Aerotime
DECEMBER 19, 2024
China Airlines announced a major aircraft order on December 19, 2024. The Taiwanese carrier will split the order for long-haul passenger aircraft between the two major aircraft manufacturers, with 10 A350-1000 jets from Airbus and 10 B777-9 aircraft from Boeing. The carrier is also boosting its cargo fleet with an order for four B777-8F freighter aircraft.
Cranky Flier
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Air Canada held its investor day this week, and it had a 162-slide presentation going through all of its plans. While the main goal of this plan was presumably to help analysts with insomnia to finally get some sleep, there were also some real nuggets of information in there. To me, the most interesting of all was about the airline’s plans for its low-cost subsidiary Rouge.
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Aerotime
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Turkish budget carrier Pegasus Airlines has announced a huge order for 100 Boeing 737 Max-10 single-aisle aircraft and has taken out options on 100 more. The deal, announced on December 19, 2024, and reportedly worth around $36 billion at list prices, provides a much-needed boost for the planemaker and its 737 MAX range after what has been a torrid year for the US company.
One Mile at a Time
DECEMBER 19, 2024
China Airlines has just announced plans to place an aircraft order thats split between Airbus and Boeing, for new flagship, long haul aircraft. China Airlines orders Airbus A350s & Boeing 777s China Airlines intends to acquire 20 new wide body passenger aircraft, split between Airbus and Boeing. The Taiwan-based SkyTeam carrier is ordering 10 Airbus A350-1000s and 10 Boeing 777-9s.
Aerotime
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Munich-based startup Vaeridion announced on December 19, 2024, that it has raised 14 million to fund the further development of its future all-electric, battery-powered Microliner aircraft. The Microliner, a conventional takeoff and landing aircraft designed to carry nine passengers over distances of up to 500km, is expected to be ready to enter service by the end of the decade.
Simple Flying
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Another airline has confirmed it will be moving to the terminals at New York JFK. Norse Atlantic Airways confirmed today that it has signed a letter of intent to start operations at the new Terminal 6 (T6) at John F. Kennedy International Airport starting in 2026.
Vintage Aviation News
DECEMBER 19, 2024
On October 16, 2024, DDA Classic Airlines ‘ DC-3 PH-PBA, lovingly known as Princess Amalia, shut down her engines for the final time with a full load of passengers at Amsterdams Schiphol Airport. This moment marked the conclusion of 40 years of regular passenger operations with classic airliners in the Netherlands. Founded in 1982 by two Transavia pilots, the all-volunteer Dutch Dakota Association (DDA) successfully operated DC-3s and even a DC-4 for several years, establishing itself as a
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One Mile at a Time
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Its common for airlines to offer loyalty program members ways to boost their elite status at the end of the year. JetBlue has just launched an interesting promotion along those lines, which allows members to do good while also boosting their own elite status qualification. JetBlues sustainable aviation fuel promotion Nowadays JetBlue Mosaic elite status is earned based on how many tiles you rack up.
Vintage Aviation News
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Primus in Toto – First in Everything. That is the meaning of the Latin phrase painted within the emblem of the 62nd Troop Carrier Squadron emblazoned on the nose of a beautifully restored Douglas C-53D Skytrooper The Yacht Club that was the subject of much attention during the 2024 EAA Airventure at Oshkosh. It is an aircraft with an incredible history behind it and a big journey ahead of it still, as it prepares to fly to a new home in Brazil. ‘Yacht Club’ at Oshkosh 2024.
Airline Geeks
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Spirit and Frontiers survival may very well depend on another merger attempt, says longtime airline founder David Neeleman.
Simple Flying
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Fiji Airways passengers traveling from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Nadi International Airport (NAN), Fiji, have been stuck at SFO due to mechanical issues with the airline's Airbus A330-200 widebody. As a result, the flight, which was supposed to depart on December 17, 2024, faced multiple delays before ultimately being canceled.
Plane and Pilot
DECEMBER 19, 2024
As the worlds Cessna 150 fleet approaches and even exceeds 60 years of age, its becoming increasingly difficult to find clean, lower-time examples. Its becoming even more difficult to find such examples that are well-kept, with nice-looking paint and lower-time engines. But at $42,500, todays bargain checks all of these boxes at an entry-level price.
Simple Flying
DECEMBER 19, 2024
The Pilatus PC-12 is a single-engine turboprop aircraft designed and developed by Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft. Designed as a high-performance utility aircraft, the PC-12 is capable of operating on rugged airfields and unconventional airstrips. The PC-12 performed its first flight in May 1991 and was introduced into private service in 1994.
One Mile at a Time
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Delta has just added access restrictions to its newest premium lounge. I cant say Im surprised, though it is a bit disappointing Delta One Lounge Boston bans Air France-KLM passengers Over the past several months, Delta Air Lines has been growing its network of Delta One Lounges. So far, weve seen lounges open in New York (JFK) , Los Angeles (LAX) , and Boston (BOS).
Simple Flying
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Over twenty years ago, I took an exciting flight from Cape Town (CPT) to Johannesburg (JNB). I used to fly the route regularly, as well as many long-haul flights from both airports. But on this occasion, I chose a different, smaller airline that I had never flown on for one simple reason: It allowed me to fly on a BAC 1-11, an aircraft type that I had never flown on before (or since).
One Mile at a Time
DECEMBER 19, 2024
The introduction of Lufthansas new Allegris cabin concept hasnt been without drama, to put it mildly. However, the messiness of this situation has just reached a new level, as reported by Spiegel Business (thanks to @MeenzMev for flagging this). Lufthansa cant get 787 business class seats certified Earlier this year, we saw Lufthansa introduce its new Allegris concept, with the most exciting development being the introduction of the new Allegris business class , finally offering direct aisle acc
Airline Geeks
DECEMBER 19, 2024
The semiprivate operator currently serves several airports in the state, including Napa, Oakland, Monterey, Burbank, Los Angeles, Orange County, and Carlsbad.
One Mile at a Time
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Qatar Airways intends to launch an interesting new ultra long haul flight. Qatar Airways wants to fly to Bogota, Colombia Qatar Airways has requested permission with regulators in Colombia to launch a new route to the country. Specifically, the airline wants to fly between Doha, Qatar (DOH), and Bogota, Colombia (BOG), with a technical stop on the return in Caracas, Venezuela (CCS).
Plane and Pilot
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Give the FAA credit for reacting quickly to pilot and industry pushback on changes to medical deferrals that were set to begin after the first of the year. As previously reported , a change to FAA policy on medical deferrals would have set in motion knock-on effects that could impact pilots flying under conventional medicals as well as those hoping to one day use BasicMed or fly as sport pilots.
Simple Flying
DECEMBER 19, 2024
As Northern California's most prominent and busiest airport, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a gateway from the Bay Area to the world. The airport is one of the few worldwide with two sets of parallel intersecting runways and boasts wonderful terminal and ramp views. Few other airports offer consistently visible parallel approaches and departures all day long - a fantastic perk for planespotters as San Francisco is one of the largest international gateways in the United States.
Airline Geeks
DECEMBER 19, 2024
The deceased ramp agents toxicology results indicated they may have used cannabis before the incident, the NTSB said Thursday.
Simple Flying
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Travelers are being alerted to the possibility of delays and interruptions during what is anticipated to be one of the busiest Christmas travel seasons in years due to the impending shutdown of the US government, which is scheduled to start on December 21. Furloughs and operational halts might result from underfunding federal agencies; the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), air traffic control , and other critical services are the most urgent targets.
One Mile at a Time
DECEMBER 19, 2024
While United Airlines already announced an impressive expansion for the summer of 2025 , the Chicago-based Star Alliance carrier has just added yet another long haul route. Uniteds new seasonal Denver to Rome route For the summer of 2025, United will operate a daily seasonal flight between Denver (DEN) and Rome (FCO). The flight will be available for nearly five months, between May 1 and September 24, 2025.
Simple Flying
DECEMBER 19, 2024
The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper (including the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian) is one of the most famous US military ISR and combat drones. The Reaper was developed from the earlier MQ-1 Predator and is related to the Army's Gray Eagle. The Reaper is a very capable drone , but has proven vulnerable as many have been downed by the Houthi rebels in northern Yemen (it is likely most countries purchasing it, plan to use it for long-range patrol missions in air space that is not contested).
Airline Geeks
DECEMBER 19, 2024
If approved by regulators, flights would operate twice weekly with a mix of Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.
Simple Flying
DECEMBER 19, 2024
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals recently staged a protest outside the DC-area office of Ethiopian Airlines. The organization said that it was protesting because the carrier was named in court earlier this year for transporting monkeys sold by an alleged illegal international monkey-smuggling ring.
One Mile at a Time
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Ive written extensively about Air France-KLM Flying Blue elite status , given that its a program Im increasingly interested in, and that Ive pursued status with. Flying Blues standard elite tiers are Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Then theres Flying Blue Ultimate status , which has published elite requirements, but is super difficult to earn, as it requires three times more activity than Platinum.
Simple Flying
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Airlines devote countless hours to evaluating new aircraft and bringing them into service, so it is an exciting time for all involved when the first of a new type takes its inaugural commercial flight. It is also an honor to be the airport that welcomes the first flight, and those two worlds came together today when the first Malaysia Airlines Airbus A330neo landed at Melbourne Airport this morning.
AOPA
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Turtles Fly Too, an organization that coordinates a network of volunteer general aviation pilots to help relocate endangered species, said it dedicated a recent transport mission to the memory of Bonnie Freeman, who died in 1983 at the age of 12 from T-cell leukemia. The operation also honors her parents, Laurel and Howard Freeman, and her sister Carolyne, who founded Stop Children’s Cancer.
Simple Flying
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Air India has ordered up to 34 single-engine and twin-engine aircraft to train pilots at its upcoming Flying Training Organization (FTO) in Amravati, Maharashtra. The facility is set to open in the second half of 2025, after regulatory approval.
Vintage Aviation News
DECEMBER 19, 2024
As part of our ongoing series Today in Aviation History, we discuss the first flight of the U.S. Navy’s first purpose-built anti-submarine warfare (ASW) carrier-based aircraft to enter service, the Grumman AF Guardian, which made its first flight on December 19, 1945. While not as famous as other aircraft produced by Grumman during this time, it still played a silent role in the early days of the Cold War.
Simple Flying
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Pegasus Airlines , a Turkish low-cost carrier has announced a major aircraft order with Boeing for up to 200 737 MAX 10 aircraft.
Aviation News
DECEMBER 19, 2024
TAIPEI, Dec 19 (Reuters) – Taiwan’s China Airlines will split an order for its long-haul fleet renewal between Boeing and European rival Airbus and buy.
Simple Flying
DECEMBER 19, 2024
One of the most frequent questions asked or debated by people as they plan to travel by air concerns the requirement by most airlines to arrive at the airport two to three hours early. Often, these early arrival and check-in recommendations are arguments that some people use to debate against the efficiency of air travel.
AOPA
DECEMBER 19, 2024
A French two-seat aerobatic trainer with an airframe parachute and modern avionics has been certified in Europe, with FAA certification to come.
Simple Flying
DECEMBER 19, 2024
The MQ-25 Stingray is a carrier-based unmanned aircraft that offers robust aerial refueling, adding a permanent, sea-based tanker to increase the range of US aircraft carriers and effectively use combat strike fighters. In 2021, it became the first-ever unmanned aerial vehicle UAV to refuel another aircraft.
iPad Pilot News
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Do I really need to use Airplane Mode on my iPad or iPhone? iPad Pilot News One of the most common questions we hear as pilots is, “Do I really need to put my phone in Airplane Mode?” The airlines have been saying yes for years, but many travelers think this advice is outdated and it’s safe to ignore. Is that true in a small airplane?
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