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News from September 2024
Point.me, a service dedicated to assisting users in finding frequent flyer award seats and guiding them through account setup, point transfers, and bookings, has released a new report ranking the world’s best airline frequent flyer programs. This report is based on extensive award search data collected from users who are consistently looking for available awards.
dnata, a prominent provider of air and travel services worldwide, has secured a multi-year contract with Royal Jordanian Airlines at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The agreement involves dnata delivering comprehensive passenger, ramp, and baggage services to the airline. Royal Jordanian operates daily flights between JFK Terminal Eight and Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.
As winter approaches, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued Safety Alert SA-097, reminding pilots about the dangers of flying in icing conditions—specifically the adverse effects of airframe and propeller icing on aircraft performance.
The overall shortage of U.S. Air Force pilots could mean that recent T-38 pilot-training graduates may find themselves assigned to non-combat roles, such as instructor pilots or flying transports and air-to-air refuelers. Graduates of T-38 training usually go on to fighters or bombers, but the acute shortage means there aren’t enough pilots available for other duty tracks.
British Airways is set to expand its services from Austin, introducing a second flight six days a week as part of its joint venture with American Airlines. This move will increase the total number of weekly flights between Austin and London to thirteen.
American Express has introduced a new limited-time offer for the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card. The promotion allows cardholders to earn 5 Free Night Awards, each valued at up to 50,000 points for eligible stays. This offer is available until October 16 and is subject to resort fees and terms.
Production and maintenance employees at Hydra-Lock Corp., a hydraulic tooling company based in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, have submitted a petition seeking a vote to remove United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 155 union officials from their workplace. Hydra-Lock employee Keith Woody submitted the petition to National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Region 7 in Detroit with free legal aid from National Right to Work Foundation staff attorneys.
UNI Global Union is collaborating with the International Lawyers Assisting Workers Network (ILAW Network) to establish a new Working Group on Surveillance and Freedom of Association, targeting Amazon's surveillance practices. This initiative aims to hold the e-commerce giant accountable for its use of surveillance technology to monitor employees and hinder unionization efforts.
An American Airlines first-class passenger recently shared his experience on social media about his dog's first flight. Despite the pet relieving itself in the airport parking garage, the owner expressed confidence that the journey would be pleasant once they were settled in the first-class cabin.
Euronews reported this week it has received a leaked document showing Hungary is proposing delaying taxes on airline and maritime fuel until mid-century. Currently, diesel, gasoline, and electricity used for rail and road vehicles are “heavily taxed,” according to Euronews. However, airlines and marine vessels, from fishing boats to cruise ships, pay no fuel taxes. The policy is seen as a means of stimulating air travel, but environmentalists find the measure counter to Europe’s commitment to green energy.
Southwest Airlines pilots will be required to complete additional training following a series of safety incidents that triggered a review by U.S. regulators.
American Airlines flight attendants have ratified a new contract following an aggressive campaign by their union. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants announced on September 12, 2024, that 87% of eligible flight attendants voted in favor of the agreement, with a high voter turnout of 95%.
On Thursday, Gulfstream Aerospace announced the first sale of its new Gulfstream G400 to German-based DC Aviation for charter operations.
President Biden has been working to increase the power of union officials, including those from the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). This effort has led to allegations that UFCW officials are improperly funneling employee money into union Political Action Committees (PACs).
A woman who was in a sexual relationship with an airplane for nine years has revealed that she has broken up with it, but they still remain friends.
Battery thermal-runaway incidents on aircraft reached a five-year high in 2023, with e-cigarettes leading the causes, according to a report by the nonprofit UL Standards and Engagement (ULSE). The findings were reported by the Tobacco Reporter.
Technology entrepreneur and space/aviation enthusiast Jared Isaacman launched Tuesday, September 10, on the SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission. Powered by a Falcon 9 rocket, Polaris Dawn is the first of three privately funded flights. Isaacman is joined by fellow crew members Scott “Kidd” Poteet, a close friend and retired USAF pilot, along with SpaceX engineers Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon.
United Airlines has announced plans to deploy Starlink internet across its entire fleet, offering the fastest in-flight internet service at no additional cost to passengers. Initial tests are scheduled for early next year, with the first passenger flight featuring the new technology expected later in 2025. Over the next few years, United will roll out Starlink on both mainline and regional jets.
American Airlines is set to introduce an Admirals Club at San Antonio International Airport, marking the first addition to its lounge network since Houston Intercontinental in 2017. This new development follows a previous announcement in fall 2021 regarding an Admirals Club in Austin, which has yet to materialize due to leasing and construction delays.
United Airlines has announced a significant upgrade to its in-flight connectivity services by equipping its entire fleet with Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service. This move aims to enhance passenger experience by providing faster and more reliable internet access during flights.