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Embraer announced the E2 aircraft family as the successor to its E-jets in June 2013.
Welcome to the 135th weekly routes article, which highlights notable new airline services that began recently. The focus is on significant and intriguing routes rather than a comprehensive list.
Elevate MRO has inaugurated a new maintenance center for business aircraft at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Denver.
Boeing will plead guilty to a criminal fraud charge related to the deadly 737 MAX 8 crashes that occurred in 2018 and 2019. The news comes six months after the high-profile Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 door blowout incident. That dramatic incident, taking place in January 2024, brought the safety of the aircraft type into question again.
UK Defence Secretary Healey plans to apply a "NATO Test" to major defence projects, ensuring the UK meets alliance obligations and addresses capability and funding gaps. Healey emphasizes the importance of a "NATO first" security strategy, focusing on Europe, the North Atlantic, and Arctic regions. Labour commits to supporting Ukraine, investing in the UK defence industry, and increasing procurement for national resilience and NATO leadership.
ETOPS rules permit two-engine planes to safely fly overwater distances, and the Pacific route between the US mainland and Hawaii is notable for its distance from alternate airports. Flight plans for this crossing rely on the Central East Pacific Route System (CEP), which uses pre-coded routes and fixed waypoints for navigation. Pilots communicate with Oakland Oceanic Control Center through CPDLC and monitor guard frequencies for weather and turbulence reports during the four-hour radio silence.
Deutsche Aircraft has announced a delay in the service entry of its D328eco regional airliner, now projected for the end of 2027.
The National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, FL offers free admission and features over 150 restored aircraft, including planes from the Navy Blue Angels. Seattle's Museum of Flight houses historic and modern aircraft, while Boeing Future of Flight in Everett provides factory tours. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, and Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, AZ showcase extensive collections of aircraft.
The Farnborough International Airshow has facilitated more than $500 billion in deals over the past decade, establishing itself as a significant event for both the aerospace industry and the UK. The 2024 show will see major players like Airbus, Boeing, Rolls-Royce, and others return. The event is completely sold out, underscoring its continued relevance.
South Korean airlines experienced a significant surge in passenger numbers during the first half of 2024, with a 29% increase compared to the same period in 2023. According to data released by the Korean government and reported by The Korea Times, the ten airlines based in South Korea carried a combined total of 47.56 million passengers over the past six months, up from 36.83 million passengers in H1 2023.
Ryanair has celebrated the 39th anniversary of its first flight with a sale, offering prices starting at €19.85 ($21.52). The airline's growth rapidly accelerated in the 1990s when it introduced the Boeing 737. Now, Ryanair has become the largest airline in Europe in terms of weekly departures.
John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown made the first nonstop transatlantic flight in 1919, flying a Vickers Vimy biplane for 16 hours and 27 minutes. Charles A. Lindbergh achieved the first nonstop solo flight in 1927, flying a Ryan M2 (Spirit of St. Louis) for 33 hours and 30 minutes. Lufthansa operated the first nonstop transatlantic passenger flight with a land-based aircraft in 1938, flying a Focke-Wulf Fw 200 "Condor" for 24 hours and 55 minutes.
United Airlines operates several top international routes from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) with limited seat availability, including IAD-YYZ and IAD-ATH. Competitors on the IAD-ATH route include KLM, Air Canada, and Lufthansa, with United offering one-stop flights via New York or Chicago. United Airlines provides over 15,000 seats on the IAD-FRA route, where Lufthansa is the only competitor for direct flights.
Korean Air will remove the Boeing 747 from its Honolulu flights more than a month sooner than previously planned, redirecting the aircraft to Singapore instead. The airline has eight remaining passenger-configured 747-8i aircraft and plans to operate them on seven routes until the end of the year.
ZIPAIR, a low-cost subsidiary of Japan Airlines, appears to be ending its San Jose flights. The airline introduced the route from Tokyo Narita in December 2022, but no services are scheduled or bookable after October 24, 2024. Since 1990, seven airlines have attempted long-haul flights from San Jose.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has released an updated warning to aircraft operators concerning the risks associated with interference in navigation systems due to signal spoofing and jamming.
Strikes due to high inflation, cost of living, and protecting rights are causing significant travel disruptions in the commercial aviation sector. Flight delays and cancellations have become common during these strikes, affecting both passengers and airlines. Flight attendants and pilots are demanding better pay and working conditions, leading to protests and strikes.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates the presence of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and first-aid kits on flights, with trained crew members responsible for accessing them. The SAMPLE acronym is used to assess medical emergencies, while DRSABCD helps establish consciousness. The Aviation Medical Assistance Act (AMAA) offers legal protection for medical professionals assisting in-flight emergencies, although jurisdiction can be unclear.
Air Canada is commemorating the 40th anniversary of its Aeroplan loyalty program with a series of giveaways, including 1 million points for 40 frequent flyers. To participate, members must register on a special landing page and complete the form by July 17. Eligible Aeroplan Elite Status Members receive an additional entry.
Hurricane Beryl has caused significant disruption across the US, leading to over 1,400 flight cancellations and more than 2,200 delays. Major airports such as George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) have been heavily affected.