The Week In Travel

Electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) manufacturer, AutoFlight, has recorded the longest eVTOL flight in history this week. In a significant milestone for the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry, AutoFlight’s Generation 4 aircraft was able to travel 250km on a single charge of the aircraft’s lithium-ion batteries. The flight is a key breakthrough in the development of the aircraft, as it continues to undergo testing ahead of the company’s goal of airworthiness certification in 2025.

In airline news, German flag-carrier Lufthansa has unveiled plans for a €2.5 billion long-haul travel revamp covering all seating classes. The revamp will include seven different options for business travellers, a ‘better seat’ initiative in economy, and a ‘flying private room’ for first class travellers - comprised of a double cabin complete with a closable door and two wide seats that can be turned into a double bed.

Staying in Europe, IAG, the parent company of British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus has agreed to acquire the remaining 80% of Spanish carrier Air Europa for €400 million. IAG had previously acquired a 20% stake in the carrier last August, before pursuing and abandoning a further acquisition attempt. The company has stated the acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and could take 18 months to close.

Across the pond, the FAA has announced plans to award close to $1 billion to 99 airports throughout the US. The funds will be issued with the intention of ‘meeting the growing demand for air travel’, investing in initiatives to get travellers in and out of airports faster, new baggage systems, larger security checkpoints and improved ground transportation.

And finally, there was a ‘spike’ in flight delays at Dunedin Airport in New Zealand this week after a plane was brought to a sudden stop when a hedgehog wondered onto the runway. The flight from Auckland had just landed when the pilot spotted the creature on the tarmac, informing passengers over the PA system ‘I have to make an announcement that I’ve never made before’. While passengers were likely a touch prickly as a result of the delay, the hedgehog was removed after just a few minutes.