News Roundup: Week Ending December 6, 2024
Southwest Airlines Updates Cabin Preparation Procedures
Southwest Airlines will begin securing cabins at 18,000 feet during descent, starting December 4, 2024. This earlier preparation aims to improve flight attendant safety by minimizing exposure to turbulence and sudden movements in later descent phases.
Nuuk Airport Opens International Gateway
Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, celebrates the opening of its new international airport, enabling direct international flights. This development promises significant economic and tourism growth for the region.
Record-High Flight Costs Persist for Two More Years
Ongoing aircraft production delays at Boeing and engine issues with Rolls-Royce’s Trent 1000 are contributing to grounded planes and record-high airfares, projected to last through 2026.
Jambojet Plane Rolls into Damage at JKIA
A Jambojet DHC-8-402 parked at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport rolled into flagposts, damaging its nose. Reports suggest the aircraft was left without chocks or brakes engaged.
Newark Liberty Airport’s $2.7 Billion Transformation
Newark Airport unveiled a $2.7 billion modernization plan to upgrade terminals, security, and transportation access, aiming to improve passenger experiences and handle increased traffic.
Heathrow Introduces AI Assistant ‘Amy’ for Air Traffic Management
London Heathrow Airport implemented an AI system, “Amy,” to assist air traffic controllers, enhancing operational efficiency and safety while reducing delays.
Emirates Accelerates A350 Service Launch
Emirates will begin Airbus A350-900 flights on January 3, 2025, to Edinburgh, followed by additional routes in February. The aircraft offers upgraded cabins across three classes.
Icelandair Welcomes First Airbus A321neo LR
Icelandair took delivery of its first A321neo LR, marking a significant step in fleet modernization. Its maiden flight is scheduled for December 10, 2024.
Frontier Airlines to Install First-Class Seats
Frontier Airlines plans to introduce first-class seating and perks for frequent flyers, projecting over $500 million in revenue by 2028.
Hungary Airlines Signs LOI for 100 Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft
The new Hungarian airline, Hungary Airlines, aims to enhance connectivity between Central Europe and China with a significant aircraft acquisition.
Turkish Airlines Launches Sydney Service
Turkish Airlines inaugurated its Istanbul-Sydney route via Singapore, with plans to deploy Airbus A350s for enhanced passenger comfort.
Lufthansa Completes ITA Airways Merger
Lufthansa’s acquisition of ITA Airways strengthens its transatlantic network, though critics raise concerns about reduced competition and fare increases.
Alliance Airlines to Sell Embraer E190 Jets
Alliance Airlines plans to sell several Embraer E190 jets as part of a fleet strategy shift, potentially exploring new aircraft types for operational efficiency.
Tom Cruise’s Passion for Aviation
Actor Tom Cruise showcases his love for aviation with a fleet of aircraft, including a vintage P-51 Mustang and a Gulfstream GIV, reflecting his adventurous spirit.
Air Canada Launches Biometric Boarding
Air Canada introduced facial recognition technology at Vancouver Airport, simplifying and speeding up the boarding process for international flights.
Finnair Celebrates as Santa Claus’ Official Airline
Finnair connects global travelers to Lapland, Finland, home of Santa Claus, offering modern aircraft and festive holiday experiences.
Google Cloud Partners with Air France-KLM
Google Cloud’s collaboration with Air France-KLM leverages advanced analytics and AI to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and improve efficiency.
Delta Launches Longest A321neo Route
Delta Air Lines’ new Seattle-Miami route, starting December 19, highlights the Airbus A321neo’s range and efficiency, offering premium in-flight features.
Thai AirAsia X Begins Bangkok-Sydney Flights
Thai AirAsia X launched direct flights between Bangkok and Sydney, strengthening ties and catering to growing travel demand between Southeast Asia and Australia.
Saudia and Air France-KLM Sign MRO Agreement
Saudia has signed an MoU with Air France-KLM to expand and localize Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities in Saudi Arabia.
easyJet Partners with Tesco Clubcard
easyJet holidays teamed up with Tesco Clubcard, allowing shoppers to convert points into holiday vouchers, expanding travel accessibility.
LATAM Ground Collision in São Paulo
Two LATAM Airbus aircraft collided at Congonhas Airport, causing minor damages. No injuries were reported.
United Airlines CEO Predicts Spirit Airlines Liquidation
United Airlines CEO expressed doubts about Spirit Airlines’ survival, suggesting its Chapter 11 bankruptcy might lead to Chapter 7 liquidation.
Recruitment Opportunities
Freebird Airlines
Inviting applications for non-rated First Officers and A320-rated Captains. Bases in Leipzig, Germany, and Antalya, Turkey.
Jet2.com
Recruiting for the Future Second Officer program. Includes a 20-week department rotation and a funded type rating course.
PLAY
Seeking type-rated or non-type-rated Captains and First Officers for Airbus A320 fleet, based in Keflavik, Iceland.
This week Aviation Insider also launched our new type rating question bank and revision question bank for the CRJ 700/ 900 1000 varients. Click here to view it now
