Tue.Sep 10, 2024

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Boeing whistleblowers claim 777 production in chaos: The Seattle Times  

Aerotime

Boeing’s 777 assembly line at Everett, Washington, is reportedly in a state of disarray, according to information published in The Seattle Times on September 9, 2024. The report, which quotes anonymous sources within the company, describes a chaotic work environment in which some airframes are rushed through the production line and need to be completed later outside of the regular sequence, potentially exposing them to production defects.

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American’s Muted Summer 2025 Schedule Highlights Three Trends

Cranky Flier

American tried to spice things up with a teaser video for its summer 2025 European schedule reveal, but this wasn’t a spicy kind of announcement. Instead, American is choosing to stick to its strengths and grow its long-haul footprint conservatively next summer. That being said, these moves do give some clear direction on where American is spending its time and how it views both Europe and its US hubs.

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Qantas expands Pacific reach with flights to Vanuatu and Manila from Brisbane

Aerotime

Qantas launched its inaugural flight to Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila, Vanuatu from Brisbane Airport (BNE) on September 10, 2024. QF159 was at full capacity and departed Brisbane at 11:37 local time. After an almost three-hour flight, the B737-800 aircraft arrived in Port Vila at 14:59 local time. Welkam, welcome and Bienvenue @Qantas A wonderful moment this morning to witness the inaugural @Qantas flight to #PortVila #Vanuatu.

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New Report Finds Overheating Lithium-Ion Batteries Pose Growing Risk On Flights

Simple Flying

With laptops, mobile phones, and several kinds of wearable electronic devices becoming increasingly common on airplanes, the incidents of lithium-ion batteries inside them heating up are also on the rise. And a new research report highlights the impact of such batteries on aviation safety.

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Wizz Air confirms London to Jeddah as its first A321XLR route in March 2025

Aerotime

European low-cost airline Wizz Air has exclusively revealed more details about its plans for the company’s incoming fleet of Airbus A321XLR aircraft, the first of which is due to be delivered to the carrier in late February 2025. In a special event held in London on September 10, 2024, the airline group’s CEO József Váradi gave those in attendance further insight into Wizz Air’s strategy for its long-awaited extended range narrowbodies.

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Icelandair Reveals 1st Airbus A321LR Ahead Of November Delivery

Simple Flying

Icelandair took another step towards retiring its fleet of Boeing 757-200 as it revealed pictures of its first Airbus A321LR as it rolled out of the paint shop with Icelandair livery ahead of its delivery in November. In addition to four Airbus A321LRs, Icelandair has also ordered 13 Airbus A321XLRs. With a 4,700 nautical mile range, Icelandair could service much of the continental United States with its XLRs.

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Major overhaul of Southwest board initiated after talks with activist investor 

Aerotime

The Southwest Airlines board is facing a major overhaul after a meeting was held between the carrier and the activist investor Elliott Investment Management in New York. The two sides met on September 9, 2024, after Southwest invited the hedge-fund to “participate in refreshment efforts and other corporate governance changes”. Elliott has criticized the running of Southwest since the summer, including a call for the resignation of CEO Robert Jordan , and has built a 10% stake since investing al

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London-Stansted confirms new British Airways and Ryanair routes for autumn 2024 

Aerotime

London-Stansted Airport (STN) is hoping to lift passengers’ spirits as autumn beds in with news that British Airways and Ryanair are both launching new routes over the coming months. In total, London-Stansted confirmed there are five new destinations, with Ryanair operating four routes and British Airways operating one. “As summer draws to an end, many of us may be feeling the blues, but fear not, London Stansted has some exciting news to lift everyone’s spirits with five new routes taking off

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Air Belgium On Brink Of Liquidation… Again

One Mile at a Time

In a development that will surprise nobody who has been following the airline, Air Belgium is once again on the brink of liquidation. Now, this is a familiar story, as Air Belgium seems to have nine lives. However, the situation is definitely more dire than in the past, and I don’t see how this can have a positive outcome… Some background on Air Belgium’s struggles For those who aren’t familiar with Air Belgium, let’s start with some background.

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PLAY achieved its highest-ever load factor in August 2024, adds more new routes

Aerotime

Icelandic low-cost carrier PLAY Airlines has announced that August 2024 was one of the most successful months in its three-year history. While the carrier saw passenger numbers continuing to rise, it also saw load factors reach their highest-ever level. PLAY carried 187,960 passengers in August 2024, representing a 1.8% increase over August 2023 when the airline flew just under 185,000 passengers.

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Kathmandu: Why Is Nepal's Main Airport So Difficult To Fly Into?

Simple Flying

Nepal is famous for being a Himalayan hiking paradise and is a favorite of mountaineers (it is home to Mount Everest). However, its main airport, Kathmandu Airport (officially Tribhuvan International Airport), is known for being difficult to fly out of. While the airport may not be to blame, in July 2024, a Saurya Airlines Bombardier CRJ200ER crashed shortly after takeoff at Kathmandu Airport, killing 18 (all but one occupant).

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Emirates to cease fifth-freedom Singapore to Melbourne flight after 28 years

Aerotime

Emirates confirmed that it will terminate its route from Singapore’s Changi International Airport (SIN) to Melbourne Airport (MEL), a fifth-freedom operation it had been flying for 28 years. In a statement seen by The Straits Times, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) said that the Dubai-based carrier submitted a request to terminate the route in early August 2024.

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The Boeing 797: Everything We Know So Far

Simple Flying

The so-called Boeing 797 Midsize Aircraft has stirred a lot of debate about what it may look like and whether it will ever be built. A recent Boeing announcement suggests that "thunderbirds are go," or at least maybe - eventually. A recent Boeing news release celebrating a historic deal with its employees states that "Boeings next new airplane" will be built in Washington - a reference widely believed to refer to the Boeing 797.

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Major: Southwest Airlines Executive Chairman Gary Kelly Steps Down

One Mile at a Time

It’s a challenging time at Southwest Airlines. The airline isn’t performing as well financially as it used to, though things are quickly changing. For one, an activist investor took a major stake in Southwest , and is calling for radical changes at the airline. At the same time, the current management team is working on making updates to the business model to increase revenue, from introducing assigned and extra legroom seating , to adding redeye flights to the schedule.

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Exclusive Environments: These Airlines Offer Upper Deck Economy Seats On The Airbus A380

Simple Flying

The Airbus A380 has flown over a million flights since it was first introduced into commercial service with Singapore Airlines in October 2007. Sadly, with production having ceased in 2021 and a third of the original operators having already retired their aircraft, the opportunities to fly this iconic aircraft are rapidly diminishing. But there is some good news for the budget-conscious traveler who still has flying aboard an A380 on their bucket list: Of the ten airlines still flying the A380,

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Hilton Acquires Graduate Hotels, Expands In College Towns

One Mile at a Time

Earlier this year, Hilton announced plans to acquire a new hotel group. There’s an update , as these properties are now all bookable through Hilton channels, and are participating in Hilton Honors. Let’s cover all the details. Graduate Hotels join Hilton Honors portfolio In a $210 million deal, Hilton has acquired the Graduate Hotels brand from Adventurous Journeys Capital Partners.

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Nice Airport Sees 44% US Traffic Growth As American Airlines Adds Philadelphia Flight

Simple Flying

This summer has been particularly busy on the Cte dAzur in the South of France. The region is famous for its sun, beaches and events (including the world-famous Cannes Film Festival for instance). Indeed this is much to the benefit of Nice Cte d'Azur International Airport (NCE), the main gateway to the French Riviera.

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Ouch: Delta Airbus A350 Slices Tail Off Regional Jet In Atlanta

One Mile at a Time

It’s not that uncommon to see aircraft have incidents on the ground, given how close to one another planes operate, plus how many plane movements there are around the globe on a daily basis. However, this has to be among the more drastic incidents we’ve seen in quite some time. A350 & CRJ-900 have serious incident at Atlanta Airport Shortly after 10AM this morning (Tuesday, September 10, 2024), two jets operating on behalf of Delta had a serious incident at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Interna

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Air Chinas C919 Takes Off In First Commercial Operation

Simple Flying

At 1 p.m. on September 10, Air China flight CA1523 landed at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), marking the successful maiden flight of Air China's first C919 aircraft (registration number B-919X) and its official entry into commercial operations.

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New Hyatt Regency Taipei Taoyuan Airport (Former Novotel)

One Mile at a Time

Here’s an airport hotel rebranding I’m looking forward to… Novotel Taipei Taoyuan Airport becomes Hyatt Regency Media in Taiwan is reporting that the 516-room Novotel Taipei Taoyuan Airport (TPE) will soon be rebranded as a Hyatt Regency. The hotel has been branded as a Novotel since 2009. The contract is up for renewal after 15 years, and the owners have plans to change the branding to a Hyatt Regency.

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Airbus Beluga XL Freighter Diverts To Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Simple Flying

On Tuesday, September 10, an Airbus Beluga XL squawked 7700 while flying over the Netherlands. The airport was flying from Saint-Nazaire Montoir Airport (SRN) in Saint-Nazaire, France, from Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport (XFW) in Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft descended to an altitude of about 10,000 feet shortly after squawking 7700 to local air traffic controllers (ATC), which indicates an emergency situation on the aircraft such as a technical, environmental, or medical issue.

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British Airways to Ramp Up Cape Town Services

Airline Geeks

British Airways will triple its frequencies between London Heathrow and Cape Town International Airport in the coming months.

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Japan Airlines World's 1st To Sign Up For Airbus A350 Virtual Procedure Trainer

Simple Flying

On September 10, 2024, Japan Airlines signed for Airbus' computer-based A350 Virtual Procedure Trainer (VPT), a training tool that offers a highly immersive and interactive environment for practicing critical flight procedures and emergency situations. The Tokyo-based carrier becomes the first A350 operator to sign up for the training solution.

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A350, CRJ Collide on Atlanta Taxiway

Airline Geeks

A Delta CRJ-900 and Airbus A350 were involved in a reported collision on Tuesday morning in Atlanta. No injuries were reported.

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SpaceX Crew Dragon Launch Scheduled Today For Billionaire On 1st-Ever Private Space Walk

Simple Flying

A few weeks ago, SpaceX showed off its twin dragons (for the Polaris Dawn mission and Crew-9). The private mission, SpaceX's Polaris Dawn is soon to blast off (possibly today on September 10) and its crew are expected to attempt the first-ever private commercial spacewalk. Before boarding the spacecraft, the astronauts recently performed an eye-catching flyby of the stacked launch vehicle.

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Allegiant Air Adds Boeing 737 MAX To Fleet: All The Details

One Mile at a Time

In 2022, Allegiant Air placed an order for the Boeing 737 MAX, representing a strategy shift for the airline, which has historically flown Airbus A320-family aircraft. There’s now a major development, as the airline has just taken delivery of its first of these jets. Basics of the Allegiant Boeing 737 MAX order In January 2022, Allegiant placed an order for up to 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft: The airline has placed a firm order for 50 jets, and has options for 50 more jets The order has been spli

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NASAs Europa Clipper: Searching for Signs of Life on Jupiters Icy Moon

Simple Flying

From ancient civilizations gazing at the stars with the naked eye to modern science scanning the cosmos with powerful telescopes that orbit the Sun, the pursuit of finding life beyond our planet has long been a driving force behind astronomical exploration. The vastness of the universe, filled with billions of galaxies and untold possibilities, ignites our imagination, inspires wonder, and fuels technological advancements once thought impossible.

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LOT Polish Airlines Leasing EuroAtlantic Boeing 777

One Mile at a Time

If you’re flying LOT Polish Airlines across the Atlantic in the coming months, you might find yourself on a plane you weren’t expecting. Frankly it’s not necessarily bad news… EuroAtlantic operating Warsaw to New York & Toronto flights LOT Polish Airlines’ long haul fleet consists exclusively of Boeing 787s. However, the airline has historically leased jets from other airlines in winter to operate select frequencies, during a period when many of LOT’s own aircraft undergo maintenance.

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How To Earn Frequent Flyer Miles On Car Rentals

Simple Flying

It is common these days to earn points or miles in airline loyalty programs from several sources. Flying, of course, is the primary source for most people, but earning from credit cards, travel spending, and online shopping are often possible.

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New Starbucks CEO Raises Eyebrows With Jet Travel Deal

AV Web

Starbucks is creating waves by allocating $250,000 per year for its new CEO Brian Niccol to commute from his home in Newport Beach, California, to company headquarters in Seattle in company aircraft. According to the company’s “offer letter” to the former Chipotle top executive, quoted in an article in Nation’s Restaurant News, and which was publicly submitted to the U.S.

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Happy In Honolulu: The Complete Airport Lounge Guide

Simple Flying

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is the largest airport in the state of Hawai'i. Located on the island of Oahu, just a few miles from downtown Honolulu, Honolulu International Airport is a major hub for interisland flights, flights to the mainland, and international operations.

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Review: Montage Big Sky, Montana

One Mile at a Time

We recently spent a couple of nights at the Montage Big Sky , as we were in town to attend an event (unrelated to the hotel). I’ve been intrigued by this 139-room resort since it opened in late 2021. Not only was this my first stay at a Montage property, but I was also curious to visit Big Sky, as it was my first time. So, what was my takeaway from the Montage Big Sky?

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NOAA Launches Several Of Its Hurricane Hunting Aircraft Ahead Of Tropical Storm Francine

Simple Flying

On Monday, September 9th, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) , which is a United States agency responsible for forecasting the weather and monitoring atmospheric conditions, revealed it has officially launched several of its hurricane-hunting aircraft. The NOAA operates several aircraft in its fleet, each of which has slightly different objectives.

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Why Air Canada Pilots May Strike Soon

Airline Geeks

The lack of concurrence between Air Canada and ALPA regarding a new pilot contract is leading towards an imminent strike by the labor group.

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Allegiant Air Welcomes Delivery Of 1st Boeing 737 MAX To Fleet

Simple Flying

The first of the many Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on order has been delivered to Allegiant Air. The carrier had been waiting for the aircraft for quite a while, as delays at Boeing affected its delivery date. The aircraft is also special, as it is the first high-density Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 for a US airline that can seat more passengers than a regular MAX 8.

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Southwest Stands With CEO as Board Retirements To Bring New Leadership

Airline Geeks

Southwest announced the next phase of its board’s transformation as six directors are slated to retire in November along with Executive Chairman Gary Kelly.

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Boeing's New 797 Will Be Built In Washington

Simple Flying

Boeing has just reached a massive new tentative agreement affecting over 33,000 Boeing employeesIn its statement on the deal, Boeing revealed it plans to build the much-anticipated 797 mid-sized airliner in Washington. The proposed New Midsize Airplane (NMA) has been touted for around a decade, but these are the first concrete plans for the project.

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