Category Archives: Sealand

Electric aviation is taking flight in Canada.

Sealand Flight, a flight training school based on Vancouver Island, received clearance from Transport Canada earlier this year to allow licensed pilots to fly a Pipistrel Velis Electro, a two-seat electric plane.

The Pipistrel Velis Electro is designed for flight training. Its also the first certified electric airplane in the world under European standards.

The electric plane hasnt yet received full certification to be flown in Canada. However, as part of an Electric Airplane Trial Program created by Transport Canada in 2022, Sealand obtained special clearance to start flight training with the Pipistrel Velis Electro. The special clearance was instated last month.

The Transport Canada program aims to evaluate the capabilities and limitations of electric aircraft.

Sealand is the second flight school to have been selected by Transport Canada for the trial program. The first school was the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC) in Ontario.

The WWFC is using its Pipistrel Velis Electro plane as more as a research vessel, explains Mike Andrews, Sealand pilot and spokesperson in an interview with Electric Autonomy

In contrast, Sealand Flight is flying the Pipistrel Velis Electro commercially for the first time in Canada. (According to Canadian aviation regulations, flight training service means a commercial air service that is operated for the purpose of conducting flight training.)

[We have an] open invitation to almost anyone interested in flying an electric airplane. Its quite remarkable, says Andrews.

Since its first flight, Sealand has been using the electric plane almost daily. The aircraft is used for the initial stages of flight training. This includes all lessons up to a student pilots first solo flight.

As far as the hands and feet, it flies exactly the same as any other airplane, says Andrews. When you push the power lever up and power is applied, you can take off. However, its pretty cool how instantaneous it is and how quiet it is.

The motivation behind Sealands participation in the trial dates back to 2019 when Nancy Marshall, Sealands operations manager, discovered the emerging European electric airplane movement. Intrigued by the potential of electric planes, she approached Transport Canada to explore the possibility of bringing them to Canada.

According to Canadas Aviation Climate Action Plan 20222030, the federal government is committed to supporting the adoption of green aerospace technologies as part of its vision for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and maintaining global leadership and competitiveness in the sector. This commitment includes investments in future training programs that incorporate electric aircraft.

[Flight training] is where [electric planes] are almost an exact replacement for the traditional aircraft because the flights are a fair bit shorter and its more just about the basics, says Andrews.

The Pipistrel Velis Electro can fly for about 50 minutes. It takes about an hour to recharge between flights.

One of the main things pilots need to focus on while flying the plane is its power and knowing where to charge.

Like with an electric vehicle, you have to be conscious of power consumption, explains Andrews.

Sealands mandate requires the plane to land with a 30 per cent battery reserve, says Andrews.

Setting up the necessary charging infrastructure for electric planes presents significant challenges. Recognizing these, Sealand partnered with BC Hydro, the local utility provider, to get the necessary support.

While similar in concept, aircraft charging is different from the charging of electric vehicles, says a spokesperson for the utility to Electric Autonomy via email.

The technology is not the same and requires different systems and integration. As well, locating charging infrastructure in an airport facility has unique logistic and operational challenges. Our work with Sealand will help support analysis and considerations for other airport facilities in B.C.

Currently, Sealand operates one BC Hydro charger in Campbell River, where it houses its electric plane. They are restricted to local flights around Campbell River when training unlicensed pilots, as per Transport Canadas guidelines.

However, Sealand plans to install three more chargers in Courtenay, Qualicum Beach and Powell River to support licensed pilots flying. In addition to training, the flight school also offers air tours and the option to rent its airplanes.

Sealands short-term goal is to establish a local network of chargers to create a little cross-country loop on Vancouver Island. The longer-term vision is to expand its network of chargers more broadly.

To that end, BC Hydro is also funding a study aimed at helping Sealand Flight understand its current charging capabilities and envision the infrastructure needed for future expansion at local airports. This study is separate from the Transport Canada trial program.

We want to hop around to different local municipalities, says Andrews. Were going to need charging infrastructure in each one of those locations, and they are helping us with that.

The utility provider is also assisting Sealand with studying the carbon footprint of electric planes compared to traditional planes.

Thats a big thing that even Transport Canada was interested in learning about. If Transport Canada goes ahead and allows all flight schools to operate these electric airplanes, is it really going to have a huge impact? Is it going to be beneficial for humanity overall in the long run? says Andrews.

Looking to the future of where electric aviation is heading, Andrews is confident that electrification within the industry will continue to develop positively.

In Canada alone, there are several companies, such as Ontario-based Diamond Aircraft and Vancouver-based Harbour Airlines, that are developing electric-powered aircraft. Montreal-based CAE is also working on electric conversion kits for itsbasic trainer light aircraft.

Outside of Canada, many European manufacturers such as the Slovenia-Italy-based Pipistel as well as U.S. manufacturers, such as Joby Aviation, are committed to advancing electrification in aviation, too.

Theres a lot of momentum behind it. Its definitely coming, but its still in the building phase, says Andrews.

One important piece to all this development is obtaining regulatory approval for electric aircraft.

In aviation, airplanes cannot operate in the air until they have received regulatory certification. Aviation regulations and certifications are developed and approved in Canada by Transport Canada.

There is obviously due diligence that has to come when theres new technologies that theyre being put in place, explains Andrews. Once we start getting that framework laid it will be easier to adopt newer and newer technologies.

In addition, collaboration between nations is also crucial.

If we have an aircraft certified in Europe, it should be a smoother process to get it certified in Canada, and then with the FAA in the US and so on, says Andrews.

Fortunately, efforts are underway to standardize regulations across countries.

There are hurdles and challenges that we are discovering and learning about but the progress is still continuing. Everybodys excited. Theres nobody whos really negative about this and thats the really cool piece, says Andrews.

As for Sealands future plans, the flight training school hopes to grow its electric fleet and wants to start replacing its older aircraft with electric alternatives.

We hope to start developing this network, says Andrews. Seeing just the overall excitement around it and desire for electric airplanes to start coming into local airports is huge.

The excitement is seeing that there are many, many leaders who are proving that the technology is capable of fulfilling certain profiles of aircraft, and if we keep working together, then we make that more and more possible.

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B.C. flight school Sealand Flight becomes an unlikely pacesetter in Canadian electric aviation - Electric Autonomy

Deeside.com > News

Posted: Thu 11th Jul 2024

Plans to create a new Aldi food store, a drive-thru Greggs and an electric vehicle charging hub in Deeside have formally been put forward.

The supermarket chain first announced details of proposals for the Airfields site in Garden City in May, when the local community was invited to provide feedback.

The scheme includes a store with a sales area of 1,356 square metres, a drive-thru restaurant and an electric vehicle charging station with 18 spaces.

Aldi said the plans would create more than 50 jobs, representing amulti-million-pound investment in the area.

The proposals form part of the wider redevelopment of the former RAF Sealand air base on Welsh Road, where hundreds of new homes are being built.

The company has now entered a full application with Flintshire Council seeking permission to go ahead with the scheme.

Outline permission was previously granted for a new district centre at the site, including 12 retail units, back in October 2022.

However, Aldi representatives said the proposals were no longer regarded as viable and would not beprogressed, with the latest plans submitted as an alternative.

In a planning statement, they said:A revised scheme comprising a discount food store (Aldi), a drive-thru bakery unit (Greggs), and an electric vehicle charging hub is proposed to reflect current market interest in the site and the changing economic context.

The significant investment proposed by Aldi, Greggs and the EV charging operator will provide the opportunity to bring a long vacant site back into beneficial economic use.

The discount food store and drive-thru form part of a new district centre which will help serve the day-to-day retail needs of the Airfields community.

The proposed electric vehicle charging station will support the transition to electric vehicles and contribute to the UK governments net-zero emissions target for 2050.

They added: The proposed development will give rise to tangible economic benefits, including the creation of more than 50 full and part-time local jobs as well as various other indirect jobs in construction, supply chain, support, etc.

Alongside these economic benefits, the scheme will enhance consumer choice and will provide further much-needed competition within the local food retail sector through the provision of a dedicated, proportionate foods tore for the Airfields community.

In contrast to the previous proposals, Aldi described the latest plans as being eminently deliverable.

The company said construction would begin early next year if the scheme is approved.

A total of 176 parking spaces are included as part of the development, with access provided from the main spine road nearby.

A decision will be made on the application by the local authority at a later date.

By Liam Randall Local Democracy Reporter

Get notified about news from across North Wales

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Plans for new Aldi and drive-thru Greggs on former RAF Sealand base submitted to council - Deeside.com

Cape Town - With the Capes tourist season in full swing, excited visitors have been warned that seals around the coasts and harbours were wild and dangerous.

The Hout Bay Seal and Rescue Centre (HBSRC) has reminded visitors that seals should not be approached for photographing.

HBSRC assists seals who are in distress, rescuing the injured, sick or orphaned seals and facilitates their rehabilitation and return to their natural environment.

The centre operates 24/7 for each day of the year and is called out constantly for stranded and distressed seals.

HBSRC Operations director Kim Krynauw said: First, it is extremely important to note that seals are wild, dangerous animals, they are not puppy dogs and are descendants from a common ancestor most closely related to modern bears. Seals do spend a lot of their time laying around during the day on rocks or beaches, and will return to the ocean to hunt. Seals can seem clumsy on land but are able to run and charge at an alarming speed, that is why it is important to keep at least 30 metres away from seals at all times.

Visitors have been urged not to put any water on a resting seal as the reason theyre on land was to get warm.

It is birthing season now and you will be seeing black pups. Please, if you find a pup, call us immediately, pups cannot swim until they are four months old. Also, please if you are in a rubber dinghy, jet skis etc, stay away from the islands or rocks where there are seals, as this could cause stampedes and displaced and drowning pups, Krynauw said.

When diving, it is also important to be mindful that seals are aggressive and during this period can be a lot more aggressive. This could also be as a result of lack of food.

Overfishing remains a huge threat to seals and all marine life, she said. Fishermen are known to shoot, gaff and club seals on land and while out on sea. Sangomas and witch doctors who pay for seal body parts also pose a threat to marine mammals.

Recently, in St Helena, a local fisherman attacked a mother seal by clubbing and threw the pup into the water. The baby was rescued and is now safe at the centre. The pup is one of 15 at the centre. Seals are also shot at sea and many are found with bullet wounds or spear/ gaff wounds, Krynauw said.

In St Helena Bay, a seal was shot in the back of the head while resting. In Strand, behind the pavilion, children beat a yearling to death with rocks, and another yearling was beaten to death using rocks in Hout Bay.

The HBSRC said it was also opposed to any feeding of seals and engagement with feeders who are at times aggressive. The organisation also advised against getting near a seal for photographs.

West Coast Seal project Jacques Nel said it was important for parents/ guardians to educate children on the environment and animals who live in it. People walking their dogs on beaches without leashes were also a major problem, he said, disturbing and causing distress to seals.

HBSRC can be contacted on 072 988 5193 or via email at [emailprotected]

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Steer clear of seals, warns Hout Bay Seal and Rescue Centre - IOL

Aerial view of Sealand in the North Sea.

Ryan Lackey / CC BY 2.0 License

When you think of the smallest country in the world, you might think of Vatican City. Technically, you would be right. However, the smallest country in the world is Sealand. The difference is in how other countries recognize the two.

For example, Vatican City is a city-state within Rome; it is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. The Pope lives there among Vatican Museums, works of iconic art, and historical architecture. Only about 800 people live in Vatican City. Most countries recognize Vatican City not only as the smallest country in the world but also as an independent sovereign state.

Sealand, on the other hand, is an unrecognized micronation about seven miles off the coast of Suffolk, England. It has its own flag, currency, and government. Only one person permanently lives there. Sealand sits atop a sea fort built by the British in 1942 to protect the coast from German bombers during World War II. The problem, however, is that no country in the world recognizes Sealand as a sovereign state. Nevertheless, to some, Sealand is the smallest country in the world.

In the beginning, no one intended for Sealand to be a country, let alone the smallest country in the world. The United Kingdom built Roughs Tour in 1943, during World War II, to defend the coast from German bombers. It sat about seven miles from the coast of Suffolk, England.

In 1967, Major Paddy Roy Bates, a British pirate radio broadcaster, took over Roughs Tower. He intended to broadcast his pirate radio station, Radio Essex, from the platform. However, he never began broadcasting. Instead, he founded the Principality of Sealand. Michael Bates, Roy Batess son, defended Sealand. In 1968, British workmen entered waters near the platform. Michael fired warning shots from the fort, claiming the workers had entered Sealands territorial waters. The court ruled that the platform sat outside British territorial limits. Michael considers this Sealands first instance of de facto recognition.

Roy Bates introduced Sealands constitution, national flag, national anthem, currency, passports, and an immigration stamp in 1975. There have been several conflicts and hurdles since then, including an attack in 1978, the expansion of the United Kingdoms waters in 1987, and a fire in 2006. Roy Bates died at the age of 91 in 2012. His son Michael took over the operation of Sealand.

Sealand in the North Sea.

Ashley Dace / CC BY-SA 2.0 License

Today, Michael Bates calls himself Prince Michael of Sealand. While he is the only permanent resident of Sealand, the entire Bates family claims Sealand as its own. Still, however, it is the smallest country in the world.

By some accounts, Sealand has a population of 27 people. However, it measures only 1,800 square feet. Therefore, most of those people live full-time in the United Kingdom.

Michael Bates inherited Sealand from his parents, Roy and Joan Bates. He moved to Sealand permanently with his parents and sister Penelope in 1967. When Roy died in 2012, Michael took over as the reigning Prince of Sealand. While he is a permanent resident of Sealand, he also spends time in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, United Kingdom because he wants his children to go to English schools.

Three years after Roy died, in 2015, Michael published a memoir called Principality of Sealand: Holding the Fort, about his life experience with Sealand. And then, in 2017, he hosted a dinner to honor the 50th anniversary of Sealand, the smallest country in the world.

The Principality of Sealand is located in the North Sea.

Ryan Lackey / CC BY 2.0 License

Sealand governs its small state as hereditary royal rulers, like a monarchy. However, Michael said he envisions a future that is representative and democratic. Michael said, We have been looking into technologies that could help us do this without a bloated and hugely bureaucratic system.

The smallest country in the world even has its own sports teams including the Sealand Seahawks and She-Hawks in American Football, which participate globally. They host an annual charity swim event from Sealand to the United Kingdom. The country also claims to have teams competing under the Sealand flag in curling, ice hockey, and long-distance running.

Sealand sits about seven miles off the coast of the United Kingdom in waters that the United Kingdom actually claims. It sits in the North Sea, a body of water that lies between Great Britain, Denmark, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. The North Sea is one of the most dangerous seas in the world, known for its wild storms and foggy winters. The North Sea is mostly shallow, so the currents are strong and often pull in different directions. Even though the North Sea is dangerous, it is vital for international trade.

The photo featured at the top of this post is Ryan Lackey / CC BY 2.0 License / Original

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This is the Smallest Country in the World Its Entire Population Could Fit in a Chair - AZ Animals

Please be aware that short notice changes may be made to the dates below.

For updated information on firing taking place on Sealand Ranges phone:

Operations Room: 01874 635599 (24 hours)

Helpdesk: 0800 0223334 (24 hours)

Sealand Range: 01244 280106 or 07766 991807

Main Office: 01743 741607

Do not enter the danger area when in use, this could result in loss of life. For your own safety do not touch any military debris, it may be dangerous.

If the red flags and/or lights are hoisted, regardless of the timings, do not enter the training area. This is a danger to life.

Learn more about accessing MOD training areas safely.

On a firing date if it looks like nobody has arrived on the range, and you wish to enter the firing area, please telephone one of the phone numbers above.

Read about access restrictions and location of Sealand Rifle Ranges.

You can receive firing times updates direct. Contact bams907waleswest@landmarc.mod.uk with your name, address and contact number.

Should we use the range on a non-firing date, we will inform you by phone or email, giving no less than 24 hours notice.

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Sealand firing times 18 to 24 November - GOV.UK

Franklin Templeton is exploring options with its China joint venture, including potentially buying out its partner Sealand, according to Tariq Ahmad, its head of Asia Pacific.

There are ongoing discussions. We have been partnering with them. Sealand is our onshore distributor when it comes to retail. Offshore we cover China through a QFII type of strategy in Hong Kong. I would say Franklin Templetons strategy is to remain committed to China. We are looking at our JV quite seriously at the moment, he said.

When asked by FSA whether this would entail potentially buying out Sealand, Ahmad (pictured) responded: Thats one of the options we have on the table we are looking at quite seriously.

Ahmads comments come as a number of foreign asset managers are reassessing their approach to mainland China.

In 2021, BlackRock became the first foreign firm to obtain approval from Chinas securities regulator to set up a wholly owned mutual fund business.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission then paused its approvals until a flurry of announcements late last year. Manulife Investment Management, JP Morgan Asset Management and Morgan Stanley Investment Management all received approval to buy out their local partners, for example.

Despite the approvals, foreign asset managers have so far struggled to gain much traction in mainland China, struggling to compete with their domestic counterparts who have built up a strong track record over many years.

Franklin Templeton Sealand Fund Management is viewed as one of the more successful JVs having been operating in Shanghai since 2004.

At Franklin Templeton, as you know, we have been the first movers in many emerging markets, in many local markets. And China remains one of those where we are really looking to accelerate more so than we have historically.

This year has been a tough year for anyone betting on China as asset managers have struggled to launch new products as the countrys reopening rally quickly fizzled out and the net asset value of products launched by foreign investment firms has dwindled.

However, Ahmad takes a longer-term perspective and is still upbeat about the prospects there.

Were thinking of the market three to five years ahead, recognising that geopolitics are there, he said.

But beyond that, China obviously for us is meaningful. At Franklin Templeton, as you know, we have been the first movers in many emerging markets, in many local markets. And China remains one of those where we are really looking to accelerate more so than we have historically.

Ahmad noted also that having concluded its fiscal year at the end of last month, this was the best year in Asia Pacific in terms of net sales in almost a decade.

Ahmad noted that the industry was also going through a lot of flux with fee compression and consolidation, but said that Franklin Templeton had benefited from their focus as a pure-play active manager.

In terms of AUM, he said that this was split pretty evenly in the region between institutional and wealth at the moment, although there was a goal to eventually increase the proportion that comes from wealth to about 60%.

He also noted that customisation had been an important factor in attracting wealth and the investment firm had had success in building out semi-liquid products focused on private credit.

Private credit has been quite topical lately as the preponderance of floating rate notes within the asset class has insulated it from some of the pain seen in the fixed-income market following interest rate hikes, not to mention the fact that there is no need to mark-to-market.

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Franklin Templeton mulls options on China JV - Fund Selector Asia

ST. PAUL, Minn (November 9, 2023) What do Minnesotans think the next state flag and seal should look like? The public is now invited to see for themselves! Approximately 2,600 designs were submitted to the State Emblems Redesign Commission during a one-month period; qualifying submissions are now available online.

Minnesota state flag designs make up about 85% of the submissions. Those are available to view at https://serc.mnhs.org/flags.

Minnesota state seal designs make up approximately 15% of submissions. Those are available to view at https://serc.mnhs.org/seals.

Both links have also been added to the State Emblems Redesign Commission website (www.mnhs.org/serc)

Later this month, the Commission will select five submissions for each the new state seal and state flag. The Commission will select one design (or a modified version) to be utilized as the basis for each emblem.

The State Emblems Redesign Commission was established in the 2023 legislative session to develop and adopt a new design for the official state seal and a new design for the official state flag no later than January 1, 2024.

As outlined in state legislation, the Minnesota Historical Society is providing administrative support to the State Emblems Redesign Commission.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesotas past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs, and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our states stories, and connects people with history.

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State Flag And Seal Designs Available for Public Viewing - redlakenationnews.com

HONOLULU The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) Food and Drug Branch (FDB) is alerting residents to a voluntary recall by Mid America Pet Food for products distributed to retailers in the state, including Sams Club, Tractor Supply Co., and Dels Feed and Farm Supply. The products are being recalled because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. Brands recalled by Mid America Pet Food include Victor Super Premium Dog Foods, Wayne Feeds Dog Food, Eagle Mountain Pet Food, and some Members Mark varieties with best-by-dates before October 31, 2024.

Salmonella can affect animals eating contaminated products, and there is a risk to humans, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after handling contaminated products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and/or fever. Salmonella may result in more serious but rare ailments such as arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune symptoms may be at greater risk of Salmonella infection. Please contact your healthcare provider immediately if you are exhibiting symptoms after having contact with the recalled product.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and/or vomiting. Some pets may only exhibit decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The FDB advises consumers to immediately seal and discard any recalled product on hand and do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals. Wash and sanitize all pet food bowls, cups, serving utensils, and storage containers. Please ensure that you wash and sanitize your hands after handling recalled food or any utensils that come in contact with recalled food. Per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as of November 1, seven people have reported Salmonella infections nationally.

The recalled product descriptions and relevant information are listed below:

For more information about this recall, consumers should contact Mid America Pet Food Consumer Affairs at 1-888-428-7544 between 3 a.m. and 6 p.m. HST seven days a week.

# # #

Media Contacts:

Michael Burke

Environmental Health Program Manager

Food and Drug Branch

Hawaii State Department of Health

Email: [emailprotected]

Shawn Hamamoto

Spokesperson

Hawaii Department of Health

Email: [emailprotected]

Phone: (808) 586-4417

Cell: (808) 722-5380

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News Release Department of Health issues voluntary recall ... - David Y. Ige | Newsroom

MDT finishes roadwork in Lake County

LAKE COUNTY The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in partnership with Riverside Contracting Inc., has completed the Glover Road and US 93 Safety project. This pavement preservation and safety improvement project took place on and around US Highway 93 (US 93) and was completed in October. Safety enhancements occurred near Pablo on Glover Road, just west of US 93, and pavement preservation work occurred from just north of Ronan to north of Pablo, ending at the intersection of US 93 with Minesinger Trail.

Thank you to everyone involved in this project and to the traveling public. Bob Vosen, MDT Missoula District Administrator, said. Its been a busy year, and we are glad to have this work completed. Regular pavement preservation projects like this add to the life span of our roads and prevent the need for a larger and more extensive project.

Guardrail and signage were added to the curves on Glover Road at the canal crossing. A yellow flashing light was installed for eastbound vehicles to alert travelers of the roadway curves and canal bridge. These additions are intended to enhance roadway safety features that help prevent vehicles from going off the road.

Work north of Ronan along US 93 included a crack seal, seal and cover (chip seal) and a fog seal. Thin layers of asphalt were applied to the roadway and portions of the Minesinger shared-use path to add life and longevity to the existing pavement.

There was quite a bit of road construction between Kalispell and Missoula this year. We appreciate drivers patience as we worked to complete this preservation work, Cale Fisher of Riverside Contracting Inc. said. These improvements will greatly benefit everyone in the long run.

Those with questions are encouraged to contact Becca MacLean at becca@bigskypublicrelations.com or call the project hotline at 406-207-4484.

Please contact becca@bigskypublicrelations.com for questions or media interviews.

Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided on request. Persons who need an alternative format should contact the Office of Civil Rights, Montana Department of Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620. Telephone 406-444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711.

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Glover Road and US 93 project complete | News | charkoosta.com - Char-Koosta News

Summary

Passengers flying with easyJet from London's Gatwick Airport and Geneva Airport can now have their luggage collected from their doorstep before their scheduled flight service for what could be the easiest and fastest airline check-in ever. This fuss-fee service allows passengers to skip the long bag drop line on departure, forgo the baggage collection process on arrival and elevates the overall passenger experience.

easyJet passengers at London Gatwick and Geneva airports can now choose from three baggage service options. These include departure, arrival, and door-to-door.

The departure option entails that consumers flying from Gatwick or Geneva can collect their bags from their home or hotel and take them to the airport to be checked in. The second option is for passengers arriving in Geneva from any easyJet airport, where they can choose to have their bags delivered to their final destination.

Lastly, the door-to-door option is for passengers flying between Gatwick and Geneva, where easyJet offers a seamless luggage experience. When customers book door-to-door service, their bags will be collected from their home or hotel before departure and delivered to their final destination upon arrival.

The AirPortr vetted drivers are responsible for the luggage's transportation and conduct checks on all boarding passes and passports before they seal and photograph the bags to ensure their safety. Once the luggage is picked up, passengers are notified through text with a digital International Air Transport Association (IATA) luggage receipt after the baggage check-in is completed. The receipt also lets travelers track their luggage throughout their journey, giving passengers a seamless and less stressful trip.

The low-cost carrier has stated that it is the first airline to offer the service in a bundled fare, with customers purchasing a FLEXI fare between Gatwick and Geneva having the service included in their ticket. Celebrating the new product, easyJet's Chief Commercial Officer Sophie Dekkers commented:

"We are always looking at how we can innovate with the products and services we offer to ensure we are providing more of the choices our customers want, so we are excited to be introducing Airportr's services initially from London Gatwick and Geneva to help make travel even easier for our customers, whether they are flying for business or leisure."

The convenient new service comes after easyJet established a new collaboration with a London-based airline-integrated technology platform named AirPortr. Coinciding with the exciting wordplay of a name, the company provides intelligent baggage solutions for departing and arriving passengers.

While this fuss-free service is a dream for many travelers, it is only available for customers at London Gatwick and Geneva airports. But could this collaboration be extended to other easyJet destinations in the future?

Photo:Ceri Breeze/Shutterstock

AirPortr is already partnered with other major airlines, including American Airlines, British Airways, KLM, SWISS, Edelweiss, Austrian Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Singapore Airlines. British Airways, Edelweiss, SWISS, and KLM offer these services from numerous airports across Europe and beyond.

For instance, passengers traveling on KLM through Amerstand, Geneva, Zurich, Lima, Minneapolis, and Rio De Janeiro can utilize AirPortr's services. Likewise, passengers flying Edelweiss via Las Palmas, Male, Cape Town, or Hurghada can also use AirPortr's services.

The new baggage collection and delivery service builds on easyJet's Twilight Bag Drop, which is available at London Gatwick, Briston, Berlin, Amsterdam, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. This service allows customers on early flights to drop their luggage off at the airport the night before.

What do you think of this new partnership with AirPortr? Would you try it? Let us know in the comments below.

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easyJet Will Collect & Deliver Bags Straight To Hotels For Its ... - Simple Flying