Air Facts
APRIL 21, 2025
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.
Aerotime
APRIL 21, 2025
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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Cranky Flier
APRIL 21, 2025
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.
Simple Flying
APRIL 25, 2025
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.
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.
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.
Cranky Flier
APRIL 22, 2025
It had been nearly a decade since I last flew Frontier, so I was excited to see that the airline had a perfectly-timed flight from SFO to Orange County that would let me get on the airline again on my return from United’s event. (It’s been a couple weeks, so you may have forgotten about the outbound part of the trip already.) Even better, the fare was a cheap $59.98 — for some reason the Basic fare was the same as the Economy fare with a carry-on and seat assignment — so
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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.
Aerotime
APRIL 25, 2025
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
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.
Simple Flying
APRIL 21, 2025
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?
One Mile at a Time
APRIL 20, 2025
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.
Aerotime
APRIL 25, 2025
Bulgarian ACMI and charter carrier Electra Airways has linked up with Polish tour operator ITAKA to launch a new airline brand called Air 001, with the intention of offering charter flights between Poland and a number of leisure destinations Although it will have its own corporate identity, brand name and livery, the new airline will actually use Electra Airways Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
Cranky Flier
APRIL 25, 2025
On this week’s episode, Brian and I butt heads. I’ve been watching Spirit’s network moves, and I see an opportunity for Spirit to cozy up to Sun Country. Brian thinks I’m insane. Come on in and listen for yourself and then decide why Brian is wrong… Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Amazon Listen on Pocket Casts American’s WaywAArd Q1 Fiscal Results American’s Q1 reporting would have made Dennis Green proud — they were what we th
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.
One Mile at a Time
APRIL 20, 2025
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
Aerotime
APRIL 25, 2025
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
Vintage Aviation News
APRIL 21, 2025
At the start of this year, the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, CA, welcomed the arrival of a rare Curtiss SB2C-4 Helldiver WWII dive bomber. The aircraft will be restored for display on the retired aircraft carrier while remaining on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, FL. This turn also represents a homecoming for this aircraft, which made headlines more than 10 years ago for being raised from the depths of a local reservoir.
Simple Flying
APRIL 25, 2025
In 1969, the United States led the world with giant widebody commercial aircraft as Pan Am became the launch customer for the Boeing 747 Jumbo. The Boeing 747 was enlarged in subsequent variants and proved a massive success both in the domestic US and international export markets. Fast-forward to today, all remaining passenger 747s are in service with foreign airlines, and there are no double-decker or quad-engined aircraft in passenger service with US airlines.
One Mile at a Time
APRIL 22, 2025
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.
Aerotime
APRIL 21, 2025
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.
Vintage Aviation News
APRIL 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE Four legendary fighter aircraft built by Grumman will be featured prominently among the warbirds gathering and aerial displays during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, taking place July 2127 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The 72nd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Associations annual fly-in convention will welcome the Air Legends Foundations impressive quartet of aircraftan F4F-3 Wildcat, F6F Hellcat, F7F Tigercat, and F8F Bearcat.
Simple Flying
APRIL 21, 2025
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.
One Mile at a Time
APRIL 23, 2025
Weve heard a lot of stories about decreased foreign travel demand to the United States, for a variety of reasons. That information has largely been anecdotal, or has been based on forecasts rather than actual travel data, since theres a gap between when people book tickets and when they actually travel. Furthermore, theres the ability to selectively quote figures to make things look a certain way.
Aerotime
APRIL 25, 2025
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.
Vintage Aviation News
APRIL 20, 2025
On this day in aviation history, we mark the 107th anniversary of Manfred von Richthofens final aerial victories. On April 20, 1918, the famed German aceknown around the world as the Red Baronclaimed his 79th and 80th kills in combat. Just one day later, on April 21, Richthofen was shot down and killed, bringing an end to the legendary career of one of World War Is most feared and celebrated fighter pilots.
Simple Flying
APRIL 25, 2025
The Boeing 777-9 is the largest twinjet ever made. With a length exceeding 250 ft (76 m) and wings so big that the tips fold to fit into existing ICAO Code E gates. Therefore, it must have a lot of power to lift it up in the air, and the General Electric GE9X is the solution. This is the largest, most powerful, and most advanced turbofan engine to be offered on the commercial market yet.
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).
Aerotime
APRIL 22, 2025
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
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.
Simple Flying
APRIL 22, 2025
According to Spirit's schedule submission to Cirium Diio, the evolving carrier plans over 39,200 two-way flights in May/June (an average of 643 daily). Services have fallen from 51,800 in the same two months last year (849 daily), a 24% reduction. While all months in 2025 have much lower activity than in 2024, May/June have significantly declined. It is hard to fathom any airline cutting nearly one in four flights.
AV Web
APRIL 21, 2025
According to reports posted as confirmed on Reddit, nine air traffic controllers at Albuquerque Center have resigned to accept positions with Airservices Australia, the government-owned ATC organization. They will be leaving later this year. Airservices has posted a recruiting notice on its website soliciting for international controllers with at least five years operational experience to join them.
Aerotime
APRIL 22, 2025
Hundreds of passengers were evacuated onto the tarmac at Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida after a Delta Air Lines aircraft briefly caught fire. The fully booked Delta Air Lines Airbus A330 was in the process of pushing back from the gate for its departure around 11:06 local time on April 21, 2025, when an engine fire occurred in the ramp area, Orlando airport officials announced in a statement.
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.
Simple Flying
APRIL 20, 2025
After two crashes involving the Boeing 737 Max , which were fatal for all passengers and crew onboard, the aircraft earned a great deal of criticism. The crashes and subsequent exposure of their underlying causes resulted in public trust in the Boeing brand being diminished. It turned out that many of the issues with the plane stem back to the engine that was chosen for the plane, which was so large that it required unorthodox positioning on the aircraft.
AV Web
APRIL 21, 2025
A group of Florida pilots has organized a petition campaign to have the FAA stop ADS-B data from being used to bill pilots for landing fees. It’s the latest wrinkle in a growing movement to stop the controversial practice. The pilots took action after the airport authority at Kissimmee, Florida signed a deal with Vector Airport Systems to have it send bills to the registered owners of aircraft landing at the field.
Aerotime
APRIL 21, 2025
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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