You are receiving this message because you have visited our site and requested to be contacted. If you no longer wish to be contacted, please use the removal link: REMOVE. | | | | Maximize Your Reach With Targeted Newsletter Ads | | Welcome to Paws & Tails – the ultimate newsletter for pet lovers who see their furry friends as family. Dive into heartwarming stories, expert pet care tips, and the latest in pet lifestyle trends, all designed to celebrate the joy cats and dogs bring to our lives. With every edition, Paws & Tails delivers engaging content that keeps readers coming back for more, while giving advertisers the perfect platform to connect with a passionate, pet-focused audience.
Our readership is 75% female and 25% male, featuring dedicated pet owners, animal enthusiasts, and pet care professionals who live and breathe all things paws and tails. Spanning ages 25 to 54, these readers earn $50,000 to $100,000 annually and are eager for insights on pet health, training, nutrition, and the newest pet-friendly products. Rooted in suburban and urban communities across the U.S., especially pet-friendly hotspots, this audience prioritizes the well-being of their four-legged companions.
Advertise with Paws & Tails to connect with an engaged community that’s as loyal as the pets they love! | | | | | Finnair Faces A330 Cuts Amid Union Dispute | | | | Finnair Warns of Pilot Reductions Due to Ongoing Union Dispute Finnair has issued a warning about the potential loss of 90 pilot positions, a consequence of industrial actions that threaten the operations of Airbus A330 aircraft. These aircraft were initially deployed following the closure of Russian airspace, which forced the airline to adapt its flight routes and repurpose the A330s, whose range was limited for the newly adjusted European-Asian routes.
The Shift of A330s to Qantas Routes To optimize the use of its A330 fleet, Finnair entered into a wet-lease agreement with Qantas, allowing two A330s to service routes between Sydney and Bangkok, as well as Singapore. This arrangement not only helped Finnair maintain efficient fleet utilization but also provided employment to approximately 90 pilots.
Union Strikes Threaten Operations However, ongoing industrial action by the airline’s workers' union, SLL, is now forcing Finnair to contemplate significant staffing reductions. These actions are tied to protracted collective labor negotiations, which have been dragging on for several months. The union, in particular, has voiced its dissatisfaction with the airline’s aggressive approach to the negotiations.
Standby Duty Ban Could Disrupt Flights SLL’s extension of the strike to include a ban on standby duty is expected to severely impact Finnair’s ability to operate its A330 flights, as well as the Helsinki-Bangkok and Helsinki-Singapore services that are used by pilots to transfer to the A330 routes. This development has led Finnair to reconsider its cooperation agreement with Qantas, even suggesting the possibility of termination if the strike continues to disrupt operations.
Possible Pilot Layoffs and Furloughs on the Horizon Finnair is planning to begin negotiations with pilots to discuss potential reductions in staffing, which could involve layoffs or furloughs, as a direct result of the ongoing industrial action. These discussions are expected to start soon and will also cover the potential introduction of standby practices in pilot employment contracts.
Sydney Operations Remain Stable Amid Strike Despite the disruptions, Finnair has managed to maintain stability in its Sydney operations, where pilots are locally stationed. The airline and the union reached a compromise last year to allow the Sydney flights to continue unaffected by the ongoing industrial actions, including the overtime ban planned for March. However, union representatives remain firm in their position, claiming the airline’s need for personnel reductions is unfounded. | | | | Thai Airways Expands with A321neos | | | | Thai Airways to Lease A321neos for Regional Routes Thai Airways International has announced plans to lease eight Airbus A321neos to bolster its regional network, with deliveries scheduled for 2026-27. The aircraft will be sourced from lessor SMBC Aviation Capital, with the jets coming from the lessor’s order backlog with Airbus.
A Strategic Move for Operational Efficiency The A321neos will replace older aircraft and are expected to improve the airline’s operational efficiency. The deal marks a significant step in enhancing Thai Airways' regional service offering.
Details on Aircraft and Engine Selection Though engine details have not been disclosed, Thai Airways’ existing fleet of A320 aircraft is equipped with International Aero Engines V2500s, a likely consideration for the new A321neos as well.
Cabin Upgrades for Better Customer Experience In tandem with the fleet upgrade, Thai Airways has enhanced its in-flight product, particularly on its A320s. The upgraded cabins include more spacious seating arrangements, with 12 seats arranged in a four-abreast configuration in the first three rows. Additionally, passengers can enjoy wireless in-flight entertainment, further elevating the overall travel experience.
Aiming for Improved Revenue and Utilization The integration of Thai Smile Airways into Thai Airways has already resulted in notable improvements in revenue, aircraft utilization, and customer satisfaction. By the second quarter of the year, the airline aims to complete the refurbishment of all 20 of its A320 aircraft. | | | | | | | | | | Ascendance and Delair Unveil Hybrid UAV for France's Defense | | | | New Hybrid UAV Developed for French Defense Ascendance, a hybrid-electric propulsion specialist, has partnered with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer Delair to create an advanced observation platform for the French defense procurement agency, DGA. The collaboration involves adapting Delair’s DT46 UAV by integrating Ascendance’s Sterna hybrid powertrain, which has already undergone flight tests.
Enhanced Endurance with Hybrid Powertrain The integration of the hybrid powertrain provides a significant boost in endurance, particularly for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) operations. With the modification, the UAV's endurance in VTOL mode increases to over 5.5 hours, compared to 3.5 hours with the original battery-electric configuration.
Versatile Performance for Various Phases The Sterna powertrain allows operators to seamlessly switch between using the thermal engine for high-speed transit flights, reaching speeds of up to 53 knots (100 km/h), and the battery system for quieter, more discreet observation phases. This flexibility makes the UAV well-suited for both rapid deployment and prolonged surveillance missions.
DT46 Hybride for Defense Modernization The DT46 Hybride has been specifically developed to support the modernization of the DGA's Essais des missiles test center in Biscarrosse, located in southwestern France. The UAV will be used for monitoring missile launches and conducting maritime surveillance, ensuring a high level of operational efficiency and surveillance capability.
First Flight Tests Planned for Spring The first qualifying flights of the new hybrid UAV will take place in the spring at the Biscarrosse test site. The DT46 features a 4.5-meter wingspan and can carry a 5 kg payload, with a maximum takeoff weight of 25 kg. | | | | Netherlands to Receive Eight Pilatus PC-7 MKX Trainers | | | | Netherlands Secures Deal for Pilatus PC-7 MKX Trainers Pilatus has announced that the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) will be the first to receive the new PC-7 MKX basic trainer, with eight units planned for delivery by the first half of 2027. This agreement, signed at Woensdrecht air base, also includes the provision of essential ground-based training equipment, including four flight simulators, a training management system, and mission planning and debriefing tools.
A Comprehensive Training Solution The deal ensures that the Dutch air force will benefit from an integrated, cost-effective training system. The new fleet of PC-7 MKX trainers is designed to replace the older baseline PC-7 models, which have been in service since 1988. The addition of flight simulators will significantly reduce the number of aircraft required for training, optimizing resources and enhancing operational efficiency.
A New Era for Dutch Flight Training The arrival of the PC-7 MKX trainers marks the beginning of a new era for basic flight training in the Netherlands. With the advanced capabilities of the new aircraft, the Dutch air force is set to set a new standard in flight training that is expected to influence air forces worldwide.
Pilatus Expands PC-7 MKX Reach In addition to the Dutch order, Pilatus is involved in multiple tenders for the PC-7 MKX. Recently, Babcock France selected the aircraft to meet the French air force’s Mentor2 training requirements, with plans to acquire 22 units. | | | | Russia’s United Aircraft Moves Toward SJ-100 Certification | | | | United Aircraft Advances with SJ-100 Test Program United Aircraft has announced the assembly of 11 serial-production Yakovlev SJ-100 airframes, which will undergo retrofitting with domestic systems after certification. The update was shared during a supplier committee meeting held at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur manufacturing facility, marking a significant milestone in the SJ-100 program.
A New Phase for the Superjet 100 The SJ-100, an upgraded version of the Superjet 100, incorporates a higher percentage of Russian-built systems. Its maiden flight took place recently, although it still relied on the PowerJet SaM146 engines at the time due to the ongoing development of the domestic Aviadvigatel PD-8 engine.
Plans for Ground and Test Flights An earlier Superjet 100, MSN95157, originally equipped with SaM146 engines, is currently being prepared for ground tests with the PD-8 engine. United Aircraft also plans to introduce a third test aircraft powered by the PD-8 as part of the certification campaign.
Certification Flights and Plant Investment The company has confirmed that certification flight tests for the SJ-100 will take place soon. Meanwhile, plans to enhance the Komsomolsk plant include investment in assembly lines, logistics, and hangar facilities to support uninterrupted serial production.
Financial Performance and Strategic Recovery United Aircraft has reported a 22% increase in revenues, reaching Rb198 billion over the past year, though it still posted a net loss of Rb24.1 billion ($248 million). To improve its financial stability, the company is focusing on restructuring debt, optimizing procurement, and improving technological processes.
Corporate Transformation for Future Growth The company is also undergoing a transformation aimed at optimizing research and development processes. As part of its recovery program, United Aircraft is working to establish two new engineering centers for civil and military aviation, which should help reduce R&D time and improve overall financial performance. |
|
|
