The exclusive 925 square meter lounge opened earlier this week at Paris Charles de Gaulle精东影业 terminal 2C and has been made available to Emirates鈥� first and business class customers, as well as Emirates Skywards members.聽

Costing around $950,000, the lounge can accommodate up to 165 guests at a time and was designed with a focus on comfort and convenience, according to the Dubai flag-carrier.  

The new lounge features a refreshed and modern design with new furnishings, cozy chairs and sofas, enhanced shower facilities with VOYA products, complimentary Wi-Fi, and views of the airport runway.聽聽

For hungry travelers, they will be able to pick between local dishes and delicacies, including pan-fried fillet of beef drizzled with b茅arnaise sauce, poached fillet of cod with vierge sauce, cheese board spreads and rich desserts.   

Available drinks will include premium spirits and liqueurs, French wines from Bordeaux and more, and Moet & Chandon champagnes.聽聽

The lounge will also feature unique seating arrangements for dining, lounging and quiet spaces for relaxation.聽

worldwide, including seven in Dubai and 32 at major airports around the globe.聽聽

Air France opens exclusive lounge at LAX with spa area and premium hideaways

• Airlines
• Airport

byIan Molyneaux

2024-06-24

The arrangement is spearheaded by the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA), and the European Union could support it through the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA), adopted in October 2023.聽聽

According to MBDA, several other countries are strongly interested in joining this cooperation.聽

鈥淭his cooperation is a major step forward in strengthening the defence capabilities of the European Union and its member states, contributing to collective security and sovereignty,鈥� Eric B茅ranger, CEO of MBDA, commented. 鈥淭his agreement will drive efficiencies and enhance the resilience of the European defence industrial base.鈥� 

The Mistral 3, currently in service with the French Army and other forces worldwide, is a short-range air defense (SHORAD) missile featuring a fire-and-forget infrared homing device and advanced image processing capabilities.

It can engage targets at ranges of up to 8,000 meters (about five miles) and altitudes of 6,000 meters (about four miles), traveling at supersonic speeds of 930 meters (3,000 feet) per second.聽

鈥淜nown for its high success rate of over 96% and exceptional reliability, it can engage low thermal signature targets such as drones, turbojet-powered missiles, and fast attack craft from long distances,鈥� MBDA explained. 

Throughout Russia精东影业 invasion of Ukraine, France, Belgium, and Estonia, among others, have supplied Ukraine with Mistral man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS).聽聽聽

UK and France continue to reinforce Ukraine air defense

• War in Ukraine

byGabriele Petrauskaite

2022-11-24

The NH90 is a twin-engine military transport helicopter developed in partnership between France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. NHIndustries regroups Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters Division, and Fokker Technologies.  

In October 2020, the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) contracted NHIndustries to develop a 鈥淪pecial Forces鈥� variant (NH90 FS). The French Ministry for Armed Forces has ordered 18 NH90s in this configuration. Per the DGA schedule, flight testing will continue through the end of 2024.聽聽

The Standard 2 configuration introduces several enhancements, including the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system, a new digital map generator, provisions for a third crew member, and enlarged rear sliding windows to accommodate self-protection guns.  

Additionally, the prototype is equipped for future integration of the Distributed Aperture System or DAS and a new generation Helmet Mounted Sight Digital Display (HMSD-DD), enhancing the helicopter’s capabilities in challenging conditions.聽聽

The first deliveries to the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment of the ALAT are expected by 2025. 

In April 2021, NHIndustries chose to equip the NH90 FS with the TopOwl Digital Display helmet developed by Thales, which offers increased situational awareness to the pilot, especially in extreme environmental conditions such as sand, snow, fog, or during the night. 

On June 13, 2024, NHI and the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) officially signed a contract to develop and qualify the NH90 Block 1 upgrade, also known as Software Release 3, for both naval and land-based variants of the helicopter.   

NHIndustries and NATO sign contract for NH90 helicopter Block 1 upgrade

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-06-14

On June 6, 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the transfer of Dassault Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2024.

French President Macron announces transfer of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine

• Defense
• War in Ukraine

byClement Charpentreau

2024-06-06

This came as a surprise since a week prior, Sweden suspended its plan to sell Gripen C/Ds to Ukraine in order to prioritize the introduction of the F16.聽

鈥淥ur partners emphasize that the simultaneous introduction of two air combat systems is very complex and that it is now necessary to focus on the entry into service of the F-16 within the Ukrainian Air Force,鈥� P氓l Jonson, the Swedish Minister of Defense, explained at the time.  

Yet, when asked about France’s decision to supply Ukraine with an additional fighter model alongside the F-16, the US Secretary of Defense expressed his approval. 

“We’re working hard to get Ukraine an F-16 capability this summer, and […] I’m optimistic that that will happen,” Austin stated. 鈥淎nd I also welcome France’s contribution because every bit helps.鈥� 

Austin underscored the importance of ensuring multiple complex systems are sustainable and interoperable for effective use in Ukraine.  

“I’m sure that, you know, once the training is complete, and once all of the coordination has been done, we’ll see some good results, but every little bit helps,” the US defense secretary concluded. 

The Mirage 2000-5 is a fighter jet developed by Dassault Aviation in the 1970s. The 2000-5 is an air superiority variant of the aircraft. The French Air and Space Force fighters, which are to be transferred to Ukraine, are well-known within NATO operations. 

The ones operated by the 1/2 Cigognes squadron are regularly deployed as part of the Baltic Air Policing mission to ensure the protection of the airspace of the three Baltic states, which have no airborne capability of their own. A few more airframes are flown by the 3/11 Corse squadron, responsible for airspace surveillance at Air Base 188 Djibouti. 

The number of Mirage jets being transferred has not been specified. However, some have questioned the relevance of France sending fighter jets to Ukraine. Indeed, France only has 26 Mirage 2000-5s at its disposal.  

Other countries, such as Greece and Qatar, operate the same variant of the fighter jet. But Greece has refused to part with its aerial combat capabilities, while Qatar appears more inclined to sell its fighters second-hand, with India recently voicing its interest. 

Indonesia cancels Qatari Mirage 2000 order amid corruption allegations

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-02-12

In a statement on June 16, 2024, the High Commission issued an in which it announced that that the airport would reopen during the day from June 17, 2024.

The High Commission said this was 鈥渕ade possible thanks to numerous securing and clearing operations鈥�.

The commission also said that in 鈥渧iew of the improvement in the situation and in order to facilitate the gradual return to normal life鈥� a curfew would start at 20:00 rather than 18:00.

The recent unrest in Noum茅a broke out amid intense discussions during a parliamentary session concerning a constitutional reform being contested by supporters of New Caledonian independence.

A voting reform would have allowed long-term residents to take part in local polls, against the wishes of many indigenous Kanaks.

Violence and looting subsequently broke out resulting in the deaths of nine people and hundreds more injured.

Commercial flights that link New Caledonia to Sydney, Tokyo, Singapore and other areas in the Pacific were cancelled and the Australian, New Zealand and French governments conducted evacuation flights as violence spread across the territory.

Australia, New Zealand and France conduct evacuation flights from New Caledonia

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-05-22

鈥淎s of tomorrow, we will launch a pilot training and transfer program for these aircraft with the aim [of completing their training] by the end of the year,鈥� Macron explained, adding that 4,500 Ukrainian infantry soldiers would also be trained and equipped by France.

鈥淚n no case are we at war with Russia and its people,鈥� Macron added, emphasizing that the support is designed to help Ukraine protect its territory and airspace. The exact number of aircraft being transferred or their origin was not disclosed.

The Mirage 2000 is a fighter jet developed by Dassault Aviation in the 1970s. The 2000-5 is an air superiority variant of the aircraft.

Two French squadrons [1/2 Cigognes, 3/11 Corse 鈥� ed. note] are still operating the Mirage 2000-5, which should eventually be phased out and replaced by Rafale fighters. These aircraft are regularly deployed to the Baltic states as part of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission, meant to protect the three countries from aerial incursions and provide support in case of air emergencies since these nations have no airborne capability of their own.   

In his D-Day address, Macron also reemphasized that Ukraine has the right to strike back at Russian positions from which attacks are launched.

鈥淚f we say to the Ukrainians: ‘you cannot neutralize these Russian capabilities,’ then we tell them you can no longer defend yourself,鈥� the French president explained.

Macron open to Ukraine using French missiles to strike Russian military targets

• Defense
• War in Ukraine

byClement Charpentreau

2024-05-29

Doubt had long hovered over France’s transfer of Mirage 2000s to Ukraine. On March 22, 2023, the daily newspaper Le Figaro stated that around 30 Ukrainian air crewmembers were receiving accelerated training to operate Mirage 2000s. However, the French Ministry of Armed Forces denied the claims.

On September 3, 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Macron agreed to train Ukrainian pilots in France. Pilots chosen to fly the F-16 will travel to France and receive advanced training flying the Alpha Jet jet trainer. Advanced training is the last stage before receiving basic training on the F-16, also known as B-Course.

Zelenskyy strikes deal on Ukraine pilots training in France. What could it mean?

• Defense
• War in Ukraine

byClement Charpentreau

2023-09-04

The ALSIM AL172, certified as an FNPT II (EASA), replicates the Cessna 172SP Skyhawk with a Garmin G1000 NXI and GFC700 autopilot.

鈥淭urkish Airlines Flight Academy accelerated its quality and superior training with the aircraft, simulators and other requirements it acquired, aiming to train professional pilots in order to meet Turkish Airlines’ increasing need for qualified pilots,” TAFA CEO 陌brahim Zeki Akyurt explained. “The reason we chose the AL172 simulator is that its cockpit is an exact replica of the Cessna 172SP Skyhawk NAV III aircraft and ALSIM offers proven and reliable FSTD models.”

鈥淚nstructors sit on simulators for thousands of hours, so we know that providing them comfort and ease-of-use is key. That’s why we spent so many hours perfecting our Instructor Station,” Leonardo Rodrigues, ALSIM Sales Manager, added.

TAFA, founded to support Turkish Airlines’ pilot needs, operates with 40 training aircraft and multiple simulators, training around 300 graduates annually.

Around 70 parachutists, including those from the Round Canopy Parachuting Team in the United States (US), flung themselves out of three C-47 transport aircraft that flew from Duxford in the UK.  

The event on June 2, 2024, in Carentan-les-Marais, France, marked the start of a week of various commemorations taking place in Normandy and around the world to honor those that took part, and lost their lives, during the D-Day landings.聽聽

On June 6, 1944, troops from the US, UK, Canada and other allied nations landed on the Normandy beaches to defeat Adolph Hitler and the Nazis, and ultimately liberate Europe.  

Known as Operation Overlord, nearly 160,000 troops crossed the English Channel and landed in Normandy under devastating artillery fire from German soldiers.  

The landings were proceeded by an airborne assault which included over 18,000 paratroopers, many who were from the US 101st Airborne Division that was depicted in the TV series Band of Brothers.  

Members of the British Royal Family, US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are among the guests visiting France this week to take part in D-Day events.聽聽

According to the Associated Press, two of the C-47 aircraft that took part in the mass parachute jump were among the fleet of thousands of planes that flew to France on June 6, 1944.  

Although their numbers are sadly now dwindling, many veterans from World War Two have arrived in France to take part in commemorations.聽

Most are now in their lates nineties or over a hundred years old and they will perhaps be some of the last that will take part in large D-Day events.   

Over 4,000 soldiers were killed during the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, but the operation is considered the beginning of the end for Hitler’s tyrannical regime. Allied forces celebrated victory in Europe 11 months later on May 8, 1945.聽

American Airlines to fly US veterans to France to mark D-Day 80th anniversary聽聽聽聽

• Airlines

byLuke Peters

2024-05-10

This operation aims to train crews for ground support missions in environments disrupted by GPS jamming. The exercise runs from May 27 to June 7, 2024, and involves large-scale equipment across several sites in France.聽

鈥淭wo Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) will be issued weekly by the AAE to provide updates on the operation,鈥� the French Free Flight Federation (FFVL) said. 鈥淭here is a potential impact on GNSS procedures, depending on proximity to the interference zones.鈥�

The jamming operations will occur throughout this period, with two jammers capable of operating simultaneously at four different locations. GNSS signals will only be disrupted for 2 to 3 hours per day. The jamming will affect areas within a 100-nautical mile (185-kilometer) radius at 4,000 feet from the central point in the Puy-de-D么me region, central France.聽

Several European civil aviation authorities, including EASA, the French DGAC, and the Finnish Traficom, have reported increased GPS signal disruptions affecting flights following Russia精东影业 invasion of Ukraine.  EASA has identified four areas where GNSS jamming and/or spoofing has increased since February 24, 2022:  

• Kaliningrad region, surrounding Baltic Sea, and neighboring States;聽聽聽
• Eastern Finland;聽聽聽
• The Black Sea;聽聽聽
• The Eastern Mediterranean area is near Cyprus, Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Northern Iraq.聽聽聽聽

Finnair decided to suspend its daily flights to Tartu, Estonia, from April 29 to May 31, 2024, due to ongoing GPS interference affecting the usability of Tartu Airport (TAY) approach methods. Recently, two Finnair flights diverted back to Helsinki because GPS interference hindered a safe approach and landing at Tartu. 

In May 2024, the UK Ministry of Defence announced it conducted commercial flight trials of quantum-based navigation systems, which it says are resilient against jamming and spoofing by hostile entities.聽

UK completes flight tests using quantum-based navigation systems

• Aviation Technology and Innovation

byClement Charpentreau

2024-05-14

But what is the reason for these daring flights? The Paris Police Prefecture recently explained.  

鈥淎s part of the preparation for the upcoming 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the National Gendarmerie will conduct several low-altitude helicopter flights over Paris from May 27 to 31, 2024, between 8:30 AM and 7:00 PM, at a rate of 4 to 5 flights per day, depending on weather conditions,鈥� the prefecture explained in a . 

The helicopters operate from V茅lizy-Villacoublay Air Base located southwest of Paris and housing the National Gendarmerie Air Force Command. 

Impressive footage shared on social media even shows an Airbus H145 flying between the pillars of the Eiffel Tower. 

The system seen installed on the helicopter’s skids is the HELINUC, developed by the French Commission for Atomic Energy to conduct airborne gamma mapping. This allows for the mapping of radio-nuclear activity.聽聽

The operation aims to produce reference mapping for operational preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The police authority explained that these flights, although spectacular, have no impact on the overflown areas. Similar operations have already been carried out in other French cities that will welcome the games.