JetBlue to Cut New York Flights amid Air Traffic Controller Shortage

NEW YORK — As the busy summer travel season approaches, JetBlue Airways is gearing up to reduce its New York flights following a request from federal regulators for airlines to cut schedules by up to 10% at some of the country's most congested airports. (www.airlinerwatch.com) More...

Boeing 777X Certification Inches Closer to Approval After Five-Year Delay

ARLINGTON, WASHINTON — The aviation industry's latest newsworthy story centers around the 777X certification, Boeing's newest wide-body aircraft, which has faced delays for the past five years and has yet to enter service. (www.airlinerwatch.com) More...

Fort Campbell helicopter crash

Two HH60 Blackhawks of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) were conducting a training exercise at approximately 10 p.m. when they crashed, Brendalyn Carpenter-Player, the director of the Fort Campbell Public Affairs, told Fox News Digital. "The crewmembers were flying two HH60 Blackhawk helicopters during a routine training mission when the incident occurred. The status of the crew members are unknown at this time," Carpenter-Player said. "The command is currently focused on… (www.foxnews.com) More...

Delta Scraps Dallas Love Field Route Before it Even Starts

On Monday, Delta Air Lines made headlines when it announced that its originally planned route from New York La Guardia Airport (LGA) to Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) would not launch in June as previously planned. (aeroxplorer.com) More...

NASA, Boeing to Host Media Briefing, Provide Starliner Update

NASA and Boeing will host a media teleconference at 2 p.m. EDT Wednesday, March 29, to provide an update on the Crew Flight Test (CFT) of the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station. Managers will share a mission status and discuss upcoming milestones ahead of Starliner's first flight with astronauts prior to certifying the spacecraft and systems for regular crew rotation flights to the space station for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. (www.nasa.gov) More...

Pilot Unions Form Coalition to Oppose Single-Pilot Operations, Citing Safety Concerns and Profit-Driven Motives

MONTREAL, CANADA — Pilot unions are strongly opposing single-pilot operations for commercial aircraft, labeling these automation-dependent concepts as profit-driven and posing significant safety risks. The Air Line Pilots Association International, European Cockpit Association, and International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations have formed a coalition to counter such initiatives and are committed to protecting the safety of passengers. (www.airlinerwatch.com) More...

A321XLR programme completes second cold-weather testing campaign

This week the A321XLR development flight-test aircraft (“FT3”, MSN11080) dedicated to the cabin returned from its four-day cold-weather ground testing at Iqaluit in northern Canada. A few weeks earlier, one of the other A321XLR test aircraft (“FT2”, MSN11058) made a similar visit to Iqaluit. On that initial occasion the mission was to test the operation of the hydraulics and other systems at extreme cold temperatures – after an overnight soak at minus 40 degrees Centigrade. (www.airbus.com) More...

FAA looks to address potential fuel leaks from Boeing 737’s APU

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is issuing an Airworthiness Directive (AD), addressing potential damage to the Boeing 737’s Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) fuel line shroud (www.aerotime.aero) More...

Airbus achieves autonomous control of drone from tanker aircraft

Airbus completed the first test flight of its Auto’Mate technology demonstrator, showcasing in-flight autonomous guidance and control of a drone using an A310 MRTT tanker. (www.aerotime.aero) More...

China: Deadly 2022 Plane Crash Still Being Investigated

Experts are still investigating the cause of the crash of a China Eastern Airlines jetliner that killed 132 people one year ago, China's government said Monday. (www.voanews.com) More...

Fake SWA gate times

I have witnessed multiple false gate times for Southwest Airlines in Hawaii in the last week. For example on 3/28/2023 swa3656 shows leaving gate in Lihue before the aircraft arrived at the airport from the previous flight. (flightaware.com) More...

78th Domestic Destination: IndiGo Starts Flying To Dharamshala

IndiGo’s regional footprint in India was boosted further recently with the commencement of its flight between Delhi and the hillside town of Dharamshala in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The airline is just the third in the country to operate flights there, given the mountainous terrain and runway limitations, requiring smaller aircraft. (www.msn.com) More...

Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Man Allegedly Drinks Liter of Vodka, Causes ‘Two Hours of Chaos’

On Monday, an Easyjet flight traveling from Manchester to Antalya was forced to make an emergency landing in Hungary following “two hours of chaos” that involved a particularly rowdy passenger and the alleged drinking of “at least” a liter of vodka, reported The Scottish Sun. According to The Scottish Sun, the unnamed man had purchased the booze duty-free at the airport and reportedly attempted to disguise it from staff by pouring it into a soda bottle. “He started annoying the girl in front, so… (www.msn.com) More...

Delta Air Lines Relaunches Minneapolis Tokyo Flights With The Airbus A330neo

After a three-year pause, Delta Air Lines and Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) celebrated over the weekend by resuming its Tokyo Haneda (HND) connection on Saturday 25th. The connection joins five other Delta flights that now operate to Tokyo Haneda, with two more expected to join the list this year, as noted further in this article. With the Minneapolis / Saint Paul region seeing 17,000 passengers travel directly between MSP and Japan annually, Brian Ryks, CEO of the… (www.msn.com) More...

Strikes Prompt British Airways To Cut Easter Flights

With ongoing negotiations stalled between the UK's busiest airport, London Heathrow (LHR), and airport security, strikes are looming. British Airways has canceled approximately 300 flights over the Easter travel rush to ease congestion at its Terminal five hub. 1,400 airport security have threatened to walk off the job from March 31st as demand negotiations stalled last Thursday. The industrial action comes from the Unite Union, which covers many airport security staff based at London… (www.msn.com) More...

Emirates Launches A380 Service to Bali

Two of the world's most popular tourist destinations will now be connected through an Airbus A380 service. The direct flight between Dubai and Bali with Emirates will start on June 1 and replace a Boeing 777 service. (aeroxplorer.com) More...

Frontier Airlines Announces Nonstop Service from Atlanta to Guatemala City, Santo Domingo, San Diego, Salt Lake City, and Ontario, Calif

Ultra-low fare carrier Frontier Airlines will launch new seasonal nonstop service from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Guatemala City, Guatemala (GUA), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ), and San Diego (SAN) in May of 2023. Additionally, in May, Frontier will restart seasonal nonstop service from ATL to Ontario, Calif. (ONT), and Salt Lake City (SLC). (www.aviationpros.com) More...

Boeing Anticipates 737 MAX Delivery Resumption as Chinese Airlines Reinstate More Jets in Service

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON — Boeing's 737 MAX is gradually reemerging in China, as more aircraft return to service and the company considers resuming deliveries to Chinese clients. According to Boeing CFO Brian West, Chinese airlines have recommenced operations with around 30 of the 97 grounded jets. (www.airlinerwatch.com) More...

Billionaire Branson sits out Virgin Orbit’s costly flameout

Richard Branson was long a force to be reckoned with in the booming private space business. The British serial entrepreneur beat fellow billionaire Jeff Bezos to the first cosmic tourist trip with his Virgin Galactic venture. Branson’s second space foray, Virgin Orbit, strapped rockets under the wing of a jumbo jet to launch satellites on their flight path, complete with mission monikers like “Start Me Up” that reflect his distinctive blend of business and bravado. (www.seattletimes.com) More...

Russia threatens to destroy Ukraine jets given by Slovakia and Poland.

After Poland and Slovakia have transferred jets to Ukraine to help in the war, Russia has threatened to destroy these aircraft to help themselves advance in the war. (www.bbc.com) More...

The most Chicago thing ever happened 20 years ago — an airport was bulldozed overnight

When the sun came up over Chicago on March 31, 2003, it shone down on six large Xs that were bulldozed overnight into the runway of a small downtown airport. (www.wbez.org) More...

Delta passenger allegedly opens airplane door, uses emergency slide before takeoff at LAX

A Delta Air Lines passenger was detained at Los Angeles International Airport after he allegedly opened an emergency exit door and went down the emergency slide as the airplane prepared to take off for Seattle on Saturday morning, authorities said. ... “There was no time for anybody to react,” said Gillian Sheldon, who was on Delta Flight 1714. “It happened so incredibly quickly.” (www.latimes.com) More...

United and Archer to Open Air Taxi Route from Chicago in 2025

Travelers to and from O'Hare will soon have an even easier time accessing the airport. Beginning in 2025 United and partner Archer Aviation will launch a new air taxi route to United's largest hub, scheming to reinvent travel altogether. (aeroxplorer.com) More...

Milwaukee airport to build air cargo hub with private financing

Milwaukee Mitchell airport is partnering with a private developer to finance, build and market a new air logistics hub. (www.freightwaves.com) More...

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Outpaces Airbus A350 in Sales

WASHINGTON — The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has surpassed the Airbus A350 in terms of sales, according to recent data. Despite the A350's high performance and reduced maintenance costs, airlines are more inclined to choose the 787 due to its better overall performance and lower price. (www.airlinerwatch.com) More...

airBaltic shows frustration as it needs to wet lease more aircraft

airBaltic is forced to wet-lease in another four aircraft for the early summer season because Pratt & Whitney is unable to return repaired Geared Turbofan engines for its own Airbus A220-300s in time. The Nordic airline did little to hide its frustrations in a press statement that was released today. airBaltic shows frustration as it needs to wet lease more aircraft. (airinsight.com) More...

Delta restarts daily service between London and Los Angeles

Delta Air Lines is relaunching a daily service from London Heathrow to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), with the inaugural flight set to take off on Sunday (26 March). The non-stop route, last operated by the carrier in 2015, will be serviced by A330-900neo aircraft, which features four cabin classes, including Delta One Suites and Delta Premium Select. (www.businesstravelnewseurope.com) More...

American Airlines suspends Philadelphia-Madrid route due to delays in Boeing 787 deliveries

American Airlines said Friday it will suspend its Philadelphia-Madrid route for a few weeks in May and early June, citing delivery delays for Boeing 787 Dreamliners. (www.aviation24.be) More...

Record Broken: What Is The Longest Ever Flight With The Airbus A330-800neo?

Kuwait Airways now operates the type between Kuwait and New York, with a flight time of over 13 hours. (simpleflying.com) More...

Technical issues at Lufthansa cause delays in Frankfurt

Lufthansa's operations were disrupted Sunday at Frankfurt airport because of technical problems, German news agency dpa reported. Check-in systems on the airline's website and at the counter, as well as boarding, were affected at Germany's biggest airport, a Lufthansa spokeswoman told dpa. Some flights were delayed or would have to be canceled because of the problems. Check-in was still possible using cellphone browsers on smartphones or tablets, and the Lufthansa app. (www.msn.com) More...

American Airlines Teases New Route To Singapore In Employee Leak

At an internal employee ‘Crew News’ question and answer session, American Airlines Vice President of Network Planning Brian Znotins shared that the airline is looking at Singapore as a new destination, as revealed by aviation insider JonNYC. This service would become possible once the airline begins taking delivery of new Boeing 787-9s it has on order, which will feature new business class suites with doors, currently slated for next year. (viewfromthewing.com) More...

Inside Air India’s Plan To Finance The Mammoth Aircraft Order

Now that the dust has settled on Air India’s massive aircraft order announcement, the big question is how the airline plans to finance it. At the CAPA India Aviation Summit, Air India’s CEO Campbell Wilson spoke a bit about how the aircraft will be acquired over the next several years and expressed his confidence in arranging the funds. Not worried about financing Air India will acquire the 470 planes it has ordered from Airbus and Boeing through a combination of sale and leaseback, cash, and… (www.msn.com) More...

Cebu Pacific Seeks 15 New Aircraft This Year Amid $650 Million Spending Spree

Philippine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific is making 2023 the year for utmost growth and speedy recovery as it expects to restore pre-pandemic capacities by this month and is slated to exceed them by June. The Manila-based carrier also announced intentions to enhance fleet capacities to meet soaring passenger demand in the post-pandemic global market. Beefing up capacity with new fleet additions Cebu Pacific currently has 65 aircraft - including ATR 72s, Airbus A320-200s, A320neos, A321-200s,… (www.msn.com) More...

How Saudia Plans To Become A More Modern Airline With Digitalization

Since taking off for its first flight in 1945 with a single aircraft in the fleet, flag carrier Saudia has evolved into a multi-industry airline leading the domestic market within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With more than 146 aircraft in its fleet, the airline connects the Kingdom to over 90 destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. But with more airlines expanding their networks and upgrading soft products to advance ahead of the heated competition, Saudia… (www.msn.com) More...

One Less Operator: Air Hong Kong Will Phase Out Airbus A300 By 2024

Air Hong Kong will retire its fleet of Airbus A300-600 freighters within the next two years. All nine of the freighters will be returned to lessors and replaced by second-hand A330s. A300 to be phased out next year As first reported by CargoFacts, the carrier - wholly owned by Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific and based out of Chek Lap Kok Airport (HKG) - plans to phase out its nine Airbus A300-600F aircraft by the end of 2024, with the first planes set to leave the fleet this year. The airline,… (www.msn.com) More...

Modern Livery: Air Malta Receives 5th Airbus A320neo

Air Malta has welcomed its newest Airbus A320neo, the fifth to join its fleet and the first in over two-and-a-half years. The jet will sport a minimalist livery and replace one of the airline's older A320ceo aircraft. Air Malta welcomes 9H-NEE The carrier's fifth Airbus A320neo (registration: 9H-NEE) made its delivery flight on March 24th, flying for approximately two hours from Toulouse (TLS) to Malta International Airport (MLA). The aircraft was powered by a blend of Sustainable… (www.msn.com) More...

Boeing Starliner's 1st crewed trip to the ISS delayed again over battery overheating risk

Boeing's first mission carrying astronauts to the International Space Station aboard its Starliner capsule, scheduled for April, is now delayed until summer due to the risk of overheating batteries. (www.theregister.com) More...

Bombardier Ups 2025 Revenue, Profitability Goals

Bombardier, continuing to meet financial objectives in its turnaround plan, has upped its goals for 2025, now targeting more than $9 billion in revenues by 2025 as it plans to deliver 150 aircraft annually by that time frame. (www.ainonline.com) More...

Boeing 737 Max AD Sheds Light on Factory Errors

An FAA airworthiness directive (AD) scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on Monday highlights improper torquing of engine anti-ice (EAI) exhaust ducts in Boeing 737 Max jets by factory mechanics. (www.ainonline.com) More...

ANA Shares Summer Schedule For Its Star Wars-Themed Boeing Aircraft

Star Wars fans will be thrilled to hear that All Nippon Airways' two Star Wars-themed jets will remain in action this summer. The Japanese carrier has released its summer schedule for its R2-D2 and C-3PO aircraft. Force remains strong this summer ANA's beloved R2-D2 jet will be deployed on select international routes, while C-3PO will fly primarily on domestic routes to and from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). The two planes have worn their unique liveries for many years now - R2-D2 since… (www.msn.com) More...

Lufthansa To Bring Back A380 On U.S. Routes

Lufthansa has officially announced that it will be bringing back its Airbus A380s. Its first post-pandemic routes? The East Coast. Due to higher-than-expected demand, Lufthansa is set to expand service from its Munich hub using the biggest passenger plane in its armory. (aeroxplorer.com) More...

Mid Air collision injures two at Falcon Field, Mesa Arizona

Two aircraft collided mid air, destroying a warbird (www.fox10phoenix.com) More...

EASA Director Patrick Ky Attests Improvement in Boeing 777X Certification Debate with FAA

FRANKFURT, GERMANY — During a recent interview with Aviation Week, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Executive Director, Patrick Ky, confirmed significant progress in the ongoing discussions surrounding the certification of Boeing's groundbreaking, newer generation widebody aircraft. (www.airlinerwatch.com) More...

American Airlines to temporarily suspend route due to Boeing dreamliner delays

The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier said Friday it would suspend its Philadelphia-Madrid route for a few weeks in May and early June, citing delivery delays for the jets. American said it was cutting the flights now to ensure it could help customers arrange different travel plans. (www.foxbusiness.com) More...

Union urges pilots to ‘increase vigilance’ to prevent close calls

The largest US airline pilots union is counseling its members to be more focused to avoid additional close calls. There have been multiple close calls on runways this year which have raised questions about air safety. The Air Line Pilots Association issued a safety alert encouraging pilots to “increase vigilance” and “prevent complacency” in themselves and others. (edition.cnn.com) More...

New Zealand's Wicked Spaceplane Approved for Suborbital Test Flights

Dawn Aerospace CEO Stefan Powell announced today that the company’s Mk-II Aurora spaceplane has received approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand for rocket-powered flight. The company is now ready to test the vehicle’s rocket engines with flights beginning next month. (gizmodo.com) More...

First Black national airline pilot recalls career highlight — flying Rosa Parks’ body home

Lou Freeman made history in 1980 when he became the first Black pilot to fly a plane for Southwest Airlines. Known as Captain Lou, he also made history in 1992 when he became the first Black chief pilot for any major airline. (www.chicagotribune.com) More...

Aircraft Cabin Innovation Summit Wraps Up

The three-day conference saw airlines, cabin designers, and suppliers all meet under the Airbus roof. (simpleflying.com) More...