Sat.Apr 19, 2025 - Fri.Apr 25, 2025

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The Wizardry of OZ—Flying the Ozarks

Air Facts

The Wizardry of OZFlying the Ozarks Air Facts Journal Wizardry: ( noun ) wi-zr-dr ; surprising and/or clever accomplishment. Requiring significant skill and expertise. OZ : ( noun ) o zrks; an area of low mountains in northwestern Arkansas. Mission: FLYOZ was added to my bucket list after seeing them at AirVenture a couple of years ago. We flew south from our base in Manitoba, Canada October 1, 2024, to check it out.

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How Starlab Space looks to Switzerland for the next generation of space stations  

Aerotime

Space exploration is not usually among the topics that come to mind when thinking about Switzerland. This Alpine nation is most often associated with its mountain landscapes, cheese and love for precision clockwork. However, in late 2024, Starlab Space, a Houston-based joint venture developing a next-generation space station, selected it as the location of its European hub.

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Thailand Regains Category 1 FAA Rating: Will We See Nonstop US Flights?

One Mile at a Time

Theres some exciting news for Thailand, and it presents some new opportunities for airlines from the country. FAA upgrades Thailand from Category 2 to Category 1 In 2015, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgradedThailands aviation safety rating from Category 1 to Category 2. This came after FAA inspectors conducted a review of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), and identified several areas of non-compliance with minimum safety standards.

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Switch Tanks!

Plane and Pilot

Mayday, Mayday, Mayday Aircraft calling? There was no immediate reply to Atlanta Centers query. The frequency returned to being quiet. An American Airlines jet said it was pretty smooth at FL 300. The controller tried again. I was hearing a mayday call. Is there an aircraft calling with mayday? Mayday, Mayday. Whos calling Center? N74586. Ive got a rough engine.

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The American Airfields Where British Pilots Learned to Fly

Vintage Aviation News

By Kevin Wilkins On Friday, we published a press release from the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) announcing a poignant new initiative: Bringing the Boys Back Home a tribute to British WWII servicemen buried in the U.S. As part of the 80th anniversary commemorations of the Allied victory in World War II, the CAF is honoring the 423 British airmen who lost their lives while training in the United States.

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Double Sunrise: The story behind the world’s longest-ever commercial air service

Aerotime

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.

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Malaysia Airlines Unveils Manchester United Livery, Resumes Brisbane Service; Boosts Asia-Pacific Frequencies

World Airline News

Special Aircraft Livery in Collaboration with Manchester United unveiled Brisbane Returns to the Network from November 2025 Regional Connectivity Strengthened with Additional APAC Flights Preview of first ever Lie-Flat Business Class Seat for its narrowbody aircraft Malaysia Airlines Airbus A330-323 9M-MTA (msn 1209) DPS (Pascal Simon). Image: 965121.

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Wings of Wonder: Duggy The DC-3 and The Year That Inspired a Generation

Vintage Aviation News

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.

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Korean Air steals crown from Lufthansa for longest scheduled B747 passenger route

Aerotime

Korean Air, the national airline of South Korea, has reintroduced its Boeing 747-8i fleet onto the carriers nonstop route from Seoul to Atlanta in the US, making it the longest route flown by a passenger-configured Boeing 747 by distance. The reintroduction of the type onto this particular route for the summer of 2025 sees the airline steal the crown for this accolade from German carrier Lufthansa, which was the holder until April 25, 2025, when the Seoul-based carrier brought its jumbos back to

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United Airlines Could Buy Up To 200 JetZero Blended Wing Planes

Simple Flying

United Airlines has announced an investment that, if successful, will see it boost its sustainability credentials while taking its fleet to the next level. Specifically, as revealed yesterday, the US legacy carrier and Star Alliance founding member has teamed up with JetZero on a deal for a conditional order of up to 200 of the startup company's Z4 blended wing body (BWB) aircraft.

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Wow: United Plans 787s With New Polaris Seats, Ultra-Premium Configuration

One Mile at a Time

For a long time, weve heard about United Airlines potentially introducing new Polaris business class seats on some upcoming aircraft deliveries. Were starting to get a sense of what that will look, with United planning on configuring some 787s in an ultra-premium layout, with an all-new passenger experience. United plans 787-9s with 64 Polaris business class seats United already has a massive fleet of 75+ Boeing 787s, and the airline has an additional 140+ of these aircraft on order, which will

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Adam’s Profile Reports: Air and Space Exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Vintage Aviation News

The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) in Chicago stands as one of the most prestigious science museums not only in the Midwest, but in the United States as a whole. From tractors and automobiles to trains and the German U-boat U-505, the MSI, also known in the past as the Rosenwald Museum, had been host to several aircraft in its collection since the founding of the modern museum in 1933, which was based on The Palace of Fine Arts at the 1893 Columbian Expositions “White City.” Vi

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How Red Sea International Airport aims to lead by example in sustainability  

Aerotime

Red Sea Global stands as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 strategy. Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Kingdoms sovereign wealth fund, this gigantic tourism development project is one of the flagships of Saudi Arabias newfound embrace of tourism as a means to rid its economy of its dependence on oil. A Belgium-sized area along Saudi Arabia’s western coastline, along with several dozen adjacent islands, have been designated for development as one of t

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Why In The World Did American Airlines Fly Between Seattle & London?

Simple Flying

In March 2021, American Airlines launched a direct flight between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and London Heathrow (LHR). For an airline primarily focused on hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth and Miami, this move raised eyebrows. What prompted American to operate this transatlantic route from Seattle, a city not traditionally central to its operations?

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Uh Oh: Pakistan Closes Airspace To All Indian Airlines

One Mile at a Time

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).

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From the Bottom of the Sea to Wildwood: The Incredible Story of the F6F Hellcat at the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum

Vintage Aviation News

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.

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Malaysia Aviation Group eyes Boeing delivery slots amid US-China tariff war

Aerotime

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, is currently in discussions with Boeing to potentially acquire new aircraft delivery slots that might become available due to the escalating trade conflict between the United States and China. Izham Ismail, Managing Director of MAG, confirmed to Malaysian state news outlet Bernama that the company sees the ongoing tariff war as an opportunity to accelerate aircraft deliveries originally earmarked for Chinese airlines.

Jet
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Major NOTAM Upgrade Expected This Year

AV Web

The FAA announced yesterday it is accelerating the modernization of its Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) service. The new service is set to go into operation this year. According to the agency, it used a streamlined, innovative vendor challenge to cut through red tape to get this critical work done as fast as possible. CGI Federal won the FAA bid to work up and put into service a modernized NOTAM system.

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Riyadh Air Unveils Elegant 787 Cabins, Business Class Suites

One Mile at a Time

Ambitious airline startup Riyadh Air is expected to launch operations in late 2025 , using Boeing 787-9s (the airline has up to 72 of these on order ). The airline has revealed details like its aircraft livery , brand sonic , and employee uniforms , but hasnt revealed the details of its aircraft interiors until now! Riyadh Air has just pulled back the curtains on the interiors of its 787s.

Jet
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SELF-EXAMINATION AUTHORITY

WayMan

FAA Self Examination Authority Self-Examination Authority represents the highest level of certification recognition the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can bestow upon a flight training institution. This rare designation permits Wayman College of Aeronautics to conduct FAA knowledge and practical examinations internally, effectively allowing us to certify our own graduates without requiring external FAA evaluators.

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Quebec Court orders Air Canada to pay $10M penalty over hidden ticket fees

Aerotime

The Quebec Court of Appeal has ruled that Air Canada must pay $10 million CAD in punitive damages for misleading passengers with incomplete ticket prices on its website. On April 22, 2025, the Quebec Court reversed an earlier ruling by the Superior Court that had thrown out a class action lawsuit against Air Canada from 15 years ago for misleading booking prices.

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Cargo giants to join forces in global air freight shake-up

Aviation Bussiness News

MASkargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, and IAG Cargo have announced plans to form a Global Cargo Joint Business – a game-changing partnership set to reshape the air freight landscape. Pending regulatory approval, this strategic alliance aims to elevate service standards across the board for customers and partners worldwide. Bringing together their networks, infrastructure, and decades of combined expertise, the trio promises streamlined product offerings, faster transit times, enhanced connectivit

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Game Changer: Etihad Airbus A321LRs With Flat Bed First & Business Class

One Mile at a Time

In just over three months, Etihad Airways plans to begin commercial service with its Airbus A321LRs. While the airline still hasnt revealed exactly what we can expect onboard these jets, these planes will are long overdue for the airline, so Id like to go over what we do know. Etihad has 20 Airbus A321LRs on order Etihad Airways has 20 Airbus A321LRs on order, which are expected to be delivered starting in the coming weeks.

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The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s (BBMF) Pre-Season Work-Up Flying is Now Well Underway at RAF Coningsby

Vintage Aviation News

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.

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Munich-bound Lufthansa A380 stops off in Boston after tablet jams in seat

Aerotime

A Munich-bound Lufthansa Airbus A380 was diverted to Boston after departing Los Angeles Airport (LAX), due to an electronic tablet jammed in a business class seat. Lufthansa flight LH453 was in the air for around three hours on April 24, 2025, when the flight crew and air traffic control electedto divert it to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Lufthansa told AeroTime that, when the decision was made to divert the A380, registered D-AIMC, the tablet was showing visible signs of deformation

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The path to a sustainable future

Aviation Bussiness News

Brian Skrobarcek, enterprise vice president of environmental, health, safety and sustainability at StandardAero, says that extending component life, cutting emissions and embracing alternative fuels are key to a sustainable future. As the aviation industry strives to meet ambitious sustainability targets, the MRO sector must play a crucial role in reducing environmental impact.

Jet
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United A321XLRs Coming 2026 With New Polaris Seats, Premium Plus

One Mile at a Time

In December 2019, United Airlines placed an order for 50 A321XLRs , which is Airbus new ultra long range and fuel efficient evolution of the A321. The plane entered commercial service in late 2024, with Iberia and Aer Lingus being the launch customers. As of now, United is expected to get its first A321XLR in early 2026, though of course that timeline could slip further.

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Is The SR-71 Still The Fastest Plane Ever In Service?

Simple Flying

Is the SR-71 still the fastest plane ever in service? This question captivates aviation enthusiasts and historians alike because the aircraft flew three times the speed of sound and remained practically untouchable during its operational years. People wonder if newer jets, prototypes, or unmanned craft have overtaken its record, so its an ongoing topic of curiosity and debate.

Jet
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Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo, MASkargo plan to launch joint cargo business

Aerotime

Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo, and MASkargo have announced their intention to collaborate and establish a joint global cargo business. The proposed business plans will enable the groups respective carriers to further enhance existing service levels to customers and partners across the global air freight market. Qatar Airways said that the strategic collaboration, which will bring together the three cargo companies combined expertise and infrastructure, is aimed at creating significant customer

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With the New Terminal Opening in San Diego, Alaska and Southwest Prepare for Battle

Cranky Flier

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.

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Riyadh Air Backtracks, Will Offer First Class… Eventually

One Mile at a Time

Airline startup Riyadh Air is expected to launch flights as of late 2025. The company already has up to 72 Boeing 787-9s and up to 60 Airbus A321neos on order. The airline will commence operations with 787s, and has just revealed the cabin finishes for these jets. Riyadh Air does plan to offer first class, eventually All of Riyadh Airs Boeing 787s are expected to feature business class (including a front row business class plus product, branded as Business Elite), premium economy, and economy.

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EVA Air Will Launch Flights To Dallas-Fort Worth Airport In October

Simple Flying

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.

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Boeing, NASA rain-check X-66 evolution to focus on long, thin-wing development

Aerotime

Boeing and NASA are to pause development of the X-66 flight demonstrator in order to focus their research on the evolution of long, thin-wing technology. In a statement on April 25, 2025, NASA announced that the pair were evaluating an updated approach to the agencys Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project. The X-66 design incorporated extra-long, thin wings stabilized by diagonal struts, known as a Transonic Truss-Braced Wing concept, and there were high hopes that its development could lead to

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American Loses Even More Gates in Chicago, But It’s Not Going Down Without a Fight

Cranky Flier

It took me some time, because the Chicago Department of Aviation made me submit a FOIA request to get the new proposed gate allocation map at O’Hare AND, of course, I was on spring break with the family. But I have the map, and ooh boy is it different than I thought. United is jumping with joy while American is steaming with anger. The assignments, however, don’t get finalized until June 1, and American has wasted no time in trying to fight this.

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United Airlines’ New Process For Kicking Off Drunk Passengers

One Mile at a Time

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.

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5 Ways To Find The Perfect Seat On Any Flight

Simple Flying

There are various factors that can either make or break our levels of enjoyment on any particular flight. From the quality of the inflight food and drink service to the variety of inflight entertainment available, as well as human factors such as the friendliness of the cabin crew in their interactions with paying guests, all of these can contribute in one way or another.

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Cathay Pacific heads to the Lone Star State with new direct flights to Dallas

Aerotime

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific has expanded its network of services to destinations in the US for summer 2025 by adding new direct flights between Hong Kong and Dallas, Texas. The addition of Dallas to its network is a strategic move for the carrier, which has made the further strengthening of connectivity between Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, and North America a key part of its expansion plans for 2025.