Cranky Flier

JUNE 11, 2024

There is no LUV for Southwest Airlines management this week as activist investor Elliott has taken more than a 10 percent stake in the airline and wants to fire Chairman Gary Kelly and CEO Bob Jordan. If you thought Carl Icahn’s investment in JetBlue was going to be a big fight, you ain’t see nothing yet. This is going to get ugly. So far, I am not impressed by Elliott’s take, but if this does push Southwest to act more quickly, then everyone wins.

Stability 286

Stability Airlines Airline 286

Aerotime

JUNE 11, 2024

Lufthansa is preparing to make additional concessions to the European Commission to secure European Union approval for its planned investment in Italy’s state-owned ITA Airways , according to a report published by the Politico website. This latest maneuvering by the German flag carrier is being seen as a way to diffuse growing tensions over the deal that could be facing an EU veto – a move that the Deputy Prime Minister of Italy, Matteo Salvini, has described as a “serious attack on Ital

Airlines 301

Airlines Airline 301

Simple Flying

JUNE 11, 2024

Everyone knows New York JFK is the USA's number one gateway to Europe. Examining all schedule data using OAG shows between 112 and 126 daily passenger departures to Europe (double for both ways) between June and September 2024. Approximately 30 airlines operate, with 39 European destinations served non-stop, although its network is not quite at a record level.

Airlines 124

Airlines Airline 124

Aerotime

JUNE 11, 2024

Singapore Airlines has officially laid out its offers of compensation to passengers who sustained injuries on flight SQ321 when it hit extreme turbulence. The incident resulted in the death of one passenger and multiple others were injured. In a Facebook post dated June 11, 2024, the airline apologized for the “traumatic experience” endured by passengers on SQ321 on May 20, 2024.

Turbulence 274

Turbulence Airlines Airline 274

Simple Flying

JUNE 11, 2024

Welcome to my 131st weekly routes article! I have analyzed subjectively exciting services that began in the past week or so. As usual, multiple other example launches are listed at the bottom. Click here to see the last jam-packed edition.

Airlines 119

Airlines Airline 119

Aerotime

JUNE 11, 2024

The lawsuit against dog-centric airline BARK Air has been dropped. A spokesperson for BARK Air reached out to AeroTime to advise that Westchester County voluntarily dismissed its lawsuit against the airline having reached an agreement on June 10, 2024. The county initially filed a lawsuit against the world’s first dog-focused airline on May 30, 2024 over its operations at Westchester County Airport (HPN).

Fixed Base Operator 283

Fixed Base Operator Airlines Airline 283

One Mile at a Time

JUNE 11, 2024

Passengers on a US-bound British Airways flight yesterday were in for quite an adventure, as they made it all the way to North America, before the plane made a u-turn, and returned to London. British Airways’ nine hour flight to “nowhere” This incident happened on Monday, June 10, 2024, and involves British Airways flight BA195 from London (LHR) to Houston (IAH).

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Jet Pilot 117

Simple Flying

JUNE 11, 2024

Combat aircraft are draining to be fast, efficient, and robust enough to successfully complete the missions. While many combat-capable aircraft achieve the designed goals, some are met with failure. Whether it is design, operational performance, or pure circumstance (timing, technology advancement, etc.), some planes inevitably fail. This article explores some of the worst military planes that were proven unsuccessful for a variety of reasons.

Jet 116

Jet 116

Aerotime

JUNE 11, 2024

Passengers onboard a British Airways Airbus A319 at Stuttgart Airport were evacuated after a hydraulic fluid leak activated a smoke alert as boarding was being completed. Although there were no injuries among those onboard, five members of the ground crew were injured, four of which attended hospital as a result. The incident unfolded as British Airways flight BA921 prepared to depart Stuttgart Airport (STR) in Germany heading to London-Heathrow Airport (LHR) on June 8, 2024.

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Tarmac Cargo Airlines Airline 157

Simple Flying

JUNE 11, 2024

Every year at AIX , we see a range of innovative concepts for future aircraft cabins launched, from RECAROs plug-and-play tray tables to Panasonic's 45 inch curved IFE screen. One regular event attendee is Alejandro Nunez Vicente, with his Chaise Longue stacked seating concept.

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AV Web

JUNE 11, 2024

An air traffic controller warned the pilot of a Harbour Air DHC2 Beaver floatplane of a pontential conflict with a boat as the pilot got ready to take off for a sightseeing trip around Vancouver harbor last Saturday afternoon. The aircraft and boat collided a short time later, injuring three on the boat and heavily damaging the aircraft. The Coal Harbour area of Burrard Inlet is a designated floatplane aerodrome and has so much traffic that it has its own air traffic control tower mounted atop a

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Air Traffic Control Pilot 85

Simple Flying

JUNE 11, 2024

The business jet market has seen a significant uptick in recent years. The aviation recovery from the pandemic saw large numbers of business jet transactions. Whether it is independent ownership, fractional ownership, or jet charter services, more and more business jets have been sold in the last few years.

Jet 116

Jet 116

Airline Geeks

JUNE 11, 2024

The collapsed airline’s administrators have terminated all employee contracts and canceled future flights, according to 9 News Australia.

Airlines 128

Airlines Airline 128

Simple Flying

JUNE 11, 2024

Do you have an elite status with American Airlines and wish to receive a status match with another airline? Many global airlines offer status matches with American's Advantage program. A status match provides an equivalent status tier with a different airline based on your existing status. Many airlines are eager to bring members of rival airlines who may be unsatisfied with their existing program or want to switch to different airlines due to their circumstances.

Airlines 111

Airlines Airline 111

One Mile at a Time

JUNE 11, 2024

Air France is opening a pop-up restaurant this summer during the Paris Olympics. As an aviation geek, I love this concept, and am (almost) sad I won’t be in Paris for the Olympics… Air France’s restaurant at Palais de Tokyo in Paris The Paris Olympics will be taking place in late July and early August 2024. Air France is one of the sponsors, as of course this is a huge event for the airline.

Airplanes 120

Airplanes Cockpit Airlines Airline 120

Simple Flying

JUNE 11, 2024

Travelers that have the ability to fly privately are treated to the ultimate flexibility and efficiency when traveling. Private jets are able to depart their airport whenever the traveler or operator would like, and do not have to be confined to scheduled commercial flights that may be inconvenient. The traveler can also fly their intended route, as long as their private aircraft has the range capabilities.

Jet 111

Jet 111

One Mile at a Time

JUNE 11, 2024

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards has introduced its latest promotion on purchased points. While there has long been value in strategically buying points , the concept of a revenue based frequent flyer program selling points has always been strange to me, especially for an airline like Southwest. Let’s take a look at the details, but I’ll say upfront that this is an offer you probably shouldn’t take advantage of, even though this is in line with the best offers we see from Rapid Rewards.

Airlines 109

Airlines Airline 109

Simple Flying

JUNE 11, 2024

Cirrus wasnt always the industry powerhouse it is today. The company was created by the Klapmeier brothers in their parents barn in 1984, with its first product being kit aircraft. However, it has come a long way since, creating high-performance private aircraft and the only civilian single-engine jet aircraft in production.

Jet 111

Jet 111

Airline Geeks

JUNE 11, 2024

JetBlue has announced that it will be expanding its operations in the New York metropolitan area by starting flights at Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP).

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120

Simple Flying

JUNE 11, 2024

As the name suggests, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft can become airborne or land vertically without the use of a runway strip. While helicopters are designed for vertical operations, the VTOL classification is only limited to airplanes that can achieve lift in forward flight. Such aircraft have increased combat efficiency through a lower response time.

Lift 111

Lift Runway Airplanes 111

One Mile at a Time

JUNE 11, 2024

On May 21, 2024, a Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER encountered severe turbulence while enroute from London (LHR) to Singapore (SIN), on flight SQ321. The turbulence was so bad that dozens of people suffered serious injuries, and there was even one fatality (reportedly from a heart attack). The jet diverted to Bangkok (BKK), where many passengers were hospitalized.

Turbulence 115

Turbulence Airlines Airline Jet 115

Simple Flying

JUNE 11, 2024

London City Airport is the smallest, but most centrally located, of Londons airports. With its size and urban location, it has several restrictions on aircraft that can use it. You wont find any of the larger Boeing or Airbus aircraft there, but there are plenty of smaller aircraft that can operate. The dominant commercial jets operating there today are the Embraer E190 and the Airbus A220.

Jet 111

Jet 111

Airline Geeks

JUNE 11, 2024

Air Mauritius CEO, Charles Cartier, said that the airline favors the Airbus A350 aircraft for its growing widebody operations.

Airlines 131

Airlines Airline 131

Simple Flying

JUNE 11, 2024

WestJet and Virgin Atlantic are taking their partnership to the next level by expanding the destinations covered in the agreement. This will open up several new destinations for the Canadian carrier, with Virgins global routes to India, Africa, and the Middle East becoming available.

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AV Web

JUNE 11, 2024

The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has awarded a $105 million contract to Merlin to build virtually autonomously operated C-130J Super Hercules transports. Although the description of the resulting aircraft is that they have “reduced aircrew capability,” one of the requirements for the contract is that they be able to fly takeoff to touchdown without human intervention.

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Simple Flying

JUNE 11, 2024

As recently as May 2024, an F-22 Raptor was reportedly involved in a 'mishap' crashing at the airport in Savannah. But how many F-22s have crashed or been damaged over their careers? 16 crashes (most did not result in the destruction of the aircraft) have been recorded while the F-22 has been in US Air Force service. Around five Raptors have been total write-offs.

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111

One Mile at a Time

JUNE 11, 2024

Virgin Atlantic is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary. To commemorate this, The Times had an interview with founder Richard Branson, covering so many aspects from the airline (thanks to Creditcrunch for flagging this). I wanted to cover some of the highlights, because Branson had some surprising things to say. It’s important to keep in mind that while Branson is a billionaire, he’s sort of a marketer and dreamer above all else.

Airlines 112

Airlines Airline 112

Simple Flying

JUNE 11, 2024

Philipp Joeinig, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Menzies Aviation, a provider of various aviation services, is skeptical about the future success of London Heathrow Airport (LHR) if the airport does not expand its runway infrastructure.

Runway 111

Runway 111

iPad Pilot News

JUNE 11, 2024

Apple is launching Text Message via Satellite in iOS 18 iPad Pilot News Apple kicked off its annual developer conference yesterday, unveiling iOS 18 and iPadOS 18’s new features , which will be available on Apple devices later this year. The primary focus was on Apple’s latest AI developments, which they’ve branded as “Apple Intelligence.” This includes numerous user interface updates and enhancements to the default Apple apps on your device, which use AI to help yo

Clearance 105

Clearance Pilot 105

Simple Flying

JUNE 11, 2024

Introduced in 2011, Avios serves as the frequent flier currency for the loyalty programs of six airlines. These include Qatar Airways, Finnair, and the carriers under the International Airlines Group (IAG), such as British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, and Aer Lingus. The most straightforward method to accumulate loyalty points is, of course, by flying.

Airlines 111

Airlines Airline 111

AV Web

JUNE 11, 2024

The shattered radome and cracked windscreens of an Austrian Airlines A320 got viral coverage Sunday after the plane encountered hail from a cell on approach to Vienna-Scwechat Airport. The flight was on its way from Palma de Mallorca, Spain, when it hit the weather, which the airline said didn’t show up on the crew’s weather radar (which ironically took the brunt of the damage). “I think we were about 20 minutes from landing when we got into a cloud of hail and thunderstorm, an

Knot 111

Knot Turbulence Weather Approach 111

Simple Flying

JUNE 11, 2024

Fast, compact, and sleek, light business jets are the epitome of luxury and efficiency. They offer the perfect blend of speed, comfort, and cost-effectiveness for corporate travel. These aircraft are designed for short to mid-range flights, typically accommodating six to eight passengers.

Jet 105

Jet 105

Flyertalk

JUNE 11, 2024

The companies announced an increase in limited-time welcome offers for cardmembers who are approved by July 17, 2024. Bonuses Range Up to 110,000 Miles with Reserve Business Card According to an American Express survey, nearly four out of five travelers are expecting to take a long weekend trip this summer, with nearly all of them planning for a three-night stay as the perfect length.

Airlines 98

Airlines Airline 98

Simple Flying

JUNE 11, 2024

Aerial refueling tankers are designed to extend the mission range and endurance of strategic combat aircraft. During major conflicts, aerial tankers support the air forces, enabling flexible mission preparation and execution. Simple Flying explores some of the most successful aerial refueling tankers supporting essential missions for decades.

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One Mile at a Time

JUNE 11, 2024

Capital One’s network of airport lounges is expanding even further, as the card issuer has announced plans for another new lounge. This complements the existing Capital One Lounge Dallas (DFW) , Capital One Lounge Denver (DEN) , Capital One Lounge Washington Dulles (IAD) , as well as the future Capital One Landing concept. Basics of the Capital One Lounge New York JFK A Capital One Lounge will be opening at New York JFK Airport Terminal 4.

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Simple Flying

JUNE 11, 2024

Seaplanes have been a feature of commercial aviation almost as long as humans have had powered flight. The first seaplane flight in 1910 rapidly led to the era of the sumptuous Pan Am Clippers in the 1930s and 40s, when taking off from and landing on water was the norm. Today, we think of modern seaplanes as smaller aircraft that specialize in connecting the more remote regions of the world.

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Flyertalk

JUNE 11, 2024

In an open letter, leaders from Elliott Investment Management are calling on the Southwest board of directors to upgrade the company’s leadership and ultimately go through a business review to determine how to better improve performance metrics. Elliott Accuses Southwest of Underperformance From Kelly and Jordan In the letter, the leadership at Elliott say their research leads them to believe that “Southwest represents the most compelling airline turnaround opportunity in the last two decades.

Airlines 95

Airlines Airline 95