News Roundup: Week Ending December 14th 2024
Africa’s largest aviation training centre sees hundreds graduate
Africa’s largest aviation training institution, Ethiopian Aviation University, has celebrated the graduation of over 460 aviation professionals, marking a significant milestone in bolstering the continent’s aviation workforce.
easyJet to scrap some domestic UK flights over tax hike
easyJet will reduce some domestic flights in the UK due to the government’s increase in Air Passenger Duty (APD). The carrier’s incoming CEO, Kenton Jarvis, stated that rising prices would reduce demand, making certain routes unviable. Jarvis called the move “disappointing” and criticized it as a “tax on the working person.”
GE turns Boeing 747s into flying testbeds for engine development
General Electric has transformed Boeing 747s into flying testbeds for jet engine development. These aircraft have been used to test engines like the GE90, GEnx, and GE9X, supporting development and safety assurance in real-world conditions. The latest flying testbed, a Boeing 747-400, remains in active use for testing next-gen engines.
British Airways expands Engineering Cadet Scheme to New York
British Airways has launched its Engineering Cadet Scheme in New York, its first such program in the U.S. Six students will be offered fully funded scholarships for two years of training at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) and three years of advanced onboarding at London Heathrow.
London Stansted Airport plans £1.1bn expansion to support 51 million passengers
London Stansted Airport has announced plans to increase its capacity to 51 million annual passengers by the late 2030s. The airport will invest £1.1 billion to extend its terminal and upgrade security and check-in areas. Sustainability initiatives include a 14.3MW on-site solar farm and job creation for over 5,000 people.
Tampa International Airport’s $1.5bn Airside D project to reshape travel
Tampa International Airport’s Airside D project will see a $1.5 billion investment in cutting-edge designs, enhancing passenger experience and boosting the airport’s capacity. The project aims to modernize the terminal, incorporating state-of-the-art technology and design features.
European budget airlines continue to lead in operational efficiency
Budget airlines in Europe have transformed air travel with low fares made possible by streamlined operations. By using a single aircraft model and unbundling services like baggage and seat selection, carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet have reduced costs while generating revenue from ancillary services.
SWISS increases A350-900 order from 5 to 10 aircraft
SWISS has expanded its Airbus A350-900 order to 10 aircraft, with deliveries expected between 2027 and 2031. The fuel-efficient aircraft will replace SWISS’s aging A340-300 fleet, offering lower emissions and enhanced passenger experience.
JetBlue to cut 7 routes and exit San Jose, California
JetBlue is cutting routes from New York (JFK) to London Gatwick, Austin, Houston, Miami, and Milwaukee. Boston-San Jose and Westchester-Charleston routes will also be scrapped, with San Jose being a full station exit for the carrier.
Delta opens $50m pilot training center near Salt Lake City Airport
Delta Air Lines has opened a $50 million, 50,000-square-foot pilot training center near Salt Lake City Airport. The facility features simulators and classrooms, supporting over 1,000 training events per month to improve pilot skills and enhance operational efficiency.
Boeing restarts 737 MAX production, targets 350 units in 2025
Boeing has resumed 737 MAX production at its Renton factory after a seven-week worker strike. The production line restarted on December 6, 2024, with Boeing targeting an output of 350 aircraft in 2025.
China Airlines extends Taipei-Melbourne-Auckland route
China Airlines has extended its Taipei-Melbourne service to Auckland, offering five flights per week using Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The route will provide 3,000 extra seats weekly, improving connectivity for passengers traveling between Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
Alaska Airlines to launch non-stop flights from Seattle to Tokyo Haneda
Alaska Airlines will launch non-stop Seattle-Tokyo Haneda flights in May 2025 to strengthen its global network. Japan Airlines also introduced a “Baggage-Free Travel” service, allowing same-day luggage delivery from Haneda Airport to Tokyo districts for 4,500 yen per suitcase.
Hawaiian Airlines to take over select West Coast routes
Hawaiian Airlines will operate new non-stop flights from Seattle to Tokyo (Narita) and Seoul (Incheon) in early 2025. The move aims to strengthen Seattle’s role as an international gateway for Hawaiian Airlines.
Wizz Air named best airline for reducing carbon emissions
Wizz Air was recognized as the top airline for reducing carbon emissions at the 2024 Carbon Awards. With over 60% of its fleet comprising fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo aircraft, Wizz Air boasts the lowest carbon emissions per seat in the industry at just 52 grams.
Delta launches new Delta One Lounge at Boston Logan Airport
Delta Air Lines has opened its first Delta One Lounge at Boston Logan International Airport, featuring seafood-inspired cuisine and premium amenities. Located near Gate E13, the lounge caters to Delta’s premium travelers with exclusive dining and seating areas.
Cessna SkyCourier emerges as a leading air ambulance platform
The Cessna SkyCourier has become a popular choice for air ambulance operations due to its spacious cabin, large cargo door, and capability to operate on unimproved airstrips. The aircraft’s versatility makes it a valuable asset for emergency medical services.
LEVEL reshapes budget long-haul travel
LEVEL, IAG’s low-cost airline, offers affordable long-haul flights from Barcelona to destinations in North and South America. With a fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft, the airline provides flexible options for budget travelers while maintaining operational efficiency.
American Airlines faces pilot shortage, grounds 100 regional jets
American Airlines has grounded 100 regional jets due to a shortage of pilots. To address the issue, the airline plans to hire 2,000 pilots and introduce larger regional aircraft to maintain operational capacity.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker to step down
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker announced he will step down at the end of President Biden’s term. His departure comes amid ongoing aviation safety concerns and Boeing oversight challenges.
Delta opens 2025 flight attendant hiring class
Delta Air Lines is recruiting flight attendants for 2025, offering roles for English-speaking and bilingual candidates. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and have the right to work in the U.S. Proficiency in languages like French, German, and Italian is an advantage for bilingual positions.
Sainsbury’s opens its first airport store at Edinburgh Airport
Sainsbury’s has launched its first airport store at Edinburgh Airport. Open 24/7, the store will offer meal deals, fresh produce, and bakery items to travelers.
United Airlines takes delivery of 25th Airbus A321neo
United Airlines has received its 25th Airbus A321neo, part of its broader “United Next” initiative to expand its fleet with 180 A321neo and A321XLR aircraft.
Recruitment:
easyJet
Hiring A320-rated Direct Entry Captains for its Airbus fleet based at London Gatwick.
One Air
Join the One Air Online Forum on December 17th to learn about One Air’s 2025 growth plans and recruitment opportunities.
British Airways
British Airways is seeking Direct Entry Pilots for its long-haul fleets. The airline is looking for experienced candidates to join its flagship routes.
Luxair
Hiring B737-rated First Officers and Captains for positions based in Luxembourg. Seasonal contracts are available.
Ascend Airways
Hiring Captains for its Boeing 737 (NG and MAX) fleet at London Gatwick. Ascend Airways, part of Avia Solutions Group, offers long-term career opportunities in the ACMI market.
Virgin Atlantic
Seeking Direct Entry First Officers and Senior First Officers for its Airbus fleet based at London Heathrow.
Norse Atlantic Airways
Recruiting cabin crew for its London Gatwick base to work on Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Roles are open to experienced and non-experienced candidates, with a full-time fixed-term contract for 2025. Benefits include the chance to work on modern aircraft and a dynamic route network.
