Aviation Weekly Roundup: Major Industry Updates, Airline Hiring, and More
Airbus Reports Strong Financials for 2024
Airbus has released its consolidated financial results for the full year of 2024, reporting robust performance across its commercial aircraft sector. The key highlights include:
- 766 commercial aircraft delivered
- Revenue: €69.2 billion
- EBIT Adjusted: €5.4 billion
- Free cash flow before customer financing: €4.5 billion
- Dividend proposals: €2.00 per share, with a special dividend of €1.00 per share
airBaltic Introduces Free Starlink WiFi on Airbus A220 Fleet
Latvian carrier airBaltic has become the first European airline to introduce SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet on board. Certified by EASA, this game-changing in-flight connectivity will offer uninterrupted, free high-speed internet to passengers. The rollout across the airline’s A220-300 fleet is expected to be completed by 2025.
Boeing’s Potential Return to the Russian Market
Boeing is reportedly exploring a re-entry into the Russian market by exchanging aircraft sales and spare part supplies for titanium. Russia currently supplies 60% of the world’s aerospace-grade titanium, making this a potentially critical move for Boeing’s supply chain.
IAG Reports surge in profits
IAG, the parent company of British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus, reported a strong 2024 performance with a €4.44 billion operating profit (+27%) and €32.1 billion in revenue (+9%), driven by transatlantic demand and strategic growth. To reward shareholders, IAG announced a €1 billion share buyback and a €435 million dividend. British Airways led the London-US market, while Iberia expanded in Latin America. Despite potential geopolitical risks, IAG remains optimistic, supported by capacity growth and premium service enhancements.
Miracle Survival: Endeavor Air CRJ-900 Crash in Toronto
On February 17, a Bombardier CRJ-900LR operated by Endeavor Air crashed at Toronto Pearson International Airport after a barrel roll upon landing. Despite the dramatic fireball and destruction of the wings, tail, and landing gear, the fuselage remained intact, allowing for an extraordinary evacuation. Only 15 injuries were recorded, highlighting the impressive resilience of the aircraft and the outstanding performance of the cabin crew.
FAA Approves Starlink for In-Flight Wi-Fi, Revolutionizing Airline Connectivity
The FAA has granted SpaceX’s Starlink approval to provide in-flight Wi-Fi on commercial aircraft, marking a major shift in aviation connectivity. Starlink’s low-latency, high-speed satellite internet is set to enhance passenger experience, allowing seamless streaming, video calls, and online work without interruptions. Airlines like airBaltic have already begun integrating Starlink, with more expected to follow as demand for reliable in-flight internet grows. This move positions Starlink as a game-changer in aviation, offering speeds up to 500 Mbps, far surpassing traditional satellite providers.
Air Greenland Adds an Airbus A320neo to Fleet
Air Greenland has signed an agreement with Carlyle Aviation Partners to lease an A320neo, expected to enter service in summer 2027. The aircraft will support increased passenger demand following the opening of Greenland’s new Ilulissat International Airport.
Emirates Expands Pilot Assessment Locations to Gatwick
Emirates has expanded its pilot simulator assessments to London Gatwick, adding to the existing locations in Amsterdam and Dubai. This development is set to make the recruitment process more accessible for Airbus pilots based in Europe.
British Airways Reopens A320 Direct Entry Recruitment
For the first time in six months, British Airways has reopened its A320 Direct Entry Pilot campaign for both mainline and Euroflyer operations. Interested candidates can now apply through the British Airways careers portal.
Singapore Airlines Hiring Direct Entry First Officers
Singapore Airlines has announced open recruitment for Direct Entry First Officers, offering career progression opportunities from First Officer to Captain, along with further development in training and management roles.
DHL Air (UK) Seeks Pilots for Growing Fleet
DHL Air (UK) is actively recruiting Boeing pilots. Applicants must have an unfrozen UK CAA ATPL, the unrestricted right to live and work in the UK, and a minimum of 500 hours on Type with an MTOW of 50 tonnes or more.
Airbus Warns of Possible Tariff Impact on U.S. Aircraft Deliveries
Airbus has raised concerns about new tariffs under a potential Trump administration, which could disrupt aircraft deliveries to U.S. carriers. The company may reroute aircraft orders to other regions if tariffs increase, affecting American airlines like JetBlue, Frontier, and Delta.
Cargolux Hiring B747 First Officers
Cargolux is hiring type-rated and non-type-rated First Officers for its Boeing 747 fleet in Luxembourg. Interested applicants can apply via AviationNetwork.com.
Comac Gains Traction in China, Challenging Airbus and Boeing
The Comac C919, China’s answer to the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, is gaining market share with over 1,000 ordersprimarily from Chinese carriers. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury has acknowledged that Comac could disrupt the Airbus-Boeing duopoly and reshape the global aerospace industry.
Heathrow Airport Breaks Passenger Record
London Heathrow Airport reported a new passenger traffic record, welcoming 83.9 million travelers in 2024. Despite a 3.5% drop in revenue, pre-tax profits surged 30.8%, marking a strong recovery from pandemic lows.
Delta, SAS, and Edelweiss Hiring Pilots
- Delta Air Lines expects to hire 500-800 pilots in 2025 despite recent market slowdowns.
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines is recruiting A320Neo and A350 pilots with an opportunity for direct-entry captain positions on the Embraer E195.
- Edelweiss Air is looking for A320 and A340 Captains for freelance contracts in Zürich, Switzerland.
VA Airline Training Faces Uncertain Future
VA Airline Training has announced a strategic and operational review, with the company expected to be sold or liquidated by March 31, 2025. In the meantime, they have paused regulated training, though simulator assessment preparation and simulator hire remain available.
TUI Hiring B737 Type-Rated Pilots
TUI is recruiting B737 Type-Rated First and Second Officers for its UK bases, with start dates in autumn 2025 and training for summer 2026.
Draken Europe Hiring Fast Jet Captains and Engineers
Draken Europe is recruiting Fast Jet Captains, Electronic Warfare Officers, and Aircraft Engineers to join its L-159 ‘Honey Badger’ fleet at Teesside International Airport.
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