Daily Business Report: January 30, 2024
easyJet takes to the skies with Iris: Next
generation air traffic communications service
easyJet has taken to the skies as the first airline partner of the groundbreaking Iris programme, an initiative led by the European Space Agency (ESA) and global communications company Viasat, which is using the latest generation of satellite technology to help modernise air traffic management (ATM).
The EASA-certified Iris service provider ESSP has involved 15 leading Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) in support of the first commercial flights taking place across Europe this year – with up to 11 easyJet Airbus A320neo aircraft taking part. This initiative is a European first in putting the Single European Skies initiative into action.
Through the use of Iris, easyJet will be able to operate its aircraft as efficiently as possible to achieve further fuel burn improvements and emissions reductions. More broadly, the programme will be a key component in helping deliver airspace modernisation across the industry.
Photo: Iris satellite-based datalink technology enters commercial service.(Image courtesy of John Ballantyne)
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9
operations resume with flight to San Diego
Alaska Airlines on Friday said it has completed inspecions on he first group of its Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, clearing the carrier to put the MAX 9 back in service after an in-flight cabin blowout earlier this month. The carrier resumed some MAX 9 operations on Friday afternoon, starting with Flight 1146 from Seattle to San Diego.
Alaska said it had begun inspections of its first MAX 9s on Wednesday night, after the Federal Aviation Administration approved inspection criteria.
“We expect inspections on our 737-9 MAX to be completed by the end of next week, allowing us to operate our full flight schedule,” said the airline, adding that inspections take about 12 hours per aircraft.
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California lawmakers, raising fears of political
violence, want to shield their properties
By Alexei Koseff | CalMatters
Citing safety threats, California lawmakers are advancing a bill that would keep the property they own and other personal information from annual financial disclosures off the internet.
The measure, Assembly Bill 1170, would shift to an electronic filing system for the statement of economic interest, known as Form 700, that elected officials and some public employees in California are required to complete each year.
But a secondary provision proposes to expand the redactions on publicly available versions of the form, shielding the addresses of filers’ real property interests and businesses, though they would still be available upon request.
Organizations that advocate for greater transparency in government have objected to withholding information that could illuminate conflicts of interest. Laurel Brodzinsky, legislative director for California Common Cause, said Form 700 is an important tool for understanding how elected officials’ economic interests shape their decision-making.
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Common cold or COVID-19? Some T cells are ready to combat both
By Madeline McCurry-Schmidt
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) have found direct evidence that exposure to common cold coronaviruses can train T cells to fight SARS-CoV-2. In fact, prior exposure to a common cold coronavirus appears to partially protect mice from lung damage during a subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The new research, published recently in Nature Communications, provides an important first look at how “cross-reactive” T cells—which can fight multiple viruses from the same family—develop in an animal model. “We are learning how these immune cells develop and function,” says study co-leader LJI Research Instructor Annie Elong Ngono, Ph.D.
The Shresta Laboratory is now working to develop novel vaccines purposefully designed to harness these powerful T cells. Those vaccines would protect against SARS-CoV-2 and provide immunity against several other coronaviruses with pandemic potential.
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Northrop satellite-refueling technology preferred
Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Passive Refueling Module (PRM) has been selected as the first preferred refueling solution interface standard for use across SSC satellites. The company is collaborating with SSC, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and other customers to develop in-space refueling technologies for the nation’s space-based assets. These advancements address a critical national security capability: sustained maneuverability for dynamic space operations.
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New Samsung Galaxy S24 series now available to Cox Mobile customers
The newly released Galaxy S24 Series is officially available to Cox Mobile customers for preorder online and in Cox retail stores nationwide, with general availability beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 31. Cox has eight store locations throughout San Diego County, including Chula Vista, Escondido, Hillcrest, La Mesa, National City, Oceanside, San Diego and Santee.
Samsung unveiled the newest generation of the Galaxy S24 Series and showcased how the company is transforming its smartphones to be smarter and more intuitive than ever before with Galaxy AI
Marketing agency opens internal training platform to public
Team Lewis, a global marketing agency, announces the rollout of “Lewiversity,” a training facility to allow marketers at any career stage to learn from working professionals about the latest developments and applications. It offers courses focused on practical examples from current industry experts in communications, PR and marketing using experience across all sectors from around the world. To learn more, click here
Genome Insight receives College of American Pathologists accreditation
Genome Insight, a clinical laboratory, announced its accreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) for its whole genome sequencing services. The CAP accreditation, effective January 2024, solidifies Genome Insight’s status as a trusted provider of high quality and reliable genomic services. CAP accreditation is recognized as the gold standard in laboratory accreditation.
AntiCancer Inc. receives new patent
AntiCancer Inc. announced it has just received US Patent 11,871,731 that describes a method to increase the rate of establishment of patient tumors in mice to close to 100 percent. Previously the establishment rates were much lower, in many cases only 10-20 percent in laboratories around the world. AntiCancer Inc. of San Diego was established in 1984 and is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
MLB agrees to international partnership with JTB Corp.
JTB announced a new multi-year international partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB). As part of the new multi-national business arrangement, JTB is an official sponsor of MLB’s WORLD TOUR and will offer exclusive international hospitality packages for the season-opening Seoul Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. The two-game series is at Seoul’s Gocheok SkyDome on Marcy 20-21.
Cabrillo National Monument reopened after restoration
The Cabrillo National Monument, serving upwards of one million visitors annually, has been reopened to the public after months of restoration work. The building at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive in Point Loma was closed for three months to remove skylights, replace roofing with materials that more closely match the original, and to replace the interior tile floor. This is one of several restoration projects ongoing at Cabrillo funded by entrance-fee dollars.
Board of Port Commissioners officers sworn-in
The Port of San Diego ceremonially swore-in its 2024 executive officers for the Board of Port Commissioners at a Jan. 18 luncheon. Officers sworn-in were: Frank Urtasun, chairman; Danielle Moore, vice chair; and Ann Moore, secretary. Urtasun premiered his theme for 2024, “Delivering on Our Promise.” He reflected on the transformation of San Diego Bay and the experiences it offers to all Californians.
California tobacco control efforts fall short
Despite receiving $2.6 billion from tobacco settlement payments and tobacco taxes, California only funds tobacco control efforts at 60.8 percent of the level recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to the American Lung Association’s 22nd annual “State of Tobacco Control” report. It said tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in California and across the country.
Ordinance banning rodeos in San Diego proposed by councilman
San Diego City Councilman Kent Lee announced he will introduce an ordinance banning rodeos in San Diego, citing animal cruelty. “Entertainment is not a justification for cruelty toward animals,” Lee said. “The city has a history of caring for animals, including investing in our shelters, community vet clinics and providing grants to local animal rescue nonprofits. This ordinance will ensure that no more animals will needlessly suffer under the guise of entertainment in San Diego.”
Measure introduced to help potential homebuyers
Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego) has introduced AB 1333 to prohibit the bulk sale of two or more parcels of single-family homes to defined institutional investors, granting families and individuals the same opportunity to purchase homes which would otherwise be sold directly to institutional investors. AB 1333 passed the Assembly Floor with bipartisan support and will be taken up by the State Senate later this year.
