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News from July 2024
Audio Authority is unveiling the newest version of its White Lightning ground power units (GPU) at this year’s EAA AirVenture. According to the manufacturer, the SmartGPU is the industry’s first connected GPU, equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing a pilot to remotely control the GPU and monitor the condition of the battery.
SkyTeam member Vietnam Airlines operates a non-stop service between the U.S. and Vietnam, offering four weekly flights from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City using an Airbus A350. Currently, there is notable business class award availability for up to four passengers per flight, with options extending up to eleven months in advance. This route can also serve as a gateway for further travel within Southeast Asia or beyond, subject to mileage requirements.
Collins Aerospace has completed the preliminary design review (PDR) for the European Union Clean Aviation HECATE program, which is developing new high-voltage distribution technologies for future hybrid-electric aircraft. The HECATE initiative aims to demonstrate a 500-kilowatt (kW) powertrain to achieve Technology Readiness Level 5 (TRL5) by 2025.
Qatar Airways plans to unveil its latest business class product, the "Qsuite Next Gen," at the Farnborough Airshow this week. The new design will be showcased at the Qatar Airways Discover Lounge.
United Airlines has introduced new requirements for flight attendants calling in sick on weekends, mandating documentation from a doctor to substantiate the absence. The airline cited a 23% increase in sick calls over weekends this summer as the reason for the policy change.
A passenger on Frontier Airlines flight 1449 from Atlanta to Denver on Saturday evening reported being removed from the aircraft after boarding to make room for staff. The medical student stated she was "threatened with arrest" if she did not relinquish her seat, resulting in her missing the wedding she was traveling to attend. The flight subsequently experienced a delay of approximately 40 minutes before departing without her.
Liebherr Aerospace has adopted the motto "transform. develop. sustain." to highlight its presence at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow and demonstrate how it addresses significant challenges facing the aviation industry.
Pilots have a new resource for planning visits to flying destinations with SocialFlight’s enhanced website and mobile app. The new SocialFlight Destinations feature provides detailed information about interesting places to fly in North America, including photos, reviews, crew car availability, and local transportation options. Additionally, the Destination Digest offers a personalized adventure guide.
At the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, a new wave of small electric aircraft, primarily with capacities between two and six passengers and ranges slightly over 100 nautical miles, has become a focal point in aviation's advanced air mobility (AAM) sector. These new eVTOL vehicles are vying for attention alongside larger aircraft, advocating for early-stage commercial operations expected to commence as soon as 2025.
The NTSB has launched an investigation into an incident involving a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 at the end of June. The early morning departure, flight WN4805, departed from a runway that was closed.
American Airlines has announced new benefits for its frequent flyers, set to be introduced later this year. These additions are part of a broader program overhaul aimed at providing more ways to earn and redeem miles.
American Airlines releases 2023 Sustainability Report focusing on decarbonization and climate impact
American Airlines has released its 2023 Sustainability Report, emphasizing its commitment to decarbonizing aviation and addressing climate change. The report highlights collaborations with Breakthrough Energy and Google Research on contrail avoidance research aimed at reducing the industry's climate impact.
Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) have issued new guidelines to address unruly passenger behavior, aiming to protect their employees. Both airlines have defined customer harassment and outlined various actions that harm the working environment of their staff. They may refuse service and report passengers to authorities for severe misconduct.
Dan’s Deals has highlighted a new opportunity to redeem Air France KLM Flying Blue points for travel on El Al. All major transferable currencies—Chase, American Express, Citi, Capital One, and Bilt—transfer to Air France KLM, making these points accessible to many travelers. Pricing through Flying Blue is significantly lower than booking directly with El Al or through Delta.
Patria Aviation has received EASA supplemental type certificate (STC) approval for the installation of Astronautics’ AFI4700 RoadRunner electronic flight instrument (EFI) for Bell 212/412EP helicopters.
GKN Aerospace has officially opened an expansion to its facility in Chihuahua, Mexico, which the company describes as a "significant advancement" for its manufacturing capabilities in the North American market.
The RTX group has completed the preliminary design review for its hybrid-electric propulsion demonstrator, part of the SWITCH project funded by the European Union’s Clean Aviation initiative. The milestone was reported on Monday at the Farnborough Airshow 2024 as part of ongoing efforts to demonstrate the potential for hybrid-electric and water-enhanced turbofan technology to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in future short- and medium-range airliners.
Alaska Airlines has announced plans to enhance premium seating capacity on over 200 Boeing 737 aircraft, including expanding the First Class cabin on its Boeing 737-800s and adding extra-legroom Premium Class seats on its Boeing 787-900ER and Boeing 737 MAX 9 twinjets.
Hydrogen propulsion innovator ZeroAvia is back at the Farnborough International Airshow with its largest exhibit yet. The company, which splits its operations between Washington state and the UK, will also announce this week commercial agreements with a pair of airlines and the developer of a new seaplane.
Blackhawk Aerospace is developing a supplemental type certificate (STC) to re-engine the Daher TBM 700 series with 150 more shaft horsepower, in partnership with sister company and TBM-authorized sales and service center Avex Aviation. The STC will replace the 700-shp Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-64 on the TBM 700A, 700B, and 700C2 with the 850-shp PT6A-66D.