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News from August 2024
Ukraine is currently recruiting retired F-16 pilots to strengthen its air force, as stated by a senior U.S. lawmaker. Senator Lindsay Graham indicated that former Viper pilots could secure combat roles if they are interested.
Authorities in Cairns, Australia, are suggesting that the pilot of a stolen helicopter that crashed into a downtown hotel had the passcode or an entry card to access the airside of the local airport. "Cairns Airport operates under an approved multi-layered transport security program," Airport CEO Richard Barker told ABC News. "We have conducted a review this morning and initial findings show there has been no compromise of the airport security program or processes."
At least 18 airliners were grounded due to damage from a hailstorm that struck Calgary International Airport last week, with the impact expected to persist for weeks. Golf ball-sized hail hit the airport on the evening of August 5, causing extensive damage to both aircraft and the terminal.
Hotels.com had a compelling reward proposition, though it had been devalued over the years. You earned 10% of your room rate back, redeemable after every 10 nights.
An American Airlines passenger was prevented from flying from Albuquerque to New Orleans in June after being added to the airline’s banned customer list for past behavior. The passenger, who identifies as a lesbian, disputes the airline's claim that she had drunken sex with a man on a previous flight.
Brian Sumers of The Airline Observer has provided insights from Southwest Airlines Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson regarding the airline’s Hawaii operations. The discussion focuses on their inter-island flights, which despite poor performance, remain strategically important.
As Air New Zealand prepares to introduce new seats aboard its Boeing 787-9 twinjets — including its new Business Premier inward-facing herringbones and business-plus ‘Luxe’ offering up front — it is familiarizing crew members with the products.
NBA star Steph Curry was seen flying business class on Air France instead of first class, despite recently winning an Olympic gold medal. Nicole Perlroth tweeted, "Steph Curry rolling into his Paris —> SFO nonstop Gold Medal on… #NightNightpic.twitter.com/IhK6DIpA5V."
A Budget Rent a Car customer had their Chrysler Pacifica confiscated by police, who claimed it was unregistered and had fake plates. The family was left on the side of the road for hours.
News and notes from around the web:
Melbourne-based Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) has doubled its fleet of Piper Pilot 100i aircraft, taking delivery of four more for a total of eight. Florida Tech now operates close to 50 Piper trainers, including Archers, Warriors, Seminole twins, and the Pilot 100i.
Alaska Airlines flight attendants have voted against a contract negotiated by their union, which would have provided an immediate 18% raise followed by annual 3% raises. The agreement also included boarding pay and retroactive pay dating back to 2022. The vote concluded with a decisive 68% against and 32% in favor.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released the results of a special investigation involving more than 500 accidents between 2010 and 2022. The study focused on commercial operations involving commuter air carriers, air tour operators, air ambulance services, on-demand business charter flights, and other operations. The NTSB reported it launched the investigation in 2022 following “a cluster of safety issues” involving Part 135 operators. The initiative did not include Part 121 major airline operations.
Grit and determination are often key factors in professional success. Lily Aragon, the founder, president, and CEO of San Marcos, California-based Kros-Wise, exemplifies these attributes. Runway Girl Network conducted an in-depth interview with her to discuss her journey and achievements.
Garmin announced today it has received certification for its runway occupancy awareness (ROA) software, Surface Indications and Alert (SURF-IA). The software uses ADS-B traffic information to identify potential runway incursions involving airborne traffic, aircraft on the ground, and ground vehicles. Textron Aviation received FAA certification for the product installed on a G1000 NXi-equipped Cessna Caravan.
Avflight, the global FBO network associated with fuel supplier Avfuel, announced on August 13 that all 22 of its eligible locations in the U.S. are now certified as Green Aviation Business Tier 1 operations under the National Air Transportation Association's (NATA) Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses. The recently acquired Avflight location in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, will apply for Tier 1 status once it accumulates the necessary 12 months' worth of data.
Alaska Air has announced an investment in JetZero’s blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft concept. The commitment, with undisclosed financial terms, comes in the form of options for future aircraft orders. The deal was struck through Alaska Air’s financial investment arm, Alaska Star Ventures.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby recently addressed employees, outlining the competitive landscape of the airline industry. The video, reviewed by Live and Let’s Fly, painted a mixed picture of United's performance and future prospects.
Starting today, American Airlines' Gold members and above will receive free checked bags when flying with Gol, their exclusive codeshare partner in Brazil. This new benefit extends to members of both airlines' loyalty programs, who already enjoy reciprocal mile earning and redemption privileges.
When Alaska Airlines agreed with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to extend their review period, it indicated a potential government approval for the merger with Hawaiian Airlines. The extension reflects ongoing negotiations and suggests a deal may be imminent.