Simple Flying - Rest Of World

The Ghana Airways DC-10 That Became A Restaurant

Jake Hardiman — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 11:30:14 GMT

When traveling on long-haul flights, a key part of the onboard experience for many passengers is the food served onboard. Back when it was a staple of the long-haul scene, the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 will have been loaded with all sorts of meals for its passengers to enjoy. Today, one example of the widebody trijet still sees food served onboard, having been preserved as a quirky restaurant in Ghana.

Ethiopia May Be Connected To Denver International Airport In Near Future

Tatenda Karuwa — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 11:00:12 GMT

Passengers flying from Ethiopia to the USA will soon be able to fly directly to Denver International Airport (DIA) on Ethiopian Airlines. This comes after Denver Mayor Michael Hancock met with Addis Ababa Mayor to discuss plans to add this route.

The Ins And Outs Of Curved Windshields On Airliners

Justin Surette — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 10:30:12 GMT

As aviation improves over the years, much attention gets placed on upgrading the instruments and systems that make up the front of every aircraft. Automation and glass cockpits have helped reduce workload compared to analog dials and gauges, allowing pilots to focus on the most crucial information at any time. But there are another few critical pieces of glass sitting above all the technology - the windshields.

Ensuring Flight Safety: The Influence Of Flight Manuals and Crew Training

Dr. Omar Memon — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 07:00:14 GMT

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) states that the safety of a flight is greatly influenced by the airworthiness of the aircraft (maintenance) and adequate crew training. The FAA also acknowledges that these two parameters have a more significant influence than the certification regulations put in place by the regulatory authorities. Aircraft operators need to have a flight manual understood by the crew.

Air New Zealand Reports Network Is Back Up And Running After Cyclone

Michael Doran — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 05:05:11 GMT

As Cyclone Gabrielle moves away from New Zealand, leaving four people dead and a massive trail of destruction, the country's flag carrier is scrambling to reconnect the nation. In a cruel twist of fate, an area near the capital Wellington has been hit by a magnitude 6.1 earthquake, although there have been no reports of injury or damage so far.

How Much Do Different Wingtip Devices Weigh?

Dr. Omar Memon — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 03:00:12 GMT

Fuel efficiency is directly affected by the magnitudes of drag airliners experience during flight. Apart from the parasite drag (form, interference, and skin friction), a large portion of the aerodynamic drag results from the airflow rolling from the higher-pressure side of the wing to the lower-pressure side, causing wingtip vortices.

Six Chinese Airlines Back At Melbourne Airport As Bonza Readies For Avalon Debut

Michael Doran — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 01:00:12 GMT

In the depths of COVID, two images best highlighted how devastated the aviation industry had become. One was the acres of aircraft parked on airport taxiways or in the desert, while the other was of cavernous airport halls utterly devoid of human activity.

Blade Air Mobility and BETA Perform First EVTOL Flight In New York

Daniel Martínez Garbuno — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:13 GMT

On Tuesday, Blade Air Mobility announced the successful completion of a historic test flight of BETA’s ALIA-250 EVA, an electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, at the Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York. This was the first demonstration of an eVTOL in the greater New York City region and is a crucial step to enable the rapid introduction of this new technology in big urban cities.

What Is The Shortest Runway A Boeing 747 Can Land On?

Chris Loh — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 21:30:11 GMT

Although the type is experiencing a gradual decline in the aviation world, the mighty Boeing 747 has been a key part of commercial air operations for decades. Today, it still plays a key role in cargo transport, ferrying freight all over the world. However, its massive size and ability to carry vast amounts of weight come at a cost.

One More Buyer: LATAM Reveals Interest In Viva Colombia

Daniel Martínez Garbuno — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 19:00:17 GMT

I want Viva Air... you want Viva Air... they want Viva Air... we all want Viva Air! Or at least, that’s what it looks like. On Tuesday, LATAM Airlines Colombia expressed its interest in initiating negotiations to acquire Viva Air, joining JetSMART and Avianca in their bidding efforts to purchase the ultra-low-cost carrier.

The Wrong Sydney: American Airlines Passenger Ends Up In Montana Instead Of Australia

Chris Loh — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 18:00:18 GMT

Booking a flight to the wrong city or airport. It's not something that happens too often, but when it does, can be embarrassing and costly. It's what happened to a New York resident who thought that he had booked a trip to Sydney, Australia, only to find himself in Sidney, Montana.

4 Aviation Events To Look Forward to In March

Tom Boon — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 13:10:30 GMT

A host of interesting aviation-related events take place each month. Many of these meet a specific niche and are thus only relevant to a small corner of the industry. Simple Flying decided to look at four events taking place next month that may be of interest to our readers.

Kenya National Treasury Cuts Kenya Airways Funding

Tatenda Karuwa — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 11:30:17 GMT

The Kenya National Treasury plans to reduce Kenya Airways' (KQ) state funding by $79.8 million, taking it from $239.5 million to $159 million, according to its 2022-23 supplementary budget.

Qantas Flies The A380 To Auckland As Air New Zealand's Recovery Criticized

Chris Loh — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 11:15:16 GMT

Scheduling an Airbus A380 on a service that would normally see the Boeing 737-800, Qantas is boosting its capacity in order to transport more customers due to flights canceled as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle. This move comes amid Air New Zealand's recent decision to walk-back its ambitious plans to resume services.

Air Arabia Posts A Record Profit For 2022

Justin Foster — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 10:16:16 GMT

Air Arabia has reported a record profit of AED 1.2 billion ($327 million) in its annual financial results from 2022. This was nearly double its profit in 2021, which was AED 720 million ($196 million). The company recorded a turnover of AED 5.2 billion ($1.2 billion) in 2022, an increase on the AED 3.2 billion ($871 million) reported in 2021.

Ultra Low-Cost Carriers: Who Are They & What Sets Them Apart?

Arturo Weiss — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 09:31:16 GMT

There are low-cost carriers, and there are ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs). These terms are not synonymous, and each category has its distinctions. These low-budget airlines sometimes get a bad rap because of well-publicized stories where passengers claim they are treated like second-class citizens.

Navigational Fixes: What Are They & How Do Pilots Use Them?

Ryan Goodwin — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 08:00:16 GMT

If you have ever tracked a commercial airline flight on FlightAware, Flightradar24, or a similar service, you likely noticed that pilots do not navigate in a straight line from airport to airport. Since the sky lacks roads and bridges to follow, why do they not fly straight toward the destination? Because the sky is full of invisible navigational fix points, and a collection of those navigational fixes makes up a defined flight plan route filed with and approved by air traffic control for the pilot to navigate from takeoff to landing.

Getting Planes Airborne: The Steps Involved In Aircraft Delivery And Entry Into Service

Dr. Omar Memon — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 05:00:18 GMT

Aircraft customers typically wait several years after an order for new aircraft is placed with the OEM. It is typical for large manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing to have significant lead times between order placement and delivery. Assuming there are no production delays, the production of the specific aircraft usually begins around two years before the scheduled delivery. The OEM and the customer collaborate on various processes and logistics to work towards the expected delivery time.

The Importance Of Sunglasses For Pilots

Jack Herstam — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 03:00:16 GMT

Sunglasses can do a lot for pilots. They can be a fashion statement, but more importantly, serve roles as vision correctors and protectors. Let's briefly talk about why sunglasses are important to pilots.

Viva Air's Holder Of Voting Rights Has Not Received An Offer By JetSMART

Daniel Martínez Garbuno — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 22:00:17 GMT

The ongoing drama in the merger between Avianca and Viva Air following the signal of interest from Chilean ultra-low-cost carrier JetSMART continues this week. On Monday, Castlesouth, the holder of the voting rights of Viva Colombia, said it has not received any purchase offer.

What Happened To 2-5-2 Aircraft Seating Configurations?

Pranjal Pande — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 21:30:16 GMT

Nowadays, most passengers expect one of several standard economy class seating configurations onboard widebody jetliners. These include 2-3-2, 2-4-2, 3-3-3, and 3-4-3, depending on the exact aircraft type in question. However, not too long ago, some twin-aisle jets also had a 2-5-2 economy configuration. Why do we not see this seating configuration anymore, and was it any good?

Azul Linhas Aéreas Granted Summer Slots At Paris’ Orly Airport

Daniel Martínez Garbuno — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 19:00:17 GMT

The Slot Airport Coordination Association of France (COHOR) allocated the Brazilian carrier Azul Linhas Aéreas slots to operate non-stop flights between Viracopos International Airport (VCP) and Paris Orly International Airport (ORY).

The Most Notable New Airline Routes This Week

James Pearson — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 15:01:17 GMT

Welcome to my 74th routes newsletter! I've covered a selection of new routes that took off in the past week and more. Why not sign up and receive my newsletter in your email inbox every week?

Breaking: Air India Becomes A 777X Customer With Huge 470 Boeing & Airbus Order

Joanna Bailey — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 14:30:16 GMT

After months of speculation, Air India has finally confirmed its massive airplane order and revealed details of its planned future fleet. Totaling 470 aircraft and split between both Boeing and Airbus models, the order includes a placement for 10 Boeing 777X widebodies. This makes Air India the 11th named customer for the brand-new, yet-to-be-certified Boeing aircraft.

Over 16 Million Passengers Flew Through Nigerian Airports In 2022

Tatenda Karuwa — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 14:09:49 GMT

Over 16 million travelers flew in and out of Nigeria between January and December 2022. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority released an executive summary showing the total number of flights.

Israel's Airlines Will Resume Direct Turkey Flights

Luke Bodell — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 12:08:43 GMT

Israeli carriers are set to resume direct flights to Turkey as the two nations continue to improve relations. All three of Israel's major airlines - El Al, Israir and Arkia - will resume flights, with one million Israeli travelers expected to visit Turkey this year.

How Does A Pilot's Pre-Flight Journey Through An Airport Differ From That Of A Passenger?

Ryan Goodwin — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 10:31:17 GMT

You are at the airport, having worked through security, perhaps stopped for coffee, and now you are about to reach your gate. You arrive an hour or so before departure, right on schedule. You notice a few pilots walking hurriedly towards a nearby gate, which causes you to wonder what their experience through an airport is like before a flight and how it might differ from yours.

Why The Boeing 777X Is The Perfect 747 Replacement

Pranjal Pande — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 10:11:25 GMT

Now that the Boeing 747 program has officially come to an end with the delivery of the last 747-8F this month, we look to the future. Boeing is currently in the certification process for the 777X program, with the first deliveries scheduled for 2025. The aircraft has big shoes to fill, but there is good reason to believe it will succeed.

Air New Zealand Struggles To Recover As Cyclone Gabrielle Disrupts Flights

Michael Doran — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 08:46:16 GMT

Once again, the force of nature is getting the better of airline schedulers, with Cyclone Gabrielle inflicting another day of pain on New Zealand. While Air New Zealand was able to resume some flying today, strong and gusty winds played havoc with the airline's recovery.

Can You Get Married Onboard A Plane?

Nicole Kylie — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 08:31:16 GMT

Most people want their wedding to be a memorable one – and what better way to commemorate the special day than in the sky?

Bonza Time As Shazza And Bazza Renew Vows And Head For Mackay

Michael Doran — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 05:51:17 GMT

What I am about to write seems a little far-fetched, but before we start, may I tell you that it is undoubtedly fair dinkum.

Things You Might Not Know About Aircraft Noses & Their Various Roles

Sumit Singh — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 03:00:16 GMT

While the nose is crucial to the overall aerodynamic design of an aircraft, there is much more to be appreciated under its layers. Coming in all shapes and sizes, the bird’s cere has plenty to offer.

Condor Airlines Operates Its First Airbus A330 Neo Flight

Lukas Souza — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 02:10:11 GMT

At 14:27 ET, a Condor Airlines Airbus A330neo flew the airline's first revenue flight on the next-generation Airbus widebodies. Following an 8:16 journey, flight DE2016, operated by the A330neo registered as D-ANRH landed at JFK.

Rex Finds Two More Boeing 737s To Capture Booming Demand

Michael Doran — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 01:00:17 GMT

Starting an airline in the depths of a pandemic is no task for the faint-hearted. Counter-intuitively, it was the perfect time for Rex, Australia's independent regional carrier, to take on its bigger rivals, Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia.

A Look At The Safest Airliners Of All Time

Sumit Singh — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 23:30:16 GMT

Safety is the priority for aircraft manufacturers and airlines across the globe. Indeed, you will notice when flying that many airlines' safety demonstrations remind pilots that, while cabin crew are present to ensure the comfort of those onboard, safety is their primary responsibility. Flying is safe in comparison to many other forms of transport, but accidents do happen, although some aircraft are safer than others.

Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 Diverts To Rarotonga Because Of Cyclone Gabrielle

Aaron Bailey — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 21:00:17 GMT

With cyclone Gabrielle causing havoc across the North Island of New Zealand, Air New Zealand flight NZ1 which departed from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to Auckland International Airport (AKL) on February 11, ended up in the Cook Islands Rarotonga International Airport (RAR).

East Vs. West: Why Does It Take Longer To Fly Some Directions?

Chris Loh — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 17:45:16 GMT

When booking a trip, have you ever looked at the details of your flight and noticed the difference in flight times depending on the direction of travel? Have you ever wondered why this is the case? Indeed, it's more than just distance that affects your flight time. The main reason for the difference in travel duration is related to what is known as jetstreams.

Qantas Auctions Off Bits Of Airbus A330 Ahead Of Conversion To Freighter

Linnea Ahlgren — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 17:00:16 GMT

For true aviation enthusiasts, there are few things more rewarding as memorabilia than owning a piece of an aircraft (other than perhaps living in one). As Australian flag carrier Qantas prepares to modernize its widebody fleet with incoming Airbus A350-900s, the airline's aficionados are getting the chance to acquire pieces of an outgoing Airbus A330-200.

Turkish Airlines Delays Kabul & Mombasa Return Until October

James Pearson — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 14:00:16 GMT

Turkish Airlines has pushed back the relaunch of Istanbul Airport to Kabul and Mombasa from the end of March to the end of October, according to its latest schedule filing. This is the latest as of February 13th.

South Sudan & Eritrea Agree Deal To Form New Direct Flights

Tatenda Karuwa — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 11:30:17 GMT

Eritrea and South Sudan have agreed to commence direct flights between the two nations as they both look to develop their aviation sectors.

What Are The Cheapest Ways To Fly On Private Jets?

Vyte Klisauskaite — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 11:30:16 GMT

Flying on a private jet can be seen as an unattainable extravagance and a luxurious treat often out of reach. And for the most part, it still is. However, business aviation has become increasingly popular in recent times.

A Complex Matter: Multinational Certification Of Commercial Aircraft

Dr. Omar Memon — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 10:30:16 GMT

Aircraft certification is a complex process that involves manufacturers, regulatory authorities, and stakeholders. The certification process considers the aircraft’s design, performance, reliability, and operability. The proposed maintenance and training programs must also be certified to receive the airworthiness certification for the type.

A Look At The Boeing 747-8's Rejected Takeoff Test

Vyte Klisauskaite — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 09:31:17 GMT

It takes a long distance for a fully loaded widebody aircraft to make a rejected take-off (RTO) in an emergency situation, especially if it is equipped with 100% depleted brakes.

Narrowbody Cargo Prospects: EgyptAir Receives Its 1st Boeing 737-800SF

Channing Reid — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 07:00:17 GMT

EgyptAir received the delivery of its first converted narrowbody freighter aircraft, the Boeing 737-800SF. Earlier this month, the jet arrived at Cairo International Airport in Egypt after spending the last few months in the US to be converted.

Texel Air Establishes New Boeing 737-800 Airline In New Zealand

Aaron Bailey — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 02:00:17 GMT

Bahrain-based Texel Air (XLR) has announced setting up a sister airline based in New Zealand, almost 15,000 kilometers (9,300 miles) away. Texel Air is a cargo airline founded in 2013, with its first scheduled operations commencing in 2014. Currently operating from its central hub at Bahrain International Airport (BAH), the Middle Eastern branch's fleet consists of one Boeing 737-300F, two Boeing 737-800BCF, and two Boeing 737-700FC Flexi Combi.

Airbus & Boeing Pitch To Uganda Airlines Ahead Of Aircraft Order

Molly Russell — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 19:13:11 GMT

Aviation giants Airbus and Boeing are eyeing up a potential order from Uganda Airlines. As reported by The EastAfrican, representatives from both manufacturers headed to Kampala this week to court the Ugandan flag carrier for a possible six-jet order.

What Is A Nautical Mile And Why Do We Use Them?

Justin Hayward — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 17:40:11 GMT

Flight and travel statistics are often complicated. This is undoubtedly the case with distance and speed measurements. We are, of course, used to kilometers and miles, but aviation adds the measure of nautical miles (and knots for speed). This is a historic measure that developed from the earliest maritime activities - but remains in use.

Chinese Cargo Expansion: Ethiopian Launches Xiamen & Shenzhen Routes

Molly Russell — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 17:00:16 GMT

Ethiopian Airlines is expanding its cargo network into China with two weekly services through its hub in Addis Ababa (ADD), plus an upcoming Belgian connection.

Australian Passenger Charged After Allegedly Biting Flight Attendant

Luke Bodell — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 15:13:29 GMT

An elderly Australian woman has been charged after reportedly biting a flight attendant during an argument on a flight. The passenger is one of dozens of Australians facing criminal charges for disorderly behavior during the country's Christmas and school holiday period.

Sunday Reads: Our Most Notable Stories This Week

Jake Hardiman — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 12:30:16 GMT

It's that time of the week again when we like to take a look back at some of our top stories from the last seven days. It's been another busy week in the ever-developing world of commercial aviation, so, without further ado, let's get started!

New Zealand Pilots Urge Investigation Into Auckland Airport Following Flooding

Vyte Klisauskaite — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 11:42:26 GMT

Pilots are seeking an investigation into Auckland International Airport (AKL) in regard to the airport's choice to stay operational during last month’s floods.

Comparing “Paper Airplanes:” The 777X Freighter Vs The A350F

Chris Loh — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 11:01:15 GMT

The next few years should be interesting when it comes to the new widebody freighters being offered by the two big planemakers. In the summer of 2021, Airbus announced the launch of its A350 freighter program (A350F). Likely having developed the idea for a few months, Boeing responded by announcing the launch of a 777X freighter program at the end of January 2022. With lower demand among customers for freighters when compared to their passenger equivalents, the market has been, and will continue to be competitive. So which next-generation widebody freighter is the better choice? Let's try to answer this question in this article.

Air New Zealand Cancels Multiple Long-Haul Flights Into Auckland Tomorrow

Michael Doran — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 10:01:16 GMT

As gales start lashing the North Island of New Zealand, Air New Zealand is stepping up its efforts to keep customers safe from Cyclone Gabrielle. Yesterday the airline issued advice about the cancellation of turboprop services. Still, today it gave another update that shows just how concerned the carrier is about the expected impacts of the cyclone.

A Continent-By-Continent Guide To The Airlines With The Largest Networks By Destinations Served

Justin Surette — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 09:30:16 GMT

With tens of thousands of flights taking place daily, there’s bound to be a plane that can take you to or from almost any destination. Simple Flying has previously written about carriers with the biggest fleets in the industry, but what about those with the most extensive route networks?

Korean Air Returns To Brisbane Airport In April

Michael Doran — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 04:01:17 GMT

Over the last eighteen months, Asia-Pacific has been singled out as the region holding global aviation back, lagging behind airlines in North and South America and Europe. That is rapidly changing, as the area is headed back to the top of the table and will soon regain its title as the center of global commercial aviation.

Air New Zealand Cancels Flights As Cyclone Gabrielle Nears

Michael Doran — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 01:00:16 GMT

New Zealand's flag carrier, Air New Zealand, is bracing itself for the arrival of Cyclone Gabrielle, which is already making its presence felt in the country's North Island. While the worst impacts from the cyclone are expected to be on Monday and Tuesday, torrential rain and gale-force winds are affecting the Auckland area today.

Avianca Celebrates 50 Years Carrying Flowers Across South America

Daniel Martínez Garbuno — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 22:00:16 GMT

A few days before Valentine's Day, the Colombian carrier Avianca is celebrating 50 years of moving flowers from South America to the United States. This year, between January 16th and February 8th alone, Avianca Cargo transported close to 18,000 tons of flowers.

Colombia To Speed Up Review Of Avianca-Viva Merger Proposal

Daniel Martínez Garbuno — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 21:00:16 GMT

After Viva Colombia filed for a reorganization process in the South American country and closed in on a possible bankruptcy, the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority (Aerocivil) announced it will speed up the review of the merger of this ultra-low-cost carrier with Avianca.

The Boeing 747 Could Fly With 5 Engines

Joanna Bailey — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 20:00:16 GMT

The Boeing 747 has been a game-changing aircraft in so many ways. Despite being built over five decades ago, it has kept up with the times and shaped modern aviation. One unique feature of the widebody is its ability to fly with five engines. Sound ridiculous? Here’s what we mean.

ATR & Pratt & Whitney Collaborate On 100% SAF Engines

Riley Pickett — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 16:00:17 GMT

This past Thursday, February 9th, aircraft manufacturer ATR announced that it had joined forces with Pratt & Whitney to develop and implement a turboprop engine that runs solely on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The engine series is known as the PW127 series. The project is predicted to stretch across the next two years. The partnership has set a goal to have certification for these SAF engines for the ATR 72 and ATR 42 by 2025. By creating these engines, the partnership looks to eliminate carbon emissions. It hopes this is just the beginning of a long partnership as the air transit industry pushes towards the collective goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.

What Is A Flight Director & How Do They Work?

Jack Herstam — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 15:30:17 GMT

Modern aircraft have countless aids to enhance pilots' situational awareness. One of the most commonly used aids is the flight director. Let's briefly talk about what a flight director is, what it looks like, and the considerations pilots make when using it.

Airbus & Air New Zealand Partner To Deploy New Hydrogen Hub

Luke Bodell — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 15:17:30 GMT

Airbus and Air New Zealand’s hydrogen partnership is entering the next stage with the inclusion of New Zealand's key hydrogen ecosystem players. The 'Hydrogen Consortium' will seek to advance hydrogen-powered commercial flight and develop hubs at airports across the country, starting with Christchurch International Airport.

Ethiopian Airlines To Begin Karachi Flights Next Month

Giacomo Amati — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 14:00:16 GMT

Ethiopian Airlines is set on a path of growth, with the addition of a new destination in its already vast network of more than 150 destinations. Karachi, Pakistan, will welcome the Ethiopian national carrier on March 26th. The direct flight between Ethiopia and Karachi will enable the two countries to strengthen their already-deep socio-economic relations, with the airline acting as a bridge between Pakistan, Africa, and the rest of the world.

The Advantages Of The Airbus A340-500

Nicole Kylie — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 13:30:16 GMT

In 1991, Airbus made waves with the first flight of its long-range, widebody quadjet, the Airbus A340. Over the next few years, the manufacturer launched improved variants of the aircraft, namely, the A340-200 and A340-300. Then, in 1997, the A340-500 was introduced. The larger variant first flew on February 11, 2002, and was the world’s longest-range commercial airliner at the time.

Approaching Two Years: A Look At A350 Freighter Sales

Chris Loh — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 08:01:16 GMT

Announced in the summer of 2021, Airbus launched its A350 freighter (A350F) program to the world. This offering represented the European planemaker's first purpose-built freighter since the A330-200F - of which 38 were produced and delivered. Touted as a "large widebody freighter to shape the future of airfreight," orders for 39 A350F airframes have been secured to date. Let's look at the customers and why sales are in the double digits.

Bankruptcy In The Works? Viva To Enter Reorganization Process

Daniel Martínez Garbuno — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 23:31:46 GMT

On Friday, the Colombian ultra-low-cost carrier Viva Air Colombia filed for a reorganization process in the South American country, which will give it 90 days to restructure its debts through negotiations with its main creditors while it awaits the possible approval of its merger with Avianca.

Court Freezes Three Of Aeromar's Aircraft

Jonathan E. Hendry — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 23:26:19 GMT

Mexican carrier Aeromar is down three aircraft after the plane's lessor moved to put a stop to the aircraft operating. The airline reportedly owns up to 7 billion pesos ($375 million ) to various creditors including Mexico City International Airport, where the carrier is based. This latest action leaves the airline with only two active aircraft in its flat.

Singing Their Praises: A Pilot's Paean to Airports

Ryan Goodwin — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 22:30:17 GMT

My name is Ryan, and I love airports. There, I said it. This is good, as in my job as a pilot, airports play an unambiguously outsized role in my life. If you are a seasoned traveler, it is possible – okay, probable – that airports have become nothing more than a routine nuisance to pass through on your way to better places.

LATAM Airlines Group Announces Four New International Routes

Daniel Martínez Garbuno — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 22:00:17 GMT

LATAM Airlines Group announced on Thursday four new routes across the Americas plus the increase in weekly flight frequencies in one of its flagship passenger services, the route between Santiago de Chile International Airport (SCL) and Rapa Nui’s Mataveri International Airport (IPC).

Cabin Crew Hand Gestures: A Guide To This Silent Language

Patricia Green — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 21:31:17 GMT

It's a fact that cabin crew use their hands to talk, both in the cabin and in real-life. Ask them for directions, and you'll immediately know they are cabin crew. Communication in the cabin is not always easy, and sometimes cabin crew have to use visual signs or gestures to communicate with another crew member - sometimes even with passengers.

GOL Linhas Aéreas Passengers Can Now Choose To Offset Carbon Emissions When Booking

Lukas Souza — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 20:00:16 GMT

Earlier today, Brazilian airline Gol Linhas Aéreas announced that its passengers can now choose to offset carbon from flights, on its website.

Tall Structures Near Airports: The Rules Of How They Are Marked And Lit

Justin Surette — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 18:30:16 GMT

If you live in a metropolis, you'll be familiar with the red or white lights on the sides of skyscrapers and other tall buildings. And keen eyes at an airport will notice many white and orange painted structures. As many can guess, all of this ensures the safety of anyone taking flight. But what guidelines are there to dictate how different objects are to be designed and marked?

Qantas' 57 International Routes Analyzed

James Pearson — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 18:00:17 GMT

Qantas has international flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Darwin. Based on examining its full February to September schedule, it has international service to 32 airports worldwide. Its network sees flights to 23 countries in Australasia, Asia, North America, South America, Africa, and Europe. It has 57 international routes in this period, including Melbourne-Jakarta taking off in April and the brand-new Sydney-Auckland-New York JFK in June.

Vistara Will Fly The Airbus A321LR Between Mumbai & Mauritius

James Pearson — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 15:00:17 GMT

Vistara has revealed that it will use the A321LR to Mauritius. While widely anticipated, Mumbai-Mauritius is now bookable and will start in less than two months. Vistara will join Air Mauritius on the 2,905-mile (4,675 km) airport pair. Following Air India ending the route in 2006, Vistara will be the first Indian airline between Mumbai-Mauritius in 17 years, according to Cirium data. The announcement comes as SAS uses the A321LR to relaunch Copenhagen-New York JFK after a 30-plus year absence.

A Complete Guide To Elite Status In The Star Alliance

Pranjal Pande — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 14:30:16 GMT

Star Alliance is the world's largest airline group by several measures, including members and passengers carried. With 26 airlines to pick from, what are the elite tiers you can reach and how quickly is it possible? The answer isn't simple and may not be as exciting as status with the other major alliances.

Emirates & Lufthansa Among Airlines Flying Aid To Turkey

Riley Pickett — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 13:40:16 GMT

Lufthansa and Emirates have joined the ranks of airlines flying relief aid to Turkey. The relief comes following a disastrous 7.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated Southern Turkey and Northern Syria. The region's infrastructure has been crippled as thousands of buildings and roads were demolished by the quake. Luckily, most airports suffered minimal damage, making it possible for Emirates and Lufthansa, along with many other airlines, to fly in necessary aid.

Aviation's Most Important Meteorological Terms Explained

Sumit Singh — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 12:45:17 GMT

Across the globe, aviation activities are always subject to weather conditions. Pilots of all types of operators are dependent on local and global forecasts. Thus, we thought we’d take a quick look at some everyday meteorological terms.

Will We Ever See Another Double Decker Plane?

Nicholas Cummins — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 12:30:16 GMT

One of the key features of the Boeing 747 and the Airbus A380 is their double-deck design. On two levels, airlines can provide every comfort for premium passengers or use the space to pack in over 500 passengers (theoretically up to 800 passengers, although that has never happened in reality). Nonetheless, Airbus and Boeing are not building super jumbos anymore. A few days ago, Boeing delivered the last 747 ever made, and while it was directly a cargo aircraft, it put an end to the double-deck production history. But will we ever see planes like this again? Let's explore.

Mango Airlines' Administrator Seeks To Unblock Proposed Rescue Deal

Tatenda Karuwa — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 11:30:15 GMT

Mango Airlines' administrator plans to launch a legal bid against the Minister of Public Enterprises to compel him to decide on the application to sell the airline.

In Conversation: How Fyve By Is Using A.I To Protect Aircraft From Damage On The Ground

Sumit Singh — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 08:30:15 GMT

Benjamin Youngstrom is the CEO and Co-Founder of Fyve By, a company that seeks to reduce the number of aircraft incidents by providing precise real-time visual locations of planes, cargo, tools, and people. Simple Flying recently spoke with the innovator to find out more about how his firm is solving challenges on the ground.

Record Profit For Jazeera Airways In 2022

Michael Doran — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 05:06:16 GMT

This week, Kuwait-based Jazeera Airways announced it had made a record annual profit of $65.7 million for 2022. This was a 183.6 % increase over 2021 results, which the airline said resulted from robust growth and a focus on aggressive cost control.

Boeing Donates $500,000 To Turkey Earthquake Relief

Lukas Souza — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 02:00:18 GMT

Following the devastating earthquake that rocked Turkey earlier this week, companies and businesses worldwide have joined in supporting victims and their families. A few hours ago, Boeing became the latest to join relief efforts. The American aircraft manufacturer announced it would donate half a million dollars through the American Red Cross.

Air New Zealand Battens Down Hatches As Cyclone Gabrielle Threatens

Michael Doran — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 01:01:18 GMT

New Zealand is bracing for one of the most severe storms to hit the country this century, with Cyclone Gabrielle bearing down on the North Island. Air New Zealand has released advice to passengers about what the airline is doing to limit the cyclone's impact on their travel plans, but the news is not good.

ICAO Projects 2023 Air Traffic Growth Over 2019

Daniel Martínez Garbuno — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 19:00:17 GMT

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) forecasted on Wednesday that air passenger demand in 2023 will recover above pre-pandemic levels due to the strong momentum last year.

SkyTeam Launches 2023 Sustainable Flight Challenge

Linnea Ahlgren — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 18:16:16 GMT

The SkyTeam Alliance has launched its second Sustainable Flight Challenge (TSFC) to take place in May 2023. The challenge, which took place the first time last year, is a means to encourage the alliance's member airlines to come up with new ways and implement technologies to operate the most sustainable flights out of the participants. In 2023, it is being extended to "friends and family" carriers, in order to drive the acceleration towards sustainable flight across more of the industry.

54 Years On: How Many Boeing 747s Are Flying In 2023

Molly Russell — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 17:30:16 GMT

On September 30, 1968, the first Boeing 747 rolled off the production line at Boeing’s Everett Plant. While it would not take to the skies for four more months, N7470 heralded the future of commercial aviation.

Etihad Airways Adds A 3rd Daily London Heathrow Airbus A380 Flight From October

James Pearson — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 15:00:16 GMT

As you'll probably know, Etihad Airways is bringing back the Airbus A380. But in a new twist, the Abu Dhabi-based airline has revealed that the sole route it'll be deployed on – London Heathrow – will have triple daily A380 flights later this year, up from the previously scheduled double daily.

Comair Sues Boeing Over 737 MAX Purchases

Tatenda Karuwa — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 11:30:58 GMT

Comair, the defunct South African airline, has sued Boeing for fraud over its agreement to buy eight 737 MAX planes and is seeking damages of at least $83 million.

Sudan's Badr Airlines Launches Khartoum-London Gatwick Flights

James Pearson — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 11:00:15 GMT

Sudanese carrier Badr Airlines has announced the start of Khartoum to London Gatwick. The route will begin in three weeks from the day this article is written, extremely little lead-in time. It will be the fourth airline to have linked the UK and Sudan capitals in the past two decades.

Christchurch Airport Getting Ready For Green Aviation And Smoother Security Checks

Michael Doran — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 05:05:17 GMT

Providing the gateway to New Zealand's South Island, Christchurch Airport has long been a leader in renewable energy and its drive for emission-free aviation. Today the airport announced it had selected its partners to deliver Phase 1 of its renewable energy precinct, which sits adjacent to its runways.

Air New Zealand And Embraer Partner On Zero Emissions Aircraft Projects

Michael Doran — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 01:00:16 GMT

On Tuesday, Brazil's global aerospace giant Embraer announced it had partnered with Air New Zealand as both organizations march towards zero-emissions aviation. In a reciprocal move, the two will collaborate on each other's existing zero-emissions projects.

Air New Zealand Hosts Special Flight For Children With Disabilities

Aaron Bailey — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 00:31:16 GMT

On Saturday, February 4th, Air New Zealand took off from Invercargill Airport with 30 children onboard as the carrier chartered a special flight as part of Koru Care Southland. The charitable trust works with children suffering from various illnesses and disabilities and organizes various activities and outings for the children, and this time, the children got airborne.

Which Airlines Offer Dedicated Onboard Prayer Areas?

Pranjal Pande — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 00:31:16 GMT

For those who pray multiple times on a daily basis, long-haul flights can pose a challenge. After all, most modern airliners offer little space for the usual practice. Many Middle Eastern airlines have taken to creating dedicated prayer areas to tackle this, ensuring that their travelers can complete their prayers even while flying. Here's a look at which carriers offer this option and how it is made possible.

Taupō Airport Opens New Terminal

Aaron Bailey — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 23:01:15 GMT

The regional city of Taupō, located at the center of New Zealand's North Island, has welcomed its first passengers through the new terminal at Taupo Airport (TUO). The NZ $9.72 million ($6.13 million) project was officially blessed (by local Maori iwi), with operations now in full swing.

Which Airlines Fly The Most-Used Airbus A220s?

Jake Hardiman — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 22:31:16 GMT

Earlier this week, we looked at the world's most active commercial aircraft by flight hours and cycles. While, being a younger design, the Airbus A220 didn't feature anywhere near the top of these lists, certain examples have already seen a lot of flying time. Let's see which carriers have the most-used A220s.

Can People With A Fear Of Flying Become Cabin Crew?

Patricia Green — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 21:30:17 GMT

A career as cabin crew or as a flight attendant is a dream for some, often from childhood. It is something that appeals to many, partly because you get to travel the world while wearing a smart uniform. However, plenty of people also have or develop a fear of flying, so what happens then? Can someone who has a fear of flying overcome it and become cabin crew?

The World's Heaviest Plane: The Story Of The An-225

Joanna Bailey — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 21:00:16 GMT

The Antonov An-225 was the heaviest and longest operational aircraft in the world. It was built during the 1980s to serve a specific purpose within the USSR space program, but has gone on to serve a niche role carrying the heaviest of payloads. Sadly, almost a year ago, the giant aircraft was destroyed during an attack on Hostomel Airport, where the 'Mriya' was parked.

These Airlines Are Airbus' Biggest Customers

Linnea Ahlgren — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 19:15:16 GMT

The relationships between aircraft makers and clients are under the spotlight like never before due to the constraints brought about by the pandemic and the recent surprising resolution to the legal battle between Airbus and Qatar Airways over the A350 paint quality control issues. As such, we thought this would be a good time to revisit just who the largest customers of one of aerospace's greats are, and what they have ordered.

Avianca Disregards JetSMART Offer To Acquire Viva

Daniel Martínez Garbuno — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 19:00:21 GMT

The Colombian carrier Avianca disregarded JetSMART’s proposal to acquire 100% of Viva Air shares, saying that the authorization process would be as complex as its current merger process.

British Airways Partners With Airlink Following Comair Demise

Molly Russell — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 15:30:16 GMT

Eight months after the collapse of Comair, British Airways has announced its long-awaited re-entry into South Africa’s domestic market alongside new partner Airlink.