News for Europe/MEA

London Gatwick Airport joined (17-Aug-2017) Go Ultra Low's 'Go Ultra Low Companies' programme, pledging to operate at least 5% electric vehicles across its airside, ground handling and passenger services fleet by 2020. As previously by CAPA, London Heathrow Airport acquired 17 electric vehicles in Jun-2017 to perform airside duties. [more - original PR]

RwandAir announced (21-Aug-2017) plans to commence services from its new hub in Cotonou to Abidjan, Brazzaville and Libreville, effective 30-Aug-2017, and Bamako, Conakry and Dakar, effective 30-Sep-2017. Cotonou operations will be synchronised with services from Kigali to enable connections with the rest of the airline's network. The new services will expand RwandAir's network to 26 destinations. [more - original PR]

Russia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov noted (21-Aug-2017) some progress in the work of specialists on the resumption of air service between Russia and Egypt. Mr Lavrov added: "In the nearest future there will be additional clarity in relation to prospects for the resumption of nonstop air service". [more - original PR - Russian]

Icelandair announced (21-Aug-2017) the schedule for twice weekly Reykjavik Keflavik-Tampa service, launching on 06-Sep-2017. The service will allow passengers to connect with services to four UK destinations: Manchester, Glasgow, London Heathrow and London Gatwick. [more - original PR]

Norwegian Air Argentina outlined (21-Aug-2017) a five to seven year plan which includes launching international services to Australia, the US, Europe and South America. [more - original PR - Spanish]

Ireland West Airport Knock CEO Joe Gilmore stated the Government subsidised airport is "value for money" and contributes to regional development. Mr Gilmore said: "We will always argue on the western seaboard, and in the south-west, that airports need to be supported, need to be invested in because they act as the driver and enabler for regional development... Build it and they'll come. I think the west has a lot to offer. You have to take risks and you have to invest in the right infrastructure". As previously reported by CAPA, ACI EUROPE and Ryanair have both called for increased investment in regional airports to assist regional tourism growth.

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin reported Kazakhstan expressed interest in participating in the resumption of production of the Ilyushin Il-114 turboprop (rg.ru/linta.inform.kz, 18-Aug-2017). As previously reported by CAPA, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) announced it intends to produce a modernised version of the 50 seat turboprop, for use as a regional and domestic feeder aircraft. UAC intends to certify the updated aircraft by the end of 2018 and start production by 2022. According to the CAPA Fleet Database, there are 16 turboprop aircraft in service with Kazakhstan based carriers.

SWISS CEO Thomas Klühr commented on the long haul potential of new narrowbody aircraft, stating: "I see a potential in this context, as these machines have a considerable range... With this reach, new markets could be considered" (blick.ch, 20-Aug-2017). He added: "We are discussing this within the Group and are examining a possible application... for the A321neoLR.

Icelandair announced (20-Aug-2017) plans to launch three times weekly Reykjavik-Berlin Tegel service on 03-Nov-2017, with plans to expand services to Berlin in summer 2018. Berlin is the carrier's fourth destination in Germany and 30th destination in Europe. Communication director Guðjón Arngrímssom stated the carrier has been monitoring the route but the withdrawal of airberlin prompted the route development (Turisti, 20-Aug-2017). [more - original PR]

Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) announced (20-Aug-2017) plans to introduce a new baggage policy across its major airports, including Muscat, Salalah and Suhar, effective 01-Sep-2017. Passengers will no longer be allowed to check in round and irregular shaped luggage such as items wrapped in blankets, linen or tied with rope. This change is applicable to all passengers regardless of carrier, cabin class or destination. OAMC is currently working with all airlines, travel agencies as well as tourism websites to ensure that this policy is clearly communicated to all travelers to and from Oman. [more - original PR - English/Arabic]