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News from September 2024
California-based Airhart Aeronautics is developing a semi-autonomous flight system for light aircraft, which its founder claims will significantly enhance flight safety. According to Autoweek, Nikita Ermoshkin, a former SpaceX engineer, aims to introduce a modified Sling TSi equipped with electronics designed to maintain the airplane within the flight envelope. The pilot will operate an "airspeed controller" and joystick, while the fly-by-wire system, tentatively named Airhart Assist, ensures stability.
Airbus has announced that its new linefit, supplier-furnished HBCplus Ka-band satellite-supported broadband inflight connectivity solution is set to launch imminently aboard aircraft scheduled for delivery to either Emirates or Ethiopian Airlines.
Air Canada will commence winding down operations on Sunday in anticipation of a strike by its 5,400 pilots set for September 18. The airline stated that the "orderly shutdown" aims to repatriate aircraft from international destinations and prepare the system for an organized restoration of service. The company has cautioned that it may take up to ten days to return to normal operations even if the strike is brief.
A Washington State woman has filed a complaint with the Department of Transportation, alleging that she and her eight-year-old son were removed from an Allegiant flight after requesting accommodations for the child’s severe nut allergies. The incident reportedly occurred because a flight attendant insisted on selling snacks containing cashews to earn commission.
Four people, including a 15-year-old student pilot, were killed in the crash of a Piper Arrow 180 at Basin Harbor Airport, a grass strip in Ferrisburg, Vermont, on Sunday. The aircraft crashed in a wooded area shortly after takeoff just after noon. The victims were identified as student Delilah Van Ness, her mother Susan Van Ness, her high school flight instructor Paul Pelletier, and passenger Frank Rodriguez. They were found dead at the scene about 12 hours after the crash.
Lufthansa Group carriers resumed daytime flights to Tel Aviv on 5 September, following a suspension of service in early August due to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Management expressed optimism about rebuilding the schedule for flights to the Israeli city.
The Coast Guard has approved crewed testing of the wing-in-ground-effect Regent Viceroy seaglider, and the company is anticipating a speedy trip to certification. Although the Viceroy is technically planned to fly, albeit at less than 30 feet above sea level, it is considered a boat and therefore under the Coast Guard's jurisdiction rather than the FAA's. The FAA does have input, however. Regent says the 12-passenger full-sized electrically powered version of the vehicle will be skipping over the wavetops off Rhode Island shortly and flying by 2025.
Air France is expanding its Asian network.
The Lufthansa Group is set to enhance its connectivity to Berlin Brandenburg Airport with a new direct flight to Geneva. Starting October 28, SWISS will operate daily flights from BER to Geneva. Additionally, Eurowings has expanded its services at BER in 2024, increasing its destinations from Berlin to 30 locations across Europe and the Gulf region over the past six months. Passenger volume has more than doubled since the pandemic.
Starbucks is creating waves by allocating $250,000 per year for its new CEO Brian Niccol to commute from his home in Newport Beach, California, to company headquarters in Seattle using company aircraft. According to the company’s “offer letter” to the former Chipotle top executive, quoted in an article in Nation’s Restaurant News and publicly submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, “You agree to commute from your residence to the company headquarters (and engage in other business travel) as is required to perform your duties and responsibilities.” The letter...
A woman was recently seen riding her suitcase through the busy streets of Bangkok to catch her flight. En route to Don Mueang International Airport, she managed another bag in tow while using Google Maps on her phone for navigation.
Delta Air Lines announced a year ago significant changes to its SkyMiles elite program and access to its Sky Clubs. The spending requirement for top status was increased from $20,000 to $35,000. Credit card spending would count towards this status, requiring $350,000 spent on their $550 annual fee credit card or $700,000 per year on their mid-tier card. Additionally, club visits using the premium credit card were capped at 10 per year, with American Express Platinum cardholders receiving just six.
Dan Eleff witnessed a confrontation on Monday between an American Airlines gate agent and a flight attendant at New York JFK. He was flying from New York to Cleveland on American flight 4366, a regional flight operated by Republic Airways.
A United Airlines flight attendant has filed a lawsuit claiming she faced harassment and was demoted after reporting safety violations by her colleagues. The Newark-based crew member alleges that the airline did not investigate any of her reports.
Delta Air Lines is expanding its Delta Sync seatback in-flight entertainment (IFE) experience to more aircraft. The US-based airline has updated IFE systems on hundreds of planes, aiming to make each passenger’s seatback screen resemble a personalized smart TV.
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released its Second Quarter Shipping and Billing Report today, revealing year-over-year increases in the piston, business jet, and piston helicopter segments. The report also noted an increase in the overall value of shipments compared to the same period last year.
Twenty-three years ago today, the tragic events of September 11, 2001, unfolded. Recollections from individuals who experienced that day remain vivid and impactful.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is drawing criticism from both industry stakeholders and members of Congress regarding its handling of commercial space launch licensing.
The March 2025 deadline for the enforcement of REAL ID requirements will not be met, marking another delay in a series that began with the original 2008 deadline. A new proposed rule suggests full enforcement might not begin until May 2027. In the interim, passengers with non-compliant IDs will receive notifications urging them to obtain updated identification.
Over the last year, numerous protests have blocked access to major airports including Chicago O’Hare, New York JFK, and Los Angeles. Supporters of Palestinians, and in some cases Hamas, took over roads causing passengers to miss flights.