Aviation News Roundup: Week Ending November 8, 2024
Iberia Receives Its First Airbus A321XLR
Iberia has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, registered EC-OIL, in Hamburg. This aircraft is part of a planned delivery of eight A321XLRs by the end of 2025. Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, celebrated this milestone, emphasizing the aircraft’s potential to open new non-stop routes and enhance connectivity.
Spirit Airlines Announces Additional Pilot Furloughs
Spirit Airlines will furlough an additional 300 pilots, bringing the total to 486, as part of an 11% fleet reduction. The airline is selling 23 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft amid financial struggles and sustained losses.
Emergency Landing for American Airlines in Buenos Aires
An American Airlines Boeing 777-323(ER), flight AA954, made an emergency landing at Ministro Pistarini International Airport after passengers and crew reported noises coming from the cargo hold. Investigation revealed a person trapped inside, who was later safely rescued. The incident occurred during the aircraft’s EZE-JFK route on October 31.
TUI to Launch Southampton-Palma de Mallorca Flights
TUI will begin weekly flights from Southampton to Palma de Mallorca starting May 27, 2025, running until September 20, 2025. This new service marks TUI’s return to Southampton, offering travelers convenient access to Mallorca’s attractions.
Airbus Reaffirms 2024 Delivery Targets Amid Leadership Change
Airbus remains committed to its 2024 delivery targets, despite industry speculation. The company reported €15.7 billion in Q3 revenue and announced Lars Wagner as the new CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, succeeding Christian Scherer.
Norse UK’s Inaugural Flight to Cape Town
Norse UK’s first flight to Cape Town included a scenic route over Cape Point before making its final approach. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (G-CKOF) operated this landmark journey, reinforcing the airline’s international service expansion.
Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air Orders 60 A321neos
Riyadh Air confirmed an order for 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft, bolstering its fleet ahead of its planned 2025 launch. This deal enhances Riyadh Air’s capacity to meet future market demands as it expands operations.
British Airways Passengers Involved in Altercation Over MAGA Hat
A brawl erupted between two women on a British Airways flight at Heathrow, triggered by one passenger wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat. The confrontation continued onboard, leading to police intervention and the removal of both individuals.
UPS Airbus A300 Tail Strike Incident
A UPS Airbus A300-600F (N162UP) experienced a tail strike during landing at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. Despite the incident, the aircraft continued its roll and landed safely. Investigations are ongoing to understand the contributing factors.
Fatal Incident at Helsinki Airport During Aircraft Servicing
A ground handling worker tragically lost their life during a pushback operation at Helsinki Airport while servicing a Finnair aircraft’s lavatory system. The incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols during ground operations.
Boeing Workers Secure New Contract After Seven-Week Strike
After a seven-week strike, Boeing workers voted to accept a new contract, achieving a 38% wage increase over four years, a $12,000 signing bonus, and enhanced 401(k) contributions. The agreement marks a significant labor win.
Israir A320 Emergency Slide Deployment at Tel Aviv
An Israir Airbus A320’s emergency slide accidentally deployed at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport during pre-departure preparations for a flight to Dubai. Despite the mishap, the aircraft departed with a delay of less than two hours.
Air France Introduces Premium A350-900 Route to Orlando
Air France will launch a new route from Paris to Orlando using its premium-configured A350-900 aircraft, featuring business, premium economy, and economy classes. The flights are scheduled through the IATA summer season of 2025, subject to governmental approval.
Aer Lingus Faces Operational Challenges Amid Dublin Passenger Cap
Aer Lingus is grappling with Dublin Airport’s 32 million annual passenger cap, leading to potential A330 groundings and reduced A320 flights. The airline, alongside others like Ryanair, warns of economic impacts if the cap persists.
Storm Floods Barcelona’s El Prat Airport
Severe rainstorms flooded Barcelona’s El Prat Airport, resulting in 15 diverted flights. The Spanish Transport Minister confirmed disruptions as crews worked to restore operations.
Virgin Australia Sets Single-Day Passenger Record
Virgin Australia carried a record 75,900 passengers in one day, reflecting strong demand. The airline also reported accommodating over 100,000 stranded Rex passengers since July, highlighting its commitment to community service.
BA Pilot Passes Away Between Flights in Caribbean
A British Airways pilot passed away unexpectedly at a luxury hotel in the Caribbean, leading to the cancellation of flight BA2158 to London Gatwick. Crew members and the airline expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
United Airlines Welcomes First of 200 Boeing 787 Dreamliners
United Airlines has received the first Boeing 787 from its record-breaking order of up to 200 Dreamliners. The new additions will support fleet growth and replace older 767 and 777 models.
TUI Retires Last Boeing 767-300
TUI has retired the last of its Boeing 767-300 fleet, marked by a wing wave from the 24.8-year-old aircraft (PH-OYJ) during its final passenger-free flight to Istanbul for freighter conversion.
Singapore Airlines Invests in A350 Cabin Upgrades
Singapore Airlines announced a cabin refurbishment for 41 Airbus A350s, valued at over $800 million, to enhance passenger comfort. The project includes adding first-class suites to the A350-900ULR models serving ultra-long-haul routes.
IAG Reports Strong Q3 Profits and Announces Share Buyback
International Airlines Group (IAG) posted an operating profit of €2.01 billion for Q3, a 15% increase from last year. The company also announced a €350 million share buyback, indicating confidence in its business strategy.
Recruitment Section: Pilots & Cabin Crew
Eastern Airways is seeking E-JET rated Captains and First Officers as part of its ongoing expansion.
easyJet is hiring A320 Captains for positions at Gatwick and in Portugal, offering exciting career opportunities within a dynamic team.
Air Baltic invites applications for Airbus A220 Non-Type Rated First Officers, SFOs, and Captains in Riga, Latvia, with opportunities for fast-track command positions and sign-on bonuses.
ATR 72-600 Captains are being recruited for positions in the Channel Islands, aligning with the start of a fleet transition to ATR aircraft.
