Aerotime

JANUARY 9, 2025

Saudi startup airline Riyadh Air has announced that it is preparing for the arrival of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The leased aircraft, painted in the airlines pearl livery, will be showcased at Riyadhs King Khalid International Airport (RUH), the carrier announced on January 9, 2025. The new aircraft will be used as a technical spare and for training purposes in the upcoming months, the statement read.

Jet 286

Jet Airlines Airline 286

One Mile at a Time

JANUARY 9, 2025

While Alaska Airlines isnt one of the big three US airlines, the Seattle-based carrier has quite a robust loyalty program, which many people are loyal to. In particular, Alaska Mileage Plan is the only major US frequent flyer program that still awards miles based on how far you fly rather than how much you spend. In this post, I want to take a look at Alaska MVP Gold status for 2025, especially in light ofthe (minor) program changesthat have been rolled out.

Airlines 112

Airlines Airline 112

Aerotime

JANUARY 9, 2025

The number of passengers carried by Turkish Airlines reached 83.4 million in 2024, a figure which represents an increase of 2.1% year-on-year, according to a statement issued by the national carrier of Turkey on January 8, 2024. The total included 31.7 million international passengers, up 6.4% over 2023, a rise it largely credits to a major international expansion push throughout 2024.

Airlines 286

Airlines Airline Cargo 286

One Mile at a Time

JANUARY 9, 2025

Alaska Airlines recently acquired Hawaiian Airlines, and we know that a lot is changing at the combined airline. Several weeks back, we learned about Alaska Air Groups plans to open several new lounges in the coming years, ranging from a new flagship lounge in Seattle, to a new lounge in Honolulu. Well, some interesting details have just been revealed about the latter lounge.

Airlines 112

Airlines Airline Approach 112

Aerotime

JANUARY 9, 2025

Airbus has announced that STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has placed a firm order with the European-based planemaker for an additional five A350F freighters. This supplementary order doubles an initial order placed by the Taipei-based carrier in February 2024 for an initial five A350Fs. All of the ten freighters on order will be operated by the company’s dedicated freight division, STARLUX Cargo, on some of the worlds busiest freight routes, according to the carrier.

Payload 286

Payload Airlines Airline Cargo 286

Vintage Aviation News

JANUARY 9, 2025

We share with a heavy heart the passing of Lt. Col. David Hamilton, the last Pathfinder, who was laid to rest on Sunday evening, January 5. A national treasure has flown west. Out of respect for all the veterans who have passed and those who will continue to pass, we don’t often write about the passing of specific individuals, with only a few exceptions.

Pilot 105

Pilot Cargo Approach Jet 105

Aerotime

JANUARY 9, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced a new partnership with aerospace giant Airbus as part of its 100th-anniversary celebrations marking 100 years since it was incorporated. At the CES 2025 technology conference being held in Las Vegas between January 7 and 10, 2025, the airline stated its newly launched UpNext program will see the worlds leading aircraft manufacturer and its largest Airbus operator collaborate to develop the next generation of advanced aviation technologies to revolutionize the future

Aviation Technology 278

Aviation Technology Airlines Airline 278

Aerotime

JANUARY 9, 2025

Strong winds are intensifying wildfires currently burning in Los Angeles and other areas of Southern California, causing flight disruptions and cancellations at local airports. The Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Lidia and Sunset fires are currently burning across Los Angeles County, leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people. So far, the Palisades fire has affected 17,234 acres, while the Eaton Fire has burned 10,600 acres in the area, according to the data from California Department of

Airlines 258

Airlines Airline Weather 258

Simple Flying

JANUARY 9, 2025

Turkish Airlines is renowned as the airline that flies to the most countries and has held the bragging rights for over a decade. Last month, it was made official when it was recognized by Guinness World Records , earning the title Most Countries Flown by an Airline following the launch of the airlines new route to Santiago, Chile. The airline now serves 131 countries (including temporarily disabled routes), which is two-thirds of the recognized countries in the world.

Airlines 111

Airlines Airline 111

Aerotime

JANUARY 9, 2025

Cathay Pacific announced on January 8, 2025, that its global network will be expanded further in 2025 with the launch of direct flights between Hong Kong and Rome. Commencing on June 5, 2025, and to be operated on a three-times-weekly summer seasonal service, the new Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Rome- Fiumicino (FCO) route will be Cathay Pacifics second direct connection between its home hub and Italy.

Airlines 269

Airlines Airline 269

One Mile at a Time

JANUARY 9, 2025

A seventh airline will be adopting Avios as its rewards currency , and this is an especially exciting development for aviation geeks. Clan Loganair transitioning to Avios currency Loganair, which is the UKs largest regional airline, will be adopting Avios as its loyalty currency as of some point this year. This will make Loganair the seventh airline to join the global Avios network, which otherwise includes British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways, Finnair, Aer Lingus, and Vueling.

Airlines 104

Airlines Airline Runway 104

Aerotime

JANUARY 9, 2025

The Lufthansa Group has announced it will recruit a further 10,000 new employees in 2025 as the airline group continues to focus on its Turnaround efficiency program. The program was launched in 2024 to reverse the fortunes of the airline group following multiple industrial disputes over the past two years that severely dented the Groups finances and growth plans.

Airlines 278

Airlines Airline Pilot 278

Simple Flying

JANUARY 9, 2025

Toulouse-based Beyond Aero has secured a significant amount of funding for its sustainability-centered private and business jet, which it plans to launch in 2030. Beyond Aero's One aircraft aims to be the first electric business aircraft powered by hydrogen propulsion. It can carry between six and eight passengers and travel up to 800 nautical miles.

Jet 105

Jet 105

Aerotime

JANUARY 9, 2025

Jetstar Asia has announced that it is soon to launch direct flights between Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and Komodo International Airport (LBJ) in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. The flights are set to commence on March 20, 2025, and will be operated using Jetstars fleet of A320 aircraft. The low-cost carrier will become the only airline to operate this route between Singapore and Labuan Bajo, which is the gateway to the famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Komodo National Park.

Airlines 269

Airlines Airline 269

Simple Flying

JANUARY 9, 2025

The United States Air Force (USAF)s 379th Air Expeditionary Wing is a provisional unit for the Air Combat Command. It is the USAF's largest and most diverse expeditionary wings, providing support in numerous global expeditions. Various units within the wing operate over 100 modern aircraft to address combat missions, intelligence sorties, aeromedical evacuation, and humanitarian missions.

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111

Aerotime

JANUARY 9, 2025

airBaltic has unveiled a specially designed livery for the carriers soon-to-be-delivered 50th Airbus A220-300 at the planemakers Mirabel final assembly plant in Canada. The livery is the result of a competition launched by the Latvian-based carrier in November 2023. The airline invited members of the public, its frequent flyer community, as well as individual artists, designers, and other creative talents to design a special bespoke external color scheme to adorn the carriers 50th A220-300.

Airlines 278

Airlines Airline 278

Simple Flying

JANUARY 9, 2025

As investigators try to determine the cause of the Dash 8 landing incident at Halifax International Airport in December, it has once again brought the focus back to the landing gear issues that this aircraft model has faced over the years. A new report has looked at the data involving incidents related to the Dash 8-400 turboprop plane, and several of them have been related to its landing gear.

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105

Aerotime

JANUARY 9, 2025

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has received certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Lithium Batteries (CEIV). The certification was granted on December 24, 2024, making ANA the first Japanese airline to carry the title. Lithium batteries have become the preferred energy source for powering a wide variety of consumer goods, representing one third of dangerous items transported by air.

Cargo 269

Cargo Airlines Airline 269

One Mile at a Time

JANUARY 9, 2025

2025 is shaping up to be a good year for Hyatts airport hotel footprint in Asia! Recently, the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan Airport became a Hyatt Regency. Now the Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is becoming a Hyatt Regency as well, as flagged by LoyaltyLobby. Novotel Bangkok Airport becomes Hyatt Regency The 612-room Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) will open as of February 1, 2025.

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113

Simple Flying

JANUARY 9, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines took delivery of Africa's first Airbus A350-1000 (registered ET-BAW) on November 5. Its second example (registered ET-BAX) arrived in Addis Ababa on December 7. The pair is used to multiple destinations. However, while things may change, including unplanned equipment substitutions, the carrier expects more A350-1000 flights to Washington Dulles than anywhere else in its network.

Airlines 124

Airlines Airline 124

Alaska Air

JANUARY 9, 2025

Hawaiian Airlines is sharing a preview of its largest lounge investment at Honolulus Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), set to open in late 2027. The premium lounge will offer a modern, island-inspired experience for Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines guests, combining premium leisure with Hawaiian hospitality and a focus on guest satisfaction and the regions natural beauty.

Airlines 98

Airlines Airline 98

One Mile at a Time

JANUARY 9, 2025

An OMAAT reader asked for my take on what the best carry-on bags are nowadays. Ive never explicitly addressed this in a post, so let me share my opinion, and then Id love to hear what other think. Let me say from the get-go that I dont at all have strong feelings on this topic Theres no right or wrong approach with carry-on luggage Suggesting the best carry-on is perhaps like suggesting the best clothes theres simply no right or wrong answer.

Approach 99

Approach 99

World Airline News

JANUARY 9, 2025

STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has placed a firm order with Airbus for five more A350F freighters. This doubles an initial order from the airline last year for five of the all-new cargo aircraft. TheA350Ffleet will be operated by STARLUX Cargo on some of the worlds busiest freight routes. To date STARLUX Airlines operates a fleet of 26 Airbus aircraft including the A321neo, the A330neo and the A350-900.

Payload 59

Payload Cargo Airlines Airline 59

Aerotime

JANUARY 9, 2025

Celebrities and high-net worth individuals often seek privacy to evade celebrity gossip press, unwanted attention, or security risks. Serving such exclusive clientele, private aircraft always possess an aura of mystique that draws attention. This necessitates operators to employ expert strategies to maintain their guests’ experience during travel.

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Cabin Crew Fixed Base Operator Jet 151

World Airline News

JANUARY 9, 2025

Riyadh Air announced: In a hugely positive move, Riyadh Air is preparing for the arrival of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The leased aircraft, painted in the airlines resplendent pearl livery and set to be used as a technical spare and for training purposes, will be unveiled at the airlines home airport at Riyadhs King Khalid International Airport.

Airlines 59

Airlines Airline 59

AV Web

JANUARY 9, 2025

On Wednesday, fractional jet operator Flexjet, announced it has achieved full compliance with the Federal Aviation Administrations (FAAs) new Safety Management System (SMS) requirements. Under 14 CFR Part 5, the FAA is requiring certain certificate holders and commercial air tour operators to establish and implement SMS by May 2027. The FAA says the mandate was put in place to ensure organizations not only meet but also actively maintain high safety standards which would reduce accidents and imp

Approach 59

Approach Jet 59

Simple Flying

JANUARY 9, 2025

STARLUX Airlines , the Taiwan-based carrier, has ordered another five Airbus A350F cargo aircraft, complementing its previous order announced in February 2024.

Cargo 136

Cargo Airlines Airline 136

Flight Training Central

JANUARY 9, 2025

Survey open through February 3, 2025 Advances in flight training start with your feedback. Redbird Flight recently launched its fifth annual State of Flight Training Survey to help the flight training community identify and analyze trends, priorities, strengths, and challenges to build a brighter future for aviation. The survey allows all stakeholders the opportunity to share their thoughts on the key opportunities and challenges facingflighttrainingbusinesses and flight instructors.

Pilot 52

Pilot 52

Airline Geeks

JANUARY 9, 2025

The Federal Aviation Administration is requiring airlines to inspect landing gear components on some Boeing 767 aircraft.

Airlines 125

Airlines Airline 125

Simple Flying

JANUARY 9, 2025

United Airlines is reportedly expanding its international route network by adding flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

Airlines 124

Airlines Airline 124

Vintage Aviation News

JANUARY 9, 2025

On this day in aviation history, January 9, 1943, a large four engine transport aircraft with three tail fins rose from the runway at Burbank Airport, California. This was the Lockheed Constellation, which was to become one of the most instantly recognizable propliners and a venerable military transport that has become a beloved aircraft of pilots, mechanics, and enthusiasts alike.

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Tail Stability Pilot Hangar 116

Simple Flying

JANUARY 9, 2025

The flag carrier of Portugal is starting off the new year with a flurry of discounts for US travelers. TAP Air Portugal confirmed this morning that it is welcoming 2025 with special offers to seven cities in Portugal and another to 40 destinations across its European and African networks from each of its seven US gateways.

Airline 122

Airline Airlines 122

One Mile at a Time

JANUARY 9, 2025

I think its time that I finally make a plan to see the Northern Lights, Im just not sure the best way to go about it. My indecision often gets the best of me, and causes me to just put off ideas like this. Fortunately OMAAT readers collectively know just about everything, so Id love some feedback on this. Ive never seen the Northern Lights Ive traveled millions of miles and have visited many countries, but Ive never really seen the Northern Lights in my 17+ years of heavy travel.

Approach 113

Approach Airlines Airline 113

Simple Flying

JANUARY 9, 2025

On January 7th, 2025, Australian aerospace authorities confirmed that a tragic aircraft crash had taken place near Thomson Bay in Western Australia, which involved a seaplane-configured Cessna 208 Caravan that was operated by Swan River Seaplanes. The plane was operating a charter flight (not a scheduled passenger service) when the crash occurred during takeoff and seven individuals were onboard, including the aircraft's pilot.

Pilot 119

Pilot 119

Airline Geeks

JANUARY 9, 2025

STARLUX Airlines has doubled down on its commitment to the cargo market with a firm order for five additional Airbus A350Fs.

Cargo 109

Cargo Airlines Airline 109

Simple Flying

JANUARY 9, 2025

Two deceased individuals were discovered in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue plane that landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Monday night. The bodies, found during a routine post-flight inspection, were severely decomposed, according to CNN.

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119

Airline Geeks

JANUARY 9, 2025

Two longtime Southwest executives are set to retire in April. The Dallas-based airline announced the leadership changes on Thursday.

Airlines 109

Airlines Airline 109