Aerotime

JANUARY 2, 2025

Latvian-based carrier airBaltic has announced the cancellation of 4,670 flights from all its bases for the summer season of 2025. The decision is due to unexpected delays and prolonged engine maintenance by its supplier Pratt & Whitney, the carrier announced in a press release published on January 2, 2025. airBaltic said the engine manufacturers inability to meet its timely maintenance obligations has impacted the operational capabilities of the airlines Airbus A220-300 fleet.

Airline 306

Airline Airlines 306

Vintage Aviation News

DECEMBER 30, 2024

The Boeing B-17 The Pink Lady , a historic aircraft and one of the few remaining Flying Fortresses, last took to the skies in 2010 when it landed at the La Fert-Alais airfield in France. While the aircraft has remained grounded since then, it continues to be maintained in airworthy condition. During a recent conversation with Maxime Senante, founder and president of the French-based aviation apparel company Barnstormer , we discussed the current status of the airplane and the potential hope to s

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Annual Inspection Airplanes Tail Pilot 131

One Mile at a Time

JANUARY 2, 2025

Alaska Airlines has rolled out some major changes to its Mileage Plan program as of 2025. In this post Id like to discuss the details of my single favorite change, which is that you can now qualify for elite status with award flights. If you ask me, this is a pretty revolutionary development. Alaska credits elite qualifying miles on all award flights As of January 1, 2025, the Alaska Mileage Plan program has started awarding elite qualifying miles (EQMs) for award tickets, when redeeming Mileage

Airline 120

Airline Airlines 120

AV Web

JANUARY 2, 2025

The Naples Airport Authority (NAA) introduced a new app to make it easier for disgruntled neighbors to file noise complaints. NAA partnered with EnviroSuite in developing the app, which allows users to report aircraft noise events directly from their smartphones. The Naples Airport is no stranger to noise complaints as it saw more than 123,000 aircraft operations in fiscal year 2024 a significant increase from the 119,000 in 2023, intensifying long-standing noise issues.

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Aerotime

DECEMBER 31, 2024

The Airbus A350 is becoming a common sight at international airports as airlines build up their fleets of the efficient widebody aircraft. But only one nation so far has picked the aircraft as its VIP transport – Germany. Used for transportation of high-ranking government officials, the three Airbus A350s owned by the Bundeswehr are the German equivalent of the iconic Air Force One, as it is in the US.

Airline 299

Airline Airlines 299

Simple Flying

JANUARY 2, 2025

As Simple Flying has previously reported, the Air Force is progressively retiring its fleet of A-10s. As they retire, they are sent to the boneyard at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. Publicly available data from the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (the group responsible for maintaining the aircraft in storage at the boneyard) shows that the United States Air Force sent at least a total of 39 A-10s to be mothballs at the famous Boneyard.

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One Mile at a Time

JANUARY 3, 2025

While JetBlue is known for its pleasant passenger experience, the airline hasnt historically been known for its operational reliability. The situation got so bad that the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has just issued its first-ever fine for chronic flight delays against the airline. DOT fines JetBlue $2 million for unrealistic scheduling The DOT has today announced a $2 million penalty against JetBlue for operating multiple chronically delayed flights. $1 million of that goes

Airline 123

Airline Airlines 123

Aerotime

JANUARY 3, 2025

easyJet has become the first airline in the world to trial a new lower-weight paint, which should cut emissions and enable fuel savings. On January 3, 2025, easyJet announced that it is working with Mankiewicz Aviation Coatings to create the new solution. Compared to previous systems, this will use less paint to create the colors for easyJets livery. easyJet is constantly exploring and developing innovative solutions to lower the impact of our operations, said Lahiru Ranasinghe, Director of Sust

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Descent Airline Airlines 306

Simple Flying

JANUARY 1, 2025

With advancing aircraft technology and rising globalization, air travel continues to expand, resulting in higher demand for longer flights. The longest commercial routing is currently being operated by Singapore Airlines A350-900ULR , with an almost 19-hour flight between New York (JFK) and Singapore (SIN) covering a total distance of over 9,500 miles.

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Airline Airlines 119

One Mile at a Time

JANUARY 1, 2025

Its not often we see American leading the way when it comes to inflight service, so heres a small but noteworthy victory, as reported by @xJonNYC. American expands premium cabin espresso offering American Airlines is expanding the planes and cabins on which it serves espresso-based drinks. Thanks to a recent change, American now offers espresso in first and business class on Boeing 777s (777-200ERs and 777-300ERs), Boeing 787s (787-8s and 787-9s), and Airbus A321Ts.

Airline 125

Airline Airlines 125

Vintage Aviation News

DECEMBER 29, 2024

On this day in aviation history, December 29, 1939, the first prototype of the Consolidated B-24 Liberator made its first flight. In time, the Liberator would become the most widely produced American heavy bomber of WWII, with 18,188 examples being built between 1939 and 1945. While it served in virtually every operational theater of WWII, the Liberator’s post-war legacy was overshadowed by the Boing B-17 Flying Fortress, and only a handful remain in existence today.

Tail 98

Tail Airfoil Drag Ceiling 98

Aerotime

JANUARY 2, 2025

Aviation analytics company Cirium has released its rankings for the most on-time airlines in the world in 2024. Data is based on hundreds of real-time feeds, from airlines, distribution systems, and aviation authorities, providing a thorough and objective view of the performance of carriers. Jeremy Bowen, Cirium CEO, said, 2024 was a difficult year for airlines, facing a large-scale IT outage, and unseasonable and severe weather patterns.

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Airline Airlines Weather Cargo 317

Simple Flying

JANUARY 1, 2025

It can be difficult for new airlines to compete with established airlines like Delta Air Lines , American Airlines , United Airlines , and Southwest Airlines. While these airlines may have already claimed most of the busy and profitable routes, there are still crumbs to be had. Low-cost and ultra-low-cost airlines now make up around 34% of the US airline market share (around average for the rest of the world).

Airline 122

Airline Airlines 122

One Mile at a Time

JANUARY 2, 2025

Alaska Airlines has rolled out some major changes to its Mileage Plan program as of 2025. Among those updates are more opportunities to earn elite status through credit card spending. In this post I wanted to go over the details of that, and discuss whether its worth it. Earn 30K elite qualifying miles with Alaska credit cards As of 2025, Alaska Mileage Plan has introduced new ways to earn elite qualifying miles (EQMs) for credit card spending.

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Airline Airlines 113

AV Web

DECEMBER 29, 2024

Skyryse says it’s a major step closer to certification for its “universal operating system for flight” with “the world’s first fully automated hover at the swipe of a finger in a fully-conforming production aircraft.” The company’s Skyryse One, a chieved a stable hover Dec. 19 with the single command on a touchscreen, although it had previously been done numerous times in a test article.

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Pilot Airplanes 105

Aerotime

DECEMBER 29, 2024

On the evening of December 28, a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 737-800 made an emergency landing at Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport (TRF) after experiencing hydraulic failure shortly after takeoff from Oslo-Gardermoen Airport (OSL). The aircraft registered PH-BXM was conducting flight KL1204 to Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS), carrying 176 passengers and six crew members.

Runway 306

Runway Airline Airlines 306

Simple Flying

JANUARY 1, 2025

A United Airlines transpacific flight to Hawaii was recently diverted to its airport of origin due to a technical glitch with the aircraft. The flight was on a Boeing 757 plane, which is over 20 years old. While Uniteds 757 fleet continues to reliably transport passengers across the US and on international flights, the carrier will gradually phase them out in the coming years, replacing them with new-generation narrowbody planes.

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Airline Airlines 137

One Mile at a Time

DECEMBER 30, 2024

The Wall Street Journal just published a cool video interviewing an architect about how airports are designed. If youre an aviation geek, or even just a frequent airport user, its worth a watch. I even learned a few things. Airports are fascinating, complex places As much as people love to hate on airports, the reality is that were all reliant on them, and theyre incredibly complex businesses: In terms of monetization, airports dont just make money from airlines and passenger fees, but they also

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Ceiling Airline Airlines 113

AV Web

JANUARY 2, 2025

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has named the National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA) as its official industry partner to spearhead the modernization of Part 141 regulations governing flight training in the United States. NFTA says its role is to collaborate with flight training providers and the general aviation industry to support the FAA in executing much-needed updates to flight training regulations.

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General Aviation Pilot 111

Aerotime

DECEMBER 30, 2024

The German electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer Volocopter has filed for insolvency while seeking new investors to rescue the future flight project. The CEO of Volocopter , Dirk Hoke, confirmed on December 30, 2024, that the company filed an application for the opening of insolvency proceedings at the Karlsruhe Local Court on December 26, 2024.

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Simple Flying

JANUARY 2, 2025

After almost five years, Emirates has resumed flying the Airbus A380 to Copenhagen. According to OAG schedules data, the Danish capital became the carrier's 51st superjumbo destination globally and number 21 in Europe from its Dubai International Airport hub. It followed the return of double-decker quadjet flights to Prague in December 2024.

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One Mile at a Time

JANUARY 2, 2025

Heres some great news for US-bound Etihad Airways passengers New Etihad Abu Dhabi US Preclearance Lounge Etihad has a US Preclearance facility at Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi (AUH), whereby passengers clear customs and immigration prior to boarding their US-bound flight. The airline has had such a facility dating all the way back to 2014. However, the airports new Terminal A opened in late 2023, and it took some time to open the new US Preclearance facility, given the complicated logist

Airline 113

Airline Airlines 113

AV Web

DECEMBER 31, 2024

Light Sport manufacturer Flight Design has filed for insolvency in Germany saying it’s run out of cash because a major customer hasn’t paid its bill. The company announced the move with a notice on its Web site on Dec.14. “The insolvency application became necessary because, on the one hand, an international customer has not yet paid undisputed claims in the mid-six-figure range and another payment in the mid-six-figure range was also delayed,” the Web site notice said.

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Aerotime

DECEMBER 31, 2024

A private jet carrying the Gonzaga University mens basketball team nearly collided with another aircraft that was taking off at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). On December 27, 2024, at around 16:30 local time, air traffic controllers instructed the chartered Embraer E135 jet, operated by Key Lime Air, to stop before crossing runway 24L at LAX, because Delta flight 471 was taking off from that runway at the time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

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Air Traffic Control Jet Runway Airline 279

Simple Flying

DECEMBER 29, 2024

Asia Pacific Airlines has been ordered by the U.S. Department of Labor to pay over $2 million in wages, damages, and legal fees after it was determined that the airline fired a pilot for repeatedly raising safety concerns over engine maintenance practices. The airline contends this ruling and has stated it will formally appeal the decision.

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Pilot Airline Airlines Cargo 126

One Mile at a Time

JANUARY 2, 2025

While this is hardly breaking news, I think its worth addressing just how bad long haul Lufthansa business class award availability has become. The sad decline of Lufthansa business class awards Historically, Lufthansa has been one of the best airlines when it comes to making long haul business class award seats available, including to members of partner airline frequent flyer programs.

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Airline Airlines Jet 117

AV Web

JANUARY 1, 2025

While much remains unknown about the fatal Jeju Air accident in South Korea, what is clear is the tragic role played by the localizer antenna installation off the end of the runway. The hardened structure surrounding the antenna undoubtedly contributed greatly to the destruction of the Boeing 737 as it skidded off the runway and slammed into the unyielding concrete.

Runway 105

Runway Pilot Airline Airlines 105

Aerotime

JANUARY 3, 2025

Etihad Airways has opened its dedicated US Preclearance Lounge at Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi, as of December 30, 2024. The lounge, available to eligible passengers, is located close to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility. It serves as a place for travelers to unwind after completing US entry formalities and before boarding their respective flights.

Airline 299

Airline Airlines 299

Simple Flying

DECEMBER 28, 2024

Spain's Air Europa is boosting its presence in the United States by adding more flight frequencies to its Madrid to New York JFK route. Beginning in the summer season of 2025, the airline will offer daily services connecting the two destinations. The last time Air Europa operated daily New York JFK services was in 2019.

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Airline Airlines 116

One Mile at a Time

JANUARY 3, 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. American Express and Delta have a portfolio of co-branded credit cards , and under the current program, its possible to earn SkyMiles Medallion elite status either partly or entirely through credit card spending.

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Approach Airline Airlines 117

AV Web

DECEMBER 28, 2024

There were no serious injuries when a PAL Airlines Dash-8 suffered a left main gear collapse while landing at Stanfield International Airport in Halifax, Nova Scotia late Saturday. The cause of the gear collapse wasn’t immediately known. The aircraft was operating as Air Canada 2259 from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. There were 73 passengers on board and the normal crew complement would have been at least four.

Runway 116

Runway Airline Airlines 116

Aerotime

JANUARY 2, 2025

An Emirates Airbus A380 has touched down in the Danish capital Copenhagen for the first time since 2020 as a newly launched daily service from Dubai begins. The Emirates Airbus A380 , registered A6-EOP, landed at Copenhagen Airport (CPH) on January 1, 2024, just before 12:30 after a six-hour flight from Dubai International Airport (DXB). The superjumbo then returned to Dubai later that day before flying to Manchester Airport (MAN) in the UK on January 2, 2024, while an additional Emirates A380,

Runway 299

Runway Airline Airlines 299

Simple Flying

DECEMBER 28, 2024

The craze surrounding mystery drones flying over military bases and around airports may be ebbing now. But what is the story behind the media sensation? Mystery drones flying over US airbases have been happening for some time and are not limited to the United States. In November 2024, Simple Flying reported that mystery drones had flown over multiple US Air Force bases in the United Kingdom.

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One Mile at a Time

DECEMBER 31, 2024

Regional airline Silver Airways has just filed for bankruptcy protection. While details about the companys financial performance are largely private, I dont think anyone who was has been following the airline will be surprised by this development. Silver Airways plans Chapter 11 restructuring Silver Airways has announced that its filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Airline 117

Airline Airlines 117

Pilot Institute

JANUARY 3, 2025

Have you ever wondered how pilots determine wind direction and speed at a glance? Windsocks may look like simple fabric tubes fluttering in the breeze, but theyre valuable tools for safe flying. If youre preparing for takeoff, navigating an approach, or landing at an uncontrolled airport, knowing how to read a windsock can give you quick wind information.

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Knot Weather Wind Shear Weight-Shift-Control 98

Aerotime

DECEMBER 29, 2024

An Air Canada Express flight operated by PAL Airlines from St. John’s International Airport (YYT) faced a landing gear failure upon arriving at Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) on December 28, 2024, leading to delays and a temporary airport closure. The incident occurred around 9:14 p.m. local time when Flight AC2259, a de Havilland Dash 8-402Q aircraft registered C-GPNA, landed on runway 23.

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Runway Airline Airlines 278

Simple Flying

JANUARY 3, 2025

The Gulfstream G800, the latest flagship aircraft from Gulfstream Aerospace, is redefining the limits of long-range private aviation. Packed with cutting-edge upgrades , it represents a leap forward in speed, comfort, and sustainability. As one of the most anticipated private jets in the industry, the G800 continues Gulfstreams legacy of delivering state-of-the-art innovation for high-profile clientele, including corporate executives, heads of state, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

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Jet 122