Simple Flying

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.

On The Up: Airbus Posts Strong Full-Year Financial Results For 2022

Jake Hardiman — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 10:00:14 GMT

Multinational European planemaker Airbus disclosed its full-year financial results for 2022 this morning, with the figures showing that last year was a strong one. Despite not quite hitting its planned delivery target, the manufacturer still had lots to be cheerful about, with increases seen across most of its financial metrics.

Vistara To Reportedly Give Pilots And Cabin Crew A Salary Hike

Gaurav Joshi — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 09:21:11 GMT

Days after it was reported that IndiGo is planning to give increments to its pilots, a new report reveals that Vistara will also hike the salaries of its pilots and cabin crew. The airline's finances have improved in the last year, and it also recorded its first profit in history in the previous quarter.

Air Astana Resuming Beijing Route With Airbus A321LRs

Michael Doran — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 08:35:13 GMT

Almost every day, an airline announces launching a new route or restarting a suspended one to China. Yesterday, it was the turn of Kazakhstan's national carrier, Air Astana, which said it would resume services from Astana to Beijing in March.

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.

Denver International Airport Hit With Mass Disruptions

Gaurav Joshi — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 06:38:21 GMT

A snowstorm across Colorado has affected flight operations at Denver International Airport, with several flights either canceled or delayed. All airlines operating out of the airport have been impacted, including Southwest, with more than 40% of its flights delayed.

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.

Cathay Pacific Flies 1 Million Monthly Passengers For The First Time In 3 Years

Gaurav Joshi — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 04:25:16 GMT

Cathay Pacific’s latest figures for January showed a massive increase in passenger numbers compared to the previous year as it continues to rebuild and restore connectivity at the Hong Kong international aviation hub. Cargo saw a slight decline compared to the previous month, but the airline is confident of positive growth in the passenger segment in the coming months.

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.

Airbus Announces Thomas Toepfer As Future Chief Financial Officer

Aaron Bailey — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 02:00:12 GMT

Dr. Thomas Toepfer will move from Convestro, a DAX40 company and a leading supplier of premium polymers, to join the team at Airbus on September 1 as Chief Financial Officer. From March 3, current Chief Financial Officer Dominik Asam will step down, and Xavier Tardy, CFO for the defense and space division, will hold the reigns in the interim until Toepfer can join the team.

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.

The FAA Appears At A Senate Hearing Over NOTAM Meltdown

Molly Russell — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:30:12 GMT

US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acting head Billy Nolen faced a senate probe on Wednesday in a review of last month’s NOTAM system failure.

JetBlue Announces Major Florida Expansion Including Plans For Europe Flights

Lukas Souza — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:30:12 GMT

Earlier today, American low-cost carrier JetBlue announced services between Fort Lauderdale and Tallahassee, a route that has been desired for a long time. The airline also announced major expansion plans in Florida.

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.

The Prototype That Started It All: The Story Of The Douglas DC-1

Mark Finlay — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 23:00:12 GMT

Although only one prototype was ever built, the Douglas DC-1 became the blueprint for the Douglas DC-2 and the Douglas DC-3 one of the most successful aircraft in the history of aviation. Following the crash of a TWA Fokker F-10 trimotor on March 31, 1931, after the wooden structure of one wing failed, the US Department of Commerce placed restrictions on planes with wooden wings.

Volaris Becomes Largest Mexican Carrier To The United States

Daniel Martínez Garbuno — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 22:00:12 GMT

The Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier Volaris increased its seat offer in flights to the United States last year and carried over 2.6 million passengers, becoming the leading Mexican airline in this transborder market, it announced.

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.

Aeromar Officially Ceases Operations

Lukas Souza — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 21:00:45 GMT

Aeromar, the airline that up until today was the longest-operating Mexican airline, has officially announced it is ceasing all operations. The announcement is no surprise, as last November, the Mexican government rejected a rescue plan for Aeromar.

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.

Boeing More Than Doubles Sustainable Aviation Fuel Purchase For 2023

Linnea Ahlgren — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 17:00:17 GMT

American aerospace manufacturer extraordinaire Boeing announced on Wednesday it had doubled its purchase agreement of sustainable aviation fuel from world-leading provider Neste. It will now acquire 5.6 million gallons (21.2 million liters) of blended SAF to support flights for production, the Boeing ecoDemonstrator, Dreamlifter, and deliveries.

SAS Passengers Able To Access Others' Data After IT Breach

Charlotte Seet — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 16:30:16 GMT

Valentine's Day wasn't exactly sweet and romantic for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and its valued passengers after the flag carrier was subjected to a cyberattack that led to its website and mobile application being inaccessible for a few hours. Last night turned even worse after some passengers' data became visible to other passengers who were active during the attack.

Southwest Airlines Is Looking To Expand Its Jamaica Operations

Riley Pickett — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 16:00:17 GMT

Southwest Airlines has shared its intentions to expand operations in Jamaica throughout 2023. Southwest already operates several weekly flights to the Island country but plans to increase this number as it sees the destination as a significant growth opportunity.

No Flybe 3.0: Rescue Talks Ended By Administrators

Molly Russell — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:50:16 GMT

British regional carrier Flybe will remain shuttered permanently after a “challenging set of circumstances” prevented a sale of the insolvent airline.

Was The Air India Deal The Biggest Aircraft Order Of All Time?

Luke Peters — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:00:18 GMT

This week's announcement by Air India detailing its massive order for 470 new Boeing and Airbus-built aircraft was valued at $68 billion. But is this the largest order for new commercial aircraft ever, or has there been an even larger order?

Simultaneous Record Holder: The Life & Times Of US Aviation Pioneer Ruth Nichols

Mark Finlay — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 14:30:17 GMT

Born in New York City on February 23, 1901, Ruth Rowland Nichols was a female American aviation pioneer. She was the only female pilot to hold simultaneous world records for speed, altitude, and distance flown. She was the daughter of Erickson Norman Nichols, a member of the New York Stock Exchange, who had also served with Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders in the Spanish–American War (April 21 – August 13, 1898).

JetBlue Wants To Fly To Amsterdam But Is Struggling To Get Slots

Linnea Ahlgren — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 14:00:16 GMT

JetBlue changed the game on transatlantic connectivity when it launched flights from New York and Boston to London in 2021. The 'hybrid' airline would like to take its narrowbody intercontinental services one step further with flights to Amsterdam Schiphol. However, with the government's plans to restrict the European mega hub's capacity, slots are proving particularly hard to come by - even those vacated by banned Russian flag carrier Aeroflot and the UK's folded Flybe.

Boeing And Bombardier Partner With Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum

Joe Kunzler — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 13:38:13 GMT

The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, based in Atchison, Kansas, has announced that Boeing and Bombardier are teaming up on a new museum. The new facility, named after aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart will focus on teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics or STEM and will have the support of other luminary aviation firms such as FedEx, Garmin, and the firm that built most of Amelia's airplanes - Lockheed Martin.

Southwest Execs Lose Out On Bonuses Due To December Meltdown

Riley Pickett — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 13:30:17 GMT

Southwest Airlines has revealed that its executives received smaller bonuses last year due to the meltdowns that occurred in December. The news first came from the airline's Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Watterson, during a recent hearing before a Senate committee. The cuts have since been elaborated on and confirmed by another representative for the airline.

Eurowings & Volotea Deepen Partnership To Bring More Low-Cost Flights To Germany

Luke Bodell — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 13:14:21 GMT

European carriers Eurowings and Volotea have announced an extensive sales partnership on more than 140 routes. Both airlines will sell each other's fares on their websites and Volotea will launch a handful of new German routes.

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.

Did You Know: KLM Operated Every Douglas Aircraft From The DC-2 To The DC-10

Justin Hayward — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 12:30:16 GMT

KLM's last MD-11 flight in 2014 was a significant event for the airline. Not only was it the retirement of a popular aircraft type, but it also marked the end of an 80-year relationship between Douglas and KLM. The airline introduced the DC-2 back in 1934 and stuck with Douglas right through all its subsequent developments.

Passenger Caps Set To Return To Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Luke Peters — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 12:00:17 GMT

Passenger caps will again be introduced at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport in April and May as it continues its recruitment drive for the forthcoming summer peak season. The move aims to alleviate pressure on infrastructure at the busiest times of the day.

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.

Game Over? Hans Airways Deregisters Its Only Airbus A330

Joanna Bailey — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 11:29:20 GMT

It seems the low-cost, long-haul ambitions of Hans Airways have been cut short, as the airline’s one and only Airbus A330 is in the process of being deregistered. Data from the UK’s CAA shows that deregistration was opened on February 3rd, with a review date set for February 24th.

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.

Breaking: Frankfurt Airport Closed To Arrivals Amid Lufthansa IT Chaos

Tom Boon — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 10:31:48 GMT

The Lufthansa Group is facing delays and cancelations across its network. The reason for the interrupted operations is an IT failure affecting the entire airline group. This is having a knock-on effect on other airlines, as Frankfurt Airport is now entirely closed for arrivals. According to data from FlightRadar24.com, 69% of all Frankfurt Airport departures are delayed by an average of 24 minutes, while 5% have been canceled at the time of writing.

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.

"Don't Travel" Warning As Major German Airports Face Huge Friday Strikes

Jake Hardiman — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 10:00:16 GMT

Air travel in and out of some of Germany's busiest airports is set to face significant disruption on Friday due to a one-day strike. Called by trade union Ver.di, this will see public sector, aviation security and ground handling workers walk out in the early hours of February 17th, with the industrial action ending that evening.

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.

SpiceJet Asked To Pay $32.5 Million In Share Transfer Dispute Case

Gaurav Joshi — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 09:13:43 GMT

Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet has been asked by India’s Supreme Court to pay ₹2.7 billion ($32.5 million) in the next two weeks to Kalanithi Maran in a share transfer dispute case. The dispute goes back to 2015 when then-promoter Kalanithi Maran agreed to transfer his stockholding to the airline’s co-founder Ajay Singh.

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.

Air India’s Airbus A320neo Fleet Could Be Much Bigger Than Expected

Joanna Bailey — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 07:15:16 GMT

Airbus secured a big win in the Indian market yesterday with Air India’s commitment for a total of 250 airplanes. Within that order was a sizeable demand for the popular A320neo narrowbody family, accounting for 210 airplanes in total. But how will that order be broken down, will the LR and XLR feature, and could the Air India A320neo fleet end up being even bigger than this?

Kansas City International Airport Closes 2022 With Almost 10 Million Passengers

Steven Walker — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 07:01:17 GMT

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) welcomed 9.82 million passengers in 2022, its 50th year of operations. The airport’s recovery from the pandemic has been strong and steady over recent months, reaching over 300 daily departures and arrivals by the end of the year.

Hackers Target SAS Network And Compromise App

Gaurav Joshi — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 06:31:39 GMT

SAS Scandinavian Airlines was hit by a cyber attack on February 14th, compromising its app. The airline was said to be working on a solution, with reports saying that the problem was fixed to a large extent. Still, SAS warned that the attack may have targeted customer data following the breach.

What Air India's Boeing Order Means For The Carrier

Gaurav Joshi — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 05:01:07 GMT

What was long assumed was finally made official by Air India, Boeing, and Airbus. Although Airbus ended up with a larger slice of Air India's massive 470-plane order, Boeing, too, managed to sell its latest generation narrowbodies and widebody planes, including several new 737 MAX aircraft, which will somewhat challenge the A320's dominance in the Indian skies.

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.

Delta Air Lines Profit Sharing Payout Surpasses $550 Million

Channing Reid — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 02:00:17 GMT

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines is giving back to its employees and making a difference this Valentine's Day. The US legacy carrier said its annual profit-sharing investment practice made a multi-million dollar impact in communities across the country.

What Were Europe's Top Airports For Freight Traffic Last Year?

Charlotte Seet — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 01:00:16 GMT

Although air cargo boomed during the initial pandemic period, last year saw the supply of air cargo worldwide significantly declining from its sudden peak. In Europe, the depreciation between the previous year's levels and 2021's was approximately 5%, as the region suffered a direct result of the war in Ukraine and ongoing disruptions to the supply chain.

Woman Escorting Child Attempts To Enter JFK With Loaded Gun

Daniel Martínez Garbuno — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 23:00:17 GMT

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at the John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) prevented a woman from bringing a loaded handgun through a security checkpoint while she was escorting a minor to their gate last Friday. This is one of the eight independent incidents the TSA has reported this week of people attempting to bring loaded guns to airports throughout the United States.

Did You Know: You Can Get A Marriage License At Las Vegas Airport

Justin Surette — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 23:00:17 GMT

For all it's famous for, no city hosts the same amount of destination weddings as Las Vegas. People arrive from all over the United States and internationally to have their dream wedding amongst the neon lights or under desert stars, and there are plenty of options for booking a resort stay. The city's Marriage License Bureau issues nearly 80,000 certificates every year, making it one of the busiest in the country. Still, one location stands out among them all - Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport.

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?

Norse Atlantic Airways Announces Two New Routes To The United States

Lukas Souza — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 21:02:17 GMT

Earlier today, European low-cost carrier Norse Atlantic Airways launched the sale of two new Florida routes from London's Gatwick Airport. Beginning at the end of May, the airline will fly to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Hollywood-Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) from London.

IAC Will Open An Aircraft Paint Shop In Teruel, Spain

Steven Walker — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 20:00:17 GMT

Spain’s Teruel Airport (TEV) will soon boast a new aircraft painting facility. The widebody hangar will be developed and operated by the Shannon-based aviation services provider, International Aerospace Coatings Group (IAC), with the 25-year agreement expected to create around 80 highly skilled jobs for the region.

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).

Porter Airlines To Launch Nonstop Service From Ottawa To Charlottetown

Joe Kunzler — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 18:15:17 GMT

At a time when de Haviland of Canada Dash 8-400s (aka Q400s) are being retired from fleets like airBaltic, Horizon Air and LOT Polish – it’s news when an airline like Porter Airlines adds a new route for the turboprop. This once-daily route will connect the Prince Edward Island provincial capital city of Charlottetown (YYG) with the Canadian national capital of Ottawa (YOW) starting on May 17.

Moldova Closed Its Airspace For 3+ Hours Today

Molly Russell — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 18:04:38 GMT

Moldova’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has reopened its airspace following a brief pause over safety concerns. The aviation body confirmed that it had issued a NOTAM on Tuesday morning amid reports of a weather balloon-like object near Soroca, which remained in effect until 14:46 EET.

Breeze Airways Adds 22 New Routes To This Summer’s Plan

James Pearson — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 18:00:16 GMT

Breeze Airways has announced 22 non-stop routes, plus more 'BreezeThru' one-stops. The subject of this article, the 22 non-stops include more transcontinental flying and the launch of Portland (Maine) as the airline's next airport. It comes shortly after it began Cincinnati. To make the coming routes more readable, I've broken them into two tables based on the start date.

Lufthansa Cargo Is Increasing Its China Flight Schedule

Su Wu — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 17:45:16 GMT

Despite the fact that demand remains weak, Lufthansa Cargo is taking a chance on the Chinese economy's recovery and is increasing its freighter capacity to China for the 2023 summer flight schedule. The new schedule will be implemented on March 26th.

Putin Promises To Keep Prioritizing Fleet For 100-Year Anniversary Of Russian Civil Aviation

Linnea Ahlgren — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 17:09:37 GMT

On February 9, Russia's (and the Soviet Union's) civil aviation industry celebrated its 100-year anniversary. In honor of the day, President Putin held a meeting with high-level representatives of the industry, congratulating them on being part of the country's evolution and promising that the government will continue to prioritize the development of the civil air fleet.

Virgin Atlantic Flies $425,000+ Of Aid To Turkey

Charlotte Seet — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 16:35:17 GMT

Ever since a devastating earthquake with a massive 7.8 magnitude shocked Turkey and Syria last Monday, the global aviation industry has been humbly uniting as one, with several carriers chartering dedicated flights to send relief and supply aid. UK-based Virgin Atlantic is the latest carrier participating in such humanitarian efforts, with the first flight taking place today, on February 14th.

Why The Airbus A350 Will Be The Flagship Of Air India’s Fleet

Joanna Bailey — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 15:38:15 GMT

For many years, Airbus has led the Indian market on the narrowbody side, with approximately a 70% market share. The pendulum has begun to swing more recently, with new entrant Akasa picking Boeing’s 737 MAX family for its fleet.

Tom Stuker: The Story Of The World's Most Frequent Flyer

Mark Finlay — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 15:30:18 GMT

While we all like to fly and might think that we are well-traveled, what most of us have achieved in air miles is nothing compared to New Jersey car dealership consultant Tom Stuker. After having flown all over the world to train people how to run car dealerships, Tom Stuker had, as of July 2022, clocked up 23 million miles on over 12,000 flights.

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.

Flight Review: KLM Economy Class From Berlin To Amsterdam

Dr. Omar Memon — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 14:30:16 GMT

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flies the Boeing 737-800 aircraft as Flight KL1822 between Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). The aircraft offers a capacity of 162 passengers in a two-class configuration. There are 12 seats in the business class cabin in a 2-2 configuration and 150 in economy class in a 3-3 configuration.

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.

Going Long Haul: Starlux Airlines Launches Los Angeles Airbus A350 Ticket Sales

Luke Bodell — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 13:13:14 GMT

Taiwanese carrier Starlux Airlines has put tickets for its upcoming Taipei-Los Angeles route up for sale. The new service, to be operated by the carrier's new Airbus A350-900 fleet featuring four cabin classes, will launch in late April.

33 Years Ago Today: Indian Airlines Flight 605 Crashes In Bangalore

Mark Finlay — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 12:30:16 GMT

Exactly 33 years ago today on February 14, 1990, Indian Airlines Flight 605 crashed onto a golf course while landing at Bangalore. Ninety-two of the 146 passengers and crew onboard were killed in the accident. Indian Airlines Flight 605 was a scheduled domestic passenger flight between Mumbai (Bombay) International Airport (BOM) and Bangalore-Hindustan Airport (BLR)

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.

Virgin Atlantic Is Withdrawing From Pakistan

James Pearson — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 11:00:17 GMT

Virgin Atlantic is ending London Heathrow to Islamabad and Lahore. As its last Manchester-Islamabad flight was in October, it will cease all flying to Pakistan. Until Pakistan International (PIA) returns – using its own metal or more wet-leased aircraft – the changes mean that there will be just one UK-Pakistan route: British Airways between Heathrow and Islamabad. How things have changed.

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.

Smartwings & LOT Polish Airlines Lose Boeing 737 MAX Compensation Lawsuit

Jake Hardiman — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 10:00:16 GMT

Last week, a US judge ruled that families of the victims of the two crashes that grounded the Boeing 737 MAX would not be able to reopen prosecution against the US manufacturer. The legal challenge had come about due to the victims having legally been ruled as 'crime victims' in the crashes. LOT Polish Airlines and Smartwings launched similar lawsuits against Boeing, but these also failed.

Vistara Begins Services To Goa’s New Airport

Gaurav Joshi — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 09:12:08 GMT

Vistara has become the latest airline to begin operations in Goa’s new Manohar International Airport (GOX). The full-service carrier now connects the airport with Bengaluru and Mumbai, even as it already flies to Goa’s old airport (GOI) from various destinations. Goa’s new airport began operations in early January and since then, many Indian carriers have started flying there.

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?

Flair Announces New Service From Windsor To Vancouver

Channing Reid — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 07:00:17 GMT

Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) Flair Airlines is growing its route network with the announcement of a new coast-to-coast route between Windsor and Vancouver. The airline said on Monday that flights would commence during the peak summer travel season.

IndiGo Pilots To Reportedly Get Increments

Gaurav Joshi — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 06:19:24 GMT

Encouraged by positive quarterly figures, India's largest airline IndiGo is reportedly bringing back pilot increments this year. IndiGo, like all other airlines, took quite a beating during the pandemic, which saw several of its employees dissatisfied over reduced salaries. But the airline has since then restored pilot salaries and will now restore increments in a few weeks.

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.

Copa Airlines To Launch Flights To Austin

Channing Reid — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 05:30:17 GMT

Copa Airlines announced on Monday that it will begin new flights from Panama City to the capitol of Texas this summer. The new route becomes the 16th US destination for the flag carrier of Panama. The news comes after the carrier announced new service to Baltimore last month.

67% Yearly Increase: airBaltic Carried 246,800 Passengers In January

Joe Kunzler — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 04:16:16 GMT

airBaltic has said that, in January 2023, the airline carried 246,800 passengers across 3,030 flights, representing significant growth from January 2022 when the airline carried 147,400 passengers across 2,480 flights. This is an increase of 67% in passengers, with only a 22% growth in airline flights.

Air India Resumes Mumbai-JFK Flight After Four Years

Gaurav Joshi — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 04:14:33 GMT

Air India has added another long-haul flight to its network. The carrier resumed its Mumbai-New York JFK service on February 14th as part of its larger global expansion. As the new management focuses on fleet optimization and expansion, the latest service to the US is expected to be one of many to come in the near future.

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.

Airbus Reveals Latest A321XLR Livery

Aaron Bailey — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 23:04:00 GMT

Airbus has just released its latest livery on its Airbus A321XLR. The latest design includes a QR code, which links scanners to special access to the latest news, events, and career opportunities available by the A320 family with the manufacturer.

The Best Places For Planespotting At Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport

Mark Finlay — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 22:00:17 GMT

Today we are going to take a look at what are the best places to go planespotting at Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Before we get into that though, let's first take a look at the hobby of planespotting and see what it is all about.

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).

The Story Of US Regional Carrier Trans States Airlines

Sumit Singh — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 20:00:17 GMT

Trans States Airlines traces its roots back to 1982 amid the formation of Resort Air, which was a commuter carrier based in St. Louis, Missouri. The company flew to several sites across Illinois and Missouri before entering into a deal with TWA to serve six airports in the form of Trans World Express.

Spirit Airlines Launches A University Based Pilot Training Scheme

Steven Walker — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 19:00:16 GMT

Spirit Airlines has announced a partnership with Lynn University, enabling aspiring pilots to join its Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program. This is being offered in collaboration with the university’s Burton D. Morgan College of Aeronautics in Boca Raton, Florida.

WestJet Adds 9 United States Routes This Summer

James Pearson — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 18:00:16 GMT

WestJet has revealed a further nine US routes from Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Vancouver. All begin in May and June. Two of the nine have never been served – at least not in the 33 years since 1990. Five other routes have had non-stops before, two of which by WestJet, but they're currently unserved.

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.

Boeing Eyes $24 Million Logistics Center In India Ahead Of Major Air India Order

Charlotte Seet — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 17:30:16 GMT

China has been one of the more essential markets within the Asia-Pacific region for several years. But in recent years, another critical market has emerged as India focuses more on its aviation industry. With India expected to become more significant, aircraft manufacturer Boeing has decided to set its root within the country with a new logistics center.

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.