Sat.Nov 16, 2024

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The A321XLR – Revolution or Replacement?

Cranky Flier

I did a comprehensive look at long-haul, narrowbody flying recently, and now it’s time to think more about the future. On Thursday, Iberia became the first to put the A321XLR into service from Madrid to Boston, and there are hundreds of orders lined up across many different airlines. This week on The Air Show , we tackled the question of whether the XLR will be a true game-changer or if it will just replace the 757s that ply the skies today.

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Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Struck By Gunfire At Dallas Love Field

Simple Flying

A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 was hit by a bullet as it prepared for takeoff from Dallas Love Field Airport. A bullet struck the right side of the aircraft "just below the flight deck" and it returned to the gate with no reported injuries.

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Why I Avoid Fort Lauderdale Airport (Vs. Miami)

One Mile at a Time

I’ve lived in Miami for many years , and I recently wrote about how Miami International Airport (MIA) is kind of awful (to acknowledge the obvious). However, I still go out of my way to fly out of there rather than Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), so I wanted to talk about that in a bit more detail in this post. Admittedly flying out of Fort Lauderdale can often expand options in terms of airlines, fares, etc., but it takes a lot for me to choose to fly out of there.

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Why It Takes So Long To Develop A New Fighter Jet

Simple Flying

Developing a new fighter jet is a complex, multi-year process that involves monumental technological, financial, and logistical challenges. The design phase alone requires integrating systems, often with little or no technological precedent. Now, most include stealth technology, advanced sensors, and high-performance engines. All the systems that will be integrated demand years of prototyping and iterative testing.

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Weekly Review: November 16, 2024

One Mile at a Time

I hope everyone is having a nice weekend so far! I’ve just returned from trip to Paris with a brief detour to Africa, and am happy to be back in Florida. I don’t have any plans to travel for the remainder of the year, so I’ll be taking the time to wrap up all the outstanding trip reports I still have to publish, spending time with family, and enjoying the nice weather (and then I’ll have a new review trip right at the beginning of the year).

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Top 5: These Are The Largest International US Air Force Bases By Area

Simple Flying

The largest United States Air Force Bases by area are mostly found in the mainland United States. However, the United States Air Force also operates many sprawling air force bases at strategic points in cooperation with allies and on US territories around the world. Air Force Bases can be measured and ranked in various ways - land size, personnel numbers, or by aircraft.

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Southwest 737 Hit By ‘Stray Bullet’ At Love Field

AV Web

Authorities in Dallas are trying to trace the source of what has been termed a stray bullet that hit a Southwest 737 while it was taxiing at Love Field late Friday. The aircraft was on its way to the runway just before 10 p.m. local time for a flight to Indianapolis when the bullet hit the right side near the flight deck. There were no injuries. The plane returned to the gate, was swapped for another and the passengers and crew were on their way about two hours later.

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American 777 First Class: More Of A “Business Class Plus”

One Mile at a Time

A few days ago, I wrapped my quick detour to Africa , and flew American Airlines’ Boeing 777-300ER first class on the nine hour flight from London (LHR) to Miami (MIA). I wasn’t actually supposed to take this flight — my intent was to fly British Airways Club Suites , but hours before my flight, the plane was swapped to one with the old business class (this trip was a disaster when it comes to plane swaps ).

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New: Delta Air Lines Updates Tampa-Amsterdam Flights From Seasonal To Year-Round

Simple Flying

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines is appearing to respond to evident demand on its newly relaunched service between Tampa and Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Less than a month after operating its first flight on the route in five years, the legacy carrier has decided to offer the service on a year-round basis as opposed to seasonal flights.

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Wild Alaska

Plane and Pilot

I recently had the opportunity to take my four boys ages 17-25 with me to Alaska for a big-time adventure/vacation that we had planned for a while. Unbeknownst to myself at the time, Alaska would provide a perfect backdrop for combining the realism of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS2020) and actual reality. With nearly photographic detail worldwide, there was no doubt this area of the sim wouldn’t disappoint.

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Phone Battery Fire Leads To Slide Evacuation Of Southwest Airlines Flight In Denver

Simple Flying

The emergency slides were deployed on a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft at Denver International Airport (DEN) after a phone battery caught fire onboard. The plane was still parked at a gate, preparing to depart for William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, when the incident occurred.

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WestJet Adds New U.S. Destinations

Airline Geeks

WestJet is expanding its flights to the United States for the summer of 2025 with a series of new routes and destinations.

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Hawaiian Airlines Axes Flights Between Maui & San Diego As Alaska Adjusts Overlapping Routes

Simple Flying

Seattle-based Alaska Airlines has made its first-ever route changes following the completion of its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. As the two carriers specifically have overlapping routes between Hawaii and the US mainland, capacity adjustments will begin to take shape next year.

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The Easy Way to Start Your Journey as a Pilot

Pilot Institute

Starting on your path to becoming a pilot might feel like stepping into the unknown. You’re probably wondering where to begin, what’s expected, and how to make sense of the process. Taking those first steps starts with understanding what lies ahead. The good news is, it’s not as complicated as it might seem once you know the basics. You don’t need to be an expert in math or physics to get started, though having a knack for learning certainly doesn’t hurt.

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What Are United Airlines' Top Boeing 737 MAX Routes By Available Seat Miles?

Simple Flying

United Airlines relies heavily on its Boeing 737 MAX fleet to serve high-demand domestic and international routes. The two primary variants of the 737 MAX, the MAX 8 and MAX 9, play a key role in delivering high seat capacity on routes that demand efficiency, reliability, and comfort.

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Pilot Training Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make 

Pilot Institute

Flight training involves the act of sharpening your skills every day. As you step into the cockpit and start learning, you’ll quickly realize it’s about building good habits that make flying second nature. But, let’s be honest, it’s easy to pick up a few bad habits along the way. Maybe you find yourself staring at your instruments too much, or overthinking radio calls.

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Royal Air Maroc Slams EU Open Skies Agreement As Unfair

Simple Flying

Royal Air Maroc has said that the open skies agreement between Europe and Morocco is simply unfair and needs to be readjusted, per a report by Mdias24. The comments came as the company faces increasing competition from European airlines, including low-cost giant Ryanair , hampering its operations and stealing market share. The aviation market between Morocco and the EU is a significant tourism corridor.

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Airspeed and Altitude Control Simplified: Tips for Stable Flying

Pilot Institute

Want to make sense of how altitude affects your airspeed? Wondering why your instruments seem to change as you climb? Then keep reading! If you’re aiming to get comfortable with managing both airspeed and altitude in flight, you’ll need to understand the difference between indicated airspeed (IAS) and true airspeed (TAS). But what exactly changes as you gain altitude?

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Largest Purpose Built Business Jet: An Overview Of The Bombardier Global 7500

Simple Flying

The Bombardier Global 7500 is a high-performance business jet known for its range, speed, and spacious cabin. It is the largest and one of the longest-range business jets available, capable of flying up to 7,700 nautical miles non-stop with 19 passengers. The top-end Gulfstream jets rival it for range and capacity (but it just wins on space), and the upcoming Bombardier Global 7500 will push the range slightly further.

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Sunrise Airways to restore the Cap Haitien – Miami route

World Airline News

Sunrise Airways will bring back the Cap Haitien – Miami route on November 20. The Haitien airline had previously suspended service at Port-au-Prince due to gun violence.

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Top 5: These Are New Zealand's Busiest Airports

Simple Flying

Those who have traveled to New Zealand know it's paramount to score a window seat on any flight. Whether you're looking out the window at the stunning beaches, native bush, or snow-capped mountains, there is plenty to see.

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What’s My Credit Score? Excellent, Despite Lots Of Cards

One Mile at a Time

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Boeing Brings Northrop Grumman Exec Onboard To Lead Phantom Works

Simple Flying

Boeing , which acquired McDonnell Douglas and its advanced research, development, and prototyping division in 1997, now has hired a competing military aviation firm executive and test pilot leader to lead Phantom Works in Colin Miller. Additionally, what used to be several divisions of Phantom Works will now be one combined division.

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U.S. Navy to Develop F/A-XX Next-Generation Fighter Independently of Air Force NGAD

The Aviationist

The Navy’s decision could shield the F/A-XX program from the impacts of the Air Force’s NGAD review, especially as the source selection process is ongoing, with a winner expected next year. Similarly to the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy is developing a 6th generation fighter jet, called F/A-XX. While the Air Force previously said […] The post U.S.

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Xi'an MA60 & MA600: 5 Rare Chinese Twin-Turboprop Airliner Facts

Simple Flying

The Xi'an MA60 and its newer sibling, the MA600, are two rare twin-turboprop airliners manufactured in China. These aircraft have garnered attention for their unique position in the aviation market, specifically aimed at regional and emerging markets. Despite their limited international exposure compared to major Western competitors, the MA60 and MA600 play a crucial role in various regions.

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Triple Decker Threat: The Fokker Dr.1 Story

The Aviationist

Diminutive and nimble, the Fokker Dr.1 was Germany’s answer to the British Sopwith Triplane during the Great War over the skies of Europe, and was a favored mount of one of history’s most famous aces. The Triplane Craze When the British Sopwith Triplane made its appearance in early 1917, its performance and climb rate stunned […] The post Triple Decker Threat: The Fokker Dr.1 Story appeared first on The Aviationist.

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Frontier Airlines Passenger Accuses Atlanta Gate Agents Of Extortion To Buy Marijuana & Manicures

Simple Flying

A member of the armed forces was trying to board his Frontier Airlines flight from Georgia to his military base when he encountered two corrupt gate agents who were asking for a bribe to let him board the flight.

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Rare Dornier Do 17 Wing Section to be Displayed at the RAF Museum

Vintage Aviation News

PRESS RELEASE Plans are underway at the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands for the wing section of an iconic World War II Dornier Do 17 to go on public display in early 2025. Salvaged after more than 70 years submerged beneath the waters of the Goodwin Sands, this rare artifact offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past. Nicknamed the “Flying Pencil” due to its slender fuselage, the Do 17 played a pivotal role in the early stages of World War II and is best remembered for its involv

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5 Key Airports Serving The Dominican Republic

Simple Flying

As the US heads into its winter months and the days grow shorter and colder, many will seek opportunities to escape to winter sun destinations. One of the most popular is the Dominican Republic , which combines a tropical Caribbean climate with the rich colonial history of its capital, Santa Domingo, along with luxury resorts and long white-sand beaches.

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Geely to buy Volocopter, Vertical's flight, Vueling's new livery & more (The Allplane Newsletter #173)

All Plane

Electric aviation The Nordic Network for Electric Aviation (NEA) has presented a comprehensive report about the opportunities and needs of electric aviation in the Nordic countries, complete with a simulation tool that makes it possible to check what the potential electrically-powered air routes could be across the Nordic region. Busy day for Electra.aero.

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The Madhatters: What To Know About The US Air Force 492nd Fighter Squadron

Simple Flying

The United States Air Force 492nd Fighter Squadron (aka 'the Madhatters') is part of the 48th Fighter Wing, based at England's RAF Lakenheath Air Base. The squadron operates McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagles (and a mid-aged variant of the Eagle family between the aging F-15C/Ds and the modern F-15EX Strike Eagle IIs ). If a conflict with direct US involvement was to break out in the Middle East now, it is very possible this squadron would see action.

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How Much Do Canceled Flights Cost Airlines?

Simple Flying

Have you ever wondered how much it costs an airline when they have to cancel a flight? Flight cancelation can occur for a variety of reasons. Some may be directly related to the airline, while others are due to unforeseen, mostly environment-related, circumstances. In this article, we will look at why flights are canceled, what it costs a carrier when they have to take such action, and what you need to do if your flight is canceled.

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Atlanta Flights? Saudia Is Reportedly Eyeing A New Route After Starting Delta Air Lines Codeshare

Simple Flying

Jeddah Airport 's (JED) Summer 2025 Initial Coordination Report was recently published by Airport Coordination Limited (ACL) which is the world's largest airport slot coordinator. In the report, a new destination in the United States was listed, specifically Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. As picked up by Ishrion Aviation , this is a significant development, not least because Delta Air Lines did not actually request slots at JED, meaning it is most likely a destination requeste

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The Birthplace Of Pizza: Analyzing American Airlines New Summer 2025 Service To Naples

Simple Flying

All three of the big American carriers decided to expand their services to Italy for Summer 2025. These exciting developments from Delta Air Lines , United Airlines and American Airlines , all serve the reinforce the Italy-United States market that is not only important but also lacks sufficient numbers of direct flights.

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Spirit Airlines Long-Term Credit Rating Downgraded As Airline Negotiates Debt

Simple Flying

Fitch Ratings (one of the three major credit ranking organizations) downgraded the long-term credit rating of Spirit Airlines from 'CCC' to 'CC.' This suggests the credit rating agency sees a Spirit near-term default as probable. This comes amid reports that Spirit Airlines could be on the brink of bankruptcy.

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Compared: American Airlines & United Airlines Boeing 787 Fleets

Simple Flying

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is one of the bestselling widebody aircraft in the aviation industry. Major US airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines , have incorporated several variants of the Dreamliner into their fleets.

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Food & Drink Prices At New York's 3 Area Airport Could Rise By More Than 7% Next Year

Simple Flying

If airport food and drink at airports was not already expensive enough, prices are set to increase even further at the three facilities serving as New Yorks main gateways: New York JFK Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). According to a report by The New York Times and NJ Advance , the airports are set to add a surcharge on food and drink prices to mitigate the costs of higher wages and improvements to worker benefits.

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