A US pilot has died after collapsing in an airplane bathroom en route to Chile, while 271 passengers were on board. Captain Ivan Andaur, 56, started feeling unwell three hours into the LATAM Airlines flight from Miami to Santiago. The 25-year veteran of the skies reportedly collapsed in a bathroom, and other crew members had to give him emergency first aid. Luckily, a relief captain and first officer were both on board to help when the situation unfolded. LATAM Airlines said it had to divert 30 minutes to Tocumen International Airport in Panama City due to a "medical emergency for one of the three command crew". When the LA505 flight landed in Panama, local emergency services helped the man, but he was subsequently declared deceased. "We are deeply grateful for his 25-year career and his valuable contribution, which was always distinguished by his dedication, professionalism, and dedication," the airline said. The crew followed all safety protocols during the flight, it added.<br/>
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California start-up Surf Air Mobility has reported second-quarter results reflecting its recent acquisition of regional carrier Southern Airways – its first disclosure since being listed on the New York Stock Exchange last month. Surf generated $6.2m of revenue in the three months ending 30 June, while Southern’s revenue was $22.4m. The companies generated $4.5m and $19.6m, respectively, during the same period last year. Surf reports losing $44.5m during the second quarter, while Southern lost $1.7m. That compares with losses of $18.7mi and $1.2m during the prior-year period. Based in Los Angeles, Surf currently operates a “technology-forward, on-demand scheduled regional aviation platform” – a membership model through which passengers can book flights with third-party operators. The company is considered a leader in developing door-to-door travel experiences in the emerging regional air mobility segment, which is focused on operating traditional short-haul flights using low- or no-emissions technology. Surf closed the deal to acquire Florida-based Surf on 27 July – the same day that it was listed as a public company – and subsequently became “the largest commuter airline in the United States and the largest passenger operator of Cessna Caravans… by scheduled departures,” Surf says in its prospectus for investors. On 2 August, Surf disclosed that it has a deal with Textron Aviation to purchase 100 new Cessna Grand Caravans over a five-year period, with options for an additional 50 of the type. Deliveries are set to begin in 2024. The start-up also has an exclusive deal with Textron to ”become the exclusive provider of battery-electric and hybrid-electric powertrain technology for the Cessna Grand Caravan”, Surf says. Surf plans to retrofit Southern’s sizeable fleet of existing Grand Caravans with hybrid-electric and fully electric powerplants, and to develop and certify its “EP1” propulsion system through partnerships with AeroTEC, MagniX and Textron.<br/>
Air Niugini will acquire 11 new Airbus A220s to replace its aging fleet of Fokker regional aircraft. Deliveries of the A220s are likely to start in 2025, as part of a 13-aircraft commitment - worth over PGK22.5b ($6.2b) - to renew its fleet, the airline states in a Facebook post. The airline in June ordered two Boeing 787-8s, which will replace its aging 767-300s. Papua New Guinea state enterprises minister William Duma says the Airbus order has been approved by the government, paving the way for the airline to proceed to “the next phase of the project”. Air Niugini acting chief Gary Seddon says the potential order is the first time the carrier has committed to new regional jets. He adds: “We are moving from analogue to digital. The Fokker jet aircraft have done their part for the last 25 years and it’s time to replace them with a game changer aircraft.” The commitment makes Air Niugini the latest A220 customer in the Asia-Pacific region. Australian national carrier Qantas in 2022 firmed up its commitments for A220s, while Korean Air is an existing operator. According to Cirium fleets data, the Port Moresby-based carrier has eight in-service Fokker jets, comprising four Fokker 100s and four Fokker 70s. Another five Fokker aircraft are in storage.<br/>