Thu.Oct 03, 2024

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New Southwest director backs leadership after making $100 million investment 

Aerotime

The new Southwest director and IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal has purchased 3.6 million shares in the airline, valued at over $100 million. Details surrounding the purchase were included in several Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings published by Southwest on October 2, 2024. Gangwal purchased the shares on September 30, 2024, and October 1, 2024, in a significant sign that he has confidence in the Southwest leadership.

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Southwest is Reducing Turn Times: Don’t Panic (Yet)

Cranky Flier

Of all the things that Southwest announced in its turnaround plan, the changes in seating were obviously the most buzzy. But I’ve been surprised to see just how much talk there was around the decision to reduce turn times. This is not quite what everyone assumes, so I thought I would dig in deeper to explain exactly what’s happening here.

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IATA reports August 2024 air passenger numbers up by 8.6% worldwide 

Aerotime

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its latest data showing how air passenger numbers are changing month-by-month. Its latest report pertaining to August 2024 shows that global air traffic rose by 8.6% overall for the month, indicating that there is no let-up in the surging demand for air travel despite ongoing geopolitical challenges faced by the airline industry.

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Today in Aviation History: William J. Knight Sets a New Airspeed Record In a North American X-15

Vintage Aviation News

On October 3, 1967, William J. Knight took off for a record-breaking flight, setting the fastest speed record ever recorded by a manned aircraft. This remarkable goal was achieved by a North American X-15-A-2 model, a hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft operated by the US Air Force and NASA. The X-15-A-2 was a part of NASA’s X-series experimental aircraft among X-15A-1, X-15A-2, and X-15A-3​.

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KLM to roll out cost-cutting reorganization program to boost profitability  

Aerotime

Dutch national carrier KLM has announced it will be undergoing a root-and-branch reorganization in a bid to boost its profitability by €450 million ($495 million) per year. In a statement issued by the airline, it said that the company was reviewing a range of different areas of its business amid rising costs and staff shortages that have plagued the airline since the pandemic.

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Intrepid Museum Acquire Iconic FG-1D Corsair

Vintage Aviation News

A legendary piece of aviation history is about to take center stage at the Intrepid Museum: a World War II FG-1D Corsair, on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum, courtesy of the Navy History and Heritage Command. The aircraft arrived at the museum late last night, following its journey from Washington D.C. Known for its critical role in the Pacific theater, this iconic Corsair is one of the few remaining intact examples and will undergo meticulous restoration by the museum’s skilled spe

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Spirit Airlines marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month with special pink uniforms   

Aerotime

Florida-based low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines has announced it will be marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout October 2024 with the unveiling of a collection of pink-inspired uniform options for its employees. According to the airline, Spirit Airlines employees will have the option to wear the new ‘PiNK’ Collection (with a capital “NK” in honor of Spirit’s two-letter IATA airline code), throughout October 2024 as part of the carrier’s commitment to

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Delta Air Lines and Saudia Airlines enter into new codeshare agreement    

Aerotime

As further evidence of the importance of US carriers establishing and expanding travel options to the Middle East, Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines has announced the signing of a new codeshare agreement with Saudia Airlines , the national carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agreement, which remains subject to regulatory approval, builds on the existing interline agreement between the two companies.

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Emirates Returns To Lagos With Daily Boeing 777 Flights

Simple Flying

On Tuesday, Emirates, the world's largest international airline, resumed services to the strategically important destination of Lagos, the largest city in Nigeria on the west coast of Africa. The Boeing 777 was greeted with the traditional water cannon salute on its arrival at Lagos Murtala Mohammed Airport, launching a daily service from Dubai.

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UrbanLink orders up to 20 Eviation Alice aircraft for US regional flights      

Aerotime

UrbanLink Air Mobility, the South Florida-based company planning a range of advanced air mobility (AAM) and zero-emission aviation projects across the US, has announced that it has placed an order with Eviation Aircraft for up to 20 of the manufacturer’s Alice commuter airplanes. The order sees UrbanLink commit to taking 10 aircraft initially, with options for a further 10 aircraft.

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Winter Is Coming: 5 Ways In Which Airlines & Airports Deal With Snow & Ice

Simple Flying

Winter often throws a curveball for the travel business. Snow and ice may seriously disrupt airport operations and airline schedules, despite the appeal of warm fires and wintry scenery.

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FAA concludes six-month safety review launched after spike in United incidents

Aerotime

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has concluded a six-month review of United Airlines that the agency launched in March 2024, after several high-profile safety incidents. When the review was announced earlier this year , the FAA said it wanted to ensure that United was “complying with safety regulations; identifying hazards and mitigating risk; and effectively managing safety,” However, on October 2, 2024, the FAA gave United the all clear after completing its evaluation.

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Military Aviation Museum Collecting Hurricane Helene Relief Supplies, Liberty Foundation’s C-47 Will Fly Supplies to N.C.

Vintage Aviation News

PRESS RELEASE During its Warbirds Over the Beach air show this weekend, Oct. 5 and 6, The Military Aviation Museum will host a supply drive to help areas of North Carolina devastated by Hurricane Helene. After the show, a World War II transport plane best known for dropping paratroopers on D-Day will fly the supplies to Western North Carolina. “We have seen impacts from the storm across the mid-Atlantic, and our upcoming air show is no exception,” Museum Director Keegan Chetwynd said.

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China Southern to launch first flight from Australia to Beijing Daxing Airport

Aerotime

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) will soon be the first airport from Australia to offer flights to Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). China Southern announced that the 11-hour direct service will commence on December 13, 2024, and operate four times a week. The frequency will be increased after an initial 10-week season. The flights are scheduled to operate on the Airbus A330, configured with 28 business class seats and 258 economy class seats.

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IndiGo Co-Founder & Southwest Airlines Director Buys $100 Million More Stock Opposing Elliott's Push For Management Change

Simple Flying

Rakesh Gangwal, co-founder of IndiGo and a board of directors member at Southwest Airlines, had gone on a shopping spree to acquire the latter airlines shares, with the director now owning over 3.6 million of common shares of Southwest Airlines.

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Philippine Airlines launches inaugural flight to Seattle from Manila on B777-300

Aerotime

Philippine Airlines’ inaugural direct flight to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) took off on October 2, 2024. Flight PR 124 departed Manila International Airport (MNL) at 22:40 local time, and landed in Seattle at 19:48 local time, 40 minutes behind schedule. Seattle is Philippine Airlines’ sixth destination in the United States, and eighth in North America.

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US Army AH-64 Apache Helicopters Shoot Down Drones With Hellfire Missiles During Exercise In Saudi Arabia

Simple Flying

The US and ally Saudi Arabia have conducted the latest 'Red Sands' military exercises at the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center in Saudi Arabia. The latest round of joint exercises focused on countering unmanned drones - or C-UAS (counter-unmanned aerial systems) - and saw the participation of AH-64 Apache helicopters, robot dogs and a resupply quadcopter, among other systems.

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KLM Plans Major Cost Cutting To Strengthen Finances

One Mile at a Time

Most network carriers around the globe are dealing with similar issues. While demand is strong, costs have increased considerably following the pandemic, and on top of that, margins are down a bit, as more airlines have restored capacity. In response to market conditions, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced measures to structurally improve the company’s operational and financial performance, and it will have implications for both passengers and employees.

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American Airlines Has Now Made It Far Cheaper To Gift Elite Status

Simple Flying

American Airlines has made recent changes to its AAdvantage program, making it much easier to gift Elite Status. 18 months ago, AAdvantage, the American Airlines frequent flier program, introduced the flexibility to enable members to gift their status for a day. However, it was met with criticism for its one-off cost.

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BOOKED: A Korean Air & Japan Airlines Business Class Adventure!

One Mile at a Time

I guess you could say that it’s review trip season here at OMAAT. I just recently returned from a review trip to Latin America , where I flew airlines like LATAM , Delta , Aeromexico , Boliviana de Aviacion (swoon!), and Copa. Now I’m headed in the other direction, as I just planned a last minute review trip to Asia, which includes some products that I think will interest many of you.

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British Airways Extends Codeshare Destinations With IndiGo And LATAM Airlines

Simple Flying

As major global carriers increasingly strengthen their partnerships with other airlines, British Airways, too, has decided to extend its codeshare deals with Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo and LATAM in Brazil. The new routes added will become available in the coming weeks.

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Chase Sapphire Reserve Adds Air Canada Lounge Access

One Mile at a Time

Hey, this is pretty cool! The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card ( review ) has just improved its airport lounge access benefits, as the card now offers access to an additional network of lounges. Thanks to Doctor of Credit for flagging this. Access Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges with Sapphire Reserve The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card now offers Air Canada lounge access at participating locations.

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'The Last Flight' By Public Service Broadcasting: A Musical Exploration Of Amelia Earhart's Circumnavigation

Simple Flying

In 1937, pioneering American pilot Amelia Earhart looked to make aviation history by becoming the first woman to complete an aerial circumnavigation of the globe. Flying a Lockheed Electra 10E with her navigator Fred Noonan , Earhart disappeared while airborne between Lae Airfield and Howland Island , with the whereabouts of the aircraft, as well as herself and Noonan, still unknown to this day.

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Ryanair Scrapping Paper Boarding Passes, Airport Check-In

One Mile at a Time

Ryanair is planning on completely eliminating paper boarding passes and airport check-in. While that sounds kind of wild, perhaps it’s not quite as radical as it may seem, and Ryanair is just a bit ahead of its time. Ryanair will only allow online check-in Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary held a press conference this week, during which he reportedly revealed that the airline will be significantly changing its check-in procedures.

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Which Airlines Allow You To Book First Class Flights Using American Airlines AAdvanatage Miles

Simple Flying

Everyone would love to travel first class and using miles and points is a popular way to book tickets. Availability can be very hard to find, but represents some of the best value you will find in the loyalty world.

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FAA Concludes United Airlines Safety Audit, Finds Nothing

One Mile at a Time

In March 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stepped up oversight of United Airlines , after the airline had a series of incidents and accidents. Since then, the FAA has been auditing the airline to figure out if there are any areas for improvement, and the results are in… FAA identifies no safety issues at United On October 2, 2024, the FAA put out a statement regarding its United safety audit, which is just two sentences: The FAA finished its Certificate Holder Evaluation Program (

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Why Did KLM Have Boeing 747 Combis?

Simple Flying

There are two distinct kinds of commercial aircraft which operate in our skies today. Passenger aircraft make up the majority of commercial planes flying in the skies today, and they remain the primary instruments that connect the world's population today.

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Delta goes bigger in Texas: Five new nonstops from Austin to business and leisure hotspots

World Airline News

Delta Air Lines is continuing to position itself as the airline of choice for customers traveling to and from Austin with the introduction of five new routes from the Texas capital. Starting in March 2025, Delta will add daily nonstop service to Panama City, Fla. (ECP). Additionally, the airline will add new, nonstop service to Indianapolis (IND), Memphis (MEM), San Francisco (SFO) and Tampa (TPA), providing Austin customers more options than ever before.

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14 Routes: Qatar Airways & American Airlines Growing Doha-North America Network Explored

Simple Flying

In mid-December, Qatar Airways will lift off from Doha to Toronto, becoming the one world member's second Canadian route. It will replace codeshare partner Air Canada on the 5,885 nautical mile (10,899 km) airport pair, which last served it between 2020 and 2023 amid the most difficult of times.

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Duxford Battle of Britain Airshow 2024

Vintage Aviation News

by Nigel Hitchman This year’s Battle of Britain Airshow, which was put on by the IWM at Duxford, continued its legacy of excellence with new and returning aircraft appearances. The September show always seems to be the best IWM show at Duxford, and with Flying Legends no longer there, the Battle of Britain show really the main event of the year and certainly the best to visit.

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What Type Of Aircraft Does Jerry Jones Fly?

Simple Flying

Jerry Jones is one of the most famous sports team owners in the world. The businessman is most known for his role as the Owner, President, and General Manager of the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). Jones was born in Los Angeles, California, on October 13, 1942. However, his family moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, when he was a kid, and he grew up in the area.

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A Big Trip for a Little Meerkat

Inspire

By Karl Jensen, EAA 554322, EAA Chapter 322 Many EAA members here in South Africa help with flights for The Bataleurs, a group of volunteer pilots who fly for the environment. I was one such pilot who recently undertook a mission for the group — “a mission that made my flying for a purpose meaningful […] The post A Big Trip for a Little Meerkat first appeared on Hangar Flying.

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American Airlines Passengers Subdue Violent Fellow Flier Before Flight Diverted To Charlotte

Simple Flying

Passengers aboard an AA310 flight showed great concern and solidarity when they teamed up to subdue a male passenger who was attempting to assault his female companion seated in the adjacent seat. Due to the incident, the flight was expedited to its final destination.

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Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum October Events Showcase WWII History and Unseen Artifacts

Vintage Aviation News

PRESS RELEASE This October, the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum (FHCAM) is hosting a lineup of events that will immerse visitors in key historical moments from World War II. This month’s unique offerings are perfect for history enthusiasts and families alike, from rare vehicle demonstrations to docent lectures and more. These events are free to attend with the purchase of a general admission ticket, with VIP ticket purchases available for select events.

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Honda Dispatches Several HondaJet Aircraft To Provide Aid To Hurricane Helene Victims

Simple Flying

On Thursday, September 26th, Hurricane Helene, registered as a category-4 hurricane , made landfall on the Southeastern United States. This began the storm's path of nearly 800 miles of carnage that affected several states, including Florida , Georgia , South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee, among others. However, on Thursday, October 3rd, Honda Aircraft Company revealed that it intended to continue its support of the affected victims in the area.

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Southwest Outlines Plans for “2.0” Launch, Including Assigned Seats

Flyertalk

The airline leadership announced their new direction during their investor day in Dallas on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. New Direction Aimed at Enticing Younger Customers with More Income Speaking to investors, airline chief executive Bob Jordan outlined the direction Southwest wants to go in order to improve their profitability. The most visible of them will be the new boarding procedure, which will roll out next year.

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Rugged Business Jet: A Look At The Pilatus PC-24

Simple Flying

The Pilatus PC-24 is a light business jet made by Pilatus Aircraft in Switzerland. Popular with air charter companies and medevac missions, this rugged and reliable aircraft can travel almost anywhere, from the Australian outback to the Arctic Circle. Let's find out more about this versatile aircraft.

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