Aviation
Wow Air ceases operations leaving passengers stranded
Icelandic budget airline WOW Airceased operations on Thursday, stranding passengers across two continents. In a statement on its website the airline, which had earlier suspended all its flights, told passengers there would be no further flights and advised them to check flights with other airlines for ways to reach their destinations.
The airline, founded by entrepreneur Skuli Mogensen, began operations in 2012 and specialised in ultra-cheap flights between North America and Europe.
Its bankruptcy comes after six months of turbulent negotiations to sell the low-cost carrier, first to its main rival and flagship carrier Icelandair and later to Indigo Partners, an American company operating the airline Wizz.
“I will never forgive myself for not acting sooner,” Mogensen said in a letter to employees on Thursday. “WOW was clearly an incredible airline and we were on the path to do amazing things again.”
Tourism is Iceland’s largest industry and WOW’s disappearance is set to have an effect on this summer’s high season.
End of Operation of WOW AIR
Information for WOW AIR passengers
WOW AIR has ceased operation. All WOW AIR flights have been cancelled.
How will I reach my destination?
Passengers are advised to check available flights with other airlines.
Some airlines may offer flights at a reduced rate, so-called rescue fares, in light of the circumstances. Information on those airlines will be published, when it becomes available.
What are my rights?
Passengers whose ticket was paid with a credit card are advised to contact their credit card company to check whether a refund of the ticket cost will be issued.
Passengers who bought their ticket from a European travel agent (within the European Economic Area) as a part of a package tour (a package which includes flights and accommodation or other services) are protected by the Package Travel Directive. Those passengers are advised to contact their travel agent to arrange an alternative flight.
Passengers who may have bought travel protection, or those passengers whose credit card terms may include such protection, may be entitled to claim compensation and assistance due to delays or travel disruption. However, such compensation is often limited.
Passengers may also be entitled to compensation from WOW AIR, including in accordance with European regulation on Air Passenger Rights. In case of a bankruptcy, claims should be filed to the administrator / liquidator.
Where can I get up-to-date information?
This announcement will be published and continuously updated on the following websites:
– Icelandic Transport Authority: www.samgongustofa.is / www.icetra.is
– Keflavik Airport: www.isavia.is/en
– WOW AIR: www.wowair.com
– Posted at all relevant airports
General information about passenger rights can be found atwww.icetra.is
Airlines
Planes Grounded As Rainwater Enters Chennai Airport Runway
Ahead of Cyclone Michaung, which is predicted to make landfall in the next 24 hours, Chennai and its neighborhoods were battered by intense rain and wind on Monday. As a result, authorities had to evacuate people from flooded areas, close schools and offices, and stop flights.
Twelve outgoing domestic flights and four outgoing international flights have been cancelled due to the suspension of operations at Chennai airport. The weather forced three incoming international flights to divert to Bengaluru.
Videos show planes being forced to land because rainwater got on the runway, forcing authorities to close it until 11 p.m. tonight.
A number of social media users posted videos showing the effects of the rain in various locations throughout the city. For the next 24 hours, Chennai and the surrounding areas should expect a lot of rain, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Tomorrow at noon, the cyclone is predicted to make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam.
The cyclone also caused delays in several flights leaving and arriving from Chennai, which had an effect on flight services. Officials say that arrival operations at the airport are closed until 11 p.m.
Airlines
Frozen Wings: Munich Airport Paralyzed Amidst Snowstorm Chaos
Over the weekend, all flights at Munich’s airport were cancelled due to a winter storm that affected travel throughout the region by dumping snow over southern Germany, parts of Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.
Social media users shared a video clip of one of the planes at Munich Airport in southern Germany that had “frozen” as a result of the region’s intense snowfall. The plane appeared to be stuck in the snow and to be attached to the ground in the video.
The airport first declared that flights would be canceled until noon on Saturday, but later changed its announcement to 6 a.m. on Sunday. Additional airports in the area, such as Zurich, the financial hub of Switzerland, also declared delays and cancellations due to severe weather.
Germany’s national railway reported that trains to and from Munich’s central station had also been stopped, and that travelers should postpone or reroute their trips. Some passengers in Munich and the nearby city of Ulm spent Friday night (Saturday NZT) on trains as a result of the halt, according to the report.
Aerospace
New UK Airline Ecojet Signs Deal For 70 ZeroAvia Engines
ZeroAvia announced that it has reached a deal with Ecojet, a recently established airline, for up to 70 engines that run entirely on hydrogen and emit no emissions.
In 2024, Ecojet, which wants to be the premier airline for green Britain, will start flying to and from Edinburgh using conventional aircraft. Later, it will convert its fleet to become the first ever electric airline in history.
Once certified, the airline will retrofit its aircraft with ZeroAvia’s ZA600 engines to accomplish its goal. MONTE, ZeroAvia’s preferred ZA600 lessor partner, will collaborate with Ecojet to commercialize this innovative technology. By 2025, ZeroAvia hopes to have the ZA600 engine type certified.
The recently established airline has also placed a larger order for the more potent ZA2000 engine, which is intended for regional turboprops with up to 80 seats and a 2027 entry-in-service target. This will make it possible to fly planes like the Dash 8 400 and ATR72, which are already widely used on international regional routes.
In collaboration with airports and other industry partners, ZeroAvia, Ecojet, and MONTE will determine and fund the initial routes for hydrogen-electric commercial operations. According to ZeroAvia analysis, domestic flights would have lower lifecycle carbon emissions per passenger than any other popular mode of transport available today, including fully occupied cars, domestic rail and coach travel, if they were powered by green hydrogen produced by wind energy in the UK.
Airlines
Ilyushin Il-96 Cubana Aircraft Returns to Home, After 14 Months
CU-T1250, registered as Ilyushin Il-96-300 of Cubana de Aviación, made its landing at José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana, Cuba, following a fourteen-month absence from the island. It was the airline’s second recovered aircraft, and its arrival signaled the end of its inspection period in Russia.
Cuba had not been able to maintain its fleet due to a shortage of parts for its aircraft made in Russia. Executives at Cubana de Aviación blamed the US sanctions for this challenge.
Experts and specialists from Russia and Cuba completed a 14-month-long general repair of the device, making improvements to the air navigation, security systems, and overall comfort while also raising the level of services provided on board.
December 2nd saw the departure of CU-T1250 from Moscow-Zhukovsky International Airport. En route to Havana, the aircraft passed through Finnish, Norwegian, and Arctic airspace before touching down in Gander, Canada (YQX).
As a result of the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, Spain has placed restrictions on Russian models, so it is currently unclear when the airline will start operating to Argentina and Spain again.
Aerospace
Air Force Drops Boeing from Consideration in ‘Doomsday Plane’ Contest
Boeing confirmed on Friday that the U.S. Air Force eliminated Boeing from the competition to develop an E-4B Nightwatch replacement, reversing the competition to build the next generation of aircraft known as the “Doomsday Plane” because of its ability to withstand a nuclear war.
The E-4B Nightwatch, also referred to as the “Doomsday Plane,” is a modified Boeing 747-200B used in military operations. It is built to resist the electromagnetic pulse from a nuclear explosion and functions as the National Airborne Operations Centre. The aircraft is capable of conducting routine training and readiness missions while staying in the air for several days.
Boeing and the Air Force were unable to agree on data rights and contract terms, according to Reuters. This was partly due to Boeing’s refusal to sign a fixed-price agreement that would have required it to pay for costs over a predetermined amount.
A major change in the military aircraft manufacturing landscape has occurred with Boeing’s removal from the ‘Doomsday Plane‘ competition. It’s unclear who will step up to take over Boeing’s position as the US Air Force works to update its aircraft and remain prepared for changing international threats.
According to budget documents, the Air Force intends to continue developing SOAC with spending of $889 million in fiscal 2024 and $8.3 billion through fiscal 2028. Early in the 2030s, the E-4B is anticipated to reach the end of its operational lifespan.
Airlines
Air India set to showcase its first A350 & B737 at the Hyderabad Wings India 2024
Air India has successfully completed the title transfer process for its fourth A350 aircraft, with its anticipated arrival scheduled for February 2024.
The Tata Group-owned airline is eagerly awaiting the arrival of its first A350-900 aircraft in India later this month. To showcase its latest additions, Air India plans to feature two of its new planes at the prestigious Hyderabad WINGS festival scheduled for January.
The WINGS India Aviation show, a bi-annual event organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) in collaboration with FICCI, is a significant platform for the aviation industry and will be held in Hyderabad.
Among the highlighted aircraft, one is the Airbus A350, marking the debut of this wide-body aircraft in India. The second showcased plane will be the renowned Boeing 737 MAX, presenting Air India’s new branding.
Wilson reports that Air India has also received two more narrow-body A320neos, which are scheduled to go into service in December. The airline wants to show that the new management is actively working to improve product quality for customers, despite criticism of its outdated in-flight amenities. Air India is growing its international network, indicating its commitment to future growth.
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