16 May 2022

North American Aviation Industry Newsletter 16 May

Ameriflight Expands Fleet with Fifteen Saab 340B Aircraft from Jetstream Ameriflight and Jetstream Aviation Capital have partnered on the lease and delivery of 15 Saab 340B(F) cargo aircraft for the nation’s largest Part 135 Cargo airline. The addition represents another step forward in a multifaceted corporate strategy shift for Ameriflight. The first aircraft are intended to join the Ameriflight operation in the fourth quarter of this year. This latest fleet type will be used to support unprecedented demand for the company’s services, including Ameriflight’s expedited supply chain services, dedicated operations, and regional feeder service for the world’s largest overnight express carriers. Chris Avery to join WestJet as Vice-President, Commercial Strategy WestJet announced the appointment of Chris Avery, as Vice-President, Commercial Strategy. Avery, a former WestJetter, will join WestJet's senior leadership team effective immediately. Avery returns to WestJet following five years with Canadian North where he served as President and CEO from 2018 to 2022 and as Vice-President, Customer and Commercial from 2017 to 2018. WestJet Executive Vice-President, Commercial John Weatherill said “Chris' knowledge and experience will be critical as we continue to drive growth and accelerate recovery. We are thrilled to welcome Chris back to the WestJet team as travel demand ramps up and we focus on our long-term commercial strategy.” Pratt & Whitney Signs Extension Agreement with Delta TechOps for Maintenance Services Pratt & Whitney has signed an agreement with Delta TechOps (DTO) for maintenance services under which DTO will provide additional offload support for Pratt & Whitney mature commercial engines, including the PW2000 and the PW4000-94” engines. REGENT Announces a Strategic Investment from Hawaiian Airlines REGENT announced that Hawaiian Airlines has agreed to strategically invest in the company to support the initial design of its next generation 100-person capacity all-electric sea glider known as the Monarch. With this investment, Hawaiian Airlines becomes REGENT’s first U.S.-based design partner for the Monarch, which is slated for entry into commercial service by 2028. Hawaiian Airlines Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Avi Mannis stated “Innovative interisland transportation has been core to our business since 1929 when we replaced steam ships with airplanes. We are excited to be an early investor in REGENT and to be involved in developing their largest seaglider – a vehicle with great potential for Hawaiʻi'. We look forward to working with REGENT to explore the technology and infrastructure needed to fulfill our vision for convenient, comfortable and environmentally sustainable interisland transportation.” Texel Air Orders Two more 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters Boeing and Bahrain-based cargo operator Texel Air, a subsidiary of Chisholm Enterprises, signed an agreement to order two more 737- 800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF). Texel Air had previously ordered two 737-800BCF, and took re-delivery of the first in January 2022, becoming the first operator in the Middle East region to include the 737-800BCF in its fleet. The carrier is due to receive its second 737-800BCF later this year. The additional order will bring Texel Air’s 737-800BCF fleet to four airplanes once the completed freighters are re- delivered. Textron Aviation Celebrates First Delivery Of The New Cessna SkyCourier To Launch Customer Fedex Express Textron Aviation announced the first delivery of the Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop to FedEx Express. This is the first of 50 freighter aircraft that global logistics firm FedEx Express ordered as the Cessna SkyCourier’s launch customer. The clean-sheet aircraft achieved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification in March 2022. Textron Aviation CEO Ron Draper stated “FedEx took delivery of its first Cessna in the mid-1980s and the two companies have had a collaborative relationship over the four decades since. We’re thrilled to deliver this aircraft that will help FedEx serve its customers more efficiently as it is designed with the option to carry industry-standard prepacked cargo containers. We believe many other air freight, passenger and special mission operators also will benefit from the winning combination of low operating costs and unparalleled lift capacity that the new Cessna SkyCourier brings to the market.” Acumen Aviation © 16 May 2022  All Rights Reserved.