Here's your weekly roundup!

Hush! Saudi Arabia's first silent airport is here!

Abha International Airport is making waves in the aviation industry by becoming the first silent airport in Saudi Arabia. This significant move aligns the airport with global best practices observed at major international hubs such as Singapore Changi, Zurich, Amsterdam, and London City.

The initiative, announced recently, marks a departure from traditional loudspeaker announcements, including boarding calls and last calls for passengers. Instead, all flight-related information will now be communicated through flight display screens and at boarding gates before passenger boarding.

By embracing this innovative approach, Abha International Airport aims to create a more serene and less noisy environment for travelers, enhancing the overall passenger experience. This transition not only reflects the airport's commitment to adopting modern and efficient practices but also sets a new standard for airports across Saudi Arabia.

IndiGo Airlines introduces business-class

IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd) (6E, Delhi International) is set to launch a business-class cabin on select routes by year-end, transitioning from its low-cost carrier model. CEO Pieter Elbers announced the decision on May 23, citing rising demand for premium travel and the corporate market's needs.

Initially, the business-class service will be available on 10 to 15 aircraft serving major metro routes, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru, as well as select international destinations like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Singapore.

This move aligns with IndiGo’s record annual net profit of INR81.73 billion (USD982.8 million) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. Elbers emphasized that this strategy aims to establish IndiGo as a global aviation player, supporting India's goal of becoming an aviation hub.

IndiGo currently operates a fleet of Airbus narrowbody aircraft across 118 airports in 23 countries, with extensive orders to expand its fleet further.

Stay tuned for more details in August!

MJets acquires stake in wings over Asia

MJets (Thailand) has acquired a minority stake in Singapore-based private jet company Wings Over Asia (WOA) for SGD17 million (USD12.6 million). This investment is driven by the rising demand for private jet travel in Southeast Asia.

MJets operates a diverse fleet and offers various aviation services. WOA, based at Singapore Seletar, provides ground handling, maintenance, and flight school services.

William Ellwood Heinecke, MJets co-founder, noted the growing demand for premium travel experiences and business activities in the region as key reasons for the investment. MJets aims to expand its network and reinforce its industry leadership.

MJets CEO Natthapatr Sibunruang emphasized the long-term growth opportunities, aiming to cover all Southeast Asian countries by 2026 and acquire new aircraft this year.

Ng Yeow Meng, WOA’s founder, welcomed MJets as an ideal partner to enhance premium services for aircraft owners and operators in Southeast Asia.

Piper M700 Fury - The Turboprop customers have been waiting for!

Piper Aircraft's new M700 Fury is the turboprop single-engine plane that customers have eagerly awaited. With a larger engine offering 100 more shaft horsepower, the M700 boosts performance while maintaining efficiency. Priced at $4.1 million, the M700 will be showcased at the EBACE 2024 static display.

I recently flew the M700 with Piper’s engineering flight test manager, Joel Glunt, at their Vero Beach, Florida headquarters. Notably, Piper just received FAA approval for flight into known icing conditions for the M700, with unpaved runway approval expected soon.

The M700's key difference from the M600 SLS is its Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-52 engine and five-blade composite Hartzell propeller. This powerful engine improves climb rates and high-altitude performance, while reducing takeoff and landing distances. The M700 also includes Garmin's PlaneSync 4G LTE cellular datalink, enhancing remote monitoring and data updates.

The M700's 700-shp PT6 engine accelerates rapidly, achieving a 32% better climb rate and a 34% quicker climb to FL250 compared to the M600. It also features a higher maximum cruise speed of 301 ktas and an extended range of 1,852 nm.

In flight, the M700 maintains the familiar Piper feel, offering smooth handling and crisp responses. The Garmin Electronic Stability & Protection (ESP) features enhance safety, while the autopilot and autothrottle streamline approach and landing procedures.

The M700 Fury delivers an impressive blend of power, efficiency, and advanced avionics, making it a standout in Piper's lineup and an attractive choice for customers seeking superior performance and comfort.

Isle of Man Post Office celebrates a century of British Aviation achievements

The Isle of Man Post Office has unveiled a new stamp collection to mark a century of remarkable achievements in British aviation. The six-piece collection features retro images celebrating key milestones, including the 60th anniversary of the Red Arrows aerobatic team.

This set also commemorates 100 years since the launch of Imperial Airways, which operated until 1939 and laid the foundation for international air travel. Maxine Cannon, the post office's general manager for stamps and coins, highlighted the stamps as a reflection of the "transformative role" aviation has played in shaping the modern world. She noted that the collection aims to inspire both aviation enthusiasts and history fans, serving as a lasting tribute to the British aircraft industry's remarkable achievements.

Other milestones featured in the collection include the 100th anniversary of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, known for its vital aerial support and defense capabilities. The stamps also honor the 75th anniversaries of the pioneering English Electric Canberra, the maritime patrol aircraft Avro Shackleton, and the world's first commercial jetliner, the De Havilland Comet.

This stamp collection not only celebrates past innovations but also aims to inspire future generations by highlighting the enduring legacy of British aviation.

Jet Aviation unveils innovation space for bespoke cabin experiences

Jet Aviation is launching an innovative test and display room, called the "Innovation Space," in Basel, Switzerland. This new facility will enable customers to experience varying sound intensities, simulating cabin noise levels to better understand the impact of different acoustic environments in flight. Additionally, the space will feature an "in-flight-entertainment room" where different configurations can be tested and personalized for customers before installation on their aircraft.

“Creating this experimental space in-house allows us to continue to explore new technologies and enhance our offerings as we strive to create beautifully bespoke interior cabin experiences for our customers,” said Christoph Fondalinski, Jet Aviation’s vice president of completions. He emphasized that as customers encounter cutting-edge technology in other aspects of their lives, they increasingly expect similar levels of comfort and enjoyment from their aircraft.

Head of engineering Florent Klinger noted, "Our experience was that unless you have flown in an incredibly quiet aircraft, it can be challenging to understand the benefits of subtle differences in sound levels. To provide our customers with that understanding and help them make the right decisions for their aircraft, we created a dedicated space where they can experience different acoustic levels, in addition to new products, systems, and innovative components.”

The Innovation Space is a significant step in Jet Aviation's journey toward providing the ultimate cabin experience, ensuring they remain at the forefront of VVIP completions in a rapidly evolving world.

Boeing and Quebec Launch Aerospace Innovation Zone

Boeing is investing $240 million with the Quebec government to create an aerospace innovation zone in Montreal. The $415 million project, with $85 million from Quebec, aims to generate high-paying jobs and boost the region's aerospace industry.

Boeing, the project's anchor tenant, joins other major companies like Pratt & Whitney Canada, Airbus, and Bombardier. Premier Fran?ois Legault emphasized the project's goal to replace lower-paying jobs with better-paid positions.

The innovation zone, Espace Aéro, will operate in Montreal's Saint-Laurent borough and nearby cities, focusing on research, development, and advanced air mobility. Overseen by Aéro Montréal, it aims to make Quebec a global leader in aerospace technology.

SpaceX sets June 5 for Starship's next test flight

Washington: SpaceX has announced June 5 as the date for the next test flight of Starship, the world's most powerful rocket. The launch window from the company's Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas opens at 7:00 am local time (1200 GMT), subject to regulatory approval.

This will mark the fourth test for the sleek mega rocket, which plays a crucial role in NASA's plans for lunar missions and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's vision of colonizing Mars. Despite three previous test flights ending in destruction, SpaceX maintains its rapid trial-and-error approach to development.

Saudi Arabia pursues Archer Aviation amidst regional rivalry

Saudi Arabia is engaging with Archer Aviation following the company's partnership announcement with the UAE, signaling heightened competition between the two nations to establish regional dominance. Archer's recent collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office has garnered interest across the region, prompting discussions with Saudi Arabia for potential partnerships in Riyadh and Jeddah.

Archer Aviation, supported by industry heavyweights like Boeing and United Airlines, is pioneering electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, seen as the future of urban air mobility. Despite certification challenges, the region's substantial financial resources make it an attractive market.

Riyadh's ambitious plans to diversify its economy away from oil include significant investments in its aviation sector, exemplified by recent orders for Airbus aircraft and the launch of projects like Riyadh Air. Dubai, a longstanding aviation hub, is also expanding its airport capacity.

The intense competition in the aviation sector is driving an industry boom, benefiting new entrants like Archer. While the eVTOL industry holds promise for redefining urban transport, only a fraction of startups are expected to survive.

Archer, having received FAA approval for flight testing, sees the Gulf region as a promising market with a commitment to safety standards. Saudi Arabia's NEOM project has already ventured into eVTOL through a joint venture with Volocopter, showcasing the kingdom's dedication to advancing this transformative technology.

Qatar executive becomes exclusive operator of Gulfstream G700

Qatar Executive, the corporate jet subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group, has become the exclusive operator of the ultra-modern Gulfstream G700 for private charters. With this addition, Qatar Executive enhances its existing fleet of 15 Gulfstream G650ER aircraft, aiming to deliver the pinnacle of business aviation excellence.

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, CEO of Qatar Airways Group, expressed pride in welcoming the industry's highest performance ultra-long-range business jet to the Qatar Executive fleet. He emphasized the company's commitment to providing technologically advanced aircraft and superior passenger experiences.

The Gulfstream G700 boasts a spacious and luxurious cabin, advanced technology, and superior passenger comfort. Qatar Executive has already received two new G700 aircraft, with plans for an additional eight. Full commercial service is set to commence in June, offering discerning travelers an unparalleled private charter experience.