Cranky Flier
MARCH 18, 2025
Thanks to Southwest’s elimination of its differentiators, both United CEO Scott Kirby and Delta President Glen Hauenstein said last week that in competitive markets, Southwest’s customers are up for grabs. Scott took things further in his chat at the JP Morgan Industrials Conference as he explained what should happen next. I think the far bigger thing… it’s the slaying of a sacred cow.
Aerotime
MARCH 18, 2025
Air France has thrown down the gauntlet to global carriers with its stunning new La Premire first class cabin that will be sure to worry rivals in a highly competitive field. The French flag carrier unveiled its distinctive approach to luxury first class travel on March 18, 2025, with the introduction of the La Premire cabins and the all-important nitty-gritty details.
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One Mile at a Time
MARCH 18, 2025
Its a big day for Air France, Europes most premium airline. The airline has today unveiled its new first class product (marketed as La Premiere), as part of a project that has been over three years in the making. For context, Air Frances current first class was introduced over a decade ago, in 2014, and continues to be very competitive to this day. Now the airline is launching a new cabin, designed in partnership with Frances STELIA Aerospace, that will no doubt lead the industry for the next de
Aerotime
MARCH 18, 2025
French seaplane startup Hynaero has signed a partnership with Airbus to develop the Fregate-F100, a new generation of firefighting amphibious aircraft. Under this agreement, which was signed on February 20, 2025, and made public in mid-March 2025, Airbus Defence and Space will support Hynaero by contributing its substantial engineering and industrial capabilities to the Fregate-F100 program.
Simple Flying
MARCH 18, 2025
Air France has unveiled its long-awaited brand-new first class suites to be fitted on its long-haul Boeing 777 fleet. The airline hopes to deploy the new product on services to a select few long-haul destinations over the next few weeks, beginning with New York JFK Airport. The new product reflects a fairly significant upgrade to the carriers first-class offering, incorporating French elegance and art de vivre [the art of living].
Aerotime
MARCH 18, 2025
A British traveler has been charged for allegedly hurling verbal abuse at airline staff and damaging an aerobridge at Changi International Airport (SIN) in Singapore. A report by The Straits Times identified the man as Richard Michael Roll Burridge, aged 57, who is expected to plead guilty on March 20, 2025. Based on reports, Burridge had already boarded his flight bound for London Heathrow Airport (LHR), when he realized that he had left his mobile phone at the airport lounge where he waited fo
Simple Flying
MARCH 18, 2025
Bombardier Aerospace is best known for its high-flying and fast aircraft, with their Global 7500 being one of the fastest business jets in the entire world. Throughout its development, certification, and production, according to Bombardier, the Global 7500 has now set 100 different speed records across the world. Here's a look at some of the records that the Global 7500 has broken during its short history and the design characteristics that have helped it achieve its 100th broken record.
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Simple Flying
MARCH 18, 2025
The US Navy , in a study at the request of the United States federal courts, has decided to affirm keeping the Boeing EA-18G Growlers at Washington States NAS Whidbey Island instead of moving them to NAF El Centro in the Southern California desert. Among other reasons for denying the judicial suggestion, the Growler training environment, servicemember families, and the El Centro community would all be adversely impacted.
Aerotime
MARCH 18, 2025
Beyond Aero, a French startup developing a hydrogen-powered executive aircraft, announced on March 17, 2025, that it has added several modifications to its original design in order to add technological advances and bring the aircraft closer to certification. These enhancements cover three different aspects of the aircrafts propulsion system. The hydrogen-fuel system will be battery-free and have built-in redundancy, with two separate electric engines, each with its own power source.
One Mile at a Time
MARCH 18, 2025
Four Seasons is getting into the cruising business, with the launch of Four Seasons Yachts. The first ship is expected to set sail within the next year, and it looks like its going to take luxury cruising to the next level, especially in terms of the amount of space dedicated to each guest. We booked one of the first sailings, as were curious to check it out.
Aerotime
MARCH 18, 2025
Airbus and Boeing, the duopoly that controls over 90% of the global commercial aircraft market, are still struggling to deliver aircraft on time. Last year, Boeing only delivered 348 jets, leaving it with a total backlog of 5,595 unfilled orders, and Airbus only fulfilled 776 orders, four below its official target. Airbus order backlog is still 43% more than Boeings.
Simple Flying
MARCH 18, 2025
The way we fly today is focused on efficiency, both for airlines and passengers. Travelers work hard to avoid extra fees, and airlines strive to keep operating costs low. One important part of flying has a big impact on both: luggage. A question that often comes to mind for many flyers once they set foot in the terminal is whether they got the carry-on rules right for their flight.
One Mile at a Time
MARCH 18, 2025
Deltas wholly owned regional subsidiary is making headlines again, after a plane had a rather scary landing during gusty winds Endeavor Air CRJ-900 has wing strike during landing attempt This incident happened on Sunday, March 16, 2025, and involves a flight operated by Deltas wholly owned regional subsidiary, Endeavor Air (where flights are marketed as Delta Connection).
Simple Flying
MARCH 18, 2025
The private aviation charter company Vistajet has been operating since 2004, and since then it has offered the use of private jets using a "pay for hours flown" fare structure. Vistajet was originally called Air Executive when Thomas Flohr founded the company, initially buying jets at discounted rates during the post-9/11 dip in all aviation operations, which caused aircraft prices to drop.
One Mile at a Time
MARCH 18, 2025
While hardly the most exciting development ever, American Airlines has rolled out a new way to redeem AAdvantage miles, which should prove useful for many, especially for those who only collect miles casually. Purchase buy on board items with AAdvantage miles As of today (March 18, 2025), American AAdvantage members can redeem their miles to purchase drinks and snacks during eligible flights.
Simple Flying
MARCH 18, 2025
In 2011, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner entered service and set a new standard for widebody, long-haul efficiency. It has now attracted almost 2,000 orders, and Boeing is looking to ramp up production to meet demand. The Boeing 787 is the only widebody aircraft in production frequently referred to by its name "Dreamliner" rather than its number designation (the Boeing 777 is called the 777 and the Airbus A350 is called the A350).
One Mile at a Time
MARCH 18, 2025
David reached out about a frustrating situation he had on a recent American Airlines business class flight, where it sure seems like the airline needs to do better. American offers 10K miles for broken business class seat Let me just copy and paste Davids experience, since its pretty concise: I was flying AMS-PHL. After meal service was completed, I went to recline/sleep, but quickly figured out that my seat was non-operational in business.
Simple Flying
MARCH 18, 2025
Just one in every 26 long-haul passenger flights to the US will be on an Airbus A380 or Boeing 747 this year, down from one in 10 before the pandemic in 2019. The findings are based on analyzing every service using Cirium Diio data. Of course, technological developments, the popularity of much more efficient twinjets, and the pandemic mean these things are unsurprising.
AV Web
MARCH 18, 2025
German-based Aviotech announced last week it has completed the first phase of flight testing on its Cirrus SR22-based unmanned aerial system (UAS) demonstrator. Associated with the University of Stuttgart, Aviotech is targeting type certification for the Cirrus-based UAS. The first phase of testing was conducted with a safety pilot on board. The next phases will test for automatic takeoff and landing functions, leading to further trials related to emergency procedures, including engine failure a
Simple Flying
MARCH 18, 2025
Yet again, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reminding passengers to not bring loaded guns through airport security checkpoints, as they present a serious security threat that requires the immediate attention of officers. This is not a new issue, with weapons being stopped at TSA checkpoints across the country last year, and penalties for failing to appropriately transport weapons in checked luggage (where they must be unloaded) are extremely high.
One Mile at a Time
MARCH 18, 2025
A few days ago, I wrote about a shady practice at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Toronto Airport. For months, the hotel has been accepting reservations, despite not actually being open to individual guests. Instead, the hotel seems to be housing people with a government contract. As soon as people make reservations, the hotel emails travelers, to let them know theyll be accommodated elsewhere (at other properties with the same owners).
Simple Flying
MARCH 18, 2025
While multiple airports in the world are served by six runways, the Netherlands' Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is served by six runways that all serve a single terminal. Even though Schiphol is not the busiest airport in Europe , it boasts the most runways than any other on the continent. Having more runways is not the same as operating more flights. For example, London Heathrow is the busiest airport in Europe , and it famously only has two runways.
One Mile at a Time
MARCH 18, 2025
Korean Air is undergoing significant changes ( including a full rebranding ), following its takeover of Asiana. The airline is trying to become more premium, and in particular, to appeal more to foreign guests. Were seeing Korean Air greatly improve its lounges , reconfigure existing planes , introduce a new first class , and more. Along those lines, the carrier has just announced a new premium collaboration, which guests traveling in the carriers business class (marketed as Prestige Class) shou
Simple Flying
MARCH 18, 2025
Welcome to my 160th weekly routes article! As I have been away, this is a summary article of some subjectively exciting services that took off between March 4 and 17. Regular service will resume on March 25. Click here to see my last jam-packed article!
One Mile at a Time
MARCH 18, 2025
In 2019, United Airlines bought a stake in CLEAR, a company that promises expedited airport security using biometric data. To coincide with this, United and CLEAR launched a partnership , offering benefits for MileagePlus members. Over time, weve seen the value of this scaled back, and now were seeing the latest example of that. The current state of the United & CLEAR partnership As the latest development to this partnership, as of May 1, 2025, United MileagePlus Premier 1K members will no l
Simple Flying
MARCH 18, 2025
Wheels Up is one of the largest private aircraft charter and management companies in the world. With a marketplace of over 1,500 aircraft, customers and members get access to modern jets that fit all travel needs. The company owns a wide range of light, mid-size, super mid-size, and large business jets. Wheels Up claims that it provides an aviation travel solution that fits any flight need.
One Mile at a Time
MARCH 18, 2025
Last week, Southwest announced that its completely changing its business model, including starting to charge for checked bags. This is a major departure from the carriers historical policy of giving all passengers two free checked bags. Well, an unlikely airline is taking aim at Southwest, and I cant help but chuckle a bit at all of this Frontier trials the idea of free checked bags Frontier has announced a promotion targeted at those who would ordinarily be Southwest flyers, which it frames as
Vintage Aviation News
MARCH 18, 2025
PRESS RELEASE – Aviation enthusiasts and history buffs will have a rare opportunity to see and fly in meticulously restored World War II aircraft during Special Warbird Rides Days at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK) on May 24-25. Hosted by Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia, the event runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, featuring flight experiences and static displays of legendary warbirds.
Plane and Pilot
MARCH 18, 2025
With thousands of hours spent aloft, its easy for crews to forget what its like to view a flight through the eyes of someone who doesnt fly often. When it comes to our customers with intellectual or developmental disabilities, we might as well be standing on opposite sides of a crevasse, in the dark, trying to throw a lifeline without knowing how far away the other side is.
Vintage Aviation News
MARCH 18, 2025
Shuttleworth and Aero Legends are thrilled to announce a new partnership that will bring Aero Legends renowned vintage flight experiences to Shuttleworth Aerodrome (Old Warden) starting in May. Aero Legends is a leading provider of premium historic flying experiences, offering aviation enthusiasts the opportunity to fly in meticulously restored wartime aircraft alongside some of the worlds most experienced pilots.
AV Web
MARCH 18, 2025
On the opening day of the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) national convention in Phoenix, Garmins Jim Alpiser announced the GCO 14the companys first carbon monoxide detector. The miniature remote sensor is compatible for displaying on the Garmin GTN Xi-series GPS navigators and on the GI 275 electronic flight display in a dedicated data field or dedicated page.
Aviation Bussiness News
MARCH 18, 2025
Salesforce and Singapore Airlines (SIA) today announced that the Airline is incorporating Agentforce, Einstein in Service Cloud, and Data Cloud into its customer case management system, enabling it to deliver more consistent and personalised service to its customers. The two companies also plan to co-develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for airlines at the Salesforce AI Research hub in Singapore, aiming to provide greater value and additional benefits to the industry.
Flyertalk
MARCH 18, 2025
Frontier Airlines is running a new promotion offering their Economy Bundle for free, along with one free checked bag on flights between May 28 and August 18, 2025. Airline Teases Free Bags and Other Benefits Could Become Permanent Under the deal, all nonstop travel through Aug. 18 will get the Economy Bundle for free with their ticket. Normally an add-on to the base fare, the Economy Bundle includes one personal item, a carry-on bag, standard seat selection, and no change or cancellation fees.
Aviation Bussiness News
MARCH 18, 2025
International law firm, Vedder Price, has announced its appointment of Helen Biggin as a partner to lead its new UK litigation practice from its London office. Biggin joins the firm with years of experience, with a special focus in aviation and shipping matters. She previously advocated before the Commercial Court, the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, and is a member of the legal advisory panel for the Aviation Working Group.
AV Web
MARCH 18, 2025
I flew my Bonanza into Cleveland Hopkins International Airport years ago to visit someone, and was not fully prepared for the departure. The midday arrival at KCLE was relatively calm, but I wasnt prepared for the late afternoon/early evening regional jet rush hour. As I started to taxi, ground control was issuing instructions faster than an auctioneer with a hot date after work.
iPad Pilot News
MARCH 18, 2025
Mastering night flying with your iPad: Tips for dimming, filters, and more iPad Pilot News For most general aviation pilots, flying at night is a pretty rare event, making up less than 10% of hours logged. But there are some real advantages to flying after sunset, including smoother rides and less traffic. Before the iPad, we relied on flashlights and other gadgets to light up the cockpit and view charts in the dark.
Simple Flying
MARCH 18, 2025
Nearly 2,000 people have backed the Sustainable Development Plan (SDP) proposed by London Stansted Airport (STN) to accommodate up to 51 million passengers by the 2040s. The airport plans to make the best use of its single runway and improve its supporting infrastructure.
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