Aviation News Roundup (Week Ending 11th October 2024)

Frontier Airlines A321neo Fire During Landing

A Frontier Airlines Airbus A321neo operating flight 1326 from San Diego to Las Vegas caught fire upon landing at Harry Reid International Airport. Flames and smoke were visible from the landing gear area, prompting a swift evacuation. Fortunately, all passengers disembarked safely, and firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze.

Emirates Bans Pagers and Walkie-Talkies

Following explosions in Lebanon involving pagers and handheld radios used by Hezbollah, Emirates has banned these devices from flights. This move aligns with Beirut Airport’s own restrictions as safety concerns mount due to the escalating conflict in the region.

JetBlue Replaces Hot Meals on Transatlantic Flights

JetBlue Airways has switched to chilled, farm-to-table meals on its transatlantic economy class routes. Partnering with DIG, the airline aims to continue offering affordable fares while enhancing the in-flight dining experience with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

APA President Faces Recall Amid Election Controversy

Allied Pilots Association (APA) President Captain Sicher faces a recall vote over allegations of election tampering. The controversy revolves around blocking candidates supporting a merger with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). The recall’s outcome could shift the association’s future direction.

Hurricane Milton Shuts Down Florida Airports

Southwest Florida International and Tampa International Airports have closed ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall. Orlando International will suspend operations, and other major airports like Melbourne Orlando International are monitoring the situation as Florida braces for the storm’s impact.

United Airlines Signs Lease for Boeing Aircraft

United Airlines has signed a lease agreement with BOC Aviation for three Boeing 737 Max 9s and one 787-9. The new lease is part of United’s ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet, with all aircraft already operational.

Delta Air Lines Posts $1.2 Billion Q3 Profit

Despite challenges from a global IT outage, Delta Air Lines reported a $1.2 billion net income for Q3 2024. CEO Ed Bastian praised the airline’s operational and financial performance, projecting continued strong profits in Q4.

Airbus Beluga XL Makes Historic Stop in Kolkata

Kolkata’s NSCBI Airport welcomed the Airbus Beluga XL for the first time. The aircraft, carrying vital components, made a stop for crew rest and refueling, marking a milestone for the airport’s handling capacity.

UK Airlines Cancel Florida Flights Due to Hurricane Milton

Virgin Atlantic, Tui Airways, and British Airways have canceled flights to Florida as Hurricane Milton approaches. With Tampa and Orlando airports closed, airlines are prioritizing passenger safety amid the storm warnings.

Aviation Coalition Calls for Strengthened Supply Chain Integrity

An aviation industry coalition has issued a report urging enhanced measures to prevent unapproved parts from entering the supply chain. The recommendations come after allegations against a UK distributor selling fake aircraft engine components.

Turkish Airlines Captain Dies Mid-Flight

A Turkish Airlines captain tragically passed away mid-flight while en route from Seattle to Istanbul. The aircraft safely diverted to JFK International Airport, thanks to the quick actions of the first officer and a relief pilot.

Emirates Cancels Flights to Iran Amid Regional Tensions

In response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, Emirates has canceled flights to Iran and Lebanon. Qatar Airways and Lufthansa have also suspended flights to the region as safety concerns grow.

Icelandair Reports Passenger Growth and Improved On-Time Performance

Icelandair saw a 10% rise in passengers and enhanced on-time performance in September 2024. The airline is preparing to receive its first Airbus A321, further boosting its fleet.

Aeroflot Unifies Pilot Training

Russia’s Aeroflot Group is establishing a unified training program to streamline pilot recruitment across its various airlines, aiming for greater efficiency in crew deployment.

Boeing Delivers 33 Aircraft Amid Machinists’ Strike

Despite an ongoing strike, Boeing delivered 33 jets in September, thanks to non-striking employees. The deliveries included commercial aircraft, ensuring minimal disruptions.

Qantas Ordered to Pay $100 Million Over ‘Ghost Flights’

Australia’s federal court has ordered Qantas to pay a penalty of AUD 100 million for advertising and selling tickets on flights that were later canceled, sparking public outrage.

Airbus Secures Orders for 85 Aircraft

Airbus has recorded new orders for 85 aircraft, including 10 A350s and 75 A320neo-family jets, continuing its strong sales momentum.

Airline Recruitment (Pilots & Cabin Crew)

PLAY Airlines is recruiting First Officers for the Airbus A320, with non-type-rated candidates welcome, even those with low flight hours.

Air New Zealand is seeking type-rated and non-type-rated First Officers for the Airbus A320 or Boeing 777/787.

Etihad Airways is hiring A350/A380 Direct Entry Captains, based in Abu Dhabi.

Virgin Atlantic is looking for First Officers and Senior First Officers with experience on the A320, A330, or A350 aircraft.

Wizz Air is holding recruitment events for Cabin Crew positions at Gatwick.

BA Cityflyer is recruiting Direct Entry Captains for its fleet, based in London.

Cathay Pacific is hiring Flight Attendants based in London.

Emirates is offering positions for non-type-rated First Officers, with accelerated command opportunities for qualified pilots.

Virgin Atlantic is offering six-month contracts for Cabin Crew, with competitive pay and benefits.

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