Business aviation partners with CTX to offer seamless carbon offset resource
EBAA, through its membership with International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), has announced its new alliance with Carbon Trade eXchange (CTX) to provide a transparent and efficient platform for business aviation companies to voluntarily purchase carbon credits to offset their CO2 emissions as part of an overall sustainability plan. The new IBAC Carbon Credit Exchange program is made possible by the new partnership with CTX, which introduced the world’s first electronic exchange for high-quality voluntary carbon credits in real-time more than a decade ago. Members of the exchange choose from a wide range of offset projects certified by the world’s three leading carbon credit standards.
IBAC Director General, Kurt Edwards commented, “While the industry strives to meet its decarbonization goals directly, offsetting is a supplemental tool that allows operators to mitigate emissions now by financing carbon reductions achieved in projects outside the sector. We chose to partner with CTX because of their experience in the market and transparent business model. Their fixed fee transactions allow 95% of the funds collected to go directly to accredited projects. And IBAC exchange members will have the freedom to choose to support projects that align with their corporate strategy.” As a special offer to the business aviation community, CTX is offering the IBAC business aviation community a 20% discount off the initial membership fee until 31 December 2021.
Airbus Helicopters starts flight tests with engine back-up system
Airbus Helicopters, in partnership with the French Civil Aviation Authority DGAC, has started flight testing an engine back-up system (EBS) onboard its H130-based Flightlab. The project opens the way to a future hybridized propulsion system for light helicopters while delivering concrete flight safety improvements in the short term. The campaign’s main target is to enhance flight safety of single engine operations by providing emergency electrical power in case of a turbine failure.
To conduct these tests the Flightlab was equipped with a 100 Kw electric motor connected to the main gearbox, which can provide electrical power for 30 seconds in the event of engine failure. By giving the pilot extra time to react and maintain rotor speed, the engine back-up system contributes to a safer autorotation maneuver to the ground. The campaign also aims to demonstrate a performance increase, thanks to the prompt electric power input. The potential benefit in terms of Maximum Take-Off Weight is to compensate for the mass of the EBS system itself and to provide helicopter operators with additional payload.
Global strategic partnership of Swissport and AirPortr
AirPortr, known as a baggage handling service provider to the general public and Swissport, the massive airport ground handing provider, largely unknown to the average traveler, have announced a global strategic partnership. The joint venture, it is claimed, will transform the passenger experience. It will also offer operational efficiencies. Using the AirPortr digitised booking system the collaboration will enable all passengers – regardless of whether they travel in Economy, Business or First Class – to pre-book an at-home baggage collection slot for their departing flight. A courier will digitally verify ID and travel documents at the doorstep and seal the baggage for secure delivery to the airport. Passengers will receive live updates and digital airline baggage tags. This transforms the often neglected first-stages of the travel experience, allowing passengers to travel bag-free to the airport, switch to public transport if preferred, bypass the check-in and baggage drop at the airport, and proceed directly to security. The solution also streamlines the last leg of passengers’ journeys, allowing them to digitally submit an eDeclaration, have their bags cleared through Customs, and delivered to their destination within hours of landing – skipping baggage reclaim altogether. AirPortr claims that 66% of users switch from car to public transport as a result of traveling bag-free. Randel Darby, CEO and Founder at AirPortr, said: “The partnership with Swissport is a significant milestone – it outlines a blueprint and scalable platform for the introduction of smart baggage solutions across the aviation industry. By marrying the strength of our technology with Swissport’s operational footprint, this solution is redefining the role of baggage.”
People: Michel Tohane appointed President of Group FBO Services at Luxaviation
Luxaviation Group, one of the largest business aircraft and helicopter operators worldwide appoints Michel Tohane as President of Group FBO Services. Michel has a solid experience of more than 30 years in the European aviation industry.
In his new position, Michel Tohane will develop and add value to Luxaviation’s worldwide network of FBOs, while reinforcing a lasting and robust multi-site relationship with customers and deploying the group’s sustainable development strategy related to its ground handling activities. Based in Luxembourg, Michel Tohane will supervise an international team of experts specialized in business aviation services, such as aircraft handling, ground operations, fueling, hangarage, stowage and parking.
Commenting on his new appointment as President of Group FBO Services, Michel Tohane says: “It could not be a better challenge than to pursue my career in business aviation within this prestigious company that targets sustainable development, with ethical values, which I share, and with a team of professionals among the best in our industry. I am proud to have the chance to write the future chapters of the story with the Luxaviation Group team.”
Michel Tohane is a specialist in the development of ground operation facility networks. Michel’s background in the aviation industry started in 1989 at Sabena and Swissair. Throughout his professional career he built up extensive experience in a broad range of areas including operations, strategy, planning and network development. In 2001 Michel joined the "Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur” Group as Head of Network Development before moving into the role of General Aviation Business Unit Director in 2012. He then moved on to founding and developing the Sky Valet FBO Brand into a subsidiary of Aéroports de Côte d’Azur, as Network Executive Vice President.