Source: TSA TSA screened a record number of travelers this summer Firearm detections slightly down from same period last year  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted 5,028 firearms at airport security checkpoints during the first nine months of 2024. This total represents an average of 18.3 firearms detected per day at TSA checkpoints, more than 93% of which were loaded. Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) screened more than 678 million passengers through the first three quarters of 2024, which comprised record-setting summer travel volumes, compared to more than 638 million passengers in the same period of 2023, an increase of nearly 6.3%. The rate of firearms discoveries at TSA checkpoints during the most recent quarter (July – September) was 7.5 firearms [...]

Source: ICAO In a crucial step towards achieving the aviation sector's goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) have signed a landmark agreement to boost financing opportunities for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and other cleaner aviation energy projects. The Memorandum of Cooperation signed by ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar and IRENA Director General Francesco La Camera at the G20 Energy Ministerial meeting in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, will allow the exploration of pathways to operationalize the ICAO Finvest Hub by facilitating the identification of financial resources for scaling up SAF, Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF), and other cleaner energy solutions. "The aviation clean energy transition is [...]

Source: FAA The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has signed agreements with Tulsa Community College and the University of Oklahoma to become the first two schools for the Enhanced Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI). This new program will provide the same thorough curriculum and advanced technology offered at the FAA Air Traffic Controller Academy at Oklahoma City. These programs will increase the controller training pipeline and ensure graduates have the necessary skills to begin immediate facility training. “The FAA is working to hire and train more air traffic controllers, in order to reverse the decades-long decline in our workforce and ensure the safety of the flying public. The Enhanced AT-CTI program is an important part of that effort,” said FAA [...]

Source: IATA The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for August 2024 global air cargo markets showing continued strong annual growth in demand. Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), rose by 11.4% compared to August 2023 levels (12.4% for international operations). This is the ninth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth, with overall levels reaching heights not seen since the record peaks of 2021. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), increased by 6.2% compared to August 2023 (8.2% for international operations). This was largely related to the growth in international belly capacity, which rose 10.9% on the strength of passenger markets. Industry-wide capacity has reached an all-time high. “We continue to see very good news in air [...]

Source: IATA The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for August 2024 global passenger demand with the following highlights: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 8.6% compared to August 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 6.5% year-on-year. The August load factor was 86.2% (+1.6ppt compared to August 2023), a new record high. International demand rose 10.6% compared to August 2023. Capacity was up 10.1% year-on-year and the load factor rose to 85.7% (+0.4ppt compared to August 2023). Domestic demandrose 5.6% compared to August 2023. Capacity was up 1.2% year-on-year and the load factor was 86.9% (+3.6ppt compared to August 2023). “The market for air travel is hot and airlines are [...]

Source: IATA The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the IATA Security Management System (SeMS) Certification Program to strengthen aviation security. The SeMS Certification Program is open to airlines, airports, cargo handling facilities, freight forwarders, ground handling service providers, and security service providers. “SeMS is key to transforming global aviation security from a compliance mentality to one that is proactive in identifying and mitigating security risks and driving continuous improvements. This is vital for a much-needed modernization of aviation security built on dynamic, risk-based, and outcome-focused solutions. This is a major transition that must involve the entire sector. For that reason, the SeMS Certification is an independent assessment that will be available industry-wide, offering support and recognition to organizations [...]