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News from July 2024
Wizz Air, a European low-cost carrier based in Budapest, Hungary, has rapidly expanded its operations across the region and as far away as Abu Dhabi in the UAE. Founded in 2003, the airline has grown to become one of Europe’s leading low-cost carriers. With two-hour-long flights available for as little as $21 each way, questions arise about how the airline can offer such low fares.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has introduced a new initial bonus offer, providing 5 free night awards valued at up to 300,000 points. This represents a significant increase from the previous offer of 140,000 points.
Former American Airlines Chairman Doug Parker has revealed efforts to use federal influence to challenge a smaller competitor, JSX. In March, during an appearance on the Airlines Confidential podcast, Parker disclosed that he and Southwest Airlines Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson had approached TSA Administrator David Pekoske a year earlier. They requested that JSX be prohibited from operating out of private terminals without TSA screeners.
Hyatt is in talks to acquire Standard Hotels. Discussions are in "advanced stages" but have not been finalized.
American Airlines has introduced the AAdvantage Business loyalty program, targeting corporate travelers. The program allows businesses to earn one mile for every dollar spent on corporate travel with American Airlines. These miles can be redeemed for various travel expenses, including flights, upgrades, and car rentals.
The June 28 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the Chevron doctrine, which provided legal deference to federal agencies, is likely to generate more court challenges and slow certain regulatory initiatives, according to Matt Mentzer, a partner who leads the tax practice for the aviation law firm Jetlaw. Mentzer expects that courts will still weigh agency expertise in legal challenges but added that the Supreme Court decision “has enormous implications for the aviation industry.”
JetBlue is offering non-stop business class flights from New York and Boston to Paris for under $2,000 roundtrip this summer.
When non-stop block time is considered, the world's 10 longest narrowbody routes in peak summer range between 8 hours 30 minutes and 9 hours 20 minutes. La Compagnie's flights from Milan and Nice to Newark share the top position, influenced by having just 72 lie-flat beds. United Airlines has three routes blocked at a maximum of 8 hours 40 minutes.
Gary/Chicago International Airport (KGYY) commenced construction this week on a $12 million, 47,000-square-foot aviation hangar. The facility, which the airport will own and operate, is scheduled for completion in May 2025. Wingtip Aviation, an aircraft charter and management provider, has signed a 20-year lease with the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority and will consolidate its operations at KGYY.
The Chicago Executive Pilots Association (CEPA) hosted its annual Member Appreciation Dinner in Hangar 5 at Chicago Executive Airport on July 10, awarding three students with individual scholarships for their pursuits in aviation.
Dovetail Electric Aviation has unveiled a 600-kilowatt hydrogen-electric powerplant designed to convert existing passenger and freight aircraft. The Australia-based start-up announced the commencement of ground testing for the propulsion system during an open day event held in Seville, Spain, on July 17.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is exercising a $106 million contract option with Gulfstream Aerospace to purchase a preowned G550 modified by the OEM to support hurricane and tropical storm forecasts, atmospheric research, and other missions. Partially funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, the fully instrumented twinjet is expected to join NOAA's fleet in 2028.
What does your airport routine say about your personality?
Engineering, flight test, and certification company AeroMech is developing a supplemental type certificate (STC) for the installation of SpaceX’s Starlink airborne connectivity system on the Textron Aviation Citation 560XL series. Applicable to the Excel, XLS, and XLS+ models, the STC will eventually be extended to include the new Citation Ascend, which will replace the XLS+ in Textron Aviation's lineup when it is certified in 2025.
Boeing has tailored its presence at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, focusing on strengthening safety and quality while meeting customer commitments. The company is also highlighting next-generation technologies and capabilities.
AirVenture is a notable event for pilots and aspiring aviators. This year, through a partnership with Redbird Flight, FLYING is enhancing its coverage of the largest airshow in the U.S. with a live daily broadcast from Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The Big Mac is so ubiquitous that The Economist developed a price index for the burger as a way to measure purchasing power parity across economies.
A lavatory door detached inside Cathay Pacific flight 840 from Hong Kong to New York JFK shortly after takeoff and remained off for the duration of the flight. The incident was reported by @crucker.
AI Airport Services Limited, a ground handling service provider, faced chaos at a recent Mumbai recruitment event, with 25,000 jobseekers for just over 2,000 positions. Most of the aspirants were first-time jobseekers. Recruiters were overwhelmed by the response and had to ask applicants to leave their resumes and return home.
Courchevel Altiport in France has a steep gradient, requiring skilled pilots for precise landings. Barra Airport in Scotland has unique beach runways that are accessible during low tide. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport in Saba is known for having one of the world's shortest commercial runways.