, come 19-20 March the Hampshire airfield will host the Farnborough International Space Show, a new, annual UK space industry event to pioneer the commercial space age.
Taking place at the site’s International Exhibition and Conference Centre, the event will connect the global space community across industry, defence, government and academia.
Already confirmed exhibitors for the 2025 event include international leaders Babcock, Cornwall Space Cluster, Global Spaceport Alliance, International Supply Chain Management, KIPSE, Magdrive, Rayfast, Rolls-Royce, Space South Central, and many more.
www.farnboroughinternational.org
Israel flights
EasyJet, until the terrorists attack on 7 October 2023, was a major player in the Israel market. There are plans from 1 June to resume services up to 38 times a week with eight flights a week to and from Luton, six per week for Amsterdam, Geneva and Milan, and four for Basel, Berlin and Nice.
British Airways has scheduled a daily flight from Heathrow to Tel Aviv beginning on 5 April with an Airbus A32neo. El Al has throughout the crisis operated from both Heathrow and Luton and other European destinations.
Arkia Israeli Airlines is set to launch a new service between Tel Aviv and New York in February, aiming to challenge the Israeli national airline dominance on the route amid confusion of the return concerning by US carriers.
www.iaa.gov.il/en
London Thames tunnel to finally open
First announced in 2012, the Silvertown Tunnel opens on 7 April. Just under one mile long it links Newham to the Greenwich Peninsula. It becomes the only road in central London to become chargeable at £4 peak hours and £1.50 at other times. It is claimed to make journeys faster and more reliable, with average journey time savings expected to be up to 20 minutes at peak hours.
The tunnel is also located in the Ultra Low Emission Zone. Transport for London (TfL) says it is offering from six to 21 buses an hour in each direction during the busiest times. The buses will be zero emission at the tailpipe.
Beneficiaries include the Mayor, with City Hall near the northern entrance, and road users of London City Airport.
https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/improvements-and-projects/silvertown-tunnel
Lotus news
The Classic Team Lotus annual garden party at Colin Chapman’s East Carleton Manor estate has now been set for the weekend 14-15 June. If you fancy going get in quick. It will be a sellout.
Sited in the old Team Lotus workshop, and opposite the present Lotus Cars plant, “Classic” is very much worthwhile a visit, but booking is essential. www.travelnewsupdate.co.uk/article/759
At the time of writing the Lotus 99T driven to victory by Ayrton Senna in Monaco and Detroit in 1987 is on display at the Lotus Mayfair showroom on Piccadilly.
The old Jewson site in Hornsey, North London, where the original Lotus factory and showroom was established, is being redeveloped by Fifth State, a community-focused environmental undertaking. Very much involved is Chris Arnold, son of former Lotus Sales Director Graham, who started Club Lotus. Chris is the founder of the Crouch End Festival and a local church councillor.
https://thelotusbuilding.com
www.classicteamlotus.co.uk
Lumo to expand?
Launched in 2021, Lumo, plans to add Paddington train services to its now well-established Edinburgh, East Coast Kings Cross operation.
Owner First Group asked regulator Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for permission to offer a number of services including Paddington to Carmarthen and also Painton. From Kings Cross, Glasgow, Rochdale and Sheffield have been requested.
In a far-ranging statement First Rail has published a report setting out the bright future for open access train operators in the UK and showing how these innovative companies are essential for a better railway.
www.firstgroupplc.com/news-and-media/latest-news/2025/20012025.aspx
No stopping at Ashford
Eurostar will not be stopping at Ebbsfleet or Ashford in 2025, with the decision to be reviewed in 2026. The trains, which run on the High Speed 1 (HS1) track, also stopped at Ashford and Calais pre-Covid. HS1 Ltd is now headed by Robert Sinclair, the former Chief Executive of London City Airport,
Even the intervention of the Prime Minister has not helped with the reopening of the stations for the 180mph train, entirely foreign owned with France’s SNCF the major shareholder. As stated in Parliament Sir Keith Starmer has no authority to change the status.
Eurostar says it is closely monitoring the position but is adamant that nothing will change its mind although it will review its position for 2026.
www.eurostar.com
Riyadh Air delay
The new Saudia long-haul airline, Riyadh Air, is unlikely to be seen at Heathrow, slot permitting, until probably the start of the winter airline season, starting Sunday 26 October. Delay with delivery of Boeing 787 Dreamliners is cited as the problem. The airline has 72 on order.
A single plane has been completed in the carrier’s new paint scheme. This is doing the rounds of airshows and being used for promotional events. Also arrived is what is termed “a technical spare aircraft” for training purposes, again with the airline’s distinctive exterior design.
And for readers who are confused Riyadh Air is based in the city of that name, the capital of Saudi Arabia, whilst Saudia Airlines headquarters are at Jeddah, the commercial centre of the country.
www.riyadhair.com
www.saudia.com
Ryanair London expansion
Michael O’Leary, Group Chief Executive, Ryanair, chose the day (29 January) that Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed plans for a new runway at Heathrow to announce expansion at Stansted.
Ryanair Stansted programme for 2025 will include seven new routes: To Bodrum, Clermont-Ferrand, Dalman, Münster, Lübeck, Linz and Reggio Calabria, as well as extra frequencies on 30 other London schedules to Gdansk, Ibiza, Malaga, Milan, Rome, Turin and Valencia, making for 206 destinations.
O’Leary used the announcement to attack the new Labour Government noting that while “claiming” to champion growth, the regime has bizarrely increased Air Passenger Duty (APD) on short-haul flights by £2 per passenger from 2026, which damages growth and makes the UK uncompetitive.
www.ryanair.com
Stansted in 2025
In 2024 Stansted saw a record 29.76 passenger throughput and has new airlines and new routes for 2025.
Following its return to the airport last year with flights to Florence, Ibiza and Nice, British Airways, in the form of CityFlyer with its Embraer 190 regional jets, is launching a new service to Bergerac (France) in June.
A new airline for Stansted, Transavia will debut with a route to Rotterdam, (Netherlands), in April.
Building on its success with new services last summer, Turkish carrier SunExpress will introduce a route to Kayseri (Turkey), in July.
Stansted’s second-largest carrier, Jet2, will launch flights to Pula (Croatia) and Bergen (Norway), in May.
www.stanstedairport.com
UK Passport Control
Travellers from 48 non-European countries (those who previously did not require a visa for short-stay visits) – including the USA, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore – now need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving in the UK.
The requirement has also been extended to travellers from European countries from 2 April, with applications for these travellers open from 5 March.
The ETA scheme forces most people visiting the United Kingdom who do not require a visa to apply for entry permission in advance of travel.
Airside only transit passengers at Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester airports no longer need to carry a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). It is good news for long-haul international airlines, plus British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
The Government is not prepared to see any loss of income, however. The ETA fee for arrivals is being hiked from £10 to £16 per person, adding £64 to the cost of a UK visit for a family of four. Even babies have to receive an ETA.
www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
Wi-fi for turboprop airlines
Does your commuter airline offer wi-fi? The Starlink high-speed internet connectivity is coming your way if it operates an ATR.
After successful flights carried out on ATR 72-600 test aircraft in the past months, the solution has been certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). It is now available as a retrofit option on ATR 72-500 and 72-600 for all ATR airlines through a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). Long-standing operator Air New Zealand is poised to be the launch customer, bringing internet to its domestic flights during this year.
In addition to passenger benefits, this system will also allow pilots to connect to aviation weather services, with the aim to enhance flight safety through more informed decision-making. USB sockets can also be fitted during routine maintenance and be specified for new deliveries.
www.starlink.com
Wizz Air woes
Wizz Air has been forced to ground around 40 Airbus A320neo family aircraft in its fleet through to 2026 as it struggles with Pratt & Whitney (PW) engine issues. It has signed a “commercial support agreement” with the engine manufacturer which also includes a compensation package.
Specifically, the airline cites troubles with powder metal issues on the PW1100G-JM geared turbofan (GTF) engines, which have also hit other carriers in a similar fashion.
On a more positive note, as the airline anticipates an exit from its PW woes in 2026, Wizz Air will return to growth. It hopes to take 50 new Airbus A321 neo planes and will grow its overall seat capacity by “about 20%.”
https://wizzair.com
www.prattwhitney.com
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