News from July 2024
Hawker 4000 operators now have the option to install a fully integrated Future Air Navigation System (FANS) and Protected Mode Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (PM-CPDLC).
Agile Combat Employment (ACE) has emerged as a key strategy within NATO's air operations, aimed at enhancing resilience and survivability while maintaining air combat power.
A coalition of aviation and industry groups is urging Congress to alter the funding mechanism for modernizing and upgrading the National Airspace System (NAS). Spearheaded by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and Airlines for America, 26 organizations have proposed changes to the administration of the Aviation and Airways Trust Fund. These changes aim to provide the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with greater flexibility in allocating funds.
Eight China Southern Airlines pilots have successfully completed their C919 training with a 100% pass rate. The airline has ordered 100 C919 aircraft, becoming the last major Chinese airline to do so. The first delivery of the C919 to China Southern Airlines is anticipated in August 2024.
An American Airlines first-class passenger caused a stir by sitting in the bulkhead row with her feet propped up on the wall, barefoot. Another passenger captured a photo and commented that American's planes "aren’t [passenger] bedrooms." The incident highlighted ongoing concerns about in-flight etiquette.
Jimmy Buffett, a renowned musician with over 30 albums and nine platinum records, also had a notable passion for aviation. With a net worth exceeding $1 billion, Buffett's success extended beyond music into various business ventures, including investments in the Margaritaville restaurant and hotel chain.
ITA Airways offers status matches for frequent flyers from 19 airlines, including a 10,000-point bonus. The Volare program lets passengers outside Italy earn elite status in SkyTeam with perks across carriers. A simple registration process allows applicants to submit status match requests for recognition within 60 days.
Bombardier has completed the installation of over 3,000 solar panels on the roof of its London Biggin Hill Service Centre at London Biggin Hill Airport. This initiative underscores Bombardier's commitment to sustainable practices within the aviation industry and aims to reduce energy consumption across its global facilities.
The second quarter of 2024 saw business jet deliveries by the top five original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) exceed expectations, according to aviation data firm Cirium.
The Ukrainian military has repurposed the Aeroprakt A-22, known in the U.S. as the Foxbat LSA, to target Russian drones. This strategy follows a period of success with Air Force pilots and rear gunners using Yak-52 aircraft to down Russian UAVs. The Yak-52 initiative involved pilots and gunners equipped with shotguns, effectively neutralizing enemy drones.
Jetstar has launched its Kiwi Sale, offering over 25,000 discounted one-way fares starting at $169. The sale will run for six days, concluding at 11:59 PM AEST on Monday, July 22, 2024, unless sold out earlier. Details and conditions are available on Jetstar.com.
Korean Air has introduced new in-flight service procedures to address turbulence-related risks. Going forward, Korean Air's flight attendants will end service on medium and long-haul flights 20 minutes earlier than previously.
Airlines have adjusted schedules and offered evacuation flights out of the Caribbean in response to Hurricane Beryl. They are waiving fees for cancellations and rescheduling Caribbean flights over the next few days. The Indian National Men's Cricket Team is also stranded in the Caribbean, as a special Air India charter flight couldn't reach Barbados.
Asiana Airlines will operate its Airbus A380 on four occasions to Frankfurt in September and November. The carrier last served this route in 2023. By the end of the year, Asiana plans to operate seven double-decker routes globally, including to Barcelona.
The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation announced that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in Philadelphia has scheduled a vote for July 17 to decide if employees at Philadelphia International Airport can remove Unite Here Local 274 union officials. This decision follows nearly five months of litigation initiated by employee Kale Mulugeta with assistance from the foundation's attorneys.
Delta Air Lines' credit ratings have been upgraded by Fitch Ratings, which cited significantly reduced debt and a solid business profile among other factors. Despite this improvement, Fitch has rated American Airlines and United Airlines below Delta.
The Farnborough Airshow, held at the historic Farnborough Airport in the UK, is a significant event in the aviation industry.
Families of the victims of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 have provided emotional testimony about the impact of the aircraft’s destruction and the failure of Russian authorities to address the tragedy ten years on.
Compared to fiscal year 2023, aeromedical operator LifeFlight’s helicopter flying hours increased by 25% to 5,159 hours, boosting the number of people aided by its rotary-wing operation to 5,313, up 131%. The Queensland-based not-for-profit company’s total number of people helped reached 8,177 in fiscal year 2024, an increase of 11%.
Dallas Fort Worth Airport is the world's largest single-airline hub. Terminal E has the largest concourse trek in the US and has no direct walkways between terminals. American Airlines has exclusive use of Terminals A, B, and C.