Aerotime
OCTOBER 2, 2024
Venus Aerospace, a US startup developing hypersonic propulsion technologies, has unveiled a new ramjet system, which it calls “Venus Detonation Ramjet 2000 lb. Thrust Engine” (or “VDR2”). The engine can be fitted into aircraft or drones, and it is capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 6 (six times the speed of sound) and cruising at Mach 4.
Cranky Flier
OCTOBER 1, 2024
I talked yesterday about Southwest’s broader plan coming out of its investor day, but today I want to talk about the most significant change, Southwest’s decision to assign all seats and add an extra legroom section. Before we start, I should say that there is a lot we know, but there are still things we don’t. In other words, I don’t have all the answers, but we do know a lot, enough that Southwest let us walk through an airplane with the new seats and cabin design so we
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Simple Flying
OCTOBER 1, 2024
Lufthansas group CEO Carsten Spohr said on Monday that the core airline is struggling as the groups new problem child as a result of delivery delays and higher costs that put it as a disadvantage compared to regional rivals. The Lufthansa Group as a whole includes Austrian Airlines, SWISS, Eurowings and Brussels Airlines for instance. With a 10% decrease in shares over the last six months according to Reuters , Lufthansas financial situation is fragile with profit warnings given rising costs hav
AV Web
SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
A Texas-based charity is harnessing the power of GA to deliver aid to communities in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina cut off by damage from Tropical Storm Helene. Operation Airdrop has established a base at Concord Regional Airport and is inviting owner-pilots to volunteer to operate supply flights to the storm ravaged area. Pilots without their own aircraft and ground volunteers are also welcome to apply.
Aerotime
OCTOBER 2, 2024
Joby Aviation, one of the US eVTOL startups that is most advanced in its eVTOL development program, announced on October 2, 2024, that Japanese car maker Toyota is investing an additional $500 million into the venture. Toyota has been an investor in Joby from an early stage, through its Toyota Ventures venture capital arm. The additional funds raised will bring Toyota’s total investment in Joby Aviation to $894 million, consolidating the Japanese car maker’s position as the single largest shareh
Cranky Flier
OCTOBER 3, 2024
Of all the things that Southwest announced in its turnaround plan, the changes in seating were obviously the most buzzy. But I’ve been surprised to see just how much talk there was around the decision to reduce turn times. This is not quite what everyone assumes, so I thought I would dig in deeper to explain exactly what’s happening here.
Simple Flying
SEPTEMBER 29, 2024
It's confirmed. Lufthansa has become the latest European airline to announce cuts to its China network, amid weakening demand, heightened costs and strong competition from local airlines. First reported by Aeroroutes , as of end-October, Lufthansa will be suspending flights entirely on its Frankfurt to Beijing route, leaving Munich as the only hub with links to the Chinese capital.
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Aerotime
SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
Whether you believe that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to take over the world by this time tomorrow or that we will have to wait a little longer, one thing appears to be certain: this world-changing technology has already started to disrupt those industries that rely on fast-paced dynamic pricing. The example of what happened in the financial markets looms large here.
Cranky Flier
SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
Southwest revealed the full details of its plan — called Southwest. Even Better. — to fix itself at investor day last week. Despite the lame name, it does seem like a thoughtful and feasible plan. But what it seems like isn’t really what matters. Southwest has to hit its numbers if its management team wants to stay employed. So now, we wait and watch.
Simple Flying
OCTOBER 4, 2024
The US Navy has said it is pressing ahead with its manned sixth-generation F/A-XX fighter regardless of what the US Air Force does. While several manned sixth generation fighter jets are in development, the industry has no shortage of "will they or won't they" speculation. The US Air Force's NGAD fighter jet is generally regarded as the most advanced in its development cycle and could theoretically come into service at the end of the decade.
One Mile at a Time
SEPTEMBER 29, 2024
Early last year, I wrote about how I realized I was mispronouncing the name of ITA Airways. That started a fascinating discussion in the comments section, which made me realize that there are quite a few airlines where people are confused with pronunciation. Often this confusion comes down to acronyms vs. initialisms, with the former being abbreviations that are pronounced as words, and the latter being abbreviations that are pronounced as letters.
Aerotime
OCTOBER 4, 2024
Qantas is offering Australian nationals fleeing the military conflict in Lebanon free flights home on behalf of the government. On October 4, 2024, Qantas announced that the airline would operate two non-stop flights between Cyprus and Sydney. Between the two Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliners provided, 880 Australians will be able to safely return home, away from the volatile current situation in the Middle East.
Vintage Aviation News
OCTOBER 3, 2024
On October 3, 1967, William J. Knight took off for a record-breaking flight, setting the fastest speed record ever recorded by a manned aircraft. This remarkable goal was achieved by a North American X-15-A-2 model, a hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft operated by the US Air Force and NASA. The X-15-A-2 was a part of NASA’s X-series experimental aircraft among X-15A-1, X-15A-2, and X-15A-3.
Simple Flying
SEPTEMBER 29, 2024
Have you wondered just how much space it takes to train the largest air force in the world? Thousands of bombers , helicopters and supersonic jets surely need a lot of free range to push their limits. You probably won't be shocked to learn that a lot of space thousands of square miles has been specially set aside throughout the US (and outside the US too) for that purpose.
Cranky Flier
SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
With Alaska’s acquisition complete, Hawaiian Airlines’ outlook brightens – Travel Weekly This one was actually from last week, but it’s another look at the Alaska and Hawaiian merger. Southwest Air’s lackluster profit fuels pressure to revamp business model – Reuters Reuters took a look at Southwest’s problems before this week’s investor day.
Aerotime
OCTOBER 2, 2024
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the US federal agency tasked with conducting research on weather phenomena and the oceans, has announced that it is ordering two new C-130J Hercules aircraft from Lockheed Martin. NOAA plans to use these two aircraft as “hurricane hunter aircraft”. These are essentially flying laboratories fitted with a whole array of research instruments and equipment fit for the task of collecting and processing atmospheric data.
Vintage Aviation News
OCTOBER 3, 2024
A legendary piece of aviation history is about to take center stage at the Intrepid Museum: a World War II FG-1D Corsair, on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum, courtesy of the Navy History and Heritage Command. The aircraft arrived at the museum late last night, following its journey from Washington D.C. Known for its critical role in the Pacific theater, this iconic Corsair is one of the few remaining intact examples and will undergo meticulous restoration by the museum’s skilled spe
Simple Flying
OCTOBER 1, 2024
On October 2nd, Philippine Airlines will offer its first nonstop service from Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, marking the airport's first nonstop connection to the East Asian island nation. This flight will be operated by the airline's Boeing 777 aircraft and will add to what is already an extensive network of destinations in the United States.
AV Web
OCTOBER 3, 2024
The General Aviation maintenance community is up in arms over the FAA’s so-called “Moss Interpretation” of how much direct, in-person supervision is required by FAA-certificated airframe and powerplant (A&P) technicians and inspectors when it comes to work being performed by owners or shop apprentices and trainees working toward certification. According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and others, the new ruling overrides policies in effect for more than 60 years that ena
Aerotime
OCTOBER 1, 2024
In a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the chair of the National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) Jennifer Homendy has suggested that at least 40 non-US operators could be flying Boeing 737s with a defective actuator installed. On September 26, 2024, the NTSB issued an urgent safety recommendation to Boeing and the FAA following an incident at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in February 2024, when the rudder pedals jammed on a United Airlines 737 MAX 8.
Vintage Aviation News
OCTOBER 4, 2024
When it comes to Corsair restorations two shops come to mind—the late John Lane’s Airpower Unlimited in Jerome, Idaho, and Chuck Wahl’s Vulture’s Row Aviation in Cameron Park, California. Vintage Aviation News recently sat down with Chuck Wahl at his shop at Cameron Park Airport (O61) about the progression of numerous Corsair projects. When complete, F4U-1 Corsair BuNo 02449 will be the world’s only flying “Birdcage” Corsair.
Simple Flying
OCTOBER 4, 2024
On October 1, Iran launched a massive missile attack on airbases and the Mossad Headquarters in Israel. Now some analysis of the damage is coming to light. According to new open-source intelligence and satellite photos, approximately 32 missile impact craters can be seen in and near Israel's Nevatim Air Base (where Israel's valuable F-35 stealth fighter jets are based).
AV Web
OCTOBER 2, 2024
Much of the general aviation community has jumped in to offer assistance to victims of Hurricane Helene. Among the organized efforts, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has activated its Humanitarian Emergency Response Operator (HERO) database to reach out to business aviation operators. The HERO program enables NBAA member aircraft operators to supply information on aircraft availability, personnel and other assets that could be of use in an emergency such as the devastating dama
Aerotime
OCTOBER 4, 2024
Everyone onboard a recent Ryanair flight was forced to evacuate when the cabin crew noticed fire emanating from one of the aircraft’s two engines as it began its take-off roll at an airport in Italy. All passengers and crew made it off the aircraft safely with no apparent injuries, having exited using the emergency slides. Ryanair flight FR8826 was scheduled to operate on October 3, 2024, from Brindisi-Papola Casale Airport (BDS) in the southwest of Italy to Turin-Caselle Airport (TRN) in the n
One Mile at a Time
OCTOBER 3, 2024
Most network carriers around the globe are dealing with similar issues. While demand is strong, costs have increased considerably following the pandemic, and on top of that, margins are down a bit, as more airlines have restored capacity. In response to market conditions, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced measures to structurally improve the company’s operational and financial performance, and it will have implications for both passengers and employees.
Simple Flying
OCTOBER 4, 2024
As the Middle East spirals into war , governments around the world are planning how to repatriate their citizens and residents out of the danger zone before that becomes impossible. On Friday afternoon, the Australian Government announced it was working with airlines, including Qantas, to provide free flights to Australians wanting to leave Beirut.
Vintage Aviation News
OCTOBER 3, 2024
PRESS RELEASE During its Warbirds Over the Beach air show this weekend, Oct. 5 and 6, The Military Aviation Museum will host a supply drive to help areas of North Carolina devastated by Hurricane Helene. After the show, a World War II transport plane best known for dropping paratroopers on D-Day will fly the supplies to Western North Carolina. “We have seen impacts from the storm across the mid-Atlantic, and our upcoming air show is no exception,” Museum Director Keegan Chetwynd said.
Aerotime
OCTOBER 3, 2024
The new Southwest director and IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal has purchased 3.6 million shares in the airline, valued at over $100 million. Details surrounding the purchase were included in several Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings published by Southwest on October 2, 2024. Gangwal purchased the shares on September 30, 2024, and October 1, 2024, in a significant sign that he has confidence in the Southwest leadership.
One Mile at a Time
OCTOBER 2, 2024
Air India is currently undergoing all kinds of changes , as the airline has been privatized, and is trying to reinvent itself. Most of these changes have been positive, though there’s one development that’s leaving the company’s employees pretty unhappy… Air India’s new flight attendant layover hotel policy With Vistara being merged into the Air India brand , the airline is working on developing new, unified policies for flight attendants.
Simple Flying
OCTOBER 2, 2024
Lufthansas group CEO Carsten Spohr said on Monday that the core airline is struggling as the groups new problem child as a result of delivery delays and higher costs.
AV Web
SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
The NTSB has followed up an oddly timed urgent safety recommendation with a harsh rebuke of the FAA alleging the agency didn’t act on a flaw in Boeing 737 NG and MAX models until the NTSB raised the alarm. As a result, the board says as many as 288 aircraft, most of them flying for about 40 different international airlines, still have an improperly assembled rudder actuator that can cause the rudder to freeze stuck in cold weather.
Aerotime
OCTOBER 3, 2024
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its latest data showing how air passenger numbers are changing month-by-month. Its latest report pertaining to August 2024 shows that global air traffic rose by 8.6% overall for the month, indicating that there is no let-up in the surging demand for air travel despite ongoing geopolitical challenges faced by the airline industry.
One Mile at a Time
SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
Like many carriers, JetBlue has been struggling with profitability in recent times. The carrier’s management team is undertaking all kinds of initiatives to cut costs and increase revenue , and for the most part, the changes have been pretty sensible. JetBlue has just announced its latest cost cutting initiative, and I imagine this is one that people won’t be a fan of… JetBlue changes transatlantic economy meal service As of October 1, 2024, JetBlue is eliminating hot meals in economy on transat
Simple Flying
OCTOBER 2, 2024
A Ryanair Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 had temporarily shut down Milan Bergamo Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY), Italy, after four of its tires burst as it landed on the runway at the airport on October 1.
Airline Geeks
OCTOBER 4, 2024
Spirit has reportedly engaged in talks with bondholders and other creditors to support a chapter 11 filing for “reorganization” bankruptcy.
Aerotime
OCTOBER 3, 2024
UrbanLink Air Mobility, the South Florida-based company planning a range of advanced air mobility (AAM) and zero-emission aviation projects across the US, has announced that it has placed an order with Eviation Aircraft for up to 20 of the manufacturer’s Alice commuter airplanes. The order sees UrbanLink commit to taking 10 aircraft initially, with options for a further 10 aircraft.
One Mile at a Time
SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
In 2021, we saw ITA Airways replace Alitalia as Italy’s national airline. Alitalia had been struggling financially for years, and the Italian government wanted a clean slate… sort of. So the country created a new company, which took over most of Alitalia’s aircraft, staff, routes, etc. Honestly, I’d say what has happened in the past few years has probably been the best case scenario for the company.
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