Aviation News Roundup: Week Ending November 22, 2024
U.S. Senators Push to Raise Pilot Retirement Age to 67
A group of U.S. senators is urging the Biden administration to request ICAO to review the mandatory pilot retirement age of 65. The move follows a failed congressional effort last year to raise the age to 67. Critics, including ALPA and airline executives, cite safety concerns and collective bargaining agreements that currently lack provisions for pilots over 65.
Lufthansa Expands South American Operations
Lufthansa will operate 224 flights between Germany and South America in December 2024, connecting destinations like São Paulo, Bogotá, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires. The airline will deploy Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft, enhancing passenger comfort and sustainability while meeting rising travel demand.
Air China to Launch COMAC C929
Air China has been confirmed as the launch customer for COMAC’s C929 widebody jet, marking a significant milestone for China’s aerospace ambitions. The C929 aims to challenge Boeing and Airbus with advanced technology and improved fuel efficiency, symbolizing a step toward reducing reliance on foreign manufacturers.
United Airlines Expands Spanish Routes for Summer 2025
United Airlines will resume daily Newark-Málaga flights on May 1, 2025, using Boeing 757-200 aircraft. The airline will also increase Palma de Mallorca services to four times weekly starting May 22, utilizing Boeing 767-400ERs to cater to the growing demand for Spanish getaways.
Nordica and Xfly File for Bankruptcy
Nordic Aviation Group (Nordica) and its subsidiary Xfly announced bankruptcy after a potential investor backed out. The Estonian airlines faced significant challenges during their turnaround efforts, marking the end of a turbulent chapter in Nordic aviation.
Delta and JetBlue Denied Heathrow Slots
Delta Air Lines and JetBlue’s requests for additional slots at London Heathrow for summer 2025 were denied due to high demand and operational constraints. The decision limits both airlines’ transatlantic expansion plans, emphasizing the competitive nature of Heathrow’s slot allocations.
“Miracle on the Hudson” First Officer Jeff Skiles Retires
Jeff Skiles, renowned for his role in the “Miracle on the Hudson,” retired from American Airlines after a distinguished aviation career. Skiles, most recently a Boeing 787 captain, completed his final flight from London Heathrow to Chicago O’Hare on his 65th birthday.
Delta Partners with Shake Shack for In-Flight Dining
Delta Air Lines has partnered with Shake Shack to offer cheeseburgers in First Class on flights over 900 miles from Boston. The airline plans to expand this offering to other markets in 2025.
Ethiopian Airlines Faces Boeing Delivery Delays
Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew has expressed concern over delivery delays for the 737 MAX and 777F aircraft due to Boeing’s seven-week machinist strike. The delays threaten to impact the carrier’s long-term growth plans.
British Airways IT Outage Disrupts Flights
A British Airways IT outage on November 18 caused significant delays, with pilots unable to communicate with the operations center. Flights were delayed globally, including long-haul services, before the issue was resolved.
Prime Air Cargojet Emergency Landing in Vancouver
A Cargojet Boeing 767-300, operating for Prime Air, skidded off the runway during an emergency landing in Vancouver. The aircraft sustained significant damage, and investigations are ongoing.
Airbus Developing Single-Pilot A321
Airbus is advancing “Project Morgan,” aiming to certify the A320 series for single-pilot operations by 2029. The initiative, which includes the A350, focuses on cost savings and operational efficiency.
SAS A330 Diverts After Engine Failure
SAS flight SK957 experienced severe turbulence near Greenland, causing an engine shutdown. The Airbus A330 crew restarted the engine and safely diverted to Copenhagen.
Southwest Airlines Plane Struck by Bullet
A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 was struck by a bullet near the flight deck while taxiing at Dallas Love Field. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft safely returned to the terminal.
Jet2 Opens New Base at London Luton
Jet2 announced a new base at London Luton Airport, offering flights to 17 European and Mediterranean destinations from summer 2025, including the Canary Islands.
CAE and Qantas Open Pilot Training Facility in Sydney
CAE and Qantas inaugurated a state-of-the-art pilot training center near Sydney Airport. The facility features five full-flight simulators and will train thousands of Qantas and Jetstar pilots annually.
Etihad Airways Expands Network
Etihad Airways will announce 10 new destinations on November 25, adding to its current network of 81 airports across 45 countries. Recent additions include Prague, Warsaw, and El Alamein.
Riyadh Air Secures Over 2,500 Slots
Saudi startup Riyadh Air has been allocated more than 2,500 slots at Riyadh King Khalid International Airport, supporting its ambitious expansion plans ahead of its 2025 launch.
Recruitment Section: Pilots & Cabin Crew
Heston Airlines is hiring A320-rated First Officers and Captains for its Vilnius, Lithuania, and Tallinn, Estonia bases.
Qatar Airways is recruiting Boeing and Airbus-rated First Officers for positions in Doha, Qatar.
Emirates is hiring Non-Rated First Officers, Accelerated Command Captains, and Direct Entry Captains for its Boeing and Airbus fleets in Dubai, UAE.
ATR 72-600 Captains are sought for positions in the Channel Islands, aligning with fleet transition plans for 2025.
Etihad Airways is seeking A350 and A380-rated First Officers and Captains for its Abu Dhabi-based fleet.
British Airways is hiring for multiple roles, including 787 First Officers, Long-Haul First Officers, and BA Cityflyer Captains and First Officers based in the UK.
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