Aviation News Roundup: Week Ending October 25, 2024

Lufthansa to Reduce Frankfurt-Beijing Service Amid Losses

Lufthansa is set to end its direct daily flight from Frankfurt to Beijing due to rising costs, which see the airline losing up to $550,000 per flight. The carrier’s reliance on older, fuel-inefficient aircraft on this route is a primary factor. European carriers are debating a coordinated response to China’s competitive pricing on flights that save time by routing over Russian airspace.

IndiGo Airlines Hit by Series of Hoax Bomb Threats

IndiGo faced a surge in bomb threats this week, with 13 reported on Tuesday alone. The incidents follow a string of similar hoaxes, prompting investigations to identify the source. While none of the threats were credible, they continue to disrupt airline operations and concern authorities.

Emirates Expands A350 Training Program

Emirates is investing heavily in training for its future Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X fleets, allocating $48 million for new simulators and training facilities. With a Competency-Based Training program and a 63,000-square-foot training center underway, the airline is preparing a robust team for its upcoming fleet.

European Cargo Establishes New Base at Cardiff Airport

European Cargo has officially opened a new base at Cardiff Airport, marking a milestone for Welsh air freight. Initially, three weekly flights between Wales and China are planned, with the potential to expand frequency as demand grows.

Security Threats Disrupt Flights in Australia and India

On October 19, airports in Sydney and Darbhanga experienced bomb threats on Air New Zealand and SpiceJet flights, respectively. Both incidents required emergency responses, though no credible threats were identified. The ongoing surge in bomb threats across Indian carriers has led to heightened security measures.

American Airlines 787 Engine Ingests Cargo Container

An American Airlines Boeing 787-9 suffered substantial engine damage at Chicago O’Hare when it ingested a cargo container during taxiing. The incident, caused by a loose container, forced the aircraft out of service and underscored the importance of ground safety protocols.

Emirates Postpones A350 Service Entry

Emirates has delayed the debut of its A350 fleet, initially planned for September, now expected on November 4, 2024. The A350 will eventually serve routes to destinations like Edinburgh, Bahrain, and Kuwait, with more expansions planned in 2025.

British Airways A380 Stuck on Taxiway at Boston Airport

A British Airways A380 faced delays after missing a taxiway turn at Boston, leaving it stranded on a closed section under construction. The aircraft required a pushback and delayed passengers by over an hour.

India’s Aviation Body Reassures Passengers Amid Bomb Hoaxes

Following at least 70 hoax bomb threats affecting Indian carriers, aviation officials reassured passengers of safety. While all incidents turned out to be false, the scale of disruptions has led to increased security protocols across the country.

Heathrow Expects Record 83.8 Million Passengers in 2024

Heathrow Airport is set for a record-breaking 83.8 million passengers in 2024, thanks to robust summer demand. The west London airport had its busiest days ever in July and September, continuing its recovery and expansion post-pandemic.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman International to Open in 2030

Set to be the world’s largest airport, King Salman International in Riyadh will open in 2030. The ambitious £23 billion project includes six runways and over 12 square kilometers of retail space, making it a future hub for global travelers.

Boeing Satellite Explodes, Causing Internet Blackouts

A Boeing satellite operated by Intelsat exploded in orbit, disrupting internet services worldwide. The satellite, weighing nearly 15,000 pounds, broke apart into over 50 pieces, adding to Boeing’s recent struggles with manufacturing and operational challenges.

Southwest Airlines Tops Profit Estimates

Southwest Airlines posted better-than-expected Q3 profits, benefiting from recent cost-cutting measures. The airline is in discussions with Elliott Investment Management to avoid a proxy battle amid an ongoing push for financial improvements.

American Airlines Lifts 2024 Profit Forecast

American Airlines raised its profit forecast for 2024 following a strategic sales shift. While the airline reported a Q3 loss, it exceeded Wall Street’s earnings expectations and projects strong earnings for the year’s end.

 

Recruitment Section: Pilots & Cabin Crew

Qatar Airways is actively recruiting Boeing and Airbus First Officers for its Doha-based fleet. This opportunity is ideal for pilots looking to join an award-winning international carrier.

QantasLink is hiring Direct Entry First Officers for its regional routes, connecting diverse communities across Australia. QantasLink offers pilots the chance to experience the country’s unique landscape and essential travel links.

Croatia Airlines is accepting applications for Airbus A320 or Dash 8 Q400 First Officers, with non-rated applicants considered for the Dash 8 fleet. This is a key opportunity for those looking to join Croatia’s flag carrier.