Thu.May 09, 2024

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Spirit AeroSystems whistleblower says 737 fuselages sent to Boeing with defects

Aerotime

A former quality manager at Spirit AeroSystems, and now whistleblower, has alleged that 737 MAX fuselages were sent on to Boeing with serious defects. Santiago Paredes, who worked for Spirit AeroSystems between 2010 and 2022, told the BBC and CBS News in an exclusive interview that he would find “anywhere from 50 to 100, 200” defects (some more serious than others) on fuselages that were being prepared to be sent to Boeing. “I was finding a lot of missing fasteners, a lot of bent parts,

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Spirit Teases But Doesn’t Reveal Its Plan to Fix the Airline

Cranky Flier

In the airline industry, cash is king. It’s expensive to operate an airline but as long as you have cash, you can lose money and survive. Spirit is up against some monster debt coming due in September of next year, and it is now crunch time. By the end of the summer, we should know much more about Spirit’s future. For now, we’re still waiting to find out just what the plan may be.

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Trending Sources

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American Airlines to fly US veterans to France to mark D-Day 80th anniversary    

Aerotime

American Airlines has announced that it will fly 70 World War Two veterans from the United States to Europe to commemorate the upcoming 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. The special flight will operate on May 31, 2024, and is being provided free of charge by the airline to “honor [the servicemen] for their service and sacrifice,” according to the airline. “We’re honored to play a part in helping this group of heroic veterans return to Normandy,” said David

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Brother, Sister Receive FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award

Flying Magazine

Ever since a pair of brothers from Ohio started experimenting with gliders, aviation has run in families. Some more than others. On Wednesday, Claudia Simpson Jones and Graham Simpson received the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award during a special ceremony at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. The award is part of the agency’s recognition of safe pilots.

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Boeing files notice to lay off more than 100 employees in Huntsville, Alabama

Aerotime

Boeing has filed a notice with the Alabama Department of Commerce to lay off more than 100 workers at its Huntsville, Alabama location. According to the WARN List of Made in Alabama, a site that lists Alabama plant closings and layoffs, Boeing plans to lay off 128 workers beginning June 28, 2024. In a statement sent to Alabama news outlet WSFA12, Boeing said it had “notified some team members in Huntsville of a potential layoff” and will explore alternative placement opportunities within Boeing

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Korean Air Sells Five Boeing 747-8s, To Become “Doomsday Planes”

One Mile at a Time

Korean Air’s Boeing 747 fleet will soon shrink, which is a shame for those of us who love the plane… Korean Air getting rid of five Boeing 747-8s in 2025 As reported by Reuters , Korean Air has reached an agreement to sell five of its Boeing 747-8s, and the planes are expected to exit the fleet as of September 2025. According to a regulatory filing, the sale is valued at $674 million (so around $135 million per plane), and is part of the carrier’s strategy of refreshing its fleet with newer gene

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JetBlue boosts Caribbean services and Mint routes but cuts European flights   

Aerotime

As part of an ongoing network reshuffle to cut costs, New York-based JetBlue has announced a raft of changes that will see the carrier adding flights to Puerto Rico while adding its popular ‘Mint’ service on several new routes. However, the airline will reduce its offering from New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and will also axe some less popular European flights to free up aircraft capacity to be used elsewhere across the network.

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Air India Express cancels scores of flights after hundreds of cabin crew call in sick 

Aerotime

Low-cost carrier Air India Express has canceled flights for the second day running after around 300 cabin crew staff members called in sick. On May 9, 2024, Air India Express announced that its passengers would face more disruptions due to the airline being forced to cancel around 85 flights and was subsequently being supported by parent company, Air India. “We will be operating 283 flights today.

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Staff Shortage: FAA Delays Rest Rule Implementation For Air Traffic Controllers

Simple Flying

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will not implement amendments to the rest rules requirements for air traffic controllers (ATC) before July 2024, a change of policy since April, when the regulator said that it would mandate a certain amount of rest before shifts.

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Caught on video: Brawl breaks out on EVA Air flight to San Francisco

Aerotime

An altercation between two passengers over an empty seat escalated into a brawl on an EVA Air flight from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on May 7, 2024. Flight BR 08 departed TPE Airport and was just three hours into the 11-hour flight when the fight began. EVA Air told local Taiwanese media the commotion began when a passenger decided to switch seats because the person next to him was coughing.

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Flight Attendants Face Charges For Smuggling $8 Million Through TSA's Known Crewmember Lane

Simple Flying

Four flight attendants have been arrested and charged with smuggling up to $8 million of drug money from New York to the Dominican Republic. The four accused crew members allegedly took advantage of their access to the Known Crewmember (KCM) lane at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). This allowed them to circumnavigate regular airport security screening.

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Etihad Airways reports strong profit growth in Q1 2024

Aerotime

Etihad Airways has disclosed its financial results for the first quarter of 2024. The airline reported a profit after tax of AED526 million (US$143 million), a substantial improvement compared to the same period last year. Total revenue for Q1 2024 surged to AED 5,739 million (US$1,563 million), representing an increase of AED 987 million (US$269 million) from Q1 2023.

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5 Reasons Why The Airline Industry Is Leaving First Class Behind

Simple Flying

While first class still enjoys strong demand among the world's global financial capitals, developments in the design and offering of the next best thing, business class, have seen many travelers opt for the cheaper alternative, which still has many more perks than you would ever experience down the back of the plane. Business class has been revolutionized, and today, it has many perks that set your travel experience apart from that of the everyday traveler.

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KlasJet Head of HR on attracting top aviation specialists amidst talent shortage

Aerotime

The global aviation industry continues its post-pandemic rebound. According to the International Air Transport Association, total passenger traffic in 2023 rose by 36.9% compared to the previous year, steadily catching up with pre-pandemic levels. Out of recovery mode and on a growth trajectory, aviation is now struggling to meet the rising demand for air travel.

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11 Injured As Air Senegal Boeing 737-300 Veers Off Runway

Simple Flying

A TransAir Boeing 737-300 operating a flight for Air Senegal came off the runway at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) during takeoff. The aircraft was substantially damaged, with at least 11 people onboard suffering injuries. The airport was temporarily closed following the incident.

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Countdown begins for travelers to obtain REAL ID for domestic flights

Alaska Air

Starting May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form to fly within the United States. The post Countdown begins for travelers to obtain REAL ID for domestic flights appeared first on Alaska Airlines News.

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Cebu Pacific Adds Airbus A320s And 1Q Profit Soars

Simple Flying

Given the severity and extended nature of pandemic-era travel restrictions throughout Southeast Asia, it is welcome news to see the region roaring back to life, partly driven by opening borders in major markets such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. The magic ingredient is having the capacity available to meet the growing demand, and Cebu Pacific has managed that exceptionally well, adding 17 more aircraft to its fleet over the last twelve months.

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Air Vanuatu Cancels Flights, Faces Uncertain Future

One Mile at a Time

Air Vanuatu is the small national airline of South Pacific nation Vanuatu (as the name suggests). The airline was founded in 1981, when Vanuatu gained independence from the United Kingdom and France, and the airline was started with the assistance of (now defunct) Ansett Airlines. Now, nearly 45 years later, the airline is on the verge of going out of business.

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Here's How Slot Allocation Works At Major UK Airports

Simple Flying

The United Kingdom (UK) is home to some of Europe's largest and busiest airports. By far, the busiest, with over 79 million international passengers a year, is London Heathrow Airport (LHR). The British capital and the surrounding area are home to six major airports, making it the largest aviation hub in the world by passenger numbers.

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Buy Choice Privileges Points For 30% Off (0.72 Cents Per Point)

One Mile at a Time

Choice Privileges has just launched its latest promotion on purchased points. This offer is competitive with the promotions we usually see from the program, though I always recommend buying points only if you have a short term use in mind. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about this deal, and talk about under what circumstances it makes sense to buy points.

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RSAF F-16 Jet Crashes At Tengah Air Base

Simple Flying

A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16 crashed shortly after take-off on Wednesday during a routine training run, with the pilot escaping unharmed. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash, which is the RSAF's first fighter jet crash in two decades.

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How to Watch ‘Parade of Airplanes’ Over Washington

Flying Magazine

Dozens of aircraft are set to take to the sky over the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Saturday in celebration of general aviation’s history. The “ parade of airplanes ” flyover event, which is sponsored by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), will begin at 11.30 a.m. EST from Frederick Municipal Airport (KFDK). The Washington portion of the flyover is expected to start around noon. “The flyover will consist of 15 different ‘chapters’ telling the story

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FAA Proposes Safety Requirements for Airbus A321XLR Amid External Fuel Fire Concerns

Simple Flying

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a notice of proposed special conditions addressing the integral rear center tank (RCT) of the A321XLR. According to the regulator, the aircraft will have an unusual design feature compared to the airworthiness standards for commercial aircraft.

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Dior Spa Opens At Doha Hamad Airport (DOH)

One Mile at a Time

We’ve just seen the opening of what’s almost certainly the world’s most luxurious airport spa… Dior Luxury Beauty Retreat Doha Hamad Airport Christian Dior and Qatar Duty Free have partnered on the opening of the Dior Luxury Beauty Retreat at Doha Hamad Airport (DOH). To date, this is the largest spa in the world that Dior has opened (we’re not just talking at an airport, but in general).

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4 USAF Rescue Wing Helicopters Airlift Passengers On Carnival Cruise 350 Miles Off US Coast

Simple Flying

The United States Air Force once again demonstrated that fighting is not the only role of the organization. On Saturday, two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and two HC-130J Combat King 11 aircraft conducted a rescue mission to airlift a mother and her child by helicopter from a Carnival Cruise Line ship. The United States Air Force has a particular billet called pararescue specializing in rescuing both military and civilians in need.

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Flight Attendants Charged In $8 Million Drug Money Scheme

One Mile at a Time

Several flight attendants have just been arrested , and are accused of smuggling $8 million in drug money from the United States to the Dominican Republic. Ouch! Flight attendants transported $8 million to Dominican Republic On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, four people were arrested, related to charges from the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

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Bockscar: The Story Of The Other USAAF B-29 To Drop An Atomic Bomb In Japan

Simple Flying

While everyone is familiar with the Enola Gay, the first aircraft to drop an atomic bomb on an enemy during warfare, very few people will have heard of the "Bockscar," a second Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber that dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Nagasaki.

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Tecnam P-Mentor Earns Full Part 23 FAA Certification

Flying Magazine

The FAA has awarded Tecnam full-type certification under Part 23 regulations for its P-Mentor trainer, the manufacturer announced. According to Tecnam , the company is now on track to begin deliveries to U.S. flight schools. READ MORE: We Fly: Tecnam P-Mentor “The FAA certification of the P-Mentor is another significant milestone for the Tecnam team,” said Giovanni Pascale Langer, Tecnam managing director. “We look forward to working with all U.S. flight schools to improve the

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Wow: Only 1% Of Avelo Airlines' Flights Are On A Tuesday

Simple Flying

For airlines, no two days of the week are the same. Each day has a different level of demand, which impacts fares in the quest to achieve consistently high loads and passenger and/or sector revenue, all vital parts of the performance puzzle. To make things more complicated, it varies per route, too.

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US Airways Flight 1549, Left Engine

Vintage Aviation News

In the aftermath of a birdstrike above New York City, Captain C.B. ‘Sully’ Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles demonstrated extraordinary skill as they safely guided US Airways Flight 1549 to land on the Hudson River. The aircraft touched down on the water at 140 mph, causing it to propel forward about 700 ft., resulting in the dislodgement of the left engine.

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What Will Happen To Southwest Airlines' Fleet When There Are No New Boeing 737 Variants?

Simple Flying

American budget airline Southwest Airlines has long since been a strong supporter of the Boeing 737 family, almost exclusively operating the popular twinjet except for a brief period of 727 operations. Today, the airline remains the world's largest operator of the Boeing 737, with over 815 of the type in its fleet and nearly 500 still on order.

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There’s a New Scholarship in Town!

Inspire

The Debbie Franceus Memorial Aviation Foundation was founded by Mike Franceus to continue his wife’s mission of helping women achieve their aviation dreams. Multiple flight training scholarships are offered to women of all ages in the United States to help them earn their private pilot certificate or advanced ratings. The 2024 application deadline is June 15.

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Top 5: These Are Etihad Airways' Longest Boeing 787 Dreamliner Routes

Simple Flying

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways became the first airline in the Middle East to take delivery of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in 2014. Since then, the carrier has received more than 30 examples of aircraft types and still has more in order. Over the last decade, the airline has also shown a strong interest in the larger 787-10 variant. Although it has collected fewer examples of the variant, Etihad utilizes the plane to support its global network.

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Transfer Amex Points To Hilton With 40% Bonus (Targeted)

One Mile at a Time

The American Express Membership Rewards program has just launched a new targeted points transfer bonus, which is one we’ve seen several times in the past. This could potentially represent a good value, but I wouldn’t say it’s a slam dunk. Transfer Amex points to Hilton Honors with 40% bonus Through Friday, May 31, 2024, the Amex Membership Rewards program in the United States is offering a 40% bonus when you transfer points to Hilton Honors.

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Iberia Launches Avios 'Points Planes' To Santorini And Sicily

Simple Flying

Spanish flag carrier Iberia is the latest airline to announce flights exclusively for frequent flyers. The IAG-owned carrier has launched its Iberia Plus Flight program with four exclusive flights for Iberia Plus customers, who can acquire tickets only by redeeming Avios.

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Emirates Expands Aircraft Retrofit Program

Airline Geeks

Emirates announced an expansion of its already massive effort to refurbish existing Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft, which began in 2022.

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Move Your Miles: How to Transfer Avios Between Programs

Simple Flying

Launched in 2011, Avios is the frequent flier currency used by the frequent flier programs of six airlines. These airlines include Qatar Airways, Finnair, and those owned by the International Airlines Group (IAG): British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, and Aer Lingus.

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