One Mile at a Time

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Aircalin, the international airline of the South Pacific French territory of New Caledonia, has placed a fascinating aircraft order. However. Im not sure I can fully make sense of the logic. Aircalin picking up two Airbus A350-900s Aircalin has just disclosed an order for two Airbus A350-900 aircraft (meaning the order was placed at some point in the past, but Airbus didnt reveal the customer).

Wide-Body Aircraft

Vintage Aviation News

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Story and photos by Gary Daniels This is the latest in Vintage Aviation News updates on the return-to-flight program of the 1954 Beechcraft E18S-9700 “Super 18,” nicknamed Hollywood Bomber. The aircraft is undergoing an extensive restoration at the Vintage Flying Museum (VFM) located at Meacham International Airport (FTW) north of Fort Worth, Texas.

Tarmac

Aerotime

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Anduril Industries and Archer Aviation have announced a partnership to develop a next-generation hybrid-propulsion, vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) aircraft specifically for defense applications. This collaboration aims to provide innovative solutions to the United States Department of Defense (DOD) and is focused on creating a potential program of record.

Approach

One Mile at a Time

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Air Canada has just made an exciting passenger experience announcement, embracing a trend that were increasingly seeing among airlines. Air Canadas plan to introduce free Wi-Fi Air Canada plans to roll out fast and free Wi-Fi throughout its network for all Aeroplan members. As far as the timeline goes, this will be available on North America and Sun market routes as of May 2025, and will be expanded to long haul international flights in 2026.

Airline

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 12, 2024

“Excuse me, sir, do you know how fast you were going? And how high were you flying?” The answers come from a clever little setup on your airplane: a metal tube sticking into the airstream and a tiny hole on the fuselage. These two simple features power three of the most important cockpit instruments. This setup is called the pitot-static system.

Pitot Tube

One Mile at a Time

DECEMBER 12, 2024

American Airlines has announced plans to improve its million miler lifetime elite status program, to make it more competitive with other airlines. Its going to be much better, but still not great. American adds lifetime Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum status All of the big three US carriers have lifetime elite status program, and historically, Americans program has been by far the most underwhelming.

Threshold

Simple Flying

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Emirates has teamed up with The Donkey Sanctuary to highlight the risks of the donkey skin trade worldwide. According to the international animal welfare charity, more than six million donkeys are killed each year for their skins. The donkey skins are then exported throughout the world before being used to make traditional medicine.

Simple Flying

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Poland's flag carrier LOT Polish Airlines will begin flights to Iceland in April, making it the fourth Star Alliance carrier to serve the North Atlantic destination next year. The flights are part of LOT's more significant expansion, which has also announced links to Malta and Cyprus in recent months.

Airline

Aerotime

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Ukrainian carrier SkyUp has announced the commencement of direct flights to a range or European destinations from a new base the airline will set up in Chiinu, Moldova. The services, which will serve popular leisure destinations across Europe, are due to launch in April 2025 using the companys fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft. Despite Ukrainian airspace having remained closed since the country was invaded by Russian forces in February 2022, SkyUp has managed to continue operating throughout, using i

Airline

Cranky Flier

DECEMBER 12, 2024

I know, you were probably expecting me to talk about JetBlue finally confirming to the Wall Street Journal it will install a domestic First Class product onboard its non-Mint fleet. But really, what would I say? Sure, I like the idea. It gives more upsell opportunities and makes the airline more attractive to high-dollar travelers who don’t want to fly coach.

Airplanes

Aerotime

DECEMBER 12, 2024

An Allied Air Cargo Boeing 737 freighter has sustained substantial damage after suffering from a runway excursion at Abuba Airport in Nigeria. The aircraft was completing an internal flight from Lagos from the incident occurred. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-400 freighter registered as 5N-JRT. The aircraft had departed from Lagos Murtala Mohammed International Airport (LOS) on December 11, 2024, as flight 4W206 operating a domestic cargo flight to Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airp

Runway

Universal Weather

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest regulatory updates impacting business aviation. In this months briefing, Universals BIZAVGuy covers important changes across Europe, the UK, and beyond. Heres what you need to know: Europe: Delayed EU-LISA EES Rollout The EU-LISA Entry/Exit System (EES) Phase 1 missed its November 10th launch date. The European Commission is now adopting a Progressive Approach , with phased implementation over the next six months.

Weather

Aerotime

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Korean Air has closed its acquisition of Asiana Airlines, four years after announcing its intent to takeover on November 16, 2020. On December 12, 2024, Korean Air announced that it had acquired 131,578,947 newly issued shares of Asiana Airlines, representing a 63.88% ownership stake and making Asiana Airlines its subsidiary. A day prior to the shares acquisition, the South Korean flag carrier paid KRW 800 billion ($558.58 million) to Asiana Airlines, securing its controlling stake.

Airline

Simple Flying

DECEMBER 12, 2024

The F/A-18 Hornet was developed for the US Navy and has since proved moderately successful on the export market with US allies and partners. Outside the US, it is mostly used as a land-based fighter jet. The F/A-18 Hornet was later upgraded to the much more capable and modernized F/A-18 Super Hornet. Fewer countries ordered the Super Hornet - partly because they (e.g., the US Marines, Australia, Finland, Canada) opted to upgrade to F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jets.

Jet

Aerotime

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Aircalin, the long-haul airline based in the South Pacific French territory of New Caledonia, has announced an order with Airbus for two A350-900 twin-aisle aircraft. The new additions to the Aircalin fleet will allow the carrier to expand its long-haul route network from its home base at the capital city Noumas La Tontouta International Airport (NOU).

Airline

Simple Flying

DECEMBER 12, 2024

On Thursday, December 12th, 2024, it was announced that Mike Whitaker, the administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), would be resigning in January after President-elect Donald Trump takes office, opening up the opportunity for the incoming chief executive to nominate someone new for the role. Whitaker had served in this capacity for a little over a year, having been tapped for the role by President Biden back in October 2023.

Aerotime

DECEMBER 12, 2024

easyJet has announced that it will launch six new routes from four UK airports for the northern summer of 2025 and will also grow its UK-based fleet with an additional A320 family aircraft being deployed at its Bristol Airport (BRS) base in the west of England resulting in the creation of around 400 jobs. easyJet currently serves 21 UK airports, offering 585 routes to 136 destinations across Europe and North Africa.

Airline

Simple Flying

DECEMBER 12, 2024

The US Department Of Transportation (USDOT) has imposed heavy fines on Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways after both carriers were found to have violated airspace restrictions imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), according to a statement released by the agency. Ethiopian Airlines has been fined $425,000, while Etihad Airways faces a $400,000 penalty.

Airline

Aerotime

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Bahrains Ministry of Interior has signed a contract agreement with Airbus for the purchase of nine H145 helicopters. The helicopters will be operated by the Police Aviation Command for law enforcement missions and emergency medical services in the kingdom. The H145 offers multiple seating arrangements for law enforcement operations including a two-pilot configuration with an operator workstation installed in the rear position and space for four passengers, along with versions tailored for transp

Pilot

Simple Flying

DECEMBER 12, 2024

For the second time in hours, an Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 aircraft was struck by lightning. While this happens more frequently than you think, the current can usually exit the aircraft without damage, and a Faraday cage protects passengers onboard.

Airline Geeks

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Boeing is aiming to boost its 787 Dreamliner production by expanding operations in South Carolina with a $1 billion infrastructure investment.

One Mile at a Time

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Weve just seen a new perk added to The Business Platinum Card from American Express ( review ). Nothing is being taken away, so Id say thats a pretty great thing (thanks to Frequent Miler for flagging this). Amex Business Platinum gets $50 quarterly Hilton credit The Amex Business Platinum Card issued in the United States now offers up to $200 in Hilton credits annually.

Airline Geeks

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Southwest plans to grow in Florida next year, namely from its Orlando base, with four short-haul routes starting in August.

One Mile at a Time

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Its normal for airlines to make minor tweaks to their loyalty programs every year. American Airlines has just announced some updates to the AAdvantage program for 2025. Id say the changes are minor but positive. This is a case where a lack of news is good news. AAdvantage elite tiers will remain the same in 2025 American AAdvantage wont be changing its status thresholds for the 2025 program year, which can be unlocked via Loyalty Points : AAdvantage Gold status will continue to require 40,000 Lo

Threshold

Airline Geeks

DECEMBER 12, 2024

The flag carrierannouncedthe acquisition in November 2020. Korean Air willinvest 1.5 trillion won ($1.07 billion) to acquire a63.88% stake in Asiana Airlines.

Airline

Simple Flying

DECEMBER 12, 2024

The ATR 72 has become a popular regional turboprop aircraft that can be the perfect fit for many airlines that need to provide regular services to smaller communities. It was developed in France by Franco-Italian ATR (French: Avions de Transport Rgional, and Italian: Aerei da Trasporto Regionale).

Airline

One Mile at a Time

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Marriott has just announced that its greatly expanding outdoor focused lodging options, with the acquisition of one company, and a long term agreement with another company. Major hotel groups seem to be looking to expand in this area recently weve seen Hilton Honors partner with Autocamp , and weve seen World of Hyatt partner with Under Canvas. Marriott acquires Postcard Cabins, partners with Trailborn Marriott is expanding its outdoor focused lodging options, thanks to two new deals with playe

Simple Flying

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Integration is expected to take two years and will proceed without workforce restructuring.

Airline

AOPA

DECEMBER 12, 2024

The FAA is now fixing a problem that is not a problem—lying on color vision testing. As of January 1, 2025, aviation medical examiners will rely on internet-based tests to detect defective color vision.

Simple Flying

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Boeing has built a nice little wonder in the X-37B the US Space Forces reusable launch vehicle into space. The X-37B is intended to conduct orbital testing and other activities.

AV Web

DECEMBER 12, 2024

The University of North Dakota (UND) is the latest institution to join the Federal Aviation Administrations (FAAs) Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. UND now joins Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Tusla Community College, and the University of Oklahoma as an Enhanced AT-CTI school. The Enhanced AT-CTI program streamlines the hiring process for air traffic controllers by allowing graduates to bypass introductory courses at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City.

Air Traffic Control

Simple Flying

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Over the past few years, more than a dozen of Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft have exited United Airlines' fleet

Airline

Inspire

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Story and photography by Todd, EAA 1571783, and Kelley Whitaker, EAA 1571782 A young mans dream began at age 14 after his first ride in a T-6 Texan. Under the guidance and support of his father, Marine Corporal Tim Matheny, Tanner joined the Civil Air Patrol shortly thereafter to be around like-minded kids that had […] The post Lt. Tanner Matheny and Olivia: A Pilot and a Plane first appeared on Hangar Flying.

Pilot

Simple Flying

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Neil Armstrong is one of the most illustrious aviators in American history. His story begins with an early passion for flying, paving the way for a career that would take him and America to astronomical new heights.

Pilot

Airline Geeks

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Indias flag carrier Air India confirmed this week that it will be ordering a further 100 new aircraft from Airbus, joining its already planned orders.

Jet

Simple Flying

DECEMBER 12, 2024

The service was originally planned to resume next year, but has been pushed back due to aircraft availability issues.

Inflight Pilot Training

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Eden Prairie, Minnesota Inflight Pilot Training, a leader in professional flight instruction, is proud to announce its recognition as a Platinum Cirrus Training Center (CTC), the highest designation awarded by Cirrus Aircraft. This accolade underscores Inflights commitment to delivering premier pilot training experiences and positions it among an elite group of flight schools nationwide.

Pilot