News from July 2024
British Airways and Chase have launched the "Luggage Tagged Sweepstakes," offering one million Avios and a custom luggage set to five winners. The sweepstakes, exclusive to British Airways Executive Club members in the US aged 18 and up, runs until August 27th. Entrants can participate daily via the official sweepstakes webpage.
A LATAM Airlines Boeing 777-300ER experienced a tail strike incident at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) on July 9. The aircraft, registered as PT-MUG, was operating flight LA8073 from MXP to Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) when it scraped its tail on the runway during takeoff.
SWISS only has four remaining A340-300s. The type will be used on five routes between August and December. Given the type's route network, SWISS has the world's longest average A340 stage length. There are few Airbus A340s left in the world. Despite only operating four exciting and characterful A340s, SWISS has the world's fourth-highest number of flights by them. Only Lufthansa, Iran's Mahan Air, and Edelweiss have more. Like any older equipment, the A340 has considerably higher fuel burn than the newer twin types. However, it is somewhat offset by much lower lease rates.
Avports, the operator of New York's Westchester County Airport (KHPN), has collaborated with Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology and Westchester County to create a paid college internship program.
Southwest Airlines and Archer Aviation have announced a partnership to develop air taxi networks using electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in California.
Final preparations are underway as EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is set to become the focal point of the aviation world on July 22-28. More than 10,000 aircraft and 650,000 people are expected to attend the weeklong convention for all things aviation. Wittman Regional Airport is expected to once again become the world’s busiest airport during that week.
Delta Air Lines is earning half the industry’s profit, with a 13.6% operating margin and $1.3 billion in earnings for the last quarter. Despite these figures, both are down year-over-year, and the airline has lowered its guidance for the third quarter. Following Thursday morning's announcement, Delta's stock initially lost 8% of its value but regained half by the end of the trading day.
Cessna TTx was once a fast and advanced single-engine aircraft that faced challenges in the market. Competition, low sales, and production challenges led to the end of TTx's production in 2018. Cessna's strategic shift focused on core products, leading to the TTx's discontinuation for efficiency.
Skyryse, the creator of SkyOS, a universal operating system for flight, has announced the expansion of its operations with a new facility in El Segundo, California. This additional light industrial facility triples its integration and testing footprint and marks a significant milestone as Skyryse moves closer to certification and first deliveries of Skyryse One, its first aircraft equipped with SkyOS.
Fiji Airways is applying for a new route to Dallas, increasing its North American presence. The airline already flies to Honolulu, Los Angeles, and San Francisco in the US. Fiji Airways will get a full oneworld membership in 2025, providing more benefits for its passengers.
Aircraft cleaning presents numerous challenges for airlines, from dealing with environmental factors to ensuring efficiency and sustainability. Whether the temperature outside is sub-zero or the airfield is exposed to a sandstorm, the aircraft needs to be cleaned. Automated systems, like those from Nordic Dino, provide a versatile and effective solution to the many challenges airlines face.
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Southwest Airlines and Archer Aviation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a strategy for the future implementation of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi services in Californian airports. The plan aims to reduce city-airport commute times by using electric air taxis, reflecting the state's commitment to climate innovation and cleaner transportation.
JetBlue Airways has the longest domestic stage length in the United States, averaging 1,026 nautical miles (1,901 kilometers). In comparison, major carriers such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines have average distances below the industry standard. Southwest Airlines ranks 11th out of the 13 carriers examined.
Airports worldwide are increasingly adopting electrification to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. This transition is driven by a growing commitment to sustainability, which has evolved from a buzzword to a critical mandate. By integrating more electric solutions, airports can significantly lower their fossil fuel consumption, leading to more environmentally friendly operations.
An Alaska Airlines baggage agent at Newark Airport engaged in a heated confrontation with a customer over delayed luggage. The incident escalated when another passenger attempted to intervene.
A Saudi Airlines flight from Riyadh with 276 passengers and 21 crew members caught fire upon landing at Peshawar’s Bacha Khan International Airport in Pakistan.
Bombardier has announced the presence of the Challenger 3500 aircraft mockup at the private terminal of Costa Smeralda Airport in Olbia, Italy. Throughout the summer, business aviation clients will have an opportunity to experience the cabin and seating of the super midsize jet. The journey of the full-size aircraft mockup included stops in Paris and Nice, France, providing a setting for European clients to discover its features.
Wells Fargo has introduced two new credit cards in partnership with Expedia, promising significant savings on hotel stays for cardholders. For years, hotels have promoted direct booking campaigns, suggesting that the best deals are available through their websites rather than online travel agencies like Expedia. Typically, customers could save 2% as loyalty program members or more with AAA or corporate discounts—rates not accessible through OTAs.
Virgin Australia has scaled back its routes and now focuses primarily on domestic flights, although it still serves five international destinations. Despite facing competition from other airlines, Virgin Australia offers seven lounges equipped with amenities such as free WiFi and showers.