Policy News
Business aircraft flight activity experienced a decline in June, with a 3.4% drop compared to the previous year, according to TraqPak data from Argus International.
Eswatini Air, the flag carrier of the Kingdom of Eswatini, is considering expanding its operations to connect with all countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and potentially adding a new route to Johannesburg's Lanseria International Airport. The airline aims to make air travel more affordable and accessible, contributing to significant growth in traffic volumes.
Cameras are ubiquitous, and hikers in the Devil’s Thumb area of Colorado on July 4 nearly captured a plane crash. The hikers posted a video showing an aircraft, possibly a Cessna 152, recovering from an incipient spin just feet from the ground near the top of the Continental Divide. The formation known as Devil’s Thumb is at an elevation of 12,200 feet. It was a warm day even at that altitude, as evidenced by the clothing worn by the hiker. No further details are available.
The USA's 20 busiest airports account for 78% of the country's flights, with services currently 5% lower than in July 2019. Five airports have experienced a significant reduction, losing over 100 daily departures each, with Chicago O'Hare down by 239. Detroit has seen nearly one in four outbound flights cut.
Turkish Airlines has reached an agreement with AerCap to lease ten Airbus A321neo aircraft.
United Airlines, already under increased scrutiny by the FAA for maintenance issues, is investigating the loss of one of eight main gear wheels on one of its Boeing 757s. The incident occurred on Monday when the 30-year-old plane was taking off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Despite losing a wheel, the flight continued to Denver and landed without further complications.
Airbus Helicopters has delivered its first H160 helicopter to the United States, marking its entry into service in the country.
Medevac, short for "medical evacuation," refers to the transportation of patients by air, often in critical condition, from one location to another for urgent medical care. These flights are essential for ensuring that patients reach specialized medical facilities quickly, particularly when ground transportation is not feasible due to distance, terrain, or time constraints.
Charter operator ATI Jet has introduced a new retail division, Jetvia, aimed at enhancing customer-facing services.
Sichuan Airlines A350-900 features a panda-themed livery, symbolizing support for giant panda conservation. The airline operates out of Beijing Airport Terminal 2, serving both domestic and international routes. Panda motifs extend to the aircraft's interior, showcasing attention to detail and a commitment to conservation efforts.
A United Airlines Boeing 757 lost a tire during takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on July 8, but continued its flight to Denver International Airport (DEN) safely. The aircraft, performing flight UA 1001, departed at 07:15 and landed in Denver at 10:10 without any reported injuries to passengers or ground personnel.
Enrolling in third-party programs like LoungeKey, Priority Pass, or DragonPass can grant you airport lounge access without a credit card. You can also purchase airline lounge memberships or day passes from various airlines, including Delta, United, and Emirates. Travelers can earn elite status within airline loyalty programs or alliance partners like SkyTeam or Star Alliance for additional perks and lounge access.
Sales of preowned single-engine helicopters worldwide increased by 4% in the first half of 2024, while supply grew by 23%, according to Aero Asset's latest report.
The European Commission (EC) will reassess Lufthansa's state aid, which amounted to €6.06 billion ($6.5 billion). The EC initiated its investigation after the EU General Court annulled the state aid approval given by the EC in June 2020. The Commission will investigate several aspects of its approval process, including the Lufthansa Group's dominant positions at Dusseldorf Airport (DUS) and Vienna Airport (VIE).
Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter, is one of the world's most famous musicians. The rapper was born on December 4, 1969, in New York City and raised in the Marcy Houses, a public housing project in Brooklyn. He began his musical career in the 1980s under the guidance of another Brooklyn-based rapper, Jaz-O.
Boeing is currently engaged in discussions with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) regarding the potential impact of its decision to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge on its defense contracts and future opportunities. The company, which derived more than one-third of its revenue last year from government defense contracts, is exploring how this plea could affect its standing.
Online aviation marketplace Alpha Wingman, previously known as MRO Insider, has announced that it will now offer free memberships to Fixed Base Operators (FBOs).
Airline stopovers are becoming increasingly popular, with airlines hoping to attract connecting passengers to visit their home countries. Several airlines worldwide offer stopovers, which are free, extended periods between connecting flights, allowing people to explore a place not otherwise part of the planned itinerary. No airline in the United States offers stopover programs, but that does not mean there are no opportunities for those residing in the US to experience a stopover.
The AV-8B Harrier II is a single-engine V/STOL ground attack aircraft, featuring a high thrust-to-weight ratio and a Rolls-Royce Pegasus F-402-RR-408 turbofan engine. The aircraft's thrust vectoring and swiveling nozzles enable efficient vertical takeoff and landing, enhancing agility in combat missions. It is capable of close air support, precise targeting, and carrying a full payload using the STOL method, making it versatile for various missions.
The ARJ21 aircraft has achieved a significant milestone by operating on its first high-altitude route in China, connecting Kashgar and Tashkurgan.