Tips and Tricks: How Students Can Save Big on Holiday Flights

This December, American college students who are members of Amazon Prime Student can save big on airfare, as Amazon has partnered with Student Universe to provide 3,000 flight tickets for just $25. How else can students save this holiday season? (aeroxplorer.com) More...

A Competition With Dallas: Can Austin Airport Meet the City's Growing Population and Global Influence?

Austin is becoming one of the most important cities in the US due to its rapid population growth and large tech industry. However, Austin lags behind other large US cities in airport infrastructure and international connectivity. Austin currently has a disadvantage over other major tech hubs, and even Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston in Texas, in these two areas. We will look deeper at how Austin is improving its aviation industry for the city to achieve its true potential. (aeroxplorer.com) More...

Boeing eliminated from US Air Force's 'Doomsday Plane' competition

Boeing and the Air Force reportedly could not agree on the E-4B replacement's contract terms and data rights. (breakingdefense.com) More...

Why One Airport’s Runway Overhaul is so Complex

Crews work against the clock to get the airport open again the next morning. (airlinegeeks.com) More...

FAA Directs Urgent Inspections of Boeing 747s for Lightning Protection Failures

The FAA mandates immediate inspections of all Boeing 747 variants due to accelerated degradation in lightning-protection components. (www.airlinerwatch.com) More...

Russia Seizes Control of St. Petersburg Airport from Foreign Investors

In a recent fiasco, Vladimir Putin signed a decree taking control of St. Petersburg's Pulkovo Airport away from foreign investors, of which German airport operator Fraport and Qatar's sovereign wealth fund Qatar Investment Authority had over 24% ownership. (aeroxplorer.com) More...

The Boneyard: Where Planes Go to Die?

Plane boneyards, also known as aircraft graveyards, are massive landscapes littered with once-mighty planes that are now mere skeletons of their past. But this process is of utmost importance to the aviation industry. (aeroxplorer.com) More...

The High-Speed Logistics of Formula One: Challenges, Innovations, and Sustainability

Formula One is known not only for its speed, skill, and strategy but also for being a colossal logistical operation that involves the swift movement of tons of equipment, cars, and personnel across the globe within a matter of days. How do the teams manage this intricate and costly task, and what challenges do they face in the 2023 and 2024 season? (www.airguide.info) More...

FAA Proposes Extending Cockpit Data Capture for Enhanced Safety Investigations

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has unveiled a proposal to extend the cockpit voice-recording requirement for all new airplanes. This extension will increase the recording duration from the current two-hour loop to an impressive 25 hours. (www.airguide.info) More...

Last Delta CRJ-200 Flight Takes Off

The airline is moving to operate two-class aircraft across its network. (airlinegeeks.com) More...

What’s next for the aviation industry? Emirates president on sustainability and the Middle East

Emirates airline started the week at Dubai Airshow by announcing that it is boosting its fleet with a €47 billion order for 90 Boeing 777X aeroplanes. Speaking to Euronews, Emirates President Sir Tim Clarke said: “So we've got in total now 245 Boeing aircraft on order and 50 A350s will start being delivered next year. This is all part and parcel of the expansion of our network over the next 10 to 15 years.” Following a cautious few years post-COVID, Clarke says that “demand remains very… (www.euronews.com) More...

Rolls-Royce To Exit Electrical Propulsion Business

Rolls-Royce is open to offers from prospective buyers for its Electrical division, which is focused on activities such as developing electric propulsion systems for eVTOLs, including Vertical Aerospace’s VX4. The UK-based aircraft engine maker revealed the move as part of a wider restructuring plan rolled out on Tuesday in a briefing for analysts that could include other divestitures across the group expected to raise up to £1.5 billion ($1.9 billion) over the next five years. (www.ainonline.com) More...

Bipartisan Senate bill would kill the TSA’s ‘Big Brother’ airport facial recognition

US Senators John Kennedy (R-LA) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced a bipartisan bill Wednesday to end involuntary facial recognition screening at airports. The Traveler Privacy Protection Act would block the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from continuing or expanding its facial recognition tech program. It would also require the government agency to explicitly receive congressional permission to renew it, and it would have to dispose of all biometric data within three months. (www.engadget.com) More...

FAA Wants 23 More Hours of Cockpit Voice Recorder Time

The agency wants to up the requirement to 25 hours from two. (airlinegeeks.com) More...

Europe Just Banned Fly Baghdad From Its Airspace

Fly Baghdad has been banned from operating in the EU's airspace due to safety concerns identified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Iraq's other airline, Iraqi Airways, is also on the list. But it operates flights to the EU using Tailwind Airlines Boeing 737-800. Many other airlines and countries are included in the ASL, such as Russia. (www.msn.com) More...

70 Years: American Airlines Launched Regular Nonstop Service From New York To Los Angeles In 1953

American Airlines launched its AA1 service between New York and Los Angeles in November 1959 with the Douglas DC-7. Later deliveries of the Boeing 707 in 1959 revolutionized transcontinental travel, halving flight times between the two cities. Today, American Airlines operates the premium-configured Airbus A321T on the route, which has become one of the busiest in the United States. Boasting the ultra-prestigious flight code, American Airlines AA1 has been running directly between New York’s… (www.msn.com) More...

Virgin Atlantic Makes First Transatlantic Flight Using Sustainable Jet Fuel

"Flight100 took off from London Heathrow and made its way across the Atlantic to New York’s JFK airport on a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mixture of mostly “waste fats,” as well as plant sugars, oil, proteins and fibers, a press release from Virgin Atlantic said." (www.ecowatch.com) More...

Top Five Most Interesting Economy Class Seat Concepts

Spending a long-haul flight in economy class may not seem very appealing to most people. However, there are a handful of airlines out there that have brought some rather interesting economy seat concepts to the market. That said, let's look at the five most interesting airline economy seat concepts. As a disclaimer, these airlines are ranked in no particular order. (aeroxplorer.com) More...

Inside Tulum's New Airport

The new airport is set to welcome domestic flights in Friday, Dec. 1. (airlinegeeks.com) More...

Tulsa Museum Works to Inspire Young Women in Aviation

The Tulsa Air and Space Museum is fundraising to support its next exhibit, “Women in Aviation.” The exhibit will feature women from the beginning of the age of flight, to the present day. (www.news9.com) More...

FAA Approves Testing Landmark For Unleaded Avgas Contender

The Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) team announced today (Nov. 29) that the first high-octane unleaded aviation fuel has reached an FAA milestone. According to an FAA announcement today, the agency “has approved the advancement to full-scale engine and flight testing of unleaded UL100E aviation fuel for piston-engine aircraft developed by LyondellBasell Industries/VP Racing. The UL100E fuel successfully passed a 150-hour engine durability test under the Piston Aviation Fuels… (www.avweb.com) More...

Why This Airport in Nepal is the World's Most Dangerous

Tenzing-Hillary Airport (LUA) in Lukla, Nepal, is known for being the closest airport to the world's tallest mountain: Mount Everest. Although flights between Kathmandu and Lukla cover a short distance, the climate means that flights can only happen during the day in good weather. Unpredictable weather in the form of high winds, snow, and foggy conditions regularly forces the delay or cancellation of flights. (aeroxplorer.com) More...

United and American Take Action Against Chicago O'Hare Airport Expansion

United and American Airlines are seeking Mayor Brandon Johnson's intervention to modify O'Hare Airport's expansion plans, which include a new "global terminal" for both domestic and international flights. The project, initially budgeted at $8.7 billion, is now $1.5 billion over budget, prompting the carriers to request a slowdown, scale-back, or potential grounding of the expansion. (aeroxplorer.com) More...

New Greenland Airport To Open On November 28, 2024

Greenland plans to open its new international airport in Nuuk by the end of next year, with a partial opening in May 2024 before a full launch in November. The airport, built by Kalaallit Airports, will have a 2,200-meter runway capable of handling larger widebody aircraft. Greenland hopes that the new airport will be a game-changer for tourism in the country, with the potential for significant growth in international connections and destinations. Greenland plans to fully open its new… (www.msn.com) More...

American Airlines Flight Narrowly Avoids Mid-Air Collision Outside JFK

An American Airlines flight was potentially moments away from colliding with another aircraft after both planes began their descent at the same time. YouTube channel You Can See ATC, which tracks and reconstructs "non-standard and emergency situations," found that American Airlines flight AAL28 and Tradewind Aviation flight GPD235 were both directed to land at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport on November 10 at the same time. The American Airlines Airbus A321, concluding its… (www.msn.com) More...

Los Angeles Will Become WestJet's Shortest Boeing 787 Route

WestJet will use the Boeing 787-9 between Calgary and Los Angeles from April 2024. This is the first time the market has had any twin-aisle service, at least in the past two decades. WestJet plans 16 787 routes sometime between April-October 2024. WestJet has added its shortest Boeing 787-9 route: from its primary hub of Calgary to Los Angeles. It will be the first time the 1,206-mile (1,941 km) route has seen a WestJet twin-aisle, whether the 787 or, before that, the 767-300ER. Given this, it… (www.msn.com) More...

Birmingham Firm Appoints Spirit Airlines CEO To Board

Encompass Health Corporation (NYSE: EHC) today announced the appointment of Edward M. Christie III to its board of directors. This appointment will expand the Encompass Health board to 12 director seats as part of its ongoing succession planning. Christie joins the Encompass Health board with significant experience in finance, strategic and public company leadership, operations, and governmental regulation. Christie currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Spirit Airlines,… (finance.yahoo.com) More...

Denied: National Mediation Board Will Not Release American Airlines Flight Attendants From Negotiation

The National Mediation Board (NMB) has denied the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) request to be released from negotiations with American Airlines. The APFA had requested release from negotiations on November 20, but the NMB rejected the request, preventing the union from beginning the strike process. The APFA has accused American Airlines of corporate greed and exploitation, citing management's recent bonuses while flight attendants worked under wages negotiated in… (www.msn.com) More...

Goodbye Boeing 767: LATAM Brasil Retires Passengers 767s

LATAM Brasil has retired its Boeing 767-300ERs from passenger service after 15 years, and the planes will be converted into freighters. LATAM Brasil's two Boeing 767-300ERs, PT-MOD and PT-MSO, have been retired and are now at the airline's MRO in Sao Carlos for conversion. Although the Boeing 767-300ER has been retired from passenger service in Brazil, LATAM still operates the model for passenger services in Peru and has a fleet of 19 Boeing 767-300BCFs for cargo operations. LATAM… (www.msn.com) More...

Can I Mix Different Brands of Oil in My Cessna Turbo Aircraft’s Engine?

I recently received an inquiry from Brian Favero, the owner of a Cessna Turbo 310Q equipped with a Continental TSIO-520 engine. Brian’s mechanic recently switched from using Aeroshell Oil W100 Plus to Phillips 66 X/C Aviation Oil 20W50. Now, Brian has a surplus of Aeroshell oil and is wondering if it’s safe to mix it with the Phillips oil. (www.airguide.info) More...

Thai Airways Explores Major Aircraft Order, Focusing on Boeing 787 Widebodies

Thai Airways International is reportedly in discussions with manufacturers and lessors for a substantial aircraft order, aiming to acquire up to 90 aircraft, with a strong emphasis on widebody planes. According to sources, the order may include a mix of firm orders, options, and purchase rights. (www.airguide.info) More...

Etihad Airways to Use Airbus A380 on Abu Dhabi-New York Route

Etihad Airways will use the Airbus A380 on its route between Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) starting April 22, 2024. The double-decker aircraft is essential to accommodate the growing demand for travel to Abu Dhabi. Etihad's A380s are famous for their luxurious onboard experience, including the world's only three-room suite in the sky through The Residence. (aeroxplorer.com) More...

Psyching Out: Pilots, Drugs, and Mental Health

Up now in Ask the Pilot: Implications of the Horizon Air incident. (askthepilot.com) More...

Virginia joins multistate aviation group in support of air taxi industry

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Representatives from aviation and aerospace organizations in Virginia have joined seven other states in forming the Advanced Air Mobility Multistate (AAM) Collaborative in support of the advanced air mobility industry. The Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation announced the formation of the multi-state collaborative on Tuesday, Nov. 21. “The AAM Multistate Collaborative recognizes that AAM represents all modes of aviation, from Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS)… (www.wric.com) More...

HNL international flights now have access to Biometric exit

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaiʻi loves its international visitors. And now, our international visitors have an even easier time getting home after their time in paradise. The new system that streamlines international arrivals is SITA’s biometric-enabled Smart Path to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and it is being implemented at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. “We are thrilled to announce our adoption of the U.S. Exit Solution in partnership with SITA,” said Edwin… (www.khon2.com) More...

FAA Orders Urgent Inspections for Boeing 747 Lightning Protection System

The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive requiring inspections of the lightning protection system on all U.S.-registered Boeing 747 aircraft. The move follows Boeing’s recommendation for inspections due to the degradation of key components in the system. These components play a critical role in preventing ignition sources during lightning strikes near fuel tanks. (www.airguide.info) More...

American Airlines Flight Narrowly Avoids Mid-Air Collision Near JFK Airport

An American Airlines flight nearly collided with another aircraft during their simultaneous descent toward New York’s JFK Airport. Both planes, American Airlines flight AAL28 and Tradewind Aviation flight GPD235, were directed to land at JFK at the same time. The incident occurred when the Tradewind flight deviated from its assigned path, causing concern for the American Airlines pilot. They narrowly avoided a collision, with the Tradewind flight changing course. (www.airguide.info) More...

Cathay Pacific Leaning Towards Airbus A350F for Freight Deal, Industry Sources Say

Cathay Pacific Airways is showing a preference for ordering approximately six Airbus A350 freighters as part of its fleet renewal efforts for its aging 747 cargo jets, according to industry insiders. (www.airguide.info) More...

US military Osprey aircraft with 6 aboard crashes off southern Japan, at least 1 dead

The cause of the crash and the status of the five others on the aircraft were not immediately known, coast guard spokesperson Kazuo Ogawa said. Initial reports said the aircraft was carrying eight people, but the U.S. military later revised the number to six, he said. (apnews.com) More...

US FAA tightens aircraft certification oversight after Boeing MAX crashes

WASHINGTON, Nov 28 (Reuters) - The Federal Aviation Administration said on Tuesday it had adopted a new aircraft certification policy requiring key flight control design changes to be considered "major" like the system involved in two fatal Boeing (BA.N) 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019. (www.reuters.com) More...

Flight Attendant Union Denied Mediation Release

A step towards a potential strike was avoided as the NMB denied the APFA’s request to be released from federal mediation. (airlinegeeks.com) More...

Boeing awarded $2.3 billion contract for additional Air Force KC-46A tanker aircraft

Boeing announced Tuesday it will build an additional 15 KC-46A Pegasus tankers under a “Lot 10 contract” awarded by the U.S. Air Force valued at $2.3 billion. (dcnewsroom.blogspot.com) More...

Atlas Air to buy 2 new Boeing 777 freighters

Atlas Air will be pushing near 120 aircraft in its fleet next year when it receives two 777 freighters from Boeing. (www.freightwaves.com) More...

STC for Turbo Beaver Retrofit Program Gives New Life to the Legendary Aircraft

Valdor Aircraft, a Canadian company based in Val-d’Or, Quebec, has obtained a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from Transport Canada to convert the legendary deHavilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver from radial piston engines to Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 turboprop engines. The conversion also includes the installation of BX wings, which are manufactured at Valdor Aircraft’s facility in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region. (www.airguide.info) More...

Southwest Airlines Passenger Climbs Onto Wing via Emergency Exit at New Orleans Airport

A startling incident unfolded at New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport when a passenger on a Southwest Airlines flight opened an emergency exit door and climbed onto the plane’s wing while the aircraft was stationary at the gate. (www.airguide.info) More...

Airbus Investigates Continued Uncommanded Altitude Deviations on A350 Despite Control Unit Update

Airbus is currently probing recurring instances of uncommanded altitude changes on its A350 twinjets, even after implementing modifications following a similar issue two years ago. (www.airguide.info) More...

L3Harris to sell its commercial aviation solutions business for $800 mln

Nov 27 (Reuters) - L3Harris Technologies (LHX.N) is selling its commercial aviation solutions business to private equity firm TJC L.P. for $800 million, the defense company said on Monday. The deal includes a $700 million cash purchase price and a $100 million earnout based on the achievement of certain financial performance targets for this year and 2024. The commercial aviation solutions business of L3Harris offers pilot training, flight data analytics, avionics and advanced air mobility… (www.reuters.com) More...

First long-haul flight fully powered by sustainable aviation fuel takes off

LONDON — The first trans-Atlantic flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel departed London for New York on Tuesday as the industry seeks to prove the viability of greener air travel. Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787 is burning a blend of 88% waste fats supplied by AirBP, and 12% synthetic aromatic kerosene made from plant sugars. Test flight VIR100, which is not carrying paying passengers, departed London’s Heathrow Airport for New York JFK at 11:49 a.m. U.K. time (6:49 a.m. ET), according to… (www.cnbc.com) More...

Qantas' Airbus A220 Livery Features a Story Through Aboriginal Art

Qantas has revealed its inaugural Airbus A220 aircraft, featuring a captivating Aboriginal-inspired livery. Set to join QantasLink, its regional subsidiary, the aircraft was showcased at an Airbus facility ahead of its anticipated arrival in Australia. This aircraft showcases the Aboriginal artwork of senior Pitjantjatjara artist Maringka Baker, narrating the 'dreaming story of two sisters who traverse remote Australia together, covering vast distances to find their way home,' as… (aeroxplorer.com) More...

Nearly Half of U.S. Airports Say They Are Short Staffed

A new report that surveyed over a 100 airport leaders sheds some light on the sluggish post-pandemic recovery. (airlinegeeks.com) More...