https://simpleflying.com The latest aviation news from around the world. Mon, 28 Aug 2023 08:00:25 GMT en-US hourly 60 It seems that airports and airplanes are becoming THE place for making proposals, and surprisingly, most of them seem to get that all-important and very public Yes for an answer. The high-risk strategy has scored another bullseye recently, this time in the arrivals hall of Auckland Aiport, the international gateway to New Zealand.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 08:00:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/auckland-airport-successful-marriage-proposal/ China's Shenzhen Airlines launched direct flights between Shenzhen and Barcelona on Monday. The route links China's tech hub with the northeast coast of Spain, known for its art and architecture. The flight is the second European route that the carrier operates. It comes as both Shenzhen and Barcelona are reportedly celebrating the second anniversary of establishing friendly ties.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 07:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/shenzhen-airlines-airbus-a330-flights-barcelona/ Even as Vistara prepares for its eventual merger with Air India, the airline continues to offer new flights until the deal is finalized. The latest announcement is for its non-stop service between Delhi and Malé in the Maldives. The carrier already operates a Mumbai-Malé flight and will be the only airline flying this route from Delhi.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 06:00:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/vistara-delhi-maldives-non-stop-flight/ Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines is accused of losing a woman’s dog amid a flight from the Dominican Republic to the US. Paula Rodriguez embarked on a long journey from Santo Domingo to San Francisco but noticed her dog was not with her during a layover in Atlanta.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 05:31:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/passenger-claims-delta-air-lines-lost-dog-atlanta-airport/ From today, passengers traveling on around 70% of Virgin Australia flights will be able to track where their checked bags are via the airline's app. Virgin Australia describes the innovation as Australia's "first-ever airline baggage tracking tool," and its launch follows a successful pilot of the program in May this year.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 05:00:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/virgin-australia-unveils-aussie-bag-tracking/ In another development that could further sour the relationship between Go First and its lessors, important parts are reportedly missing from at least two of its aircraft. One of Go First’s lessors has raised concerns regarding this and wants to take back the planes to avoid further losses.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 04:00:15 GMT https://simpleflying.com/parts-missing-from-go-first-planes/ Malaysia Airlines currently has six Airbus A350-900s in its fleet, which were all delivered between November 2017 and July 2018. With all of these units not even six years old yet, there are plenty of prospects to be had with the type, especially on Malaysia Airlines' flagship route to London.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 03:15:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/malaysia-airlines-airbus-a350s-meet-demand-london-heathrow-kuala-lumpur/ The flag carrier of the United Kingdom, British Airways, announced major upgrades to its airport lounge at London Heathrow International Airport (LHR). The new upgrades include an exclusive martini mixer at its exclusive Concorde Room in Terminal 5.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 03:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/british-airways-martini-experience-heathrows-concorde-room/ Earlier this month Fiji Airways greeted the arrival of its third Airbus A350 XWB, with the fourth soon to arrive in Nadi. The new aircraft is named the Island of Beqa and follows in the footsteps of the initial two A350s that joined Fiji Airways in 2019.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 01:46:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/fiji-airways-a350-business-class-very-high-bar/ On August 25th, a Jet2 A321-200N en route from Bodrum to Manchester diverted to Antalya because of a problem with one of the engines. The pilots landed the aircraft safely at Antalya International Airport (AYT).

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 01:31:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/jet2-airbus-a321neo-returns-bodrum-engine-flames-spotted/ The Indonesian Government has released a proposal to merge three state-owned carriers to cut costs and streamline operations, Indonesia’s Minister for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Erick Thohir announced over the weekend.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 00:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/indonesia-merger-garuda-indonesia-citilink-pelita-air/ The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) intends to terminate the regulatory charter loophole that allows non-ATP commercial pilots to fly passenger flights. As described in the General Operating and Flight Rules (14 CFR Part 380), the rule allows Part 135 charter flights to conduct scheduled flights and take advance bookings if the type of aircraft used has no more than 30 passenger seats. The rule is sometimes misused by airlines that serve smaller markets having contracts with charter companies to offer scheduled services.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 22:01:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/faa-close-regulatory-charter-loophole/ The administration of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has doubled down against its employees, who are currently in the midst of a strike. The airline has completed legal consultations to move forward and take action against its employees.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 21:29:56 GMT https://simpleflying.com/pakistan-international-airlines-legal-action-protesting-staff/ Saudi Arabia's newest carrier, Riyadh Air, has outlined a rather interesting plan for how the airline will operate once it commences commercial flights in 2025. However, the plan appears to be deviating from the formula of success that was created by fellow Middle Eastern giants Emirates and Qatar Airways.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 19:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/difference-riyadh-air-neighbors/ At a quick glance, Europe's three most prominent airline groups have been enjoying a significantly strong summer this year with bolstered capacities across their route networks compared to last summer. But despite these increased efforts, these airlines are still lagging a fair bit compared to pre-pandemic numbers - highlighting how everyone still has some distance to cover before reaching previous levels of flying.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 18:15:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/summer-capacity-iag-lufthansa-air-france-klm/ Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, the Netherlands’ largest and main airport, could increase its fees implemented on airlines due to the need for renovation at the airport. This increase in fees is likely to result in an increase in ticket prices for passengers.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 17:00:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/amsterdam-schiphols-quality-improvement-raise-ticket-prices/ United Airlines has reportedly agreed to pay a $30 million settlement to the family of a quadriplegic passenger who fell into a coma following an incident during the deplaning process.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 15:00:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/united-airlines-30-million-settlement-quadriplegic-passenger/ Boeing has identified a new manufacturing issue involving its supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, which has led to improperly drilled holes on the aft pressure bulkhead of certain models of the 737 MAX and 737 NG military derivative, the P-8 Poseidon, fuselage.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 12:00:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/boeing-737-max-supplier-defect-woes/ Hello and welcome to Simple Flying's final 'Sunday Reads' weekly digest for the month of August 2023. Let's end the month in style by taking a few minutes to look back at some of our most notable stories from the last seven days.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 11:29:29 GMT https://simpleflying.com/sunday-reads-122/ On August 23rd, a Boeing 787 operated by LATAM had to divert and return to its origin airport after a fuel leak was suspected by the crew. The aircraft was flying from Santiago, Chile, to Auckland, New Zealand, when the incident occurred.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 11:00:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/latam-boeing-787-suspected-fuel-leak/ After a hiatus of over 17 years, the flag carrier of Bangladesh, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, is set to connect Dhaka (the country's capital) to Tokyo Narita with a direct service. The service will commence next month and will contribute to increased passenger connectivity.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 10:00:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/biman-bangladesh-restarts-dhaka-tokyo-narita-flights/ The Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) of Moldova has declared the suspension of Air Moldova's Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) due to the absence of aircraft with valid airworthiness certificates.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 09:00:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/authority-suspends-air-moldova-air-operator-certificate/ It is strange days indeed at New Zealand's gateway Auckland Airport (AKL). This week, the airport announced that compared to last financial year passenger numbers rose by 183%, revenue was up by 108%, reported profit after tax was down by 77%, and it would ignore its major airline customers and plow ahead with a multi-billion dollar terminal upgrade paid for by increased charges.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 08:15:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/auckland-airpor-airlines-offside-profit-plummets-charges-rise/ Two passengers on separate vacations flying on TUI Airways are engaged after meeting during a delay in England nearly four years ago. The couple, who says the moment they met was "love at first sight," are reportedly planning to get married next month.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 07:00:29 GMT https://simpleflying.com/tui-passengers-engaged-bournemouth-airport/ On August 26th, a brand new Airbus A220-300 touched down at Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport and became ITA Airways' 5th A220 and 75th aircraft overall. The jet departed Airbus Canada's assembly facilities in Montreal on August 25th and flew into the evening with a midnight stopover at London's Stansted Airport.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 06:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/ita-airways-5th-airbus-a220-300/ Australia has a population approaching 27 million, and between them, Qantas Loyalty and Virgin Velocity have 26.7 million members of their frequent flyer programs. Both airlines want more members, so it seems the best way to get them is to entice each other's members to jump ship; at least that's what Virgin Australia's Velocity Frequent Flyer program has in mind.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 05:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/virgin-australia-velocity-luxury-escapes-qantas-gold/ Air Koryo, North Korea’s state-owned flag carrier, returned to Vladivostok, a far eastern city in Russia, on Friday after a hiatus of more than three years due to COVID-19 restrictions. The flight reportedly represents the resumption of commercial flights between the two countries.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 04:00:29 GMT https://simpleflying.com/air-koryo-resumes-flights-vladivostok/ The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has officially shifted its involvement in the CRAIC CR929 program from being a joint-venture partner to assuming the role of a key supplier.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 03:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/russia-pulls-out-of-the-cr929-widebody-program/ Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes flight G3 1312 had planned to operate an uneventual service from São Paulo–Congonhas Airport to Belo Horizonte on August 22nd; as the aircraft was accelerating down Congohas's runway 35L for take-off, the crew noted an engine stall, calling for an aborted takeoff.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 02:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/gol-boeing-737-max-rejects-takeoff-engine-problem/ Fly Angola has found itself treading in deep water, with flights suspended seemingly indefinitely from August 18th.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 01:20:29 GMT https://simpleflying.com/fly-angola-suspends-domestic-flights-following-economic-constraints/ While running an airline anywhere is a tricky business, there are some parts of the world where regional cultural, political and economic pressures add another whole layer of complexity for management to deal with. Hong Kong's status as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China throws up plenty of curve balls for Cathay Pacific Airways as it straddles the one country-two systems tightrope.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 01:00:29 GMT https://simpleflying.com/cathay-pacific-launches-recruiting-mainland-china/ Traveling by plane can sometimes get on your nerves. Airports and airplanes are full of people of all different kinds and with the most diverse cultural backgrounds. Families with young children and older people, young teenagers on their first solo trip, those traveling for business, and tourists waiting for their guide to tell them where to go. Your patience will be put through its paces, especially during peak times like summer or winter holidays.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 00:45:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/canada-most-relaxing-airports-list/ On 24 August 2023, Canadian carrier Air Inuit received the first two of its Boeing 737-800s which will soon be converted into combi freighters. These aircraft will replace the carrier's trademark Boeing 737-200 combis, the retirement of which was announced this past June. The aircraft in question are over 40 years old and have served thousands of passengers throughout their lifespans.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 00:15:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/air-inuit-receives-boeing-737-800-combi-freighter/ With its sparse population and massive size, Wyoming, America's least populous state, has a fascinating aviation landscape. With nine airports seeing scheduled commercial service, there are far more ways to fly in and out of the Cowboy State than you might expect.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 23:00:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/commercial-aviation-wyoming-guide/ All Nippon, British Airways, Etihad, EVA Air, KLM, Saudia, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines use the 787-10, to be joined by Qantas in the future. These are the five longest routes in September.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 21:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/five-longest-boeing-787-10-routes-september-2023/ In a second half of reporting, Simple Flying explores how Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), and its operator, the Port of Seattle, are working with airlines to be a quieter neighbor. The Port works with airlines to encourage airlines to use quieter aircraft flying in and out of SEA, among other things.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 19:30:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/seattle-ask-eva-air-for-787/ Some 43 US airports have non-stop scheduled passenger flights to Europe in September. While that is two fewer than in September 2019, weekly departing flights are 3.5% higher than they were.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 19:01:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/43-us-airports-europe-non-stops-september-2023/ Air India recently got hit with quite a big blow after the flag carrier failed an internal safety audit upon further verification by a two-member surveillance team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). During the routine exercise, the aviation regulator determined significant lapses and is currently investigating this matter with the airline.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 18:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/lapses-in-air-india-internal-safety-audits/ China Eastern Airlines has announced a direct flight from its base in Shanghai to Istanbul starting September 28. The airline will connect Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Istanbul Airport (IST) with non-stop flights three times a week. The new flight will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from Shanghai.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 17:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/china-eastern-shanghai-istanbul-flights-september/ Over the years, Delta Air Lines Sky Clubs have become widely popular, leading to overcrowding in the luxurious airport spaces. As a result, the Atlanta-based US legacy carrier introduced significant changes to the Sky Club access policy last year.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 16:00:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/delta-air-lines-sky-club-potential-changes-2023/ Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, located just 5 miles (8 km) south of the Sydney central business district, is Australia's busiest airport. Catering to both domestic and international flights, the airport serves as a major gateway for more than 44 million travelers each year.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 15:45:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/sydney-kingsford-smith-airport-public-transport-guide/ Thousands of UK passengers have been impacted by late-notice cancelations from British Airways and easyJet ahead of the bank holiday weekend. BA canceled around 50 flights to and from Heathrow, while easyJet scrapped ten Gatwick flights.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 15:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/british-airways-easyjet-bank-holiday-cancellations/ Nordic flight connections will soon be improved as Finnair is preparing to launch a new 'Arctic Express' service that will connect Helsinki with Rovaniemi and Tromsø. These new flights will be the only direct connection between Rovaniemi and Tromsø, allowing passengers to experience the hometown of Santa Claus and the gateway to the Northern Lights.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 14:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/finnair-arctic-express-service/ The Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines has partnered with the Norway-based climate tech firm CHOOOSE to provide passengers with the opportunity to understand and offset their travel emissions.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 12:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/pegasus-airlines-estimate-carbon-impact/ An American Girl doll that meant the world to its owner found its way back after being stranded halfway across the globe, thanks to her parents' perseverance and the goodwill of a stranger.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 10:32:22 GMT https://simpleflying.com/american-airlines-pilot-locates-nine-year-old-missing-doll-japan/ British Airways will ask passengers aged 16 and above to show photographic identification, such as a passport, a driving license, or a valid EU national identity card, for domestic flights within the United Kingdom starting September 1, 2023.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 10:01:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/british-airways-id-domestic-flights/ SWISS International Air Lines cabin crew has recently become involved in a spot of trouble with the airline for publicly posing for pictures and selfies on top of the wing of a parked Boeing 777 aircraft belonging to the airline while on the ground in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 09:01:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/swiss-crew-selfies-boeing-777/ Pilots at Seattle-based Alaska Airlines will receive an increase in their wages beginning next month. To keep up with pay at other competing airlines, the pilots will see a pay bump of more than 10%.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 07:18:13 GMT https://simpleflying.com/alaska-airlines-pilots-wage-increase-september-2023/ Qantas is gearing up to deploy its luxurious Airbus A330 aircraft to Bali in the coming months. It comes as the province of Indonesia is reportedly one of the world's most in-demand travel destinations.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 04:07:17 GMT https://simpleflying.com/qantas-airbus-a330s-bali/ Nevada-based ultra-low-cost carrier Allegiant Air (G4) has released its latest figures for passenger numbers, and according to the data, there hasn't been a massive improvement from last year.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 03:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/allegiant-airlines-minimal-growth-july-2023/ Wamos Air will leave the skies between Auckland and Perth in October, as Air New Zealand announced its intentions to redeploy the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the route.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 02:01:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/air-new-zealand-reintroduces-boeing-787-auckland-perth/ After a four-year pause, aircraft manufacturer Boeing is patiently awaiting the opportunity to recommence deliveries of the 737 MAX to mainland China. The Chinese government had grounded its 96 units in 2019 following two fatal crashes.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 01:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/boeing-reportedly-ready-resume-737-max-deliveries-china/ On Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) to prevent injuries while workers are towing aircraft and guiding them to and from gates. This SAFO was released following two incidents, including one in which a ramp agent was fatally injured at the Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama last year.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 00:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/faa-alert-prevent-ground-crew-injuries/ Aeromexico is set to increase its weekly capacity between Mexico City International Airport (MEX) and the Canadian airports Toronto International (YYZ), Montreal International (YUL), and Vancouver International (YVR) the following winter season.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 22:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/aeromexico-canada-expansion-august-2023/ Rome is considered one of the most fascinating places in the world, with its unique atmosphere and historic sights that never fail to bring tourists back in time and make them fall in love with ancient history. Among the many records the city holds, there is also one that is of interest to aviation geeks. Indeed, Rome is home to Italy's oldest airport, Ciampino (CIA).

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 21:30:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/rome-ciampino-airport-history/ After coming under fire in June for giving a passenger an empty oxygen bottle onboard, a flight from Minneapolis-Sant Paul International Airport (MSP) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Delta Air Lines is gearing up to bolster its onboard medical technology to safeguard the continued health and well-being of its customers and crew members.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 20:12:01 GMT https://simpleflying.com/how-delta-air-lines-is-improving-onboard-medical-emergency-response/ Mexico’s new Tulum International Airport (to be opened on December 1, 2023) has its initial new routes announced. On Thursday, Viva Aerobus and Aeromexico released the first commercial services they will operate once the airport is inaugurated later this year.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 19:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/tulum-international-airport-first-routes/ Corendon Airlines will soon offer an adult-only section on specific flights in November for passengers who genuinely dislike flying with families and children. Known as the new only adult zone, the Turkish-Dutch leisure carrier hopes to cater to passengers aged 16 and above seeking a child-free environment during their flight, with dedicated seats onboard its Airbus A350s.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 18:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/correndon-airlines-adult-only-cabin-sections/ ASKY Airlines takes delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The aircraft is yet to enter commercial service, flying alongside other 737s in the ASKY’s existing fleet. The aircraft is a 4.9-year-old jet, first delivered to Okay Airways in China in October 2018. The aircraft was ferried from Addis Ababa International Airport (ADD) to Lomé–Tokoin International Airport (LFW) to join the airline. The carrier has not scheduled services for the newest aircraft yet.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 14:00:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/asky-airlines-1st-boeing-737-max-delivery/ Certain airports around the world are very challenging for pilots to land due to a myriad of factors, including surroundings, structure, altitude, and location, just to name a few. Although some of these airports are completely avoided, others have regularly scheduled passenger service and serve multiple airlines.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 11:30:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/juneau-airport-alaska-challenging-approach-guide/ The United Kingdom's London Heathrow Airport (LHR) has become the first European air hub to regain a direct, non-stop service to Wuhan, China, since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. The first flight touched down in the British capital earlier this morning, operated by an Airbus A350 from China Southern.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 10:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/london-heathrow-direct-wuhan-flights/ Spirit Airlines recently celebrated its 15th anniversary of flying to Colombia. The airline marked the occasion with a donation to a nonprofit organization in Colombia as well as offering limited anniversary-special fares to passengers. Spirit has grown its network in Colombia extensively over the years and now has close to 500 monthly return flights to the country.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 09:07:14 GMT https://simpleflying.com/spirit-airlines-15-years-flying-colombia/ On the face of it, flying a route from Kuala Lumpur to Perth to Auckland seems a long round, but today Malaysian-based carrier Batik Air launched just that service. It is an interesting route that is more about the city pairs than what a direct flight from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur would deliver.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 08:01:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/batik-air-boeing-737-max-kuala-lumpur-auckland-perth/ British Airways is celebrating 75 years of service to Japan. The carrier first flew to Japan with its fleet of flying boats just after World War II.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 07:04:55 GMT https://simpleflying.com/british-airways-75-years-japan/ As demand for travel in Asia and Southeast Asia comes back, IndiGo is also catering to the trend and restarting services that it dropped during the pandemic. Among those is the flight between New Delhi and Hong Kong, which the carrier will resume this October.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 06:00:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/indigo-to-restart-delhi-hong-kong-flights/ India’s cash-strapped and grounded budget carrier Go First has been granted $12 million as corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) cost to take care of urgent and mandatory liabilities. The airline is in the process of making a comeback, but no date has been finalized yet. It has several financial liabilities, such as aircraft upkeep, employee salaries, and airport fees, among many other things, and the latest cash approval will help with those.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 04:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/go-first-stays-afloat-with-emergency-funds/ The Toronto, Canada-based airline Porter Airlines announced seven new routes on August 24. These routes include five different destinations in Florida. The new routes are the first United States-based routes that the airline's new Embraer E195-E2s fly. The airline is set to connect its new Florida destinations through Toronto Pearson and Ottawa.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 03:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/porter-airlines-announces-seven-us-routes-embraer-e195-e2/ Since Bonza first appeared on the Australian radar, its mantra has been about connecting communities who don't have access to affordable fares with nonstop flights. Yesterday Bonza did precisely that by announcing a first-ever year-round direct service between Queensland's Gold Coast and Launceston on the island of Tasmania.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 01:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/bonza-737-max-links-gold-coast-tassie-nonstop/ In a significant milestone for aviation and cross-continental manufacturing collaboration, JetSMART has etched its name in history by becoming the first South American carrier to receive an aircraft manufactured in the Airbus factory in Mobile, Alabama, in the United States. The delivery of the Airbus A320neo marks an achievement for regional aviation and underscores the growing range of the European OEM.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 00:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/jetsmart-south-america-first-carrier-receive-alabama-made-airbus-aircraft/ Aeromexico is Mexico’s oldest carrier and the only one operating long-haul flights to destinations in Europe and Asia. Employing a fleet of over 150 aircraft, including 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners (eight -8s and 12 -9s), it has plenty of routes well over 5,000 miles in distance. Which ones are they? Let’s find out.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 22:01:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/aeromexico-ten-longest-routes-august-2023/ On Wednesday, 23rd August, an Embraer Legacy 600 business jet traveling from Moscow to Saint Petersburg came down near the settlement of Kuzhenkino in Tver Oblast. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Russian state-funded private military company, the Wagner Group, is understood to have died in the crash.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 20:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/yevgeny-prigozhin-plane-crash-update/ BermudAir, the new startup to launch flights as Bermuda’s flag carrier, has received its first aircraft, an Embraer E175, that arrived on the island at L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) earlier this week.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 19:01:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/bermudair-receives-first-embraer-e175/ Australia has 1,794 international departing flights in the first week of September, based on the latest OAG data. However, the country's international market has 11% fewer flights than before the pandemic. Predictably, this is especially the case for Hong Kong (-52%) and China (-40%), while there are many more services to India (+163%) and Vietnam (+65%).

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 18:31:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/australia-top-10-international-destinations/ The private aviation industry has reached a significant milestone, specifically for the French aerospace company Dassault. After more than two years of testing, the latest in the company's Falcon family - the 6X, has obtained certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 17:00:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/dassault-falcon-6x-private-jet-certified-faa-easa/ During my recent Emirates A380 journey, I had the chance to check out the Ahlan lounge located at Terminal 3, Concourse A of Dubai International Airport (DXB). While Emirates passengers do have access to the airline's lounge, there are over a dozen lounges located across all three terminals of DXB, which other passengers can use.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 16:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/ahlan-lounge-review-dubai-terminal-3/ Despite a brief flicker of hope that Thai Airways' quadjet fleet would return to service amid a surge in demand late last year, its days of Airbus A380 ownership appear to be at an end. As reported by Aerotime Hub, the Thai flag carrier has opened bidding on its superjumbos until September 12.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 15:01:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/thai-airways-selling-6-airbus-a380s/ The Middle Eastern mega-hub Dubai International Airport (DXB) is known worldwide for its facilities and capacity to handle massive passenger traffic. With its geographical location optimal for connecting passengers from and to all over the world, and Dubai being one of the best tourist destinations in the world, here are five fun facts about the airport.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 14:00:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/dubai-airport-fun-facts-list/ Just a couple of months before the resumption of its long-haul service, South African Airways (SAA) has updated its flight schedule, indicating that it will replace the Airbus A340 with the A330 on both routes between South Africa and Brazil.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 13:00:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/south-african-airways-swaps-airbus-a340-a330-brazil-flights/ While most of Qatar Airways' 164 passenger destinations from its Doha hub in September are served non-stop, several are served on a one-stop basis. This enables less demanded places to join its network, although aircraft availability and the closeness of airports also may be factors. One-stops often permit more flights than might otherwise be feasible, while improving loads, connectivity, and competitiveness. However, as they have higher costs and complexity, the eventual hope usually is to de-link them.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 13:00:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/qatar-airways-1-stop-routes/ Frontier Airlines is now facing a class action lawsuit in United States District Court, District of Colorado over its “All You Can Fly Pass”. According to the complaint filed August 17, the lead plaintiff paid $599 for her pass and could book no flights.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 12:15:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/frontier-airlines-lawsuit-all-you-can-fly-pass/ Air New Zealand has committed to growing its regional fleet by placing an order for up to four ATR 72-600 turboprops. The deal that it has signed with the Franco-Italian manufacturer has seen it place two firm orders for the type, with options for another pair. Elsewhere, the carrier's short-haul jet fleet is also set to see growth.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 10:00:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/air-new-zealand-atr-order/ In an August 22 interview with Simple Flying, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) President Jason Ambrosi discussed issues around pilot supply and pilot safety in the United States. Those issues include crewing, pay and more.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 09:21:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/a-case-for-maintaining-two-pilots-in-commercial-aircraft-cockpits/ That Indian aviation is slated for massive growth is well-known by now. There have been two record-braking orders by Indian carriers this year alone that will keep new aircraft trickling in steadily for the next ten years. But just how prepared is the Indian airport infrastructure to accommodate the new planes and the demand for primary slots that airlines will increasingly fight for?

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 09:06:01 GMT https://simpleflying.com/how-prepared-are-indian-airports-for-fleet-growth/ After racking up billions of dollars in losses during COVID, Qantas has produced a stunning turnaround, posting an underlying profit of AU$$2.47 billion ($1.63b) for the twelve months ended June 30th, 2023 (FY23).

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 08:21:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/qantas-a247-billion-profit-mega-sale-points-giveaway/ French bee has appointed a new CEO, opting for former TAP Air Portugal head Christine Ourmières-Widener. She becomes the first female CEO to lead French bee, bringing 35 years of experience to the table.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 07:00:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/french-bee-hires-first-female-ceo/ Recent developments with India’s Star Air, along with the induction of its latest aircraft, have made it a dominant player in India’s regional aviation space. The airline now claims to be India's largest private regional airline, with robust expansion plans for the current financial year.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 06:04:14 GMT https://simpleflying.com/star-air-largest-private-regional-airline-india/ It has been a bumper financial year and a bonza day for the two airline heavyweights from Australasia. Starting the day, Air New Zealand announced statutory earnings of NZ$574 million ($344m) and a few hours later Qantas chipped in with an underlying profit of AU$2.47 billion ($1.63b).

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 05:30:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/air-new-zealand-profit-airbus-a321neos-trans-tasman/ Recently, Simple Flying watched the US Air Force West Coast C-17 Demonstration Team perform and toured Boeing C-17 Globemaster III at the 2023 Joint Base Lewis-McChord Military Expo. The C-17 is arguably one of the world’s best military transport aircraft for its diverse capabilities.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 05:00:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/inside-look-boeing-c17-globemaster-iii/ More than 300 lives were put in danger when two aircraft entered an active runway at Delhi Airport, with one of the planes taking off while the other was crossing after landing. The incident happened due to a momentary lapse by the ATC, but thankfully the tower controller realized the mistake in time and averted a potential accident.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 04:21:52 GMT https://simpleflying.com/vistara-aircraft-runway-incursion-delhi/ American ultra-low-cost-carrier (ULCC) Frontier (F9) is set to soar this winter, as the carrier announced a long list of new routes across its ever-expanding network.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 02:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/frontier-airlines-mexico-dominican-republic-expansion-2023/ Today Australia's flag carrier Qantas announced an underlying profit of AU$2.47 billion ($1.63b) and immediately set about spending it on new aircraft. After much speculation Qantas confirmed it had placed firm orders for Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft to ultimately replace its fleet of A330 and A380 jets.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 01:51:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/qantas-orders-a350s-787s-replace-a330s-a380s/ In a significant development, the alliance between JetSMART and American Airlines has achieved a major milestone with the inclusion of Peru in their codeshare agreement. This strategic partnership has taken another leap forward, expanding its reach beyond Chile and the United States to now encompass Peru.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 00:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/jetsmart-increases-codeshare-american-airlines/ The Airport Council International – Latin America & the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) released today the top ten ranking of airports in the region with the most passenger traffic, cargo, and aircraft movements in 2022. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the listing was dominated by hubs in Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil, the three largest aviation markets in the region. Let’s investigate further.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 22:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/latin-america-ten-busiest-airports-2022/ Qatar Airways, a longtime partner of FIFA, has extended its partnership with the world football organization. At this time, the exact details of the extension are unknown.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 21:01:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/qatar-airways-extends-partnership-fifa/ Aerolíneas Argentinas’ four unions rejected the airline’s first wage increase proposal on Tuesday during the ongoing salary negotiations. According to the Unions, the proposal presented by the state carrier was “well below the inflation rate,” prompting them to reject it firmly.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 19:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/argentinian-union-rejects-aerolineas-argentinas-wage-increase/ Currently, around 100,000 daily flights take place in the US alone. As flights increase, so do the challenges associated with making them possible and efficient. Over the past five years, the frequency of flight delays has risen from 17.3% in 2018 to a substantial 21.6% in 2023, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 18:31:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/delay-prone-us-airports-list/ Home to the original Formula One Night Race, the electrifying Singapore Grand Prix often garners attention from racing enthusiasts worldwide. And as the world anxiously anticipates the long-awaited annual racing event from September 15th to the 17th, the tiny island country is witnessing a welcoming surge in flight bookings.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 18:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/singapore-flight-booking-surge-formula-1/ August marks National Dog Month, with this Saturday also being International Dog Day. Our canine friends are a rare sight at airports and on airplanes, but their comfort is an essential factor when they do need to travel by air. With this in mind, let's take a look at what New York City's major airports are doing on this front.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 17:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/new-york-airports-dog-assistance/ Do you plan on flying to Tokyo? If you ever have, or have plans to do so in the future, you'll know that Japan's capital city has two airports for passengers to fly into: Haneda and Narita. Let's compare the two airports to determine which is best for travelers.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 13:00:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/tokyo-haneda-vs-narita/ This summer has been one of the busiest for air travel in history, with airlines worldwide surpassing previous highs in every category ranging from passengers carried to total profits. Like countless other airlines, Emirates has profited heavily from the summer travel demand. Since June, it has carried over 14 million passengers, averaging a seat load factor of over 80%. While this is undoubtedly one of the busiest summers for Emirates, it is also one of the most profitable.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 13:00:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/emirates-14-million-passengers-summer-2023/