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News from August 2024
Bilt Rewards has raised an additional $150 million at a $3.25 billion valuation, with the funding round led by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. Other participants included Vanderbilt University Endowment, the University of Illinois Foundation, and existing investors. This extension follows a January funding round that increased Bilt’s valuation from $3.1 billion to $3.25 billion.
United Airlines has announced a devaluation of its MileagePlus program, specifically affecting premium award prices for flights to Europe and South America. This move continues a trend that has seen the value of United miles diminish over time. Critics have noted that despite efforts by Andrew Nocella to improve the program, changes like these undermine consumer value. The hiring of a former Comcast executive to oversee the program has also raised concerns about the airline's commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Delta Air Lines experienced a significant operational failure following a glitch from CrowdStrike, resulting in more flight cancellations over five days than in all of 2018 and 2019 combined. The incident cost the airline approximately $500 million. Amidst the crisis, Delta's CEO was reported to have traveled to Paris for the Olympics, leaving employees and passengers to manage the aftermath.
Airlines use up to four digits for flight numbers, allowing a maximum of 9,999 flights. Despite this seemingly ample range, major carriers like American Airlines, Delta, and United are facing a shortage of available flight numbers.
General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI) has traced the source of a stain on the underside of the AOPA Beech Baron fuel test bed aircraft to a leaky patch in a 50-year-old bladder in the tank. According to a report prepared by GAMI, mechanics who removed all four bladders from the Baron discovered the leak in an old patch on the aged bladder that had been used to hold G100UL for the past nine months.
News and notes from around the internet:
Viasat reports that its satellite communication services, including those in aviation, were only “minimally impacted” by China’s sanctions against the US firm, which have now been lifted.
A recent incident involving a couple traveling together on an anniversary trip has sparked debate over travel etiquette and honesty. The couple was flying with American Airlines, where only one upgrade seat to first class was available. The husband suggested they both remain in coach to stay together, and the wife agreed.
Passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Chicago Midway found themselves in an uncomfortable situation when a woman's hair draped over the back of their seat. Seeking assistance, they approached a flight attendant, who reportedly responded with, “What exactly would you like me to do?”
FARNBOROUGH — British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy cadet program has provided fully-funded flight training for up to 100 candidates per year since 2023. Now, the airline is expanding its investment for next year’s class, offering up to 200 prospective pilots the opportunity to pursue a commercial flying career without bearing the £100,000 cost of training.
Individuals are increasingly taking glamor shots for their passport photos, staging the lighting to enhance their appearance. This trend, however, is causing complications at immigration checkpoints. TikToker Beth Gould shared her experience upon landing in Taiwan: “The machine said my passport photo didn’t look like me, so I had to go to the desk and get my identification verified.”
Reader Doug inquired about the absence of Coca-Cola in Turkish Airlines' business class or Miles & Smiles lounges in Istanbul. The reason is a political statement.
An American Airlines passenger recently experienced two consecutive flights where overhead bins were virtually empty, yet passengers were required to gate check their carry-on bags. Despite ample space in the cabin, they were not permitted to bring their bags onboard.
American Airlines' recent changes to its standby policies have sparked significant frustration among frequent flyers. The airline's focus on cost-cutting measures appears to be causing inconvenience for many customers, with several reporting being stranded at airports due to the new rules.
Extra person charges are less common in U.S. hotels compared to Europe and other regions, where rooms often have strict occupancy limits and additional fees for extra guests. This difference can lead to unexpected charges for travelers unfamiliar with international practices.
Every aviation journalist has likely written about the "beauty of flight." These columns, often titled “The Magic of Flight” or “The Dream of Flight,” focus on the awe and splendor experienced from the cockpit. The magic, beauty, and dreams associated with flying resonate with many pilots.
A Frontier Airlines passenger, enraged after missing her flight at Chicago O’Hare, threw a computer at airline staff. The woman, quickly labeled a ‘Karen’ online, became violent by jumping over the luggage scale at the check-in counter to confront employees.
IndiGo has become the latest low-cost carrier to alter its business model by offering a premium product. The Indian operator has revealed that a tailor-made business class offering — called IndiGoStretch — will be flown on its “busiest and business routes” starting in November.
United Airlines has been promoting significant deals on award travel this week, featuring a different mystery destination each day with sale prices available only for that day. The destinations have now been revealed ahead of schedule.
An avgas shortage in Western Canada and parts of the Pacific Northwest is easing, but the company that supplies the fuel has not disclosed how long it will last. About a month ago, Imperial Oil’s Strathcona refinery near Edmonton, Alberta, ceased production of 100LL, impacting fuel sellers from Northern Ontario to the West Coast, including parts of Washington State. Most general aviation airports began restricting sales, sometimes limiting them to based aircraft. The company is also prioritizing deliveries to essential services like aerial firefighting aircraft that still use...