Airbus Delivers Its 500th A350

DALLAS – Airbus has achieved a significant milestone with its 500th A350 aircraft delivered today to Iberia (IB). This achievement represents the tremendous success of the latest Airbus product, which has been recognized by 39 airlines that have put their confidence in the long-range aircraft since 2014. The aircraft at issue is registered as EC-NXD …

Delta Air Lines, LAX’s SkyWay Open New Phase

DALLAS – Delta Air Lines (DL) travelers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) will have more to enjoy as they travel. The airport and airline have completed a major phase in the development of the Delta Sky Way at LAX. The new T3 facility features nine new gates and an ample seating area. It is …

Cathay Pacific Eyes Order for New Cargo Airplanes

DALLAS – Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific (CX) is reportedly making plans to order an unspecified number of new freighters for its cargo division.  The aircraft would be used to replace its aging Boeing 747-400 Extended Range Freighter (ERF) fleet. According to people familiar with the development cited by Reuters, CX is said to be in …

SWISS Pilots in Contract Row Protest March

DALLAS – Around 350 SWISS International Air Lines (LX) pilots have marched to the airline’s headquarters near Zurich Airport (ZRH). The protest, which took place on Thursday, September 29, is part of the flight crew’s battle for an improved collective labour agreement. SWISS, owned by Deutsche Lufthansa (LH), has been locked in intense discussion with …

Amsterdam Schiphol to Extend Passenger Cap into 2023

DALLAS – Troubled Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) has announced that it will continue capping the number of passengers travelling through its terminals by a fifth into the new year. Bosses have said that they will review the cap at the end of the year with a view to adding capacity “from the end of January.” …

Westjet orders 42 Boeing 737-10s

Boeing and WestJet have announced the airline is strengthening its commitment to the 737 MAX family with an order for 42 737-10s and options for an additional 22 jets. “The 737-10 will be a game changer, with one of the lowest costs per seat among mid-range aircraft. This will foster our low-cost positioning and affordability …

Vietjet expands network and awards cabinet

Vietjet has expanded its network and its award cabinet as the airline soars to Vietnam’s largest domestic airline with a 43 per cent market share. Since beginning operations in 2011, Vietjet has carried more than 120 million passengers and now operates over 500 flights a day. The airline has four key domestic hubs – Hanoi, …

WestJet Expands Fleet with Largest Boeing 737-10 Order

DALLAS – WestJet (WS) has placed an order for 42 Boeing 737-10 aircraft with options for an additional 22 aircraft, according to a joint statement from Boeing and WS. The largest Boeing 737 MAX variant will allow the Canadian carrier to carry out an ambitious network expansion and satisfy its long-term sustainability goals thanks to …

The COMAC C919 Receives Type Certification

DALLAS – The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has announced that the COMAC C919 has finally received its type certificate at a grand ceremony at Beijing Central Airport (PEK). This means that China’s newest commercial narrow-body aircraft has been granted permission to start operations and deliveries to airlines as early as the end of …

Virgin Atlantic to Not Return to London Gatwick

DALLAS – Virgin Atlantic (VS) has ruled out its impending return to London Gatwick Airport (LGW). The airline also asks that London Heathrow Airport’s (LHR) capacity problems from this summer not happen again. Virgin Atlantic will retain its slots at LGW as its joint-venture partner, Delta Air Lines (DL), will be resuming services to New …

9/29/1972: Air Florida Commences Operations

DALLAS – Today in Aviation, Miami-based Air Florida (QH) commenced revenue operations in 1972 using a number of second-hand Lockheed Electras. Businessman Eli Timoner had seen the rise of Pacific Southwest Airlines (PS) in California and wanted to emulate its success with his new intrastate airline. With twice-daily flights between Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO), and …

Aer Lingus Announces Dublin-Cleveland Route

DALLAS – For the summer of 2023, Aer Lingus (EI) will launch its first direct flight from Dublin International Airport (DUB) to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), Ohio, US. Aer Lingus will operate the new service using a brand-new Airbus A321neo and the airline will fly the route four times per week beginning on May …

China Airlines Finalizes Landmark Dreamliner Order

DALLAS – China Airlines (CI) and Boeing have sealed an order for up to 24 787 Dreamliners. The state-owned flag carrier of the Republic of China invested in the fuel-efficient widebody to increase passenger and cargo operations. The agreement comprises a firm order for 16 of the Boeing 787-9 and options for an additional eight …

Doha Now Has Two Airports for the FIFA World Cup

DALLAS – With the FIFA World Cup ready to kick off in 52 days, Qatar reopened the older Doha International Airport (DIA) earlier this month to cater to the excess demand that will last during the tournament season. The airport sits just west of the newer Hamad International airport (DOH), which took over duties in …

American Airlines to Suspend New York-Santiago Route

DALLAS – American Airlines (AA) has announced that it will stop operating flights between New York (JFK) and Santiago de Chile (SCL), effective January 4, 2023. The airline operates three weekly flights using Boeing 777-200(ER) aircraft on the route. AA will continue to serve Miami and Dallas flights to the Chilean capital, and at the …

Boeing Delivers 100th 737-800BCF to AerCap

DALLAS – Boeing has delivered its 100th 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) to the world’s biggest aircraft lessor AerCap. AerCap also holds the honour of receiving the first 737-800BCF back in 2016. Today the company is the largest operator of the type, with 65 firm orders and nine options. Indeed, the -800BCF has orders for …

Garuda Indonesia Appeals for US Chapter 15 Bankruptcy

DALLAS – After undergoing a debt restructuring deal in Jakarta, Indonesian flag carrier Garuda Indonesia (GA) has requested that the United States Bankruptcy Court in New York court acknowledges the move under Chapter 15 of the US Bankruptcy Code. Chapter 15 provides an effective system for handling foreign insolvency cases that is of financial interest to …

Eviation’s All-Electric Alice Aircraft Completes First Flight

DALLAS – Eviation’s all-electric Alice aircraft has completed its first flight at Grant County International Airport (MWH), Moses Lake, WA, landing safely to achieve a milestone moment for sustainable, zero-emissions aviation. Alice, which made its debut at the 2019 Paris Air Show, can accommodate nine passengers and two pilots. 250 knots is the maximum cruise …

Hurricane Ian to upset travel in the Sunshine State

DALLAS – As the strengthened category 3 Hurricane Ian approaches Florida, airlines are preparing for impact. Hurricane Ian strengthened to a Category 3 storm on Tuesday morning, according to the latest storm update, and is scheduled to make landfall in Cuba on its path to Florida.  With gusty winds and a storm surge, Ian is …

Norse Atlantic Receives AOC from UK Regulator

DALLAS – The UK Civil Aviation Authority has granted Norse Atlantic Airways (N0) its air operator’s certificate (AOC) and operating license (OL), enabling the airline to begin conducting regular operations from the United Kingdom. Upon receiving regulatory approval, the low-cost long-haul airline plans to begin transatlantic flights between London Gatwick (LGW) and a number of …

Virgin Atlantic to Join SkyTeam Alliance

DALLAS – Virgin Atlantic (VS) has announced that it will join the SkyTeam global airline alliance from early next year.  The decision to join SkyTeam comes as no real shock, as VS joins its transatlantic airline partners KLM (KL), Air France (AF) and part owner Delta Air Lines (DL).  Strengthening its Position Virgin will become …

Aer Lingus to put A320neo into Service

DALLAS – Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus (EI) has announced that it will place its first Airbus A320neo (EI-NSA) ‘St Thomas/Tomás’ into service on Wednesday, September 28. EI will use the state-of-the-art jet on its flagship Dublin (DUB) to London Heathrow (LHR) service. The aircraft is configured in a 186 all-economy layout. To mark its …

Hurricane Ian: Tampa Airport to Suspend Operations

DALLAS – Tampa International Airport (TPA) will suspend all operations beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, due to Hurricane Ian, which continues to threaten the Tampa Bay region with strong winds, heavy rain and storm surge. The 5 p.m. closure will allow TPA to prepare the airfield and terminals, including the securing of jet …

Stunning Pictures Of The Space X Launch Captured From C-17 Transport

Stunning pictures of the Space X launch have been taken from a C-17 cockpit over the Atlantic Ocean. The pictures were taken by @mavliocca and posted by @Combat_learjet. INCREDIBLE imagines of the @spacex launch from a C-17 cockpit over the Atlantic Ocean. Thank you for the pictures @mavliocca pic.twitter.com/fSO8zHTlKH — Combat Learjet (@Combat_learjet) September 25, …

Delta Air Lines Returns to London Gatwick

DALLAS – 2023 will see Delta Air Lines (DL) boost its service between the US and UK in response to the growing demand for travel between the two countries with a new route between London Gatwick (LGW) and New York (JFK) and expanded service to both London Heathrow (LHR) and Edinburgh (EDI). The LGW to …

Caribbean Airlines Revamps Business Class Lounge at Piarco

DALLAS – Caribbean Airlines (BW) has opened its refreshed club lounge for business class passengers and Caribbean club members. Located at Piarco International Airport (POS), the Trinidad Caribbean Club Lounge offers 3,062 sq ft of an “elite” pre-flight experience. Some of the key amenities include a self-serve bar; catered breakfast, lunch, and dinner options; meeting …

Doncaster Sheffield Airport to Close

Photo: DSA Local Impact of the Airport Closure The airport’s strategic review was launched in July of this year and came to a disappointing conclusion today. The closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (also known as “Robin Hood airport”) appeared to be the only “viable” option because “no tangible proposals” have been received about the ownership …