December, 2024

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Qatar Executive to fly Gulfstream G650ER fleet with Starlink connectivity

Aerotime

Qatar Airways private jet charter division, Qatar Executive, has released plans for its fleet of Gulfstream G650ER to fly with Starlink connectivity. Qatar Executive made the announcement on December 12, 2024, as MEBAA Show 2024 , at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Dubai, opens its doors for day one of the business aviation event. The first Starlink-equipped Gulfstream G650ER will begin flying on December 14, 2024, and Qatar Executive plans to have the first five flying with the techno

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Alaska and Hawaiian Start to Move Metal Around

Cranky Flier

We’ve seen bits and pieces of Alaska’s plans for its integration with Hawaiian, but this weekend the airline loaded its first major schedule shift. A whole lot of airplanes are moving around, and the end result is much better utilization. Thanks to Cirium data, it was easy for me to take a deeper look with ease. The headlines you’ve heard are that Hawaiian will start 1x daily from Seattle to Tokyo/Narita and next summer it will fly 2x daily on Seattle – Anchorage.

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WWII Combat Veteran B-17 ‘The Pink Lady’ Update

Vintage Aviation News

The Boeing B-17 The Pink Lady , a historic aircraft and one of the few remaining Flying Fortresses, last took to the skies in 2010 when it landed at the La Fert-Alais airfield in France. While the aircraft has remained grounded since then, it continues to be maintained in airworthy condition. During a recent conversation with Maxime Senante, founder and president of the French-based aviation apparel company Barnstormer , we discussed the current status of the airplane and the potential hope to s

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Pilots Report Seeing UFOs, Mysterious Lights, Near DFW

One Mile at a Time

Look, I’d like to think that I’m not a conspiracy theorist, but this sure makes you wonder… Pilots report object in sky “jogging back and forth” VASAviation is an awesome YouTube channel that shares interesting air traffic control audio. The channel has just uploaded a video based on a conversation that an airline pilot was having with air traffic control while on approach to Dallas Fort-Worth Airport (DFW).

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Airbus Proposes Flight Deck Potty For Single Pilot Ops

AV Web

The Air Line Pilots Association says Airbus is proposing adding a toilet to the flight deck of its aircraft to eliminate the need for relief pilots and pave the way for single pilot operations or Extended Minimum Crew Operations (eMCO). According to paddleyourowncanoe.com, the planemaker wants to put the open potty behind the captain’s seat and perhaps install a radio console beside it so the otherwise indisposed can stay in contact with the outside world.

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IndiGo Near Deal With Norse Atlantic Airways To Wet-Lease 6 Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Simple Flying

The largest airline in India, indigo , is allegedly close to signing a big contract with Norse Atlantic Airways to wet-lease six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The deal, mentioned by The Economic Times and other industry sources , is anticipated to be finalized shortly and would help IndiGo achieve its lofty goals of starting long-haul international service as early as 2025 to major European cities, including London and Paris.

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Weaponized Airbus A350: The defense systems of Germany’s ‘Air Force One’

Aerotime

The Airbus A350 is becoming a common sight at international airports as airlines build up their fleets of the efficient widebody aircraft. But only one nation so far has picked the aircraft as its VIP transport – Germany. Used for transportation of high-ranking government officials, the three Airbus A350s owned by the Bundeswehr are the German equivalent of the iconic Air Force One, as it is in the US.

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Persian Cats in Flight: Quite Possibly The Last Chapter of Iran’s F-14 Tomcats

Vintage Aviation News

At Vintage Aviation News, we primarily spotlight classic warbirds, but occasionally, we delve into the stories of remarkable aircraft still leaving their mark on history. A recent example includes our coverage of Turkeys F-4 Phantoms read the article HERE. Today, we turn our attention to another aviation legend: the F-14 Tomcat. This iconic fighter jet, still operational with the Iranian Air Force, continues to inspire awe.

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Korean Air & Asiana Merger To Be Finalized Soon

One Mile at a Time

In November 2020, plans were announced for a massive airline merger, between Korea’s two largest airlines. This has been one of the most drawn out airline mergers ever, as over four years later, the deal still hasn’t been finalized. However, that’s expected to change soon, and it will have major implications for aviation in Asia and beyond. Basics of Korean Air’s plan to acquire Asiana Airlines Shortly after the start of the pandemic, SkyTeam’s Korean Air announced plans to acquire Star Alliance

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Bill Introduced To Digitalize Pilot Certificates

AV Web

A new bill introduced in Congress aims to digitalize pilot certificateseliminating the need for pilots to carry physical copies of their medical and airman certificates. Congressman Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) introduced the Pilot Certificate Accessibility Act earlier this month, aiming to improve efficiency by allowing pilots to store these documents on electronic devices or cloud platforms.

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Another Jeju Air Landing Gear Fails After Crash: South Korean Regulator Orders Boeing 737-800 Inspections

Simple Flying

The government of South Korea has ordered Boeing 737-800 aircraft inspections following another Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 landing gear malfunction, according to a report by the South Korean news agency Yonhap.

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South Korea orders inspection of all Boeing 737-800s after Jeju Air crash 

Aerotime

The government of South Korea has ordered the inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by domestic airliners after 179 passengers died when a Jeju Air aircraft crashed during an emergency landing at Muan International Airport (MWX) on December 29, 2024. The announcement was made by Joo Jong-wan, Aviation Policy Chief at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) during a press briefing at the Sejong Government Complex on the morning of December 30, 2024.

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JetBlue Turns Europe from Business to Leisure in Two Short Years

Cranky Flier

I know, you were probably expecting me to talk about JetBlue finally confirming to the Wall Street Journal it will install a domestic First Class product onboard its non-Mint fleet. But really, what would I say? Sure, I like the idea. It gives more upsell opportunities and makes the airline more attractive to high-dollar travelers who don’t want to fly coach.

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House of The B-23 Dragon

Vintage Aviation News

An aircraft hangar can hold many secrets. Stories yearn to be told if only “passer-bys” would stop and listen. Tucked alongside the wall of the “big” hangar at the National Warplane Museum (NWM), in Geneseo, New York is one such example of a tale that deserves to be written and subsequently read. Unassuming, out of the way of the normal museum volunteer and visitor traffic, a rather rare bomber from World War II lies in wait, eagerly anticipating the day she can once agai

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Which Airlines Have The Best Business Class?

One Mile at a Time

Ive long published my rankings of the worlds best first class products and best first class lounges. In the past couple of years, Ive tried to do the same for business class. Its kind of hard to truly rank business class products, simply because theres so much variability in terms of the quality of products across aircraft, food and beverage service can vary significantly across flights, people prioritize very different things in business class, etc.

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Polar(is) Express: United Brings a 767 Full of Kids to Santa’s Workshop

Airline Reporter

The fine folks of the airline industry work extra hard this time of year so that the rest of us can enjoy the holidays. As if that weren’t enough, some of them volunteer to help share seasonal spirit with people in need. As one example, United operates “Fantasy Flights” that bring children experiencing significant medical issues or other hardships to visit Santa at the North Pole.

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Jeju Air Denies Maintenance Negligence As All 175 Passengers & 4 Crew Confirmed Dead In Fatal Crash

Simple Flying

Authorities in the last few hours have confirmed that all 175 passengers and four crew members were killed in Sunday morning's tragic crash at South Korea's Muan International Airport. Jeju Air, meanwhile, has rejected claims that the accident was down to a lack of proper maintenance. The company's Chief Executive Officer has already said in a press briefing this morning that he takes full responsibility for the event, "regardless of the cause" and bowed in apology.

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COMAC C919 carries its millionth revenue passenger since entering service   

Aerotime

The Chinese-built COMAC C919 narrowbody jet has celebrated carrying its millionth passenger since entering service in May 2023. The landmark occasion was marked in a special ceremony held on December 19. 2024. Chinese planemaker COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) confirmed in a statement that its domestically produced C919 single-aisle jet has completed over one million revenue passenger trips since it entered service with China Eastern Airlines on May 28, 2023.

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Alaska Goes Global With New Asia Flying, Hear From CEO Ben Minicucci About This and So Much More

Cranky Flier

Today’s post is coming a bit earlier than normal, and that’s because Alaska has just announced a whole lot of news in advance of today’s investor day. In addition to the blockbuster announcement that flights from Seattle to Tokyo/Narita will start in May (plus Seoul/Incheon in the fall), Alaska also put out impressive forward-looking guidance, seeing much bigger benefits from the Hawaiian merger than originally expected.

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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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United Wants To Launch Los Angeles To Beijing Flights

One Mile at a Time

While we’ll see if this materializes, United Airlines wants to launch another route to China, and expand its long haul presence in Los Angeles. United wants to add new route to Beijing as of May 2025 United has filed with the Department of Transportation (DOT), requesting permission to launch three weekly flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Beijing (PEK).

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Airplane Lights: What Each Light Does (Red/Green, Strobe, Beacon)

Pilot Institute

What are those flashing lights in the sky? Is it a drone, or an airplane? And what are those lights for? You may have noticed the seemingly random flashing and solid lights on an aircraft and wondered what they are supposed to mean. In this article, we will explain all the different lights you may encounter on an airplane and their purpose. Although every aircraft may have slightly different lights, a framework of the same types of lights exists.

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BREAKING: Azerbaijan Airlines Flight Crashes Near Aktau

Simple Flying

Azerbaijan Airlines flight 8432, which was heading from Baku to Grozny, crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau after being rerouted due to fog. Sky News reports that Kazakhstan's emergency ministry confirmed the crash.

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Malaysia Airlines grounds new A330neo after four flights citing technical issues

Aerotime

In a highly embarrassing turn of events for both Malaysia Airlines and Airbus, the Kuala Lumpur-based carrier has temporarily grounded its first and only Airbus A330-900neo after operating just two return flights. The airline has stated that multiple technical defects with the plane have caused the grounding for safety reasons and so that the issues can be addressed before the aircraft flies with fare-paying passengers again.

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Lilium Secures Lifeline With New Investors

AV Web

Just days after announcing plans to cease operations, electric aircraft manufacturer, Lilium, has found a buyer in Mobile Uplift Corporation GmbHa coalition of European and North American investors. The German electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) company announced the news on Tuesday noting that the deal is expected to enable its two subsidiaries to secure the funding needed to resume operations and hire back the nearly 1,000 employees it let go.

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Hawaii, Trans-Atlantic Flying in Breeze’s Plan, CEO Says

Airline Geeks

Now, with over 40 aircraft in its fleet and around 60 destinations, its CEO is looking to take the startup airline even farther.

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Transfer Amex Points To Virgin Atlantic With 40% Bonus

One Mile at a Time

The Amex Membership Rewards program has just introduced its latest transfer bonus, valid for the next several weeks. With a specific use in mind, this has the potential to be a phenomenal deal. Transfer points to Flying Club with a 40% bonus The American Express Membership Rewards program in the United States is offering a 40% bonus on points transfers to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

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DDA Classic Airlines’ DC-3 ‘Princess Amalia’ Receives Farewell Salute from KLu F-35s

Vintage Aviation News

On October 16, 2024, DDA Classic Airlines ‘ DC-3 PH-PBA, lovingly known as Princess Amalia, shut down her engines for the final time with a full load of passengers at Amsterdams Schiphol Airport. This moment marked the conclusion of 40 years of regular passenger operations with classic airliners in the Netherlands. Founded in 1982 by two Transavia pilots, the all-volunteer Dutch Dakota Association (DDA) successfully operated DC-3s and even a DC-4 for several years, establishing itself as a

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2024 Vs. 2023: Airbus Delivered 20 More Aircraft While Boeing Had Over 140 Fewer Deliveries

Simple Flying

2024 is now over, and the divide between US plane maker Boeing and its rival, European Airbus , has been made clear in the total number of aircraft ordered and delivered up until the end of November 2024.

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Jeju Air B737-800 carrying 181 people onboard crashes in South Korea

Aerotime

A Jeju Air B737-800 crashed during an emergency landing at Muan International Airport (MWX) in South Korea. The accident occurred at around 09:08 local time on December 29, 2024. The B737-800, with registration HL8088, was operating as flight JJA 2216, a scheduled five-hour flight from Bangkoks Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). The flight was carrying 181 passengers, mostly families returning from a five-day Christmas holiday tour package in Thailand.

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California Mechanic’s Tests Show G100UL Paint, Nitrile O Ring Damage Under Some Circumstances

AV Web

G100UL unleaded fuel appears to damage aircraft paint under specific circumstances according to a California A and P who conducted his own compatibility tests on it and 100LL. Michael Luvara also said new nitrile O rings swelled beyond certified limits when submerged in the unleaded fuel for five to six days. GAMI recommends replacing nitrile components with those made of silicone or fluoropolymer elastomers.

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Delta Continues to Replace 767s on Long-Haul Flights

Airline Geeks

Starting next summer, the Atlanta-based carrier is slated to swap even more 767-300ERs for Airbus A330-900neo aircraft.

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Aer Lingus Takes Delivery Of First Airbus A321XLR

One Mile at a Time

Its an exciting day for Aer Lingus, as the airline has today taken delivery of a new type of aircraft (and its only the second such aircraft to be delivered globally). Aer Lingus adds Airbus A321XLR to fleet Aer Lingus has today taken delivery of its first of six Airbus A321XLRs. The plane has the registration code EI-XLR , and operated its 1hr59min delivery flight from Hamburg (XFW) to Dublin (DUB).

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Mark Your Calendars: Cranky Dorkfest 2025 is September 13

Cranky Flier

Ho, ho, ho fellow airline dorks. As you gather with your family and plot out plans for next year… take a little time to mark your calendars, because we have a date… Cranky Dorkfest 2025 will be on Saturday, September 13 What is Cranky Dorkfest? If you don’t know, then I’m happy to explain. For the main event, a bunch of us get together, watch airplanes near LAX, eat burgers, and talk shop.

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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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KLM Boeing 737 skids off runway in Oslo after hydraulic failure

Aerotime

On the evening of December 28, a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 737-800 made an emergency landing at Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport (TRF) after experiencing hydraulic failure shortly after takeoff from Oslo-Gardermoen Airport (OSL). The aircraft registered PH-BXM was conducting flight KL1204 to Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS), carrying 176 passengers and six crew members.

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FAA Makes Computer Color-Vision Tests Mandatory

AV Web

The FAA revealed to Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) in an educational session today it will be making changes on January 1, 2025 to color-vision testing “to improve safety.” Dr. Richard Kaplan, an AME, pilot, and flight instructor, who is also color-blind, attended the online session. He told AVweb , “The longstanding Ishihara color testing book will no longer be permitted.

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