Sun.Aug 03, 2025

article thumbnail

Rolls-Royce Trent 900 Vs. Trent XWB: Which Engine Gets More Miles Per Gallon?

Simple Flying

The Rolls-Royce Trent 900 and Trent XWB engines are among the most advanced commercial aircraft engines currently available. They are used to power two popular aircraft built by the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus, but which engine is the most fuel-efficient?

article thumbnail

The Republic Seabee Over Lake Como: An Amphibian’s Journey Through Time

Vintage Aviation News

By Luigino Caliaro The history of aviation is filled with manufacturers that have written unforgettable chapters, creating iconic aircraft that stood the test of time. One of these manufacturers is the Republic Aviation Corporation of Farmingdale, Long Island, New York. Among their notable designs, the most famous is undoubtedly the P-47 Thunderbolt—the most produced American fighter of the Second World War, with 15,660 examples completed.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Trending Sources

article thumbnail

Sigh Of Relief: Here's What The Recent EU-US Trade Deal Means For Aviation

Simple Flying

After months of tension, softening demand and creative tariff-skirting solutions, the European Union and United States came to a trade agreement last week. It has largely been regarded as a positive turn in the aviation industry.

article thumbnail

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Kyushu J7W Shinden

Vintage Aviation News

Eighty years ago today, on August 3, 1945, the Kyushu J7W Shinden —translated as Magnificent Lightning —took to the skies for the first time. Developed late in World War II, the Shinden was one of the most unconventional fighter aircraft designs of its era. Featuring a canard configuration, its horizontal stabilizer was placed at the nose, while the wings and engine were located at the rear in a “pusher” arrangement.

article thumbnail

This Is Southwest Airlines’ Fastest Aircraft

Simple Flying

Southwest Airlines , the world's largest low-cost carrier, operates a fleet of all Boeing 737 family of aircraft, of which the 737 MAX is the fastest currently operating for the Dallas-based carrier. The Boeing 737 MAX, of which Southwest operates over 250 of the MAX 8, cruises at around Mach 0.79 (530 knots or 609 mph or 980 km/h), with a top speed of Mach 0.82 (541 knots or 623 mph or 1,003 km/h).

article thumbnail

Dragon Lady at Oshkosh: Exclusive U-2 Pilot Interviews Mark 70th Anniversary and Historic Homecoming

The Aviationist

Two U-2 pilots, including a Wisconsin native, share rare insights on the legendary spy plane’s enduring legacy and relevance in today’s battlespace. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 drew a record-breaking crowd of 704,000 aviation enthusiasts, according to the Experimental Aircraft Association, making it the largest event in the show’s history, eclipsing the previous record of 686,000, […] The post Dragon Lady at Oshkosh: Exclusive U-2 Pilot Interviews Mark 70th Anniversary and Historic Homecom

article thumbnail

How Many Miles Per Gallon Does An Airbus A350-900 Get?

Simple Flying

In an era where efficiency drives both airline profitability and climate responsibility, the Airbus A350-900 stands out as one of the most fuel-efficient widebody jets in commercial aviation. Capable of carrying over 300 passengers on intercontinental routes, the Airbus A350-900 offers a revealing case study in how modern aircraft design can slash fuel burn while enhancing range and comfort.

Jet

More Trending

article thumbnail

Pratt & Whitney F135: Inside The World’s Most Powerful Fighter Engine

Simple Flying

The F-35 Lightning II is the world's most capable fighter jet and is able to perform a wide range of missions. What is unusual for a fighter jet of its size is that it only has a single engine. The F-16 Fighting Falcon only has a single engine, but it is also a much smaller airplane. Large multirole fighter jets around the world, from the F-22 Raptor to the Eurofighter Typhoon, have two engines.

Jet
article thumbnail

RADIA Windrunner: World’s Largest Cargo Aircraft Set to Revolutionize Wind Energy Logistics

Aviation News

In a groundbreaking development for the renewable energy sector, RADIA has introduced the Windrunner, the largest cargo aircraft ever built, designed specifically to transport next-generation.

article thumbnail

This All-Airbus Low-Cost Airline Will Now Receive 50 Boeing 737 MAXs

Simple Flying

International Airlines Group (IAG)-owned Vueling is set to cease operating an all-Airbus fleet. According to IAG’s second-quarter financial results report, the airline group has allocated its existing order for 50 Boeing 737 MAXs, originally placed three years ago, to the Spanish low-cost carrier. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in late 2026.

article thumbnail

Air cargo growth stalls in June 2025 amid US trade tensions, IATA says

Aerotime

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported a near standstill in global air cargo growth for June 2025, as renewed trade uncertainty, driven by a new wave of tariffs introduced by the United States under President Donald Trump, weighed heavily on demand. Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), rose by just 0.8% compared to June 2024.

article thumbnail

Despite Recent West Coast Cuts, Avelo Airlines Eyes Fleet Growth For East Coast Expansion

Simple Flying

Avelo Airlines is reportedly planning to grow its fleet by leasing additional Boeing 737s as part of its expansion efforts along the US East Coast. This move comes shortly after the airline announced cuts across its West Coast network, with plans to leave its Burbank base in California in December 2025.

article thumbnail

Airplane Toilet Misunderstanding Leads To Air Traffic Control Emergency

One Mile at a Time

This has to be one of the most hilarious cases of miscommunication that I’ve seen between pilots and air traffic controllers, as flagged by PYOK. TAP Air Portugal toilet problem mistaken for pilot emergency This incident happened on a recent TAP Air Portugal flight between Lisbon, Portugal (LIS), and Nice, France (NCE). The flight was operated by a 106-seat Embraer E190, and at some point during the flight, the lavatories became inoperable.

article thumbnail

The Busiest Airports In America In 2025

Simple Flying

In 2025, America’s busiest airports continue to play a critical role in shaping both domestic and international air travel. Far more than just transit points, these aviation hubs serve as engines of economic activity, logistical powerhouses, and essential nodes in the global mobility network. This guide goes beyond surface-level rankings to examine which US airports are leading the charge in terms of seat capacity and flight frequency, and why they matter more than ever.

article thumbnail

U.S. Army Aviators Get Experience on MV-22 in Preparation for MV-75

The Aviationist

U.S. Army aviators are gaining hands-on experience with tiltrotor technology through familiarization flights in the MV-22 Osprey of the U.S. Marine Corps. In order to better prepare for the introduction of the MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), U.S. Army aviators are gaining hands-on experience with tiltrotor technology through familiarization flights in the MV-22 […] The post U.S.

article thumbnail

Why The Boss Of British Airways' Owner Warns Heathrow Airport's 3rd Runway Could Be "Empty"

Simple Flying

International Airlines Group ( IAG ) CEO Luis Gallego believes that London Heathrow's planned third runway could be "empty" due to excessive charges to airlines. The cost of developing a third runway at Heathrow is estimated at almost $28 billion, and the cost would likely be passed on to airlines and passengers through higher airport fees.

article thumbnail

India may buy South Korea’s KF-21 fighter jet

Defence Blog

South Korea’s domestically developed KF-21 Boramae is emerging as a potential candidate for India’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, as New Delhi looks to address ongoing gaps in its combat air fleet. According to Indian defense media reports published on August 1, the KF-21 is being evaluated amid growing interest from the Indian Air Force […] The post India may buy South Korea’s KF-21 fighter jet first appeared on Defence Blog.

Jet
article thumbnail

$8.7 Million: These 2 Airlines Fined Over Violation Of Merger Conditions As Flight Prices Skyrocket

Simple Flying

Asiana Airlines has been fined 12.1 billion won ($8.7 million) by South Korea's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) for violating conditions tied to its merger with Korean Air. The fine marks the largest penalty imposed in South Korea for a merger violation since 1991.

article thumbnail

India rules out F-35s as defense ties with US face new turbulence

Aerotime

India has rejected a US push to sell it F-35 stealth fighters, dealing a blow to defense ties just as President Donald Trump announced new tariffs and publicly criticized New Delhi’s close ties with Russia. Despite its long-standing reliance on Russian arms, India has been spared US sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

article thumbnail

40 More Flights: Delta Air Lines Ups Boston Capacity For Patriots' Day

Simple Flying

Delta Air Lines has bolstered capacity on ten routes out of Boston around Patriots’ Day next year, including flights to Panama City, Florida, for the first time. The carrier has added 40 additional flights during the second half of April 2026, which will be flown by both mainline Delta and Delta Connection.

article thumbnail

South Korea tests kamikaze drone launch from helicopter

Defence Blog

South Korea’s Army has conducted a live demonstration of an airborne FPV kamikaze drone launch from a KUH-1 Surion helicopter, testing its ability to intercept aerial targets in flight. The drill involved ejecting an FPV (First-Person View) drone, equipped with a live explosive charge, from a Surion utility helicopter. Once airborne, the drone was remotely […] The post South Korea tests kamikaze drone launch from helicopter first appeared on Defence Blog.

article thumbnail

What Are The Best Seats In Each Class Of Qatar Airways’ Airbus A380 In 2025?

Simple Flying

Qatar Airways is the flag carrier of Qatar. Based in Doha, Qatar Airways is also one of the "Big Three" Middle Eastern carriers, alongside Emirates and Etihad Airways. It flies to all six inhabited continents and essentially positions itself as a global superconnector, all because of where Doha is located. Not only is Qatar Airways known for its impressive network, but it's also routinely ranked as one of, if not the world's best airline.

article thumbnail

Indian Rafale Downed in Largest Air Battle in Decades Due to Intel Failure on PL-15 Range – Reports

The Aviationist

Kill chain and long-range missile gave Pakistan the edge in Rafale shootdown, according to a recent report by Reuters. On Aug. 2, 2025, an interesting story by Reuter’s Saeed Shah and Shivam Patel laid out how a Pakistan Air Force J-10C downed at least one Indian Air Force Rafale using a PL-15 air-to-air missile fired […] The post Indian Rafale Downed in Largest Air Battle in Decades Due to Intel Failure on PL-15 Range – Reports appeared first on The Aviationist.

article thumbnail

Which Country Has The Most Superior Multirole Fighter Jets In The World?

Simple Flying

The United States has the most advanced multirole fighter jets. The F-35 is considered the world's most superior multirole fighter jet, while the F-22 Raptor (now a multirole fighter to some extent) is considered the best air superiority fighter. Meanwhile, China is rapidly developing advanced multirole fighters like the J-20 and J-35. Other extremely capable multirole fighter jets include the F-15EX, Eurofighter, Rafale, F/A/18 Super Hornet, Su-57, and others.

Jet
article thumbnail

Ukraine strikes Russian refineries, drone base and military plant overnight

Aerotime

Ukraine has launched a wave of long-range drone strikes on Russian defense-related facilities, in what authorities in Kyiv called a successful overnight operation between August 2 and 3, 2025. The attacks, coordinated by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) and Armed Forces, hit refineries, military plants, and a drone launch base hundreds of kilometers inside Russian territory.

article thumbnail

American A321XLR

Simple Flying

American Airlines is said to have already taken possession of its first Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) narrowbody aircraft. However, the brand new aircraft will remain in Europe.

article thumbnail

How To Transfer, Combine, & Share Citi ThankYou Points

One Mile at a Time

Want to learn more about policies of major transferable points currencies? See my series about Amex Membership Rewards , Capital One , Chase Ultimate Rewards , and Citi ThankYou. Citi ThankYou is a popular transferable points currency. There are several excellent cards earning Citi ThankYou points , so these rewards are pretty easy to accrue, and there are great uses of them.

article thumbnail

Revealed: The US' Most Expensive Transcontinental Flights

Simple Flying

Bad for the consumer, great for the airline? A handful of American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and JetBlue transcontinental routes topped the list for last year's most expensive transcontinental flights by gross fare (thus including taxes and other fees). This is not to say that most passengers paid these exact fares, as it reflects an average of all prices, which fluctuate depending on factors such as competitive behavior, taxes, and remaining available capacity.

article thumbnail

Best Cards For Earning Citi ThankYou Points: Maximize Your Rewards

One Mile at a Time

Link: Apply now for the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card , Citi Strata Premier® Card , or Citi Double Cash® Card If you’re looking to earn travel rewards for your credit card spending, I always recommend doing what you can to earn transferable points currencies. That’s because these programs give you the flexibility to transfer points to many partners, so you’re not invested in any single airline or hotel loyalty program.

article thumbnail

Air Canada's Newest Route Isn't Even Flown By A Plane

Simple Flying

Air Canada has launched a new route between its Toronto Pearson hub and Kingston, Ontario , but passengers won't be traveling via aircraft. Instead, the connection will be served by a motorcoach in partnership with The Landline Company, with two daily roundtrips launching in September.

article thumbnail

U.S. stealth destroyer’s condition shocks social media

Defence Blog

New images of the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), a Zumwalt-class guided-missile destroyer, have reignited scrutiny across social media over the operational condition and long-term viability of the U.S. Navy’s most advanced surface combatant. Photos taken during a recent port visit to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka in Japan show extensive discoloration, corrosion streaks, and visible […] The post U.S. stealth destroyer’s condition shocks social media first appeared on Defence Blog.

article thumbnail

At Little As 1h 40m: The US's Shortest International Widebody Flights In August

Simple Flying

August is now here. In this peak summer month, analysis of OAG data shows that the US will have approximately 2,400 international departures daily. Widebody aircraft are set to operate 860, equivalent to 35% of the total.

article thumbnail

The Weirdest Stopovers Passengers Took Flying From Los Angeles To New York-JFK

Simple Flying

There are several nonstop options between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and New York JFK Airport (JFK). However – for a variety of reasons – some people choose to fly indirectly, often through unconventional or otherwise odd cities across the United States. Using data from the US Department of Transportation, I take a look at some of the most common and the most unusual ways people got between LAX and JFK last year.

article thumbnail

Much Smaller Now: Spirit Airlines Has Slashed Peak Summer Flights By 26%

Simple Flying

Spirit exited bankruptcy protection earlier this year. It cut a lot of debt and received fresh investment , helping to provide a new foundation. Like all carriers that have undertaken this process, it aims to be stronger, more focused, and more competitive. Spirit was also among the most impacted operators by the Pratt & Whitney engine problems.