Thu.Oct 03, 2024

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New Southwest director backs leadership after making $100 million investment 

Aerotime

The new Southwest director and IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal has purchased 3.6 million shares in the airline, valued at over $100 million. Details surrounding the purchase were included in several Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings published by Southwest on October 2, 2024. Gangwal purchased the shares on September 30, 2024, and October 1, 2024, in a significant sign that he has confidence in the Southwest leadership.

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Southwest is Reducing Turn Times: Don’t Panic (Yet)

Cranky Flier

Of all the things that Southwest announced in its turnaround plan, the changes in seating were obviously the most buzzy. But I’ve been surprised to see just how much talk there was around the decision to reduce turn times. This is not quite what everyone assumes, so I thought I would dig in deeper to explain exactly what’s happening here.

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IATA reports August 2024 air passenger numbers up by 8.6% worldwide 

Aerotime

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its latest data showing how air passenger numbers are changing month-by-month. Its latest report pertaining to August 2024 shows that global air traffic rose by 8.6% overall for the month, indicating that there is no let-up in the surging demand for air travel despite ongoing geopolitical challenges faced by the airline industry.

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Today in Aviation History: William J. Knight Sets a New Airspeed Record In a North American X-15

Vintage Aviation News

On October 3, 1967, William J. Knight took off for a record-breaking flight, setting the fastest speed record ever recorded by a manned aircraft. This remarkable goal was achieved by a North American X-15-A-2 model, a hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft operated by the US Air Force and NASA. The X-15-A-2 was a part of NASA’s X-series experimental aircraft among X-15A-1, X-15A-2, and X-15A-3​.

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UrbanLink orders up to 20 Eviation Alice aircraft for US regional flights      

Aerotime

UrbanLink Air Mobility, the South Florida-based company planning a range of advanced air mobility (AAM) and zero-emission aviation projects across the US, has announced that it has placed an order with Eviation Aircraft for up to 20 of the manufacturer’s Alice commuter airplanes. The order sees UrbanLink commit to taking 10 aircraft initially, with options for a further 10 aircraft.

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Intrepid Museum Acquire Iconic FG-1D Corsair

Vintage Aviation News

A legendary piece of aviation history is about to take center stage at the Intrepid Museum: a World War II FG-1D Corsair, on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum, courtesy of the Navy History and Heritage Command. The aircraft arrived at the museum late last night, following its journey from Washington D.C. Known for its critical role in the Pacific theater, this iconic Corsair is one of the few remaining intact examples and will undergo meticulous restoration by the museum’s skilled spe

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FAA concludes six-month safety review launched after spike in United incidents

Aerotime

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has concluded a six-month review of United Airlines that the agency launched in March 2024, after several high-profile safety incidents. When the review was announced earlier this year , the FAA said it wanted to ensure that United was “complying with safety regulations; identifying hazards and mitigating risk; and effectively managing safety,” However, on October 2, 2024, the FAA gave United the all clear after completing its evaluation.

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Spirit Airlines marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month with special pink uniforms   

Aerotime

Florida-based low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines has announced it will be marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout October 2024 with the unveiling of a collection of pink-inspired uniform options for its employees. According to the airline, Spirit Airlines employees will have the option to wear the new ‘PiNK’ Collection (with a capital “NK” in honor of Spirit’s two-letter IATA airline code), throughout October 2024 as part of the carrier’s commitment to

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KLM Plans Major Cost Cutting To Strengthen Finances

One Mile at a Time

Most network carriers around the globe are dealing with similar issues. While demand is strong, costs have increased considerably following the pandemic, and on top of that, margins are down a bit, as more airlines have restored capacity. In response to market conditions, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced measures to structurally improve the company’s operational and financial performance, and it will have implications for both passengers and employees.

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Delta Air Lines and Saudia Airlines enter into new codeshare agreement    

Aerotime

As further evidence of the importance of US carriers establishing and expanding travel options to the Middle East, Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines has announced the signing of a new codeshare agreement with Saudia Airlines , the national carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agreement, which remains subject to regulatory approval, builds on the existing interline agreement between the two companies.

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Alaska Continues 737-900 Retirements

Airline Geeks

Alaska is retiring some of its oldest jets next year. Currently, the Seattle-based airline's fleet includes eight Boeing 737-900s.

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KLM to roll out cost-cutting reorganization program to boost profitability  

Aerotime

Dutch national carrier KLM has announced it will be undergoing a root-and-branch reorganization in a bid to boost its profitability by €450 million ($495 million) per year. In a statement issued by the airline, it said that the company was reviewing a range of different areas of its business amid rising costs and staff shortages that have plagued the airline since the pandemic.

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Military Aviation Museum Collecting Hurricane Helene Relief Supplies, Liberty Foundation’s C-47 Will Fly Supplies to N.C.

Vintage Aviation News

PRESS RELEASE During its Warbirds Over the Beach air show this weekend, Oct. 5 and 6, The Military Aviation Museum will host a supply drive to help areas of North Carolina devastated by Hurricane Helene. After the show, a World War II transport plane best known for dropping paratroopers on D-Day will fly the supplies to Western North Carolina. “We have seen impacts from the storm across the mid-Atlantic, and our upcoming air show is no exception,” Museum Director Keegan Chetwynd said.

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China Southern to launch first flight from Australia to Beijing Daxing Airport

Aerotime

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) will soon be the first airport from Australia to offer flights to Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). China Southern announced that the 11-hour direct service will commence on December 13, 2024, and operate four times a week. The frequency will be increased after an initial 10-week season. The flights are scheduled to operate on the Airbus A330, configured with 28 business class seats and 258 economy class seats.

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BOOKED: A Korean Air & Japan Airlines Business Class Adventure!

One Mile at a Time

I guess you could say that it’s review trip season here at OMAAT. I just recently returned from a review trip to Latin America , where I flew airlines like LATAM , Delta , Aeromexico , Boliviana de Aviacion (swoon!), and Copa. Now I’m headed in the other direction, as I just planned a last minute review trip to Asia, which includes some products that I think will interest many of you.

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Philippine Airlines launches inaugural flight to Seattle from Manila on B777-300

Aerotime

Philippine Airlines’ inaugural direct flight to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) took off on October 2, 2024. Flight PR 124 departed Manila International Airport (MNL) at 22:40 local time, and landed in Seattle at 19:48 local time, 40 minutes behind schedule. Seattle is Philippine Airlines’ sixth destination in the United States, and eighth in North America.

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Emirates Returns To Lagos With Daily Boeing 777 Flights

Simple Flying

On Tuesday, Emirates, the world's largest international airline, resumed services to the strategically important destination of Lagos, the largest city in Nigeria on the west coast of Africa. The Boeing 777 was greeted with the traditional water cannon salute on its arrival at Lagos Murtala Mohammed Airport, launching a daily service from Dubai.

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Chase Sapphire Reserve Adds Air Canada Lounge Access

One Mile at a Time

Hey, this is pretty cool! The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card ( review ) has just improved its airport lounge access benefits, as the card now offers access to an additional network of lounges. Thanks to Doctor of Credit for flagging this. Access Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges with Sapphire Reserve The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card now offers Air Canada lounge access at participating locations.

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Delta Secures DOT Approval To Upgrade NBAs Aging Boeing 757 Fleet With Airbus A321neos

Simple Flying

Delta Air Lines and the National Basketball Association have been given the green light to upgrade the fleet of charter aircraft used for team transport.

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Ryanair Scrapping Paper Boarding Passes, Airport Check-In

One Mile at a Time

Ryanair is planning on completely eliminating paper boarding passes and airport check-in. While that sounds kind of wild, perhaps it’s not quite as radical as it may seem, and Ryanair is just a bit ahead of its time. Ryanair will only allow online check-in Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary held a press conference this week, during which he reportedly revealed that the airline will be significantly changing its check-in procedures.

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Winter Is Coming: 5 Ways In Which Airlines & Airports Deal With Snow & Ice

Simple Flying

Winter often throws a curveball for the travel business. Snow and ice may seriously disrupt airport operations and airline schedules, despite the appeal of warm fires and wintry scenery.

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FAA Concludes United Airlines Safety Audit, Finds Nothing

One Mile at a Time

In March 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stepped up oversight of United Airlines , after the airline had a series of incidents and accidents. Since then, the FAA has been auditing the airline to figure out if there are any areas for improvement, and the results are in… FAA identifies no safety issues at United On October 2, 2024, the FAA put out a statement regarding its United safety audit, which is just two sentences: The FAA finished its Certificate Holder Evaluation Program (

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Starbucks CEO Will Reportedly Commute 1,000 Miles To Work On A Gulfstream G550 Jete

Simple Flying

The new Starbucks CEO will not have to relocate to headquarters, with unique travel benefits included in his compensation package.

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Delta and Saudia Ink New Agreement

Airline Geeks

Delta and Saudia have signed a new codeshare agreement opening new destinations for both carriers, strengthening the U.S. airline's Gulf presence.

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IndiGo Co-Founder & Southwest Airlines Director Buys $100 Million More Stock Opposing Elliott's Push For Management Change

Simple Flying

Rakesh Gangwal, co-founder of IndiGo and a board of directors member at Southwest Airlines, had gone on a shopping spree to acquire the latter airlines shares, with the director now owning over 3.6 million of common shares of Southwest Airlines.

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Delta goes bigger in Texas: Five new nonstops from Austin to business and leisure hotspots

World Airline News

Delta Air Lines is continuing to position itself as the airline of choice for customers traveling to and from Austin with the introduction of five new routes from the Texas capital. Starting in March 2025, Delta will add daily nonstop service to Panama City, Fla. (ECP). Additionally, the airline will add new, nonstop service to Indianapolis (IND), Memphis (MEM), San Francisco (SFO) and Tampa (TPA), providing Austin customers more options than ever before.

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US Army AH-64 Apache Helicopters Shoot Down Drones With Hellfire Missiles During Exercise In Saudi Arabia

Simple Flying

The US and ally Saudi Arabia have conducted the latest 'Red Sands' military exercises at the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center in Saudi Arabia. The latest round of joint exercises focused on countering unmanned drones - or C-UAS (counter-unmanned aerial systems) - and saw the participation of AH-64 Apache helicopters, robot dogs and a resupply quadcopter, among other systems.

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GPS Jamming, Spoofing

AV Web

If you think the high-priced GPS navigator in your airplane is bulletproof, think again. Spoofing by altering the WAAS GPS position is a growing problem that we should all be ready for at any time. Sister publication IFR Magazine recently explained some real-world issues to look for. IFR Mag GPS Jamming Download The post GPS Jamming, Spoofing appeared first on AVweb.

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American Airlines Has Now Made It Far Cheaper To Gift Elite Status

Simple Flying

American Airlines has made recent changes to its AAdvantage program, making it much easier to gift Elite Status. 18 months ago, AAdvantage, the American Airlines frequent flier program, introduced the flexibility to enable members to gift their status for a day. However, it was met with criticism for its one-off cost.

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GA steps up to provide relief in Helene aftermath

AOPA

The Southeast continues to reel in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, with vast swaths of the region facing flooding; power outages; property damage; and shortages of drinking water, food, and other vital supplies. The general aviation community has joined government agencies and private relief organizations to help deliver care packages to people in need.

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British Airways Extends Codeshare Destinations With IndiGo And LATAM Airlines

Simple Flying

As major global carriers increasingly strengthen their partnerships with other airlines, British Airways, too, has decided to extend its codeshare deals with Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo and LATAM in Brazil. The new routes added will become available in the coming weeks.

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Pitching In On The Airlift: A First Timer’s Account

AV Web

“It just keeps going,” the lady said said as she reached into the baggage area of the Mooney. “How did you get this all to fit?” I smiled and started to brag about being part of the Tetris generation, but then I realized she probably said that to every pilot who flew supplies in. Standing on the ramp at Rutherford County Airport in rural North Carolina, I was far from alone.

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'The Last Flight' By Public Service Broadcasting: A Musical Exploration Of Amelia Earhart's Circumnavigation

Simple Flying

In 1937, pioneering American pilot Amelia Earhart looked to make aviation history by becoming the first woman to complete an aerial circumnavigation of the globe. Flying a Lockheed Electra 10E with her navigator Fred Noonan , Earhart disappeared while airborne between Lae Airfield and Howland Island , with the whereabouts of the aircraft, as well as herself and Noonan, still unknown to this day.

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Southwest Outlines Plans for “2.0” Launch, Including Assigned Seats

Flyertalk

The airline leadership announced their new direction during their investor day in Dallas on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. New Direction Aimed at Enticing Younger Customers with More Income Speaking to investors, airline chief executive Bob Jordan outlined the direction Southwest wants to go in order to improve their profitability. The most visible of them will be the new boarding procedure, which will roll out next year.

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Which Airlines Allow You To Book First Class Flights Using American Airlines AAdvanatage Miles

Simple Flying

Everyone would love to travel first class and using miles and points is a popular way to book tickets. Availability can be very hard to find, but represents some of the best value you will find in the loyalty world.

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Luke AFB Ceases F-16 Ops; Now Exclusively F-35s

AV Web

For close to a half century, Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix, Arizona, was the main training center for U.S. Air Force F-16 pilots. But on September 30, the last Fighting Falcon training mission closed out that history. The Air Force announced this week that the 56 th Fighter Wing has now shifted exclusively to flying F-35A Lightning II combat aircraft.

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Why Did KLM Have Boeing 747 Combis?

Simple Flying

There are two distinct kinds of commercial aircraft which operate in our skies today. Passenger aircraft make up the majority of commercial planes flying in the skies today, and they remain the primary instruments that connect the world's population today.

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