NewsIncidents
Karun Airlines Fokker 100 Returns After Smoke Entered The Cabin
A Fokker 100 aircraft operated by Karun Airlines was forced to return to Ahwaz International Airport (AWZ). This move happened after pilots reported smoke in the cabin. The incident occurred on June 19 during flight NV-2633 from Ahwaz to Sardar e Jangal International Airport (RAS) in Rasht (Iran).
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38 Dead Dogs Discovered On Ukraine International Flight To Toronto
Some unfortunate news coming out of Toronto as 38 puppies perished on a Ukraine International Airlines flight. The aircraft was carrying around 500 puppies when it arrived in Canada. This incident occurred on June 13th, 2020.
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WestJet 737 Forced To Divert As Passenger Removes Mask To Smoke
On Sunday, June 14th, a WestJet Boeing 737 flying from Vancouver to Toronto had to divert to James Richardson International Airport in Winnipeg. The diversion was due to an ‘unruly’ passenger, who allegedly lit a cigarette and failed to comply with crew instructions to wear a mask. The man faces a hefty fine and is charged with several offenses.
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FedEx Boeing 767 Ends Up Stuck In The Mud At Vancouver Airport
Yesterday, a FedEx Express Boeing 767 deviated off a taxiway at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The aircraft was then stuck on the grass at the British Columbian hub before further investigations were made.
LinkCommercial
Building A Giant: How Is The Airbus A380 Built?
From manufacturing individual parts, transportation, and final assembly, there is no denying that the A380 is a victory in engineering and strategy. As Airbus gets ready to assemble its last A380, we take a look back at how the jumbo-jet is built.
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In Photos: Last Airbus A380 Fuselage Travels Through French Villages
The fuselage sections for the final A380 have begun making their way towards Toulouse for final assembly. The convoy passed through French villages last night, to cheering crowds and even an appearance by Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury. MSN 272 will be the last A380 assembled, with production slated to end next year.
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EASA Approves Five-blade Airbus H145
Airbus Helicopters’ new, foldable five-blade H145 D3 twin has received a nod from EASA. FAA approval is expected by year-end and a military variant is anticipated to win certification in 2021. Customer deliveries will begin later this summer.
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Boeing Engineer Claims Additional Design Flaws With 737 MAX
A Boeing engineer who has raised concerns regarding the 737 MAX asserts that there are systemic problems with the design of the narrowbody aircraft. Last week, The Seattle Times obtained a letter written by engineer Curtis Ewbank, which alludes to ‘other known flaws’ that need to be fixed.
LinkAirlines
The Impressive History And Rise Of Alaska Airlines
The United States has seen its fair share of airlines. From Pan Am to TWA to Braniff to Continental to Northwest to US Airways, many major carriers have come and gone. While some have merged with other airlines, they still do not exist in their old form. Amidst all of this, Alaska Airlines has survived and proven itself to be a strong competitor on the West Coast. Here is the history of Alaska Airlines.
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JetBlue Pledges Airport Slots For A Loan
JetBlue has pledged slots at three airports in New York and the Washington, D.C. area as collateral for a $750 million loan. The airline entered into the agreement with lenders on June 17th in an effort to raise cash and boost liquidity. JetBlue will still be able to use the slots for its normal operations.
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LATAM To Completely Wind Down Argentinian Arm
LATAM Airlines Argentina has announced that it will cease all operations indefinitely. The airline made a statement on June 17th, saying that all national and international routes with the carrier were canceled until further notice. However, the subsidiary has since changed its announcement to close the Argentinian arm completely.
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Turnaround Time: Why It's Important And How Airlines Can Speed It Up
A common mantra in the aviation industry is “the plane is not making any money while it is on the ground”. This somewhat straightforward statement simplifies the underlying operational hustle faced by the airline industry. It also represents the strive for efficiency, as airlines wish to keep their planes grounded for as short as possible. Turnaround times are essential to this industry. Hence their good understanding can be useful and interesting.
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PLAY Is Gearing Up To Start Operations - Here's What We Know
PLAY is gearing up to begin its operations in a few months with the launch of its website. The airline hopes to keep a low profile yet maintain its analytical vantage point as it rides out the coronavirus. Here’s what we know so far.
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KLM Plans To Operate 5,000 European Flights In July
KLM has announced that it is gradually rebuilding its European and international route network. On June 20th, the Dutch airline shared that it hoped to build its capacity back up to over 75% in July with more services coming in August.
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How Important Is Air India & What Would It Take To Fix The Airline?
Air India is the flag carrier airline of India, founded in 1932. Initially, the airline was called ‘Tata Airlines’ and was named after its founder J.R.D. Tata. Post-independence, the government decided to buy a majority stake in the carrier, thereby nationalizing it. Since then, Air India has been the primary domestic and international carrier for Indians.
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Japan Airlines Will Fly Over 50% Of Its Domestic Schedule Next Month
On June 18th, Japan Airlines (JAL) revealed its operations will ramp up in July. The airline will fly 53% of its original domestic schedule from July 1-16. This is an increase from 46% in the second half of June.
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The Evolution Of The British Airways Livery
Liveries are an interesting way to mark the time and history of an airline. In this article, we wanted to go over the evolution of the British Airways livery – from its creation through the merger of several airlines through to today and the livery we are all used to seeing.
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Aeromexico Denies It Is Considering Filing For Bankruptcy
Aeromexico is denying reports that it will be initiating bankruptcy proceedings. The Mexican carrier made the statement on June 19th after there were whispers of the carrier heading towards a Chapter 11 filing per the United States Bankruptcy Code. While the airline is not yet considering restructuring under Chapter 11, the airline is still in search of funding.
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Frontier Airlines Announces Big Leisure Route Expansion
Frontier Airlines this week announced a big expansion with the launch of several leisure routes. With most routes starting from this winter, the airline is tapping into key markets in Florida to several cities across the country. Up North, Providence, Rhode Island, and Long Island, New York, are the big winners in the airline’s expansion.
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Is British Airways Getting Ready To Bid Farewell To The 747?
Simple Flying understands that British Airways is temporarily suspending its 747 fleet after a tweet was shared yesterday. British Airways told Simple Flying that the suspension is due to recent events; however, it could change in the future. We take a look at whether an early retirement for the aircraft could be on the cards.
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Brussels Airlines’ Future Brought Into Question By Lufthansa
Struggling Brussels Airlines has been dealt another blow today, as reports have surfaced suggesting its parent Lufthansa Group is willing to pull the plug. Anonymous sources have told local media that the airline could be sold or left to go bankrupt, although the airline says these reports are ‘pure speculation.’ The rumors come as the airline is still awaiting a decision on a bailout package from the Belgian government.
LinkAirports
Chicago Sues Interjet More Than $2M Over Unpaid Fees
Mexican airline Interjet is accused of owing $2.56 million in taxes and fees to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. The city of Chicago is suing the airline in an attempt to take what is owed. The news was disclosed by Mexican news outlet Reforma on June 16th.
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The Ultimate Guide To The Most Kid-Friendly Airports
This year, summer holiday travel may look a lot different, but that’s not stopped some of us from planning our next trip. If you’re thinking of taking your kids on vacation some point soon, it may be useful to know which airports look after your kids the best.
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COVID Crisis Delays Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3 By Another Year
The completion of Frankfurt Airport’s third terminal will be delayed by at least a year as a result of the current pandemic. The main terminal’s construction is now expected to be completed in 2024, with passenger operations targetted for the summer of 2025.
LinkMilitary
Air Force inspector general investigating use of military aircraft to monitor protesters
Washington(CNN) - The Air Force inspector general is investigating the use of military aircraft to monitor protesters during recent unrest across the country, according to an Air Force spokesperson.
"Following discussions with the Secretary of Defense about shared concerns, the Secretary of the Air Force is conducting an investigation into the use of Air National Guard RC-26 aircraft to support civil authorities during recent protest activity in U.S. cities," said Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder.
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Canada Cleared for Upgrade of 36 Boeing CF-18 Fighters
A potential Foreign Military Sales deal to Canada of an upgrade package for 36 Boeing CF-18 fighters has been approved by the U.S. State Department. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is due to induct a new fighter type between 2025 and 2035, and its current Hornet fleet has been deemed unable to adequately meet Canada’s NATO and NORAD commitments until then without significant investment.
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Aviation Quote
You'll be bothered from time to time by storms, fog, snow. When you are, think of those who went through it before you, and say to yourself, 'What they could do, I can do.'
- Antoine de Saint Exupry, Wind, Sand, and Stars,'1939.
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Trivia
General Trivia
1. Why do some pilots in the Navy’s Blue Angels recommend that their guest passengers (members of the media, et cetera) eat bananas before a demonstration flight?
2. In what motion picture did the star of the movie say, “Now, I don’t propose to sit on a flagpole or swallow goldfish. I’m not a stuntman; I’m a flier.”
3. In 1935, Cosby Harrison crashed his Swallow while flying in stormy weather. What well-known aviation business was begun as a result of his accident?
4. What was the first airline to offer transcontinental passenger service, and what type of aircraft was used?
5. Pilots know that temperature generally decreases with altitude in the troposphere. Why does it increase with altitude in the stratosphere?
6. The Lockheed L–1011 was the first airliner to incorporate direct lift control. What is DLC?
