Aviation News Roundup Feb 8th 2025

  • Airbus Delays Hydrogen Aircraft Development – Airbus has announced a delay in its plans to fly a hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2035, citing challenges in developing the necessary ecosystem and infrastructure. The company now anticipates a postponement of five to ten years beyond the original target. Despite this setback, Airbus remains committed to introducing a commercially viable hydrogen-powered aircraft in the future. 
  • Alaska Plane Crash – A Bering Air Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, operating as Flight 445 from Unalakleet to Nome, Alaska, went missing over Norton Sound. Debris matching the aircraft was found approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome, with all ten occupants presumed deceased. Adverse weather conditions have hindered full access to the site, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the crash. 
  • Aircraft Evacuation Due to Landing Gear Collapse – A flight was evacuated after the front landing gear of the plane collapsed upon landing. Passengers and crew were safely removed from the aircraft, and no injuries were reported. The incident is under investigation to determine the cause of the mechanical failure. 
  • Recent Aviation Disasters Raise Safety Concerns – A series of recent aviation disasters, including a midair collision near Washington, a plane crash in Philadelphia, and a missing plane in Alaska, have raised concerns about the safety of flying. Despite these incidents, U.S. air travel remains statistically safe, with fatal crashes being rare compared to car accidents. Federal officials are investigating these events to prevent future occurrences. 
  • South Korea to Revamp Aviation Safety System – In response to recent aviation incidents, South Korea has established a committee to enhance air travel safety. The initiative aims to rebuild the aviation safety system and restore public trust. Measures include installing bird detection systems at airports and amending operational structures to prevent future accidents.
  • ITA Airways Begins Integration into Lufthansa Group – On February 3, ITA Airways commenced its integration process into the Lufthansa Group and exited the SkyTeam alliance. This move marks a significant shift in the airline’s strategic partnerships and is expected to enhance its operational capabilities within the European market.
  • Aero India Airshow Commence – The Aero India Airshow is taking place from February 10 to 14 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The event showcases advancements in aerospace technology and provides a platform for industry stakeholders to discuss developments in aviation and defense sectors.
  • Oman Air to Join Oneworld Alliance – Oman Air, the flag carrier of Oman, has announced plans to join the Oneworld alliance on June 30, 2025. This move is expected to enhance the airline’s global connectivity and offer passengers increased travel options within the alliance’s network.
  • Royal International Air Tattoo Schedule – The Royal International Air Tattoo is scheduled to be held at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom, from July 18 to 20, 2025. The event is renowned for its extensive display of military and civilian aircraft and attracts aviation enthusiasts worldwide.
  • EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Dates Confirmed – The EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is set to take place from July 21 to 27, 2025, at Wittman Regional Airport and Pioneer Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, United States. The event is one of the largest aviation gatherings globally, featuring aircraft displays, workshops, and forums.
  • Canadian International Air Show Announce – The Canadian International Air Show is scheduled for August 30 to September 1, 2025, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The show features aerial performances and static displays, highlighting both military and civilian aviation.
  • Oregon International Air Show Dates Set – The Oregon International Air Show is planned for September 26 to 28, 2025, in Oregon, United States. The event showcases aerobatic performances and offers attendees the opportunity to engage with aviation professionals and enthusiasts.
  •  Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 Achieves Supersonic Flight – Boom Technology’s XB-1 demonstrator successfully went supersonic on January 28, achieving a speed of Mach 1.1. This milestone marks a significant step toward the development of commercial supersonic travel.
  • Jeju Air Crash Investigation – Investigations into the Jeju Air crash on December 29 at Muan airport, which resulted in 179 fatalities, have identified bird strikes as the cause. Duck remains were found in both engines, leading to the establishment of a committee to enhance aviation safety in South Korea.
  • Air Busan Plane Fire – An Air Busan plane caught fire at Busan’s international airport, leading to the evacuation of all passengers. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, and the incident has prompted a review of safety protocols.
  •  Shannon Airport Protest Advisory: Passengers traveling through Shannon Airport on February 9 are advised to anticipate potential disruptions due to a planned protest on the N19 approach road. The protest is scheduled to commence at 2:00 PM, and travelers should allow extra time for possible diversions. While flight operations are expected to continue unaffected, passengers are encouraged to stay updated on the situation.
  • Bird Strike Forces Emergency Landing: A TUI Airways Boeing 737 Max departing from Gatwick Airport to Cape Verde experienced a significant bird strike shortly after takeoff. Two swans collided with the aircraft at approximately 1,000 feet altitude, causing substantial damage, including a cracked windscreen and punctured fuselage. The pilots declared a Mayday and safely returned to Gatwick. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about wildlife hazards in aviation. 

PILOT RECRUITMENT

  • easyJet Seeking A320/A330/A340/A350/A380 type-rated Captains to be based in London Gatwick.
  • Turkish Airlines Opened its Cadet Pilot Program for Turkish citizens or blue card holders.
  • Discover Airlines Hiring type-rated Simulator Instructors & Examiners on Airbus A320 and A330, based in Frankfurt.
  • KLM Hiring type-rated or non-type-rated First Officers (min. 500 hours on MTOW 5.7t or more) on various fleets, based in Amsterdam.
  • Breeze Airways Looking for type-rated or non-type-rated Captains on Embraer E190/195, for various bases throughout the US.
  • Lufthansa City Airlines A wholly owned subsidiary of Lufthansa Group, seeking A320-rated First Officers for a Fast Upgrade to Captain position, based in Munich, Germany.
  • Emirates Recruiting non-rated First Officers, Accelerated Command, and Direct Entry Captains (Airbus) for Boeing and Airbus fleets, based in Dubai, UAE.
  • Qatar Airways Looking for Airbus or Boeing type-rated First Officers, based in Doha.
  • Cathay Pacific Hiring type-rated or non-type-rated First Officers on A321, A330, A350, B777, and B747, based in Hong Kong.
  • Titan Airways Seeking A320-rated Captains for their fleet under the Malta AOC, currently operating out of Leipzig.
  • BA Euroflyer Hiring type-rated or non-type-rated Captains on Airbus A320, based in London Gatwick.
  • DHL Looking for pilots to join their growing Boeing fleet. Applicants must have:
    • Unrestricted right to live and work in the UK
    • Unfrozen UK CAA ATPL
    • Ideally 500+ hours on type with a multi-crew aircraft (MTOW 50 tonnes or more)
  • Loganair Seeking Captains with a UK ATPL(A) and a minimum of 2,000 hours total flying time, including 500 hours command on multi-pilot types. Also recruiting Newly Qualified First Officers holding a UK Frozen ATPL(A) with MCC & UPRT certifications. Bases available across the UK, operating Embraer 145, ATR 42/72, Twin Otter, and Islander aircraft.
  • Virgin Atlantic are hiring First Officers and Senior First Officers for both Airbus and Boeing fleets. Applicants must have recent experience on specific RAF aircraft and have completed ATPL exams by the time of the interview. Positions are based at London Heathrow and Manchester, operating long-haul flights to various global destinations.
  • British Airways Offering a Future Pilots Programme with fully-funded flight training through the Speedbird Pilot Academy Cadet programme. Applications are planned to open again in February 2025. Successful candidates will join as a First Officer on the A320 short-haul fleet at Gatwick or Heathrow.
  • Etihad Airways Hiring Indian Captains & First Officers across its A320, A350, A380, B777, B777F, and B787 fleets.
  • SAS is hiring First Officers for Embraer 190 and Airbus A320 fleets in ARN, BGO, CPH, and OSL. Offers permanent contracts, career progression, 42 days leave, and travel perks. Requires EASA ATPL/CPL/MPL, Class 1 Medical, UPRT, and EU work rights.

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Aviation News Roundup Feb 8th 2025

Written by Aviation Insider
8th February 2025