Aviation News Roundup 9th Mar 2025
This Week in Aviation: Major Airline Hiring, Industry Shifts & Game-Changing Innovations
1. Pakistan International Airlines Resumes UK Flights After 4.5-Year Ban
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to restart flights to the UK after a 4.5-year suspension. The airline is preparing flights from Islamabad to Manchester and awaits final clearance from UK authorities. PIA will operate Boeing 777s, with services expected to begin following a meeting on March 15.
2. Jetstar Crew & Passengers Tackle Armed Teen Attempting to Board Flight
A 17-year-old armed with a shotgun and knife tried to board Jetstar Flight JQ610 at Avalon Airport, Australia, by breaching security. A flight attendant confronted him before the captain and a passenger tackled and disarmed him. Authorities have since arrested the teen, and flights were suspended for the evening.
3. Major US Airlines Announce 3.8% Pilot Pay Increase for 2025
US airline pilot salaries are set to rise by 3.8% in 2025, with some contracts seeing increases of up to 31.6% over their duration. American Airlines currently leads in monthly pay for senior captains, while Southwest Airlines offers the highest starting pay.
4. FAA Investigates Starlink Aviation Satellite Internet for Airliners
The FAA has launched an evaluation into Starlink’s in-flight connectivity solution for commercial airlines. While already approved for private and business jets, the agency is assessing its reliability for large passenger aircraft. If successful, it could provide an alternative to existing Wi-Fi providers.
5. Fiji Airways Seeks Boeing 737NG Pilots on Commuting Contracts
Fiji Airways is hiring First Officers for its Boeing 737NG fleet under a commuting contract (20 days on, 10 days off). The airline is looking for experienced pilots willing to be based in Fiji, offering competitive terms.
6. Aurigny Air Services Recruiting First Officers for Channel Islands Fleet
Aurigny Air Services is seeking newly qualified First Officers to join its fleet in Guernsey. Applicants must hold a UK CAA frozen ATPL and be willing to relocate to the island, with type ratings on DHC-6 Twin Otters or ATR-600s considered a plus.
7. Pakistan’s PIA Moves Closer to Resuming European Flights
PIA’s return to European airspace is progressing as the airline completes regulatory requirements. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has been reviewing safety improvements, and approval is anticipated within months.
8. Heathrow Breaks Passenger Traffic Record in 2024
London Heathrow Airport welcomed 83.9 million passengers in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Despite the record traffic, financial results were mixed due to reduced airport charges, though pre-tax profits rose by 30.8%.
9. British Airways Reopens A320 Pilot Recruitment After Six Months
British Airways has reopened its Direct Entry A320 pilot campaign for the first time in six months. The airline is recruiting for both mainline and Euroflyer operations, offering opportunities for new and experienced pilots.
10. Embraer Delays E175-E2 Jet Development Again Due to US Scope Clause
Embraer has paused development of its E175-E2 jet until at least 2029, citing restrictions imposed by the US pilot unions’ scope clause. The aircraft exceeds the maximum takeoff weight limit set for regional jets, preventing it from being operated by US regional airlines.
11. Edelweiss Air Hiring Airbus A320 & A340 Freelance Captains in Zurich
Edelweiss Air is seeking experienced A320 and A340 Captains for freelance contracts based in Zurich. The Swiss carrier is offering flexible employment options for pilots with valid type ratings.
12. Singapore Airlines & Scoot to Expand Long-Haul Operations
Singapore Airlines and its low-cost subsidiary Scoot are increasing long-haul flights to key markets, focusing on North America and Europe. The expansion will include new routes and added capacity on existing services.
13. Wizz Air Recruiting Pilots for Romanian Bases Amid Expansion
Wizz Air is hiring Captains and First Officers to support its Romanian base expansion. The airline is holding recruitment events in Bucharest, offering career growth opportunities within Europe’s fastest-growing low-cost airline.
14. Delta Air Lines Faces Aircraft Delivery Delays Amid Supply Chain Issues
Delta Air Lines is experiencing delivery delays for its new Airbus and Boeing aircraft, potentially impacting fleet expansion plans. The airline is working with manufacturers to mitigate disruptions.
15. COMAC’s C919 Gains Momentum as China’s Rival to Airbus & Boeing
COMAC’s C919 jet, positioned as China’s answer to the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 MAX, is gaining traction with over 1,000 orders. With production increasing, the aircraft could reshape the global commercial aviation market.
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