October 5, 2020] [No. 075] In This Issue :: SAA Technical reaches agreement with customers, reinstates aircraft maintenance services :: KLM Is In Discussions About Early Airbus A330 Retirement :: North American Aerospace Industries Announces New Development on Its Kinston, NC Aircraft Recycling Facility :: Mark Your Calendars for Business Aviation’s First Virtual Trade Show, ‘VBACE’ :: NETJETS ESTABLISHES FLAGSHIP WEST COAST HANGARS AT AIRPORTS IN SAN JOSE AND DENVER :: Rolls-Royce requires a clearer flight path :: Aviation business invests in fleet as it adapts to lockdown :: Safran Helicopter Engines strengthens its European team with ITP Aero in Spain :: PIA Fires 54 More Employees Over Fake Credentials And More :: AirAsia ceases operations in Japan as Covid-19 wipes out travel :: SPACEX STARSHIP: ELON MUSK SAYS NEXT UPDATE MAY REVEAL FINAL ORBITAL DESIGN SAA Technical reaches agreement with customers, reinstates aircraft maintenance services South African Airways Technical (SAAT) has reached an agreement with its customers and has begun to reinstate aircraft maintenance services to some of its customers. This development follows a decision taken by SAAT to suspend maintenance services to four of its airline customers in September 2020 due to outstanding payments on services already rendered. “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with at least two of our customers and will continue to have discussions with two others as we seek to find a resolution and settlement on these matters,” said SAAT CEO, Adam Voss on 4 October. SAAT says it is one of the leading Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) entities in Africa and offers an array of services (that include base and line maintenance) to its customers to ensure that they operate in a safe and legally compliant manner. In addition, preservation maintenance is offered for the protection of aircraft that are not operating. “The decision we took to suspend services to our customers was not taken lightly. We had to protect our commercial interests which extend to the wellbeing of our employees who were adversely impacted by the cashflow challenges we experienced, resulting in payment of 25% of their salaries for the month of September,” explained Voss. South African Airways (SAA) is one of the airlines that was impacted by the suspension of the aircraft maintenance service. The airline has made a payment to SAAT and the suspension of services was lifted on Wednesday last week. SAA charter flights planned to operate this week were consequently not impacted by last week’s suspension. Another customer, Mango Airlines, has reached an agreement with SAAT making it possible to lift the suspension on Mango Airlines to commence work on their fleet as of Friday. The aircraft affected returned to service on Saturday, 3 October, to transport passengers. “We all appreciate that the aviation landscape has changed drastically due to the impact of Covid-19 outbreak globally. We know that many of our customers were not able to trade and generate much needed revenue to pay for services rendered. As part of recovery strategy and a way forward, we agreed with these customers that SAAT will receive upfront payment for services that must be rendered,” Voss concluded. Discussions are ongoing with all affected customers to find solutions on how to address the legacy issues that resulted in the suspension of the maintenance services. “As an MRO, SAAT is satisfied with progress made and is committed to working with all its customers and partners as the industry seeks to rebuild itself and to adapt to the new norms brought about by the coronavirus,” SAAT said. https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/civil-aviation/saa-technical-reaches-agreement-with-customers-reinstates-aircraft-maintenance-services/ KLM Is In Discussions About Early Airbus A330 Retirement KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is in discussions about the early retirement of its Airbus A330 aircraft. Previously the planes were supposed to be retired by 2025, but the current COVID-19 pandemic could see KLM moving these dates forward. According to Dutch website Luchtvaart Nieuws, KLM CEO Pieter Elbers talked about the A330s early retirement in an internal company video. Aviation website Planespotters.net lists the Amsterdam-based airline as having 13 Airbus A330s made up of eight Airbus A330-200s with an average age of 13.8 years. The remaining five aircraft are A330-300s that have an average age of 7.9 years. KLM wants an all-Boeing long-haul fleet Last year KLM handed over all of its Airbus A350 orders to Air France and said it would operate a fleet of Boeing 777s and 787s to destinations in the Middle East, Africa, North America, and the Caribbean. The world’s oldest airline thinks that it will save money on pilot training and aircraft maintenance by having an all-Boeing long-haul fleet. Elbers confirmed to Luchtvaartnieuws.nl that talks were underway with lessors, but it was more complicated than you think saying, “You have to imagine that those lease companies have about a hundred airlines who knock on the door and say, ‘well, I have some aircraft in return for you.’ That doesn’t just happen. “So we are talking about it. We are looking into it, but going forward, we will be using the Airbuses a bit more.” This is evident because 12 of the Airbus A330s are back in service and that only PH-AON remains parked. Airlines need to collaborate and consolidate In other KLM news, when speaking about how global aviation would recover from the current COVID-19 medical emergency at the recent World Aviation Festival, KLM CEO Pieter Elbers said that two things needed to happen. First would be more airlines collaborating and, secondly, a consolidation of the airline industry. Simple Flying Editor, Joanna Bailey quotes Elbers as saying, “Every big crisis in the industry so far has led to further consolidation. So, my view COVID-19 would also lead to further consolidation in the industry. The massive recovery trajectory will also require more collaboration between various carriers in order to make sure that we optimize our assets.” One crisis in particular that Elbers might refer to was the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001 in which planes were used to fly into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Following the attacks, people refused to fly, and airlines had to consolidate to survive. As time went by, new airlines emerged, and everything was better than before. COVID-19 has dealt a tough blow to airlines who do not receive government support. State carriers like Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad do not have to worry, but private companies like Cathay Pacific, Norwegian, and Virgin Atlantic could be at risk of disappearing. Airlines want new modern aircraft You can understand why airlines are looking to get rid of older planes for newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft. As Elbers said, KLM is not the only airline talking to lessors right now, making doing a deal all that more difficult. https://simpleflying.com/klm-early-airbus-a330-retirement/ North American Aerospace Industries Announces New Development on Its Kinston, NC Aircraft Recycling Facility North American Aerospace Industries (NAAI) announced that its affiliate, Aircraft Solutions Middle East, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Aircraft Support Industries for the development of three new aircraft recycling facilities including the NAAI facility planned at the Global TransPark in Kinston, North Carolina, USA. The other two facilities being constructed for Aircraft Solutions will be located at Al Ain International Airport in the Emirate Abu Dhabi, UAE and Clark International Airport in the Philippines. According to Sven Daniel Koechler, PhD, president and CEO of North American Aerospace Industries Corporation (NAAI), “This is an exciting development for us. Aircraft Support Industries is one of the world’s premier builders on custom-designed aircraft maintenance facilities, systems and equipment. Its proven track record for delivering leading-edge, flexible, and cost-effective facilities is consistent with our goals for our North American operation.” “We look forward to this project, which stands out due to its uniqueness and the sustainable concept,” added Mark Langbein, managing director of Aircraft Support Industries. In providing its services on behalf of Aircraft Solutions, Aircraft Support Industries will rely on a phased-in project development approach. Phase one will focus on a custom-designed 323,000 square foot dismantling hangar that can accommodate three of the largest aircraft such as the A380. Aircraft Support Industries will apply its proprietary stressed arch building system along with a 81,000 square foot annex for the construction of the 1076-foot span hangar. The annex will be used to house the engineering support workshops and materials warehousing for the NAAI facility in the USA and Aircraft Solutions’ facilities in the Middle East and Asia. “Our state-of-the-art facilities will enable our companies to provide comprehensive, sustainable aircraft recycling solutions for aircraft owners, operators, airport authorities, and military services with a zero-waste mission to recycle 100% of an aircraft,” said Koechler. “While the pandemic has introduced delays in our construction schedule, we are optimistic that we will be able to make up for lost time in that Aircraft Support Industries is a strong partner able to facilitate a construction project in the most efficient, timely manner.” https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft/press-release/21156998/north-american-aerospace-industries-corporation-naai-north-american-aerospace-industries-announces-new-development-on-its-kinston-nc-aircraft-recycling-facility Mark Your Calendars for Business Aviation’s First Virtual Trade Show, ‘VBACE’ The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced the first-ever, completely immersive online business aviation trade show, the Virtual Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (VBACE), scheduled for Dec. 2-3. The two-day event is free for members to attend and will incorporate many of the traditional elements of NBAA’s successful live events, including virtual exhibit booths, keynote speakers, product demonstrations, education sessions and more. “This first-of-its-kind online convention will propel the event into the digital space, offering new and exciting opportunities,” said Chris Strong, NBAA senior vice president, conventions and membership. “With this event, we’re doing more than moving online, we’re moving ahead.” With the event, exhibitors can fully engage with virtual show-goers from around the world, network with visitors at their booths and exchange valuable contact and other information in real time. Exhibitors will be able to customize their booths to best meet their specific needs. “Our priority for this event is the marketplace, we believe we can deliver something special,” Strong added. Attendees will be able to connect strategically with exhibiting companies by product category and other quick-search criteria. Networking opportunities will be plentiful, through direct person-to-person connection among attendees and dedicated subject-matter lounges. As part of their VBACE experience, attendees will also be able to fill bottomless “virtual backpacks” with information from exhibitors and other materials. Each day of the show will include inspirational keynote speakers from the aviation community and beyond. VBACE will also feature a host of forward-looking education sessions on the most pressing industry topics, from issues facing the new entrants coming into the marketplace as a product of this COVID-19 moment, to operational issues and more. Access to the show will be available following the event’s conclusion, so attendees will have ample time to continue to experience the booths and education sessions, and exhibitors will have the opportunity for additional exposure to new and returning customers. VBACE will be part of the NBAA GO network of virtual conferences the association has produced for other events, including the 2020 Maintenance Conference, 2020 International Operators Conference and 2020 Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference. https://www.aviationpros.com/education-training/trade-associations-events/press-release/21157003/national-business-aviation-association-nbaa-mark-your-calendars-for-business-aviations-first-virtual-trade-show-vbace NETJETS ESTABLISHES FLAGSHIP WEST COAST HANGARS AT AIRPORTS IN SAN JOSE AND DENVER Columbus, OH, Oct. 05, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NetJets, the worldwide leader in private aviation, announced today their investment into two large-scale flagship West Coast hangars at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport in California (SJC) and Centennial Airport (APA) in the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area. In addition to housing the NetJets fleets, these hangars will also offer premiere services to NetJets Owners and to customers of NetJets Inc. subsidiary, Executive Jet Management (EJM), a leader in aircraft management and private jet charter programs. “NetJets is proud to share that these hangars include service hubs and operations centers, to continue our growth across the important West Coast market,” said Patrick Gallagher, President of NetJets Sales, Marketing & Service. “This is an exciting opportunity to further establish San Jose and Denver as leading business aviation gateways and to expand our ability to service our West Coast Owners. We look to these two markets to open the doors on the West Coast as our expansion in additional cities is imminent.” At the northwest end of Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport in California (SJC) NetJets will occupy approximately 35,000 square feet of the existing hangar that includes a 60-foot door built for aircraft as large as the Boeing 767s, with capacity to hold up to seven Latitudes, six Longitudes or four Global 6000s at any given time. NetJets’ highest share of market in terms of flight activity and growth is in the Bay area. The new hangar will provide convenience to NetJets Owners and will also be the largest operations center on the West Coast for whole aircraft management provided by Executive Jet Management. This operations center will be home to aviation professionals dedicated to Owner Services, Flight Operations, Fleet Maintenance, Aircraft Management, and Charter Sales. Additionally, Centennial Airport (APA) in the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area will provide 15,000 square feet of hangar space to welcome the NetJets fleet. This location will also host nearly 7,000 square feet of office space in the main FBO for the NetJets and EJM teams to assist with operations and guest services directly from the site. These flagship West Coast hangars are slated to open and be fully operational by Fall 2020. Additional announcements in other locations of strategic importance to NetJets and EJM are forthcoming. For more information about the world’s most reliable and trusted aviation company, visit netjets.com. About NetJets NetJets Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the worldwide leader in private aviation. More than 55 years ago, they launched the world’s first private jet charter and management company. NetJets went on to pioneer shared aircraft ownership—offering the advantages of owning a private jet without the responsibilities. Today, they continue to innovate from cockpit and cabin to safety and accessibility. As the owner and operator of the world’s largest and most diverse private jet fleet, NetJets hires only the most experienced and accomplished pilots, and safety remains their first and highest priority. NetJets’ full range of aviation options help individuals and businesses do more and miss less via the NetJets®, Executive Jet Management®, and Marquis Jet Card® service brands in North America and Europe. For more information about the world’s most reliable and trusted aviation company, visit netjets.com. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/10/05/2103658/0/en/NETJETS-ESTABLISHES-FLAGSHIP-WEST-COAST-HANGARS-AT-AIRPORTS-IN-SAN-JOSE-AND-DENVER.html Rolls-Royce requires a clearer flight path The name Rolls-Royce is synonymous with British engineering excellence. The aero-engine group is one of the few UK companies that can claim to be a world-class manufacturer. It has a storied past, having built the engines for aircraft that became part of Britain’s heritage and it now dominates the market for large commercial jets. But its fate is harnessed to that of the wider aviation market; as the pandemic has forced the grounding of airline fleets it has suffered a collapse in revenues and significant cash outflow. The Financial Times’ revelation that Rolls-Royce’s leading advisers on a deeply discounted £2bn rights issue chose to cut back their underwriting commitments, amid fears over the pandemic and market volatility linked to the US election, has only helped to underline the fragility of the company’s finances. The crisis has raised questions over its future and what, if any role, the UK government should play. The coronavirus crisis is not of Rolls-Royce’s making but it went into it already battling on multiple fronts. Operational issues, notably durability problems on the Trent 1000 engine, had heaped extra costs on to the company, raising questions over its profitability. A pledge by chief executive Warren East to return at least £1bn in free cash flow in 2020 looked challenging even before Covid-19, despite the good progress made. Like other engine makers, Rolls-Royce loses money on the sale of its power plants and makes profits on the servicing and maintenance when they are flying. The crisis has exposed the fragility of that model. Rolls-Royce has been hit especially hard given its focus on big engines that power widebody aircraft for international traffic — the market that remains the most depressed. Current management could not have foreseen Covid-19. Nor is it to blame for the bet on big engines; aerospace is an industry where decisions are made based on predictions that may or may not pay off decades hence. Unfortunately for Rolls-Royce shareholders there is no quick strategic fix. Mr East and chairman Ian Davis should arguably have launched the rights issue sooner; investors are being offered 10 shares for every three they own at 32p each, a steep discount to a theoretical ex-rights price and far below the £11 level they were at when Sir Ian took the chair in 2013. The problem for management is it cannot control when things will return to normal. If aviation does not recover as hoped, questions over Rolls-Royce’s future will return and with it the role of the government, which retains a golden share. Ministers have so far resisted a direct taxpayer handout, offering instead to backstop the rights issue via a loan guarantee from the Export Finance agency. In the meantime, there is more the government could do to help stimulate demand. Barring new restrictions, securing agreement on the testing of passengers before and after boarding would help to get people flying. Given the government’s poor record on testing this will not be easy but it would be a start. Ministers could also offer research and development incentives towards the development of less polluting engines. France has promised its industry support towards a green aircraft. Rolls-Royce is developing a more efficient engine that will need funding. An alternative revenue stream beckons in small modular nuclear reactors. None of this may prove sufficient to help Rolls-Royce survive the next 100 years. The government has said it will publish a new industrial strategy this autumn. Ministers should beware of allowing Covid-19 to dictate long-term industrial policy. But it is high time they started thinking about the future of British industry. https://www.ft.com/content/f8374ee9-43cb-4027-93a2-b2766aa89b03 Aviation business invests in fleet as it adapts to lockdown A UK aviation business with a fleet of 16 aircraft has adapted and flourished during lockdown. RVL Group has continued to help clients with their cargo and passenger requirements during the pandemic. Based at East Midlands Airport, the business has just adapted a new Beechcraft King Air B200 so that the eight seats can be quickly removed to make room for cargo – providing it with the best of both worlds. It invested $40,000 having the new flooring system made and shipped over from the States. The team said a typical charter could see the plane carry 1,500 lbs of freight from the north Leicestershire airport to Le Bourget, Paris, for a fee of around £5,000. The new plane means RVL now has four turbo-prop King Air aircraft in operation, and the new configuration can be put in in just 60 minutes. It also operates Cessnas. It comes as East Midlands Airport itself reported a big rise in cargo flights during lockdown, with DHL – another East Midlands tenant – launching new routes to Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and JFK. RVL was set up in 2007, and relocated from Coventry Airport to a purpose-built hangar and maintenance facility in the East Midlands in 2010. It provides services to public sector clients ranging from aerial surveillance and surveying, to ad hoc and longer-term passenger and cargo charters, and even aerial spraying of pollution dispersants. Destinations it flies to range from Belfast, Dublin and Edinburgh to the Czech Republic or Italy. It notched up a record number of flights and flying hours in July. The business leases the $5 million King Air - seen as “extremely reliable and robust workhorses of the sky as freight carriers, as well as elegant passenger aircraft”. Head of flight operations Richard Baker said: “The additional aircraft is now fully operational and available immediately for commercial transport flights. “It comes to RVL following a major avionics upgrade and refurbishment and will offer a major enhancement to the services we are able to provide to existing and prospective clients. “The rare eight-seat configuration gives it adaptability and makes it a cost-effective option for companies seeking to move larger crews. “We can operate it on a single or multi-crew basis to meet client needs, with a maximum flight range of 1,580 nautical miles.” RVL head of business development David Lacy said “The new flooring system adds significantly to RVL’s flexibility, not only increasing our overall freight capacity but also providing us with a cargo aircraft which is quicker, and with a greater range, as well as one better able to operate in poor weather. “The conversion system provides us with the flexibility to carry time-critical, high-value, low-volume goods – very much an expanding market – and afterwards rapidly return the King Air to its standard eight-seat commuter configuration.” RVL spokesman John Blauth said they were also benefiting from company’s wanting to move staff long distances but not wanting to use rail or passenger airlines during the pandemic. During lockdown its passenger planes have moved business travellers, medical teams and engineering crews. Mr Blauth said: “We haven’t taken that big a hit during Covid because we move quite a lot for the health sector and NHS, and carry out survey work for organisations such as the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Environment Agency. “We’ve been okay - certainly in comparison to many aviation providers. “I would say we are in a positive place. East Midlands Airport has an amazing set up - it’s really efficient, and the runway operates 24/7.” He said the business had a full-time core staff, including a team of engineers, and brought in extra pilots and engineers as and when needed. https://www.business-live.co.uk/ports-logistics/aviation-business-invests-fleet-adapts-19040722 Safran Helicopter Engines strengthens its European team with ITP Aero in Spain Safran Helicopter Engines and the Spanish aero-engine company ITP Aero have signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to cooperate on Ardiden 3TP, a turboprop engine suitable for European military applications – specifically the unmanned, training and transport sectors. The Spanish aero engine specialist strengthens the European team with Safran Helicopter Engines, and ZF Aviation Technology in Germany. Ardiden 3TP is a 100 per cent European solution based on Safran’s Ardiden 3 core engine and featuring technologies developed through its Tech TP technological demonstrator, which ran for the first time in June 2019. Alvaro Santodomingo, ITP Aero Defence Business Unit executive director, said: “A collaboration with Safran Helicopter Engines in this engine is an important opportunity for us. Our aero-engine technologies and capabilities will significantly benefit this engine propulsive system, lowering operating and maintenance costs, while supporting future Spanish industrial capabilities.” “We are proud to welcome ITP Aero into this exciting project,” said Florent Chauvancy, Safran Helicopter Engines EVP of OEM sales. “We are committed to delivering the Ardiden 3TP, a 100 percent European engine featuring high levels of design maturity and competitive operating and maintenance costs. “It will be designed, built and supported by highly-experienced teams using state-of-the-art industrial capabilities in Germany, Spain and France. For European nations seeking to protect their national interests, in civil or military fixed-wing programs, Ardiden 3TP is the natural choice.” Safran said the Ardiden 3TP will be optimized for operation at medium and high altitudes, up to 45,000 feet, and be easy to operate — thanks to a unique throttle and full authority digital engine and propeller control (FADEPC) controlling power and propeller pitch. MT-Propeller will contribute to the propeller. It is based on Tech TP, a Clean Sky 2 research and innovation program validating the technologies necessary to develop a new-generation turboprop. Since June 2019, tests have progressed at a steady pace. Featuring a compact and lightweight architecture, Tech TP offers 15 percent lower fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions (over current engines). It is one of the first Clean Sky 2 demonstrators to enter its test phase. More than 20 partners from eight European countries are contributing to the project. The Ardiden 3 is a new-generation core engine in the 1,700 to 2,000 shp power range. Two European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)-certified models, the Ardiden 3C and 3G, have completed over 10,000 hours of tests, confirming high levels of design maturity and competitive operating and maintenance costs. In addition, more than 250 Ardiden 1 engines have flown over 200,000 hours. https://verticalmag.com/press-releases/safran-helicopter-engines-strengthens-its-european-team-with-itp-aero-in-spain/ PIA Fires 54 More Employees Over Fake Credentials And More Pakistan International Airlines has sacked 54 more employees over various issues, including fake credentials, bribery, smuggling, and more. The decision comes as the airline undertakes strict accountability checks following a crash in May. PIA has already suspended 150 pilots for possibly using fake licenses. Checks continue PIA fired 54 employees this week for a number of offenses. According to National Herald, violations included tampering documents, theft, destruction of official records, taking bribes, smuggling, unauthorized absences, and more. It’s unclear if more pilots were suspended over the ongoing fake license fiasco. As mentioned, these firings are a part of PIA and the Pakistani government’s efforts to fix underlying issues with the airline and rebuild its reputation. This is hasn’t been an easy task, with hundreds of pilots suspended over fake licenses and PIA being banned from EU airspace for at least six months. The decisions came after inquiries and committee reports, which highlighted the various issues within the workforce. Additionally, 20 employees were applauded for their work, receiving commendations and monetary rewards. However, it’s unlikely the investigations are over just yet. EASA conducts safety audit Last month, the EASA, Europe’s aviation regulator, conducted a safety audit of Pakistan International. A team of four experts flew into Lahore to inspect the carrier’s operations, including its fleet, maintenance, ground handling, and engineering teams. While audits are quite routinely conducted every two years, this check came due to the tragic crash of PK8303 in a residential area of Karachi on May 22nd which resulted in 97 fatalities. Subsequent investigations exposed a massive fake pilot license issue and severe issues within the carrier, resulting in EASA and FAA taking action against PIA. For now, PIA remains banned from flying to Europe for at least six months and has opted not to appeal its ban. Instead, the carrier will focus on fixing problems and planning for a safer return to the skies sometime next year. However, the lack of PIA flights to Europe has been a boost to other carriers, who have increased operations to Pakistan. Future remains tough 2020 was meant to be PIA’s year to finally break-even after years of deep losses. After a break-even 2020, the carrier planned to capitalize on profitable European routes and lease new planes, eventually reaching profitability in 2023. However, this year’s crash and unprecedented downturn have shelved any such plans for the coming years. PIA has been trying to boost revenues with competitive domestic flights but it continues to financially struggle. The carrier will likely continue to assess and improve its operations in the coming months and eventually restart more international flights. However, significant state support will be needed to keep the airline going through this crisis. https://simpleflying.com/pia-fire-54-more/ AirAsia ceases operations in Japan as Covid-19 wipes out travel AirAsia Group Bhd. will cease operations in Japan immediately as it tries to reduce cash burn amid the coronavirus outbreak that’s wiped out travel demand globally. AirAsia Japan has stopped operations as of Monday, Southeast Asia’s second-biggest budget carrier said in a statement. That will help the parent conserve cash. Further steps on the decision will be made in accordance with applicable laws and regulations including the Japan Civil Aeronautics Act, it said. The low-cost airline has been under immense pressure this year as Covid-19 roils the aviation industry. It reported its largest loss on record in the second quarter ended June 30 and Chief Executive Officer Tony Fernandes has been in talks for joint ventures and collaborations that may result in additional investment. “We have concluded that it would be an extremely challenging feat for us to continue operating without any visibility and certainty of a post-pandemic recovery path,” said Jun Aida, the chief operations officer of AirAsia Japan. “This painful decision to cease operations was decided neither in haste nor taken lightly.” Malaysia-based AirAsia said previously it was evaluating its operations in Japan, while a Reuters report earlier this year flagged its Indian operations may also be under review. India’s aviation minister said over the weekend that AirAsia is shutting up shop in the South Asian nation, a comment his office later suggested was taken out of context. A spokesman for AirAsia India, which is majority owned by Indian conglomerate Tata Group, declined to comment. AirAsia’s long-haul arm AirAsia X, meanwhile, has said it needs to reach agreements with major creditors to restructure outstanding debt as it faces “severe liquidity constraints” that threaten its ability to resume flying and continue as a going concern. Airlines globally have grounded thousands of planes as governments restricted movement to curb the spread of the virus. Carriers have been raising funds via rights offerings and seeking state support in their efforts to stay afloat. Travel demand won’t return to pre-Covid level until 2024, according to the International Air Transport Association. https://ajot.com/news/airasia-ceases-operations-in-japan-as-covid-19-wipes-out-travel SPACEX STARSHIP: ELON MUSK SAYS NEXT UPDATE MAY REVEAL FINAL ORBITAL DESIGN STARSHIP, SPACEX'S UNDER-CONSTRUCTION GIANT ROCKET, is about to make a big public appearance. On October 2, CEO Elon Musk confirmed via Twitter the company's ambitious project, designed to send the first humans to Mars, will release an update "in about three weeks." This suggests an update sometime around October 23 — and it could give fans a glimpse at the final Starship design that will go into orbit. "The design has coalesced," Musk wrote. "What is presented will actually be what flies to orbit as V1.0 with almost no changes." The update may shed light on SpaceX's most exciting vehicle yet. This year, SpaceX has successfully completed two 500-foot "hop tests" with full-size prototype models of the Starship. These ships lacked the six Raptor engines expected on the final design, as well as visual extras like flaps and nosecone. On September 26, Musk announced SpaceX would build the "SN9" prototype next month. The first flight would then reach 50,000 feet. It is unclear when SpaceX would aim for a full orbital flight, but at Musk's September 2019 presentation the CEO indicated he wanted to host an orbital flight in a matter of months. The Starship is meant to transport up to 100 people or 150 tons into space at a time. Its fully-reusable design, paired with Raptor engines that use liquid oxygen and methane, means astronauts can fly to Mars, refuel using the planet's resources, and either return home or venture out further. With these capabilities, the Starship could be used to establish an interplanetary transport network. Musk has spoken before about his plans to send the first humans to Mars by 2024, establishing a permanent city on the planet as early as 2050. The Starship is central to these efforts. Musk has hosted annual updates on his Mars ambitions, and his ever-changing rocket that will fuel these plans, every year since 2016: Musk's September 2016 presentation, held at the International Astronautical Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico, outlined three key details of an Interplanetary Transport System. First, that a ship would deliver 100 people to Mars at a time; that astronauts could refuel using Martian resources; and that the first ships could leave for Mars by 2022. Musk has stuck to this plan over the past four years. The main issue, as noted at the time, was SpaceX didn't have a clear way to foot the $10 billion development bill. The September 2017 presentation, at the International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide, Australia, unveiled a new version of the system dubbed "BFR." Its official title, revealed later as "Big Falcon Rocket," hinted at Musk's emerging plan to fund the project. The "BFR" would take on missions currently completed by the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy, like satellite launches. This, combined with plans to offer city-to-city flights around the Earth, would help cover the cost of development. The September 2018 presentation, held at the SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California, revealed that the company would send Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa on a trip around the Moon using the BFR. The "Dear Moon" trip, still scheduled for 2023, would also include six to eight artists. Soon after the event, Musk announced the BFR's name as "Starship." Musk's September 2019 presentation, held at the company's Boca Chica facilities in Texas, revealed the "Starship Mk.1" full-size prototype. The ship was unveiled a month after SpaceX completed a "hop test" of 500 feet in the air with the miniature "Starhopper" ship, which sported a single Raptor engine. The final ship is expected to pair with a Super Heavy booster to help it leave the Earth, reaching a height of around 400 feet. THE INVERSE ANALYSIS — If previous events are anything to go by, SpaceX's next showcase could be a landmark moment in the company's awe-inspiring project. Regular updates from Musk have kept fans informed over the past year. Paired with third-party photos of the Boca Chica facility, fans are likely to have a good sense of what to expect based on how work has progressed over the past year. The presentation's most interesting point may be when Musk reveals the project's next steps. Questions remain about the timeline. For example: What is the timetable for an orbital flight? Is SpaceX still on track to send the first ships to Mars by 2022? When will the inter-Earth flights start? This event could offer some tantalizing tidbits about what the future looks like. https://www.inverse.com/innovation/spacex-teases-major-update Curt Lewis