Sun.Nov 24, 2024

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Star Alliance opens its first Asia-based lounge at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport

Aerotime

Star Alliance has opened its first lounge in Asia at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) in China for first and business class passengers. The new Star Alliance lounge, which will also be accessible to gold status customers on member airline flights departing from Terminal 1, was unveiled on November 21, 2024. Located in a dedicated space on the upper level of the existing airport lounge in the Terminal 1 international area, passengers will benefit from 750 square meters of space which

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Can You Redeem Miles For SWISS First Class?

One Mile at a Time

SWISS is the only major airline in the world to offer first class on all of its wide body aircraft, which includes Airbus A330s, Airbus A340s, and Boeing 777s ( and as of 2025, Airbus A350s ). The airline offers a solid first class , which I rank among the 10 best first class experiences in the world. The airline also has excellent first class lounges in Zurich , including both the Schengen and non-Schengen locations.

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Air Marshall Islands orders two Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine turboprops

Aerotime

Carrier Air Marshall Islands has placed an order with Textron Aviation for two twin-engine Cessna SkyCourier turboprops. Textron Aviation announced news of the purchase agreement on November 21, 2024, indicating that the Cessna SkyCouriers will be used to support travel throughout the communities within the Marshall Islands. Air Marshall Islands is a commercially operated airline owned by the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and is based in Majuro, the capital city of the c

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US Delivers Aircraft To Vietnamese Military In A 1st Since The Vietnam War

Simple Flying

In another sign of growing cooperation, the United States delivered its first military aircraft Beechcraft T-6C Texan II trainersto Vietnam. The US Embassy in Vietnam hailed the occasion as heralding better cooperation between the countries ahead. Through the Nine Dash Line (called the Cow's Tongue Line in Vietnam), China claims some waters and islands Vietnam considers its own.

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Royal Air Maroc welcomes its tenth Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Casablanca

Aerotime

The Moroccan flag carrier Royal Air Maroc is celebrating the arrival of the airline’s tenth Boeing 787 Dreamliner as part of an order placed in 2023. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner arrived at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) on November 24, 2024, and was welcomed by a traditional water salute. In July 2023, Royal Air Maroc signaled that the airline was looking to expand its fleet of over 50 aircraft, to 200 planes in the next 15 years.

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Review: Aeromexico Lounge Mexico City Airport (MEX)

One Mile at a Time

During my two times to Latin America review trip , I had the chance to check out the Aeromexico Salon Premier at Mexico City International Airport Benito Juárez (MEX). This was prior to flying Aeromexico’s 737 MAX business class to Miami. I’m conflicted about this lounge. On the one hand, it actually has a decent food selection, barista coffee, table service, and a spa area (with paid treatments).

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Finnair cancels nearly 300 flights after pilots announce pre-Christmas strike

Aerotime

Finnair has been forced to cancel around 300 flights in the face of a pre-Christmas pilots’ strike which is set to affect approximately 33,000 customers. On November 24, 2024, Finnair said that the Finnish Air Line Pilots’ Association had advised the Finnish flag carrier that the strikes will be held on December 9 and 13, 2024. “It is disappointing that the Finnish Air Line Pilots’ Association has chosen to strike rather than negotiate.

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Grounded Dreams: Curtiss P-40Q, A Short-lived Story

Vintage Aviation News

In the midst of World War II, Curtiss sought to remain a leading aircraft manufacturer by developing fighter planes that could compete with advanced designs from other countries. This quest led to the development of several unsuccessful prototypes, with the XP-40Q series emerging as one final glimmer of potential for the company. As the last model of Curtiss’s P-40 series, the XP-40Q aimed to revitalize the aging P-40 with features that could match the performance of newer fighter aircraft being

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Why Does Turkish Airlines Have Such A Big Presence In The US?

Simple Flying

Turkish Airlines has rapidly grown its presence in the United States, serving more destinations than ever. The carrier's unique geographical advantages, extensive fleet, and strategic network planning have made it a significant player in transatlantic travel. Here's an in-depth look at why Turkish Airlines has a substantial US presence.

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Weather, Controller Shortages Loom For Record Holiday Weekend

AV Web

The FAA says it will throttle traffic over the holiday weekend to mitigate expected staff shortages. The agency got ahead of the inevitable misery with a news conference at Reagan National on Friday and Administrator Mike Whitaker told reporters safety is paramount. “During the Thanksgiving travel period, we will use traffic flow management initiatives to deal with any staffing shortages on that particular day in this airspace, and we expect to have some of those shortages,” Whitaker said.

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By The Numbers: How Airline Operational Costs Are Broken Down

Simple Flying

Running an airline is no easy business, and dozens of financial considerations must come into play for the management team at a major airline. We at Simple Flying have extensively discussed how airlines historically operate on wafer-thin profit margins , and how the difference between a bankrupt airline and a profitable one is often a carrier's ability to manage its complex cost structure.

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RCAF Pauses CF-18 Demo Team

AV Web

The Royal Canadian Air Force says it’s standing down its CF-18 demonstration team for the 2025 season while it gets ready for its new fleet of CF-35A fighters. The first aircraft won’t start replacing the 40-year-old CF-18 Hornets until 2029 but there is apparently much to do in the interim. “To commit more resources to this transition, for the 2025 Air Show season, the RCAF will not stand up its typical CF-18 Hornet Demonstration Team, but will instead showcase a small number of non

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Why Has Northrop Grumman Built A Crewed Loyal Wingman Drone?

Simple Flying

On August 29, 2024, Scaled Composites (a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman ) drew the attention of many when it revealed it had successfully first flown its new advanced Model 437. Only this autonomous vehicle had a cockpit and a pilot. The remarkable success, affordability, and rapid development of autonomous drones coupled with the United States Air Force apparently having second thoughts about the sixth-generation NGAD fighter , raises questions about whether the F-35 will be the US Air Force's

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Pilot, Photographer Killed In CAP Crash

AV Web

One pilot and a photographer were killed and the co-pilot injured in the crash of a Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182 in Colorado on Saturday. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis issued a statement identifying the deceased as pilot Susan Wolber and photographer Jay Rhoten. The injured co-pilot, Randall Settergen, was airlifted to a hospital. The accident occurred during a routine training flight in a mountainous area of Larimer County in northeastern Colorado.

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Examined: The Difference In Flight Frequencies Between Narrowbodies & Widebodies At The Big 3 US Airlines

Simple Flying

The holiday season is fast approaching, and US airlines are gearing up for a significant surge in passenger traffic. This uptick in demand will span domestic and international travel, with millions of Americans flying to reunite with loved ones or embark on long-awaited vacations. Data from Cirium , an aviation analytics firm, shows how three major US carriers, American Airlines , Delta Air Lines , and United Airlines , are strategically deploying their fleets to meet this anticipated demand.

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The Owner-Assisted Career

AV Web

It is that festive time of year. Frosty air combined with wet leaves blowing up against my hangar door signaled that this is the season for an owner-assisted annual for my humble Cessna 140. I think that owner-assisted annuals are the best way to do this chore. I learn quite a few things every year, and the cost of doing it this way is far less expensive than a “retail” annual at the local maintenance shop at the big airport.

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Where Can You Find The Largest Airport Lounges In The US?

Simple Flying

Airport lounges have transformed from simple waiting areas to luxurious havens for travelers. Post-pandemic, airports and airlines invest in expansive, premium lounges offering far more than basic amenities. These spaces provide a serene escape from crowded terminals, featuring high-end dining, shower facilities, and comfort rarely found in standard airport environments.

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Poll: What Pilot Skill Do You Need To Work On?

AV Web

Poll: What Pilot Skill Do You Need To Work On? Poll: What Pilot Skill Do You Need To Work On? Stick and rudder Navigation ATC communication Landings The post Poll: What Pilot Skill Do You Need To Work On? appeared first on AVweb.

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Long-Haul Business Class On Turkish Airlines: Here's What You Can Expect

Simple Flying

Turkish Airlines , the flag carrier of Trkiye, has long been recognized for its commitment to providing a premium travel experience. Its long-haul business class offering consistently stands out, blending comfort, luxury, and the rich cultural heritage of its home country. From the award-winning catering to spacious seating, here's a detailed look at what you can expect when flying Turkish Airlines business class on long-haul routes.

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Last Week’s Poll Results: The Fleet Is Fine

AV Web

Almost all our respondents’ planes are at least safe. The post Last Week’s Poll Results: The Fleet Is Fine appeared first on AVweb.

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What Does The Future Look Like For The A-10 Warthog?

Simple Flying

The curtains are beginning to close for the A-10 Thunderbolt II (aka Warthog). The United States Air Force is set to retire 56 in fiscal year 2025 (around 20% of the remaining inventory) , reducing the number of A-10s in active service to around 200. Meanwhile, the US Air Force has stated it is about to retire the last of its Warthogs based in South Korea , and these will be replaced by F-16 Fighting Falcons (upgraded with fifth-generation-like software).

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RAF Typhoons and Voyager Tanker Join U.S. Air Force’s B-52H Stratofortress Over Arabian Peninsula in BTF Mission

The Aviationist

The flight consisted of two B-52Hs, two RAF Typhoon FGR4s and one Voyager aerial refueling aircraft. The bombers are involved in their first deployment in the Middle East since 2019, launched to deter Iran and its proxies. The conflict in the Middle East is drawing some serious flights of the U.S. Air Force’s B-52H Stratofortress […] The post RAF Typhoons and Voyager Tanker Join U.S.

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What Is The Typical Salary For A Private Jet Flight Attendant?

Simple Flying

The role of a private jet flight attendant or corporate flight attendant or VIP flight attendant, as sometimes known, is very different to that of a commercial flight attendant. The schedule differs widely as well as the salary and the duties. It is a very unique role and each aircraft and operator and indeed, client can be completely different. Let's find out more about the role and the salary expectations in more detail.

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Best Of The Web: Things Are Different In Russia

AV Web

Video from OKandrew Planespotting Channel: This video was shot six years ago by ctanislav1 but it was posted a couple of weeks ago and purportedly shows a virtually abandoned Il-96 started up after years of open air storage and flown away after what might have been a quick shakedown trip down the runway. It apparently got from Domodedovo Airport to Zhukovsky Airport.

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The Secret Weapon Behind The Awesome Aerial Footage In Top Gun: Maverick

Simple Flying

The world of aerial cinematography has always presented an exciting challenge for innovative filmmakers, tirelessly seeking ways to capture breathtaking vistas and dynamic action scenes from above. Enter Helinet Aviation's CineJet, a cutting-edge platform designed to push the envelope of what's possible in movies and high-speed aerial filming.

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DHL cargo plane trying to land in Vilnius airport crashes in residential area

Aerotime

A B737-400 DHL cargo aircraft crashed near Vilnius Airport (VNO) early morning on November 25, 2024. The incident occurred at around 03:30 CET / 05:28 EET. Based on details from flight tracking website FlightAware, the cargo aircraft took off from Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ) at 03:08 CET According to local news outlet Delfi Plus, the aircraft crashed on Žirnių street, a residential area, and specifically fell on a two-story residential building.

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How To Finance Your Private Jet In The USA

Simple Flying

Owning a private jet is the ultimate luxury and convenience, and it is a huge status symbol. It offers the opportunity of discreet travel, exactly where and when you want, pretty much without restriction, without the stress of conventional commercial travel. Gone are the airport queues and delays and precious time is saved. So, if you have the finances or the resources, how do you go about financing your private jet in the United States ?

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Mileage Runs: What Are They, How Do They Work?

One Mile at a Time

On the blog I often mention mileage runs in passing. In this post I wanted to write specifically about what mileage runs are, and reflect on how the math on these has changed over the years. Spoiler alert — back in the day mileage running could actually make sense (assuming you enjoy flying), while nowadays it generally doesn’t. What is a mileage run?

Airlines 117
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What Happened To Belfast International Airport's Former US Routes?

Simple Flying

Belfast is a city with abundant transport links, and two airports currently serve the Northern Irish capital. Belfast City Airport (BHD) primarily handles regional and full-service airlines, while Belfast International (BFS) is the place to go for low-cost and leisure traffic. However, in the not-too-distant past, the latter of these facilities also handled long-haul flights, boasting multiple US routes.

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Singapore Airlines’ Impressive Business Class Champagne

One Mile at a Time

If you’re into champagne, Singapore Airlines’ business class experience is about to get even better, as flagged by Mainly Miles. Singapore Airlines serving Piper-Heidsieck Brut Vintage 2018 New as of December 1, 2024, Singapore Airlines is serving Piper-Heidsieck Brut Vintage 2018 in business class throughout its network, on all routes that offer champagne (this just excludes flights to Kuala Lumpur, Medan, and Penang).

Airlines 113
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What Is The Top Speed Of The Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint?

Simple Flying

The Boeing RC-135RJ is named Rivet Joint, after its large, boxy panels that look haphazardly riveted on its otherwise aerodynamic body. The Rivet Joint started life as a version of the Boeing 707 airliner, and features modifications to house sensitive electronic equipment that serves its mission as a reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering platform for the United States Air Force ( USAF ) and its allies.

Airlines 105
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Vietjet Opens Airbus A320 Hanoi-Kuala Lumpur Route This Week

Simple Flying

Vietjet is following its tried-and-tested method of starting a new route and, when it is established, opening another to the same, now profitable, destination. With a fleet of around 85 aircraft, the ultra-low-cost carrier has the resources to keep adding capacity where it works, and this week, it is launching another new service.

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Over 3,200 Miles: Which Copa Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 Routes Are The Longest From Panama City?

Simple Flying

Copa Airlines commenced operations in 1947, and has since grown to operate a fleet of more than 100 Boeing 737 family aircraft. In June 2012, the Panamanian flag carrier became a member of Star Alliance , solidifying its status as a major player in the Americas region. Today, Copa Airlines serves more than 80 destinations across the Americas from its hub at Panama City's Tocumen International Airport (PTY).

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Dash 8 Vs ATR 42/72: 5 Differences Between The Popular Turboprop Families

Simple Flying

Regarding air travel, we commonly envisage a jumbo jet flying us from A to B. However, in smaller towns and cities worldwide, the capacity of their local airport , or overall demand, means that airlines will deploy their regional turboprop aircraft to ferry passengers to larger hubs. Turboprops are a popular option for less dense routes, where they can ferry fewer people more frequently with an optimized schedule.

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Breaking: Vilnius-Bound DHL Boeing 737-400 Crashes In Liepkalnis

Simple Flying

A DHL Boeing 737 freighter traveling from Leipzig, Germany, to Vilnius Airport (VNO), has crashed near Liepkalnis Hill, located along the approach path to the airport's runway.

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Which Countries Operate The F-16 Block 70 Fighting Falcon?

Simple Flying

The Block 70/72 is the latest iteration of the venerable F-16 Fighting Falcon model series. The new F-16V, or Viper, incorporates a host of avionics enhancements and new and improved capabilities in the primary systems, all of which promise better performance and operational versatility for the 5th Generation battlefield.

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A Closer Look At The World's First Afterburning Turbofan

Simple Flying

In the 1960s, amid the height of the Cold War, the United States Navy decided to experiment with a new kind of aircraft. This versatile fighter jet concept would be able to operate off the decks of Navy aircraft carriers with unparalleled efficiency. When taking off of aircraft carrier decks, these jets could push their wings forward, enabling them to fly with stability at lower speeds and capitalize on the additional lift generated.

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