This paves the way for its entry into service in 2025.

The development builds on nearly a decade of operational success for the Trent XWB-84, which has established itself as one of the most efficient and reliable engines in aviation.

The Trent XWB family is widely used across the global airline industry, including by nine of the world’s ten most profitable carriers, including Emirates which officially unveiled the very first Airbus A350-900 powered by the Trent XWB-84 last month.

The new EP standard introduces technical improvements aimed at delivering a 1% improvement in specific fuel consumption, reducing CO₂ emissions and contributing to lower operating costs.

The engine is also compatible with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and has undergone testing for 100% SAF, supporting industry-wide goals for reducing emissions.

Further updates to component design will also enhance reliability and extend the engine’s lifecycle, reducing maintenance requirements and improving availability.

Testing and Certification

The certification process involved extensive ground and in-flight testing to validate the engine’s performance and durability under a range of operating conditions. Thousands of testing hours were conducted, including trials in extreme temperatures and high-cycle operations, to ensure the engine meets industry standards and customer requirements.

Pete Young, chief engineer for the Trent XWB-84 EP, said: “The certification of the Trent XWB-84 EP is the result of a rigorous design and testing programme. It reflects the continuous improvement of the Trent XWB family, ensuring it remains a competitive option for airlines navigating evolving industry challenges. We now look forward to its introduction into service in 2025.”

otal demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 7.1% compared to October 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 6.1% year-on-year. The October load factor was 83.9% (+0.8ppt compared to October 2023).

International demand rose 9.5% compared to October 2023. Capacity was up 8.6% year-on-year and the load factor rose to 83.5% (+0.6ppt compared to October 2023).

Domestic demand rose 3.5% compared to October 2023. Capacity was up 2.0% year-on-year and the load factor was 84.5% (+1.2ppt compared to October 2023).

“Continued strong and stable demand is good news, but just as important is the steady improvement in load factors. It shows what a great job the industry is doing in flying people more efficiently.

Average seat factors have risen from around 67% in the 1990’s to over 83% today. Politicians thinking of trying to tax passengers off planes to reduce emissions would do well to note this. Even if fewer people fly because taxes make it too expensive, it doesn’t automatically mean reduced emissions because the planes will still fly, just with fewer passengers. That would reverse decades hard won progress. We need to see the planes full to generate the economic and social benefits of travel with the most minimal emissions possible,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.

Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets

All regions showed growth for international passenger markets in October 2024 compared to October 2023. Europe had the highest load factors, and Africa showed a sharp increase, but the Americas and the Middle East suffered falls.

African airlines saw a 10.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 5.3% year-on-year. The load factor rose to 73.2% (+3.4ppt compared to October 2023).

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 2.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 2.5% year-on-year and the load factor was 80.2% (-0.2ppt compared to October 2023).

North American carriers saw a 3.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 2.9% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.2% (+0.3ppt compared to October 2023).

Latin American airlines saw a 10.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 11.6% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.3% (-0.6ppt compared to October 2023).

Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 17.5% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 17.2% year-on-year and the load factor was 82.9% (+0.3ppt compared to October 2023).

European carriers had an 8.7% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 7.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.7% (+1.1ppt compared to October 2023).

Emirates to launch retrofitted Boeing 777 on Vienna route. Image: Emirates Airlines

Vienna is the fourth city in the airline’s European network to receive its enhanced, four-class Boeing 777 aircraft.

Uganda Airlines has launched the Flight Path Sustainability Project, aimed at reducing bird strikes near Entebbe International Airport. Image: Uganda Airlines

The programme aims to reduce bird strikes by 40% through strategic waste management and underscores the airline’s commitment to ensuring “Safety in the Skies” while supporting local communities and ecosystems.

Bird strikes present a significant global aviation challenge, causing approximately $1.2 billion in damages annually, with up to 90% occurring near airports during takeoff and landing phases. Entebbe International Airport, situated near the biodiverse Mabamba Bay wetlands, has experienced 21 bird strikes as of June 2024, many involving Spur-winged geese attracted by improperly managed fish waste along Lake Victoria’s shores.

The Flight Path Sustainability Project aims to address this issue by reducing bird activity near flight paths, improving waste management practices, and fostering sustainability within surrounding communities.

The project seeks to:

· Reduce Bird Strikes: Achieve a 40% decrease in bird concentrations around Entebbe International Airport through strategic waste management solutions.

· Environmental Conservation: Protect Mabamba Bay, a critical ecosystem for diverse bird species, while maintaining ecological balance.

· Sustainability: Promote sustainable waste practices to create a cleaner and safer environment for aviation operations and local residents.

· Community Support: Empower women fish traders in Kigungu by enhancing hygiene and encouraging innovative recycling solutions.

Kigungu Central, a key area within Entebbe Municipality, generates substantial waste due to its active fishing industry, processing 4–5 tonnes of fish daily. Despite the local fish processing plant’s compliance with waste disposal standards, challenges such as plastic pollution and improper waste practices persist. The project aims to transform waste management in Kigungu by inspiring behavior change, fostering recycling, and introducing innovative waste repurposing solutions, such as converting fish scales into industrial raw materials.

The Flight Path Sustainability Project is expected to deliver transformative benefits, including cleaner shores along Lake Victoria through eco-friendly waste disposal practices, improved sanitation and quality of life for over 2,000 residents, particularly women fish traders, enhanced aviation safety through reduced bird activity near flight paths, and increased awareness and strengthened partnerships among stakeholders to support sustainable development.

Uganda Airlines CEO Mrs. Jenifer Bamuturaki said: “Today marks a significant milestone for Uganda Airlines as we reaffirm our commitment to aviation safety and environmental stewardship. The Flight Path Sustainability Project goes beyond safety, addressing environmental conservation, sustainability, and community support in a holistic way.”

Shakila Rahim Lamar, Head of PR and Communications at Uganda Airlines, said: “Public awareness and collaboration are at the heart of this initiative. By tackling waste management challenges in Kigungu and inspiring sustainable practices, we are setting an example for the aviation industry and supporting community well-being.”

Rulinda Fabrice, Mayor of Entebbe Municipality, added: “This initiative provides an opportunity to transform waste management in our Municipality, improve the quality of life for residents, and protect our local ecosystem. It is a vital partnership for the safety of our skies and the sustainability of our community.”

Image: Jazeera Airways.

These aircraft are currently leased and operated by Jazeera as part of its fleet. The transition from leased to owned aircraft is aimed at reducing unit costs and mitigating supply chain challenges that have impacted the aviation industry, including delays in aircraft deliveries.

As part of its transformation, Jazeera Airways plans to expand its network of routes, introduce enhanced in-flight services, and leverage cutting-edge technologies to elevate the overall passenger experience.

Marwan Boodai, chairman of Jazeera Airways, said: “Our decision to invest in six Airbus A320 aircraft reflects our forward-thinking approach to fleet management and transformation. By building a balance between leased and owned aircraft, we are reinforcing our operational resilience while ensuring we maintain one of the most cost-efficient models in the region. This acquisition also highlights our commitment to enhancing passenger experience, improving operational efficiency, and expanding our reach as we transform into a more sustainable and innovative airline. As we evolve, we will continue to stay focused on delivering value to both our customers and our shareholders.”

Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general. Image: IATA

In 2024, SAF production volumes reached 1 million tonnes (1.3 billion liters), double the 0.5 million tonnes (600 million liters) produced in 2023. SAF accounted for 0.3% of global jet fuel production and 11% of global renewable fuel.

This is significantly below previous estimates that projected SAF production in 2024 at 1.5 million tonnes (1.9 billion liters), as key SAF production facilities in the US have pushed back their production ramp up to the first half of 2025.

In 2025, SAF production is expected to reach 2.1 million tonnes (2.7 billion liters) or 0.7% of total jet fuel production and 13% of global renewable fuel capacity.

“SAF volumes are increasing, but disappointingly slowly. Governments are sending mixed signals to oil companies which continue to receive subsidies for their exploration and production of fossil oil and gas. And investors in new generation fuel producers seem to be waiting for guarantees of easy money before going full throttle. With airlines, the core of the value chain, earning just a 3.6% net margin, profitability expectations for SAF investors need to be slow and steady, not fast and furious. But make no mistake that airlines are eager to buy SAF and there is money to be made by investors and companies who see the long-term future of decarbonisation. Governments can accelerate progress by winding down fossil fuel production subsidies and replacing them with strategic production incentives and clear policies supporting a future built on renewable energies, including SAF,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.

“The airline industry’s decarbonisation must be seen as part of the global energy transition, not compartmentalised as a transport issue. That’s because solving the energy transition challenge for aviation will also benefit the wider economy, as renewable fuel refineries will produce a broad range of fuels used by other industries, and only a minor share will be SAF, used by airlines. We need the whole world to produce as much renewable energy as possible for everybody. Airlines simply want to access their fair share of that output,” added Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s senior vice president sustainability and chief economist.

To reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050, IATA analysis shows that between 3,000 to over 6,500 new renewable fuel plants will be needed. These will also produce renewable diesel and other fuels for other industries. The annual average capex needed to build the new facilities over the 30-year period is about $128 billion per year, in a best-case scenario. Importantly, this amount is significantly less than the estimated total sum of investments in the solar and wind energy markets at $280 billion per annum between 2004 and 2022.

“Governments must quickly deliver concrete policy incentives to rapidly accelerate renewable energy production. There is already a model to follow with the transition to wind and solar power. The good news is that the energy transition, which includes SAF, will need less than half the annual investments that realising wind and solar production at scale required. And a good portion of the needed funding could be realised by redirecting a portion of the retrograde subsidies that governments give to the fossil fuel industry,” said Walsh.

he delivery marks a key step in Kuwait Airways’ transformation strategy, which includes enhancing its fleet to drive future growth. Kuwait Airways already operates a fleet of four A330-800s.

Kuwait Airways’ A330-900 will feature three cabin classes with 278 seats: 32 business class, 21 premium economy and 225 economy class seats.

Kuwait Airways currently operates a fleet of nine Airbus A320neo and 4 A330-800 aircraft. With operational commonality across the A320 and A330 Families, the introduction of the A330-900 will enable the airline to use the same pool of pilots and engineers, thereby achieving the highest levels of technical and operational efficiency.

he provider in air transport technology solutions will provide advanced airport systems for enhanced passenger processing and operations at the new terminal.

RSI is a pivotal part of The Red Sea destination, developed by Red Sea Global. By 2030, the airport is expected to serve one million guests annually, with a peak capacity of 900 passengers per hour. A digitally powered passenger journey will be instrumental to handling this level of traffic while avoiding bottlenecks and keeping the passenger journey smooth and pleasant.

Under this new agreement, SITA will deliver smart solutions powering everything from passenger processing to baggage reconciliation, airport operations, and beyond. SITA Flex and SITA’s Maestro departure control system together will automate check-in and departure processes and allow passengers to use their mobile device as their remote control for the journey.

SITA Bag Manager will provide advanced baggage reconciliation; tracking every bag loaded onto a plane, ULD, or cart in real time throughout the airport, the solution will offer passengers peace of mind and free up staff to focus on more complex tasks. A suite of airport management solutions will ensure RSI harnesses the power of data to monitor and swiftly reallocate resources where they are most needed, while SITA’s Information Display Systems will keep passengers fully informed with down-to-the-minute flight updates.

RSI will benefit from swift and economical implementation of all SAS in the new terminal building as SITA leverages the infrastructure already deployed in the Air Taxi Terminal, as well as streamlined operations thanks to full interoperability of these solutions.

Selim Bouri, President, Middle East & Africa, SITA, said: “As the region gears up to welcome more travelers than ever before, RSI’s Main Terminal Building rises to the challenge of welcoming them effectively and efficiently. Our comprehensive suite of solutions will ensure smooth operations for the airport’s teams while enhancing the passenger experience every step of the way. We are proud to have gained the trust and confidence of Red Sea International Airport through our work together so far and look forward to a longstanding collaboration.”

Andrew Tyler Smith, chief guest experience officer, Red Sea International Airport, said: “As the key gateway to The Red Sea destination, our vision is to integrate cutting-edge technological solutions that will make us a world-leading facility. Our aim is not only to enhance the guest experience from the moment of touchdown, but also to firmly establish our commitment to sustainability. By leveraging advanced innovations, we aim to demonstrate our dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. Technological innovation will be the backbone of our offering. In SITA we have found a trusted technology partner attuned to that mission and able to deliver the agile, reliable, and seamlessly interoperable solutions to make our vision a reality.”