News from July 2024
Boeing will continue prioritizing safety and quality at its factories, which is why it decided not to bring any flight demonstrators to the upcoming Farnborough International Airshow. Instead, Boeing's customers will bring static aircraft, including a Qatar Airways Boeing 787-9.
German original equipment manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft has revised the entry into service (EIS) timeline for its 40-seater regional turboprop, the D328eco. The aircraft is now scheduled for EIS in the fourth quarter of 2027. Adjustments to the timeline align with regulatory changes that require a detailed and comprehensive certification process and associated compliance requirements.
Lawmakers are focusing on the aviation workforce shortage, identifying it as a significant obstacle to the industry's future growth.
Pilots communicate with workers on the ramp using an internationally recognized industry-standard language of phrases, hand signals, and radio communication. By contributing to situational awareness, everyone can help detect danger before incidents occur.
Washington’s National Airport is set to welcome an American Express Centurion Lounge, according to photos indicating that construction is nearly complete and furnishings are in place. Reports suggest an “early August” opening, although exact dates remain tentative. Observers noted that “there’s even art up on the walls” and someone was seen “walking around inside taking a video.”
Beta Technologies has completed two additional military exercises in the United States with its electric Alia aircraft.
North Carolina has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) to explore aviation enhancements in the western region of the state.
American Airlines introduces new Miami to South Caicos service, opening up international connections from the US to the idyllic island. Envoy Air will operate the route with 76-seat E175 aircraft, offering customers faster and more convenient access to Turks & Caicos. Expansion at LaGuardia with new seasonal routes, but cuts at London Heathrow as American Airlines adjusts its network strategy.
dnata, a global air and travel services provider, has been awarded a multi-year contract by British Airways at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in the United States. The agreement will see dnata provide inflight catering services to the UK’s flag carrier on its flights to London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Under this contract, dnata’s teams will produce and uplift 150,000 meals annually for the airline’s twice-daily flights.
A midair birth occurred on a Finnair flight, showcasing the airline's emergency preparedness. The incident raises complex questions about a newborn's citizenship under the "jus soli" vs. "jus sanguinis" principles. An off-duty firefighter and the onboard flight attendant assisted in the swift delivery, ensuring the mother and baby's health.
As passenger traffic returns to pre-Covid levels, cabin branding and aircraft interior modification specialist ABC International has observed a shift in airline behavior. Chief Commercial Officer Rodolfo Baldascino noted that long lead times are no longer feasible. "It’s really 24 hours sometimes," he said, emphasizing the urgency airlines now place on cabin hardware and services.
The differences between helicopter and fixed-wing pilots start pre-training. Fixed-wing pilots may earn more than helicopter pilots post-training. Helicopters are more skill-intensive and have lower safety records than fixed-wing aircraft. Helicopter pilots might experience some of the most scenic views as they fly inside national parks, mountainous regions, and other destinations for sightseeing. However, not everyone is drawn to this profession, with some perceiving it as riskier than operating fixed-wing aircraft. There are also differences in training to become a...
Swissport has appointed Ajay Barolia as Senior Vice President Cargo and Peter Weir as Senior Vice President Cargo Commercial, both for the United States and Canada. Together with the cargo team, they will drive the expansion of Swissport’s service portfolio in a strategic market for the air cargo industry.
Boeing Co. has initiated flight tests of its 777-9 aircraft with U.S. regulators, marking a significant step towards certifying the airliner after years of delays.
American Airlines has recently shown a paid upgrade offer to a passenger listed for a systemwide upgrade, indicating a potential change in their policy. The offered upgrade was less than the cash co-pay on a mileage upgrade, raising questions about inventory availability for mileage upgrades.
Apart from the well-known Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), several other airports serve the Los Angeles area, providing alternative options for travelers.
American Airlines is adjusting its winter schedule at London Heathrow, reducing flights from Los Angeles to the lowest level seen in recent winters and limiting Phoenix operations to summer months.
Air New Zealand’s planned debut of Skynest stacked sleeping berths in ultra-long-haul economy class is delayed, but management expects the first-of-its-kind product to launch on a brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner in 2025.
HDR has been selected to lead a new study of passenger mobility and develop possible solutions for Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The airport, consistently named one of the best airports in North America, is exploring options for replacing its tram system to improve the experience for passengers and employees.
Qantas will likely use a North Pole route to achieve its Project Sunrise Sydney to London nonstop with the A350-1000, set for delivery in 2026. In an exclusive media round table ahead of the launch flight from Perth to Paris, Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson stated that the operations team has been “flying the route” daily for the past year and found that often the North Pole route was quickest.