Source: US DOT  The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today released its Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) on airline operational data compiled for the month of May 2023 for on-time performance, mishandled baggage, and mishandled wheelchairs and scooters. The ATCR is designed to assist consumers with information on the quality of services provided by airlines. DOT remains committed to ensuring airline passengers are treated fairly and flights operate as scheduled. In May 2023, cancellations were 0.6%, which is significantly lower than the cancellation rate of 2% in May 2022. For the first five months of 2023, cancellations have stayed below 2% and are far lower than the 2.7% cancellation rate last year and in pre-pandemic 2019. DOT uses the data [...]

Source: US FAA The FAA authorized two more companies to operate drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). UPS Flight Forward with its Matternet M2 can conduct power line and pipeline inspections and uAvionix with its Rapace can use the Vantis Network to test its detect and avoid technology. On August 24 the agency authorized Phoenix Air Unmanned to operate SwissDrones SVO 50 V2 drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) for aerial work, aerial photography, survey and powerline and pipeline patrol and inspection. The FAA issued the approvals after asking for public input on four BVLOS requests. The agency is reviewing one additional request. Data collected from these operations will inform the FAA’s ongoing policy and rulemaking activities. Learn more here and here. The FAA is focused on [...]

Source: ALTA The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA), facilitated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is joining forces to strengthen civil aviation training in the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NAM/CAR) regions. In an effort to promote regional cooperation and improve air transport safety and efficiency through training, ALTA today signed a Declaration of Intent that sets the basis for a high-level technical-academic collaboration. The agreement will allow the promotion and exchange of experiences, especially for the design, planning, implementation and control of academic programs, research and innovation projects, as well as technical assistance. These initiatives will result in the standardization of competency-based training programs in a regional platform that is ALTA's Educational Hub, the [...]

Source: IATA The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the post-COVID recovery momentum continued in July for passenger markets. Total traffic in July 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 26.2% compared to July 2022. Globally, traffic is now at 95.6% of pre-COVID levels. Domestic traffic for July rose 21.5% versus July 2022 and was 8.3% above the July 2019 results. July RPKs are the highest ever recorded, strongly supported by surging demand in the China domestic market. International traffic climbed 29.6% compared to the same month a year ago with all markets showing robust growth. International RPKs reached 88.7% of July 2019 levels. The passenger load factor (PLF) for the industry reached 85.7% which is the [...]

Source: ALTA ALTA Pilot Training Connect, hosted by the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA), sets a milestone in the region supported by airlines, authorities, and educational experts The first edition of ALTA Pilot Training Connect, scheduled for September 5 and 6, 2023, lands in Panama City setting an important milestone. It is the first regional conference that will bring together experts in pilot training in Latin America and the Caribbean. An event that has confirmed its relevance with sold-out tickets and an academic agenda that promises to address the most pressing challenges faced by airlines in a fundamental pillar of air operations: training. The event is held in support of Copa Airlines, as host airline, with the [...]