Fri.Dec 27, 2024

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China tests out 2 ‘flying wing’ 6th generation fighter jets on Boxing Day

Aerotime

While much of the world was recovering from Christmas Day overindulgence, China was offering a glimpse of not one but two 6th generation fighter jets. On December 26, 2024, images began to emerge of what appears to be a large, tailless flying wing military aircraft undergoing a daytime test flight with a twin-seat Chengdu J-20S fighter serving as a chase plane.

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Airbase Georgia P-47N Thunderbolt Soars in 12 Planes of Christmas, Stretch Goal Announced

Vintage Aviation News

PRESS RELEASE For the third consecutive year, Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia has met its annual 12 Planes of Christmas fundraising program goals to help restore its Republic P-47N Thunderbolt fighter. The online campaign has raised $11,200 to date for the P-47N. Adding a $50,000 grant from the Ray Foundation pushed donations over the original $50,000 goal, helping ensure the purchase of rims and new leading edges for the wings of the rare and historic aircraft.

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COMAC C919 begins first non-mainland service to Hong Kong in January

Aerotime

The COMAC C919 has been in operation for around 18 months, with 14 aircraft delivered to airlines and in service in China. However, commercial operations have been largely limited to mainland China, though the jet has made some international appearances without passengers onboard. Thats all about to change, though, with the news that C919 is to be scheduled on regular service between Shanghai (PVG) and Hong Kong (HKG) from January 1, 2025.

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What Aircraft Are Leaving the US Coast Guard's Fleet In The Next Decade?

Simple Flying

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is entering a critical period of fleet modernization due to the discontinued production of its much beloved Airbus MH-65 Dolphin and recent mishaps involving high-flight-hour Sikorsky MH-60T Jayhawks. The Coast Guard is looking for alternative paths forward as its fleet is chronically underfunded. Currently, the source for the new MH-60s is retired Navy SH-60 hulls.

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Cebu Pacific receives 17th aircraft delivery for 2024: Airbus A321neo

Aerotime

Cebu Pacific has ended the year on a high note, receiving its latest aircraft delivery, a 236-seater Airbus A321neo. The aircraft touched down in Manila International Airport (MNL) on December 24, 2024, bringing the Filipino budget carriers commercial fleet total to 91. Airbus NEOs are latest-generation aircraft, burning 15% less fuel per flight and producing less noise compared to the previous generation.

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Where To Fly The Airbus A380 Next Year: Airlines & Routes

Simple Flying

The Airbus A380 is one of the most beloved commercial aircraft in service today. A trip onboard an A380 is something of a rite of passage for any plane enthusiast, and countless planespotters around the world jump at the chance to spot an A380 landing at an airport near them.

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IAG Considering New Wi-Fi Provider

Airline Geeks

International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways and Iberia, has been in discussions with Starlink.

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Livery of the Week: JetBlue’s Tributes to First Responders

Airline Geeks

Not only does the airline have different tailfins and liveries across its entire fleet, but it has a whole host of special paint jobs.

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Another Passenger Caught Trying To Stow Away On A Delta Air Lines Flight

Simple Flying

Another incident of a passenger attempting to fly without a ticket has come to light this time on a Delta flight from Seattle to Hawaii. However, the individual was identified before the plane took off and taken into custody by law enforcement officials.

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FAA Transponder Requirements Explained

Pilot Institute

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has rules to keep air travel safe, and one big part of that is making sure airplanes have the right transponders. Transponders are an important part of an aircraft’s avionics system and help with tracking and safety. Lets break it all downwhat transponders are, how theyre used, and the rules pilots need to follow.

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Delta Air Lines Bids Farewell To A Pair Of 28-Year-Old Boeing 757-200s

Simple Flying

In October and November, Delta Air Lines retired two beloved Boeing 757-200 airframes. It came as the US legacy carrier has been gradually phasing out the jet, along with the 767-300ER, which are among the oldest aircraft types in the fleet.

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FAA Recommends Adding AoA To All Airplanes

AV Web

A prominent proponent of angle of attack (AoA) indicators is applauding the FAA for recommending they be installed in all airplanes. The agency published a special airworthiness information bulletin (SAIB) recommending AOA systems be installed as standard equipment in new airplanes and retrofitted in the existing fleet. The full document is reprinted below. “Outstanding step forward by the FAA, recognizing the importance of AoA systems in keeping the pilot better informed on where the wing

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China Eastern Will Replace Airbus A321 With COMAC C919 On Hong Kong Flights

Simple Flying

China Eastern Airlines has planned the COMAC C919s first-ever scheduled service outside of mainland China, with the carrier scheduling flights to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) starting next year.

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Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1968 Mooney M20F Executive 21

Plane and Pilot

From short-field capability to payload to cruising speed, every aircraft is a balance of strengths and compromises. Among single-engine piston types, few manufacturers have optimized speed and efficiency as effectively as Mooney. Indeed, when designing the first examples, Al Mooney set a target of achieving 1 mile per hour per horsepower – and achieved that.

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8 Unique Locations The Four Seasons Private Jet Flies To

Simple Flying

Voyage with a dedicated journey team, enjoying the nicety of elegant service every step of the way. In addition to the Hotels and Resorts, the Four Seasons also provides Private Jet Voyages, Yachts, Residences, and Private Retreats. The brand offers an elite private jet experience, tailoring most preferences, especially those related to culture, history, and adventures.

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Alaska Schedules Its Newest Route

Airline Geeks

After a monthslong wait, the Seattle-based carrier received approval from the Department of Transportation to schedule the service.

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Philadelphia International Airport Is Working To Attract Indian Carriers

Simple Flying

Philadelphia, the seventh-largest metropolitan region in the US, is a thriving center of culture, education, and business. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), a vital entry point for millions of travelers entering and leaving the area, is located in the center of this energetic metropolis. In the calendar year 2023, Philadelphia airport handled over 28.1 million passengers, an increase of 12.6% over 2022, the airport announced earlier this year.

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Can Airplane Food Actually Be “Restaurant Quality?”

One Mile at a Time

Airline food tends to be the punchline of many jokes, and the average traveler would probably compare it more closely to dog food than anything else. Thats if you even get served food on your flight, which is a luxury nowadays. Of course its a different story for premium travelers, as many airlines are trying to differentiate their first class and business class by investing in the soft product , including food and drinks.

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The Airlines & Routes Where You Can Still Fly The Boeing 747 Next Year

Simple Flying

The Boeing 747 is one of the most iconic aircraft to ever grace the skies. Since its entry into commercial service in January 1970 with Pan Am, the 747 has attracted attention and admiration from avgeeks and passengers around the world. However, only a limited number remain in service today.

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Favorite Friday Photos of 2024

Air Facts

Favorite Friday Photos of 2024 Air Facts Journal Air Facts popular “Friday photo” features some spectacular views and amazing memories to share with the aviation community. Thank you for those photos and we’re sure the best is yet to come. Have a photo to share? Send your photo and description to: airfacts@sportys.com. Enjoy these 10 most popular photos from 2024. 10.

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Eurowings Inactivates Official X Account That Has Over 90,000 Followers

Simple Flying

Lufthansa's low-cost arm, Eurowings, deactivated its official X account, which has more than 90,000 followers, on December 27, 2024. The news comes more than a week after Elon Musk endorsed Germany's far-right party Alternative fr Deutschland (AfD) on his social media platform X, stating that "only the AfD can save Germany.

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Another Delta Stowaway Marks the Third Airline Hitchhiker Found in a Month

Airline Geeks

In a second occurrence this holiday season for the airline, another stowaway has been caught aboard a Delta flight before takeoff on Friday.

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Singapore Airlines' Ultra-Long-Haul New York Flights: 5 Fascinating Facts

Simple Flying

Singapore Airlines has redefined ultra-long-haul commercial air travel in the 21st century through its operation of non-stop scheduled services from its hub at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to New York City. With these, the Asian Star Alliance member has become a go-to option for passengers traveling from the US East Coast to Singapore, with an en-route stopover no longer absolutely necessary.

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Embraer signs contract for two C-390 Millennium with an undisclosed customer

Aviation News

New order highlights the growing global interest in this next-generation aircraft. So Jos dos Campos, Brazil, December 27, 2024 Embraer signed today a.

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“Huge Demand” Prompts Aer Lingus To Boost Airbus A321LR Service To Cleveland Next Summer

Simple Flying

IAG-owned Aer Lingus is boosting its Airbus A321LR presence in Ohio, the United States. The Irish flag carrier will add more nonstop flight frequencies to Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport (CLE) during the high-travel summer season of 2025.

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Christmas 2024 saw images of two seemingly new Chinese military aircraft with stealthy characteristics

Aviation News

On Boxing Day 26 December 2024, pictures and video emerged of a new Chinese stealth aircraft, from Chengdu Factory featuring a unique configuration of three.

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World's Busiest Airport To Launch 18-Month Centennial Celebration On New Year's Eve

Simple Flying

In addition to welcoming the new year, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) will begin an 18-month celebration of its Centenary on New Year's Eve. This commemorates the airport's significant contribution to the development of the city and international aviation. The celebrations will pay tribute to the long history of Atlanta, the busiest airport in the world, as well as its potential to become a center for aviation innovation in the future.

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Air Canada orders five additional A220s

Aviation News

Mirabel, Canada, 20 December 2024 Air Canada, the national carrier of Canada, has signed a firm order with Airbus for five more latest generation single-aisle A220-300s on the fifth anniversary since taking delivery of its first A220 in December 2019.

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Alaska Airlines Could Rebrand Its Lounges With The Name "Atmos"

Simple Flying

Alaska Airlines recent filing to trademark the name 'Atmos' has led many to speculate that the airline may enhance its lounge concept.

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Sick Day & Ham Radio Things

Gary's Flight Journal

Common CW Abbreviations DE - From or This is BK - Break or Back R - Received or Roger ES - And TU - Thank You UR - Your, You're RST - Readability, Signal Strength, Tone GM - G ood M orning, A Afternoon, E Evening 73 - Best Regards - Goodbye Good Luck MC - Merry Christmas HNY - Happy New Year

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Avianca Announces 5 New US Routes

Simple Flying

avianca has announced five new routes to the United States, adding services to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa as part of its latest expansion into Florida.

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Cyberattacks and Glitches Snarl Holiday Flights

Flyertalk

American Airlines flyers were delayed for hours on Christmas Eve due to a tech glitch, while a cyberattack was to blame for grounded Japan Airlines flights on December 26, 2024. Vendor Technology Issue Blamed for American Grounding In the case of American Airlines, CNN reports the carrier requested the groundstop from the Federal Aviation Administration due to a vendor technology issue on Tuesday, December 24.

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Brussels Airlines To Add 3 More Airbus A320neos By Summer 2026

Simple Flying

Brussels Airlines plans to increase its Airbus A320neo fleet with the arrival of three more examples over the first half of 2026 in time for the peak summer season. With five currently in service, this will bring its total A320neo fleet to eight.

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Wishing you an easy glide into 2025

Fear of Landing

Thank you for joining me for another year here at Fear of Landing. I’m looking forward to sharing more aviation stories with you in 2025! Let’s gather in the comments! Tell me what you liked best or what you would like to see more of on Fear of Landing.

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The Simple Flying Podcast Episode 243: Looking Back On 2024's Top Stories

Simple Flying

Simple Flyings latest podcast is live and ready for you to enjoy! Hosted by Tom Boon , our Managing Editor, alongside Senior Editor Channing Reid , the 243rd episode is now available for your listening pleasure.

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MPL vs ATPL – Which Pilot Training Course Is Right for You?

BAA Training

To the uninitiated, the world of commercial pilot licenses can seem like a swirling vortex of confusing acronyms. CPL, MPL, ATPL what do they mean, what are the differences between them, and whats right for you as you take the first steps on your journey towards becoming an airline pilot? The post MPL vs ATPL Which Pilot Training Course Is Right for You?

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Yowza: A Closer Look At Sikorsky's Raider X Future Vertical Lift Aircraft

Simple Flying

The Raider X is a next-generation helicopter under development by Sikorsky that shows signs of a striking change to the US Armys helicopter community. The United States Army's (US Army) Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program is aiming to develop a next-generation helicopter for both reconnaissance and attack roles.

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