Jazeera Airways Partners with Expliseat to Reduce Weight and Minimize Emissions

Abhishek Nayar

02 Jun 2023

Weight reduction is critical in the aviation sector for improving fuel economy and optimizing flight operations. Expliseat has established itself as a pioneer in the production of ultra-lightweight aircraft interiors, and its recent collaboration with Jazeera Airways is expected to have a big influence.

Expliseat: Overview

Expliseat is the market leader in ultra-light seats for regional aviation and is quickly expanding in the single-aisle segment. It partners with all major aircraft manufacturers and has over 10,000 seats in flight worldwide. Expliseat has been aiming to make travel environmentally conscious since 2011. It lightens aircraft with its ultra-light seats, minimizing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions dramatically, thanks to its revolutionary technology and more than 100 patents. Expliseat was a nominee for the coveted Airbus Innovation Award in 2021, which recognizes the best commercial aviation technological advances among the Airbus Group's 12,000 suppliers.

Collaboration with Jazeera Airways

Jazeera Airways, a well-known Middle Eastern airline, operates commercial and cargo flights from Kuwait International Airport's Jazeera Terminal T5. The airline serves 66 prominent destinations in the Middle East, Central and South Asia, Africa, and Europe, including popular business, leisure, religious, and weekend destinations. Jazeera Airways has elected to equip its Airbus A320 family aircraft with Expliseat's TiSeat E2 model seats. This strategic partnership seeks to improve the operational efficiency and passenger experience of Jazeera Airways.

TiSeat E2: Features and Advantages

Expliseat's TiSeat E2 model seats are renowned for their exceptional features and advantages. These seats are not only lightweight, but they are also intended to provide travelers with maximum comfort during their journey.  The recently announced TiSeat E2 weighs just 6.8 kg (15 lbs.) and is made of a composite and titanium frame, making it around 35% lighter than comparable market products. The seat will maintain the regular cushioning and recline functions, as well as a USB in-seat power system designed by Burrana and a portable electronic device holder per the carrier's request. The TiSeat E2-type seats include several vital features:

Lightweight Design: The TiSeat E2 model seats are made of innovative materials such as carbon fibre and titanium, resulting in a significant weight reduction when compared to regular seats.

Ergonomic Support: The chairs have been precisely engineered to provide good lumbar support and maximize passenger comfort, especially on long-distance flights.

Ample Legroom: The TiSeat E2 model seats' revolutionary design allows for extra legroom, giving passengers a more roomy and pleasant experience.

Enhanced Reclining Functionality: The chairs include a smooth recline mechanism that allows users to modify their resting position to their liking.

Retrofitting: Process and Timeline

The retrofitting process entails carefully installing TiSeat E2 model seats into the existing cabin framework of Jazeera Airways' Airbus A320 family fleet. Expliseat's competent workforce ensures that the retrofitting process proceeds smoothly, minimizing any disturbance to the airline's operations. The retrofitting procedure takes a different amount of time depending on the size of the fleet. Expliseat and Jazeera Airways, on the other hand, have established a methodical strategy to assure prompt completion with little disruption to the airline's schedule. Expliseat will supply over 2,000 seats for Jazeera's nine A320s, including one A320 Neo and two A321s, by 2024.

Weight reduction and Increased Capacity

Expliseat, an established innovator in ultra-lightweight aircraft interiors based in Paris, has just formed a relationship with Jazeera Airways, a prominent Middle Eastern carrier. Expliseat will offer approximately 2,000 TiSeat E2 model seats to Jazeera Airways as part of this agreement, making it the lightest alternative on the market. This change is projected to eliminate unnecessary weight by up to 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs.) on Jazeera Airways' Airbus A320 family aircraft while boosting passenger capacity. Furthermore, by installing lightweight seats, Jazeera Airways is able to add an extra row to its aircraft, enhancing passenger capacity and income possibilities on every flight. This increase in capacity benefits the airline by addressing the rising demand for air travel.

Comments

Jazeera Airlines CEO Rohit Ramachandran emphasized the financial and environmental benefits of the decision in a statement released on Wednesday. "The TiSeat will result in a significant weight savings of 1.2 metric tons per aircraft." The huge cost savings will allow us to improve our operational and financial performance. We are delighted to be an early user of this next-generation lightweight economy seat, which provides customers with exceptional comfort while saving money."

Amaury Barberot, CEO of Expliseat, stated, "Our lightweight seats were initially addressing operators facing stringent payload restrictions with high altitude, a short runway, and high temperature conditions." Other airlines are turning to Expliseat with our new seat generation to address growing fuel expenses, carbon levies, and ecological concerns. Jazeera's eleven single-aisle aircraft equipped with our newest TiSeat will save up to half a million liters of fuel per year and greatly cut CO2 emissions thanks to our unique technology, which is much lighter than regular seats. We are thrilled to be partnering with Jazeera and outfitting their cabins with our second generation TiSeat in order to help such a great company in the long term!"

Conclusion

Expliseat's collaboration with Jazeera Airways represents a watershed moment in the aviation sector. Jazeera Airways has received almost 2,000 TiSeat E2-type seats, allowing the carrier to minimize unnecessary weight and increase passenger capacity. The lightweight design, along with ergonomic features, enhances the whole travel experience while being environmentally friendly. Expliseat's dedication to innovation guarantees that it remains a global leader in lightweight aeroplane interiors.

With Inputs from RunwayGirlNetwork

Read next

Airbus Deliveries in May On Course to Reach At least 60 Aircraft

Abhishek Nayar

02 Jun 2023

Air travel has become a vital component of our daily routines, connecting individuals and destinations all over the globe. Airbus, a renowned aircraft manufacturer, has had a significant impact on the aviation sector. Airbus has transformed air travel with its creative designs and cutting-edge technologies.

Airbus History

Airbus' journey began in 1967, when a consortium of European aerospace companies joined forces to compete against established American aircraft manufacturers. Aerospatiale of France, Deutsche Airbus of Germany (later merged into DASA), and CASA of Spain were among the founding members. The goal of this partnership was to pool assets, expertise, and investment with the objective of creating an attractive alternative to Boeing. The early years were filled with important accomplishments and challenges. The A300, Airbus' first aircraft, debuted in 1972 and revolutionized the aviation industry with its wide-body design and innovative technology. However, the firm was met with scepticism at first and failed to achieve market acceptance. Nonetheless, Airbus persisted, and with later models such as the A320 and A330, it steadily acquired market traction. Airbus has grown its operations, created manufacturing sites in numerous countries, and enlarged its product line to serve a variety of market areas over the years. Airbus is currently a worldwide aviation industry leader, noted for its cutting-edge aircraft and technical breakthroughs.

May Airbus Deliveries Increase

Airbus reached a significant milestone in May with increased aircraft deliveries. The 30% increase over the previous year's data demonstrates the company's development and success. This growing trend illustrates Airbus's continuous demand as well as its ability to satisfy market demands. The delivery of 60 aircraft in May alone considerably contributed to Airbus' total performance. It demonstrates their commitment to timely and efficient manufacture, ensuring that their customers receive their aircraft on time.

Airbus's Delivery Objectives for the Year

Airbus, as a market leader in the aerospace sector, sets lofty goals for its annual deliveries. This year, the business hopes to complete 720 deliveries. This is a significant increase over past years and demonstrates the company's confidence in its manufacturing capabilities. Airbus is expected to increase its deliveries throughout the summer months in order to meet this target. This time of year, often sees greater demand for air travel, demanding additional aircraft availability. Airbus seeks to meet customer expectations while maintaining market leadership by carefully coordinating its production and delivery schedules.

Factors Influencing Increased Deliveries

Several reasons contributed to the significant rise in Airbus deliveries in May. For starters, a busy end-of-month time frequently results in an increase in deliveries. Customers anxiously await the arrival of their aircraft as the month draws to a close, resulting in an increase in the number of deliveries to match their expectations. Second, a routine audit is critical in determining the ultimate total of aircraft deliveries. Airbus undertakes frequent audits as part of their quality assurance procedures to verify that each aircraft meets the highest standards of safety and performance. After these audits are completed, Airbus will be able to finalize its delivery statistics, presenting an accurate portrayal of its successes.

Implications of Increased Deliveries

The increase in Airbus deliveries for May has profound implications for both the firm and the aviation sector as a whole. For starters, it underlines Airbus' commitment to satisfying its customers' expanding expectations. By delivering a greater number of aeroplanes, the corporation strengthens its reputation for dependability and efficiency, increasing its market position. Furthermore, rising deliveries indicate a bright future for the aviation sector. As air travel resumes and passenger numbers increase, airlines will need more aircraft to meet the increased demand. The capacity of Airbus to deliver more planes signals a resurgent sector and a return to routine following the hurdles caused by the worldwide epidemic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Airbus is enjoying a spectacular boost in May deliveries, with a 30% increase over the previous year. With this accomplishment, the total number of aircraft delivered in 2023 will exceed 220. Airbus expects to deliver 720 aircraft this year, and it is well-positioned to do so by capitalizing on the busy summer months. Factors such as the busy end-of-month period and periodic audits contribute to greater deliveries, reinforcing Airbus' commitment to excellence. This spike in deliveries has far-reaching ramifications, indicating a reviving aviation sector and Airbus' sustained success in satisfying client requests.

With Inputs from Reuters

Read next

Spirit Airlines Technical Difficulties Affect Over 60% of its Operations

Abhishek Nayar

02 Jun 2023

On a daily basis, millions of people utilize air travel to commute to distant locations and facilitate business and leisure activities. However, unexpected interruptions and technological faults can impair aircraft operations, causing delays and aggravation for passengers. Spirit Airlines is now dealing with similar issues, which are having a substantial impact on its flight schedule and passenger experience.

Situation Analysis

Spirit Airlines is a well-known low-cost carrier that mostly serves the US and Latin America. The airline has gained appeal among budget-conscious travelers due to its affordable fares. Spirit Airlines has a large network that serves numerous destinations in North and South America. Issues with an airline's operating system are not uncommon. While the specific reason for Spirit Airlines' technical issues is unknown, similar situations have occurred in the aviation sector previously. Airlines are subject to technical difficulties due to their complex technological frameworks and interconnection of multiple systems.

Spirit Airlines' Technical Issues

Spirit Airlines announced about 09:00 Eastern Time that its mobile application was experiencing issues and that airport kiosks were also affected. The announcement warned travelers of potential challenges and advised them to arrive at the airport early. Despite this early message, the technical issues persisted, causing substantial interruptions to the airline's operations. As of 18:20 Eastern Time, FlightAware data reported that 61% of Spirit's daily operations encountered delays, representing 517 delayed flights. Furthermore, 5% of daily operations were cancelled, accounting for 47 cancelled flights. These numbers depict the degree of the disruption to Spirit Airlines' flight schedule and the resultant annoyance for customers. Spirit stated at 12:07 ET that the issues had been resolved and that it was working to restore operations to normal.

Passenger Reactions and Experience

Spirit Airlines' technical issues undoubtedly caused dissatisfaction and inconvenience for its passengers. Travelers who expected a seamless flight were confronted with delays and cancellations, disturbing their plans, and perhaps compromising their obligations at their destinations. Such delays can be especially unpleasant for people who have important appointments or connecting flights. Passengers also turned to social media to express their displeasure and share their stories. According to one of the passengers, their flight was cancelled just 25 minutes before it was scheduled to board. Because of the extensive use of social media, disgruntled customers were able to voice their complaints and demand responsibility from Spirit Airlines. Another stated that after an eight-hour delay, airline officials told them that meal coupons would not be provided. These public reactions emphasize the significance of efficient communication and fast remedies in challenging circumstances. Not every passenger was disgruntled; Twitter user @ajraines voiced his disappointment at not having a smooth travel experience on the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), but appreciated Spirit's efforts to accommodate him.

Response and Mitigation Measures of Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines actively provided information and engaged with affected passengers in response to the technical concerns. Despite the interruptions, the airline advised travelers to arrive at the airport early to account for potential delays. Spirit Airlines intended to minimize customer disruption by keeping open channels of contact. Spirit Airlines also took steps to accommodate affected travellers. This included providing people whose travel plans had been considerably interrupted with appropriate accommodations such as hotel stays or replacement flights. The airline also addressed compensation for difficulties caused, recognizing the impact on the travel experience of its guests.

The Reputation of Spirit Airlines

Flight interruptions caused by technical faults can have far-reaching consequences on an airline's brand. Passengers expect consistent service and on-time departures, and any disruptions can undermine their faith and loyalty. Furthermore, such instances allow rivals to demonstrate their dependability and maybe recruit unhappy clients.

Resolution and Future Prevention Measures

Spirit Airlines will most likely do extensive technical troubleshooting to remedy the current technological difficulties and prevent such accidents in the future. Identifying the root cause and carrying out the necessary updates or changes will be critical to establishing a more resilient system. Furthermore, examining processes and contingency plans can help the airline manage such circumstances more efficiently and with less impact on customers.

Conclusion

Spirit Airlines faced considerable difficulty today as a consequence of technical failures, resulting in extensive delays and a few aircraft cancellations. The airline responded by informing passengers of developments, offering accommodations, and resolving compensation as needed. Such occurrences, however, can have a long-term influence on an airline's image, emphasizing the significance of preventing and addressing technological challenges in the future.

With Inputs from FlightAware

Read next

Noida Airport to Get a Multi-Modal Cargo Hub; Deal Signed Between AISATS & YIAPL

Radhika Bansal

02 Jun 2023

Air India's joint venture firm AISATS and Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd announced signing a concessionaire agreement for a multi-modal cargo hub at the upcoming Noida international airport which is expected to be operational in 2024. As part of the plan, Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited (AISATS) will design, build, finance and operate the cargo hub, which is expected to come up on 87 acres of land and provide quick, convenient and intermodal connectivity to and from manufacturing hubs across the country.

Through this facility, AISATS aims to provide India's logistics sector with a cargo processing and transportation grid that will help reduce logistics costs significantly, streamline processes for seamless coordination, and bring speed and transparency to the country's supply chain, according to a release.

"The AISATS cargo hub at Noida will play an integral part in providing just-in-time cargo facilities for the north India region and will support in levelling up the Indian logistics and air cargo sectors with infrastructure, value-added services and improved cost efficiency," said Nipun Aggarwal, Chairman of AISATS.

The strategic location of this first-of-its-kind cargo hub will seamlessly connect multiple modes of transportation with consolidated ancillary and value-added services, establishing a highly efficient route for cargo throughput across India and abroad, AISATS said.

"India is one of the world's fastest-growing economies with huge opportunities for growth in the air cargo logistics space. Establishing an integrated logistics gateway in Noida through our AISATS joint venture with Tata Group's Air India will help develop the region into a strategic air cargo and export hub," said Bob Chi, CEO of SATS Gateway Services. "Such a development also accelerates the expansion of our global air cargo hub handling capabilities as part of SATS' twin-engine growth strategy," he added.

The hub will provide a Coolport for handling temperature-sensitive cargo such as perishables and pharmaceuticals, along with separate domestic and international cargo terminal zones and dedicated courier terminals to handle express courier shipments.

Additionally, the MMCH will house a bulk utilisation program (BUP) facility for integrators and global forwarders, the AISATS said, along with a consolidation centre for freight forwarders and agents, a customs-controlled warehouse, a logistics park for e-commerce players and 3PL warehouses, and a trucking centre with world-class parking amenities.

Through this facility, AISATS aims to provide India's logistics sector with a cargo processing and transportation grid that will help reduce logistics costs significantly, streamline processes for seamless coordination, and bring speed and transparency to the country's supply chain, according to a release.

The company's technology-driven solutions such as a cloud-based cargo management system for end-to-end cargo tracking, reporting and network connectivity will benefit all stakeholders.

The company will also provide a single-window cargo community system to enable more efficient communications and a smart warehouse with technologies such as automated dimension scanners, conveyors, radio frequency identified trackers, autonomous vehicles, and video analytics-based monitoring.

AISATS is a 50:50 joint venture between Air India Ltd and SATS Ltd. The concession agreement was signed between the CEOs of AISATS and YIAPL Christoph Schnellmann and Sanjay Gupta on May 30 in Noida. The upcoming airport lies southeast of central Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida and is almost at the halfway point to Agra.

Yamuna International Airport Private Ltd, a Zurich Airport International AG subsidiary, was established for the development, construction and operation of the greenfield project - the Noida International Airport. In its initial phase, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2024, the airport will feature one runway and one terminal and handle a capacity of 12 million passengers.

The airport, billed to be India's largest upon completion, will be developed in four phases, with two interconnected terminals and an annual passenger capacity of 70 million. The first phase spread over 1,334 hectares will have one runway, a cargo hub, and a terminal that will cater to domestic and international passengers. Per the concession agreement, the first phase for 12 million passengers per annum is to be completed and operational by September 2024.

The Noida airport is being developed by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, in partnership with the state government. Zurich Airport International AG won the bid to develop Noida International Airport in 2019 and the concession period officially commenced on 01 October 2021. Following the ground-breaking ceremony by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2021, the first phase of the airport is on track to open in 2024. 

Read next

Lufthansa’s A380 Back in Operation After Three Year Long Hiatus

Abhishek Nayar

02 Jun 2023

The Airbus A380 is the world's largest passenger aircraft, distinguished by its impressive size, luxurious amenities, and exceptional passenger capacity. Its reintroduction to the Lufthansa fleet represents a significant shift in the airline's strategy and illustrates the industry's slow recovery from the pandemic's severe effects.

The Airbus A380's History

Airbus originally debuted the A380, a double-deck, wide-body aircraft, in 2005. It was designed to accommodate an immense number of passengers, featuring spacious cabins and luxurious amenities. The A380 soon drew notice due to its outstanding size and capabilities, becoming the world's largest passenger aircraft. Several airlines, like Lufthansa, embraced the A380 and incorporated it into their fleets, hoping to provide their passengers with exceptional comfort and a one-of-a-kind travel experience.

Reasons for the Airbus A380's fall in demand

Despite early enthusiasm for the Airbus A380, demand for the aircraft has progressively diminished over time. The shifting dynamics of the aviation sector were one of the key causes of this collapse. Airlines began to choose smaller, more fuel-efficient aircraft capable of operating on long-haul flights with fewer passengers. The A380's large size and hefty operational expenses rendered it less economically viable, especially as fuel prices rose.

COVID-19's Impact on the Aviation Industry

The COVID-19 epidemic caused havoc in the aviation sector, resulting in a major decline in global air travel demand. Airlines had to halt their fleets, resulting in significant financial losses. The epidemic hastened the demise of the Airbus A380 as airlines struggled to load such a big aircraft with much fewer passengers. Operating costs for the A380 grew even more costly, causing several airlines to retire or temporarily park their A380s.

The Decision by Lufthansa to Relaunch the Airbus A380

Despite the obstacles provided by the epidemic, Lufthansa took the risk of reintroducing the Airbus A380 into its fleet. Recognising the potential for a revival in air travel demand as limitations were lifted, Lufthansa recognised an opportunity to give its passengers an exceptional travel experience. With its large cabins, greater comfort, and superior operating skills, the German airline trusted in the A380's capacity to reclaim the market.

After Three Years, The First Commercial Flight

The Airbus A380 with the registration D-AIMK took to the skies on June 1, 2023, marking Lufthansa's first commercial flight with the aircraft in three years. LH424, the flight, took off from Munich Airport (MUC) and was headed to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Passengers crowded onto the plane, eager to experience the A380's grandeur and greater in-flight facilities. The event was a watershed moment for Lufthansa and the aviation industry as a whole. The aircraft departed MUC at 4:01 PM local time (UTC +2) and is scheduled to arrive at BOS at 5:54 PM local time (UTC -5), according to flightradar24.com data. Throughout the past three weeks, the Airbus A380 and its crews have conducted numerous training and familiarization flights, visiting numerous European locations as pilots re-acquainted themselves with the aircraft. Currently, the airline is debating whether to revive two of the type, while the remaining four will remain at MUC for the foreseeable future. The airline located at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) has planned many flights from MUC utilising the A380, including to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), BOS, and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

The Positive Aspects of the Airbus A380

Despite its difficulties, the Airbus A380 remains a unique aircraft with some outstanding advantages. Its expansive cabin allows passengers to walk about freely, eliminating the sense of suffocation on long-haul excursions. The enhanced technology and soundproofing of the A380 contribute to a more peaceful and comfortable travel experience. Furthermore, the aircraft's fuel economy has increased over time, giving it a more environmentally friendly option than earlier wide-body aircraft.

Conclusion

After more than three years, the return of the Airbus A380 to Lufthansa's fleet signals a positive and optimistic turn for the aviation sector. While the pandemic and shifting market dynamics offered substantial hurdles, Lufthansa's decision to relaunch the A380 shows its confidence in its distinctive appeal and long-term profitability. As air travel improves, the Airbus A380 might become an iconic emblem of luxury and innovation in the sky once more.

With Inputs from AeroTime

Read next

Boeing Claims The Certification Process for B737 MAX 7 is Taking "Considerable Time"

Radhika Bansal

01 Jun 2023

Boeing is still not fully satisfied with the Boeing 737 MAX 7 certification process. A company executive said on Wednesday that although the certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 7 is taking a "considerable amount of time" because of new documentation requirements, the planemaker still believes it can be certified by the end of the year.

For Boeing to compete with Airbus for orders at the larger and smaller ends of the narrowbody market, the MAX 7 and MAX 10 are both seen as essential. Southwest Airlines was expected to accept the first MAX 7 this year, although the airline's CEO has noted plans to put the aircraft into service could be delayed until 2024.

Boeing is readying the final "handful of documents" required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as it proceeds through the regulatory process necessary to approve the 737 MAX 7 to enter service, Mike Fleming, Boeing's senior vice president for commercial development programs, told a press briefing.

The planemaker is also "close" to receiving FAA approval to begin certification flights of its new longer 737 MAX 10, Fleming told reporters. Certification of that aircraft is still projected to occur in 2024, but will depend on when Boeing is approved to begin those flights, he said. "The amount of documentation that we're producing on these airplanes relative to what we had to produce in the past is considerably much larger than it has been," Fleming said.

Asked about Boeing's comments, the FAA said “Safety will dictate the timeline. We do not comment on ongoing certifications." Congress in December exempted the MAX 7 and MAX 10 from a new safety standard for modern cockpit alerts that applied to all planes certified after late 2022. The requirement had been imposed by Congress in 2020 after two fatal 737 MAX crashes killed 346 people in Indonesia and Ethiopia.

Boeing Ups 787 Dreamliner Production Rate

Boeing has chosen to increase the monthly production rate of its 787 Dreamliner from three to four aircraft. This increase will enable the corporation to satisfy current demand while also reducing order backlogs. Boeing, on the other hand, has even more ambitious plans for the future, hoping to increase production to five jets per month by the end of the year. After producing Dreamliners at a slower pace earlier in the year, the firm stated in April that it had stabilized 787 productions at three aircraft per month. The decision to boost production is based on market data and consumer feedback, which show that the 787 Dreamliner is in high demand. Boeing can better meet the demands of its customers and secure its market position by increasing output. Boeing has stated that it intends to deliver 70 to 80 of these aircraft in 2023.

Boeing and its stakeholders will benefit from the decision to boost production in various ways. For starters, it enables the corporation to satisfy growing client demand for the 787 Dreamliner. Airlines are looking for more efficient and comfortable aircraft, and the technological features of the Dreamliner make it an appealing option. Boeing can ensure timely delivery and customer satisfaction by increasing output. Furthermore, increased production will benefit Boeing's financial performance. As more aircraft are delivered, the corporation generates additional revenue and improves its profitability. This increases its market position and provides the resources required for future research and development initiatives.

(With Inputs from Reuters)

Comment