Aerotime

APRIL 24, 2025

Generally speaking, any commercial flight these days that exceeds ten hours (or so) is considered long, or at least certainly long-haul. Some of the longest airline flights operating today exceed even that length, with some lasting anything up to 17 or 18 hours flying time. Yet, as long as these flights may be, they are not even in contention for the accolade of the worlds longest-ever commercial passenger air service in terms of duration.

Payload

Vintage Aviation News

APRIL 24, 2025

Inside every museum, every artifact has a story. At the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum in Lower Township, New Jersey, one Grumman F6F Hellcat has quite the story to tell. From crashing into the Pacific Ocean during WWII and spending 26 years on the bottom of the Pacific, to having a cameo in a 1980s romantic comedy and being displayed in three museums, this is the story of Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat, Bureau Number 66237.

Cockpit

One Mile at a Time

APRIL 24, 2025

Some westbound operations for Indian carriers are about to get more complicated Pakistan bans Indian aircraft from its airspace Pakistans government has today decided to close Pakistani airspace to all Indian owned or Indian operated airlines. A NOTAM has been issued by Pakistans Civil Aviation Authority, and the restrictions apply as of 6PM IST today (Thursday, April 24, 2025).

NOTAMs

Aerotime

APRIL 24, 2025

Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines as the crisis between the neighboring countries deepens following the killing of 26 people in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, 2025. On April 24, 2025, Pakistan announced that its airspace would immediately close to Indian owned or Indian operated airlines leaving carriers such as Air India and IndiGo seeking alternative routes.

Airline

Vintage Aviation News

APRIL 24, 2025

By Ed OBradovich It was twenty years ago this month that one of the most uniquely spectacular aviation education programs officially took flight, even if but for one glorious year. In April of 2005, the debut of Duggy the DC-3 for the non-profit SkyReach youth education program of the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) took place in Lakeland, Florida at the annual Sun-N-Fun fly-in, much to the delight of young and old alike and spawning the international attention of the media.

Hangar

Aerotime

APRIL 24, 2025

United Airlines announced on April 24, 2025, that it has become an investor in JetZero, a US startup developing a revolutionary blended wing body (BWB) airliner. The deal, the total amount of which has not been disclosed, also includes a conditional purchase agreement for United Airlines to potentially acquire up to 200 aircraft (100 conditional orders plus 100 options).

Airline

Cranky Flier

APRIL 24, 2025

You know that I love watching the drama between United and American in Chicago, but get ready for a new favorite battle: San Diego. Both Alaska and Southwest appear ready to fight as the new terminal prepares to open. Alaska fired its most recent shot by adding three new routes and increasing frequencies on others. San Diego is a good market. And, importantly, it’s a constrained one.

Runway

Vintage Aviation News

APRIL 24, 2025

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flights (BBMF) pre-season work-up flying is now well underway at RAF Coningsby, as detailed in the RAF Memorial Flight Official Clubs March newsletter. In a special message to Club members on 19th March, Squadron Leader Mark Suggs Sugden, Officer Commanding BBMF, explained that the pause in flying for the BBMFs Merlin-engine fighters had officially been lifted.

Torque

One Mile at a Time

APRIL 24, 2025

All too often, airline employees have to deal with passengers who may have had a little too much to drink. The goal, of course, is to not allow anyone visibly drunk to even board an aircraft. However, if they do manage to board, you ideally want to remove them before takeoff, because an uncooperative passenger becomes much more complicated once a flight takes off.

Federal Aviation Regulations

Simple Flying

APRIL 24, 2025

EVA Air is set to launch non-stop flights from its main hub at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) on October 3rd of this year. The Taiwanese carrier already has a significant presence in the North American market, particularly on the West Coast, and the Texan hub will be its ninth city in the region. Once these flights are added, they will operate three times a week.

AV Web

APRIL 24, 2025

Air show legend Rob Holland was killed today when his MXS aerobatic airplane went down at Langley Air Force Base. “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I am sharing that Rob Holland lost his life today, 24 April 2025, in an accident at Langley AFB, VA. The cause of the crash is not known at this time, and is under investigation by the FAA, NTSB, and DOD,” a notice on Rob Holland Aerosports’ Facebook page said at about 5 p.m.

Pilot

Vintage Aviation News

APRIL 24, 2025

On this date in aviation historyApril 24, 1933we mark the 92nd anniversary of the first flight of the Grumman JF Duck. Designed as an amphibious utility aircraft, the JF Duck was ordered by the United States Navy to serve a variety of support roles. Shortly after production began, the design was refined and re-designated as the J2F Duck, although the beloved nickname Duck remained unchanged.

Aileron

AV Web

APRIL 24, 2025

The Texas A&M University System has been selected to lead the Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) new Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT), U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and Senator Ted Cruz announced Wednesday. According to the agency, the center will focus on emerging aviation innovations like drones, air taxis, and Advanced Air Mobility.

Aviation Technology

One Mile at a Time

APRIL 24, 2025

American just reported its Q1 2025 financial results , where we saw the airline lose $473 million, while both Delta and United reported significant profits for the same period. Americans flight attendant union is mad, which I dont blame them for, but I do find the messaging to be a bit ironic. American flight attendants want management accountability The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), which represents Americans 28,000 flight attendants, has just sent out a memo about the c

Airplanes

AV Web

APRIL 24, 2025

In a welcomed move from the aviation community, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it will not implement a controversial plan to deny medical certifications for incomplete applications. The news came during a listening session on Wednesday, where the agency said it would instead review feedback from stakeholders aimed at improving the pilot medical certification process.

Pilot

AOPA

APRIL 24, 2025

Two pilots born in China are scheduled to return to a Florida courtroom on April 30 to argue whether a recent $7.3 million jury verdict delivered with one party absent should be set aside—the latest in a slew of legal battles spanning multiple jurisdictions on two continents, all stemming from a circumnavigation superlative claimed in 2016 that remains very much in dispute, at least among the litigants.

Pilot

Aerotime

APRIL 24, 2025

Vietnam Airlines has secured the backing of Vietcombank with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to purchase 50 narrowbody aircraft. Vietnam Airlines and influential Vietnamese bank appeared together on April 23, 2025, to finalize arrangements for prepayments and long-term loans from 2026 to 2032, according to Dak Nong. The agreement is part of Vietnam Airlines fleet building strategy over the next decade with the aim of significantly bolstering its operational capabilities for 20

Airline

One Mile at a Time

APRIL 24, 2025

Bilt Rewards is the loyalty program of the no annual fee Bilt Mastercard ( review ), which is quite lucrative. This is a proper transferable points currency, allowing 1:1 transfers to a variety of partners. Bilt Rewards has just announced its newest transfer partner, which is an interesting one. I want to take a look at the details in this post Transfer Bilt Rewards points to Southwest Rapid Rewards As of April 24, 2025, Southwest Rapid Rewards has been added as a 1:1 transfer partner of Bilt Re

Airline

Aerotime

APRIL 24, 2025

Indian carrier IndiGo has appointed Mike Whitaker, the former head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as an Independent Director on its board. InterGlobe Aviation, the parent of the country’s largest airline IndiGo, announced the change in an SEC filing on April 24, 2025. Whitaker has been appointed to his new role for five years and will start once he receives security clearance from the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).

Clearance

World Airline News

APRIL 24, 2025

Collaboration includes a path for United to purchase up to 200 airplanes 1 JetZero’s Z4 blended wing body or “all wing” design has the potential to enhance passenger experience and improve fuel efficiency by up to 50% 2 JetZero was awarded a $235 million contract by the U.S. Air Force to fast-track the development of its commercial demonstrator with first flight expected in 2027 CHICAGO, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — United today announced an investment in blended wing bo

Airplanes

Aerotime

APRIL 24, 2025

The French Air and Space Force simultaneously conducted two high-profile exercises demonstrating its operational versatility and strategic reach. While one operation tested the force’s ability to disperse combat aircraft rapidly across the French mainland without prior notice, the other projected French air power into northern Europe in cooperation with NATO allies.

Approach

Simple Flying

APRIL 24, 2025

The Airbus Corporate Jets ACJ380, a private jet variant of the Airbus A380 commercial jetliner, is the world's largest and most expensive private jet. When Airbus rolled out the design in the early 2000s, it offered the private version of the type, assuming demand from members of royal families globally. The aircraft, capable of seating a maximum of 853 passengers, was priced at approximately $450 million.

Jet

Aerotime

APRIL 24, 2025

Philippine Airlines announced the appointment of its new President, Richard Nuttall, who will officially begin his role on May 29, 2025. British national Nuttall has worked in various airline executive roles across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, where he led a successful turnaround that saw the carrier return to operational profitability and significantly contribute to the growth of Sri Lankas tourism sector.

Airline

One Mile at a Time

APRIL 24, 2025

Its airline earnings season, for Q1 2025 results. As usual, Delta was first to report its results , followed by United. American has now become the latest airline to report its results , and theyre more or less as expected. American reports $473 million first quarter loss For Q1 2025, American has reported a net loss of $473 million, on revenue of $12.6 billion.

Airline

iPad Pilot News

APRIL 24, 2025

Download the 50 Fun Flying Destinations Guide and Map Layer in ForeFlight iPad Pilot News Explore. Fly. Win a Sentry Plus. Whether youre a seasoned aviator or just getting started in the left seat, discovering new destinations is one of the most rewarding parts of flying. To make that easierand more funSportys created a custom content pack for ForeFlight that highlights 50 exciting flying destinations across the USFrom iconic landmarks to hidden gems, each destination was handpicked for its scen

Approach

One Mile at a Time

APRIL 24, 2025

The big three US carriers make a large percentage of profits from their loyalty programs, and in particular, their lucrative co-brand credit card agreements. As part of this, were increasingly seeing airlines offer ways to earn elite status through credit card spending. Chase and United have a portfolio of co-branded credit cards , and thanks to a recent refresh of the cards , its possible to earn MileagePlus Premier elite status either partly or entirely through credit card spending.

Approach

Aerotime

APRIL 24, 2025

Thai Airways (THAI) has made light work of fleet expansion plans in recent days after the carrier secured 14 Airbus A321neo aircraft in two separate agreements with two different lessors. On April 23, 2025, the Singapore lessor BOC Aviation confirmed that an agreement had been signed with Thai Airways to deliver five Airbus A321neos from its current orderbook.

Jet

One Mile at a Time

APRIL 24, 2025

A tourists behavior at a Bangkok hotel is making the rounds in Thailand, as flagged by View from the Wing. I have to commend the hotel staff for how calmly they handled this situation, though Im shocked that there were seemingly no repercussions Meltdown in lobby of Holiday Inn Bangkok This incident happened on Friday, April 18, 2025, at the Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom.

Aviation Bussiness News

APRIL 24, 2025

China-based cargo airline, SF Airlines, has awarded a contract to aircraft engineering and MRO services provider, HAECO, to provide C-checks for its Boeing 747 freighter fleet. The checks are set to be carried out at HAECOs maintenance facilities in Hong Kong and the agreement also secures future hangar slots to support SF Airlines operations. HAECO Hong Kong has been executing C-checks for SF Airlines fleet of four widebody Boeing 747-400F freighters since September 2024.

Airline

AV Web

APRIL 24, 2025

A proposed bill making its way through the Florida Senate would allow homeowners to use reasonable force to stop drones conducting surveillance within 500 feet of their property. Senate Bill 1422 builds on Florida’s current “Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act,” which prohibits drones from recording private property without permission when privacy is reasonably expected, according to dronelife.com.

Simple Flying

APRIL 24, 2025

Becoming a pilot requires a combination of training, exams, and extensive flying experience. Not only that, but individuals interested in this career path also require determination and resilience. After all that (and a huge hole in their bank account), they eventually earn their stripes and start flying with passengers onboard an aircraft.

Pilot

One Mile at a Time

APRIL 24, 2025

The Citi ThankYou program has just announced a devaluation to the transfer ratio for one of its partners. Its probably not a huge deal for most, but I dont love the precedent this sets. Citi to Emirates transfers devalued to 1,000:800 ratio The Citi ThankYou program has nearly 20 airline and hotel transfer partners , and currently, transfers to all airline partners are at a 1:1 ratio.

Airline

Plane and Pilot

APRIL 24, 2025

Rob Holland , one of the top aerobatic pilots and airshow performers in the world, was killed in an aircraft landing accident Thursday near Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia. He was born in 1974 and learned to fly as a teenager. According to the schedule posted on ultimateairshows.com , Holland was slated to perform at the Hampton Roads airshow this weekend in his MXS-RH, the all-carbon fiber single-seat aerobatic design he had been competing in since 2011.

Pilot

AV Web

APRIL 24, 2025

A recent survey conducted in the City of Naples and its surrounding Collier County showed overwhelming public support for the Naples Airport and strong opposition to its potential relocation. Commissioned by the Naples Airport Authority and conducted by independent research firm American Pulse, the survey explored public sentiment on a range of issuesincluding the airports impact on quality of life, the local economy, potential relocation, and public services.

Flyertalk

APRIL 24, 2025

The Atlanta-based carrier announced a partnership with Uber , where travelers can earn SkyMiles every time they take a trip or order food with the logistics company. Miles Earned for Everything From Uber Eats to Reserve Rides Under the partnership, Delta SkyMiles members can link their membership with their Uber account using the Uber apps. From there, they will automatically earn miles for their Uber activities, ranging from rides to food delivery.

Airline

BAA Training

APRIL 24, 2025

Every aspiring airline pilot reaches a pivotal stage in their training journey: Type Rating, followed by Base Training and eventually Line Training. These final phases are not only the most advanced but also the most critical steps that turn student pilots into qualified airline crew. Lets break down what each one involves so you know exactly what to expectand how to prepare.

Pilot

Aviation Bussiness News

APRIL 24, 2025

Independent aircraft component parts, repair and supply chain solutions provider, AJW Group, has been awarded a long-term Power-By-the-Hour (PBH) support programme contract from FlySafair for its fleet of 30 B737NGs. Set to commence on 1 May 2025, the agreement ensures PBH coverage for the South African low-cost operator with pool access and repair management, enabling seamless maintenance operations and sustained operational efficiency.

Airline